This Week’s Memory Verse
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. ~1 Timothy 5:8
As We Gather
Thirst, like hunger, is primal. Throughout John’s Gospel, the evangelist has crafted a commercial of sorts for a new water, a better water than that which only slakes a temporary thirst. He has been cultivating a desire for living water.
John was baptizing in the water of the Jordan. Water and the Spirit, Jesus told Nicodemus, are the means of being born again. He made two- to three-hundred gallons of water into the finest vintage wine. I will give you living water, Jesus promised the woman at the well. Jesus walked on the water of a stormy Sea of Galilee. He healed a blind man by spitting and making a poultice of mud to smear in his eyes. He washed His disciples’ feet with a bowl of water. And the soldier with a spear would confirm that Jesus was in fact dead, by unleashing the river of blood and water from His side.
Just before that, the One who is Himself living water, says, “I thirst.” What could be more human than thirsting? His lips are dry, His tongue sticking to the roof of His mouth. Only man can thirst. Only God can fulfill the prophecy. He thirsts not for Himself but for the salvation of all men. As He is dried up, He is becoming the draft of forgiveness for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
First Reading Isaiah 55:1-5
Psalm 22:12-18
Second Reading Revelation 21:1-7
Gospel John 19:28-30
Children’s Church Teachers: Diane Barbosa, Lisa Thornton, Kristi Carey, Danielle Irwin
One Service on Confirmation Sunday, April 28th… We will join together at 9:30 AM for a combined service as we celebrate Confirmation Sunday. Eight young people will be confessing their faith, committing their lives, and being blessed for their walk with Christ. This will be a Communion service.
Wednesday Lent Soup Supper at 6:00 pm in the parish hall. All are invited!
Wednesday Lent service – “Build on Rock”, we recognize that we build our lives on very shaky foundations, and then we are surprised when things start collapsing. Jesus reminds us in His teachings that the only solid foundation is Himself, the Rock of our salvation. On Him alone we build.
Easter Flowers… If you wish to donate toward our Easter flowers, please use the envelope provided in the back flap of the sanctuary chairs.
New Church Directory…The 2019 Church Directory is available in the Narthex.
What Happens When You Ask for Help from a Stephen Minister?…When you ask for help from a Stephen Minister, a Stephen Leader will contact you to talk more about Stephen Ministry and what it can mean to you. If your needs can be best served by a Stephen Minister, you will be matched with someone who will support you through this tough time. Confidentiality is a top priority for Stephen Ministers. You do not need to be concerned that other people will discover what you talk about with your Stephen Minister. To find out more about Stephen Ministry or to request the ministry of a Stephen Minister, contact Penni Cremen pcremen@msn.com or Pastor Mark pastormark@stjohnslutheran.net. (Please do not report a friend’s need without first asking his or her permission to do so.)
Vacation Bible School… “Escape to Athens” with Paul! Learn the jaw-dropping story of the Apostle Paul, who will inspire kids to share the truth of God’s immeasurable love! June 17-21, 9am-12pm. We need a lot of volunteers to make VBS happen; please contact Janis King if you are interested in helping out.
Youth News
ABLAZE & CLUB 56 combined Spring Kick-Off event THIS TUESDAY April 9th from 6-7:30 at SJL. Come out to hang with us!
Easter Breakfast put on by the St. John’s Youth Ministry on Easter Sunday. We need help putting this event on. If you are involved with youth ministries or just want to serve on Easter contact Kevin Mathison.
Use of Bathrooms: When adults are on the church and school grounds during the school day (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), please only use the adult bathrooms located in the school library or church offices. Thank you!
Scrip: Everyone is invited and encouraged to use SCRIP!! What is Scrip? Scrip are gift cards that the school purchases at discounts and sales to you at face value. The profit goes to APT to help our students. Scrip may be purchased in the school office during normal school hours.
Attention Costco/Trader Joes Shoppers? We carry Visa cards in $50’s and $100’s. Costco only takes Visa cards, cash or checks. Stop by the school office before you head off to Costco or Trader Joes and purchase your Visa cards. While you are here check out everything that is available to you
- Returning Vendor~ Chevron
- Remember Scrip for your Thanksgiving Shopping
- Grocery Stores: Whole Foods, Safeway, Lucky, Target, Wal-Mart
- Best Percentage: Tarla Bar & Grill 20%, Hop Creek 20%, Filippi’s 15%, Food Shed 10%, Land’s End 16%, Chipotle 10%, Bath & Body Works 13%,
- Scrip gift cards are perfect for following a household budget
- You can pay your Kohl’s bill with Kohl’s Scrip 4%
- Families can shop both in-store or online with participating retailers
- Scrip gift cards are just like using a credit/debit card, but without the fraud risk
- Scrip gift cards are perfect for holiday gift giving and shopping
Attention all AMAZON Users! Please consider using “Amazon Smile” when you place your orders, designating St. John’s Lutheran Church fund. (There is no additional cost to you!) Just click on the link below and place your order. It is that simple! https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-6001864
St. John’s Facilities Online Calendar: Looking for a room for a meeting or event? You can 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’s Blog: “Aaron returns to Las Vegas” Please click on this link http://napavalleycomfortdogs.org/2018/10/02/las-vegas-recovery/ to read about Team Aaron’s return to Las Vegas for the 1 year anniversary of the mass shooting.
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 on the link 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.
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