E-Vine August 12, 2017

This Week’s Memory Verse

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven

given to men by which we must be saved. ~Acts 4:12

As We Gather

The Mission of God is to bring reconciliation and restoration to all humanity and all creation.  But He made the decision from the beginning that He would only carry out that mission through people.  We are that people.  What does it mean to be the agents of God’s mission?  In other words:  Who are we?  What are we here for?

We are a witness of Christ and His salvation. This is what we have been saved for, to be a witness to the uniqueness, sovereignty, and saving work of Christ. But what does this mean? What does it mean to bear witness, to live as a witness to Christ?

• First Reading Isaiah 43:8-13
• Psalm Psalm 96
• Second Reading Acts 1:1-8
• Holy Gospel John 4:4-42

Children’s Church Teachers:  Janet Gates, Irene & Jim McClenahan

• 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!

• Meet and Greet a Director of Youth Ministry Candidate:  All 5^th – 12^th grade students and parents are invited to an Ice Cream Social meet and greet with the second of our candidates being considered for the position of Director of Youth Ministry.  The event will take place Tuesday, August 15 from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in Room 10.

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

• Confirmation Information Meeting . . . . All those who are interested in participating in our Confirmation ministry this year are invited to an information meeting on Wednesday, August 30, at 7:00 in the Parish Hall.  This meeting is for parents and students, 7^th grade and 8^th grade.

• Lemonade Stand:  Join us on Sunday, August 13^th after services for lemonade!  First Grader, David Como is sponsoring a lemonade stand fundraiser for our Aaron Comfort Dog Ministry.  Thanks for your support!  

• Bike the US for MS Celebration…  On Sunday, August 20^th at 12:00 PM, Team Aaron Comfort Dog will host a celebration party for Michele Arnold’s successful bike trip across the country this summer.  Everyone is encouraged to join us as Michele shares her pictures and stories from this incredible journey.  If you would like to bring some finger food for all to share, that would be appreciated.  Come join us for the fellowship!

• Abide … Please join us on Thursday, August 10, from 5:00-7:00 pm for BBQ & Backyard Games and on Tuesday, August 15, from 5:00-7:00 pm for BBQ & Backyard Games.  Both events are at the home of Tom and Elaine Hoff (10 Glen Court, Napa). For questions, text Elaine at 707-227-2588.

• 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.

• 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 11^th) 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 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.  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.