Pastor Archive

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 28, 2024 By admin

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” Mark 16:1-7

 

Finally, our long Lenten journey has reached its unlikely conclusion. Unlikely, at least according to the world’s assumption. For forty days, Christians all over the world have been contemplating their sinfulness and need for God’s intervention in rescuing us from the consequences of our disobedience to His law. For forty days, many have taken up the discipline of reading Holy Scripture, abiding in God’s Word of love, mercy, and grace which brings hope to sin-sick souls. And now, in the most unlikely of scenarios, the once sealed tomb of Jesus of Nazareth is opened for all to see inside; to see that He is not there, for He is risen.

 

Early on the first day of the week, some of the women who followed Jesus went to the tomb to weep and complete the Jewish burial rite by anointing Jesus’s lifeless body with spices, oils, and perfumes. How would they roll the great stone away? How would they dare to gain access to His body with Roman sentries standing by guarding Christ’s grave so that no one may enter? These and so many other questions must have been running through their minds as they came upon the grave where Jesus was laid. But their questions were soon answered in a most dramatic fashion. An Angel announced to them that Jesus was indeed alive; he is risen! Does this good news conjure up questions in your mind as you stand two-thousand years opposite Mary and the women who first discovered the resurrection of Christ?

 

Following our forty day Lenten trek across the scriptures to the cross of Good Friday, it would be natural to ask questions upon discovering such a miracle. What does the resurrection of Jesus mean? How must I live my life knowing that Christ has died and arisen from the grave? How do I faithfully respond to the news of Jesus’s rising? All good questions for sure, and all demand answers.

 

First of all, “What does the resurrection of Jesus mean?” It means that those who have placed their faith and trust in Him, even though they die, shall live. The grave could not hold Jesus and because we are united with him in death through our Baptism, the grave cannot hold us either. Christians need no longer fear the grave; it’s lost its power. On the day of God’s choos[1]ing, we will receive the resurrection of the body and dwell in the kingdom of God forever.

 

Next, “How must I live my life knowing that Christ has arisen from the grave?” All believers in Christ Jesus are called to live according to His example of loving service toward our neighbors. This means doing what Jesus did in the ways He taught us. Forgiving the sins of those who sin against us. Sharing the goodness and abundance of God’s blessings with those who have little. Praying for those who are wandering around, lost in this world and have no one to encourage, care, or pray for them. This is what it means to be a disciple of our Lord Jesus.

 

And finally, “How do I faithfully respond to the news of Jesus’s rising?” Well, simply put – tell others. Share the Gospel of our Lord to those whom you meet. Share it with anyone and everyone, no matter whether they have heard it before, or have not heard it at all. All people need to hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you don’t know how to tell others, or if you are shy about having such conversations, pray. Pray for courage. Pray for guidance. Pray that God would send you a companion who will teach you, encourage you, and walk alongside you as you go in the name of Christ our Lord.

 

It’s the Easter season. No longer do we travel the road to the cross of shame. For now we travel a much different road. It is the way of truth, and the way of life. For Christ is risen!

He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Grace and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

Congo Mission Adopt a Bible

Posted March 28, 2024 By admin

One of the joys of my mission work in Congo is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with so many people who have not had the opportunity to worship or learn of God’s saving grace through reading the Scriptures. Bibles are hard to come by for most people living in the outlying and remote areas surrounding Mbuji-Mayi. For this reason, I am encouraging everyone at St. Jacob’s to participate in this year’s mission in a unique way. I invite you all to “adopt a Bible” that would be provided to church members in Mbuji-Mayi and Merode.

Bibles printed in the tribal languages in Congo are available in Kinshasa (the capitol city), but not in the remote areas in which we serve. Pastor Kalonji hopes to fill a suitcase with Bibles to take to the Lutheran congregation in Mbuji-Mayi and have them distributed to families by local pastors. Each Bible printed in the local languages cost about $25 each. If you would like to provide one for a family in Congo, simply add that amount to your church offering and designate the amount given “Congo Mission Bibles” on your envelope where it says “other.”

