“On Being a Good Neighbor”
July 13, 2025

CLICK HERE FOR SERVICE NOTES.

As We Gather

“Who is my neighbor?” That was the Jewish law expert’s question. He knew quite well God’s Law required him “to love his neighbor as himself.” The focus of his question is on the qualities of the person in need of help that justifies one’s charitable response.

In answer to the lawyer’s question, Jesus tells a story about a man in need of charity, illustrating common responses (or lack of same) to the person’s need. Then Jesus asks a question of the lawyer which turns his question on its head. “Who was neighbor to the man in need?” Now the focus is on the qualities of the person who sees a fellow human being in need and shapes his response.

What kind of neighbor are you? What kind of neighbor do you want to be? What kind of neighbor does Jesus want you to be?

Ongoing News and Information

Now Hiring: Church Office Manager
The church office manager serves St. John’s by providing administrative and secretarial services to the church staff and church community. For the position description, please click here: St. John’s Church Office Manager.

Church Office Hours
During the summer, and especially while we are in the process of seeking to hire a new full-time office manager, the church office will have reduced hours when someone is present in the office. There will be someone in the office on most days until noon. Please feel free to leave a message if there is no one to take your phone call. We ask for our patience during this time of transition, and also for your prayers as we seek new staff.

Pastor Mike’s Vacation
Pastor Mike will be on vacation through July 14. During that time, services will be led by Kevin Mathison and Pastor Ted Zimmerman. For pastoral care needs during this time, please contact the church office. Either Kevin or Pastor Ted will be available.

Sanctuary Lighting Upgrade

Let There Be Lights!

To make an offering to support the lighting upgrade for the sanctuary. For an offering by check, just indicate in the memo line. For online giving, please use the “Let there Be Lights” option to make your offering.

High School Youth
Join us in Room 10 for High School Hangout after Sunday’s church service.

National Youth Gathering in New OrleansThe National Youth Gathering is right around the corner! We have 21 people attending this year! Please join us in praying for all of our youth and adults who will be attending July 18-23.

Class of 2025 Graduates We would like to publish a list of our Class of 2025 high school and college graduates in an upcoming Vine newsletter. If you have a graduate in your family, please email the church office at churchoffice@stjohnsnapa.org with the following information. For high school graduates, please include the student’s full name, high school they graduated from, and name of college where they will be attending. For college graduates, please include the student’s full name, college they graduated from, and what degree and major (minor if applicable) they achieved.

We have added a few members to our team and we are always looking for more. It’s a joy to share the gospel with the young kids at their level each week! If you are interested in serving in Children’s Church occasionally please contact Kevin Mathison or the Church Office.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow St. John’s Youth Ministry on Social Media to keep up with all the latest information!
Facebook: SJL Napa Youth Ministry
Instagram: St. John’s Lutheran Napa Youth

Every week is an opportunity to invite someone to join with us in worship, whether in person or online. The first step, though, is to pray for those whom you may invite. Who can you pray for? Who will you invite?

You can CLICK HERE to give your offering online.

Stephen Ministers Grow in the Lord
The more you focus on the Lord and do God’s work, the more satisfaction you will find. It’s that simple! Are you looking for more satisfaction in your life? Consider serving our congregation as a Stephen Minister. By helping others, you will help God’s kingdom grow – and you will grow too! To learn more about Stephen Ministry and what Stephen Ministers do, contact Penni Cremen (707-483-9321) or Pastor Mike at the church office (707-255-0119).

Women’s Bible Study will resume after the Summer.

Men’s Saturday Morning Bible Study

The Men’s Saturday Morning Bible Study is currently studying the Gospel of Luke. Join us for fellowship at 7:30 AM and Bible Study from 8-9 AM

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.

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:
- www.youtube.com/user/stjohnsnapaca/live
- There are playlists for sermons, Sunday Services, Wednesday Night Worship and teaching on Matthew
RightNow Media Channel
- www.rightnowmedia.org/CustomLibrary/41667
- Scroll down to find recommendations as well as sermon and Gospel of Matthew lessons
Website
- church.stjohnsnapa.org/resources/sermons
- The sermons are arranged by worship series