The December 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
Prepare the Way
“Rejoice”
December 17, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather Paul writes that it is the Lord’s will that we rejoice always. Jesus told His disciples that He has come to give them a joy that the world cannot take away. But how do we rejoice when there are so many things in the world and within us that seem intent on stealing our joy? What is the joy of the Lord and what does it mean for us as we celebrate His coming?
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
Worship Tech Overhaul
“Faith Comes From Hearing”
We’ve heard your feedback and understand that one of the biggest challenges you and our visitors face when attending worship in person or watching the livestream, is participating in the service because it’s difficult to see or hear God’s Word, the lessons, and the beautiful music that’s raised up to God in praise. With these concerns in mind, we’re doing a complete and total overhaul of the audio and visual technology in the St. John’s sanctuary and Faith chapel. We’re working to create an experience that is free of distractions, allowing our members, visitors, students, and families to focus on the most import element of any gathering held at St. John’s, God’s Word. If you would like to help support this mission, we ask that you do so through your offerings. There are three ways you can give:
- In person using your offering envelope.
- By clicking: Donate to St. John’s Lutheran (https://bit.ly/DonatetoStJohnsLutheran)
- By using the Vanco Mobile app
We ask that you notate your donation with “Faith Comes From Hearing” or “Worship Tech Overhaul” to ensure it is applied to this project.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
On the Incarnation
By Athanasius of Alexandria
As we head into Christmas, I’m recommending a timeless classic of theology about the incarnation, what we celebrate on Christmas. Athanasius wrote this book in approximately 319 AD, in part as a refutation of Arius and the Arian heresy. (I talked about this at the Advent Midweek service on December 13 in providing background to the hymn “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.”) The Arians taught that Jesus was not true God as was the Father, but rather the Father’s first creation, making Jesus kind of a God, Jr.
In this book, Athanasius lays out the meaning of the incarnation, that Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, is true God and true man. He provides the solid biblical foundation, and also covers why it is so important that we get this right.
This book has held up remarkably over the centuries and Athanasius’ presentation is just as timely and relevant today as it was in the 4th century. I know of people who read this every Advent to help ground them in the truth that we celebrate as we gather to the manger.
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.
St. John’s LCC K9 Comfort Dog Ministry Partners with Camille Creek
A special thank you to all how participated in this ministry gift to families in need at Camille Creek School. Your gifts were truly appreciated!
Advent Midweek Service Information
Advent Midweek December 20
Lessons and Carols
This is a service of Word and song, tracing the prophecies of the Messiah through the announcement of His birth. The service will be led by our Sanctuary Choir.
Pastor Mike’s Sunday Bible Class
Pastor Mike’s class will not meet this week.
POINSETTIA AND TREE GIFTS
The Worship Preparation Team welcomes donations to cover the cost of the Christmas trees and poinsettias that will beautify the sanctuary during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Envelopes for your gift will be on the table in the narthex. Thank you so much!Christmas Worship
Please note that Sunday morning, December 24, we will be observing the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Our Christmas Eve celebrations begin with the Children and Family service in the afternoon. We will have three services in celebration of the birth of the Savior:- Christmas Eve, 4:00 PM – Children and Family Service, including a birthday cake for Jesus! This service will not be streamed.
- Christmas Eve, 7:00 PM – In Person in the Sanctuary, Communion and Candlelight. This service will include both the worship band and the organ, along with the Sanctuary Choir.
- Christmas Day, 9:30 AM – In Person in the Sanctuary, Communion
34th Annual Hauch Invitational Tournament (H.I.T.)
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
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. 
Our next Prayer and Praise will be on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 5:00 PM.
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.
Women’s Bible Study
We are on break until January. Stay tuned! 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 Christmas Donation UPDATE
CLICK HERE to view list of requested items.
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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