The April 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
Following Jesus
“Believing Jesus”
April 16, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
We begin a new worship series on Sunday, “Following Jesus.” From now through Pentecost (May 28) we will be exploring different aspects of what it means to follow our risen Savior.
As Jesus appeared to various people after His resurrection His followers struggled to believe He was alive – especially Thomas. In an act of pure grace Jesus made a believer out of Thomas as He personally appeared to him. What is a believer? What must a believer believe? How is a believer to live? As followers of Jesus, how do we live as believers by faith and not by sight?
Sunday Bible Classes
The Romans Class will resume on April 16 and Digging Deeper will resume on April 30.
Open Forum on Church Finances
There will be an Open Forum in the Sanctuary after worship on April 23. The purpose of this forum is to provide an update on St. John’s financial situation as we are preparing the proposed budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and to seek input. Please plan to attend this important presentation and discussion.
St. John’s Security Fence Project
Construction of the rest of the security fencing will begin in the next 4-6 weeks. There will be a security fence and gate between the church office and the school office. Also, the chain link fence around the athletic field will be replaced with the same type of fencing.
Board of Directors Nominations
The Board of Directors is receiving Board nominations for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. There are nine members of the Board of Directors. Four of these positions are up for election this year. Board members serve for a two-year term and can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. There will be a Board Information Forum on Tuesday, April 25 at 7:00 PM in the Library for those who are interested in nominating or being nominated for the board. This forum is a required step in the process of being nominated. The forum is also open to anyone who just wants to learn more about the governance polity of St. John’s, and how the Board works. Please click here for more information about the qualifications for being nominated and the responsibilities of those serving on the Board.
Join Team Aaron for “Run for Respect”
On Sunday, April 23rd we will participate in the annual 5K run/walk for Special Olympics at Pontiac High School in Illinois. This year we have 15 states represented, 53 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, and 390 people participating from the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.
Comfort Dog Teams Genesis, Reuben, and Micah will join us for church and a meet and greet after service. We will then move out to the track for pictures and the walk/run finishing with a celebration lunch.
We would love for you to join us! You don’t have to be a runner (most of us just walk). It’s a lot of fun, food, and fellowship. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Tim & Christy Kramer (churchoffice@stjohnslutheran.net) so we can provide enough lunch for everyone.
We will take up an offering during the event and all proceeds from the Run for Respect benefit Pontiac Township High School’s Special Olympics and Peers In Action programs. We thank Thrivent Financial for supporting this event!
Special Needs Bible Study
You are invited to join the Large Print Ministries Group
You are invited to join the Large Print Ministries Group
We’ll be meeting in Room 10 on the following dates:
Monday/Tuesday: April 10, 11, 17, 18 (9:00-11:30)
All Fridays: (9:00-12:00)
Women’s Bible Study (Tuesdays)
We are launching a new study on the book of Philippians, which will include some video, and a Bible study guide. We’re getting this via Right Now Media. Please join us on Tuesday, April 18th at 10 AM in the sanctuary.
Right Now Media
Right now media is an online resource providing Christian videos for all ages: Children’s resource, Bible Studies, lectures and more. As a congregation, we have subscribed to Right Now Media, so access is free for all in our St. John’s family. If you haven’t already signed up for Right Now Media, CLICK HERE.
Napa State Hospital Donation UPDATE
Napa State Hospital Volunteer Center is getting ready for the holidays and is seeking donations on behalf of their patients. Please CLICK HERE for a list of items needed. Or check the “Wish List” flyer attached to the donation box in the narthex to see what items are being requested.
As a Thrivent member, you are eligible for two Thrivent Action Teams per year. Thrivent Action Teams are a great way to make a positive impact in your community. Thrivent offers all the resources you need to get started, including up to $250 in seed money. Your team below provide the passion that brings your project to life. Here are some ideas on how you can help us here at St. John’s…
- Youth Events, VBS, Mission Farm, Large Print Ministry and LCC K9 Comfort Dog Ministry
Please call the church office if you are inspired to help with projects like these above and much more. Christy Kramer will be happy to help you apply for your Action Team Card.
CLICK HERE for instructions. CLICK HERE for more information.
Do you wish to receive the E-Vine by text?
Signing up is simple. Just text “sjlctext” to 855-906-0515. When an e-vine is sent out, you will receive a text with a link which will take you to the current e-vine. If you currently receive the e-vine by email, you will continue to receive it that way as well, unless you request for it to stop.
Where do I find sermons and services that I missed?
You can find previous sermons in three places. The full services are available on the YouTube channel.
- YouTube Channel:
- https://www.youtube.com/user/stjohnsnapaca/live
- There are playlists for sermons, Sunday Services, Wednesday Night Worship and teaching on Matthew
- RightNow Media Channel
- https://www.rightnowmedia.org/CustomLibrary/41667
- Scroll down to find recommendations as well as sermon and Gospel of Matthew lessons
- Website
- https://stjohnslutheran.net/sermons-2/
- The sermons are arranged by worship series
Ongoing News and Information
LCC K9 Comfort Dog Info… 
Scrip Info: What is Scrip?… 
Social Media at St. John’s… 
Mission India…
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