September 20, 2018 Evine

This Week’s Memory Verse

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share in its blessings.       1 Corinthians 9:22-23

As We Gather

Paul speaks of the Christian life as preparing for an athletic event, a race or a boxing match.  Just as disciplined training is a necessary preparation to compete in these events, so also the life of a disciple requires disciplined training.  Paul’s call to train so as to run the race and claim the prize is a call to give priority to discipleship.

1^st Reading                             1 Kings 19:1-18

Psalm                                       Psalm 24:1-6

2^nd Reading                             1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Holy Gospel                            Luke 9:18-27

 Children’s Church Teachers:     Joy Dahl, Lindsey Engelbracht, Kristi Carey, Danielle Irwin

THE BEST PREPARATION FOR TOMORROW IS TO WORK SMART AND HARD TODAY.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed”    (Proverbs 16:3).

•  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.

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• Lemonade Stand after Services on Sunday, September 23rd… Member andSJLS second grader, David Como, is sponsoring a lemonade stand to benefit our LCC K9 Comfort Dog Ministry.  Please stop by and support his efforts!  Thank you!

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• Attention all AMAZON Users! Please consider  sing “Amazon Smile” when you place your orders, designating St. John’s Lutheran Church fund.  (There is no additional cost to you!)    Just click on the link below and place your order.  It is that simple!     https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-6001864
• Stephen Ministry Training Continues…This coming week the Stephen Ministry training class at St. John’s will be considering the subject of Maintaining Boundaries in Caregiving.  In this presentation they will be learning how to guard against being manipulated and how to recognize their own tendencies to foster dependency by doing too much.  We thank God for the continuing dedication of our Stephen Minister trainees and ask your continued prayers for them and for God’s blessings upon their ministries.  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.”

CREW:  Calling all 3^rd & 4^th graders! September 20^th is the kickoff event for you. 6pm at SJL. Stay Tuned!!

CLUB 56:  Great night of kickball last week! See you 5^th & 6^th graders September 25^th at 6pm for the next event!

ABLAZE: Stay Tuned!

ABIDE: High School youth! Come out to ABIDE on Thursday night at 7pm!! Contact Kevin Mathison for more info.

• Stewardship Corner… Jim Elliot, who was a missionary and a martyr for his faith, gave us this profound statement: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Through faith, we understand the truth in this statement.  All of our worldly possessions will at some time be taken away from us.  We will lose them during our lifetimes, or they will be taken away at death.  They cannot be kept forever.  However, we have the opportunity to use our material possessions in service to the Lord by giving to those in need and God’s Church.  What we give through faith will provide spiritual dividends for us as well as for others.  As Paul wrote, “[The gifts you sent] are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).  In verse 17, he wrote, “Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.”  What we do in Christ’s name for Him, we cannot lose.
• 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.
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• 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: 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 on the link below:

volunteersignup.org/88F3X

We thank you for your service.  Your time and your talents are greatly appreciated.

Blessings,
The Table Team

• Recycle your Household Batteries at SJL: 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.  https://stjohnslutheran.net/abide-devotion/
• Online: Are you on Facebook?  Twitter?  Follow and Friend St. Johns!  @sjlcnapa