Christ speaks tenderly to a church under pressure: “Do not fear.” This week we reflect on how His presence sustains us in trials and strengthens us to remain faithful when life grows heavy. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on February 25, 2026.
Faithful In Suffering (Revelation 2:8-11)
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Faithful In Suffering (Revelation 2:8-11)

February 26, 2026 5:07 pm

This Sunday we return to the first temptation in the Garden, where the serpent’s whisper of doubt slowly led Eve and Adam from trust to disobedience. Genesis 3 shows the subtle progression of the enemy’s lies—but it also reveals something far greater: God’s first promise of a Savior. As we begin Lent, we face our own vulnerability to doubt, not to outsmart the tempter, but to cling to the One who crushes the serpent’s head. Sermon preached by Pastor Michael Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on February 22, 2026
From Doubt to Deliverance (Genesis 3:1-21)
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From Doubt to Deliverance (Genesis 3:1-21)

February 24, 2026 4:12 pm

The season of Lent invites us to listen again for Christ’s voice. In Revelation 2–3, Jesus speaks to seven churches—calling them to remember, to repent, to endure, and to return. These ancient words still search our hearts and strengthen our faith today. As we walk through Lent, we hear Christ addressing His people with truth and mercy, inviting us to renewed love and deeper trust in the One who walks among His churches still. In the ashes we remember our frailty—and Christ’s call to return. Tonight we hear His words to Ephesus, a church that kept its works but lost its warmth. Lent begins with an invitation to rediscover the love that first awakened our faith. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on February 18, 2026, Ash Wednesday.
Return To Your First Love (Revelation 2:1-7)
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Return To Your First Love (Revelation 2:1-7)

February 19, 2026 11:58 am

On this Transfiguration Sunday, we turn to John’s breathtaking vision in Revelation 1, where the risen Christ shines with the same radiant glory once revealed on the mountain—yet now as the Savior who has completed His redeeming work. In this vision we see Jesus not distant or fearsome, but standing among His people, speaking peace, holding the church in His strong right hand, and declaring Himself the Living One who died and is alive forevermore. Today we behold the glory of the One who saves us, keeps us, and walks with us still. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on February 15, 2026
I Am With You Always (Revelation 1:1-20)
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I Am With You Always (Revelation 1:1-20)

February 15, 2026 5:05 pm

As Lent approaches and people plan nominal fasts, Isaiah teaches what our Lord is really looking for in fasting. He is not interested in demonstrations of faith and piety, when our lives are not marked by compassion and love for those around us. Helping those in need is a true expression of our faith and a demonstration of our Lord's heart and character. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on February 8, 2026
True Fasting (Isaiah 58:1-10)
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True Fasting (Isaiah 58:1-10)

February 10, 2026 5:57 pm

Waiting is hard—and trusting God can be even harder. Have you ever noticed how good intentions, impatience, and frustration can lead us to rely on our own ways instead of God’s? Through the stories of Moses, David, and the disciples, we’ll see how this struggle is still present in our lives today—and how God meets our brokenness with forgiveness, a new heart, and peace through Jesus Christ. Sermon preached by Rev. Paul Ferguson at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on February 1, 2026
When Good Intentions Go Wrong…and God Still Shows Up
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When Good Intentions Go Wrong…and God Still Shows Up

February 4, 2026 4:48 pm

Would you have dropped everything to follow Jesus if He had called you the way he did Peter, Andrew, James and John? But hasn’t He called us? The truth is that while we may not have been called to the same role or tasks as these men, we have been called to follow Jesus. What does this mean? How do we follow Him in our lives today? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on January 25, 2026
Following Jesus (Matthew 4:12-23)
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Following Jesus (Matthew 4:12-23)

January 27, 2026 10:40 am

What do I want? If you're like me, you find yourself asking this question all day. What do I want to wear? What do I want to eat? What do I want to listen to? What do I want to watch? What do I ask next? The list goes on and on and on. Sometimes it's easy to answer those questions, but the answer doesn't always prove to be good. Would we change our answers if Jesus was asking? He invites us to remain in Him and He knows that it's not easy on our own so He has sent us a Helper, the Holy Spirit. "Come," he replied, "and you will see." (John 1:39) Sermon preached by Kevin Mathison at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on January 18, 2026
Wait, What Do I Want? (John 1:29-42)
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Wait, What Do I Want? (John 1:29-42)

