E-Vine January 14, 2016

This Week’s Memory Verse

Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” ~John 7:38

This Sunday we continue our Epiphany series “Why Give?”  God calls us to be “givers,” not “getters.”  Why should our hearts be set on giving?  This series is focused on answering that question.  You are also encouraged to pick up a copy of the devotion book, “Why Give?”, which is available in the church entryway.

When we give to support Christ’s mission, we not only give financial resources, we give Christ. Our giving is bringing Christ into people’s lives.  So, along with our gift, we are giving His presence, power, provisions, perfection, and resurrection.  We are giving people the comfort of His reign and the promise of His return.  Our gift is much more than dollars.

• First Reading 1 Chronicles 20:10-20
• Second Reading Philippians 2:5-11
• Holy Gospel Matthew 6:25-34

• Why Give Devotion Book:   Please pick up a copy of the devotional book “Why Give.” This book will be used in our current Epiphany Worship Series.  The books are available in the church entryway.

• Baptism Workshop:  Are you interested in learning more about Baptism?  Interested in Baptism for yourself or your child?  On Tuesday evening, January 19, Pastor Mike and Pastor Mark will present our Baptism workshop for all those interested. We will meet in Room 8 from 7:00-8:30 PM.  

• Wednesday Morning Bible Class:  This class, led by Pastor Mark, has just started a study of the book of Colossians.  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 each Wednesday morning in Room 10 from 10:30 – 11:30.

• Hauch Invitational Tournament: The 27^th annual Bob Hauch Invitational Basketball Tournament is here!. We invite you to attend and cheer on our Eagles January 14-17th. Admission will by $4.00 per day for adults and $1.00 per day for students 18 and under.  Weekend passes will be available at the door for $12 for adults and $3.00 for students 18 and under. Remember the great food at the Eagle Cafe!!

• Children’s Church Teachers on Sunday, January 17:  Kristi Carey, Danielle Irwin, & Jenny Gass

• 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  http://shop.familylife.com/p-4136-napa.aspx

• Chili Cook-Off…  Don’t miss the first Annual Chili Cook-Off on January 31^st!  This event will be sponsored by the high school youth group in an effort to raise funds for the 2016 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA.  Congregation members, friends, and family are invited to enter their chili into this contest.  Please contact Youth Ministry Director, Sam Troemel, for more information on rules and registration.  He can be reached via e-mail at Samuel@stjohnslutheran.net.

• Offering Envelopes:  ease pick up your 2016 offering envelopes in the Narthex after December 6^th.   Note the change in color.  Once 2015 is over, please dispose of your 2015 envelopes as the numbers may change in 2016.  Please remember to use your envelopes each Sunday to assist our wonderful counting team as they process our tithes and offerings.   If you would like offering envelopes and are not currently assigned them, please call Christy in the Church Office.  Thank you!

• 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.

• Mission India:  Please keep our Mission India Literacy trainer in your prayers.  As announced in church, we have met the goal for financially supporting our trainer for this year.  But we are still collecting support for Mission India, which will go toward supporting other literacy trainers.  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, please click here and see the display in the church entryway.

• 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.