Many today say that we are people who are "living in the storm." Our boat (our lives) are swamped and we are afraid. Today's Gospel from Mark 4:35-41, reminds us that whether we acknowledge it or not . . . Jesus is "in the boat" with us. His presence is constant, even when we may not feel it or experience it. When Jesus calms the storm on the sea, Jesus' power is revealed. Our faith is required to believe in that presence and to trust in it.

Such faith in Jesus' power, enables us to risk for the sake of mission. In the New Testament lesson for this weekend (II Corinthians 6:1-13), the apostle Paul reminds his fellow missionaries that they will experience difficulties and even possible rejection as they seek to carry out their missionary work. But Paul's faith remains strong. And Paul tells them that God has not rejected them. God is working for our salvation!

MISSION BLESSING THIS WEEKEND

At all worship services this weekend, we are featuring a special Mission Blessing for all who are involved in various expressions of mission outreach this summer. We have a variety of adults and youth who are involved in mission trips this summer, including: Workcamp in Bolivar, Tennessee . . . Team Ecuador in Nuevo Esperansa (New Hope), Ecuador . . . S.A.L.T. Camp at L.O.M.C. . . . Bethlehem Farm in West Virginia . . . "Spread Truth" in New York City. Many "servants" are heading into the "storms of life" in places where Jesus is leading them in order to reach out to others in mission and ministry for the sake of the Gospel!

TIME AND TALENTS SURVEY

We have had some initial responses to our online time and talents survey. Please take a few minutes to go to this link and complete the survey. This will help our congregation and help you to "connect" your abilities and gifts for ministry to places and opportunities where you can participate. Our hope is to have every St. John's member respond! Please take the time to complete the survey. It will only take a few minutes of your time, but it will impact our congregational ministry in ways that will be amazing!

Please follow the link below to access the survey. After collecting all of the survey information, you will be contacted regarding your choice(s).

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=nzynHlsYhAvsTxz3Yxiygw_3d_3d

If you should have trouble accessing the survey on line, hard copies are available at the Welcome Centers through Friday, June 26^th.

PRAYER: O GOD OF CREATION, YOU PRESIDE OVER LAND AND SEA, SUNSHINE AND STORM. BY YOUR STRENGTH PILOT US, BY YOUR POWER PRESERVE US, BY YOUR WISDOM INSTRUCT US, AND BY YOUR HAND PROTECT US, THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR AND LORD. AMEN.

Alive in Christ,