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16th Annual Carolinas Lutheran Women (CLW) Convocation

Posted October 1, 2026 By admin

The Carolinas Lutheran Women (CLW) Council joyfully invites you to our Sixteenth Annual Convocation this October, hosted by Organ Lutheran Church at Faith Lutheran Church. We would be honored to have the women of your congregation join us for a day of faith, joy, fellowship, and worship!

For this year’s Convocation, we’ll explore the healing oils and herbs of the Bible. Our prayer is that everyone leaves feeling renewed, encouraged, refreshed by His Word, and reminded of the hope, comfort, and love God pours into our lives each day. Come with friends from church, bring your daughter, mother, sister, or neighbor—or come on your own. All are welcome as sisters in Christ. You can register and find more information at https://www.carolinaslutheranwomen.org/upcoming-events.

  • Registration closes on September 30th. The $10 registration fee includes lunch.
  • Affiliated congregations may nominate a member (provided she has given her approval) or iindividuals can self-nominate to serve on the CLW Council. Nomination forms can be found online at https://www.carolinaslutheranwomen.org/.
  • Yearly contributions can be sent at any time to Linda, CLW Treasurer. Checks should be made payable to Carolinas Lutheran Women. This is not a mandatory contribution. All donations are completely voluntary. An annual amount of $60 is a recommendation.
  • A proposed 2027 budget will be presented during the Annual Convocation.
  • In-Kind Gifts for Rowan Helping Ministries (RHM) Shelter Services will be collected. RHM Shelter Services provide temporary shelter to Rowan County residents who have no alternative night-time residence. The shelter needs the following items for their residents: towels & washcloths; blankets; Q-tips; toothpaste; soap; travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion; adult flip flops (shower shoes); and gallon & quart ziplock bags.
  • The Convocation Offering will be collected for NALC Disaster Response. Please make checks payable to Carolinas Lutheran Women and note “Convocation Offering.”
  • Hotel Accommodations: Individuals planning to stay overnight are to make their own reservations in Salisbury, NC. Area hotels include:
    • Hampton Inn Salisbury
    • (704) 637-8000
    • 1001 Klumac Rd.
    • Salisbury, NC 28144

 

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Salisbury
  • (704) 314-4100
  • 125 Marriott Cir.
  • Salisbury, NC 28144
Filed in Fellowship, Lutheran Women, NALC, Other Happenings, South Carolina Mission District

Blessing of the Pets

Posted October 1, 2026 By admin

The custom of the Church blessing the animals is inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, who is recognized as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Fr. Francis viewed all animals to be in close kinship with God’s people and all of Creation. The Blessing of the Animals is traditionally held on or near the feast day of St. Francis which is observed on October 4th.

Church family members may bring their pets and companion animals to receive a short prayer and a gentle blessing as a sign of God’s divine care and protection. St. Jacob’s Pet Blessing will be held on Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00 AM in the parking lot adjacent to the Fellowship Hall. This year we will also combine the event with a collection of dog food and cat food to support We Care of Chapin.

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings

St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs September 1, 2026

Posted October 1, 2026 By admin

Good Things at St. Jacob’s for August

  • Confirmation and youth Sunday was successful.
  • Seeing new faces at church.

Pastor’s Report:

  • Thanks to AJ Peeples for serving for pastor a few Sundays ago.
  • Confirmation went well.
  • Thanks to all involved in the Ellisor funeral.
  • New member classes in Fellowship Hall on the 13th, 20th, 27th of September.
  • Lutheran Men Sunday is September 27th.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

  • We are currently $23,000 behind for the year.
  • Overall expenditures slightly ahead of 2025 due to salary increases and annual payments of insurance, QuickBooks and Servant Keeper.

