E-Vine March 17, 2016

The E-Vine:  A Weekly News Update from St. John’s           March 17, 2016

 

This Week’s Memory Verse But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16

 

This Sunday:  This Sunday is Palm Sunday and Passion Sunday, two celebrations in one service.  We will begin with a commemoration of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  Then we look forward to the events of the coming week and the Passion of our Lord, culminating with His atoning sacrifice on the cross.  The service will begin in the Faith Chapel, weather permitting.

• First Reading      Deuteronomy 32:36-39
• Second Reading Philippians 2:5-11
• Holy Gospel        Luke 22:1-23:56

 

• Palm Sunday Dramatic Gospel Readers. The Gospel will be in dramatic format this Sunday (We need readers for the Gospel this Sunday at both services.  The reading parts that are still available are 2 bystanders (from Peter’s denial), 2 criminals (on the cross), and the centurion.  These parts all have one line, with the exception of one of the criminals who has two lines.  Readers read the line at the appropriate time from their seats.  If you are interested, please contact the church office.

• Easter Flower Memorials: If you would like to make a memorial donation for Easter flowers, please use the special envelope in the pews.
• 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.
• Redwood Middle School Tragedy: Aaron Comfort Dog and Team Aaron have assisted for three days this week to bring comfort to the students and staff. Please keep the family, friends and staff members in your prayers.

• 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 go to https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event;jsessionid=4023E5EBD787634977FAF61F852693BA?llr=6rvwc7aab&oeidk=a07ecb34w9cd9306921

 

• 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.

• Children’s Church Teachers on Sunday, March 20: Scott & Anastasia Zimmerman, Irene & Jim McClenahan

•  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.  (Please add link  J )
•   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.   https://stjohnslutheran.net/abide-devotion/