E-Vine October 6, 2017

This Week’s Memory Verse

To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ~John 8:31-32

As We Gather

Today we focus on second mark of discipleship: “Grounded in the Word.”  A disciple is constantly in the Word – reading, studying, memorizing, following and applying the Word for daily life. How is Jesus calling you to a richer more active prayer life as His disciples?

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

This week we focus on the third mark of disciples: “Faithful in Worship.”  A disciple seeks to live a life of worship.  In this mark, a disciple seeks to follow the example of Jesus who lived a life in worship of the Father.  Jesus lived this out with others as He worshiped in synagogue and temple. So also a disciples seeks to worship with others weekly, while cultivating a rich personal and/or family devotion life.   How is Jesus calling us to grow in faithfulness in worship?

• First Reading Deuteronomy 5:12-15
• Psalm Psalm 95
• Second Reading Hebrews 10:19-25
• Holy Gospel Luke 4:14-21

For those who were in worship last Sunday:  Please bring your “Following Jesus” booklet to worship this Sunday!

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

• Church, School and Mission: (October 21, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Sanctuary).  How can we as a church better serve our St. John’s School community? How can we better share the love and compassion of Jesus with those who are served by our school? This workshop will be led by Michael Zimmer, Education Executive for the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS.

• Missing Pan:  If you know the whereabouts of a baking pan, approx.. 13” x 18” x 2” that lived in the Parish Hall kitchen, please return it ASAP.  The 6^th graders use it on a regular basis when they bake for “The Table.”  Thank you!

• 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.

• 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.

• Hurricane Harvey Relief Donations . . . There are many options available to provide support for those who are in need because of the hurricane and flooding in Texas.  Here are links to several options:

• LCMS World Relief:    https://www.lcms.org/givenow/hurricane
• Texas District of the LCMS:  http://txlcms.org/congregations/disaster-relief/
• Lutheran Church Charities (Comfort Dog & Disaster Relief):  http://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/

• Thrivent Matching Donations . . .Thrivent will match up to $3 million in personal donations made online through Thrivent.com to specific disaster relief organizations responding to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The dollar-for-dollar match will lead to a total combined impact of up to $6 million. For more details and to see the list of organizations included in the match, visit the Disaster Response page on Thrivent.com.

• 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.