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Music Notes

Posted September 10, 2026 By admin

We need your help. Our choir is going through a period of rebuilding as several of our members are no longer with us. We will continue to assist in leading worship weekly as we are able, but we are asking you to help us with the anthem. We will plan a hymn for the anthem twice a month. The Sundays we are singing will be published in the newsletter along with hymns we are singing.

Please come join us to sing our praise to God. We will meet at 9:15 AM in the choir room to run through the anthem with everyone, then just come join the choir during the passing of the peace and return to your seat after the anthem. Of course, you are welcome to sit in the choir throughout to help lead worship if you would like.

  • September 13th
    • Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive If you are unfamiliar with the hymn, here is a link to listen to. I’m sure you will know the tune.
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZIybA5NoTY
  • September 27th is Men’s Sunday and they will provide the anthem.

 

Please help us fill the church with song.

Filed in Choir Notes, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Worship and Music, Worship Service

Pastor’s Classes for New Members and Everyone

Posted September 7, 2026 By admin

During September, Pastor David will host Sunday morning classes for our newest members, visitors, and anyone who would like to know more about St. Jacob’s, the South Carolina Mission District, and the North American Lutheran Church. Classes will meet in one of the Sunday school rooms in the Christian Education Hall downstairs from the church sanctuary. Dates for our classes will be September 13th , 20th, and 27th. Please let Pastor David know if you are interested.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Pastor

Up and Going

Posted September 6, 2026 By admin

Thursday, August 20th was the Annual 4 Churches Meeting hosted this year by Macedonia Lutheran Church in Prosperity. Upon arrival each person was given a bright green bulletin and a prize number ticket. We entered the beautifully red, white and blue decorated Fellowship Hall with matching clothed favors on each table for each person attending.

We were welcomed by Sandy, President of Macedonia’s Goldies. She introduced each of the four churches. Forty persons attended and nine were from St. Jacob’s.

Betty gave the devotions entitled The Tree of Life – Jesus Christ our Lord. We sang together the hymn “Tree of Life” by Marty Haugen. Devotions concluded with prayer. Beautiful piano music was provided by a Newberry College Music Minister. After the blessing for the meal, we enjoyed a bountiful and delicious meal. Macedonia provided the meats (BBQ and fried chicken) and everyone else brought a side dish or dessert. Food brings out the very best in us as we enjoyed the food and laughed and talked with everyone around us.

Dorothy presided over the prize drawings. Many unique and special gifts were given and joyfully received. The closing prayer was given by Dorothy. Much conversation and many hugs transpired as we said goodbye and planned to see each other next year. St. Jacob’s will host the 2027 meeting.

The Up and Going’s Annual Apple Run to Hendersonville, NC is scheduled for Thursday, September 10th . We will meet at 8:30 AM in the bus shed parking lot. A sign-up sheet is posted on the Up and Going bulletin board. Please plan to join us.

Helen

Team Leader for Up and Going

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Up and Going

Midweek Bible Studies Return

Posted September 4, 2026 By admin

Our midweek Bible studies will resume according to our regular schedule for September and the months following. Wednesday morning Bible study will meet in the church office Conference Room beginning on September 2nd at 9:30 AM each week. The topic for our study will be centered upon your favorite Bible stories, Bible verses, and traditional hymns. We will read each one in its fuller context and discuss the attributes that give them so much meaning for God’s people.

On September 8th, our Tuesday evening Bible study will begin meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday each month at 6:30 PM in the church office conference room. Our topic for study will be a close look at how the architecture of churches and the symbolism inside our church nave shapes our identity as Christians who are saved by God’s grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Please plan to attend one or both of these studies. There are no special materials needed. Friends and neighbors are also welcome to attend.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Pastor

Devotion for September – Enough Faith

Posted September 1, 2026 By admin

Read Mark 7:24-30

Do you have enough faith? Do you have enough faith to pray even when it seems God is not listening? It is not always easy to maintain faithfulness, especially when it seems God is silent to our pleas for help. Just as the Psalmist wrote; “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest…” (Psalm 22:2). Many people feel they sometimes experience silence from God. On the night he was handed over, Jesus himself prayed that the cup of suffering might be removed from him, yet he remained faithful. The fact remains that Jesus’s crucifixion was God’s greatest silence.

We have all experienced this silence of God. We pray for something and the opposite seems to happen. We pray for healing yet still suffer. We pray for companionship, yet we remain lonely. This is where faith enters. Having faith means understanding and believing that Christ was, is, and always will be Emmanuel, God with us. Even as we do not understand God’s ways, through faith we are enabled to believe that God’s mercy endures. Even as we don’t always seem to get what we want, the Holy Spirit leads us through faith to realize God gives us what we need.

