RESSURECTION ANYONE?
We have just celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord! That is not just “the Good News”; that is Great News! Our “Alleluia’s” have also been resurrected and are back in the building. Alleluia! AND, our call process is getting closer to being concluded successfully. So, is Napa Valley Lutheran Church and its mission also being resurrected? Or has it been resurrected already? Just what is our Good News?
Resurrection. We usually think of the word as meaning “rising from the dead”, specifically in the case of Jesus. But, of course, in the broader sense, it also means the regeneration or revitalization of something following hard times/incapacitation. However, I think it’s important to remember that the “thing” that is resurrected is never the same as it was before. Just as Jesus was the same but very different following his resurrection, so anything else is the same but, usually, very different following a regeneration or revitalization. For instance, a home that burned is not rebuilt to be exactly the same as it was when it burned; for one thing, the plumbing is new. But, for another thing, it could be smaller because the insurance money cannot cover current costs as well as one hoped it would. In another case, a favorite store may not have survived the effects of the pandemic and one needs to find a new place to shop. One might find what they need elsewhere, but the experience will never be the same. Similar, but very different.
Good news ahead! What a wonderful gift from God! From chaos comes change: resurrection. With the revitalization of Napa Valley Lutheran Church, following both the retirement of previous pastors and the effects of the pandemic, we are being given the opportunity to explore a new perception of life, as God intends it to be. We are being gifted a new path, a regeneration of our mission. As with Jesus’ resurrection, we are being gifted new and meaningful life.
I find it exciting to be part of this time of change for our community listening together for God’s voice. Since nothing is impossible for God, this is a time when we can look not for limitations but for possibilities. The years ahead will be similar to what we knew at NVLC before, but also very different. And for this we say,
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
In the Peace of our Lord, Pastor Rebecca Swee
WE WELCOME A GUEST PREACHER ON APRIL 7
We are honored to announce that our friend, Rev. Dr. Wakoh Shannon Hickey (Hospice Chaplain, Educator, Author (Mind Cure: How Meditation Became Medicine (Oxford University Press, 2019)), Soto Zen Buddhist Priest) will be serving as our guest preacher on Sunday, April 7. Wakoh will be sharing her perspective on the texts of the day, which I’m sure will be very enlightening and meaningful. This is a special treat, and we are very much looking forward to having her with us. We hope you all can join us.
COUNCIL UPDATES
The Church Council met on March 12, and after a devotional and report from Pastor Rebecca, the business discussed included:
- Received a report from the call committee.
- Approved a bid for repairs to 352 Jefferson house, including complete renovation of the bathroom.
- Seeking bids for repairs to 352 Jefferson house, including complete renovation of the bathroom.
- Approved extension of the contract for Bridge Pastor, Rebecca Swee, through June 30, 2024, and this will be terminated if a new Pastor is called and installed before that date.
EARTH DAY DISPLAY: SUNDAY, APRIL 21
This year Earth Day falls on Monday, April 22. Since caring for all of God’s creation is part of Jesus’ call to all people, Pastor Rebecca thought it would be a good idea to review easy ways we can all do just that in our everyday lives. Careful use and protection of our planet’s resources is, of course, key. Therefore, Pastor Rebecca is planning a display of recycling and sustainable products and practices in Luther Hall following services on Sunday, April 21. That way we can all share tips on how we might be able to make a difference for our kids’ future. If any of you have products and/or practices you can help Pastor Rebecca share, please contact her or the office.
Pastor’s phone is 650-619-4729; her email is [email protected]
And, in a related matter, Community Projects needs our help to re-use any clean plastic containers! The tops must be clear to see what goes inside. The bottom part can be a different color or clear. Dorothy Arata is our collector and there is a box in the narthex to put any plastic into. They will get the labels off and they can use any sizes and any shapes. This is a nice way to keep the plastic out of the landfill, at least for one more use!
Thanks for continuing to help out!
MEANWHILE, FROM OUR METHODIST FRIENDS…
Join us for a Neighborhood Meeting…to learn about updates on the plans that will bring new affordable workforce housing project located at 629 Randolph Street.
Where: Napa First United Methodist Church, 625 Randolph Street, Napa CA 94559
When: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 5:30 PM.
Also, A Free Community Lunch on the last Sunday of every month at 11:30 am at Napa First United Methodist Church, 625 Randolph St. Come meet & eat with neighbors & friends – No reservation needed!
SECOND MILE GIVING FOR APRIL – LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
Each month we designate a ministry partner for our Second Mile Giving emphasis, inviting members to donate as they feel moved to support the work of various synod, Churchwide, and community organizations. This month our Second Mile Giving recipient is Lutheran World Relief.