Thank you so much for your consideration and generosity as we continue to minister to God’s people in such a far-off place. This year’s mission trip is scheduled for July 8-21

Congo Mission Update

Posted March 28, 2024 By admin

Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” Our Lord then used Abraham as an example of faith. Abraham believed God’s promise and longed to see the fulfillment of it. Those who criticized Jesus neither listened to God’s words, nor did they believe in the Son of God standing before them, because in their view, Abraham was dead. The crowd scoffed since they didn’t understand, and they refused to believe what Jesus was saying.

 

We, however, know it’s true. Those who keep God’s Word and believe Jesus is Lord and Savior, even though they die, will live forever in God’s heavenly kingdom. As a Lenten discipline, strive to remain in God’s Word. Read Scripture daily and share the Good News of Jesus Christ, even in the face of  ridicule. Remain in the Word, speak the truth, and give God the glory due His name.

 

Pastor Stephane Kalonji and I have met several times in the last few months by way of zoom.com to plan for the ministry we will accomplish on our Mission trip to Kinshasa and Mbuji-Mayi in July.  The struggles in life for the people of Congo are real and harsh.  Addressing hunger as best we can continues to be a priority, as does reuniting mothers with newly born babies with their families.  Of course, the chief endeavor is always sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people who so dearly want to grow in faith.

 

Our teaching seminar this year will address a central concern for a Lutheran Church in Mbuji-Mayi.  This particular congregation suffered two tragic losses in just the last few months.  First, the wife of their pastor passed away.  She was a woman who cared much for the congregation and served as a pillar in the community.  Soon afterward, the pastor passed away causing even greater grief among the people.

 

Pastor Kalonji and I will spend time with the congregation in worship and prayer.  We will also be offering them a one day theological look into the Resurrection of the Body.  It is our hope that grief will be overcome by the joy of experiencing God’s eternal love.

 

I’m looking forward to this trip as it is filled with opportunities to share the Gospel and God’s love with a community that receives very little in the way of fellowship and compassion among the global Lutheran community.  Thank you for your ongoing support and for your prayers.  God bless you all as we minister to those who are so far away, yet close in spirit.

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 9, 2024 By admin

Thus, the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2:1-3

 

The world is a busy, noisy place filled with people at work and play. Our culture is one in which we try to fill every moment with the sights and sounds of modern-day life. There is so much to choose from, so much to do, and so little time. The “other” gods of the world demand our precious time causing many to work longer and harder to make enough money to appease them.

 

The rhythm and pace of worldly living puts us on trial and drives us to unhealthy habits of eating fast food (The defendant will rise), neglecting our families, (Guilty as charged), and not getting the rest needed to rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and spirits. (Bailiff, take him away!)

 

The world is so busy and distracted that the voices of competition, success, selfishness, pride, and pleasure deafen our ears and fill our hearts and minds with earthly troubles. But as God’s people become quiet and still, we hear yet another voice. Listening in faith, we hear that whispering voice that calls out to us. As we listen even closer, we recognize it as the voice of God’s Holy Spirit.

 

If we can only break out of the rhythm of life as set by “other gods” we will soon find that it is the one true God who truly sets the rhythm of life. God blesses his people with all they need. He allows six days for work and gives the seventh for rest, worship, and prayer.

 

According to Luther’s Small Catechism, we are to fear, love, and trust in God, so that we may be rested and refreshed; not only by our taking time away from unnecessary work, but especially by gathering with the people of God to worship, pray, and hear God’s Word as it is preached and to receive the Sacrament of the Altar which is the Holy Communion of Christ’s precious body and blood.

Remembering the Sabbath begins with God’s people gathering as a community. We celebrate the love that God so freely gives to the world. Remembering the Sabbath day means we remember God is the source of our very lives and livelihood. Keeping it holy means we gather with the saints for worship and thanksgiving.

