E-Vine May 5, 2017

This Week’s Memory Verse

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” ~1 Peter 1:15-16

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

As We Gather

We continue our series on 1 Peter.  We focus on our identity as the people of God.  We are chosen people, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, the people of God.  We are built into a spiritual building as living stones that we might declare His praises to the world.  How do we live that out in our lives today?

Confirmation

Sunday will be Confirmation Sunday.  At the 10:15 AM service eight young people will confess their faith in Christ and commit their lives to following Him.  May His Holy Spirit bless and empower all of us to live lives of Kingdom fruitfulness!

• First Reading Acts 2:42-47
• Psalm Psalm 67
• Second Reading 1 Peter 2:1-12
• Holy Gospel Luke 24:44-49

Children’s Church Teachers:  Erika Boudreaux, Teresa Schmid, Jenny Gass

• What is our Hope? Resurrection and the New Creation:  What happens when we die?  What is our Christian hope?  Is it simply “going to heaven?” Or is it something even bigger?  In this four week study, we will focus on Christian Hope.  We will explore the reality of the resurrection of Jesus, its meaning and how it shapes not only our hope of eternity, but our lives today.  A four-week Bible study beginning on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM beginning May 10^th in the Sanctuary.  (May 24^th in Room 10.) For more info click here! Contact the church office to sign up.

• 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. For more information click here. Contact the church office to sign up.

• 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 April 30^th  $177, 051 has been offered for “Built on the Rock,” the Earthquake Repair and Seismic Upgrade.  We need $8,949 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

• Green Thumb?  Do you like flowers and plants? Do you want to help spruce up the first impression visitors have of our campus? The garden area between the Sanctuary and the parking lot used to be cared for by Bob Mueller.  Now that Bob and Marie have moved away, this area is growing weeds.  If you are interested in adopting and enhancing this area, please contact the church office.

• Mark your Calendars!  VBS 2017   June 19-23.   Volunteers Needed:  It takes over 75 volunteers to make VBS happen! Please consider helping this year! Click here for more info and to sign up!

• 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. Aaron’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