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
LOVE: Loving our Neighbor
April 14, 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 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.
This Sunday we focus on love, in particular, loving our neighbor. Both Jesus and Paul pointed to love as the fulfillment of the law. The love of God is the reason for our salvation; His love seen especially in the death of Christ for unworthy sinners. What does this mean for how we treat those with whom we disagree?
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:
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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:
- Please take a moment to fill out these two surveys regarding our High School Ministry. Student Survey & Parent Survey.
New Worship Series April 14, 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 14 – LOVE: Loving our Neighbor – Whom are we called to love?
- 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?
- “Citizens of Heaven Living on Earth” (Pastor Mike in Room 10). The class will be a deeper discussion into the topics raised in this worship series. This week, we will seek to apply Christ’s teaching and example of love for the unworthy in a divided political climate. We will also touch on the doctrine of the “Two Kingdom” and the distinct role of the Church and the State and what that means for us as individuals who are part of both kingdoms.
- “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
Mere Christianity
By C.S. Lewis
A few weeks ago, I reviewed “The Screwtape Letter” by C.S. Lewis. It kind of got me started on a C.S. Lewis kick, re-reading books of his that I had first read 30-40 years ago. (It also helped when I learned that many of them are included in my Audible subscription.) There is value in reading again very good books because as we grow in knowledge and life experience, the teachings and insights take on fresh relevance and application. Such is certainly the case with the writings of C.S. Lewis.
“Mere Christianity” occasionally shows up on lists of the most important Christian books of the 20th century, sometimes at the top of the list. This is a work of apologetics, a defense of the Christian faith. Lewis is addressing the skeptic of his time regarding the reasonableness of the faith. What stands out about Lewis’ writing is his sharp, incisive logic, his down-to-earth applications, and, above all for me, his memorable illustrations. I was reminded while reading this book again of a number of illustrations of the faith that I regularly use in teaching that I had forgotten were first learned from this book.
“Mere Christianity” was not initially a book, but rather a series of radio lectures that Lewis gave at the request of the BBC during World War 2. The BBC wanted to avoid any dead air space since it left the airwaves vulnerable to hi-jacking by German infiltrators who could then broadcast propaganda to the British people. The BBC thought they should have some Christian programing and so asked popular Oxford professor Lewis to put together a series of brief talks to fill up the airspace. Little did they know that those lectures and the subsequent book would become one of the most important works of Christian apologetics of the century, a book that over the years many have credited with being part of their coming to faith in Christ.
If you have never read this book, I highly recommend it. If your only familiarity with C.S. Lewis is the Narnia books (which are very good as well), this would be a good introduction into his formidable theological mind and impressive gift of communication.
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.
Board of Directors Nominations
The Board of Directors is receiving Board nominations for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. There are nine members of the Board of Directors. Five of these positions are up for election this year. Board members serve for a two-year term and can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. If you are interested in nominating someone (or yourself) for the Board of Directors, please click on this link to download information about qualifications and responsibilities. Also included is a nomination form to be completed and returned to the church office, John Van Hofwegen, or Pastor Mike There will be a Board Information Forum on Thursday, April 11 at 7:00 in the Library for those who are interested in being nominated for the board. This forum is a mandatory part of the nomination process. Those who are interested in being nominated need to attend. This forum is also open to anyone who just wants to learn more about the governance polity of St. John’s, and how the Board works. Nomination Forms are available in the E-vine, in the church office, or by coming to the forum. These forms are to be returned to Board Chair John Van Hofwegen, or Pastor Mike Schmid by May 15.
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 have concluded the book of Ephesians and will be starting the book of 1 Peter on April 8th. We are taking this short break in order to concentrate on this important season of Easter. We are changing things up a bit when we resume in April as 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…
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