The October 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
“Loved and Sent”
October 15, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
We know what love is by looking at God. Love begins not with our love of God or one another, but with God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. His love for us sends us out to love one another.
Our special guests today are Rev. Aaron Putnam and Rev. Dawit Bokre from LINC Bay Area. This is a ministry that we support through our Endowment Fund. LINC Bay Area has also been helpful to St. John’s in providing theological training in Spanish for Deacon Francisco Hurtado.
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
In Worship This Sunday
Linc Bay Area
This Sunday we are happy to welcome Rev. Aaron Putnam and Rev. Dawit Bokre of Linc Bay Area. Rev. Bokre, the Linc Bay Area Director of Mission, will be preaching this Sunday. Both of them will be at the Sunday Bible Class (11:00) to tell more about the ministry of Linc Bay Area.
Linc Bay Area is an affiliate of the LCMS California-Nevada Hawaii District, dedicated to raising up indigenous leaders in the Bay Area, and supporting them in ministry. One of these leaders is our own Deacon Francisco Hurtado, who leads our Mision de Jesus ministry. Francisco has been receiving ongoing theological and ministerial instruction in Spanish through Linc.
St. John’s supports the work of Linc. For the past several hears, we have granted $5000 annually from the St. John’s Endowment Fund to support this ministry. This Sunday you will learn about how you can support this ministry beyond our congregational grant.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
By Rachael Denhollander
This week’s recommendation is a children’s book. You may remember that a couple of months ago I recommended “What is a Girl Worth?” by Rachael Denhollander. One of the issues that she confronted in that book is the devaluing of girls and women, not only by abuse, but by not taking seriously the need to protect them from future abuse, and to bring justice to abusers.
But one of the tragedies of abuse is the victim’s own devaluating of herself. A low sense of self-worth can heighten a girl or woman’s vulnerability to an abuser. The damage that abuse does to the victim’s sense of self-worth is also a factor in their reluctance to speak up, seek help and seek justice.
In writing this book, Rachael Denhollander seeks to encourage young girls to have a healthy view of their worth. In many ways, she makes the point “You are worth everything.” Little girls are worth being cared for, caring for themselves, and being protected. She grounds that sense of self-worth in the fact that they are made by God in His own image and redeemed by Jesus by His life and death on the cross. Self-worth flows from creation and salvation.
She has also written a similar book for little boys, “How Much is a Little Boy Worth?”
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 – Special Guests
Pastor Mike’s Bible Class will resume on October 22nd.
Please join our guests from Linc Bay Area at this week’s Sunday Bible Class (11:00) to tell more about the ministry of Linc Bay Area.
UPDATE
Please consider bringing a dessert! Last year we all brought different desserts to share. It was so much fun!
For those attending, CLICK HERE to RSVP on Facebook or call the church office.
Set up begins at 8:30 AM if anyone can help.
If you’d like to help make this a fun and amazing event, please contact the church office or Josh Wright at sjlcsocialmedia@gmail.com to learn about what volunteer opportunities are available.
St. John’s, Fall has arrived, and you know what that means. No I’m not talking about finding that perfect Reformation costume for Trunk or Treat, figuring out the best treats to share, or even finding the perfect pumpkin for carving. I’m talking about Oktoberfest at St. John’s. Last year we had a great time sharing food, drinks, music, and community fellowship. This year, we are hoping to have an even bigger event. So adorn your best lederhosen, and come join us on 10/14/2023 between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm for some Oktoberfest festivities.
Solar Savings
We are thankful for the solar panels that now grace our Parish Hall and the “Snack Shack” by the field. Our annual electric bill was over $27,000 before the pandemic. Our electric bills for July and August together were about $50. Thanks be to God! And thanks to all who have supported this project through offerings.
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.
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.
Boo! Halloween is coming up which means it’s time for Trunk or Treat! You are officially invited to come check it out, participate in the fun, decorate your trunk, or maybe do all three! We would love to have you join us on Sunday October 29th from 4-5:30 PM. Please contact Kevin for any questions regarding your trunk. kevin@stjohnsnapa.org
Our Confirmation year is underway and it’s been a blast so far, but it’s about to get even better! We are heading off on our retreat next weekend. Please pray for our travels and also the time we have together to learn and grow with one another. Can’t wait to share more about our time at camp!
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.
Our next Prayer and Praise will be on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 5:00 PM.
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 Donation UPDATE
Please refer to list on the collection box in the Narthex (Church Entryway).
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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