E-Vine August 24, 2017

  This Week’s Memory Verse

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.~ Joshua 1:9

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 called to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.  We are to bring good news to a world where bad news is depressingly ever-present.  But what is the good news?  Today we reflect on the Good News of God and what it means to proclaim it today.

First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm: Psalm 96
Second Reading: Romans 10:5-15
Holy Gospel: Luke 4:14-21

 

• Children’s Church Teachers:  Erika Boudreaux, Teresa Schmid, & Danielle Irwin

 

• 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

 

• Kauai Mission Trip Presentation: Our Kauai Mission Team will give a brief presentation on Sunday, August 27th from 9:30-10:00 AM in the Parish Hall (Gym).

 

• Abide:  Please join us on Monday, August 28th, from 5:00-7:00 pm for BBQ & Backyard Games at the home of Tom and Elaine Hoff (10 Glen Court, Napa). For questions, text Elaine at 707-227-2588.

 

• 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 Room 10.  This meeting is for parents and students, 7th grade and 8th grade.

 

• Sanctuary Choir resumes: on Wednesday, August 30th from 7-8:30 PM in Room 5.  New Members always welcome!  Join us as we plan special music for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation!

 

• 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.

 

• Classes starting in September: Foundations: Basic Christian Teachings will begin on 9/24, and A Reasonable Faith: Christian Apologetics will begin on 9/26.  These classes will now start one week later than what is posted in the Vine Newsletter.  See bulletin insert or click here for more information.

 

• 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.