The March 2024 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
“No Other Gods”
March 3, 2024
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
Who is your God? Or should we say “What” is your God? Simply put, your God is whatever is most important to you, where you turn for comfort in distress, and where you turn to receive all good things. Where have I placed my highest allegiance? Not just what I might claim with my words, but that which is revealed in my decisions, my allocation of time, and the inclinations of my heart.
Today we consider the Lord’s giving on the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. But it has been said that breaking any of the commandments involves breaking the first, and that if only we could keep the first perfectly, the rest would be superfluous. So we focus today on the first commandment, “You shall have no other Gods.” What does that mean for our lives today?
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
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.
Lent Midweek Service
“Lord Teach Us To Pray”
Our Lent midweek worship series this year focuses on the meaning and use of The Lord’s Prayer. Our theme for Wednesday, March 6th is “Forgive Us Our Trespasses As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us.” The service is at 7:00 PM in the sanctuary and will be preceded by a Soup Supper in the parish hall at 6:00 PM.
I have created a sign up sheet for the upcoming dates. Pleases indicate if you would like to host the evening or just help by supporting a host. Please feel free to sign up to host or help on any Wednesdays you are able. As we get additional volunteers, they will be added. CLICK HERE for the sign-up link. Thank you! Joshua Wright
Board of Directors Nominations
The Board of Directors is receiving Board nominations for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. There are nine members of the Board of Directors. Five of these positions are up for election this year. Board members serve for a two-year term and can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms.
If you are interested in nominating someone (or yourself) for the Board of Directors, CLICK HERE to download information about qualifications and responsibilities. Also included is a nomination form to be completed and returned to the church office, John Van Hofwegen, or Pastor Mike by May 15.
There will be a Board Information Forum on Thursday, April 11 at 7:00 in the Library for those who are interested in being nominated for the board. This forum is a mandatory part of the nomination process. Those who are interested in being nominated need to attend. This forum is also open to anyone who just wants to learn more about the governance polity of St. John’s, and how the Board works.
Nomination forms are available in the E-vine, in the church office, or by coming to the forum. These forms are to be returned to Board Chair, John Van Hofwegen, or Pastor Mike Schmid by May 15.
Memorial Service for Curtis Schoenfeld
Service will be on Sunday, March 10th at 1:30 PM.
Please notify Christy Kramer with the information that would like to see in our 2024 Spring Church Directory for you and your family.
Name Address Home Phone Cell Phone E-Mail Address
You can E-Mail churchoffice@stjohnsnapa.org or call the office 707.255.0119. If we don’t hear from you, by March 8th, we will use the information that was in the last directory. It would be most helpful to have this ASAP. Thank you!
Join us at Hop Creek Restaurant on Tuesday, March 5th from 11 AM-8 PM. Hop Creek will donate 20% of the proceeds to our school. CLICK HERE for required flyer.
Fellowship at St. John’s Survey
We are planning to offer a variety of fellowship opportunities this coming year. If you didn’t fill out the blue paper survey in church, please click the link below to fill out this form and indicate which events are of interest to you, as well as which ones you would like to help make happen. Thanks for taking the time to help us plan fellowship events! CLICK HERE for the link.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West
By Andrew Wilson
This was the most fun history book that I’ve read. Maybe you don’t associate “fun” with reading history, and maybe this is just because I’m a history nerd. But I really enjoyed this book.
The point of reading and learning history is not to better understand the past. It’s to better understand the present. By growing in our understanding of how the world got to be the way it is, we are better equipped for discerning the meaning of the major issues today, and what they mean in our lives, and perhaps better discernment about where we are going. Learning history reminds us that the way things are today is not the way things have always been, and the things that are taken for granted and assumed to be true are actually reflections of greater historical and cultural trends. As Christians, we are better prepared to share the Gospel in meaningful ways in the present context when we have a good understanding of how the present context came to be.
In this book, Andrew Wilson explores the roots of the WEIRDER world that we live in. What is WEIRDER? Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic, Ex-Christian, and Romantic. It’s easy for us to assume that this type of world is normal, self-evident and just the way things are. But our culture is actually weird in the context of history and around the world. Andrew Wilson points to the years 1776 as the year when the WEIRDER characteristics all took a big leap forward and set us on the path to the modern world.
As Americans, when we hear “1776,” we think of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation. But Andrew Wilson (who is British) points out that many other things happened that year, such as James Watt’s steam engine which triggered the industrial revolution, and the publication of Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations,” which defined capitalist economics and was part of the beginning of the explosive economic growth of the West compared to the rest of the world.
But what does this have to do with Christianity? Much in every way. Although this is mainly a history book, Wilson’s ultimate point is to call the Church to be its authentic self in the present age. He calls Christians to a greater understanding of the world we live in so that we might more effectively bring the light of the Gospel to a world in need.
I really enjoyed this book. I had many moments of saying to myself, “I didn’t know that!” as Wilson pulled together some amazing synchronicity regarding the events of 1776. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to better understand our present context in the West and what that means for the Church.
But I’m sorry. I won’t be putting the book on the shelf just yet. I will most likely be reading this book again as well as citing and referring to it in teaching. But if you are interested in borrowing it, please let me know.
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:
- 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.
Women’s Bible Study
Happy New Year, St. John’s Women’s Study. We are continuing with the Book of Ephesians. 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
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…
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