May 9, 2025 E-Vine

“Known By The Shepherd”
May 11, 2025
As We Gather
Jesus calls Himself a shepherd.  He is the good shepherd who calls His sheep, and, as He says, He knows them.  What does it mean to be known by the Shepherd?  To hear His voice? To follow Him?  Jesus uses this metaphor and these words to communicate profound truths about our relationship with Him, both the incomprehensible blessings, as well as the way He calls us to respond.  May we all hear the Shepherd’s voice today and follow after Him faithfully
   
  CLICK HERE to download the service notes.

 

 

    
Pastor Mike’s Bible Class
The Early Church and the Nicene Creed – Resumes May 11
What is the history and meaning of the creed we speak together in worship most Sundays?  In this multi-week study, Pastor Mike will be looking at the first four centuries of the Christian Church, leading up to the writing of the Nicene Creed.  The class will resume on May 11 as we look at the Church in the 4th century.

 

Pastor Mike’s Bookshelf
 
What Still Divides Us: The Differences Between Protestants and Roman Catholics
Josh Maloney
 
Last week’s book review on the Nicene Creed focused on the faith we hold in common with other Christian traditions, including the Roman Catholic Church.  We both confess the Nicene Creed and the truths it contains.  So why are we still divided?  Wasn’t the Reformation 500 years ago?  Are the differences still that important?  This little book seeks to answer that question.
 
There is a lot of attention on the Roman Catholic church right now with the election of a new pope under way.  That process emphasizes some of the key differences between protestants and Catholics.  But the differences that divide are deeper than customs regarding electing leaders. 
 
Josh Maloney points to four questions that illustrate the differences:

  • How Are We Saved?
  • How Does God Speak to Us?
  • Who Runs the Church?
  • How Should Christians Worship God?

 Although we have much in common with the Roman Catholic Church, some of the differences that remain touch on very significant issues, most especially on the Gospel, the good news that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ alone.  Is salvation an entirely free gift, worked and given by God completely as a gift, or are we required to contribute to our salvation by our actions?  In seeking to answer that question, do we rely on Scripture alone as the normative source of truth, or do the traditions of the church also serve as a norming truth?  In this brief book, Maloney points out that the key teachings of the Reformation are still relevant and important today.
 
While I appreciate very much Maloney’s answers to the first three questions, as Lutherans we would part ways regarding some of his answer to the fourth question, specifically about the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.   Maloney is writing from a Calvinist Reformed perspective, and although there is much we agree with regarding the sacraments as means of grace, there are differences as well.  I would recommend referring to our “Discovering the Christian Faith” online videos (church.stjohnsnapa.org/grow/discovering-the-christian-faith), especially Sessions 8, 9 and 10, for a presentation of the Lutheran teaching on the sacraments.
 
If you are looking to better understand what still divides protestants from Roman Catholics,  I recommend this book.  I have placed a copy of this book on the church library cart in the church entryway.   Previous recommendations can be found here: church.stjohnsnapa.org/resources/pastor-mikes-bookshelf

 
 

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 streaming 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.  Current offerings as of the end of April totaled $7806.  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.

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Board of Directors Nominations

The Board of Directors is receiving Board nominations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.  There are nine members of the Board of Directors.  Four of these positions are up for election this year.  Board members serve for a two-year term and can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms.  If you are interested in nominating someone (or yourself) for the Board of Directors,  CLICK HERE for information about qualifications and responsibilities.  Also included is a nomination form to be completed and returned to the church office, Paula Schweiger, or Pastor Mike, by May 1st. 

 

 

                                                              
 

Registration is Open!     Vacation Bible School 

CLICK HERE. to register a student or volunteer.
VBS is completely free, but spots do fill up so please don’t wait. Can’t wait to journey at True North VBS June 16-19!

 

High School Youth 

Join us this Sunday after church for High School Hangout.  We will dive into our Bible study on Rightnow Media & play some games together. 
There will be no Hang Out on May 4th or 11th.

 

 

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 
 

From Andy Schweiger – Do you have room?
“I have hired an intern to help us this upcoming harvest season at Schweiger Vineyards. She is presently working at a winery in Colorado, but the owners wanted her to get some more experience so they have allowed her to take this position with us. She is presently working on housing logistics and is looking for a place to rent August through early December. A “granny unit” would be ideal, but if you have a furnished room available during that time frame, I’d be happy to introduce you to her and you can see if she could be a good fit.”  For more information, contact Andy at andy@schweigervineyards.com.

 

                                                                                                 

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.   

 

 

                                                                           
 

 

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.

Ongoing News and Information

 


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