E-Vine February 4, 2016

This Week’s Memory Verse

You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. ~2 Corinthians 9:11

                                                                                                                                                                                      This Sunday we conclude our Epiphany series “Why Give?”  God calls us to be “givers” not “getters.”  Why should our hearts be set on giving?  Joy cannot be separated from giving.  Far from a cheerless burden, giving is a delightful privilege.  We share in the joy of the Lord as we emulate the generosity of the Lord.

It is also Transfiguration Sunday on which we commemorate our Lord’s glorious transfiguration before Peter, James, and John.  This marks the end of the season of Epiphany as Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday.

• First Reading Malachi 3:6-12            
• Second Reading 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
• Holy Gospel Luke 9:28-36                      

• 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. 

• Ash Wednesday Services…  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday this week.  There will be a Communion service at 1:00 and at 7:00 PM.  Each service will also include the optional imposition of ashes.  The 7:00 PM service will be preceded by a soup supper in the Parish Hall. This year’s Lent Midweek services explore the passion of Christ through the lens of the empty tomb.  Each service helps us see that we are always alive in Christ, who died and was raised.

• The Chili Cook-Off was a hit!  Thank you to all those that attended, entered chili, or volunteered for the event!  We had 13 different chili choices, admitted over 50 people, and raised more than $1,000 that will go toward the high school youth group’s trip to the 2016 National Youth Gathering this summer in New Orleans.

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

• 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 see “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 7:  Janet Gates, Tom & CC Commander

• Valentine’s Day Marriage Event:  Family Life’s “Weekend to Remember” is coming to Napa over Valentine’s Day Weekend.  This is a chance to hear words of wisdom from people who have been in the trenches of marriage, and to apply what you learn in one-on-one projects with your spouse.  For more information go to click here. 

• Valentine’s Day Bake Sale… The high school youth group will be hosting a free will offering bake sale on Sunday, February 14^th.  We are happy to accept any baked goods for this event. All proceeds will go towards the group’s trip to the 2016 National Youth Gathering.  E-mail Samuel@stjohnslutheran.net for more information.  Stop by after either service to grab some sweets for your sweet! 

• 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.