January 12, 2018

 This Week’s Memory Verse

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. ~Isaiah 60:1

As We Gather

We are saved and forgiven as a free gift of God’s grace. It is not dependent at all on what we do, or how well we perform God’s commands.  So why then is it such a big deal that we keep them?  Why does it matter whether we avoid sin since God seems eager to freely forgive us?

Paul points us to an answer that goes way beyond rules and commandments and sin.  He points us to the resurrection of Jesus and our unity with Him in baptism.  We are called to shine in our daily lives, living the resurrected life we have in Jesus.

Sunday, we are also recalling the names of those who were baptized among us during the preceding year.  We pray that the remembrance of these Baptisms, plus our own Baptism, will nourish and nurture our faith for the living of the Christ-life.

First Reading Genesis 1:1-5

Psalm Psalm 29

Second Reading Romans 6:1-14

Holy Gospel Mark 1:4-11

Children’s Church Teachers:  Erika Boudreaux, Teresa Schmid, Kristi Carey, Danielle Irwin

• Hauch Invitational Tournament (HIT)  Our annual HIT Basketball Tournament will be this coming Thursday through Sunday (January 11-14).  This tournament brings together local private and other Lutheran 7^th & 8^th grade basketball teams for a four-day event.  Please come by and support our St. John’s basketball teams.  Tournament information can be accessed on our school website this coming week

• Ninth Annual Ladies’ Tea… Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 3^rd from 11 AM-2 PM.  Cindy Watter, a master gardener, will be our guest speaker.  Napa High’s Acapella Group, headed by Dave Ruane, will be singing for our entertainment.  (please see attachment)

• Parish Hall Restrooms Re-open… After nearly three months of using portable facilities or restrooms clear across campus, family and guests may return to the more conveniently located facilities.  The project, completed three weeks ahead of schedule, updated style, enhanced utility and created ADA-compliant access to the women’s room.  (You’ll also notice that the hallway is more welcoming, too.). You may access the restrooms through the parish hall or from outside, through the breezeway.  The men’s restroom will also be open for Christmas weekend.  However, we plan to renovate this facility in spring and are accepting gifts designated for this purpose.

• Women’s Bible Study Starts January 18… Please join us for a weekly Bible study on 1 John starting January 18, 1 – 230, in the sanctuary. All women are invited to this new ministry. Invite a friend!  Bring your Bible or use one from the church. Notebooks and paper will be supplied. Refreshments will be served. Childcare is available with advance notice. Please RSVP to Teresa, Judi, or Pam (via text, phone, or email) so that we know how many chairs to set up. We hope to see you there!

Teresa Schmid   707-738-7554   tschmid08@gmail.com

Judi Rock           707-738-6707   Jbaboo1771@gmail.com

Pam Barker       707-225-4707   pam.moe.barker@gmail.com.

• SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER LIST…Beginning January 1, 2018 we will be changing our Sunday morning prayer list procedure.  If you have someone you would like prayers for on Sunday morning, please let the church office know either by phone or email.  Their name will be highlighted on the prayer sheet the first week, and in normal print the second week.  They will be removed from the list after the second week unless you contact the church office at that time to request an additional two weeks on the list.  If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

• Main Event, Shamrock Shindig:  SJL’s largest annual school fundraiser, is scheduled for Saturday, March 17^th, with a St. Patrick’s Day theme.  Please show your SJL support by:
  • Donating an Auction Item – – We are seeking donations that will be auctioned off in our silent and live auction.
  • Purchase Raffle Tickets – – Enter for a chance to win a TRIP FOR 2 TO IRELAND!  $100 per entry.  Winner can choose between a golf or non-golf themed adventure. Airfare not included.  Drawing will be held 3/17/18. Winner need not be present to win.
  • Donate an Auction Item & Purchase Raffle Tickets @ www.sjls-apt.com
  • Questions – Contact Dianna Messenger – dbmessenger@yahoo.com

• St. John’s Facilities Online Calendar:  Looking for a room for a meeting or event?  You can now view this calendar online.  Go to https://teamup.com/ks059311afd6a21c57   If you would like to book a room/location on campus for an event/meeting, please contact Christy Kramer at the church office to be added to the calendar.  Please note:  You may only use the facility if you have pre-reserved your requested room/location with Christy Kramer

• Mission India:  Please keep this year’s Mission India Literacy trainers in your prayers.  To support this ministry financially, please make out your check to St. John’s.  You can use the designated offering envelopes or write on your check that it is for Mission India.  For more information about our partnership with Mission India and the opportunity to change lives and draw them to Christ, see www.missionindia.org.

• Aaron Comfort Dog… New team members are always welcome!  Come join us and observe how this amazing ministry works.  Please contact Tim or Christy Kramer if you would like to “shadow” during one of our events!
• Aaron Comfort Dog Contact Info:  If you would like to request a visit from Aaron, please contact Tim or Christy Kramer @ 255-0119.  For an update on his activities, please check out his Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages at AaronComfortDog.

• Ministry Opportunity:   St. John’s participates in The Table ministry (based at First Presbyterian Church, 1333 Third St. in Napa) by cooking/serving a meal every month on the 2nd Friday.  If you would like to help, please sign up for a shift (or multiple shifts) by clicking here. We thank you for your service.  Your time and your talents are greatly appreciated.   Blessings, The Table Team

• Recycle your Household Batteries at SJL: St. John’s Lutheran is working with Napa Recycling on collecting and disposing of any household batteries you may have; AAA, AA, C, D & 9 volt batteries. We will not accept automotive or drill batteries, only standard household batteries. Containers are available in the school office, church office, and Room 10.

• Campus Security:  Please remember to check that doors are properly closed and locked as you leave the room you are using.  Thanks for helping us take care of our campus.

• 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 devotions in your email each morning.