January 27, 2026 10:34 am

This Sunday, as we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord, we ask a simple but life shaping question: “I’m baptized—so what?” Looking at Jesus’ own baptism and the promises God attaches to ours, we’ll explore how baptism gives us a new identity, a new power for daily living, a new community to belong to, and a new future anchored in Christ. Far from being a past event, baptism is God’s ongoing gift—His daily declaration that we are beloved, forgiven, and joined to the life of Jesus. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on January 11, 2026
I'm Baptized! So What? (Romans 6:1-11)
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I'm Baptized! So What? (Romans 6:1-11)

January 13, 2026 10:55 am

The Magi are rather unlikely examples of discipleship, considering that it was astrology that started them on their journey. But the journey ended with them bowing down and worshiping the infant Jesus. As part of that act of worship, they “opened their treasures,” and worshipped Him with their offerings. What does this mean for us? How do we worship the Lord Jesus with our treasures? And how will we do so in the coming year? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on January 4, 2026
They Opened Their Treasures (Epiphany)
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They Opened Their Treasures (Epiphany)

January 6, 2026 1:58 pm

Today’s gospel brings us from the joy of Christmas to a horrific tragedy conceived in the twisted mind of King Herod. Instead of singing for joy at the birth of the Savior, Herod struck out in violent fear, committing an atrocious evil upon innocent victims. We are reminded that Jesus came into a fallen world where evil is a present reality. But this is why He came. He came to bring redemption to a fallen humanity, each of our lives tainted by evil as well. Deliver us from evil, Lord Jesus. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on December 28, 2025
A Clash of Kings (Matthew 2:13-23)
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A Clash of Kings (Matthew 2:13-23)

December 30, 2025 1:13 pm

The birth of any child is cause for great joy and celebration. But the birth we celebrate today is no ordinary birth and this is no ordinary child. The prophet Isaiah prophesied amazing words about the birth of this child, giving this child amazing titles. What does it mean that the “government will be on His shoulders,” and that He is called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”? This morning we unpack Isaiah’s prophesy as we rejoice at the birth of such a Savior. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on December 25, 2025.
For To Us A Child Is Born (Christmas Day)
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For To Us A Child Is Born (Christmas Day)

December 26, 2025 3:47 pm

The Christmas celebration is filled with beauty and joy: The lights, the music, the decorations, the singing, the gatherings, and more. It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that all of this beauty and joy flows from a story filled with hardship and difficulty. There was very little about the first Christmas that was beautiful, especially the reason that we needed such a miraculous birth to take place. But the love of God that lies at the heart of what we celebrate tonight is the greatest beauty of all and gives rise to a joy that shall never end. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on December 24, 2025 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
The Beautiful the Ugly and The Redeemed (Christmas Eve)
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The Beautiful the Ugly and The Redeemed (Christmas Eve)

December 26, 2025 3:38 pm

Joseph receives instructions from the Lord that point in the opposite direction from where he had decided to go and what he had decided to do. And yet, he obeyed. Following our Lord’s instructions is sometimes difficult, pointing us in directions we would rather not take. But Christ has called us to take His Word to heart and to let it be seen in our lives and actions. In other words, to obey. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on December 21, 2025
Obey! (Advent 4)
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Obey! (Advent 4)

December 23, 2025 10:54 am

John the Baptist has been arrested for doing what God called him to do. In light of this, is he having doubts? He sends two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is really the One. Sometimes the circumstances of our lives present a challenge to our faith. Where do we look for assurance and hope when times are hard and God’s presence seems far? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on December 14, 2025
Believe! (Advent 3)
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Believe! (Advent 3)

December 16, 2025 11:51 am

John the Baptist was called by the Lord to prepare the way for the Messiah. And much of his preparation centered on one word: Repent! Why is repentance so critical for preparing for the Lord? What does it mean to repent? And how does our Lord respond to our repentance? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on December 7, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
Repent! (Advent 2)
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Repent! (Advent 2)

December 9, 2025 5:32 pm

Today we begin our Advent journey with a call to watch. In a world lulled by distraction and fear, Christ urges us to stay awake—to lift our eyes and hearts in expectation. What does it mean to live in expectation of His coming? What does it mean to “watch”? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on November 30, 2025
Watch! (Advent 1)
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Watch! (Advent 1)

December 3, 2025 12:00 pm

We conclude our study of Galatians, a study of the gospel, by joining Paul in meditating on boasting. Why is this a fit conclusion? Because our boasting is an indicator of whether we truly understand the gospel. As Christians, we boast of nothing in ourselves before the Lord, but rather boast in the Lord before the world. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on November 16, 2025
Boasting in the Lord (Galatians 6:11-18)
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Boasting in the Lord (Galatians 6:11-18)

November 21, 2025 3:19 pm

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