The April 2024 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
Citizens of Heaven Living on Earth
ALLEGIANCE: Citizens of Heaven
April 21, 2024
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
How do we live as citizens of heaven while also citizens of our earthly nation? How do we keep Christ at the center when our country is going through a contentious election season? How do we treat others, especially those with whom we disagree? How do we keep our ultimate allegiance to Christ when our nation is divided on so many issues? How do I respond to news that worries me, disgusts me, or alarms me? Where do I find hope in difficult times? This is what we will be looking at in this three-week worship series. We are directly addressing the current political season and what it means to be salt and light in our lives at this time. We are focusing on teachings that are always true, but that are especially applicable and relevant during this time. Today we focus on ALLEGIANCE. Where do I place my highest allegiance? Is it to a political party? Or a political ideology? Or is it to the nation? Christians are called to offer our highest allegiance to Christ, that our values and actions flow from His Word and what He has done. What does that mean in a divided nation, where there is intense disagreement on many issues? How do I live each day is a way that reflects that my allegiance above all is to Christ? We will celebrate Holy Communion at this service.
Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
We will be streaming on our Facebook Page as well: CLICK HERE
Children’s Ministry:
- It’s time to SCUBA! The VBS date is set, June 17-20. We are really in need of adult volunteers. Please check out the website to see if there is a role for you.
Surge:
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Our next Surge is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23 from 6-7:30 PM in Room 10. This is open for our 5th & 6th graders to come hang out, play games, and dive into a devotion.
Confirmation:
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Confirmation Sunday is approaching quickly! On May 5th our confirmands will confirm their faith and share their Faith Statements with y’all. Please join me in praying for all of our students and families as we near the end of our Confirmation year.
High School:
- High School Hang out! May 5th following the service. Join us for games, snacks, and fellowship! We will meet outside of Room 8.
- Please take a moment to fill out these two surveys regarding our High School Ministry. Student Survey & Parent Survey.
New Worship Series April 21, 28
Citizens of Heaven Living on Earth
In this series, we will be directly addressing the current political season and what it means to be salt and light in our lives at this time. We will be focused on teachings that are always true, but that are especially applicable and relevant during this time. CLICK HERE for a video introduction to the series by Pastor Mike.
- April 21 – ALLEGIANCE: Citizens of Heaven – To whom do we owe our highest allegiance?
- April 28 – HOPE: Hope in Uncertain Times – Where do we find our hope in uncertain times?
- Pastor Mike’s Class will not be meeting this week. The class will resume on April 28, continuing to provide for deeper discussion into the topics raised in the “Citizens of Heaven Living on Earth” series.
- “The Gospel of Mark” (Joel Wahlers in Room 8) This class on the Gospel of Mark makes use of resources from Right Now Media, along with class discussion.
The Rite of Blessing the Fields
Join us on Saturday morning, April 20, at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is invited. You are also invited to get your hands dirty planting and transplanting. Refreshments and fellowship during and after.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
The Great Divorce
By C.S. Lewis
Yes, another C.S. Lewis book this week. I have been enjoying re-reading several C.S. Lewis classics of late.
This book is not about marriage, but rather about heaven and hell. But it is not a theological or devotional essay. Rather, it is a work of fiction, depicted as the dream of a man who visits heaven and hell in his dream, and wrote about what he saw and experienced. Just as Lewis used fiction in “The Screwtape Letters” to depict the contours and scope of temptation, so in this brief book, he uses fiction to write about heaven and hell. But the real point that Lewis is making has to do with the direction and shape of the Christian life. So, like “The Screwtape Letters,” this is really a book about discipleship, a very creative, imaginative look at the meaning of the Christian life.
One of the fascinating and thought-provoking points in Lewis’ depiction of hell and judgment is that the those who are under God’s judgment in hell have essentially chosen it and prefer it to the alternative. The same weaknesses and foibles from their earthly lives continue in eternity, and are in fact magnified, such that the denizens of hell, despite an opportunity to visit heaven, are eager to get back on the bus and go “home.”
In one of the memorable lines which is spoken as the narrator is conversing with a resident of heaven, is that there are essentially two types of people: There are those who say to God in faith, “Thy Will be done.” And then there are those to whom God ultimately says, “Thy will be done.”
As a work of fiction, it shouldn’t be pressed too hard or mined too deeply to discern every facet of Lewis’ doctrinal stance. But his main points come through quite clearly: We are too quick to excuse in ourselves that which does not reflect Jesus simply because it’s convenient, provides short-term gain, or satisfies our ego. The point of the book ultimately is not to provide doctrinal answers regarding the nature of heaven and hell, but rather to invite us to take a hard look at our own thoughts, words and deeds in our lives today, and to ask ourselves how well they match up with the character of the Savior we claim.
There is a copy of this book, along with most of the previously recommended books on the Church Library cart in the Narthex, available for checking out.
For previous recommendations CLICK HERE .
Mission India Partnership
We are thankful to the Lord for the privilege that we have to partner with Mission India for the spread of the kingdom and the changing of lives in India. We will soon be making our decision regarding our partnership with Mission India for the coming year. Namely, how many Literacy projects, Children’s Bible Club projects and Church planters we will sponsor in the coming year. We will make that choice based on the balance in the “Mission India Fund” on May 6. If you would like to support out partnership financially, please mark your offering for Mission India. You can do this with a physical check or online.
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.
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.
Women’s Bible Study
We are studying the book of 1 Peter. Elaine Zimmerman will facilitate some of the teaching moments! Please consider joining us each Monday, at 10:00 AM, in our sanctuary! Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us…” Judi Rock (707)738-6707
Men’s Saturday Morning Bible Study
The Men’s Saturday Morning Bible Study is currently studying the Gospel of Luke. Join us for fellowship at 7:30 AM and Bible Study from 8-9 AM.
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.
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 THANK YOU!
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…