E-Vine September 7, 2018

  This Week’s Memory Verse

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:7-8)

  As We Gather

The Church is unlike any other organization.  Or at least it is supposed to be.  Most organizations operate with the principle that membership or rank has its privileges and perks.  The outsiders or newly initiated need to defer to the experienced and senior, who have the rights, power and influence to have things their way.  But the Church is shaped by the cross, and by the One who set aside the divine glory that was His, and took on the form of a servant for the sake of those on the outside.  In the Church, maturity and growth is marked by an increased willingness to set aside our “rights” and “privileges” for the sake of others, especially those outside the church.

In our passage today Paul teaches this important aspect of the cross to the Corinthians regarding the practice of eating meat sacrificed to idols.  Even thought that particular application is far from our world today, his point is extremely important in our mission field context regarding what it means to be a Christian congregation today.

1^st Reading Philippians 2:1-11        

Psalm Psalm 15

2^nd Reading 1 Corinthians 8:1-13     

Holy Gospel Mark 7:14-23           

 Children’s Church Teachers:     Erika Boudreaux & Teresa Schmid

Stewardship Corner Scripture is full of instances where God has used ordinary people like us to accomplish extraordinary things.He chose a stammering Moses to lead His people out of bondage, self-serving fishermen, James and John, to lead His Church and spread the Gospel, impulsive Peter’s confession upon which to build His Church, and Paul, who spoke of a thorn in his flesh, to be the first great missionary of the Christian Church.God uses imperfect people, those whom the world considers weak and flawed, to extend His kingdom.When we allow ourselves to be used by God in whatever way He chooses, He takes our meager talents and blesses them.

• Attention all AMAZON Users! Please consider using “Amazon Smile” when you place your orders, designating St. John’s Lutheran Church fund.  (There is no additional cost to you!) Amazon Smile https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-6001864

• Ministry Trends Forum Part 2:  A Gathering for Reflection and Prayer: On Tuesday September 11 at 7:00 in the Sanctuary, we will have a follow-up to the Ministry Trends Forums on June 11 and 24.  All are invited to this follow-up forum.  There will be more information presented, as well as the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon these trends, how we feel about them, and how they are affecting our lives.  But the main focus will be providing an opportunity to bring these concerns and opportunities to the Lord in prayer.  

• Worship: Let’s Talk about it.  We are planning a couple of forums for the purpose of discussing our Sunday worship life and how to improve it:  What can be improved?  How can we make worship more accessible for guests and those unfamiliar with the way we worship?   The forums will be on Sunday, September 23^rd in the Parish Hall/gym after each of the services.   The forum after the 8:30 service will focus on that service.  The forum after the 10:15 service will focus on the 10:15 service.

• Growth Group Worship Series – I AM: The Radical Claim that Changes Everything (September 30-November 11, 2018) – Our fall worship series will focus on the “I am” statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John.  This series will involve not only Sunday Worship, but also a Growth Group gathering during the week.  The purpose of the Growth Group is to grow in friendship, to grow in God’s Word, and to positively impact the world.

• Wednesday Morning Bible Class…This class, led by Pastor Mark, will continue studying the book of Romans, picking up at chapter 12.  This is a detailed study as we work our way through the rest of this book verse by verse.  All who are available on Wednesday mornings are welcome to join us.  Class meets each Wednesday morning in Room 10 from 10:30 – 11:30.

• Stephen Ministry Training Continues…This will be a busy week for our trainees.  Thursday and Friday night sessions will focus on Distinctively Christian Caring in which they will discover more effective ways of using resources such as prayer and Scripture as tools in caring ministry.  On Saturday morning the topic is Process versus Results in Caregiving as they learn the difference between their role as caregivers and God’s role as Curegiver.  Finally, on Saturday afternoon Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly will be taught as they discover the difference between passive, assertive, and aggressive behavior and gaining skills that will help both in relating with others and in affirming their own worth.  Please continue to pray for our trainees.  For more information about Stephen Ministry contact Pam Barker, Penni Cremen, or Pastor Mark.

• Youth Events…“Attention all HIGH SCHOOLERS! We have officially kicked off our Sunday Morning Hangout (smh). Come out each Sunday morning at 9:30am for fellowship & DONUTS! We meet in the Youth Office.”

“It’s almost school time y’all. Stay tuned for the fall kick off events!!”

• St. John’s Facilities Online Calendar:  Looking for a room for a meeting or event?  You can 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.