E-Vine June 29, 2017

 This Week’s Memory Verse

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. ~Romans 8:20-21

As We Gather

The Mission of God is to bring reconciliation and restoration to all humanity and all creation.  But He made the decision from the beginning that He would only carry out that mission through people.  We are that people.  What does it mean to be the agents of God’s mission?  In other words:  Who are we?  What are we here for?

God called Abram to leave his home and go to a new place.  But more than that, He promised to bless Abram and his descendants and make them a blessing to all the world. By faith we are heirs to that blessing and that calling.  In Christ, we are truly blessed to be a blessing.

• First Reading Genesis 12:1-7
• Psalm Psalm 67
• Second Reading Galatians 3:26-29
• Holy Gospel Matthew 5:13-16

Children’s Church Teachers:  Janet Gates & Sarah Santora

• Board of Directors . . .  At the Congregational meeting on June 18 the congregation elected Lisa DeYoung, Danielle Irwin, Judi Rock, and Gail Vandeburgt to the Board of Directors.  They will be joining Michele Arnold, Bill Clark, Dean Ehlen, Anne Goodrich, Bob Klein who are currently serving on the Board.  We give thanks to God for the service of Elaine Adams, Pam Barker, and Steve Dierker who are going off the Board.  Please keep our Board in your prayers!  The new Board members will be installed on July 23.

• Ministry Plan and Budget . . . At the Congregational Meeting on June 18, the congregation adopted the proposed Ministry Plan and Budget for 2017-2018.  Copies of the adopted Plan and Budget are available in the church office and on the website. https://stjohnslutheran.net/ministry-documents-2/

• Farewell and Godspeed:  Danika (Schmid) Neal, a daughter of our congregation, has been called by Sierra Lutheran High School in Carson City, Nevada, to serve as a teacher.  We will bid her Farewell and Godspeed as she leaves to assume this ministry on July 9 at both services.  She will be commissioned and installed on August 20 Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Carson City.

• Abide 4^th of July BBQ:  Join us for a 4th of July BBQ at the home of Tom & Elaine Hoff. We will meet at 6:00 pm at 10 Glen Court for food, games, and a Bible study. After the Bible study we will be driving downtown to watch the Napa fireworks together. (The fireworks activity is completely optional.) Call or text Elaine Hoff at 707-227-2588 if you have any questions.

• Director of Youth Ministry Search:  We are in the process of searching for a new Director of Youth Ministry.  Please keep this in your prayers!  If you have questions about this position or have a name to suggest, please contact Pastor Mike.

• APT has joined with the Napa Valley 1839 FC semi-pro soccer team to have a St. John’s night at their June 24, 2017, game at Memorial Stadium.  Each of our students will be bringing home an envelope with a flyer, a sign-up sheet and 10 tickets. Please note that it is not a requirement that any student sell any tickets, however, since this is an actual fundraiser (St. John’s gets 50% of the $10 ticket price), we would encourage you to consider buying tickets for you and your family and join us for an evening of fun and fellowship at Memorial Stadium.
  Mr. Wahlers will be kicking the ceremonial first kick and eight lucky students will be chosen to play bubble soccer at half time.  Unsold or unwanted tickets and sales proceeds can be turned in to the school office before June 23^rd, or contact Dean Bledsoe to arrange for ticket and/or sales proceed pickup. If anyone would like additional tickets, please see Mrs. Zeller in the school office.

• Amelia Arnold will be participating in the Concordia University “Around-the World” semester this fall where she will be learning through unique, built-in comparative academics, serving others through philanthropic/humanitarian work in every country, and growing in through new encounters with God and His people.  Please see attached info.  If you would like to help sponsor Amelia, please contact the Arnold family.

• Sunday Morning Greeters needed!  If you are interested in helping us greet our worshipers on Sunday mornings, please contact Christy in the church office.  Thank you!

• 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.      

• 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.

• NEW AARON NOTE CARDS:  We have new note cards for sale at the church office.  Thanks for supporting Aaron’s ministry!
• 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!
• 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.

• Ministry Opportunity:   St. John’s participates in The Table ministry (based at First Presbyterian Church, 1333 Third St in Napa) by cooking/serving a meal every month on the 2nd Friday.  Next Friday (June 9^th ) is St. John’s service opportunity and we invite you to join us. If you would like to help, please sign up for a shift (or multiple shifts) by clicking here.  We thank you for your service.  Your time and your talents are greatly appreciated. Blessings, The Table Team

• Recycle your Household Batteries at SJL: St. John’s Lutheran is working with Napa Recycling on collecting and disposing of any household batteries you may have; AAA, AA, C, D & 9 volt batteries. We will not accept automotive or drill batteries, only standard household batteries. Containers are available in the school office, church office and room 10.  Now you no longer need to question what to do with these batteries.  Bring them to one of our locations mentioned above, drop them in the container, and we will do the rest! Thank you for supporting our efforts in keeping our landfills clean.

• 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 devotions in your email each morning.