Ministry Team Reports

  • Christian Education
    • Patricia Woodard has agreed to be the nursery coordinator for 2027.
    • Prepared a reception in honor of our four confirmands after church on Sunday, August 30th.
    • Judy continues to provide a Sunday school assistant.
  • Congregational Care
    • Assisted with the reception for confirmation.
    • Coordinated August celebration for 250th anniversary.
    • Provided finger foods for the family of Mrs. Ramonia Lindler’s visitation.
    • Provided water at graveside funeral for David Ellisor.
  • Discipleship
    • On August 3rd, the team loaded 400 flood buckets and 100 kitchen kits on a truck heading to Ohio to assist flood victims in Missouri, Ohio and Illinois.
    • On August 3rd, we received 300 empty flood buckets. To date, approximately 270 of these buckets have been shared with other congregations.
    • Warehouse has been vacuumed and cleaned.
    • During August our congregation donated 19 Mercy Bags to We Care weighing 344 pounds.
    • Council was asked to approve the following items:
      • Flood bucket drive for our congregation for the month of October.
      • Temporary flood bucket drive account with a QR code from October 4th-31st.
      • We present a temple talk on October 4th during the portion of the service that is included in the live stream.
      • Flood bucket build in the Fellowship Hall after church November 1st.
      • **Council voted to approve all of the above.
    • Property
      • Continued work of the parking lot including paving the first week of September.
      • Wilson’s to install the new HVAC unit the second week of September.
      • Currently pursuing landscape quotes.
    • Safety
      • Guided traffic during funerals safely.
      • Continue to monitor church grounds.
      • We have located former military trainers who may re-certify CPR; will complete after parking lot is finished.
    • 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.
      • Kevin has agreed to join the team.
    • Worship and Music
      • Plans for a worship and music meeting on October 4th.

Old Business:

  • Child and Youth Protection Policy:
    • Should be finalized by the end of the year.
  • Property Team to get quotes on exterior lighting for the church office.
  • Lexington County landscaping plan.
  • Replace signs at intersections – tabled.
  • Finance – some people have donated to the playground without knowing how to word it as such and Robin would like to move these funds to the playground account. The motion passed.

New Business:

  • Council nominations: Nate, Ann, Rene, Don, Robert. We will vote 1st Sunday in December.
  • Determine details of new playground.
  • All teams have submitted 2027 budget requests.
  • A request was made to add the hymnal boards back to the front of church. The motion was rejected.

** Next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, October 6th at 6:30 PM in the church office. **

Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings

Devotion for October – The Voice

Posted October 1, 2026 By admin

Read: 1 Kings 19:9-21, Luke 9:28-36
The Voice; it’s a popular television show, a contest to find the newest singing star. Many have seen it. Four “coaches” listen to anonymous auditions and pick contestants for their team. All they have to go on is the singer’s voice. In the end, the coach hopes that voice will lead them to victory.

Throughout scripture, there is another voice that calls people to follow. The prophet Elijah heard this voice; he listened and obeyed. His continued journey led him to anoint kings and also the prophet Isaiah to carry on after him. Isaiah’s prophecy serves as a voice in the wilderness, later echoed by John the Baptizer, calling people to prepare the way of the Lord. Jesus himself hears the voice of the Father proclaiming him to be his “beloved Son.”

Today, the people of God continue to hear the voice of God through God’s Word in Holy Scripture. God’s voice rings loud and clear within our service of worship through liturgy, prayer, reading and preaching. God’s voice calls and guides, teaches and instructs, calms and reassures. His voice is that which brings us hope for forgiveness and salvation, especially as we obey the voice of our Father in heaven commanding us to listen to his beloved Son. Even in the quietest times, Christians hear the voice of God. His is the voice calling us to use our voice to share the good news of Christ, that all who believe in him will be saved by his grace.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, speak to your children, for your servants are listening. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Pastor, Worship and Music, Worship Service

St. Jacob’s 250th Anniversary Year-long Celebration

Posted September 14, 2026 By admin

In August we welcomed our final special guest preacher when we hosted Pastor Dave Tholstrup and his wife Janice. Throughout the year it has been a joy to welcome several of the shepherds from our recent past and we look forward to the culmination of our celebration in October when we welcome our NALC Bishop Dan Selbo.

Before that happens, we have one more opportunity to celebrate. This month we will have a congregational outreach event distributing St. Jacob’s 250th Anniversary blankets to several of our friends and shut in members. We are so thankful for God’s blessing our congregation with a long history and loving church family throughout the many generations of worshipers who have called this place home. Below is a list of our remaining planned events.

  • 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.
Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Outreach, Worship and Music, Worship Service

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
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