E-Vine November 17, 2017

This Week’s Memory Verse

But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving. ~2 Corinthians 8:7

As We Gather

What is a disciple?  What does a disciple do?  At its heart discipleship is following Jesus.  Discipleship is seeking to live all of our lives as an expression of faith in Him.  Our Goal at St. John’s is to make disciples.  This is the goal for all who are served by this ministry:

• Constant in Prayer
• Grounded in the Word
• Faithful in Worship
• Spiritual Friendships
• Loving Service
• Intentional Generosity
• Compassionate Witness

We conclude our study of these seven marks of discipleship with our focus today on “Compassionate Witness.” There is no separation between discipleship and mission.  A disciple engages in the mission, and the goal of the mission is to make disciples. .  And so we are called to see the world through the compassionate eyes of Jesus, and seek to be his hands, feet, voice, and heart in bearing witness to others.

• First Reading Genesis 12:1-3
• Psalm Psalm 96
• Second Reading Acts 1:1-8
• Holy Gospel Matthew 9:35-38

Children’s Church Teachers:  Janet Gates & Scott Zimmerman

• Thanksgiving worship . . . Come join us for worship on Thanksgiving morning, November 23, at 9:30.  This will be a communion service.  Please bring non-perishable food items for the Napa Food Bank.

• Paw Partner Class:  Come learn how to be a “Paw Partner” with St. John’s LCC K9 Comfort Dog.

• When:  Saturday, December 2^nd  from  9-11 AM
• Where:  Room 10
• By: Linda Melsheimer,  Handler and Helper (Paw Partner)

This class is an inside look at your role in helping the Comfort Dog Ministry bridge relationships in this community and beyond.  Not sure it is for you?  – Take a leap of faith! Please contact the church office to sign up for this class.

• Support your Mission Farm…The Mission Farm is participating in the Napa Valley Give! Guide 2017 to raise funds for our ministry and 45 other non-profit ministries in Napa County that serve the community. This past Saturday you should have received by mail the Catalogue of participants and the means to help fund them. It was enclosed in this month’s Marketplace magazine. You will often see them in business places around town. The Church Office will also have some copies. You can support our ministry, as well as other worthy ministries in one of two ways: 1) Google NapaValleyGiveGuide.org and give on line; or 2) look for the Donation Form in the catalogue and mail in a check to Napa Valley CanDo, P.O. Box 855, Napa, CA 94559 (payable to Napa Valley CanDo). While you can also use your Designated Gift envelope and put into the church offerings, marked Mission Farm, gifts in the first two ways encourage people from the community back what appears to be a winner (and we are, aren’t we?)! The Farm volunteers thank you.

• Giving Tree for Camille Creek Community School:  Last year St. John’s members showed compassion and love by overwhelmingly supporting Camille Creek’s Giving Tree for Christmas.  Our church families gave toys, clothes and food gift cards to 13 families that would not have otherwise had any presents under the tree.  Some of you even took your own children along with you to shop for these families starting a tradition of giving to others that was both inspiring and fun. Your Christian love for these local families was, and continues to be, a blessing.This year the school has identified 25 families in need.  These are local families whose resources are so small that Christmas will not be a welcome celebration without some help.  The goal is to give each child a toy and a clothing item, and then give each family a $25 grocery card.  The toy (or toys) is/are to be capped at a value of $30, and the clothing item or outfit is to be reasonably priced.  For more information on how you can help please see this attachment!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.  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.

• 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.