The September 2023 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE .
“Trust Your Feelings”
September 17, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
There are many variations to this: Be True to Yourself. Follow Your Heart. It is true that we are to live lives of authenticity, sincerity and integrity. But are our feelings the most reliable barometer of what is true and just? Can our hearts be trusted? God’s Word affirms that we are made in the image of God, but that we are also corrupted and tainted by sin. Because of original sin, our hearts cannot be trusted as much as the guidance of the Holy Spirit through the Word.
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 Spirituality of the Cross: The Way of the First Evangelicals By Gene Edward Veith, Jr.
In our culture today, spirituality is in, and religion is out. More and more people identify themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” seeking to define their own self-made spirituality outside the established religious traditions. This is a spirituality that looks within for truth, picks and chooses from sources outside of oneself, and is essentially not accountable to anyone or anything else, except personal conscience and feelings.
But how well does such a spirituality address the life as we know, with its blessings and challenges and tragedies? How well does such a spirituality account for our own failures to live up to our own standards, let alone others, as well as the darkness that lurks within? What answer does a self-made spirituality have for the inevitability of the grave?
Gene Edward Veith describes in this book his own spiritual journey through multiple approaches to spirituality before finding his home in Lutheran spirituality. What is Lutheran spirituality? He describes it as a “spirituality of the cross.” Christ and His cross are at the center. We look not within but to Him as He speaks to us in His Word and comes to us in His sacraments.
This brief book provides an excellent overview of Lutheran spirituality, and how to think and live spiritual growth from an authentically Christ-centered perspective. I have recommended this book to quite a few people over the years and have discussed its contents with individuals and in classes. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a spirituality centered in Jesus and His Word.
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
Pursuing Racial Justice and Reconciliation
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 the evil of racism. We will look honestly at how Christians have been champions of equality and freedom, but also at how Christians have been part of the problem of perpetuating racism, and failing to put faith into action. What does God’s Word say to us today? Pastor Mike is leading this class after worship (11:00). Meeting in Room 10. All are welcome!
Women’s Bible Study
Attention all Women! With hopes that you had a great summer, I am excited to announce that our Bible study will resume on Tuesday, September 19th at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary. We look forward to study the book of Ephesians. Workbooks will be handed out at our first meeting. I am so excited to see all of you again. If you have any questions, please contact Judi Rock. 707.738.6707.
DISABILITY MINISTRY GATHERING
Some people draw circles that keep certain people out. Jesus draws a circle to keep many people close to Himself for all eternity. . . The circle He draws He calls His flock, His family, His friends, His church! He welcomes all . . . And desires that we welcome all too! But some may feel excluded . . . Because of some disability or something that marks them as different. We may not intend to exclude them . . . But we can fail to be aware of their challenges for fully participating in our friendship and fellowship. We need to be much more intentional about how the lines fall at church, how they intentionally draw people in . . . Or unintentionally keep people out. We would like to involve some of our members who are especially sensitive to how the lines fall here at our congregation . . . We would like your input as to what we can do better to welcome more people, especially those who face special challenges for socialization, participation, inclusion as movers and shakers of our congregation. While a disability ministry task force is our ultimate goal, at this point we need people who are gifted with disability inclusion hearts and eyes . . . Help us to discern together what keeps some out . . . What holds some in for their own benefit and ours. First meeting is Tuesday, September 19, at 7 p.m. in Room 10. For more information contact: elaine zimmerman zimelaine@comcast.net
Save the Date: Saturday, October 14th!
Summer is coming to an end, and that means fall is just around the corner. What better way to kick off the fall season than joining the St. John’s family on October 14th for Oktoberfest. There will be food, drinks, and music for everyone to enjoy. The festivities begin at 11:00 am and end at 3:00 pm.
We also need lots help to make this a great event. Please contact Josh Wright for details on how you can help make this event even better than last year.
sjlcsocialmedia@gmail.com
A Message From the Mission Farm Crew:
The harvest is late this year, but it is in full production right now. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. If you can spare a day, especially a Monday, a Wednesday, or a Saturday morning, please join us. If you believe it is important, and a Christian thing to do, to help feed grocery-stressed families, but you lack the flexibility of time or body to work the fields . . . then remember you can help fill up the grocery barrel with non-perishable food items which when filled is delivered to the Food Bank. We can all do our part! Farmer Ted
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.
High School Youth are meeting from 6-8pm on Tuesday, September 19th, in Room 10. Come have some pizza and hang out with us!
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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