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 .
“God Wants You To Be True To Yourself”
October 8, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
God wants us to live authentic lives, doesn’t He? He doesn’t want us to live a life that we don’t think we were made for, right? But the truth is that our lives are most authentic and genuine when we are living in accord with His will, not our own. This week, we look at one of the chief themes of our age, and how in Christ, we have something better.
We will celebrate 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.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
Don’t Follow Your Heart: Boldly Breaking the Ten Commandments of Self-Worship
By Thaddeus J. Williams
This is another book that lines up well with our current worship series, “Did God Really Say: Lies That Sound True.” The author encourages us to be “heretics” regarding the worship of self. He calls on Christians to break the “Ten Commandments” of self-worship which reflect multiple aspects of the individualistic secular culture of today.
What are some of these commandments? The first is “Thou shalt always act in accord with your chief end – to glorify and enjoy yourself forever,” or, in other words #liveyourbestlife. The third is “Thou shalt obey your emotions at all costs,” #followyourheart. Another is “Thou shalt live your truth and let others live theirs,” #youdoyou. For each of these, the author digs down deep into the core beliefs that they reflect, how we see it in the world today and in ourselves, and then compares and contrasts them with the life of following Jesus.
For each commandment, he also includes a brief testimonial from someone who is a “heretic” regarding that commandment. This is followed by a prayer, as well as practical ways to live God’s truth instead of the lies around us.
I had the chance to hear Thaddeus Williams at The Gospel Coalition conference I attended last week in Indianapolis. His summary of his main points of his book (which was only officially released this week) convinced me to pick it up. And now I am recommending it and sharing it with you.
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
Promoting Just Peace and Restraining Violence
How does Scripture help us navigate the complex social issues facing the United States? In this class, we will explore what the Bible says about some of the topics that dominate conversations in our culture: basic human rights, religious freedom, caring for creation, justice in issues of race and poverty, and prioritizing life and family. We’ll are making use of Right Now Media, as well as other resources is exploring how we can live out biblical values in tangible, practical ways that honor God and show love to our neighbors.
This Sunday we will focus on peace among nations and peace among people. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:8). The biblical word for peace, “Shalom,” means more than just the absence of conflict, but also the restoration of all things in harmony with God. What does this mean for how we live? Pastor Mike is leading this class after worship (11:00). Meeting in Room 10. All are welcome!
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.
Women’s Bible Study
Join us on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary. We are studying the book of Ephesians. Workbooks are available in the church office. If you have any questions, please contact Judi Rock. 707.738.6707.
Dine and Donate at Chipotle
Wednesday, October 11th from 4-8 PM
1715 Trancas St., Suite D, Napa, 94558
Chipotle will donate 33% of the sales to our SJLS Theatre Department. Please see required flyer: CLICK HERE.
Thank you for supporting our Theatre Department!
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.
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.
Our next Prayer and Praise will be on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 5:00 PM.
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
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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