May 30, 2024 E-Vine

The JUNE 2024 monthly Vine is available on our website.

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

 

 

 

“Treasures in Jars of Clay”

June 2, 2024

 

Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.

As We Gather In times of trouble and hardship, we fix our eyes “not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18).  We trust in God’s presence and work in our lives to uphold us in hard times, and to bring us through them. This is especially true for those who serve the Lord and His Church in ministry.  In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul writes about the treasure that has been entrusted to him and others who serve as ministers of the Gospel.  The hardships that they endure because of ministry may make it seems like they are weak jars of clay.  But it is the Lord and the treasure that He entrusts to His servants that empowers ministry and sustains in hard times. Today we celebrate the Call to ministry.  The service today includes the commissioning and installation of Joy Dahl and Justine Rollin as Commissioned Teachers of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  We celebrate their Call to the teaching ministry of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School.

Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.

We will be streaming on our Facebook Page as well:     CLICK HERE  

 

        

 

Children’s Ministry: 

• It’s time to SCUBA!  The VBS date is set, June 17-20.  We are really in need of adult volunteers.   Please check out the website to see if there is a role for you.

• We will have a VBS Volunteer Orientation meeting on June 9th after church in Room 10.

Surge:

• Mark your calendars for our Summer Surge Movie Series. June 11th, 25th & July 16th. Each of these will begin at 6pm in the gym. 

• District Youth Gathering! The CNH District is hosting an event on Saturday, July 13th, in Rocklin! Students entering 6th, 7th, & 8th grade are all invited to attend. If you are interested in attending please contact Kevin Mathison by June 30th. 

High School:

• High School Hangout this Sunday after church in Room 10!  Come hang with us from 11-12 with some snacks, a Bible study, & some games!  

 

 

Choralier Concert

The Choraliers (6^th-8^th choir) will not only be singing in worship this Sunday,  they will also be putting on a brief concert after worship. This concert will consist of song being prepared as their audition for the opportunity to sing at Disneyland next Spring.

 

“Citizens of Heaven” 

No Bible Class This Sunday

Pastor Mike’s Bible Class will not be meeting this Sunday.

 

Citizens of Heaven Sermon Series

If you missed one or more of the “Citizens of Heaven” sermon series, you can find then on our YouTube channel.  Click here for the playlist including the three sermons.  

 

 

Faith Chapel Set-Up Help Needed June 2

We look forward to worshiping in our beautiful Faith Chapel this Sunday.  But it takes a bit of set-up to prepare.  We need a team of helpers at 8:45 to set up chairs, the altar, the baptismal font, and other equipment for worship.  Guidance will be provided as to where items are to be placed.  If you are able to help, please contact Pastor Mike (phone, text or email) and let him know.

 

 

Congregational Budget and Election Meeting

The congregational meeting will be on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in the Sanctuary.  At this meeting, we will be electing five people to serve on the Board of Directors.  We will also be voting on the 2024-2025 Ministry Plan and Budget. Here are links to the documents:

• Proposed Ministry Plan and Budget:  CLICK HERE 
• Information on the Board of Directors Candidates:   CLICK HERE

 

 

Worship Tech Upgrade Schedule

Thanks again to all who have generously supported the much-needed upgrade to our sanctuary audio, visual and streaming technology. As the time for the actual work draws close, the availability of the sanctuary will be impacted.  The prep work in the Sanctuary will begin on May 27.  After that date, none of the technology in the sanctuary (except lights) will be functional until the upgrade is complete on June 16.  No events will be scheduled in the sanctuary during this time.  This means that we will be worshiping in the Faith Chapel on June 2 and June 9.  We also plan to stream those services. We look forward to worshiping on June 16 in the sanctuary with our new screens, new audio, and upgraded streaming equipment.  

