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 .
Jesus is Better
“Blessing”
August 27, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
We conclude our series on the letter to the Hebrews with the writer’s prayer and blessing for his readers. It is a blessing that God equips them and works in them for His good purposes, all to the glory of Christ. May the Lord so bless each of us as well!
We will celebrate Holy Communion at this service.
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.
New Worship Series
Can we tell the difference between things that are true, and things that sound true, but really aren’t? There are in fact many commonly heard expressions today that sound genuine enough to come from God, but upon closer examination, they really take something that is true and twist it slightly to make it not only false, but dangerous when taken to heart. The temptation in the Garden of Eden began with Satan seeking to stir up doubt and confusion about what God really said, “Did God really say?” The same deceptions are at work today to lead us away from God’s truth into error. In this series, we will look at lies that sound true, and the truth of God that gives hope, life and peace.
Sigrid Dobat Memorial
The memorial service for Sigrid Dobat will be this Saturday, August 26, at 1:00 PM in the Sanctuary. This will be followed by a reception in Room 10.
Ride Needed to Worship this Sunday, August 26
Two women who have recently begun worshiping with us, a mother and daughter, need a ride to worship this coming Sunday. The daughter has also recently joined our Special Needs Sunday School, and would like to be present this Sunday for that. They live in downtown near Fuller Park. If you are able to provide a ride this Sunday that would be very helpful! Please contact Pastor Mike for more information.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life
By Tish Harrison Warren
This book is a gem. I just finished reading it for the second time and believe myself to be blessed as much as reading it the first time.
Author Tish Harrison Warren (one of my favorite writers) walks through an ordinary day and the mundane tasks that make up our days: Getting up, making the bed, brushing our teeth, eating lunch, checking email, etc. In each of these activities, she sees reminders of God’s activity in our lives and His presence and grace among us. She also connects each of these activities with the parts that make up the historic liturgical worship service. In doing so, she brings together things that we don’t often think about as being together: Worshiping God in Word and Sacrament and, for instance, brushing our teeth.
Every moment of every day is a gift from God, with numerous indicators and signposts of His love, as well as His call on our lives. I highly recommend this book for those who would like to look at their daily lives through a sacred lens.
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 CNH District President Mike Lange:
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.
- Three staff members from Lutheran Church Charities, to include a crisis counselor, 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 more 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 been 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 Hawaii requires for animals coming into the state. If this happens, then it would open the possibility of LCC sending K9 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 several organizations involved in relief work:
- LCMS Disaster Response
- CNH District Disaster Relief Fund
- Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Maui (indicate for disaster relief)
- Lutheran Church Charities
- 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
Maui Fire Relief Funds From St. John’s
The St. John’s Board of Directors approved sending $19,000 to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kahului from our Wildfire Relief fund. The funds will be able to be used for immediate fire relief for those in need.
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 in 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 3rd meeting in Room 10. All are welcome!
DISABILITY MINISTRY GATHERING
Some people draw circles that keep certain people out.
Jesus draws a circle to keep many people close to Himself for all eternity. . . The circle He draws He calls His flock, His family, His friends, His church!
He welcomes all . . . And desires that we welcome all too!
But some may feel excluded . . . Because of some disability or something that marks them as different.
We may not intend to exclude them . . . But we can fail to be aware of their challenges for fully participating in our friendship and fellowship.
We need to be much more intentional about how the lines fall at church, how they intentionally draw people in . . . Or unintentionally keep people out.
We would like to involve some of our members who are especially sensitive to how the lines fall here at our congregation . . . We would like your input as to what we can do better to welcome more people, especially those who face special challenges for socialization, participation, inclusion as movers and shakers of our congregation.
While a disability ministry task force is our ultimate goal, at this point we need people who are gifted with disability inclusion hearts and eyes . . . Help us to discern together what keeps some out . . . What holds some in for their own benefit and ours.
First meeting is Tuesday, September 19, at 7 p.m. in Room 10.
For more information contact: elaine zimmerman zimelaine@comcast.net
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 Confirmation students and parents! We will be meeting on Wednesday, August 30th from 7-8pm in Room 10 for our Information Night. I look forward to starting this year off with y’all!
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…
Teri Main
I see that a friend of mine who previously lived in Detroit, Sigrid Dobat, has passed and had a memorial service at your church in August, 2023. I was wondering if your church was aware of when she passed and what was her cause of death? She was a lovely lady and would appreciate any facts you have to provide closure for me.
Thanks,
Teri Main
mschmid
Hello Teri,
Yes Sigrid passed away in August after being very ill. She had multiple health struggles which seemed to get worse after her mother passed last year. Sigrid and her mother were dear to our family here are St. John’s and to several members in particular. We are thankful to have had them as part of our community. But above all we are thankful that she is in the presence of our Savior, awaiting the resurrection.
God’s blessings to you and yours,
Pastor Mike Schmid