There are many meaningful ways to honor the Lord and support the ministry of St. John’s beyond traditional giving. The St. John’s Endowment Fund Committee invites you to a Planned Giving Seminar on Sunday, February 22 at 11:00 AM in the Parish Hall/Gym.

You’ll learn about Donor-Advised Funds, bequests through a will or trust, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and other opportunities for faithful stewardship. We are pleased to welcome Brian Hyde, Gift Planning Counselor with the LCMS Foundation, who will present on these topics and answer your questions. All are welcome to attend.

Lent is here, and with it comes our Wednesday evening soup suppers before Lenten services. We invite all soup, stew, and chili makers to share their gifts and help nourish the St. John’s family during this season of faith and fellowship.

Individuals, families, and groups are welcome to sign up to host by providing two to three soups, with optional salad and desserts, and helping with set up, serving, and clean up. Please click the link to sign up; https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wVrJicux-ou3RFlEIC5WHkpQe9iqt1XbnWNV4mz92SE/edit?usp=drivesdk.

Let us continue this meaningful tradition of gathering, sharing, and breaking bread together.

The season of Lent invites us to listen again for Christ’s voice. In Revelation 2–3, Jesus speaks to seven churches—calling them to remember, to repent, to endure, and to return. These ancient words still search our hearts and strengthen our faith today. As we walk through Lent, we hear Christ addressing His people with truth and mercy, inviting us to renewed love and deeper trust in the One who walks among His churches still. Next Wednesday, February 25, we will look at the letter to the church in Smyrna.

February 25 - Smyrna: "Faithful in Suffering"
Christ speaks tenderly to a church under pressure: "Do not fear." (Revelation 2:8-11). This week we reflect on how His presence sustains us in trials and strengthens us to remain faithful when life grows heavy.

The Bible class will not meet this Sunday, but will resume on March 1 after worship.

If we take the scriptures seriously, we will acknowledge that there is a spiritual realm and there are spiritual beings all around us that we cannot see. The Bible is full of references to angels as God’s servants. In this multi-week study, we’re going to look at and discuss what the Bible says about these spiritual beings, compare and contrast with the views of popular culture, and what it means for us today. This week, we are continuing our study of the fallen angel we know as Satan. What does it mean that Satan has been defeated, and yet we still pray daily for deliverance from evil? We will meet in Room 10 each Sunday after worship at 11:00 AM.

Please join us for a wonderful time sipping tea, enjoying a sit-down lunch, listening to a speaker, and raffle prizes. The tea will take place on Saturday, March 7 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Parish Hall. To reserve a table for you and seven guests, or if you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Vitkus at havegoalstomeet@gmail.com.

Our valley is known around the world for its vineyards and the remarkable wines they produce. But have you ever noticed how often wine, grapes, and vineyards appear in the Bible? From Noah’s vineyard to the Last Supper, these images play a significant role—both as real, agricultural products and as rich symbols of God’s truth.
 
You and your friends are invited to Wine and the Word, an evening exploring winemaking in biblical times and the many ways Scripture uses the imagery of wine and vineyards. Winemaker Andy Schweiger will share insights into ancient Israelite winemaking, and Pastor Mike will teach on the role of wine throughout the Bible.

And yes—there will be wine and refreshments. This event is open to all, so feel free to invite others.

Summer will be here before you know it, so save the date for an amazing week of VBS fun and adventure! This year, we invite kids to step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids will plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. They'll explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, their creator, a safe place in life's storms.

A website for registration will be up at a later date, but in the meantime please prayerfully consider playing a role in delivering a memorable experience for the kids this summer. The dates are set for Monday-Friday, June 15-19, from 9am-Noon. Please contact Kevin Mathison with any questions you may have.