The September 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
“God Made You This Way, So It’s OK”
September 24, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
We continue the series of messages entitled: “Did God really say?” Today’s topic is “God Made You This Way, so it’s OK”. What way? The way I am today. The result of a process that began in my mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13-14) and continued as He shaped me along the way until today, employing parental nurture, education, training, spiritual nurture, life experiences, etc. So our being with all its parts (body and soul, mind and emotion, talents and personality) are gifts of God. But what if I don’t like some aspects of who and what I am? Is that OK? What about people who are challenged with great disabilities? That’s surely not OK, is it? Lots to chew on here.
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.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible
By Andrew R. Jones
Do you want to get more out of your Bible reading? To dig a bit deeper into the text as well as its application in your life? This book provides a helpful framework for doing just that. Andrew Jones (pastor of First Lutheran Church in Concord) has put together a list of 10 questions to ask about the text, its context, and yourself as you engage a bible verse or bible passage.
This is an eminently practical book, filled with not only examples, but also suggested practice exercises, complete with worksheets, to help you begin asking those ten questions. The last section of the book provides an opportunity to put it all together in analyzing several passages.
Andrew Jones’ writing style is very down-to-earth, and his analyses of familiar bible passages were very insightful and helpful. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to grow in their engagement with the biblical text.
There is a copy of this book, along with previously recommended books on the Church Library cart in the Narthex, available for checking out.
Previous recommendations can be found here: Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf.
Sunday Bible Class
No Bible Class This Sunday, September 24
Pastor Mike’s Bible class will not be meeting this Sunday. We will resume on October 1, as we look at “Seeking Justice and Compassion for the Poor and Vulnerable.”
Women’s Bible Study
Join us on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary. We look forward to studying the book of Ephesians. Workbooks are available in the church office. If you have any questions, please contact Judi Rock. 707.738.6707.
St. John’s, Fall has arrived, and you know what that means. No I’m not talking about finding that perfect Reformation costume for Trunk or Treat, figuring out the best treats to share, or even finding the perfect pumpkin for carving. I’m talking about Oktoberfest at St. John’s. Last year we had a great time sharing food, drinks, music, and community fellowship. This year, we are hoping to have an even bigger event. So adorn your best lederhosen, and come join us on 10/14/2023 between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm for some Oktoberfest festivities.
If you’d like to help make this a fun and amazing event, please contact the church office or Josh Wright at sjlcsocialmedia@gmail.com to learn about what volunteer opportunities are available.
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
Boo! Halloween is coming up which means it’s time for Trunk or Treat! You are officially invited to come check it out, participate in the fun, decorate your trunk, or maybe do all three! We would love to have you join us on Sunday October 29th from 4-5:30 PM. Please contact Kevin for any questions regarding your trunk.
Surge is back this week! I would like to invite any 5-8th graders to come check it out! Pizza, games, and a devotion. Join us in room 10 from 6-7:30 on Tuesday, September 26th.
Confirmation is in action on Wednesday, September 27 from 7-8:30pm in Room 10. We are off to a great start!
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…