 

As we consider this commandment, remember to pray for those who are under stress from overwork, sleepless nights, and driven by the urgency of a fallen and broken world. Pray for those who work in this noisy, busy world. Pray for anyone who might feel abandoned, neglected, or lost. Pray for our church family, that we might overcome any differences we have, objections, or grudges and live together in the peace of Christ. And finally, pray that for one day in seven, all may find peace and quiet, so that they may also hear the whispering voice of God calling them to rest, to refresh themselves by drinking from the living water of Christ Jesus, dwelling in his gospel where all may find peace.

 

As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage, we have the opportunity to renew our commitment to striving toward keeping God’s Ten Commandments, especially toward our commitment to keeping the Sabbath Day holy. Let this be our prayer throughout the season.

 

Holy God, you give your people one day in seven to rest from work, that we may gather in faith to worship you, to pray and to give you thanks. Strengthen us in faith that we may keep the Sabbath holy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

I hope to see many of you as we continue toward the cross of Good Friday and the Empty tomb of Easter.

God bless you all with His peace and presence,

 

 

 

Pastor David Nuottila

 

Midweek Bible Study

Posted March 4, 2024 By admin

Our Midweek Bible study is back in full swing with a study of Psalms. Each week we are taking a close look at a selected Psalm so the topic is new every time. The purpose of our study is threefold:
• To know God through the world he created, through his Word, and through our experiences with him.
• To gain assurance that God will sustain us throughout our life.
• To help us hear God’s message every time we read Scripture. It is possible to read without hearing. Through this study, we want to learn to listen for God speaking very personally to us as we read the Psalms.

Worship at Generations

Posted March 1, 2024 By admin

Every other Sunday, Pr. David leads worship for the residents of Generations Assisted Care of Chapin. This ministry has made a great difference in the lives of many folks who are not able to attend worship at their home church. The congregation is invited and certainly encouraged to share this experience with our friends just down the road. Our next worship opportunities will be on Sunday, March 3rd and March 17th at 1:00 PM. Join us in the lobby at Generations.

March Pastoral Devotion – Standing on Faith

Posted March 1, 2024 By admin

Read: John 8:46-59

 

A Challenge for Christians when standing on their faith is facing criticism from non-believers. Christians are sometimes mocked for being so-called “do gooders” or for acting “holier than thou” in front of those who refuse to believe. But, truth be told, nonbelievers in Christ will never understand what it means for a Christian to take a stand on faith. More often than not, such a stand means contradicting the world and all its empty promises.

 

Our text finds Jesus in the temple, confronted by a crowd opposed to Him. Some in the crowd would even plot to have Him put to death. Yet, the severity of their actions did not preclude Jesus from speaking the truth of the Gospel. They attempted to discredit Jesus by hurling insults and accusations at Him. Jesus faced harsh scrutiny because they would not believe and did not hear God’s voice in the words that Jesus spoke.

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted February 10, 2024 By admin

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

As we once again prepare to enter the season of Lent, I wish to focus upon our Christian calling to be disciples, evangelists, and ambassadors for the kingdom of God. It always hits me at this time of year, how a few people who claim to be Christians fail to worship in God’s house and participate in the life of Christ’s Church, especially during Lent.

Lent isn’t like Advent; there is no gradual build up to receiving gifts and singing beloved carols. In Advent, even Santa and his reindeer yield to the warm and inviting vision of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, while his joyful mother and father look on. In Lent, there are no pretty, cute and cuddly reminders in super markets and malls that alert us to the holy day that is approaching. The bunny isn’t as accommodating as Santa when it comes to making room. Yet, as much as Advent prepares us for the wonder of Christmas, Lent is to prepare us even more for the joy of Easter.

As disciples, Lent is the time when we are to look deeply into our life of faith, recognize our struggle against sin, and strive to grow stronger in our relationship with Christ our Lord. By now, you have all heard me say a hundred times, we are to worship weekly, come frequently to the Lord’s Supper, read scripture daily, pray without ceasing, give alms, live among God’s people and tell others of the goodness of God. This is the vocation of everyone who claims Jesus to be Lord and Savior of all.