In this month’s text, the Syrophoenician woman pleads for her daughter’s healing; she believes the crumbs from the Master’s table have the power to save. It is all she needs. Even as we plead, “Lord have mercy,” Christ reaches out and fills our empty hands with this same bread from heaven. Christ is the only source for forgiveness of our sin and the promise of eternal life. Through faith in him we are saved.

Do you have enough faith? What do you think? Do you believe that God’s blessings are for you even if you might have times of doubt? Having enough faith is not hoping we will get what we want; it is knowing Jesus is Lord. Having enough faith is believing that no matter what chaos threatens us, we are not alone in a storm. Having enough faith means knowing Christ is our Lord and our God, and through him only is the way to eternal life.

Prayer: O Lord God, keep us in faith. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted September 1, 2026 By admin

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

The month of September brings with it a bittersweet feeling for me, for the first time in many years I will not have a class of youth members setting out on the course for Confirmation instruction. It is truly a pastor’s joy, especially for this pastor, to spend time with our younger members and learn from them as they spend time learning from me.

Over the years, I have learned so much from the many bright and energetic kids I have taught. I’ve learned that they truly do care about the things going on in our world. They care about the needs of our community and the wellbeing of the members of our congregation. Mostly, I have learned that, though they may be sometimes quiet on the subject, they truly love their Lord Jesus and are thankful for all God has done in their lives.

I remember those long-ago days when I sat in the classroom with my pastor. He was just as hopeful for me and my classmates as I have always been for those whom I have had the pleasure of instructing. Conversations around the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments tend to open up the minds of our youth. Reading the Great Bible Stories of the Old and New Testaments capture their attention and shed light on the mercy and love God has for His people. It’s truly a wonder to see the connections that are made as our kids grow in faith.

Yet, in all the marvel of my experiences with the youth of the Lutheran Church, one thing sticks out for me. Most children when they embark on Catechetical instruction do not know much about the Bible or the basics of the Christian faith. For a pastor, it’s a lot to pass on in one hour per week for sixteen months. I can’t help but wonder, how much faith formation is truly happening in the home? Do parents take the above passage from Proverbs at face value and act upon it?

Some of the children whom I’ve taught over the years now have children of their own. Some still keep in touch; I’ve officiated at some of their weddings; and I encourage them (and their parents) however I can; but I’m no longer their pastor. I handed that relationship over years ago, but truly, God has never released me from the promises I made to them when they were baptized. That same truth is for all of us to consider as we baptize the children of St. Jacob’s and celebrate with them as they become confirmed in their faith.

My prayer for Bryleigh, Copeland, MacKenzie, and Samantha is that they are thankful for the instruction they have received in Sunday school and Catechetical classes and continue to grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus. I’m sure they will, because as members of their church family, we will continue to encourage them as they continue to grow in years. That’s the promise we made to them on the day they were baptized, and God has not released us from that promise.

As an ordained pastor of the Church of Christ, it is my vow to continue to teach and instruct the children of God so they too may grow in faith and relationship with Christ. That’s all of you. I promise that I will continue to train up the children of God in the way they should go and pray that none will depart from it. God bless us all as we grow in faith and love together. That is what is on your pastor’s heart as we begin this new month together.

Grace to you and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, From the Pastor’s Heart, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor, Worship Service, Youth and Family Ministries

Confirmed in Christ

Posted August 28, 2026 By admin

Congratulations to this year’s catechetical class upon their confirmation. Samantha, Copeland, Bryleigh, and MacKenzie completed the two-year course of instruction with Pastor David and were confirmed on Sunday, August 30th during our worship service. A reception following worship was held in their honor. Well done Bryleigh, Copeland, MacKenzie, and Samantha.

Filed in Bible Study, LCY, Other Happenings, Pastor, Worship Service, Youth and Family Ministries

The Church Office will be closed Monday, September 7th.

Posted August 28, 2026 By admin

The Church Office will be closed Monday, September 7th.

Filed in Other Happenings

St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs August 4, 2026

Posted August 28, 2026 By admin

Good Things at St. Jacob’s for July

  • Successful VBS.
  • Attendance has been up for Sunday service.
  • Parking lot is still underway but also being able to be used.

Pastor’s Report:

  • We had a couple of large but successful funerals this past month. Thank you to all that were involved in making sure the families had everything they needed.
  • VBS and Bible studies went well.
  • Celebration of confirmands will be August 30th.
  • Blessing of the backpacks will be August 9th.
  • Ellison baptism will be August 16th.
  • Pastor will be on vacation August 19th -27th.

Treasurer’s Report:

  • As of this month, offerings are behind last year by approximately $23,000.

