E-Vine February 25, 2016

This Week’s Memory Verse

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” ~1 Corinthians 3:7

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This Sunday:  Jesus has been sent by His Father on a grand adventure to redeem and restore human lives to His kingdom. Jesus is already at work in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools.  He is actively involved in His mission in the lives of the people around us.  And He invites us to join Him.  In order to do that we need to seek, recognize and respond to what He is already doing all around us. 

• First Reading Jeremiah 1:4-10
• Second Reading 1 Peter 3:15-16
• Holy Gospel Luke 19:1-10

• Wednesday Lent Service: We continue our Lent Midweek series focusing on a word to consider while living Lent as Easter people.  The passion narrative of Christ takes on a more significant meaning for us when we see it through the lens of the empty tomb.  This week’s word is “Proclaim.”  Worship is at 7:00 PM. There will be a Soup Supper at 6:00 PM in the Parish Hall.

• Financial Peace University:  We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan!  Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!  Each of the 9 weekly classes are about one hour and forty-five minutes long.  The next session will be held at St. John’s on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM from March 31 to May 26, 2016.  Materials are $93 (plus $9.30 shipping) per household.  Register and order materials for the class online at http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locations/class/1016659

• Mission India:  Please keep our new Mission India Literacy trainer 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 the display in the church entryway.

• Congratulations to our new Comfort Dog Handlers!  Jennie Lovie and Linda Melsheimer successfully completed the LCC handler training program.  May God bless them as they help us with this exciting ministry!

• 2016 Church Directory…  Please let Christy know your updated information (email addresses, addresses, phone numbers etc.) for the new directory.  Thank you

• SJLS Main Event:  The Main Event is scheduled for March 12th at the Marriott Napa Valley!  This is expected to be an exciting event – dessert, silent and live auctions, raffles, dinner, live band and dancing!  Please consider donating a good or service that will be auctioned off.  Donation forms are available in the school office, or they can be submitted online at www.sjls-apt.com under the ‘Donate an Auction Item’ tab.  Please contact Dianna Messenger at dbmessenger@yahoo.com with questions.

• Family Movie Night…  Please join us for a fun-filled FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT on Friday, February 26^th  from 6:30-8:30pm. Bring the kids, your blankets and chairs (to spread out in the gym/parish hall) and join other SJL families to view Disney’s “Inside Out”.  The Eagle Cafe will be open to buy fresh, hot popcorn, candy and water. Please RSVP to reserve your free tickets! jking@stjohnsnapa.org or call 707-226-7970 ext 107.

• You are invited!!! The Go Fish Guys (from Vacation Bible School at St. John’s Lutheran) are coming back to help us prepare for Easter with a special celebration!  On Sunday, March 13^th  12:00-3:00 PM.  Open to current preschoolers through 5th graders.  Your child won’t want to miss out on the songs, dances, stories, pizza, craft, games and themed snack which are all part of this special time together. Parents are provided the gift of time.  The registration form is attached and can be emailed back to jenny_gass@yahoo.com, dropped off  in the school office, church office or preschool office.  Space is limited so do not delay!  This program is offered at no cost.  Donations are always welcome to keep our Children’s Ministry going strong. Thank you  

• Children’s Church Teachers on Sunday, February 21:  Kristi Carey, Danielle Irwin, Irene & Jim McClenahan

• 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.