“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
For several weeks during the spring, our confirmands studied and reflected upon the Lord’s Prayer as found in the sixth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. Having listened to our students and their reflections upon what Jesus is teaching us; I would like to offer reflection on three of the petitions contained in the prayer our Lord has taught us.
The introduction and first petition of the prayer is “Our Father, hallowed be your name.” Jesus teaches us to pray in this way, not because God’s name isn’t holy or glorified on its own, but that we would recognize the holiness of God’s name and glorify Him in the way we live our life each day. As we recognize the holiness of God’s name we are most likely to honor and keep the second Commandment, not taking God’s name in vain. Honoring and glorifying God’s name is the precursor to living the Christian life.
The second petition I’d like to discuss is “Your Kingdom come.” God’s kingdom refers to His way of ordering things. Through the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus, we have a clear picture of what God’s kingdom is to look like. Throughout his earthly life and ministry, Jesus exemplified the greatest commandments to love God and love neighbor. Following his example, we strive to live as people belonging to the kingdom of God here on earth. We are to strive for peace, healing broken relationships, and caring for those whom society turns away.
And finally, the third petition I’d offer for reflection is “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” This is a most difficult petition to live up to, for we are all sinners in need of God’s grace. Central to the teaching of Jesus is forgiveness. This is important because central to the suffering of our world, in all walks of life, is the reluctance to forgive. We do well to recall the words Jesus speaks following His teaching the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15 ESV).
Forgiveness and reconciliation are paramount to living as citizens of God’s kingdom. There is no room for sinners to live in the blessed peace of God’s forever kingdom. That is why he sent his Son Jesus into the world. God loved the world so much that all who believe that Jesus is indeed Lord and Savior would have their sins forgiven. Therefore, it is to be our thankful response to demonstrate this same love for our neighbor. For if we do not, God will not forgive us. We can’t pick and choose who we will forgive or not forgive, just as God would not pick and choose one believer over another. After all, any person who has sinned against another is also someone whom Jesus came to die for.
Each week we pray this prayer that Jesus taught us. It is a prayer central to our life together as God’s people. In reflection and study of the Lord’s Prayer, I asked our confirmands, as I always do, to write the Lord’s prayer putting it into their own words. There will be occasion in the future when I will use their prayers as a part of our liturgy. Until such time, let us strive to earnestly contemplate the words Jesus taught us, and focus on living as kingdom people saved by the grace of our loving and merciful God.
Heavenly Father, help us bring you glory by keeping your name holy in all we say and do. Lead us to do the work of your kingdom, and to forgive others as you have forgiven us. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Other Happenings Archive
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted June 1, 2026 By adminSummer Sermon Series and Bible Study
Posted May 29, 2026 By adminBeginning on June 7th, Pastor David Nuottila will offer a summer sermon series focusing on the Seven Letters to Seven Churches in Revelation. He will also offer a Bible study on this topic which will be held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM beginning on Wednesday, June 3rd.
Everyone is welcome to attend. There are no special materials needed. Just bring your Bible and a desire for conversation with your church family members. The location for our study is subject to change depending upon the status of our parking lot construction. Keep an eye on the weekly church bulletin for up-to-date information.
Women’s Bible Study: Summer Social
Posted May 28, 2026 By adminALL women are invited to join the Women’s Bible Study for a casual summer social and devotion at the home of Susan on Monday, June 8th beginning at 7:00 PM. If you can, bring a snack to share. Soft drinks and tea will be provided. Make plans to join us – and bring a friend! Please RSVP to Susan.
Report on the Carolinas Mission Region Convocation
Posted May 28, 2026 By adminThe Mission Region Convocation took place on May 1st – May 2nd at Christiana Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. There was a total attendance of 134 persons from a majority of congregations within the Carolinas Mission Region. Seventy-seven delegates comprised the voting body, with thirty-two clergy delegates and forty-five lay delegates.
Business of the Convocation included the following:
- The CMR Treasurer’s report was reviewed and accepted as information.
- The 2026-27 CMR Budget was presented by the treasurer and Finance Committee chairperson. There was no discussion and the budget was adopted by unanimous vote.
- A proposed amendment to the CMR Bylaws was presented which would provide position descriptions and stipend funding for volunteer CMR officers who fulfill various administrative duties.
- This amendment was not adopted due to convoluted language and instead recommitted to the CMR Council for further discernment.
- A new amendment may be presented during the next annual convocation.
Bishop Dan Selbo provided updates on several NALC ministries:
- Since the previous convocation, the NALC has grown from 444 congregations to 567.