Lent is also a time when, as evangelists, we are to use our gifts and talents to tell others about the goodness of God’s mercy. So many people in the community that surrounds Union Lutheran Church have not heard the gospel spoken to them on a personal level. Yes, I’m sure most have heard the name of Jesus, but how many have a relationship with him? How many unchurched people know that the God who created them wants to save them from their sin? How many others, who have lapsed in their faith, really understand that Christ desires for them to cherish the benefits of their baptism, that they may have a personal relationship with the one who freely extends his grace? As evangelists, our calling is to tell them and help them grow in faith.

Finally, Lent is a time when, as ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we are to not only represent Christ in the world, but we are also to re-present Christ to the world. Our lives are visible to believers and un-believers alike. They see us as we go about our daily routine and take notice of how we extend the love of God to others. Ambassadors are held to high standards, lest they misrepresent the one who calls them. When we fail or fall short of those marks of discipleship (worship, scripture, prayer, communion, etc.) the world takes notice.

Lent is our time to get into the healthy habits of faith, not simply for our sake, but for the sake of the world around us. The best and simplest place to begin such an endeavor is to invite those church family members who have been missing out on congregational life. We all know someone who is a member of our congregation but they have not been regular in there worship attendance. As one such member is missing from the Sunday assembly, the fellowship of the whole family is lacking. How wonderful would it be if we were able to rekindle the faith of one who would be willing to re-establish the relationship of Christian love with their church family? My prayer is that, as a church family, we recognize the necessity and benefit of Lent. My prayer is for those who worship regularly is to invite others to come hear the gospel. My prayer for those who do not worship as often as they should, will hear the still small voice of God calling them into his presence. Brothers and sisters in Christ, pray with me, beginning today and always, that as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we may grow in faith and love, and that our Lenten walk leads us to overflowing joy at the sight of the empty tomb of Easter.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Read Romans 7:7-25

Everyone has bad habits. Those things we do subconsciously and don’t realize it until it’s done. Then there are those bad habits that, as we strive to refrain from doing them, the temptation becomes too great, and we surrender. We all suffer from such inclinations. Everyone falls into the pit of their own personal bad habits because we are all sinners in need of redemption.

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul puts it plainly for everyone to see. Because of sin, we continue to fall short of God’s expectation for us. We want to follow God’s commandments, but our sinful flesh is weak and so the evil deeds we do not want to do are all too often the exact thing we do. The desires of our flesh wage war against our desire to please God. So often is the case, the flesh wins, wretched people that we are.

Paul also makes it clear that, even as we are captive to sin, we have a champion. Christ has put sin to death once and for all.

Because Christ prevailed over sin, death, and the power of the devil, those who repent and turn to God for forgiveness will be saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: O God, give me strength to withstand temptation, forgive my sin, and keep me in your grace.
Amen.

Christmas Morning Worship

Posted December 15, 2023 By admin

We’ve all seen the signs, billboards and bumper stickers: “Keep Christ in Christmas!” The truth is, without Christ, it simply isn’t Christmas. Christians everywhere urge others to remember The “Reason for the Season.” But you know, even some churches find it difficult to “Keep Christ in Christmas”. Just take a look at the many churches standing idle and empty on Christmas morning.

St. Jacob’s offers everyone an opportunity to “Keep Christ in Christmas” beginning December 24 at 5:00P.M. with our annual candlelight service. The service will certainly be beautiful and inspiring. Then all are encouraged to gather on Christmas morning at 10:00 for an informal family Christmas celebration. Children are welcome to come in their pajamas and are invited to bring a gift they received for Christmas. Each child may share with all of us the joy this gift brings. Adults may “come as you are” and enjoy time for family and fellowship. Plan to attend these wonderful services of worship with your church family. Join us and “Keep Christ in Christmas.”