“Always and Only Jesus”
August 8, 2021
As We Gather
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, throughout my years in ministry I have spoken about many different passages of Scripture both in sermons and in personal visits. The three I have selected for today are some of my favorites not only to share with others, but to also to take into my own heart for encouragement and strength.
Psalm 139 – God knows everything about us and there isn’t place we can go from His presence.
Hebrews 12 – I have always marveled that joy and cross appear in the same phrase. Jesus didn’t focus on the shame of the cross. Instead, He thought about the glory of His Father and the joy of redeeming humanity.
Mark 2 – the personal words of forgiveness Jesus speaks to the paralytic are the same words He speaks to us through the Word and the Sacraments.
The message is always the same. It is always and only about Jesus, our hope and salvation. God’s Peace, Pastor Mark
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the handout, and to link to the live-stream itself.
We will be streaming on our Facebook Page as well: CLICK HERE
Congregational Open Forum August 29
After worship on August 29, Pastor Mike will lead an open forum regarding St. John’s Ministry going into the future. We will look at changes in light of Pastor Mark’s retirement, as well as current discussion about future staffing. We will also talk about worship and plans to gather input as we shape worship for the future. The forum will be streamed.
Small Groups and Leader Training
One of the best ways to grow as disciple is being part of a small group that gathers around God’s Word. The small group forms a community that comes together for growth, for prayer, for service, and for encouragement in following Jesus
We are seeking to form multiple new small groups this fall, to meet for 4-6 weeks in October/November.
In order for this to happen, we need people willing to lead. Pastor Mike will be offering leader training on Wednesday evenings in September. On September 8 and 15, we will talk about leading a small group, including making use of Right Now Media resources.
If you are interested in leading a group, please contact Pastor Mike.
Welcome New Kindergarten Teacher Ayne Ondek
We are pleased to welcome Mrs. Ayne Ondek as our new Kindergarten teacher. Some may remember Miss Shouse from when she was a teacher in our Preschool program. After relocating to the East Bay, getting married, having a daughter, and obtaining her Master’s degree, Mrs. Ondek and her family are moving back to Napa. Welcome (back) to St. John’s, Mrs. Ondek!
Wednesday Night Worship August 11th
“Are You The One?”
Join us for Wednesday Night Worship next week. In Matthew 11:1-6, Jesus responds to a question from John the Baptist who is in prison. Given John’s predicament, he wants to know if Jesus is really the one who is to come. Jesus points John – and us – to what He has been doing as confirming His identity. What does this say about Jesus to us today?
To access, please go to our streaming page CLICK HERE
Family and Children Resources
“Children’s Church Lesson” This is a weekly Sunday School/Children’s Church type lesson for parents to lead with small children. Please use this at home during this time when we are unable to offer our regular Children’s Church. Here are this week’s suggestions:
- THIS WEEK’S PRE-K LESSON CLICK HERE
- THIS WEEK’S ELEMENTARY LESSON CLICK HERE
- COLORING SHEET CLICK HERE
- ACTIVITY SHEET CLICK HERE
- THIS WEEK’S VIDEO CLICK HERE
HELP WANTED
We are accepting applications for a church and school custodian. Interest workers may contact the church office at 255-0119.
August 2021 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE
Upcoming Events in August
Please mark these Sundays on your calendar!
- August 8 – Pastor Mark Final Sermon. Pastor Mark will proclaim the Word of God in his last sermon as a pastor of St. John’s
- August 15 – Pastor Mark’s retirement. We praise God for the ministry of Pastor Mark, both here at St. John’s and in the other congregations he has served. There will also be a dinner after the worship service
- August 22 – Installation of Megan Mathison. We are installing our new 2nd grade teacher Megan Mathison and rededicating the entire staff. We celebrate the start of the new school year with our theme “Better Together.”
- August 29 – Installation of the Board of Directors. We will install the new members of the Board of Directors. There will be a Congregational Open Forum after worship to present and discuss future staffing.
Pastor Mark’s Retirement on August 15 – RSVP’s requested
We will be celebrating Pastor Mark’s ministry and his retirement during worship on August 15. The service will be followed by a meal in the parish hall. Please call the church office to RSVP for the meal. 707.255.0119. Thank you!
Calling all Singers…
For August 15th, I would like to invite anyone who is interested in celebrating Pastor Mark through song to join the choir in singing John Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”. I can pass out music after Sunday services, and I could also leave some copies in the church office. I would encourage those interested to utilize practice parts that are on YouTube. I will hold two rehearsals prior to singing in the August 15th service – August 8th after church, and August 15th prior to the service. All are welcome! Erin Blackwood
Youth Ministry
We have been experiencing a pretty fun summer in Youth Ministry. It has been special because we are coming out of Covid and it’s been refreshing to gather in person once again. Time seems to be flying as we only have a few more summer events before school starts.
Confirmation is approaching as the summer comes to an end. If you or your youth are in 7th or 8th grade keep your eyes open for the Confirmation information.
Follow our page on Instagram @stjohnsnapayouth to stay up to date on what’s happening in the summer.
From our Director of Children’s Ministry
PRESCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED!
Do you love working with preschoolers? Are you looking to join a vibrant preschool team of teachers? Do you have a passion for 3 and 4 year olds? Do you love Jesus and want to share that with our little ones?
We are looking for a couple of creative teachers to help out part-time in our afternoon program. Responsibilities include supervising play, planning fun and educational activities for our curious little ones, and some cleaning.
Please contact Janis King if you are interested! jking@stjohnsnapa.org or Call: (707) 208.2996
August 2021 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE
Napa State Hospital Donation UPDATE
Napa State has changed their donation request list. Please note the following…
Needed:
- calendars
- greeting cards-no glitter
- fabric
- construction paper
- crayons
- water color paints
NO LONGER ACCEPTED:
Magazines and yarn
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
Comforting the Afflicted https://www.rightnowmedia.org/Content/Series/915
God never promised that life would be without troubles, but what He has promised is that He will be with you in them. In this series by Dr. Tony Evans, rediscover the closeness of His comfort. You do not walk alone. God is with you and will fully supply the encouragement, compassion and strength you need to overcome in the the valleys of your life.
If you haven’t already signed up for Right Now Media, click on this link: http://bit.ly/STJOHNSNAPA
If you haven’t already signed up for Right Now Media, CLICK HERE.
Support SJLS through Scrip! Easiest Fundraiser Ever!!
See below for updated details (Ongoing News… ) Click here to watch a video on how easy Scrip is using the RaiseRight app. Remember there are always cards you can purchase in the school office especially our local vendors, Foodshed, Hop Creek and Tarla Bar and Grill, but using the RaiseRight app is so convenient for all of your everyday purchases.
Ongoing News and Information
Donate to SJLC through Amazon…
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the handout, and to link to the live-stream itself.
We will be streaming on our Facebook Page as well: CLICK HERE
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