December 7, 2023

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

“Repent”

December 10, 2023

Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.

As We Gather  

John the Baptist was chosen by God to prepare the way for the ministry of Christ.  John’s message reflects that way God always calls His people to prepare for His coming:  Repent.  So we too, as we prepare to commemorate Christ’s first coming, and anticipate His second, are called to repentance.  But what does this mean?  What is repentance and why is it so important?

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.  

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:

1. In person using your offering envelope.
2. By clicking: Donate to St. John’s Lutheran (https://bit.ly/DonatetoStJohnsLutheran)
3. 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

The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy

By Tim Keller

This quick read (only 44 pages) is a very helpful look at Gospel-centered humility.  Tim Keller points out the flaws and dangers of our current “self-esteem” culture and the notion that the key to a fulfilled and ethical life is loving yourself.  But he also critiques its opposite, the belief that humility means that we are to think less of ourselves and focus on our faults and deficiencies.

In Christ, we have something better than either.  Our identity comes not from the circumstances of our lives or the feelings of our hearts, but rather the grace of God in Christ.   Encouraging what he calls “self-forgetfulness,” Tim Keller points to Christ as the source of seeing ourselves rightly:  As people richly blessed and utterly dependent on our Redeemer.  It is our identity in Christ that is to shape our thinking about ourselves and our reactions to the good and the bad around us.

I highly recommend this little booklet as a very helpful and practical application of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives.  If you haven’t read any Tim Keller, this would be a quick introduction to his Gospel-centered approach to life.

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.

We will have some very special guests in attendance.  Please join us!

St. John’s LCC K9 Comfort Dog Ministry Partners with Camille Creek

As is our custom, Team Aaron partners with Camille Creek Community School each Christmas to spread the love of Jesus to students and their families.  Several families are financially hurting and some are even facing eviction because there is “too much month at the end of the money.” We are seeking donations and we will then purchase gift cards to designated stores for food and clothing.  Please spread the word and if you feel so moved, donate to this cause.  Designate “Camille Creek / Comfort Dog Ministry” on your offering envelopes and we will take it from there.  We all have so much to be thankful for and it is always a blessing to share with those in need.  Thank you and may you and your families have a blessed Advent and Christmas season!       Tim and Christy Kramer

Advent Midweek Service Information

Advent Midweek December 13

Favorite Christmas Hymns and Carols (Season 2)

What are your favorite Christmas hymns and carols? Please share up to six of your favorites with this form. At the Advent Midweek service on Wednesday, December 13, Pastor Mike will countdown the top six.  Each hymn or carol will be preceded by a few devotional thoughts based on the origin or meaning of the hymn.  Please provide your answers by Monday, December 11. Click here for the online form:  https://forms.gle/5Eo6kmQjD7uSQUuJ6 There will also be hard copy forms in the church entryway. Note 1: Please only vote for hymns or carols that are appropriate for worship. Note 2:  We will NOT be doing the same carols as last year so please do not vote for “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “O Holy Night”, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “Angels We Have Heard on High”, “Joy to the World”, or “Silent Night.”  

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

“Strengthening Marriages, Families, and Children”

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:  

This Sunday we will focus on marriage, families and children.  Of all of God’s earthly gifts, these three stand out as supreme gifts of God.  How do we reflect and support God’s vision for marriage, family and children?   Pastor Mike is leading this class after worship (11:00).  Meeting in Room 10. All are welcome!

   

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

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 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…