February 1, 2024 E-Vine

The February 2024 monthly Vine is available on our website.

To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .

“For the Sake of the Gospel”

February 4, 2024

Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.

As We Gather 

Paul outlines his philosophy of ministry and life.  He counts all things as less important to him than following Christ in proclaiming the Gospel.  For Paul that meant setting aside his preferences, his culture, and his past if it would help in proclaiming the Gospel.  What are we willing to do for the sake of the Gospel in our lives?

Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.  

Sunday Bible Classes

There are two opportunities for growth on Sunday mornings.  Pastor Mike is leading “Foundations” in Room 10 (see below).  Joel Wahlers is leading a study on the Gospel of Mark in Room 8 (see below)

The Gospel of Mark 

The Gospel of Mark chronicles Jesus’s journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. Along the way, the Messiah gathers a ragged band of disciples. As crowds grow and dwindle on the road to Jerusalem, only a few stick by the Suffering Savior on the road of discipleship.  

In this 11 part class, Joel Wahlers will be making use of a Right Now Video course led by author and speaker Francis Chan.  Tracing the steps of Jesus and the Twelve through Israel, Francis explores the major themes of the Gospel of Mark, and asks: Are we willing to take this journey to embrace discipleship? 

Foundations: An Overview of the Christian Faith 

What are the essential teachings of the Christian faith?  What do they mean in our lives and in our world today?   

Pastor Mike will be leading a nine-session overview of the basic teachings of the Christian Faith.  This study in basic Christianity will cover all the essential teachings, how they fit together into one compelling story, and what they mean for our lives today.  

This class is required for those who are interested in membership at St. John’s.  But it is also helpful for those who seek to better understand the Christian story in order to grow in their faith and be better equipped to share it with others.  Throughout the class we will be considering the major challenges to faith, and how the Christianity provides a better story for our world today. 

Ash Wednesday February 14

Lent begins on February 14 with Ash Wednesday.  There will be a Communion service at 7:00 PM on Ash Wednesday, which will include the imposition of ashes.

Our Lent midweek worship series this year will focus on the meaning and use of The Lord’s Prayer.  Our theme for Ash Wednesday is “Hallowed By Thy Name.”

Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf

The Genuine Jesus: Fresh Evidence From History and Archeology

By Paul L. Maier

We rightly look to the Scriptures for the truths about Jesus upon which our faith is based.  But are there things we can learn from history and archeology?  Is there evidence outside of the Bible for the familiar stories?  The answer is yes.

Paul Maier has a distinguished career as an historian specializing in Christian origins and the 1^st century.  I have benefited from several of his other books, especially his books on Josephus and Pontius Pilate.  This book is an updated version of previous writings, including new information from archeology.

The book focuses primarily on the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the early church from Acts of the Apostles.  Maier simply tells the familiar story, but bringing into it important insights from history, as well as information about the Jewish, Greek and Roman cultures that shed light on the Bible’s accounts.  He supplements his writing with numerous photographs of sites and artifacts.

I highly recommend this book if you are wanting to better understand the New Testament in its original context.  There is a copy of this book, along with previously recommended books on the Church Library cart in the Narthex, available for checking out.  For previous recommendations, CLICK HERE.

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.  

High School: Sunday, February 25th at 5-8pm. We are going scavenging! Join us for dinner, a Bible study, & a wild Napa Scavenger Hunt!  Bring a friend!

Confirmation: We only have one regular event this month on February 7^th in Room 10. The rest of the Wednesdays will involve the midweek Lenten Service.

Surge: Surge takes place on February 13^th & 27^th from 6-7:30 PM in Room 10. Calling all 5-8th graders to come out and have a blast with games, food, & a devotion!  

We have a dine & donate next Friday, February  2 –  “Southside Fried Chicken Friday”.  Preorder by Thursday,  February 1.  Thank you for supporting our school! Here is the flyer for info:  CLICK HERE Here’s how:

1. Go to southsidenapa.com select Ordering & Catering.
2. Select the Century location
3. Select your chosen Friday as the date and pick up time should be anytime between 4-6 pm for them to see the Fried Chicken Menu.
4. Select desired items and proceed with checkout.
5. Fill out the details and at the bottom part where it says “PROMO CODE”, enter the code DONATE
6. Click “Submit”

Women’s Bible Study

Happy New Year, St. John’s Women’s Study. We are starting the New Year off continuing with the Book of Ephesians. I’m excited to say that with the New Year comes a new day that we will be meeting. We have decided to move the study to Mondays, at our regular time (10:00).  Looking forward to seeing all of you!   Blessings, Judi Rock  

Men’s Saturday Morning Bible Study

The Men’s Saturday Morning Bible Study is currently studying the Gospel of Luke.  Join us for fellowship at 7:30 AM and Bible Study from 8-9 AM.

2024 Women’s Tea

 

We are blessed to have so many young kids with us each Sunday, but we are running low on Children’s Church leaders. If you are looking for a place to serve here at St. John’s I ask you to consider working in Children’s Church. It’s an awesome way for the kids to hear the good news of Jesus delivered in a way suitable for them to understand and hold on to. Please get in contact with Kevin Mathison if you have any questions about getting involved. We would love to have you join the team!

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.

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.

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 THANK YOU!

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…