 

 

Joy Dahl and Justine Rollin

Two of our teachers completed the process of becoming commission ministers of religion (teachers) of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  Preschool Director Joy Dahl and Fourth Grade Teacher Justine Rollin have now been called as teachers of St. John’s Lutheran Church.  They will be formally commissioned and installed during worship on June 2. For the past two years, Joy and Justine have been involved in a process known in the LCMS as “Colloquy.”  This is a process by which teachers who did not graduate from one of our Concordia Universities receive the same certification that teacher candidates receive when completing the education program at one of our affiliated Concordia universities.   As called commissioned teachers, our Church Body and our congregation are declaring that they are teachers of the faith, called to ministry in the Church.  

 

Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf

Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions

A Readers Edition of the Lutheran Confessions

This Sunday in worship, we will hear two of our teachers confess their adherence to the Lutheran Confessions as part of their commissioning and installation.  This is a key part of the installation of all Called workers at our church.  By doing so, we assure that our church and school staff are carrying out ministry in harmony with our Church’s confession of faith.

In light of this, it’s appropriate to highlight the Book of Concord, the collection of Lutheran Confessional writings, as my bookshelf item for this week.  What are confessional writings?  They are statements that summarize the teachings of Scripture.  They do not replace Scripture or place themselves above Scripture, but rather declare how we understand what the Bible says.  I am placing in our church library a relatively new edition called a “Reader’s Edition,” which also includes historical background information and explanatory introductions of the confessions.

What is contained in this book?  What are the Lutheran Confessions?  They include:

• The Three Ecumenical Creeds: The Apostles, The Nicene, The Athanasian
• The Augsburg Confession (1530: This is the essential Lutheran Confession.  It was written by Philip Melancthon and presented by German princes to Emperor Charles V in Augsburg in 1530
• The Apology to the Augsburg Confession (1530): This is a defense and explanation of the Augsburg Confession, also written by Philip Melancthon
• The SmalCald Articles (1537): This document was written by Martin Luther in 1537 in preparation for a General Council of the church, should one be called.
• The Power and Primacy of the Pope (1537): Written by Philip Melancthon to explain why the reforming churches rejected the authority of the Pope.
• The Small Catechism (1529): A summary of the Christian faith in question/answer format, written by Luther, for use by parents to teach their children.
• The Large Catechism (1529): Also written by Luther, this was written for pastors and teachers to better equip them to teach the faith.
• The Formula of Concord (1577): This was written to address the division and disputes that had arisen since the death of Luther among the churches that subscribed to the Augsburg Confession.

 But how relevant are these 16^th century documents today?  We have issues that we’re dealing with that aren’t addressed in the confessions, and there are many items raised that are not pressing issues today, either individually or as a congregation.

They are relevant and important because the Christian doctrine they confess is from the Word of God which does not change.  Each of these documents has the Gospel of Jesus Christ, His person and work, as its center and focus.   An approach to Scripture and the world shaped by the confessions leads the Church to address each issue in light of the Gospel, and the person and work of Jesus.

Look for this book, along with most of the previously recommended books on the Church Library cart in the Narthex, available for checking out. For previous recommendations, please CLICK HERE .  

 

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministers Care      When was the last time someone really listened to you?  We’re talking about undistracted, full-attention kind of listening.  That’s one of the ways Stephen Ministers care for others.  We need Stephen Ministers to care for those who are making that long journey through the valley of a life crisis.  Will you consider serving as a Stephen Minister To learn more about Stephen Ministry and what Stephen Ministers do, contact Penni Cremen (707-483-9321) or Pastor Mike at the church office (707-255-0119).

 

Mission India Partnership

We give thanks to God for the generous offerings for Mission India which will enable us to partner with Mission India in the coming year. Our partnership this year will fund these ministries:

• 7 Church planters
• 4 Children’s Bible Club Projects (20 After-school clubs)
• 2 Literacy Projects (10 classes)

Our partnership also involves our prayers support.  Please remember our Mission India partners in your prayers.  

 

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

Women’s Bible Study will resume in September.

 

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.

 

     

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.

 

 

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…