The September 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
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Did God Really Say?
“You Don’t Need to Read the Bible”
September 3, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
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 are 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.
Today we focus on whether we need to read the Bible. The way to spot counterfeit currency is to be very familiar with genuine currency. The only way we can truly identify lies that sound true is to be very well grounded in God’s truth. That’s why this lie is so dangerous. On the one hand it might sound true because we don’t need to read the Bible to be saved. Neither are we saved by our biblical knowledge. But it is His Word through which His grace comes to us, His Word that transforms our minds, and empowers His transformation in our lives. We will look at several lies about God’s Word that are aimed at keeping us from reading our Bibles.
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
People To Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just An Issue
By Preston Sprinkle
This is a hard topic to have a meaningful discussion about. It’s so easy to devolve into a clichés and “us” versus “them” thinking, as well as looking at homosexuality simply in terms of sin and doctrine, rather than also taking to heart the real people with real lives who are made in the image of God. The author says of his approach, “The question of homosexuality defies simple answers, so I refuse the give thin answers to thick questions.” This book is the result of rigorous study of what the scriptures say as well as listening and taking seriously the stories of his LGBT friends.
This is a very helpful book. His scriptural analysis is some of the best I have read on this topic. He goes deep into the interpretation of the relevant passages, as well as their historical context, and what it means in our context today. He also looks fairly and honestly at the way Christians have spoken about this issue and how the Church has treated those who are attracted to their own sex. This is certainly an issue where it is possible to be right and wrong at the same time.
I highly recommend this book as we strive to live lives that are marked by faithfulness to our Lord and love toward those around us.
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
Save the Date: Saturday, October 14th!
Summer is coming to an end and fall and October are just around the corner. This also means that Oktoberfest is going to be happening soon. Please contact Josh
Wright for details on how you can help make this event even better than last year.
We are looking for volunteers to help make this a fun and safe event.
Josh Wright sjlcsocialmedia@gmail.com
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
Hey High Schoolers! We are meeting on Tuesday night from 6-8pm in Room 8. Join us for pizza, games, and our continued journey to “Find Truth” with Francis Chan.
Confirmation will have their first Learning Event on Wednesday from 7-8:30 in Room 10. It’s not too late to get involved. Contact Kevin Mathison if you have questions.
It’s time for Preschool Bibles! We have the opportunity at St. John’s to give kids their first Bible each and every year when we enroll new preschoolers. We ask that you consider joining us on this mission by sponsoring a Bible for one or a few of the children. Each Bible sponsorship will be $10 and we will have pens available for notes to be written if so desired. The Bibles will be located in the Narthex beginning September 10th. We will also have extras available for purchase at cost for anyone who may want to sponsor a Bible to someone outside of St. John’s School.
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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