E-Vine July 30, 2015

This Week’s Memory Verse

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.” 1 Peter 4:10-11a

This Sunday:  Last fall we journeyed through the book of Exodus, walking with the people of God as they were delivered from slavery in Egypt.   This summer we will pick up the story of God’s deliverance of His people and continue their trek through the wilderness – both physical and spiritual – as He leads them at last across the Jordan to the Promised Land.

In the reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the people what God has done and taught as he prepares them for entering the promised land 40 years after being delivered from Egypt.  In the reading from Luke, Jesus reminds His disciples that He is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.  Our sinful forgetfulness requires that we be reminded over and over again through God’s Word that, because of His love for us, we have not lacked anything.

• Deuteronomy 1:1-2:7
• Luke 24:36-49

• Costa Rica Mission Trip Presentation: Those who participated in the recent mission trip will show pictures and talk about their experience today between the two services.  This will take place in the parish hall (gym) from 9:40 to 10:10 AM.

• Mission India Mid-Term Report: We have received a mid-term report from our Mission India Literacy trainer.  Our trainer is leading 5 classes with 150 students total.  110 of the students are women.  Here are some of the life changes that the students are reporting as a result of the class so far:
  • Started maintaining hygiene:  40
  • Stopped smoking and Tobacco consumption: 45
  • Stopped borrowing and started saving: 6
  • Eating more nutritious food:  37
  • Improved relationships:  50
  • Stopped abuse of alcohol:  31
  • Stopped believe in superstition:  41
  • Increased awareness of HIV/AIDS: 150
  • Stopped encouraging child marriage: 42
  • Ended reliance on child labor: 28
  • Growing kitchen gardens and medicinal plants: 25
  • Began sending children to school: 35

• Second Sunday Potluck, August 9, 11:30:  Bring your favorite “Summer Harvest” dish to the potluck and enjoy a bountiful lunch with your church family and friends!  We hope to see you there!  Please contact Marie Hoemke, Pam Foottit, Lori Hardin or Pam Barker for more information.

• 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.

• Children’s Church:  We have openings for children’s church leaders for both the preschool – 1^st grade children’s church, and the 2^nd – 4^th Grade class.  Are you interested in learning more about serving in this way?  Please contact Pastor Mike.

• School Spanish Teacher opening – Part time (13 hrs/week).  Contact Joel Wahlers in the School office for more information (226-7970).

• 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

• 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, 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.