The August 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
School Theme
“Live Loved”
August 20, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather We are dearly loved by our saving God. That love is seen most concretely in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for us. Our Lord wants us to live each day in the awareness that we are indeed loved by Him. In other words, He wants us to “live loved.”
We respond to this gracious love by loving those around us. The love that we have received from God is echoed in the love we give to others. In other words, we are to “love love.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 describes both the love received and the love given: “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
“Live Love(d)” is the St. John’s Lutheran School theme for the 2023-2024 school year. We celebrate the start of a new school year today, praying God’s blessings upon our school community and rededicating our staff. We also will be recognizing and blessing those who serve in education in other schools. May God bless all of our schools as we being a new school year!
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself. We will celebrate Holy Communion at this service.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
Getting to Know Jesus: Using the Six Core Teachings of the Bible to Grow in a Deeper Relationship with Jesus
By Paul Schult
Is the Christian faith mainly about relationships, or is it about teachings and doctrines? Is it about having an authentic relationship with Jesus, or having the correct biblical understanding of the Bible’s teachings, with Jesus at the center?
The answer is “yes,” and this little book by Paul Schult helpfully makes this connection. He uses the six core teachings of the Bible, as presented in Luther’s Small Catechism, to teach what a relationship with Jesus is all about.
If you would like a straightforward, very readable review of the basic teachings of Christianity, with the emphasis on relationship, I highly recommend this book. I have used it to supplement the “Foundations” class and have recommended it frequently in that capacity.
The author, Paul Schult, is the pastor of our sister congregation, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Redwood City. There is a copy of this book, along with previously recommended books on the Church Library cart in the Narthex, available for checking out.
Maui Fire Relief
This update is from an email that District President Mike Lange sent out:
Pray for the leaders and members of Emmanuel Lutheran, Kahului, Maui. They function as God’s hands and feet to the people of Maui. They are Christ’s ambassadors and bear the presence of the Savior. Pray for their strength and care as they walk beside many in great need, assisting them, and pointing them towards Hope, found only in Jesus.
What is happening?
- The people of Emmanuel are providing immediate response, sharing needed goods and services, and assisting school families who are housing displaced people.
- Two staff from Lutheran Church Charities are deployed to Maui. They will help to organize a response effort able to be sustained by Emmanuel and supported by the CNH and the greater LCMS.
- Infusions of relief dollars from your CNH Disaster Fund, LCMS Disaster Relief, local congregations, individual donors, Orphan Grain Train, and LCEF are enabling a growing response.
- We hope to deploy crisis counseling personnel to assist in ministering to survivors and caretakers, sponsored by LCMS Disaster Relief and the CNH.
In addition, CNH District 1st VP, Rev Mitch Gowen, has in conversation with the Governor and one of the State Representatives to see if it is possible to get a waiver on the animal quarantine HI requires for animals coming into the state. If this happens, then it would open the possibility of LCC sending a couple of comfort dog teams.
What can you do?
- Pray for those so horrifically affected, those mourning, and strength for caregivers.
- Encourage those you may know on Maui with texts, cards, and emails. Let them know you are remembering them and praying for them.
- Share a gift to support relief work and recovery. Here are links to several organizations:
- LCMS Disaster Response
- CNH District Disaster Relief Fund
- Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Maui (indicate for disaster relief)
- If you are a Thrivent member, you can give to Emmanuel Lutheran Church through Thrivent. They are matching $1 for every $2 donated. https://thrivent.cotribute.co/events/832598/detail
Sunday Bible Class Starting September 3
A Blessing for our Nation
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’ll be making use of Right Now Media, as well as other resources is exploring how we can live out biblical values in tangible, practical ways that honor God and show love to our neighbors.
Pastor Mike will be leading this class starting on September 3. Meeting in Room 10. All are welcome!
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
Youth News
Attention all incoming 7th, 8th, & 9th graders! On August 11-12 the CNH District will be hosting a lock-in at St. Philip in Dublin. I want you to come with us to attend the event! This is your chance to “Let Your Light Shine” as you stay up all night in fellowship with students from across the district! Plenty of games, food, and of course devotion! Come end the summer with a bang at this District Lock-in! Contact Kevin Mathison if you would like to attend this event. Confirmation Parent Meeting will be Wednesday, August 30th at 7:00 PM in Room 10. Contact Kevin if you have any questions.
St. John’s Lutheran School
The 2023-2024 school year is about to begin and St. John’s Lutheran School is in need of a Spanish teach (part-time) and Computer Teacher/IT coordinator (full-time position with church and school responsibilities).. If you are interested, would like more information, or know of someone who may in interested in either of these positions, please contact Christy Wood at cwood@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…
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