- There are now forty-five mission districts within seven newly formed geographical regions. Each region is served by an AAB (Area Assistant to the Bishop).
- There are currently thirty-five congregations with full time pastoral vacancies, and twenty-eight congregations with part time pastoral vacancies for a total of sixty-three congregations without a pastor.
- Currently there are sixty-two students enrolled in the NALC Seminary system.
- It is forecasted that two hundred forty NALC pastors will retire within eight years.
- Due to aging congregations and changes in our culture, congregations are encouraged to evaluate their ministries and through a process of discernment of their vision for ministry, engage in congregation renewal. The NALC will provide assistance.
South Carolina Mission District
A report was provided by Rev. Dawn Rister (Dean):
- The SCMD has grown from eleven congregations (2024) to twenty congregations (2026).
- Currently, seven SCMD congregations are without a pastor.
Ministry Partners
The CMR welcomed representatives of several NALC Ministry Partners. Displays, presentations and materials were provided for the following ministries:
- Awakening Lives for Global Mission (Pastor Bill Moberly)
- Congo Mission International (Pastor David Nuottila)
- Lutheran Military Veterans and Families (Chaplain Leslie Haynes)
- Lutherans for Life (Pastor Scott Liecht)
- Malawi Orphan Care Project (Ken Ekegren)
- NALC Disaster Response (Mary Bates)
- Sharing Shepherds (Pastor Marty Ramey)
- SMI Haiti (Pastor Heidi Punt)
- Sola Publishing (Pastor Steven King)
- Spiritual Orphans Network (David and Angela Briedenbach)
- Water Mission (Marie Reny)
Thank you to Brandon Slice and Mark Slice for serving as St. Jacob’s delegates to this year’s convocation.
Faithfully,
Pastor David Nuottila
St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs May 5, 2026
Posted May 28, 2026 By adminGood Things at St. Jacob’s for April
- He is risen!
- Seeing some new faces at church
- Decades day was enjoyable
Pastor’s Report:
- Scheduling Bible study has been very difficult with parking lot construction.
- Pastor would like all confirmands to be confirmed together. He plans to continue studies during Sunday school this summer and confirm on Reformation Sunday this year by the Bishop.
- Thank you to Brandon and Mark Slice for attending this year’s convocation and serving as delegates.
Treasurer’s Report:
- Offering is behind from last year by approximately $19,000.
- Overall expenditures slightly ahead of 2025 due to salary increases and annual payments of QuickBooks, Servant Keeper and insurance.
- Review of insurance policies are being completed.
- Hymnal fund has been established and added to Vanco.
- Congo mission trip is back to positive balance.
- Thrivent access has been set up so that we can manage funds easier.
Ministry Team Reports
- Christian Education
- Women’s Bible Study will conclude this month and start back in the fall.
- VBS will be Monday, July 13th – Thursday, July 16th
- Meal starting at 5:45 PM and VBS from 6:30-8:00 PM.
- T-shirts and crafts have been purchased using Thrivent dollars.
- Will continue to submit background checks for Sunday School and VBS teachers and volunteers.
- Will plan and host Luther League, LCY, Youth celebration on Sunday, June 7th as part of the 250th anniversary.
- Prayers for our program and increasing attendance for Sunday School and volunteers for both Sunday School and nursery.
- Congregational Care
- Plan to assist Lutheran Women with 250th anniversary meal on May 17th.
- Discipleship
- Donated 17 Mercy Bags to We Care weighing 286 pounds.
- Property
- Provided recommendations for plans for picnic shed. Will get quotes to present to council on the removal of picnic shed and renovating to become a covered playground.
- Would like to add lighting to exterior of church.
- Looking into getting city water hookup to church.
- Office building septic needs to be repaired following the retention pond.
- Sump pump will need to be installed in the basement of the office to replace existing gravity drain.
- A wireless internet system has been installed from the office to the main church building while underground hard wire is out of service.
- Property team will be securing bids for landscaping plan for the parking lot. Total funds may not cover this required step for completion due to Lexington County landscaping plan not being included in parking lot package funding. Council will need to address additional funds if/when needed.
- Safety
- Safety team has begun monitoring exterior during service.
- The AED batteries and pads have been received from Amazon. Saved $60 by changing our supplier.
- Staff Support
- Julie Stuck and Susan Shealy met about a draft from Nancy Williamson for the new website. Will bring to the next council meeting.
- Worship and Music
- Have received some money for new hymnals; need to encourage more donations.
Old Business:
- Proposed changes to the Child and Youth Policy were discussed.
