Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

About 600 delegates and visitors gathered August 15-17 in Denver, Colo., for the 2018 Convocation of the North American Lutheran Church around the theme, “The Holy Spirit: Calling, Gathering, Enlightening, Sanctifying.”

The Mission Festival began with a focus on discipleship. Featured speakers Sherry Weddell and Katherine Coolidge of the Catherine of Siena Institute in Colorado Springs, Colo., talked about ways congregations can form intentional disciples. The Mission Festival also featured a variety of breakout sessions to equip members for mission.

Pastor Gemechis Buba, Assistant to the Bishop for Missions, offered presentations at the Mission Festival and Convocation sessions. He told inspiring stories of God’s work in providing buildings for some NALC mission congregations serving Oromo people.

Bishop John Bradosky will not be seeking reelection as Bishop of the NALC when his term expires in 2019. The Bishop talked about “passing the baton” of the office of Bishop and pointed out the need for all of us to “pass the baton” of faith and discipleship.
To prepare for the nomination and election process for Bishop, a packet of information was provided to congregations including a booklet of prayers encouraging NALC members to engage in a year of prayer and discernment leading up to the election at the NALC Convocation August 7-9, 2019, in Indianapolis, Ind.

Elections: Richard Jansak of Hendersonville, N.C., and Pastor Melinda Jones of Summerville, S.C., were elected to four-year terms on the Executive Council. Pastor John Moffett of Ashland, Ohio, and James Gale of Washington, D.C., were elected to the Court of Adjudication. Ralph Wold of Red Deer, Alberta, and Pastor Rolf Bjornstad of Sherwood Park, Alberta were elected to the NALC Canada Section Governing Board. Pastor Wendy Berthelsen of Midlothian, Texas; Pastor Dennis Di Mauro of Herndon, Va., and Pastor Phillip Gagnon of St. Albert, Alberta, were elected to six-year terms on the North American Lutheran Seminary Board of Regents.
The North American Lutheran Seminary will be seeking a new president. The Rev. Dr. Amy Schifrin, president of the NALS, has been serving as both president and seminary faculty. She will continue as full-time faculty and transition out of her position as president after the 2018-2019 school year or when someone is called as president.

2019 budgets were approved. The Convocation approved a $2.1 million Operating Budget for the NALC. Budgets were also approved for NALC designated funds: $589,000 for the Theological Education Fund (which includes the seminary); $175,500 for the Great Commission Fund; and $89,000 for the Disaster Response Fund. Most of the budgets anticipate spending some cash reserves.

A resolution regarding ecumenical consultation between the NALC and the Roman Catholic Church was approved. The resolution inviting the Roman Catholic Church into conversation and cooperation was proposed by the NALC’s Commission on Theology and Doctrine.
A new NALC Global Worker, James Puotyual, who will serve in South Sudan, was commissioned at the Convocation.
Stuff the Tonka Truck for NALC Disaster Response received more than $11,000 worth of gift cards to assist those recovering from disasters. The effort was organized by the Women of the NALC.
Reports of the work of the NALC’s staff, teams, task forces, ministries and ministry partners were warmly received.
Events preceding the Convocation were the Braaten-Benne Lectures in Theology, Women of the NALC Annual Gathering, Discipleship Coaching workshop and the Ventures in Youth Ministry Symposium. The Convocation and the events preceding it comprise the NALC’s annual Lutheran Week.
Documents, photos and videos from the Convocation and other events of Lutheran Week will be posted at Lutheran week.com.

Council noted Good Things at St. Jacob’s this month included our Vacation Bible School went GREAT, a special thank you to Sherrie and Billy McTeer for everything they did for VBS (what enthusiasm they brought to St. Jacob’s). Pastor David’s reception on July 29th celebrating his 10 years of ordination (July 26th) and Up and Going’s Christmas in July were enjoyable events.
Pastor David reported that he went and observed “We Care” and had a great experience there.
Pastor will be hosting a Marriage Retreat for St. Jacob’s couples at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center on Seabrook Island on January 25 – 27th 2019. Church members will need to register and pay to attend this retreat. Details and more information will follow soon.
Pastor was asked to come speak on the Congo Mission in Hickory, NC on October 7th.
Pastor will be on vacation October 12-26th; he has contacted a Pastor to handle any church needs while he is away.
Staff Support – There is an ongoing search for a Director of Youth and Family Ministries.
Spiritual Life – The Prayer Team is working on different ideas to help those in need of prayer. A “hand out” item is possibly in the works.
Short Term – A quote was received to place clear Lucite protective coverings over the stained glass windows in the church. This will be further discussed in the future.
Witness – Our Church through the Outreach Team has matched the noisy offering receipts ($624.00) for help with a church roof repair cost located in Congo.
Parish Life – The current facility request form for use of the Fellowship Hall was discussed. Changes will be made in the next revision.
Support of Ministries – Brandon is still working on the St. Jacob’s YOUTUBE Channel. Thanks to Brandon for all of his hard work on this project. This will provide our shut-ins a way to view the church services.
Brandon is also exploring other options for those without internet or computer access. Old Business
Discussions of the job position of Director of Youth and Family Ministries is ongoing.
Pastor David and Gerald met with some of the Sunday School teachers to discuss needs and concerns for our future.
A new Sunday School curriculum “Concordia” has been ordered for St. Jacob’s. This new curriculum provides something that will progress through the various age groups within the Sunday School classes.
Additional copies of the church cemetery layout have been received by the church office. A copy will be placed in the safe for protection.
Homecoming preparations are currently underway. Reverend Dr. David Wendel will be our Guest Pastor with a meal after service. BBQ pork and fried chicken will be provided by our Church. Members are asked to bring a side dish and/or dessert.
New Business
A request was made to have a van accessible sign placed in the church parking lot. Another request was made to have signs placed around the church that signal it is a “smoke-free property”.

Our first annual Married Couples Retreat will be held at beautiful Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island just south of Charleston. During this retreat we will explore the vocation of Christian marriage, discuss ways of growing in faith together and strengthen the commitment of husbands and wives in their life together.
The retreat will take place from 7:00 pm. Friday, January 25 through 11:00 am. Sunday, January 27. Registration fee is $300.00 per couple. We have reserved lodging for twelve couples. Please register as soon as you can in case we need to arrange for additional lodging. Registration forms are available in the Narthex.

Before October 13, 2018
YARD SALE: furniture, glassware, books, CDs, gently used clothing (please sort clothing into separate bags – boys, girls, men and women), household items, dishes, outdoor items, small appliances, tools, games and toys. Please NO televisions, computers, printers or computer related items.

FARMER’S MARKET & BAKE SALE: Homemade baked
goods – bread, cakes, cookies and pies; home canned goods – jam, jelly, pickles and veggies; handmade crafts – crocheting, knitting, cross stitching and pottery.

Please leave your donated items in the garage at the church office. If you have questions, please contact Larry, Margaret, Melissa, or Brenda.