E-Vine April 8, 2016

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ~1 Corinthians 15:20

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 This Sunday: “But Christ has indeed been raised,” Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:20, and that changes everything.  We are people of the resurrection, called to live as Easter people.  1 Corinthians 15 is sometimes called “The Resurrection Chapter” because it is the most full and direct explanation of what the resurrection means for us today.  Our worship series in April will delve into 1 Corinthians 15 as we explore what it means to live as Easter people.

Today we hear Paul describing the blessings of Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-34).  If Christ has not been raised, then we are without hope.  But because Christ has been raised we assured of our own resurrection and the ultimate defeat of death under the Lordship of our saving God.

• First Reading Acts 5:1-22
• Second Reading 1 Corinthians 15:12-34
• Holy Gospel John 21:1-14

• Wall of Support Fundraiser:  The high school youth group would like to thank everyone that has supported them and their fundraising for the National Youth Gathering.  If you are still looking for a way to support the group, then please check out the Wall of Support in the gym.  Here you will find envelopes marked 1-100.  If you would like to support our group with a donation of $1 then take the envelope labeled as such.  If you would like to support our group with $100 then please feel free to take that envelope.   Your envelope will contain step-by-step directions on how exactly to donate to our cause.  All proceeds will go to the National Youth Gathering.  The Wall of Support will be out from April 10^th through April 17^th.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

• Update on Offerings:  Our financial offerings this fiscal year are about $25,000 below what we have budgeted to fund this year’s Ministry Plan.  Please pray for God’s provision of the resources for the ministry to which He calls us.  Pray for wisdom of our church leaders and Board of Directors as they make decisions for this year and next year.  And pray for God’s leadership in each of our lives, that we hear His voice, as He calls us to partner with Him through our offerings.

• VBS  June 20-24, 2016:  Each year we have over 125 children attend VBS!  We need more than 60 volunteers to make VBS work at St. John’s .  There are a variety of jobs that need to be filled.  Everyone has a different gift that they can offer to this program.  All of us can serve our Lord in some small way connected to this ministry for children. So I encourage you to check it out, sign up for a task or two! Make a difference!   Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. (Janis King: phone 226-7970 ext 107 or email: jking@stjohnsnapa.org)

You have been invited by Janis King to sign up for “Vacation Bible School 2016.” by April 15^th there will be a link available online that allows you or your children to sign up for volunteer positions.  You can look at our volunteer sign up on line 

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d4faaaa2bab9-gotta/

Registration forms for the children will be available soon in the church, school, & preschool offices, in the narthex of the church, and on the church and school websites! Thank you!

• Our 8th grade teacher, Angela Wingert, will not be returning to St. John’s next year.  Angela, Matt, and Grace are planning to move to the Midwest this summer.  We appreciate all she has contributed the past three years in ministry at St. John’s. We wish her and her family God’s richest blessings as they make this change in their lives.  We are currently developing our slate of candidates for this middle school teaching position.  If you would like to submit any names to be considered for the position, please contact Joel Wahlers in the school office.

• Mission India:  We have received the name of our second Mission India Literacy Trainer, which will be announced this Sunday.  Please keep our new 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.

• The Mission Farm needs approximately 60 empty, 2 liter soda bottles with caps on them.  Please bring your empty bottles (clear or green colored)  by the farm anytime ASAP and place in the large trash can labeled  “Pop Bottles”

• 2016 Church Directory is Available …  Please pick up your copy after services on March 20^th.  They will be in the Narthex.

• Children’s Church Teachers:  Sarah Knutson, Tom & CC Commander

• Aaron Comfort Dog Visits:  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 page at AaronComfortDog.

• 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 devotion in your email each morning.