E-Vine January 8, 2016

 This Week’s Memory Verse

 On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. ~Matthew 2:11

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               This Sunday we begin 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.

We consider that we are not saved in order to be ponds that go stagnant, but rather rivers through which God’s blessings flow.  The river’s origin is God, and it is to flow through us to be a blessing to the world.  We do not seek to hold on to the blessings, but rather pass them on and give them away.  When we do, God brings forth fruit, not just in our lives, but in the lives of others.

Sunday, we are also observing “The Baptism of Our Lord Sunday.”  On this Sunday, we recall the names of those who were baptized among us during the preceding year.  We pray that the remembrance of these Baptisms, plus our own Baptism, will nourish and nurture our faith for the living of the Christ-life.

• First Reading Ezekiel 47:1-12
• Second Reading Revelation 22:1-5
• Holy Gospel Luke 3:15-22

• Called to Glory:  Iris McAlister was called to glory on December 23^rd.  A memorial service will be held on January 9^th at the Napa Valley Baptist Church, 2303 Trower Ave. at 11:00 AM.  A light lunch will follow.

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

• Children’s Church Teachers on Sunday, January 10:  Scott & Autumn Zimmerman and Tom & CC Commander

• Dine and Donate:  Filippi’s, Tuesday, January 12 from 11 AM-9 PM  Proceeds to benefit the 5^th grade trip to Yosemite.  Please bring attached flyer.

• Love and Logic:  Beginning January 15^TH, we will be offering a parenting class called “Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun: Creating Happy Families and Responsible Kids” 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!  We will meet on January 15, 22, 29, February 5 from 8:35-10:15 AM.  Pre-registration is necessary because we have to order a workbook for each parent/couple participating. The cost is $15 payable to St. John’s Lutheran School. We would like to limit the class to 15 people so space is available to the first 15 to pre-register with Janis King.

• 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!   

• Best Practices Conference, Feb 18-20, 2016 . . . You are invited to join Pastor Mike, Pastor Mark, Janis King, Sam Troemel and Tim & Christy Kramer in attending the 2016 Best Practices for Ministry Conference at Christ Church Lutheran in Phoenix.  What is the conference about? This is a conference for both church workers and lay people.  It focuses on sharing practical info on what works along with transparency on what doesn’t work in parish ministry, in addition to uplifting worship, fellowship and encouragement. For a list of planned speakers, topics and sessions, please check out the conference website. http://www.cclphoenix.org/bpm_az.html.  This is a “free” conference, meaning that there is no registration fee. The host congregation provides free meals for the duration of the conference.  We have some funds available to defray some of the cost on transportation and lodging.  If you are interested in participating in this conference, or would like additional information, please contact the Church Office.   We encourage you to do so soon because the conference is quickly filling up.

• 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, 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.