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 .
“Easter C’s: Confirmation, Comfort, Commission, Courage”
April 7, 2024
9:30 AM
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
This year, Easter (March 31) almost fell on April Fools’ Day (April 1). This happened most recently in 1956, and will reoccur in 2029. Yet there is nothing about Easter that is meant to play a trick on us. We are not fools for believing. Christ is risen from the dead. His physical resurrection was confirmed by many witnesses at many times, and many at the same time. Many so-called “facts of history” have been accepted as true with far less evidence. Yet it is the Spirit of Christ that ultimately convinces us that the testimony of men (and of angels) is truth. “No one can say that Jesus Christ is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:3) This Sunday we will focus on Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in the Upper Room on that first Easter evening, and will concentrate on Jesus’ powerful and convincing words spoken to them on that occasion. We will do so under the theme of “The Four Easter C’s: Confirmation, Comfort, Commission, Courage.”
Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
We will be streaming on our Facebook Page as well: CLICK HERE
Easter Breakfast:
Children’s Ministry:
- VBS – It’s time to SCUBA! The VBS date is set, June 17-20. Sign ups are open and volunteers are needed. Please go check out our website to see if there is a role for you.
Surge:
-
Our next Surge is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 from 6-7:30 PM. This is open for our 5th & 6th graders to come hang out, play games, and dive into a devotion.
Confirmation:
-
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 Starting April 14
Citizens of Heaven Living on Earth
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.
Please note the point of this series is not to give direction regarding who to vote for, which party to favor, or which legislation to champion. That will not happen, and that is not the purpose of this series. The ultimate focus is not our nation, but our own hearts, and how we live our lives each day as followers of Jesus during this time.
Pastor Mike’s Bible class for April 14, 21, & 28 will explore these themes in a discussion setting, going deeper into the Word.
- 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?
Sunday Bible Classes resume this Sunday after worship.
Foundations: Basic Christian Teachings – Pastor Mike in Room 10
The Gospel of Mark – Joel Wahlers in Room 8
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age
By Samuel James
Winston Churchill once said: “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” His point being that once we occupy and use a building, our lives begin to adjust and change in response to that building and its very architecture.
What Churchill said about architecture is actually true of all of our tools, and especially the tool we call technology. For instance, the introduction of the printing press, the railroad, the automobile, and the television, to name a few, not only provided a new tool to benefit human life, they immediately began to change lives, change society, and change the world, as humanity adjusted to the new technology to the point that life soon seemed unimaginable without that technology.
The introduction of the smartphone may be the most profound new technology in terms of its impact on how we live our lives. In just a decade and a half since the iPhone was introduced, it has had an enormous impact on daily life, to the point that for a significant number of people, and more and more businesses, life cannot be imagined without it, and is being shaped around it.
In this book, Samuel James suggests that the impact is even greater than we might think. He pulls together research that shows that the online world, and its instant accessibility through the smartphone, is actually changing our brains, how we think, and how we interact with the world and each other.
But this is not an anti-technology screed. Rather, James is calling us as followers of Christ to cultivate Christ-centered wisdom in how we use this technology. We need wisdom not only regarding the content of what is available online – much has already been written about that – but also the way the online world shapes our values, our thinking, and our desires, by the very way it works.
This is an important book. I highly recommend this for anyone who has a smartphone, who is on social media, and especially for anyone who finds themselves checking their phone for no apparent reason than to check it. This book will be on the bookshelf in the narthex eventually, but I’ve already loaned our copy to someone else who is reading it.
For previous recommendations CLICK HERE .
Last chance to send us your latest contact information for the 2024 Spring Directory! Please email the phone numbers, email addresses, and address that you want to appear in the new directory. If we don’t hear from you by April 8th, we will publish what we have from last directory. Thank you!
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.
Memorial Service for Bonnie Wilson
Friday, April 5 at 1:00 PM.
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.
Endowment Fund Disbursement Application Process
The purpose of the St. John’s Endowment Fund is to receive, to manage and to distribute funding to support and implement the mission and vision of St. John’s Lutheran Church. A the end of December, the value of the fund was approximately $1.33 million. Please refer to the Endowment Fund By-Laws for a complete description of what the funds may be used for, and how they are managed: Endowment Fund By-Laws Each year up to 5% of the value of the fund is available for disbursement to support the ministry. For some of the funds that make up the overall fund, the disbursements have defined purposes (tuition assistance, etc.) The Endowment Fund Committee is receiving applications for 2024 2025 disbursements from the “SJL Ministries” portion of the endowment fund. This year there is approximately $36,000 available to be disbursed from this fund. If you have an idea for a ministry disbursement and would like to submit an application, please click on this link to download an application: Endowment Fund Application. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2024. Please send or drop off applications to the church office. The Endowment Fund Committee will then review all applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Dine and Donate
Join us on Tuesday, April 9th at Mary’s Pizza Shack! Mary’s serves homemade pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads & soups — perfect for the whole family! Mary’s will donate 20% of Dine-in, Take-Out & Delivery orders, all day to our SJLS Dance Team. Don’t have time to stay? Mary’s will donate 20% of gift card purchases that day. CLICK HERE for flyer.
Fellowship at St. John’s Survey
We are planning to offer a variety of fellowship opportunities this coming year. If you didn’t fill out the blue paper survey in church, please click the link below to fill out this form and indicate which events are of interest to you, as well as which ones you would like to help make happen. Thanks for taking the time to help us plan fellowship events! CLICK HERE for the link.
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, starting April 8th 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.
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.
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…
Leave a Reply