The January 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
Baptism of our Lord
New Year, Same Promises
“God’s Promise of New Life”
January 8, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
A new year means a new start. And because of that, many of us take up new commitments and resolutions to improve ourselves: diet, exercise, lifestyle, etc. Sometimes things actually change. Other times the change is only temporary.
But despite changes that may come, we can rely on God’s promises to be the same. No matter how much our lives change, or this world changes, His promises do not. No matter what good or ill may be around the corner in the coming year, His promises can be counted on to be true and trustworthy through it.
Our Epiphany Worship series starting today is entitled “New Year, Same Promises.” We will consider the enduring grace, mercy and blessing of God’s familiar promises and what they mean in the challenges and opportunities of the new year. Today, Baptism of our Lord Sunday, we rejoice in God’s promise of new life.
We will be streaming on our Facebook Page as well: CLICK HERE .
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
Small Groups Forming!
We will be forming several short-term small groups in January. The goal of these groups is to bring people together around God’s Word and prayer to grow in faith and fellowship. Where and when these groups meet will be up to the leader. Watch for sign-up opportunities starting January 15. Are you interested in leading one of these groups? It’s very simple using video resources from Right Now Media. (If you have not yet signed up with Right Now Media, please CLICK HERE to join the church’s subscription: Please contact Pastor Mike if you would like to learn more about hosting a video-based small group.
PLEASE RSVP ASAP!
Hotel rooms are going fast!
Best Practices for Ministry Conference BPM 2023 will take place on February 16-18 at Christ Church Lutheran in Phoenix, Arizona. Best Practice for Ministry is a free conference for pastors, church workers and lay people. The purpose is to learn and share ideas and practices to help us grow in living God’s Mission. For more information, please click here: https://cclphoenix.org/bpm/ As we have done in the past, St. John’s will be covering lodging for all participants from St. John’s, but not transportation. The conference itself is free. If you are interested, in addition to registering at the link above, please notify the church office.
Offering Envelopes
2023 Offering Envelopes are available in the Narthex. Even if you give your offering online, we ask that you pick up your envelopes for 2023. Please dispose of your 2022 envelopes the end of December.
Sunday Bible Classes
“Digging Deeper” – Starting January 8 Pastor Mike’s Sunday Bible Class will resume on January 8 under the new title “Digging Deeper.” Each week’s study and discussion will be based on the sermon and reading for worship that day, and any questions for those in attendance. This will provide an opportunity to dig deeper into themes and questions raised in the sermon, as well as a deeper study into the assigned readings for the day, or any question that those in attendance may have.
Women’s Bible Study (Tuesdays)
Hello ladies. We had a really productive meeting/study on Tuesday. Those who were in attendance Tuesday gave input, and we are launching a new study on the book of Philippians, which will include some video, and a Bible study guide. We’re getting this via RightNow Media. New year, new focus! Please join us on Tuesday, January 17 at 10 AM in the sanctuary. Peace and joy to each of you.
Surge is back again next week! We will meet Tuesday, January 10, from 6-7:30 in room 10. This is for any 5th-8th graders that want to come hang out, play some games, and develop their relationship with God.
Confirmation has had a bit of a break since our last event, but we are returning to action this Wednesday. Can’t wait to dive back into it with our students and guides!
Chili Cookoff – For the whole family!
Attention everybody! We are hosting our Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, January 22nd, in the afternoon! We are inviting everybody to join us for some yummy chili, cornhole & other yard games, and some great fellowship! If you have any interest in entering a chili, please contact Kevin Mathison.
“Newsies” DVD’s
If you wish to purchase a “Newsies” DVD, they are available in the church office for $12.00. Cash or check only please.
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
Napa State Hospital Volunteer Center is getting ready for the holidays and is seeking donations on behalf of their patients. Please CLICK HERE for a list of items needed. Or check the “Wish List” flyer attached to the donation box in the narthex to see what items are being requested.
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.
Give+ App has changed…
The Give+ Mobile App from VANCO shut down 1 Oct 21 and no longer is available for download as a mobile app. The new app is called VANCO Mobile.
Giving through Vanco Mobile is easy! Just download the new app and create a new user profile in VANCO Mobile.
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.
Drivers Needed
We have members that no longer drive and need a ride to and from church on Sunday mornings. If you can help, please contact the church office.
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… Donate to SJLC through Amazon… Mission India…
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