This Week’s Memory Verse
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33
This Sunday: We begin a new worship series on the book of Exodus: “Our Deliverer.” The people of Israel, enslaved and oppressed in Egypt, needed a deliverer to come and save them. We are in need of a deliverer today as well. Thanks be to God that we have deliverance in Jesus Christ, our Savior. As we study the story of Moses and the Israelites, we will be reminded of our deliver, Jesus Christ, and the call to follow where He leads us.
Exodus begins with a description of the hardships the Israelites faced under the leadership of a new Egyptian king after the death of Joseph and his brothers. They were made slaves and suffered physical and spiritual oppression. The Israelites cried out for help. God heard their cry, saw their misery, and knew their circumstances. God was intimately aware of their agony, and He acts. The Deliverer knows our circumstances too, and He continues to act.
· Exodus 1:1-2:20, 23-25
· Matthew 6:25-34
· Wednesday Morning Bible Class: This class, led by Pastor Mark, meets on Wednesdays, This year we will be studying the book of Galatians. This is a detailed study as we work our way through this book verse by verse. All who are available on Wednesday mornings are welcome to join us. Class meets each Wednesday morning in Room 10 from 10:30 – 11:30.
· Understanding and Preventing Suicide: The St. John’s Disability Ministry Task force is presenting a two-part presentation on suicide on September 9 and 16 from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The September 9th presentation will focus on understanding how people become at risk for suicide, with the September 16th presentation focusing on suicide prevention. The presenter is a clinical psychologist, suicidological researcher, and a member of the American Association of Suicidology, who is also a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. These presentations are free to the public.
· Abide Daily Devotion: How do I let Scripture guide my prayer life? How can I let Jesus direct what I pray for each day? The Abide Devotion, written by Pastor Mike, is a daily devotion designed to address these concerns. You can click here for more information and to subscribe to receive the devotion in your email each morning. https://stjohnslutheran.net/abide-devotion/
· Sanctuary Choir practice resumes on Wednesdays, 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary. All are welcome!
· Youth Events: [Abide] Sr. High meets this week at 7:00 PM on Sunday; Ablaze Jr. High will meet on September 19th at 5:00 PM for “summer camp” and Club 56 for 5th and 6th graders will meet September 10th at 5:00 PM for “Spy Night”.
· Parents with young children: We are looking to form a group that will allow us to fellowship and grow in our relationship with Christ. We would like to meet as a group to brainstorm how to move forward with this exciting new opportunity. Please join us for our first, casual meeting on Sunday, September 14 from 5-7 PM at the home of Thane and Sarah Knutson (2074 Aragon Court) with childcare and food provided. RSVP to Thane and Sarah Knutson at sarahkry@yahoo.com or 707-501-8484.
· St. John’s Lutheran School proudly presents: Disney’s Peter Pan, Jr. is an adaptation of the classic 1953 animated feature film based on J. M. Barrie’s timeless story! Please join us November 5th-8th, 2014, in the SJL Parish Hall at 7pm. A potential Preview Performance is still TBD. Mark your calendars! Seating is limited. More information about purchasing tickets will come in the near future. Questions? Please contact Sarah Kramer. ms.sarah.kramer@gmail.com or 226.7970. We can’t wait to see you there!
· Usher Teams needed: We are in need of ushers for the 10:15 AM service. Usher teams serve approximately once a month, making this a convenient way to serve our Lord and His people. Please contact Gary Virkus or the church office if you can help with this ministry.
· Communion Wine Donations: We are welcoming wine donations. One to two bottles of wine are typically used for a service. Donations should be a minimum of two bottles. If you would like to donate wine, please make arrangements with Bob or Doris Klein before bringing the wine to the church. They can be reached at (707) 253-8625 or dorisklein@comcast.net.
