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
“Remember Your Leaders”
August 6, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather As we come to the concluding chapter of this letter, the writer turns his attention to offering practical guidance in living the Christian life. We are followers of Jesus; therefore, how should we live?
This Sunday’s focus is on remembering our spiritual leaders. The text encourages us to imitate them and have confidence in them that their service might be a joy. Why is this important? What does this mean for spiritual leaders? What does it mean for those being led?
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How it Ends, and Everything Important That Happens in Between By Gregory Koukl
What is Christianity all about? What’s the big picture of the Bible? What’s the big picture of existence itself? This little book by author Gregory Koukl lays out straightforward, down-to-earth answers. He presents the basic Christian story in terms of five easy-to-remember words: God, Man, Jesus, Cross, Resurrection. Along the way, he contrasts the Christian story of reality with other competing stories, especially the secular story which dominates our culture today.
Why is this helpful? Sometimes we get bogged down in Bible reading, losing site of the forest for the trees. Having a good grasp of the over-arching story helps us better understand how it all flows together, and where we fit in to God’s grand narrative. Being well-grounded in the basic story of Christianity also equips and prepare us to share the good news of Jesus with others.
Koukl’s style is very down-to-earth and not overly technical, which is quite an accomplishment since he is presenting weighty topics. I was so impressed by his presentation that I have incorporated some of his approach and technique in my class on the key teachings of the Christian Faith, “Foundations.” (https://stjohnslutheran.net/foundations)
Honoring Ellen Burmester
This Sunday, August 6, we will be honoring and blessing Ellen Burmester during worship at 9:30am. We will be giving God thanks for her many years of ministry, and all the blessings God has poured out through her into the lives of children, as well as the blessing she has been to us and to all of our St. John’s community.
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.
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.
Save the Date
Pastor Mark and Anne are moving to Minnesota the end of August. We are planning a Farewell and Godspeed reception following the Sunday, August 27th church service. RSVP’s would be appreciated. Please call the church office. We will need help with set-up and clean-up, so if you can help, please call the church office.
Sunday Bible Class resumes September 3.
Please note the change from the previous announcements. Pastor Mike will be starting a new class on September 3 after worship (11:00 AM).
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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