Ministry Team Reports

  • Christian Education
    • VBS was Monday, July 13th -Thursday, July 16th with the theme “Illumination Station.”
    • Our average attendance each night was 61.
    • VBS total expenses – $2,625.72 ($1,562.26- meals; $1,063.46- materials).
    • Prayers for our program and increasing attendance for Sunday school and for volunteers for both Sunday school and nursery.
  • Congregational Care
    • Assisted with the 250th anniversary meal for our celebration on July 19th.
    • Assisted the Christian Education Team with VBS.
    • Provided finger foods for the family of Mrs. Ramonia Lindler’s visitation on July 24th.
    • Provided a meal to the family of Ms. Francis Bowers on July 29th .
  • Discipleship
    • As of July 31st, there was no change in the inventory of the Auxiliary Storm Shed.
    • Donated 24 Mercy Bags to We Care weighing 371 pounds and included 17 dozen fresh eggs.
  • Property
    • Picnic shed was removed.
    • Continued work of the parking lot.
    • Exterior lighting for church office and parking lot to come later.
  • Safety
    • Guided traffic during funerals safely.
    • Continue to monitor church grounds.
    • We have located former military trainers who may re-certify CPR and AED for safety team members.
  • Staff Support
    • Laurie is receiving training and information to begin using Constant Contact for communication (email/newsletter).
    • Need help promoting digital media position.
  • Stewardship
    • AJ to provide a temple talk to focus on “treasures” tithing and giving.
  • Worship and Music
    • Plans for a worship and music meeting at the end of August.
    • Beginning plans for advent season and Christmas.

Old Business:

  • Child and Youth Protection Policy:
    • Council has reviewed the revised policy and suggested a few changes. These will be sent to Judy.
  • Property Team to give quotes on exterior lighting for the church office.
  • Lexington County landscaping plan.
  • Replace signs at intersections – tabled.

New Business:

  • Budget items – all council representatives should get budget items for 2027 from their ministry teams. Deadline is September 1 st .
  • 2027 council member candidates are needed by next council meeting.

Addendums:

  • On Sunday, July 26th a special called meeting was held immediately following service. Members received a short presentation on the additional cost needed to complete the parking lot project and to use funds from the Sites’ endowment. With the majority in favor, the proposal was approved.
  • On July 29th an email motion was made to establish a fund for playground donations using a past donation made in memory of Pepper Ellisor. Council voted unanimously by email and text to establish a Playground Fund. The fund was immediately made available on Vanco and was included as a gift suggestion in memory of Mrs. Ramonia Lindler.
  • Council was presented with a request from the Property Team for a new HVAC unit.
    • Wilson’s performed a 6-month HVAC checkup and filter change on the Church and Office units.
    • The sanctuary right side (organ side) unit would run but there was no cooling. Essentially no refrigerant (freon) in the system. The cost to put freon in would approach $3,000 with no guarantees to a 20-year-old unit.
    • The Property Team received quotes to replace the unit from Wilson’s.
      • Option 1: Armstrong 5 Ton 14.3 SEER2 heat pump split system and ecobe Wi-Fi t-sat control for $10,965. Additional cost would be needed for this option because it requires additional wiring by an electrician.
      • Option 2: Moov-air Side Discharge 5 Ton Ultra High Efficient 17.5 SEER2 heat pump system and ecobe Wi-Fi t-sat control for $12,950. This unit requires no heat strips due to being efficient down to less than 5 degrees. Current wiring is compatible.
      • Both quotes include installation, disposal of old system, reconnect to existing supply and return ductwork with modifications as needed.
    • The Property Team recommended that council go with option 2.
    • The remaining budget does not cover this so Council would need to provide a budget increase if we are to pursue this replacement. Council would need to act on this ASAP so we could move forward with this request if granted.
    • Council voted unanimously on August 12th to approve option 2 as recommended by the Property Team.

 

** Next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, September 1 st at 6:30 PM in the church office. **

Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings

Confirming Our Youth

Posted August 20, 2026 By admin

I would like to be the first to congratulate our four confirmands for 2026. For the past two years, excluding some time between seasons, these four students have met with me and studied the Scriptures, Luther’s Small Catechism, and the historical liturgy of the Church. I am especially proud of these four as they have endured several schedule changes, multiple quizzes and exams and even summer classes which is a first for this pastor.

But all four have demonstrated to me that they are ready to accept and affirm the promises made for them in Baptism. Well done Bryleigh, Copeland, MacKenzie, and Samantha. These four will be confirmed on Sunday, September 6th as a part of our service of worship.

Filed in Bible Study, Chirstians Under Construction, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Pastor, Youth Director
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