Founded in 1945 by Lutherans in the U.S., Lutheran World Relief is an international aid and development organization that partners with communities to help them develop productive and stable economies, improve resilience in the face of a changing climate, and respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises. In 2019, Lutheran World Relief joined the Corus International family, an ensemble of global leaders united in a commitment to ending poverty, suffering and injustice once and for all. If you would like to contribute, you can make a donation (checks payable to NVLC) this month – just mark your gift as “2nd Mile Giving” and include it with your offering anytime during April.
Some news from LWR…you can find more on their website: https://lwr.org/
Two years and counting: A report on your impact in Ukraine
As the war continues into a third year, we wanted to thank you for your generous response to the humanitarian needs in Ukraine since day one. In 2023 alone, the comfort of your compassion reached more than 50,000 Ukrainians with essential medical care, safe shelter, nourishing meals and more. This report highlights your impact to date and shares what the next phase of assistance looks like.
IMPACT UPDATE: Rebuilding homes and comforting families after Nepal earthquake
The earthquake that shook Nepal on November 3 barely made the news. Yet for our neighbors living in the Jajarkot district, it was the tragedy of a lifetime. “My 4-year-old daughter died,” says grieving mother Sabitra BK, whose collapsed house is shown above. “Now she remains in my memory only.” Your generosity made it possible to distribute emergency supplies almost immediately. But you didn’t stop there. To help families recover, you are rebuilding homes and offering counseling to those grieving lost loved ones.
STILL LOOKING FOR A FEW VOLUNTEERS
Would you be willing to share your gifts with the NVLC community? Here are a couple of opportunities.
- We have some members who don’t drive, would you be willing to provide transportation for Sunday worship and other church events?
- The Hospitality team always welcomes help with set up and clean up in Luther Hall.
- The Worship team always welcomes help with changing banners and altar care.
- We need someone to update the bulletin boards in the Narthex and Luther Hall.
- Could you put out the trash containers on Thursday &/or bring them in on Friday?
Contact Pastor Rebecca or Leanne Martinsen if you are interested
CHORAL PERFORMANCE
The performance of Considering Matthew Shepard will be Saturday, May 18 @ 7pm @ Napa Valley College music building. That’s the new building on the north end of campus, near the pool and tennis courts and just past the new student housing construction.
Students from Napa High School and American Canyon 
will be singing with Napa Valley College students and community members (Sing! Napa Valley) Please watch for ticket sales to begin on line!
Rebecca Thompson and Jill Jameson have been attending classes for this production. Rebecca is singing soprano and Jill is in the tenor section!
Save the date! It should be worth your time!
DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES
CHRIST IN OUR HOME: The April, May, June 2024 booklets are available now. Daily devotional booklets for the season of Lent are still available, too. If you would like to have one or both of these delivered to your home, please contact the church office at [email protected] or 707-226-8166 to make arrangements.
Leanne Martinsen highly recommends the experience of Lutheran Lobby Day, and hopes that we can get a carpool going from NVLC.
Contact the church office if you are interested.
Hope Circle remains suspended for the time being.
Lunch Bunch will meet on THURSDAY April 25 at the Kitchen Door, 1300 First Street, #272. Call Carol Holmes for reservations.
SIERRA PACIFIC SYNOD UPDATE
We are so excited to share office space with Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary!
New Physical Location:
Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA
2000 Center Street, Suite 200
Berkeley, CA 94704
Mailing Address:
PO Box 119, Berkeley, CA 94701
MT. CROSS’ SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
The Summer 2024 theme is Created to Be! Each day at camp gives us an opportunity to explore more deeply the authentic selves God has created us to be. Please visit their website Mt. Cross Ministries (mtcross.org) to learn more about their programs and pricing or to begin your camper’s registration today! Don’t be concerned about the registration fees — NVLC loves to help
families afford the Mt. Cross experience!
Thank you to the members of our congregation that have been sending in your contributions to the church office. It is much appreciated. Your financial giving to NVLC is still necessary for us to maintain needs of the congregation.
Remember, that although we did not provide boxes of offering envelopes, as in past years, we still have the opportunity to make special offerings for special occasions, any occasion that is special to you!
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Click here to view the August 2023 Newsletter.
Click here to view the September 2023 Newsletter.
Click here to view the October 2023 Newsletter.
Click here to view the November 2023 Newsletter.
Click here to view the December 2023 Newsletter.
Click here to view the January 2024 Newsletter.
Click here to view the February 2024 Newsletter.
Click here to view the March 2024 Newsletter.