The July 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
Jesus is Better
“Remember Those Who Are Suffering”
July 16, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
We continue our series “Jesus is Better,” a study of the letter to the Hebrews. This letter is actually a written sermon to believers who were struggling with their faith. They were being tempted to go back to a life without Jesus, a life rooted in the unfulfilled promises and pictures of the Old Testament. The writer of this letters seeks to show them in many ways that Jesus is better – not only better than what they had before, but better than everything.
The writer encourages his readers to remember their brothers and sisters in Christ who have been imprisoned and mistreated for their faith. He encourages them to identify with them. The same encouragement comes to us as well. Many Christians in many parts of the world do not have the freedom that we enjoy to live and express their faith. What does it mean to remember and identify with them?
We will celebrate Holy Communion at this service.
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
Worship on July 16 in Faith Chapel
We will gather for worship on July 16 in the Faith Chapel. The sanctuary will be closed during this time for the stripping and waxing of the floor. Please watch the weather and come prepared to be outside!
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
I read a lot. The books I read and the insights I gain not only enhance and bless my life, but they also show up in my teaching and preaching, and in my conversation and counseling. I find myself frequently recommending books and am also often asked for recommendations.
So I’m starting a new feature for the E-vine, our St. John’s Family Facebook, and for our new St. John’s website (coming soon!): “Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf.” Every week or so, I will make a book recommendation and write up a brief review. Also, I will place a copy of the book on the book cart in the church entryway for those who may wish to borrow it from our church library. These are books that I have found interesting and helpful, and so recommend to those who may be interested in these topics.
Here is the first book:
Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible
by John D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry.
For details, CLICK HERE.
Youth News
Attention all incoming 7th, 8th, & 9th graders! On August 11-12 the CNH District will be hosting a lock-in at St. Philip in Dublin. I want you to come with us to attend the event! This is your chance to “Let Your Light Shine” as you stay up all night in fellowship with students from across the district! Plenty of games, food, and of course devotion! Come end the summer with a bang at this District Lock-in! Contact Kevin Mathison if you would like to attend this event.
Sunday Bible Classes will resume August 27th.
Campus Security Fence Project
The campus security fence construction is almost finished! This will include the fencing and gate between the church office and the school office, as well as replacing the fencing around the field to match the security fences already installed. Regarding accessing the campus, please be assured that all groups that are currently making use of the campus will still have access to the campus. We will be working out procedures and issuing appropriate keys over the next several weeks.
Biblical Counseling at St John’s?
The Biblical Counseling Center of Napa Valley
The Biblical Counseling Center of Napa Valley is a ministry to the families of St. John’s Lutheran Church and all Christians in the greater Napa area. Our center began some 25 years ago to offer strength and direction to those Christians suffering through trials and tribulations using the promises and hope the Bible offers to those who trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior. To learn more, CLICK HERE. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with life’s stressors, please consider giving us a call at 707-738-5306. (We are a free ministry to all).
Right Now Media
Right now media is an online resource providing Christian videos for all ages: Children’s resource, Bible Studies, lectures and more. As a congregation, we have subscribed to Right Now Media, so access is free for all in our St. John’s family. If you haven’t already signed up for Right Now Media, CLICK HERE.
Napa State Hospital Donation UPDATE
Please refer to list on the collection box in the Narthex (Church Entryway).
As a Thrivent member, you are eligible for two Thrivent Action Teams per year. Thrivent Action Teams are a great way to make a positive impact in your community. Thrivent offers all the resources you need to get started, including up to $250 in seed money. Your team below provide the passion that brings your project to life. Here are some ideas on how you can help us here at St. John’s…
- Youth Events, VBS, Mission Farm, Large Print Ministry and LCC K9 Comfort Dog Ministry
Please call the church office if you are inspired to help with projects like these above and much more. Christy Kramer will be happy to help you apply for your Action Team Card.
CLICK HERE for instructions. CLICK HERE for more information.
Do you wish to receive the E-Vine by text?
Signing up is simple. Just text “sjlctext” to 855-906-0515. When an e-vine is sent out, you will receive a text with a link which will take you to the current e-vine. If you currently receive the e-vine by email, you will continue to receive it that way as well, unless you request for it to stop.
Where do I find sermons and services that I missed?
You can find previous sermons in three places. The full services are available on the YouTube channel.
- YouTube Channel:
- https://www.youtube.com/user/stjohnsnapaca/live
- There are playlists for sermons, Sunday Services, Wednesday Night Worship and teaching on Matthew
- RightNow Media Channel
- https://www.rightnowmedia.org/CustomLibrary/41667
- Scroll down to find recommendations as well as sermon and Gospel of Matthew lessons
- Website
- https://stjohnslutheran.net/sermons-2/
- The sermons are arranged by worship series
Ongoing News and Information
LCC K9 Comfort Dog Info… Scrip Info: What is Scrip?… Social Media at St. John’s… Mission India…