E-Vine July 21, 2016

 This Week’s Memory Verse

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  ~Psalm 46:1

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           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 47 is an invitation to all the nations to join in praising God.  This is a picture of the fulfillment of the Mission of God.  God had promised Abram that all nations would be blessed through his family.  Jesus sent His disciples to make this a reality by making disciples of the nations.  We look forward to the day when all the nations do indeed clap their hands in praise of our saving God.

• Psalm Psalm 47
• Old Testament Reading Genesis 12:1-3
• New Testament Reading Acts 1:4-8
• Holy Gospel Luke 24:44-49

• Built on the Rock Update . . . Through July 17, $27,056 has been offered for “Built on the Rock,” the Earthquake Repair and Seismic Upgrade.  We need $158,944 more 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!

• Confirmation Ministry . . .  There will be an information meeting on August 24^th at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall for all parents and students interested in our Confirmation ministry this year.   We will present and discuss the goals of this ministry, the calendar for this year, as well as the costs that will be involved.

• 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: “God Answers Hannah’s Prayer” Teachers: Erika Boudreaux, Teresa Schmid & Sarah Santora

• 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.