The November 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
“Grieving With Hope”
November 12, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
Paul writes that he does not want his readers to grieve the loss of loved ones as though they had no hope. On the contrary, we live in the hope of the resurrection, not only for ourselves, but for those who have died in the Lord.
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
By Ken Sande
This highly-recommended book has been around for a while, but remains extremely timely and helpful. As long as we are sinners living among sinners, there will be personal conflict in our lives. Unfortunately, our sinful nature also often leads us into unhelpful and unproductive ways of responding to conflict. On the one side, we may just ignore the situation (and the person), or, on the other side, may engage in unproductive attacks and accusation. Social media and electronic communication have made the latter response very easy.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to pursue peacemaking and reconciliation. Jesus put this right at the heart of the Lord’s prayer, calling us to link our willingness to forgive others to our prayer for forgiveness from God. At a time when there is so much destructive conflict in our culture, among politicians and nations, Christians are called to a different way of life, seeking peace and reconciliation in the name of Christ, and to the glory of God.
In this book, Ken Sande explores the biblical call to live as peacemakers, and provides very practical, down-to-earth, boots-on-the-ground recommendations and strategies for putting it into practice.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Some of you may remember that we used this book as the basis for a worship series about 20 years ago. That same year, it also formed the biblical basis of our school theme “Blessed are the Peacemakers.” 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.
Sunday Bible Class
The Bible Class will not meet this Sunday. Instead, all are encouraged to attend the Worship Tech Open Forum. The class will resume on Sunday, November 26.
Open Forum
Worship Tech Recommended Fix
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend an open forum after worship on November 12 in the Sanctuary. As you probably are aware, we have multiple challenges and problems with our current worship tech equipment (Sound, projector, stream, etc.). At our congregational meeting in June, we approved funds from the endowment fund for a consultant to analyze our needs and make recommendation. We will be presenting those recommendations at this open forum, along with a plan to upgrade our sanctuary, streaming and Faith Chapel tech in order to address the challenges and enhance our worship life together.
Hymn Sing November 19, from 11:15 am to Noon
The Reverend Dr. Paul Weber and his wife, Organist Florence Jowers, parents of our own Erin Blackwood, will lead a Hymn Sing here at St. John’s. Dr. Weber will introduce songs from his expansive new hymn collection, So Great a Cloud of Witnesses. This will be a special opportunity, please join us! For details, please CLICK HERE.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Join us for a special service of Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00 PM. This will be a Communion service. We also ask that you bring an offering of non-perishable food items for the Napa Food Bank.
18th Annual School Musical Anastasia –
Tickets On Sale Now!
We are having a “Friendsgiving”!
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…
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