In today’s Gospel, Jesus is confronted with a trap: a question about paying taxes meant to force Him into a political corner. Instead, He lifts the conversation to a deeper truth. The coin bears Caesar’s image, so give it to Caesar — but you bear God’s image, so give yourself to God. In the Upside‑Down Kingdom, allegiance is not divided by earthly loyalties but shaped by the One whose likeness we carry. Today we hear Jesus call us to wholehearted devotion, remembering that our true identity and purpose come from the God who made us and redeemed us. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on October 18, 2026.
Whose Image? (Matthew 22:15-22)
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Whose Image? (Matthew 22:15-22)

October 18, 2026 7:34 pm

Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a wedding feast — a celebration overflowing with joy, welcome, and abundance. Yet many ignore the king’s invitation, and others try to enter on their own terms. The Upside‑Down Kingdom confronts both indifference and self‑reliance. We come because the King calls, and we come clothed in Christ, the true wedding garment. Today we hear the urgency and the grace of God’s summons, and we rejoice that He has made us worthy to share in His feast. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on October 11, 2026
The Royal Invitation (Matthew 22:1-14)
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The Royal Invitation (Matthew 22:1-14)

October 14, 2026 10:35 am

In today’s gospel, Jesus tells a story about a vineyard—beautiful, abundant, and entrusted to tenants who forget that everything they have is a gift. Their grasping turns violent, and their desire to possess what was never theirs leads them to reject even the owner’s son. Yet in this upside-down kingdom, God does the unexpected: the rejected Son becomes the cornerstone, and the vineyard is given to those who receive it with open hands. Today we hear the good news that the kingdom is not earned, seized, or owned—it is given. And the fruit we bear comes not from our strength, but from His grace. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA, on October 4, 2026
When the Gift Becomes a Grasp (Matthew 21:33-46)
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When the Gift Becomes a Grasp (Matthew 21:33-46)

October 4, 2026 2:56 pm

In today’s Gospel, Jesus confronts the religious leaders who question His authority, and He answers with a parable that exposes the difference between words and obedience. One son says “no” but later repents and does his father’s will; the other says “yes” but never follows through. In the Upside‑Down Kingdom, repentance is more than talk — it is a change of heart that becomes a change of life. Jesus calls us to the kind of authentic repentance that shows up in what we do, not just in what we say. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on September 27, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
When Yes Isn't Enough (Matthew 21:23-32)
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When Yes Isn't Enough (Matthew 21:23-32)

September 29, 2026 11:10 am

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the laborers in the vineyard — a story that unsettles our sense of fairness and reveals the generosity of God. The workers hired at the end of the day receive the same wage as those who labored from morning, not because they earned it, but because the master delights in giving freely. In the Upside‑Down Kingdom, grace doesn’t follow our scorekeeping. It exposes envy, dismantles entitlement, and invites us to rejoice in the fullness of a God who gives far more than we deserve. Sermon preached by Kevin Mathison on September 20, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
Fair or Full (Matthew 20:1-16)
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Fair or Full (Matthew 20:1-16)

September 22, 2026 12:42 pm

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable that overturns our instinct to measure forgiveness by what feels fair. Peter asks how many times he must forgive, and Jesus responds with a story of a servant forgiven an impossible debt who then refuses to forgive a small one. In the Upside‑Down Kingdom, mercy isn’t rationed — it flows freely from those who have received it. As forgiven people, we are called to live out the same radical mercy that has been poured out on us in Christ. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA, or September 13, 2026.
Forgiven People Forgive (Matthew 18:21-35)
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Forgiven People Forgive (Matthew 18:21-35)

September 14, 2026 11:31 pm

Why should we trust the Bible? How reliable is it? The culture at large seems to adopt a skeptical approach to God’s Word. How do we respond to this? What does it matter? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on September 6, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
The Word of the Lord (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
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The Word of the Lord (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

September 10, 2026 5:50 pm

Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. This agricultural metaphor is one that we relate to quite well here in our valley. The only way the branches can be fruitful is to remain connected to the vine. What does it mean to be pruned by the Gardener? What does it mean for us today to be connected to Jesus, the Vine, so that we might bear fruit? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA, on August 30, 2026
A Fruitful Branch (John 15:1-8)
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A Fruitful Branch (John 15:1-8)

September 10, 2026 5:42 pm

In today’s service, For Hearth and Home, we give thanks for God’s gracious gift of family and the calling He places upon every Christian household. A Christian home is not defined by perfection, but by Christ’s presence—by His Word spoken, His forgiveness shared, and His love practiced in daily life. As God welcomes us into His family through Baptism and the Gospel, He also sends us to reflect that same welcome in our homes, our relationships, and our hospitality toward others. We gather today asking the Lord to strengthen our families, bless our homes, and shape our lives so that His grace may be seen in all we do. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on August 23, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
For Hearth and Home (Matthew 7:24-27)
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For Hearth and Home (Matthew 7:24-27)

