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 .
“God Just Wants You to Be Happy”
September 10, 2023
Please CLICK HERE to download the service notes.
As We Gather
God does want us to be happy, doesn’t He? But is that all He wants for us? Is it the most important thing He wants for us? The truth is that God is concerned for our eternal joy, and although He is not against our happiness in this life, He is more concerned with our holiness and our faithfulness. The way of the disciple is not self-actualization, but rather self-denial that our lives might give glory to God and further the kingdom.
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the link to the live-stream itself. We will celebrate Holy Communion at this service.
Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
I Am a Church Member: Discover the Attitude that Makes a Difference By Thom Rainer
In a time of hyper-individualism along with a general distrust of institutions, the notion of “church membership” can seem rather quaint and outmoded to some, a relic from a different era. Many take a consumerist approach to congregational life – taking part in and benefiting from certain programs and ministries but opting out of making a commitment that involves working and serving to make those ministries happen.
Thom Rainer has put together a very helpful little booklet that explains what church membership means, and why it is an important part of our lives as Christians, as well as the health of the faith community as a whole. Pushing back against some of the individualist trends of the culture, as well as the “country club” mentality that has plagued many congregations, Rainer describes very practically how pursuing an active church membership strengthens our discipleship, the health of the church and the mission of God.
I recommend this book for every member of St. John’s, as well as those considering membership. It’s a very brief read, only 78 pages, and will only take an hour or two to read. There are several copies 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
Religious Freedom and Liberty of Conscience
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 importance of religious freedom and liberty of conscience. 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 fall and October are just around the corner. This also means that Oktoberfest is going to be happening soon. Please contact Josh Wright for details on how you can help make this event even better than last year. We are looking for volunteers to help make this a fun and safe event. Josh Wright 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
This week we have Surge on Tuesday from 6-7:30pm! Come hang out and have a blast with us! We will have Pizza, games, and a Bible study.
It’s time for Preschool Bibles! We have the opportunity at St. John’s to give kids their first Bible each and every year when we enroll new preschoolers. We ask that you consider joining us on this mission by sponsoring a Bible for one or a few of the children. Each Bible sponsorship will be $10 and we will have pens available for notes to be written if so desired. The Bibles will be located in the Narthex beginning September 10th. We will also have extras available for purchase at cost for anyone who may want to sponsor a Bible to someone outside of St. John’s School.
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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