- Request for approval of reduction in property and indemnity insurance premiums was made by the Finance Team. The motion to approve was made, seconded and passed.
** Next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, June 2nd at 6:30 PM in the church office. **
Devotion for June – Jesus said, “Let your light shine”
Posted May 28, 2026 By admin Read Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus said to his disciples, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket.” God blesses the Church with the most precious treasure there is, the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every Christian is therefore filled with the light of Christ and called to give witness to the wonders of God’s mercy and grace.
Often, it is said to the newly baptized person, “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our light shines when we love God with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves. Shining our light, we share the love of Christ Jesus with all whom we meet.
Jesus of Nazareth is light and life for the world. Baptized into his death and resurrection, the light of Christ dwells within God’s people. May you always feel the presence and power of our Lord Jesus. And may your light shine through the darkness of this world, that those within your midst may finally see the glory of the Father and enter the gates of our eternal home.
Prayer: Shine the light of your love, O Lord, and fill me with the power of your love. Amen.
Youth Through the Years Celebration
Posted May 20, 2026 By adminWere you in the youth during Pastor Wessinger’s call? Were you in the Luther League? Were you in the youth during Pastor Eargle’s call? Were you in the LCY? Are you in the youth today? Have you served as a youth advisor? Have you supported our youth through the years? If you answered yes to any of those questions, mark your calendars for Sunday, June 7th .
We are celebrating our youth, advisors, and supporters of the past and present with a hamburger meal after service. Come join the fun as we walk down memory lane. And….there are some stories and memories to share!! You don’t want to miss the fun and the opportunity of a great time of fellowship with youth of all ages!
VBS in July
Posted May 19, 2026 By adminMark your calendars for VBS 2026. Join us for Illumination Station Monday, July 13th through Thursday, July 16th. Experience what it means for Jesus to be the Light of the World. There will be classes for all ages including adults. Children will rotate classes for lessons, games, music, and crafts. Our meal will be served starting at 5:45 PM and VBS will start at 6:30 PM and end at 8:00 PM. Come and experience God’s promised, perfect, powerful, and proven son – Jesus Christ. Come and experience Illumination Station!
St. Jacob’s 250th Anniversary Year-long Celebration
Posted May 10, 2026 By adminDecades Day was a unique experience as we celebrated our collective past. Thank you to Mr. Dwayne Swygert whose father was Pastor at St. Jacob’s in the late 1950’s. Dwayne reminisced about his younger days as a boy living in the old parsonage as his father ministered to the St. Jacob’s, Mt. Olivet Parish.
This month our 250th anniversary celebration continues as we again welcome a special guest Pastor. Pastor Marty Ramey, a former Interim Pastor for our congregation will visit and deliver the sermon on Sunday, May 17th . An old timey potluck congregational luncheon will be served following the service of worship, and everyone is invited to attend. The Lutheran Women will provide fried chicken; everyone is asked to bring your favorite old timey side dish and/or dessert. Join your church family as we continue our year-long celebration as we give thanks to God for our congregation’s long history in the service of the Gospel. Please make sure to attend each of these events and invite your friends and neighbors to join us. Below is a list of our remaining planned events.
- May 17th – Guest preacher Rev. Marty Ramey (former interim pastor); an old timey potluck congregational luncheon.
- June 7 th – Luther League, LCY, Youth celebration; members of past groups will be invited to attend church service; hamburger meal will be provided after service.
- July 19th – Guest preacher Rev. Randy Drafts (former seminarian and field worker); congregational dinner following worship.
- August 16th – Guest preacher Rev. David Tholstrup (former SCMD Dean), congregational dinner following worship.
- September 20th – Congregational Outreach Event; blankets for residents at Generations.
- October 25th – Homecoming and Anniversary Sunday, guest preacher NALC Presiding Bishop Dan Selbo; special catered congregational dinner following worship.
- November TBD – Golden Agers Recognition and Celebration.
St. Jacob’s 250th Anniversary Celebration – Decades Day
Posted May 9, 2026 By adminOur 250th anniversary celebration for April was Decades Day. We honored the historic Liturgy and worship of past generations from the foundations of St. Jacob’s to the recent decades gone by. During worship, we used a historic liturgy written by The Reverend Henry Melcior Muhelberg in the mid 1700’s.
Congregation members were encouraged to wear old fashioned clothing, and we observed the traditions of St. Jacob’s earliest days with women sitting on the left (choir side) and men on the right (pulpit side) sides of the aisle. We also welcomed a guest speaker, Duane Swygert, who spoke of his experience at St. Jacob’s while his father was Pastor in the late 1950’s