September 10, 2026 5:39 pm

As we begin a new school year, we gather around Christ’s promise of peace—peace that He speaks into our hearts and peace that He sends us to share. In Colossians 3, Paul reminds us that the peace of Christ is not something we manufacture; it is a gift that rules in us, shaping our words, our choices, and our life together. Today we celebrate the God who brings peace in through His forgiveness, His presence, and His Word, and who sends peace out through acts of kindness, compassion, and love. May Christ’s peace fill us deeply and flow freely into every classroom, home, and relationship this year. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on August 16, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA
Peace In Peace Out (Colossians 3:15)
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Peace In Peace Out (Colossians 3:15)

September 10, 2026 5:35 pm

Walking on the water for Jesus was as simple as one step in front of the other. It wasn’t so simple for Peter. Fear and his uncertainty about Jesus caused him to sink. At times life feels like we have stepped out of the boat and are sinking with each step or worse, immediately plunging into the depths. Just like Peter, we need and have a Savior who reaches out His hand and catches us. Sermon preached by Pastor Mark Heine on August 9, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA
Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)
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Walking on Water (Matthew 14:22-33)

September 10, 2026 5:26 pm

God’s word encourages Christians toward hospitality, welcoming and caring for others. Why is this important in today’s world? How can we do this when our lives are often so busy and hectic? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on August 2, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA
Entertaining Angels (Hebrews 13:1-3)
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Entertaining Angels (Hebrews 13:1-3)

August 4, 2026 1:54 pm

Genesis 1 tells us that God created humanity in his image and set them to have dominion over the creation. What does this mean? What does it mean for us today? As Christians, what is to be a relationship with our Father’s world? Why should we be concerned about creation and its care? Sermon preached by Kevin Mathison at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on July 26, 2026
Taking Care of the Garden (Genesis 1:26-31)
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Taking Care of the Garden (Genesis 1:26-31)

August 4, 2026 1:50 pm

In today’s service we reflect on what it means to confess God as the Maker of heaven and earth. Scripture invites us to see creation not as a random accident but as the purposeful work of the Creator who forms and sustains all things. As we consider the implications of a world without God—where truth, beauty, and goodness have no firm foundation—we rejoice in the blessing of knowing that we are intentionally made in His image. Gathered in worship, we listen for His voice, receive His grace, and are renewed in our calling as His beloved creatures. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA, on July 19, 2026
Maker of Heaven and Earth (Genesis 1:1-2:3)
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Maker of Heaven and Earth (Genesis 1:1-2:3)

August 4, 2026 1:47 pm

Today we explore what it means for Christians to live as citizens of both an earthly nation and the kingdom of God. Scripture calls us to pray for our leaders, seek the good of our communities, and honor those in authority. Yet it also reminds us that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone. This morning we reflect on how the Bible—and Luther’s teaching on the Two Realms—helps us navigate this balance with clarity, humility, and hope. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on July 12, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
God and Country (Jeremiah 29:4-7)
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God and Country (Jeremiah 29:4-7)

July 17, 2026 5:07 pm

What is freedom? Our culture often defines it as independence, self-expression, or the right to choose our own path. Scripture offers a deeper and more life-giving vision. Today we explore the freedom God gives—freedom from sin’s bondage, freedom for life with Him, and freedom to love our neighbor. Through the rescue of Israel, the spaciousness of God’s Word, the promise of Jesus, and Paul’s call to Spirit-led living, we discover that true freedom is not autonomy but belonging: belonging to the God who sets His people free in Christ. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA. The sermon was originally given on July 5, but was re-recorded on July 8.
For Freedom Set Free (Galatians 5:1, 13-18)
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For Freedom Set Free (Galatians 5:1, 13-18)

July 8, 2026 4:17 pm

What does a holy God do with unclean people? In Zechariah’s vision, the high priest stands before God covered in filthy garments—yet God removes his uncleanness and clothes him in purity. This sermon points us to Jesus, our true holiness, who takes our sin upon Himself so that we may be welcomed into God’s presence clean, forgiven, and clothed in His righteousness. Sermon preached by Rev. Aaron Putnam of LINC Bay Area at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on June 28, 2026
I Am Your Holiness (Zechariah 3:1-5)
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I Am Your Holiness (Zechariah 3:1-5)

July 8, 2026 4:14 pm

With unveiled faces we turn toward Christ, who removes the barriers that keep us from seeing God’s mercy clearly. In today’s reading from 2 Corinthians, Paul uses the image of the veil to show how the Spirit brings clarity, courage, and hope—not so we can boast, but so we can bear gentle, honest witness to the One who shines His light into every shadowed heart. As people transformed by that light, we are sent to reflect Christ with humility and confidence, trusting Him to do the unveiling in others. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA, on June 21, 2026
Unveiled A Witness Shaped by Christ (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6)
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Unveiled A Witness Shaped by Christ (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6)

July 8, 2026 4:07 pm

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