This Week’s Memory Verse
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. ~Romans 1:16
As We Gather
As Joshua prepared the lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River, God called him to be strong and courageous. He promised Joshua that He would be with him as He was with Moses. As for Joshua, the Lord instructed Him to be careful to follow what the Lord had given Him in His Word. For through His Word, we are equipped to boldly and bravely follow wherever He leads!
The Bible is full of sendings. God has sent many people for many different purposes, culminating in the sending of His Son to be our Savior and bring redemption to all creation. As His followers on mission, we are both sent and sending. He has sent us, and in turn we send others, all for the purpose of His Mission!
- First Reading Isaiah 6:18
- Psalm Psalm 47
- Second Reading 3 John
- Holy Gospel John 20:19-23
Children’s Church Teachers: Kelsey Uffmann, Jim & Irene McClenahan
- Hurricane Harvey Relief Donations . . . There are many options available to provide support for those who are in need because of the hurricane and flooding in Texas. Here are links to several options:
- LCMS World Relief: https://www.lcms.org/givenow/hurricane
- Texas District of the LCMS: http://txlcms.org/congregations/disaster-relief/
- Lutheran Church Charities (Comfort Dog & Disaster Relief): http://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/
- Interested in Being a Mentor for a disenfranchised student from Camille Creek Campus? Attend a Mentorship Information Meeting, September 6 at 4pm at Napa Fire Station No. 1, 930 Seminary Street. To RSVP, or to set up a different time, please email Camille Creek’s Community Connections Coordinator, Autumn Zimmerman at azimmerman@napacoe.org or call her at (707)492-2275
- Director of Youth Ministry Search . . . Our Director of Youth Ministry Call Committee is considering several candidates for the position. These candidates are being interviewed and some will be brought to St. John’s for a visit. The Committee will then make a recommendation to the Board of Directors regarding which candidate would be best to serve God, His people, and His mission here at St. John’s. Please keep this process in your prayers! Those serving on the committee are: Pastor Mike, Pastor Mark, Kari Perna, Kathy Fitzgerald, Tom Hoff, Jenny Gass, Steve Dierker, Gunnar DeYoung, and Katya Kampton
Fall Classes
- Foundations: Basic Christian Teachings: Do you know the core teachings of the Christian Faith? Do you know them well enough to share them? This course is intended to deepen understanding of the central teachings of the faith, and better enable us to share them with others. This course also covers the core teachings for those interested in becoming members of St. John’s. Foundations will take place on Five Sundays beginning on September 24 and continuing through October 22. The class will meet at 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM in Room 10 and will include a light lunch! Child Care will be provided. If you have questions about Foundations or would like to sign up, please contact Pastor Mike (pastormike@stjohnslutheran.net) or the church office.
- A Reasonable Faith: Apologetics: Is it reasonable to believe in God? In this class we will seek to grow in our understanding of the reasonableness of the Christian Faith, and how to respond in thoughtful ways to those who doubt or disbelieve. We will focus mainly on the existence of God and the reliability of the Bible, as we seek to be better equipped to share our faith in a skeptical culture. A Reasonable Faith will begin on Tuesday, September 26. The class will be from 7:00 – 8:30 in the Sanctuary. The plan is for the class to conclude on October 24, but it may continue beyond this date based on the interest of the participants and where our discussions take us. If you have questions about A Reasonable Faith or would like to sign up, please contact Pastor Mike (pastormike@stjohnslutheran.net) or the church office.
- Wednesday Morning Bible Class… This class, led by Pastor Mark, will begin again on Wednesday, September 6th. This year we will continue studying the book of Romans, picking up at Chapter 8. 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 most Wednesday mornings in Room 10 from 10:30 – 11:30 AM.
- Love and Logic Parenting Class: Beginning October 5th, we will be offering a parenting class called PARENTING the Love & Logic Way. This is a video/discussion type class for parents of young children. “When parents start Love & Logic in their children’s early lives, they dramatically up the odds that the teenage years will be fun instead of frantic. Parents will learn a practical set of tools to help raise super kids!” Please see attached flyer for details and registration info.
- Please remember to compost, recycle, and properly dispose of your waste! Compost = any plant/animal products-including food & food-soiled paper, bio-ware, yard waste Recycle = hard plastics, glass, metal, any clean/non-food-soiled paper, empty bottles & cups Trash/Landfill = soft plastics (ex: bags, wrappers, shrink wrap), diapers, rubber, mixed media Liquids = down the drain or in a “Dump Bucket” Special Disposal = hazardous & automotive materials, batteries, fluorescent bulbs/tubes, electronics (it’s illegal to dispose of these items in the trash, recycling, or compost!). Check out this guide: http://naparecycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Recycle-Guide-2017.pdf God created a wonderful world for us and charged us to take care of it – please be good stewards and help us keep it beautiful! If you have questions, ask Sarah, Tim, or Christy Kramer.
- Amelia Arnold is participating in the Concordia University “Around-the World” semester this fall where she will be learning through unique, built-in comparative academics, serving others through philanthropic/humanitarian work in every country, and growing in her faith through new encounters with God and His people. Please see attached info. If you would like to help sponsor Amelia, please contact the Arnold family.
- Sunday Morning Greeters needed! If you are interested in helping us greet our worshipers on Sunday mornings, please contact Christy in the church office. Thank you!
- 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.
- NEW AARON NOTE CARDS: We have new note cards for sale at the church office. Thanks for supporting Aaron’s ministry!
- 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. Website: NapaValleyComfortDogs.org
- 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. Tomorrow (August 11th) is St. John’s’ service opportunity, and we invite you to join us. If you would like to help, please sign up for a shift (or multiple shifts) by clicking on the link below: https://www.volunteersignup.org/F3DX8 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. Now you no longer need to question what to do with these batteries. Bring them to one of our locations mentioned above, drop them in the container, and we will do the rest! Thank you for supporting our efforts in keeping our landfills clean.
- 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.