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 .
“The Five Solas”
October 29, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather There are five statements that sum up the Reformation faith. Each of these statements contains the word “alone,” or “sola” in Latin, so they are referred to as the “Five Solas.” As we celebrate the Reformation today, we review the Five Solas of the Reformation: Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, Scripture Alone, to the Glory of God alone. Although these formed the backbone of a reforming movement 500 years ago, they are just as relevant and important in our lives today. There will be Holy Communion at this service.
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself.
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.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
Talking with Your Kids about Jesus: 30 Conversations Every Christian Parent Must Have
By Natasha Crain
In Deuteronomy 6:7, Moses calls upon parents to be the teachers of the faith to their children, saying about God’s commandments: “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Paul commended Timothy’s mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5) for teaching him the Word, pointing out “how and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). The point is that an essential part of parenting is teaching the faith to our children.
This book is aimed at helping and supporting parents in carrying out that responsibility. She points out that this is not only a matter of formal instruction, but rather a continuous faith conversation that uses the events of life as starting points for teaching, discussing and living the faith. In this book, she covers the essential teaching, focusing on the identity and work of Jesus. Because children today are growing up in a more secular culture, she strongly encourages including apologetics in that instruction. While I endorse nearly all of what she teaches, please note that her view of baptism is not sacramental, not Lutheran. She also includes discussion questions for digging deeper.
We have recently started at SJL a zoom-based bible study for parents that meets later in the evening after the kids are (theoretically) in bed. For our first study, we used the Right Now Media version of Natasha Crain’s presentation, along with a study guide.
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
“Israel, the Church, and Wars and Rumors of Wars”
Over the past few weeks, I have been asked a number of times about the relationship of the nation of Israel to the church, to prophecy, and the end times. It is not difficult to find online those who view the war as a sign that the end is coming. But what does the Bible say about the people of Israel? What does it say about the church? What does it say about the end times? This Sunday in Bible class, we will look at what the Bible says, and what it means for us and our world.
Zoom Bible Study for Parents
Last month we started a Zoom-based Bible study for parents with children at home. The Bible study meets virtually on Mondays at 8:30 pm (after the kids are in bed!). This coming Monday (October 30), we’re going to be talking about worshiping with your children and making Sunday morning work. If you are interested in joining, please contact Pastor Mike.
18th Annual School Musical Anastasia – Tickets On Sale Now!
New Home Needed for SJLS Room 10 Piano
Free Yamaha upright piano in great condition needs a new home. Please contact the school office at (707) 226-7970 or the church office at (707) 255-0119 if you are interested. It will be the responsibility of the new owner to move the piano. However, the piano is on wheels which will make moving much easier. This piano was originally used as the church piano before it was moved to Room 10. It is a Yamaha Piano, which is considered one of the best piano brands for mid-priced pianos. They are known for their precision, reliability and performance. Click here for additional pictures.
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 next Prayer and Praise will be on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 5:00 PM.
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.
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 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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