“My Heart is Heavy”
June 29, 2025

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As We Gather

Some seasons leave us drained—physically, emotionally, even spiritually. Sometimes sadness descends for no clear reason, and even after great victories, we find ourselves under a dark cloud. Today we explore the reality of emptiness and how God meets us in it. In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah—exhausted and afraid—tells God, “It is enough.” And what does God do? He doesn’t scold. He doesn’t fix. He shows up. He listens. He makes breakfast. If your spirit feels crushed, take heart: the God who met Elijah in a whisper still meets His people with quiet mercy and gentle love.

Congregational Budget and Election Meeting – June 15
At the congregational meeting on June 15, the proposed Ministry Plan and Budget was approved by the assembly with no changes. Copies of the Approved Ministry Plan and Budget can be downloaded from the Board of Directors page on the website by clicking this link: church.stjohnsnapa.org/wp-content/uploads/Proposed-Ministry-Plan-and-Budget-2025-2026.pdf

The assembly also elected the following people to serve two-year terms on the Board of Directors: Neill Barker, Shanna Caceres-Reed, Rebekah Kramer, Sal Pagano, and Brad Seiter. They will join returning Board members Bob DeYoung, Dick Lemin, Ron Johnson, and Martin Meissenhalter. We give thanks to God for the Board members who have completed their service to the Lord and His people by serving on the Board: Dennis Arnett, Tyler Roberts, Judi Rock, Paula Schweiger, and Gail Vandeburgt.

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 your 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 from June 20 through July 14. During that time, services will be led by Kevin Mathison and Pastor Ted Zimmerman. On June 29 we will welcome Rev. Aaron Putnam, City Director for Linc Bay Area, who will preach and also provide an update on the work of Linc Bay Area. For pastoral care needs during this time, please contact the church office. Either Kevin or Pastor Ted will be available.

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.

We are delighted to announce that our new part-time Maintenance Technician is Ben Frey. Ben began working last week.

Sanctuary Lighting Upgrade
Let There Be Lights!

The long overdue project to update and enhance the lighting in the sanctuary is here! What is included in this upgrade?

LED lighting throughout the sanctuary, replacing the incandescent lights and original fixtures.
Enhanced lighting of the chancel (front of the sanctuary) for better visibility.
Updated controls and integration with the worship tech station
Better cameras for recording and stream that can easily be controlled by worship tech for pan, tilt and zoom.

The Board of Directors has approved funds from the Michael Thomas bequest for a portion of this project. We are inviting the St. John’s community to support the rest.

Our goal is $50,000. Thank you to all who have made an offering! If you would like to make an offering to “Let There Be Lights,” please indicate on your check or online that it is for the lighting project.

High School Youth
There will be no high school hangout this Sunday, June 29th.

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

Ongoing News and Information

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