E-Vine October 19, 2017

  This Week’s Memory Verse

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33

As We Gather

It has been a difficult week here in Napa County and for our neighbors in Sonoma County and elsewhere.  It has been a difficult year in our world.  So much loss and devastation, so much hurt and grief.   And yet, we boldly confess Jesus as the Savior who has overcome and is with us in the fire (Isaiah 43:3).  We find comfort and hope in our Lord’s words to His disciples before He went to the cross:  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

• First Reading 2 Kings 2:1-18
• Psalm Psalm 133
• Second Reading Acts 2:42-47
• Holy Gospel Luke 6:12-16

Children’s Church Teachers:  Janet Gates, Sarah Santora

• What Are You Doing, God?  Tuesday evening “A Reasonable Faith” will resume.  This study of Christian apologetics will focus this week on believing in a loving God in a world with so much pain, evil, loss and tragedy.  It has been a very difficult year with storms, earthquakes, acts of unspeakable evil, and now devastating wildfires right here in our valley.  Where is God in all of this?  And if He is there, what is He doing?  Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Sanctuary.

• Foundations: Basic Christian Teachings will meet this Sunday.

• Church, School and Mission: This event will be rescheduled at a later date.

• The Bible’s Big Story – Our Story Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 9:00 AM to Noon in the Sanctuary.  This half day workshop will focus on the time line of the Bible.  This is not an in-depth study, but an overview of the events that take place from Creation to Christ.  Participants will receive a colorful time line and book that provide understanding of the order of events and stories of the Bible.  Please register in advance to ensure that enough materials are ordered for all participants.  For more information or to register contact pastormark@stjohnslutheran.net or churchoffice@stjohnslutheran.net.

• FREE Live Stream of Dave Ramsey’s “Smart Money” Event:  Over the last 25 years, millions of lives have been changed through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.  On Tuesday, November 7, Dave and his daughter Rachel Cruze will take the stage in Phoenix to present Smart Money.  We will live stream the event here at St. John’s in the sanctuary beginning at 5:00 PM (doors open at 4:30).  During this three-hour event they are going to walk you through the steps you need to take to get a clear vision for your family’s financial future.  Join us to learn the steps you and your family can take to live like no one else.  Please register for this event on our website www.stjohnslutheran.net or by clicking Here. 

• 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Celebration – Sunday, October 29.    We will be celebrating the 500^th anniversary of the start of the Reformation on Sunday, October 29.  There will be only one service that Sunday, at 9:30 AM.  This service will include both traditional and contemporary elements, both choir and band, as we celebrate together God’s call to be a reforming church today.  Following the service there will be a congregational potluck in the Parish Hall.  Please join us for this time of fellowship and celebration!

Please bring a dish to share according to your last name:

A –  H   bring a Main Dish

I – P     bring a Salad

Q – Z   bring an Appetizer or a Dessert

Help is needed with set-up, kitchen duties, and clean-up.  Please RSVP to Pam Barker to let her know how many people in your party, what dish, and whether you can help with set-up, kitchen, or clean-up.  Thank you! RSVP  pam.moe.barker@gmail.com   or  707-225-4707 (text or call)

• Trunk or Treat: Sunday, October 29,2017, 5:00-6:45pm in the Parish Hall.  For more information please contact Janis King @707-226-7970 ext 107 or email  jking@stjohnsnapa.org  Please see 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.  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.  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.