The October 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
“It’s Wrong to Judge Others”
October 1, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather We continue the series of messages entitled: “Did God really say?” Today’s topic is, “It’s Wrong to Judge Others”. One of the most well-known and quoted verses in the Bible is, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). But just quoting that verse takes it out of its context, where Jesus was speaking against hypocrisy. Then several verses later, Jesus calls on His disciples to make judgments regarding true and false teachers. So what does Jesus teach regarding judging, and what does it mean for us today?
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 Gospel According to Satan: Eight Lies About God That Sound Like the Truth
By Jared C. Wilson
Do we really want to hear the gospel according to Satan? Author Jared Wilson assures us that we are regularly hearing it in the sayings and cliches of our culture, as well as some of the things we tell ourselves. There are things that sound true about God and ourselves that are actually false and misleading and harmful. If this sounds similar to our current worship series, “Did God Really Say,” it’s no accident. This is one of several books I read in preparing this series. (I’ll be reviewing a couple of other similar books in the weeks to come.) As the author explains in his introduction, his approach is to imagine what the gospel would sound like if Satan proclaimed it. Keeping in mind that Jesus calls Satan the “father of lies,” the gospel according to Satan would consist of supremely deceptive lies about God, all designed to deprive us of the peace, comfort and hope that only comes through the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. And the sad truth is that there are many such lies that are commonly heard in our world today. If you want to dive more deeply into some of the topics I have been raising in our current worship series, check out this book.
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
Seeking Justice and Compassion for the Poor and Vulnerable
How does Scripture help us navigate the complex social issues facing the United States? In this class, we will explore what the Bible says about some of the topics that dominate conversations in our culture: basic human rights, religious freedom, caring for creation, justice in issues of race and poverty, and prioritizing life and family. We are making use of Right Now Media, as well as other resources, in exploring how we can live out biblical values in tangible, practical ways that honor God and show love to our neighbors.
This Sunday, we will focus on caring for the poor. In His Word, God calls us to care for the poor, and to seek justice for them. What does that mean for us today as individuals, as a church, and as a nation? Pastor Mike is leading this class after worship (11:00). Meeting in Room 10. All are welcome!
Women’s Bible Study
Join us on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary. We look forward to studying the book of Ephesians. Workbooks are available in the church office. If you have any questions, please contact Judi Rock. 707.738.6707.
St. John’s, Fall has arrived, and you know what that means. No I’m not talking about finding that perfect Reformation costume for Trunk or Treat, figuring out the best treats to share, or even finding the perfect pumpkin for carving. I’m talking about Oktoberfest at St. John’s. Last year we had a great time sharing food, drinks, music, and community fellowship. This year, we are hoping to have an even bigger event. So adorn your best lederhosen, and come join us on 10/14/2023 between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm for some Oktoberfest festivities.
If you’d like to help make this a fun and amazing event, please contact the church office or Josh Wright at sjlcsocialmedia@gmail.com to learn about what volunteer opportunities are available.
A Message From the Mission Farm Crew:
The harvest is late this year, but it is in full production right now. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. If you can spare a day, especially a Monday, a Wednesday, or a Saturday morning, please join us. If you believe it is important, and a Christian thing to do, to help feed grocery-stressed families, but you lack the flexibility of time or body to work the fields . . . then remember you can help fill up the grocery barrel with non-perishable food items which when filled is delivered to the Food Bank. We can all do our part! Farmer Ted
Boo! Halloween is coming up which means it’s time for Trunk or Treat! You are officially invited to come check it out, participate in the fun, decorate your trunk, or maybe do all three! We would love to have you join us on Sunday October 29th from 4-5:30 PM. Please contact Kevin for any questions regarding your trunk. kevin@stjohnsnapa.org
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…