The October 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
“You Don’t Need the Church”
October 22, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather There’s a common saying that going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in a garage makes you a car. The point is that all you need is faith in Jesus. The congregation fellowship and church are nice to have for those who want it, but not really necessary for being a Christian. But is this what God says in His Word? We look today at God’s intent in calling us to be a congregation, not as an optional add-on to the faith, but rather central to what it means to be His disciples.
There will be 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.
New Email Addresses for the Church
Please make a note that we are changing the email addresses for the church. Please use the following email addresses for correspondence.
- Church Office: churchoffice@stjohnsnapa.org
- Pastor Mike: pastormike@stjohnsnapa.org
- Kevin Mathison: kevin@stjohnsnapa.org
- Tim Kramer: tkramer@stjohnsnapa.org
What is different? The domain “stjohnsnapa.org” instead of “stjohnslutheran.net.” We are moving away from the “stjohnslutheran.net” so that all emails, church and school, will be “stjohnsnapa.org.” The old emails will remain active for a time to make sure we don’t miss anything, but please update your address books accordingly.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution
By Carl R. Trueman
Have you ever looked around at the world today, especially regarding some of the dramatic shifts in how society looks at sexuality and gender, and wonder, “How did we get here?” How did we get from certain concepts being considered absurd a generation or two ago, to a place where those notions are broadly accepted?
In this book, Carl Trueman provides an answer. Eschewing simple explanations, he dives deep into the historical, philosophical and technological roots that have led to personal identity becoming so highly politicized and sexualized. In doing so, he also addresses how the contemporary notions of identity compare to the biblical perspective of personhood.
This is not light reading. But well worth the effort. And if you really want to go even deeper, I recommend Trueman’s other book, “The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.” “Strange New World” is a concise and more accessible version of that highly academic work. I have found both books extremely helpful in understanding how deep societal shifts can affect the way we view ourselves and our world.
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
“Israel, the Church, and Wars and Rumors of Wars”
Over the past few weeks, I have been asked a number of times about the relationship of the nation of Israel to the church, to prophecy, and the end times. It is not difficult to find online those who view the war as a sign that the end is coming. But what does the Bible say about the people of Israel? What does it say about the church? What does it say about the end times? This Sunday in Bible class, we will look at what the Bible says, and what it means for us and our world.
Zoom Bible Study for Parents
Last month we started a zoom-based bible study for parents with children at home. The Bible study meets virtually on Mondays at 8:30 pm (after the kids are in bed!) This coming Monday (October 23), we’re going to be talking about praying with your children and teaching them to pray. If you are interested in joining, please contact Pastor Mike.
New Home Needed for SJLS Room 10 Piano
Free Yamaha upright piano in great condition needs a new home. Please contact the school office at (707) 226-7970 or the church office at (707) 255-0119 if you are interested. It will be the responsibility of the new owner to move the piano. However, the piano is on wheels which will make moving much easier.
This piano was originally used as the church piano before it was moved to Room 10. It is a Yamaha Piano, which is considered one of the best piano brands for mid-priced pianos. They are known for their precision, reliability and performance. Click here for additional pictures.
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. kevin@stjohnsnapa.org
Our next Prayer and Praise will be on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 5:00 PM.
Solar Savings
We are thankful for the solar panels that now grace our Parish Hall and the “Snack Shack” by the field. Our annual electric bill was over $27,000 before the pandemic. Our electric bills for July and August together were about $50. Thanks be to God! And thanks to all who have supported this project through offerings.
Coffee Ministry Needs Help
Do you enjoy the coffee hour after church? Would you like to be part of this ministry? We are looking for additional people to join us! Join a team or get some friends and make a team. Three or four people are ideal. On the job training will be provided.
Responsibilities are: • arriving prior to service to set up • providing refreshments – may be baked or purchased • making coffee • setting up serving tables and seating • serving the refreshments • clean up
We appreciate the people who help set up and put away tables and chairs and those who contribute refreshments. This is a welcoming time of fellowship for both members and visitors. Any questions or willingness to serve – please contact Susan or Bill Clark or the church office.
Our Confirmation year is underway and it’s been a blast so far, but it’s about to get even better! We are heading off on our retreat this weekend. Please pray for our travels and also the time we have together to learn and grow with one another. Can’t wait to share more about our time at camp!
Women’s Bible Study
Join us on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary. We are studying the book of Ephesians. If you have any questions, please contact Judi Rock. 707.738.6707.
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…