E-Vine January 5, 2017

This Week’s Memory Verse

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~Philippians 2:9-11

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 As We Gather

Jesus is the light of the world, who not only shines upon us, but shines through us to the rest of the world.  The words of Isaiah in our first reading call us to shine, for the nations will come to our light.  The coming of the Magi to worship the child Jesus is both literally and figuratively a fulfillment of these words.  How is God calling us to “arise and shine” in the new year?

• Old Testament Reading Isaiah 60:1-6
• Psalm Psalm 72
• New Testament Reading Ephesians 3:1-12
• Holy Gospel Matthew 2:1-12

• Worship Set-Up for Next Weekend … Since next weekend (January 12-15) we will be hosting the Hauch Invitation Tournament in our gym, we will NOT be setting up for worship on Saturday evening.  Set-up for the 8:30 AM service will be at 7:30 AM on Sunday morning January 15. 

• 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 Sunday afternoons at 4:30 PM from February 12 to April 9, 2017.  Materials are $93 (plus $9.30 shipping) per household.  Register and order materials for the class online at http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classes/1033891

• Thrivent Builds Mission Trip:  The summer 2017 mission trip will be on the Hawaiian island of Kauai from July 3 to 13.  A team of 12 people will assist in the building of a new home with Habitat for Humanity.  The event is open to current college students and those who are 20 and older.  The estimated cost is $620 for Thrivent members and $920 for non-Thrivent members.  Email Pastor Mark for trip details and application pastormark@stjohnslutheran.net.  The application deadline is January 31, 2017.

• Children’s Church Teachers: Joy Dahl, Lindsey Engelbracht, Jim & Irene McClenahan

• Second Sunday Potluck:  Join us on January 8^th for our soups and salads theme.  (11:30 AM in Room 10)

• Built on the Rock Construction in Full Swing.  Setup for Sunday worship in the Parish Hall is on Saturday evenings at 6:00 PM.  We have set up an online tool for signing up to help.  Please contact Kathy Fitzgerald at kathyfitzgerald@sbcglobal.net to add your name to the list.

• Built on the Rock Update: Through January 1^st, $139,546 has been offered for “Built on the Rock,” the Earthquake Repair and Seismic Upgrade.  We need $46,454 more to reach the goal of $186,000.

• Dine & Donate: St. John’s Lutheran School will be hosting a Dine & Donate at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto on Tuesday, January 10th.  Dine In or Take Out between the hours of 11am & 9pm.  Filippi’s will donate 20% of all proceeds will benefit out 4^th grade Coloma Trip. Take a break and enjoy a great meal! Please bring a copy of attached flier.
• Chili Cook-Off: The second annual St. John’s Chili Cook-Off will take place Sunday, January 29^th from 4:00-6:00 pm.  This year’s cook-off will include a table decorating contest, youth program year in review photos, and a chili eating contest for Club 56, Ablaze, and ABIDE.  Registration forms can be found in the church office.

• NEW 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.        

• ASPCA Recognizes Ruthie Comfort Dog:  Remember Ruthie Comfort Dog?  She came to Napa to help after our earthquake and the Valley fires.  She has been given a special award by ASPCA “Dog of the Year”.  To view, use this link:

• 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!

• 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.

• 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.  And be sure to check out his new website at NapaValleyComfortDogs.org

• 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.