E-Vine March 12, 2016

This Week’s Memory Verse

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.         ~2 Timothy 3:16-17

This Sunday:  Jesus has been sent by His Father on a grand adventure to redeem and restore human lives to His kingdom. Jesus is already at work in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools.  He is actively involved in His mission in the lives of the people around us.  And He invites us to join Him.  Are we ready for this?  What do we need to do in order to be ready to join Jesus on His mission?  Last week we focused on two missional practices to help us as we join Jesus on His mission:  “Seeking the Kingdom” and “Hearing Jesus.”  This week we focus on three more practices to make daily habits as we join Jesus in His mission:  “Talking to People,” “Doing Good,” and “Ministering through Prayer.”

• First Reading Micah 6:6-8
• Second Reading 1 Timothy 2:1-8
• Holy Gospel John 4:1-26             

• Remember to “Spring Forward” on Saturday night /  Sunday morning!

• Wednesday Lent Service: We continue our Lent Midweek series focusing on a word to consider while living Lent as Easter people.  The passion narrative of Christ takes on a more significant meaning for us when we see it through the lens of the empty tomb.  This week’s word is “Pain.”  Worship is at 7:00 PM. There will be a Soup Supper at 6:00 PM in the Parish Hall.

• Service of Health and Healing:   Our Lent Midweek service on March 16 will be a service of Health and Healing. This service will focus on the power of God’s Word to bring healing in the midst of physical ailments, strained relationships, and other difficulties and challenges in life.  An extended period of time for community and personal prayers will be a part of the service, as well as anointing with oil.

• Readers Needed for Palm Sunday Dramatic Reading of the Gospel.  On Palm Sunday, March 20, the service will include a dramatic reading of the passion of Christ from the Gospel of Luke (22:1-23:56).  Are you interested in reading one of the parts?  Readers will read their parts from their seats: No costumes, microphones or memorization.  We are looking for readers to read the parts of Peter, servant girl, 2 bystanders, Pontius Pilate, 2 Criminals, and a centurion.  Please contact the church office it you are interested.

• Fresh Flower Easter Cross:  All are welcome to bring fresh flowers and greenery on Easter Sunday morning! Together we will decorate the cross between worship services in the courtyard. An extra set or two of gardening sheers are welcome. Any questions call Penni Cremen at 483-9321.

• Thrivent Builds Mission Trip:  This summer’s mission trip will be on the Hawaiian island of Kauai from June 19 to 26.  A team of 12 people will assist in the building of a new home with Habitat for Humanity.  The event is open to current college students and those who are 20 and older.  The cost is $610 for Thrivent members and $910 for non-Thrivent members.  Email Pastor Mark for trip details and application pastormark@stjohnslutheran.net.  The application deadline is March 31.

• The Mission Farm needs approximately 60 empty, 2 liter soda bottles with caps on them.  Please bring your empty bottles (clear or green colored)  by the farm anytime ASAP and place in the large trash can labeled  “Pop Bottles”

• CNH District Mission Conference.  Join us for the third annual CNH District Missions Conference! The conference will be held on Saturday, April 9 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 38451 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA, from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.  Cost for the event is $35, which includes lunch. For more information, please click here.

• ATTENTION ALL CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS!!  Deadline for applications for student grants is March 31, 2016.  All you have to do is send a brief note to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, ATTN: Tim Kramer, or an e-mail to tkramer@stjohnslutheran.net, announcing your intent to enroll in the 2016-2017 academic year.  All applications must include the following information:
• Your Name
• School Name
• Student ID or Account #  (if returning student)
• Degree you are pursuing
• Year and Level of study (e.g. Junior year, Undergrad; 5^th year, teacher certification, or student teaching; Graduate studies)
• Attending Fall Term or Spring Term (or both)
• Briefly explain why you’re attending Concordia and how you plan to use your studies/future vocation to shine the light of Christ and to witness for Jesus as His kingdom representative in the world.

For more information please see the March Vine or contact Tim Kramer at above email address.

• Financial Peace University:  We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan!  Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!  Each of the 9 weekly classes are about one hour and forty-five minutes long.  The next session will be held at St. John’s on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM from March 31 to May 26, 2016.  Materials are $93 (plus $9.30 shipping) per household.  Register and order materials for the class online at http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locations/class/1016659

• Mission India:  Please keep our new Mission India Literacy trainer 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 the display in the church entryway.

• 2016 Church Directory Available March 20^th …  Please pick up your copy after services on March 20^th.  They will be in the Narthex.

• You are invited!!! The Go Fish Guys (from Vacation Bible School at St. John’s Lutheran) are coming back to help us prepare for Easter with a special celebration!  On Sunday, March 13^th  12:00-3:00 PM.  Open to current preschoolers through 5th graders.  Your child won’t want to miss out on the songs, dances, stories, pizza, craft, games and themed snack which are all part of this special time together. Parents are provided the gift of time.  The registration form is attached and can be emailed back to jenny_gass@yahoo.com, dropped off  in the school office, church office or preschool office.  Space is limited so do not delay!  This program is offered at no cost.  Donations are always welcome to keep our Children’s Ministry going strong. 

• Children’s Church Teachers on Sunday, March 13:  Janet Gates and Jenny Gass

• 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 each morning.