Reclaiming our St. John’s Community
Better Together
“A Listening Flock”
September 12, 2021
As We Gather
The worship series “Better Together” focuses on what it means to be a congregation. We are looking at the Biblical metaphors and images for the local Church, and seeking to apply these truths to our lives, both individually and as a congregation. Along the way, we are inviting your participation in activities and events designed to bring us together as a Church, so that we can rediscover the Biblical truth that as the people of God, we are “better together.”
On Sunday, we consider the image of the Church as the flock of the Good Shepherd. Jesus teaches that His sheep hear their shepherd’s voice and follow Him. We are a listening flock, listening to the Shepherd’s voice. We hear the Shepherd’s voice as He speaks to us in His Word. So today’s focus is on being in the Word, and especially being in the Word together (Bible Classes, Small Groups, etc.) May the Holy Spirit bless us with ears attentive to our Shepherd’s voice!
Live-stream and in-person worship begin at 9:30 AM. Please CLICK HERE to download the handout, and to link to the live-stream itself.
We will be streaming on our Facebook Page as well: CLICK HERE
Open Forum Recordings
At the August 29 forum on Sunday, Pastor Mike talked about three topics
- Staffing Recommendations and Plans
- Changes in light of Pastor Mark’s Retirement
- Financial Update
At the September 5 forum, Pastor Mike talked about these topics
- Worship Plans
- Solar Power Proposal
If you would like to view the recordings of these open forums, please contact the church office.
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 E-mail, you will continue to receive it that way as well, unless you request for it to stop.
Sunday Morning Bible Class starting September 12
Pastor Mike will be starting a Sunday Morning Bible Class on September 12 after the 9:30 service. The class will meet in the Parish Hall/Gym.
On September 12 and 19, Pastor Mike will be teaching about worship. Why do we worship? Why do we worship the way we do? How does worship reinforce, bless and shape what we believe about Christ and what it means to follow Him?
After these two-week sessions, Pastor Mike will be convening a discussion group to look at ways to improve the way we worship, for our diverse worshiping community as well as those we seek to draw to Christ.
The classes will not be streamed, but they will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel and website.
Small Groups and Leader Training
One of the best ways to grow as disciple is being part of a small group that gathers around God’s Word. The small group forms a community that comes together for growth, for prayer, for service, and for encouragement in following Jesus.
We are seeking to form multiple new small groups this fall, to meet for 4-6 weeks in October/November.
In order for this to happen, we need people willing to lead. Pastor Mike will be offering leader training on Wednesday evenings in September. On September 15 and 22, we will talk about leading a small group, including making use of Right Now Media resources.
If you are interested in leading a group, please contact Pastor Mike.
Sunday Morning Coffee Fellowship is back.
Looking for help with preparing coffee, refreshments, and set up for Sunday morning fellowship. Please contact Bill or Susan Clark at 707-253-2477 or cwillclark@comcast.net if you would like to help.
Drivers Needed
We have members that no longer drive and need a ride to and from church on Sunday mornings. If you can help, please contact the church office.
September 2021 monthly Vine is available on our website.
To keep up-to-date with what is happening at St. John’s, CLICK HERE
Children’s Ministry
Children’s Church Parent Meeting… St. John’s Lutheran Church would like to have a short meeting with the parents of young children in our congregation. Please join us after worship on Sunday, September 12th. We will meet in Room 10 and some of the Preschool Teachers will stay with your kids in the preschool play yard while we meet. The meeting should be no more than 30 minutes. We would like to discuss the future of Children’s Ministry for our young families. You will be asked for input regarding the continuation of Children’s Church as a ministry of SJL. This is for families with children from preschool to 4th grade.
Children’s Church will hopefully start up again on very soon! Any questions, please text Janis King @ (707) 208-2996
SAVE THE DATE for TRUNK or TREAT! Friday, October 29th 5-7pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church 5:00-7:00 pm Fun for all ages! Come in costume (please no little devils or scary creatures), play some fun Halloween games, win some prizes, do some crafts, eat some yummy food, and hear a great story! Decorate the trunk of your car and be ready to pass out treats and go “trunk or treating”!! Great time to meet other St. John’s families!!
Sponsor a Beginner’s Bible… Because St. John’s Lutheran Preschool is a ministry of St. John’s Lutheran Church, we would like to foster a relationship between congregational members and preschool families. We have 65 children in the Preschool this year. If you would like to be a blessing to one, two or more children and their families this year, we would like to connect you to the child and their parents. It is our hope that every child will receive a Bible and connect with one or our church families. Last year was such a success and the kids were so thrilled! Stay tuned for more information in September!
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry is underway at St. John’s! We kicked off Confirmation last week with our first learning event. This week we have a Surge event on Tuesday, September 14, from 6-7:30 in Room 10.
The Beauty and the Beast DVDs are finally here!
If you’d like to order one, please visit: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?retail=sjlt
DVDs (the film plus bonus content) will be available for pick up at St. John’s in the school and church offices beginning Friday morning, 8/27. Please show your order receipt upon pickup. If you aren’t able to order online, please contact the church office for assistance. The online store will close on 9/10. Please contact musicaltheatre@stjohnsnapa.org if you have questions. Thanks for supporting our Theatre Program and enjoy the show!
Napa State Hospital Donation UPDATE
Napa State has changed their donation request list. Please note the following…
Needed:
- calendars
- greeting cards-no glitter
- fabric
- construction paper
- crayons
- water color paints
NO LONGER ACCEPTED:
Magazines and yarn
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
If you haven’t already signed up for Right Now Media, CLICK HERE.
Support SJLS through Scrip! Easiest Fundraiser Ever!!
See below for updated details (Ongoing News… ) Click here to watch a video on how easy Scrip is using the RaiseRight app. Remember there are always cards you can purchase in the school office especially our local vendors, Foodshed, Hop Creek and Tarla Bar and Grill, but using the RaiseRight app is so convenient for all of your everyday purchases.
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