E-Vine March 31, 2016

THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ~1 Corinthians 15:20

This Sunday:  “But Christ has indeed been raised,” Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:20, and that changes everything.  We are people of the resurrection, called to live as Easter people.  1 Corinthians 15 is sometimes called “The Resurrection Chapter” because it is the most full and direct explanation of what the resurrection means for us today.  Our worship series in April will delve into 1 Corinthians 15 as we explore what it means to live as Easter people.

This Sunday, we consider Paul’s case that the resurrection really physically happened.  Paul appeals to the numbers of witnesses who saw the risen Christ.  Following Paul’s lead, today we focus on the reality of the resurrection, the rational and reasonable evidence that Jesus did in fact physically rise from the dead.

• First Reading Acts 5:12-32
• Second Reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
• Holy Gospel John 20:19-31

• Wall of Support Fundraiser: The high school youth group would like to thank everyone that has supported them and their fundraising for the National Youth Gathering.  If you are still looking for a way to support the group, then please check out the Wall of Support in the gym.  Here you will find envelopes marked 1-100.  If you would like to support our group with a donation of $1 then take the envelope labeled as such.  If you would like to support our group with $100 then please feel free to take that envelope.   Your envelope will contain step-by-step directions on how exactly to donate to our cause.  All proceeds will go to the National Youth Gathering.  The Wall of Support will be out from April 10^th through April 17^th.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

• Easter Breakfast:  Thank you to those that helped with or attended Easter Breakfast at the Resurrection Café.  We served over 150 patrons!  The Resurrection Café will unfortunately be shut down for the next year as we do some maintenance and staffing.  See you then!

• Our 8th grade teacher:  Angela Wingert, will not be returning to St. John’s next year.  Angela, Matt, and Grace are planning to move to the Midwest this summer.  We appreciate all she has contributed the past three years in ministry at St. John’s. We wish her and her family God’s richest blessings as they make this change in their lives.  We are currently developing our slate of candidates for this middle school teaching position.  If you would like to submit any names to be considered for the position, please contact Joel Wahlers in the school office.

• Mission India:  We have received the name of our second Mission India Literacy Trainer, which will be announced this Sunday.  Please keep our new 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.

• 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 TODAY, 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.

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

• Children’s Church Teachers:  Kristi Carey, Danielle Irwin, 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 each morning.