Earthquake Information
Grace and peace in Jesus!
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)
The first thing I want to say to you is just to celebrate and proclaim that God is with us! He is our rock and our refuge, and sure foundation.
The second reason is to inquire if you or anyone that you know is in need of any assistance that the St. John’s community might be able to provide. Pastor Mark and I and all our staff are here for you and if you need someone to talk to, to pray with, or just to be with you, please let us know!
If you need assistance with your cleanup efforts, please let us know as well and we will put out the word and line up the troops! I also want you to know that we have funds available earmarked for families in need and for disaster response. This is not just for church members or school families, but for anyone in need. If there is any way that we can be a blessing at this time, please just let us know. (churchoffice@stjohnslutheran.net; pastormike@stjohnslutheran.net)
The third reason is to let you know that you are being prayed for. I have been in contact with Rev. Ross Johnson of LCMS Disaster Relief who let me know that the word is going out through our church body to pray for the people of Napa and the people of St. John’s. Thank God for our brothers and sisters in Christ!
The fourth reason is to inform you about how things are going at the church and school. As you may have already heard, school is canceled for tomorrow so we can focus on cleanup. If you are interested in helping with cleanup, please come by the school after 9:00 AM tomorrow and help us get the school back in shape!
The Sanctuary was damaged in the earthquake. Some of the stonework above the front door of the sanctuary came down. There is also damage to the interior of the sanctuary. We are working on having the sanctuary inspected and the damage assessed. Until this happens, the sanctuary is closed to all activities. In addition, the organ also sustained damage and is unusable until repaired.
And finally, I want to ask for your prayers. Prayers of thanksgiving to our gracious God. Prayers for peace, wisdom, and strength for all of us and for the people of Napa and Sonoma and others who were affected by this Earthquake. As Jesus assured His disciples and us:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
May the grace and victory of Jesus be with you and sustain you now and always!
Pastor Mike
