The December 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
Prepare the Way
“Trust”
December 24, 2023 ~ 9:30 AM
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather What normally takes nine months from its beginning, we will arrive at its fulfillment in less than a half a day. This morning’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-38) relates the announcement of the angel Gabriel to Mary of her blessed destiny to be the mother of God’s Messiah. The Annunciation of our Lord is traditionally celebrated on March 25. This evening we will celebrate the Nativity of our Lord (Luke 2:1-20). The Gospel of the Annunciation will make a fine introduction to the mystery of Who the Babe of Bethlehem is and Why He has come. It also gives us an example of the importance of embracing by faith, as Mary did, the promises God makes to us through his Son, whether our time of waiting be a matter of hours, days, weeks, months, years, a lifetime! The God of grace will accomplish what He promises to do. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper during 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.
Christmas Worship
Please note that Sunday morning, December 24, we will be observing the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Our Christmas Eve celebrations begin with the Children and Family service in the afternoon. We will have three services in celebration of the birth of the Savior:
- Christmas Eve, 4:00 PM – Children and Family Service, including a birthday cake for Jesus! This service will not be streamed.
- Christmas Eve, 7:00 PM – In Person in the Sanctuary & streamed, Communion and Candlelight. This service will include both the worship band and the organ, along with the Sanctuary Choir.
- Christmas Day, 9:30 AM – In Person in the Sanctuary & streamed, Communion
Christmas Eve
“A Savior Has Been Born to You”
December 24, 2023 ~ 7:00 PM
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
The angel told Mary that she had found favor with God. But the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy and the birth of her son seem anything but favorable. It almost seems as though God was trying to stack the deck against them, with so many difficulties to navigate all at once. Why did God seem to make things so difficult for Mary and Joseph? What does this say to us today? We look this evening at the familiar account of Jesus’ birth, and see in it a powerful teaching of the grace of God for those going through hard times.
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper during 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.
Christmas Day
“The First Christmas Carol”
December 25, 2023 ~ 9:30 AM
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
What is the first Christmas Carol? The song the angels sang to the shepherds after they announced the birth of the Savior. Scripture records just a brief text: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14). But this brief statement proclaims the true meaning of the event we celebrate today. Because of the birth of Christ, there is glory for God in heaven, and there is peace on earth. Today we unpack those words, the first Christmas Carol.
We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper during this service.
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 7:00 PM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
St. John’s LCC K9 Comfort Dog Ministry Partners with Camille Creek
A special thank you to all how participated in this ministry gift to families in need at Camille Creek School. Your gifts were truly appreciated!
POINSETTIA AND TREE GIFTS
The Worship Preparation Team welcomes donations to cover the cost of the Christmas trees and poinsettias that will beautify the sanctuary during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Envelopes for your gift will be on the table in the narthex. Thank you so much!Worship Tech Overhaul
“Faith Comes From Hearing”
We’ve heard your feedback and understand that one of the biggest challenges you and our visitors face when attending worship in person or watching the livestream is participating in the service because it’s difficult to see or hear God’s Word, the lessons, and the beautiful music that’s raised up to God in praise. With these concerns in mind, we’re doing a complete and total overhaul of the audio and visual technology in the St. John’s sanctuary and Faith Chapel. We’re working to create an experience that is free of distractions, allowing our members, visitors, students, and families to focus on the most import element of any gathering held at St. John’s: God’s Word.
If you would like to help support this mission, we ask that you do so through your offerings. There are three ways you can give:
- In person using your offering envelope
- By clicking: Donate to St. John’s Lutheran (https://bit.ly/DonatetoStJohnsLutheran)
- By using the Vanco Mobile app
We ask that you notate your donation with “Faith Comes From Hearing” or “Worship Tech Overhaul” to ensure it is applied to this project.
Foundations
An Overview of the Christian Faith
What are the essential teachings of the Christian faith? What do they mean in our lives and in our world today?
Pastor Mike will be leading a nine-session overview of the basic teachings of the Christian Faith. This study in basic Christianity will cover all the essential teachings, how they fit together into one compelling story, and what they mean for our lives today.
This class is required for those who are interested in membership at St. John’s. But it is also helpful for those who seek to better understand the Christian story in order to grow in their faith and be better equipped to share it with others. Throughout the class, we will be considering the major challenges to faith and how the Christianity provides a better story for our world today.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Pastor Mike. If you would like to attend but child care is an issue, please contact Pastor Mike.
When: Sundays, from January 28 through March 24
Time: 11:00 AM (after worship)
Place: Room 10
34th Annual Hauch Invitational Tournament (H.I.T.)
We are blessed to have so many young kids with us each Sunday, but we are running low on Children’s Church leaders. If you are looking for a place to serve here at St. John’s I ask you to consider working in Children’s Church. It’s an awesome way for the kids to hear the good news of Jesus delivered in a way suitable for them to understand and hold on to. Please get in contact with Kevin Mathison if you have any questions about getting involved. We would love to have you join the team!
We have a Dine and Donate on January 9th from 10 AM-8 PM at Foodshed Take Away. Twenty percent of your order will be donated to the 5th grade trip to Redwood Alliance.
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
New Email Addresses for the Church
Please make a note that we are changing the email addresses for the church. Please use the following email addresses for correspondence.
- Church Office: churchoffice@stjohnsnapa.org
- Pastor Mike: pastormike@stjohnsnapa.org
- Kevin Mathison: kevin@stjohnsnapa.org
- Tim Kramer: tkramer@stjohnsnapa.org
What is different? The domain “stjohnsnapa.org” instead of “stjohnslutheran.net.” We are moving away from the “stjohnslutheran.net” so that all emails, church and school, will be “stjohnsnapa.org.” The old emails will remain active for a time to make sure we don’t miss anything, but please update your address books accordingly.
Coffee Ministry Needs Help
Do you enjoy the coffee hour after church? Would you like to be part of this ministry? We are looking for additional people to join us! Join a team or get some friends and make a team. Three or four people are ideal. On the job training will be provided.
Responsibilities are: • arriving prior to service to set up • providing refreshments – may be baked or purchased • making coffee • setting up serving tables and seating • serving the refreshments • clean up
We appreciate the people who help set up and put away tables and chairs and those who contribute refreshments. This is a welcoming time of fellowship for both members and visitors. Any questions or willingness to serve – please contact Susan or Bill Clark or the church office.
Women’s Bible Study
We are on break until January. Stay tuned! We are studying the book of Ephesians. If you have any questions, please contact Judi Rock. 707.738.6707.
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 Christmas Donation UPDATE
CLICK HERE to view list of requested items.
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…