E-Vine May 12, 2017

This Week’s Memory Verse

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. ~1 Peter 2:9

As We Gather

We continue our series on 1 Peter.  In today’s section Peter calls on his readers to live godly lives “among the pagans.”   He holds before them the hope that their godly living will lead those pagans to faith.  He envisions a day when they too will glorify God.  Living as missional people in interesting times involves godly living.  We seek to live lives of respect and service in all of our relationships so that our lives give testimony to the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• First Reading Acts 6:1-7
• Psalm Psalm 146
• Second Reading 1 Peter 2:11-3:7
• Holy Gospel Matthew 20:20-28

Children’s Church Teachers:  Kristi Carey, Sarah Santora

• Resurrection and the New Creation:  Session 2 will be this Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.  This week we focus on the meaning of Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead.  If you missed session 1 last week, you can watch it here on our YouTube channel.

• How Do I Pray?  A Prayer Workshop – Christ calls on us to pray, and instructs us to spend time in prayer every day.  But how are we to do this?  When Jesus’ disciples asked him how to pray, he gave them the Lord’s Prayer.  But he gave them much more than a prayer to recite.  What was he teaching them?  How does he want me to pray? How can I pray the Scriptures? The Commandments?  This workshop is the first in a series of workshops aimed at helping us grow in our practice of prayer.  We will not only explore different approaches and methods of prayer; we will practice them.  Saturday, May 13^th 9:00 – 12:00 noon in the Sanctuary.  Contact the church office to sign up.

• Open Forum:  There will be an Open Forum next Sunday, May 21 at 11:30 in the Sanctuary.  The Open Forum will concern the proposed Ministry Plan and Budget for 2017-2018.  Copies of the Ministry Plan and Budget are available in the Narthex, in the Church Office, and on the website  on the Ministry Documents page:  https://stjohnslutheran.net/ministry-documents-2/

• Vacation Bible School June 19-23,  9AM-12 noon:  Good News:  Because of the amazing offerings of God’s people this past month we are removing the Vacation Bible School fee of $35.”  Vacation Bible School will be free!  We will be contacting those who have already registered about refunding their registration fee.   We will have new registration information available in the church office, school office shortly. Or click here to download. For more info about VBS click here.

• AYA Worship: Saturday, May 13^th from 5:00-6:00 pm in the gym. A 6^th and 7^th grade ensemble will be joining us during social hour to share some songs they have learned over the year.  AYA is a family friend event where all are welcome!

• 2017 Graduates…  Please send your graduate’s info to Christy ASAP.  Please see page 11 of May’s Vine.

• Built on the Rock Update . . . Through May 7 $177,701 has been offered for “Built on the Rock,” the Earthquake Repair and Seismic Upgrade.  We need $8,299 more to reach the goal of $186,000.

• 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. Arron’s website is NapaValleyComfortDogs.org

• 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 (May 12^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.

• Online:  Are you on Facebook?  Twitter?  Follow and Friend St. Johns!  @sjlcnapa