The November 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
“Inheritance of the Saints”
November 5, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
Our salvation is spoken of in Scripture as an inheritance. We who are in Christ now will share in the “inheritance of the saints.” What does it mean that our salvation is an inheritance?
Our worship today includes the “Commemoration of the Faithful Departed.” We remember those in our St. John’s family who, in the past year, have been gathered to the Lord. We give thanks for their faith, as we pray for all who by grace are counted among the saints today. There will be 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.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims
By Rebecca McLaughlin
In this helpful little book, author Rebecca McLaughlin considers five commonly-heard sayings. These sayings are normally associated with a more secular outlook, rather than a Christian outlook. But the author points out that they still flow from a Christian worldview. And, in fact, on the surface, Christians can gladly affirm them. Black lives do matter. Love is chief among values. Women’s rights are human rights. Historically, it was Christianity that first championed diversity and inclusion as flowing from the truth that we are all made in the image of God, and that God is a God of both justice and love.
The challenge for Christians is that these saying, as popularly used, often carry connotations that Christians cannot affirm. What the author does in this book is help us see the Christian roots and values behind these statements, so we can better understand and engage when discussing where we differ regarding their application and relevance today.
I appreciate the compassionate heart of the author as she calls Christians to live out our own creed as we engage the challenging issues of the day. Too often, Christians have forgotten about love, kindness, and mercy in responding to societal issues. She has written a book that is not an angry polemical tirade against the culture, but rather a call to follow Jesus.
I highly recommended this book. Rebecca McLaughlin is becoming one of my favorite authors for her compassionate and rigorous analysis and application of God’s unchanging Word in changing times.
There is a copy of this book, along with previously recommended books, on the Church Library cart in the Narthex, available for checking out. Previous recommendations can be found here: Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf.
Sunday Bible Class
“Israel, the Church, and Wars and Rumors of Wars”
We will be continuing our discussion on this topic. What is the relationship of the nation of Israel to the Church, to prophecy, and the end times? It is not difficult to find online those who view the war as a sign that the end is coming. But what does the Bible say about the people of Israel? What does it say about the Church? What does it say about the end times? This Sunday in Bible class, we will look at the Bible says, and what it means for us and our world.
Open Forum
Worship Tech Recommended Fix
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend an open forum after worship on November 12 in the Sanctuary. As you probably are aware, we have multiple challenges and problems with our current worship tech equipment (Sound, projector, stream, etc.). At our congregational meeting in June, we approved funds from the endowment fund for a consultant to analyze our needs and make recommendation. We will be presenting those recommendations at this open forum, along with a plan to upgrade our sanctuary, streaming and Faith Chapel tech in order to address the challenges and enhance our worship life together.
18th Annual School Musical Anastasia –
Tickets On Sale Now!
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.
Our next Prayer and Praise will be on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 5:00 PM.
Solar Savings
We are thankful for the solar panels that now grace our Parish Hall and the “Snack Shack” by the field. Our annual electric bill was over $27,000 before the pandemic. Our electric bills for July and August together were about $50. Thanks be to God! And thanks to all who have supported this project through offerings.
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
Join us on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary. 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…