E-Vine July 1, 2016

 This Week’s Memory Verse

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. ~Psalm 32:1

As We Gather

The Psalms are the most enduring expressions of the prayers, petitions and praise of the people of God, some having been in use for over 3000 years.  But the Psalms are not just a testimony of the faith of the saints of the past; they are given to us to shape and give voice to our faith today.

Psalm 35 is a prayer against the enemy.  David entreats the Lord to “contend with those who contend with me.”  David’s enemies were the Philistines and those from his own nation who were plotting against him.  Who are our enemies?  How are we to pray this Psalm today?  We have very real enemies.  But our enemies are not people.  Rather they are the spiritual forces of evil.  We do indeed pray that the Lord contends with them, and overcomes them.

• Psalm Psalm 35
• Epistle Reading Ephesians 6:10-20
• Holy Gospel Matthew 4:1-11

Congregational Meeting Results … The congregation took the following three actions at the congregational meeting on June 12:

• Ministry Plan and Narrative Budget Adopted… The congregation adopted the proposed ministry plan and budget for 2016-201.  Copies are available on the website under the resources tab.

• Board of Directors Members Elected . . . The congregation elected Michele Arnold, Bill Clark, Dean Ehlen, Bob Klein, and Anne Goodrich to the Board of Directors. Their terms begin on July 1.  They will join returning Board members Elaine Adams, Pam Barker, Steve Dierker, and Gail Vandeburgt.

• Earthquake Repair and Seismic Upgrade Funding Authorized…  The congregation authorized the recommended funding of $461,000 for the earthquake repair and seismic upgrade.  The congregation designated $102,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund and $173,000 from the Esther Strohl bequest.  The remaining $186,000 will be come from offerings and donations.

• Built on the Rock Update:  Since June 12, $19,722 has been offered for “Built on the Rock,” the Earthquake Repair and Seismic Upgrade.  We need $166,278 to reach the goal of $186,000.

• We are looking for Volunteers to help with Children’s Church:   You do not have to have children in the program to volunteer! Do you like to share the word of God with children, but not quite sure how to do it? The lessons are all laid out for you and you would only be teaching once a month. This position would begin in September. We have openings in two different age groups: Preschool-1st Grade and 2nd-4th Grade.  Please consider if God is nudging you to serve in this way and helping to grow our youngest disciples! You may contact Janis King for more information! Thank you and God bless!

• 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.

• Children’s Church Teachers:  No Children’s Church this week.

• 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.