Archive for March, 2020

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Thank you from Chris and Miranda

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

Miranda and I want to express our thanks and gratitude to all of you at St. Jacob’s for the Christmas gifts for the children which brought them so much joy and for the monetary gifts and gift cards. We are very thankful that God has put St. Jacob’s in our lives. We have had many hard days and your thoughtfulness and prayers are helping us get through these days. You all have been such a great example of Christian attitude, support and caring for people.

God bless each of you, Chris

Filed in Other Happenings

Up And Going

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

Up and Going met on February 13th with beautiful valentine decorations that set the mood. There were 25 members and guests present to enjoy this special time together. The blessing was said and a delicious covered dish meal followed. The program was presented by Tommy, assisted by his wife, Janet. February is Heart Health month and Tommy spoke to us about his heart health journey, which includes living on a heart pump. He graciously showed us the heart pump, it’s batteries and how it is connected to his body and answered our questions. His wife designed the tee shirt that holds his batteries and answered questions. Their presentation was absolutely amazing. Tommy added funny stories about his journey and his strong Faith. Janet passed out handouts that they had prepared for each of us. This was the most fascinating show and tell. We sincerely appreciate Tommy and Janet being with us and sharing their experiences. We also welcomed their friend Biebe who was with them. Albert gave the devotions emphasizing one of our favorite Bible verses, Nothing Can Separate us from God’s Love. This was a very timely devotion considering all that Tommy had just told us. The Treasurer’s Report was given. Old and New Business was discussed. Helen passed out Heart Health handouts entitled “Timing is everything”, “Love your heart” and “Did You Know Heart Attacks Have Beginnings?” She then read a poem by Clay Harrison entitled “Everyday Miracles”. This writing reminded us that we receive miracles from God constantly. Let us acknowledge and give thanks. Thank you to each of you for making this meal and meeting so enjoyable.

The March Up and Going Meeting is scheduled for March 12th at 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The meal will be our annual soup pot lunch. There is a sign up sheet posted for each person to designate whatever you would like to bring to fill our soup pot and fixings. Ray will provide the devotions and a short program on getting our gardens ready for Spring Planting. We will then make bows and cards for the Hospice Easter Bags, which we will assemble in April.

Thanks, Helen

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Outreach, Up and Going

Lutheran Women News

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

We want to thank all of you for your continued support. The Love Offering luncheon on Sunday, January 26th was a big success. All money raised went to the Simmons family to help with their mounting medical bills. Also, we along with the Lutheran Men’s group were able to furnish We Care with 690 pounds of food and non-perishable items. Our group will continue to collect food and non-perishable items for We Care. There is a box in the Fellowship Hall to place your donations.

 We have a busy year planned. Following are some dates you may want to put on your calendar: April 4—Easter Egg Hunt, May 23—Mother Daughter Brunch, September 13—Congregational Meal Fundraiser, September 26—Host NALC Lutheran Women District Meeting, and October 31—Trunk or Treat. Watch your worship folders for information regarding these events.

 We invite all ladies to come join us. Our meetings are on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 4:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions in reference to our group, please call me at 345-3245 or 609-5371.

 Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.”

Leader, Phyllis

Filed in Fellowship, Lutheran Women, Other Happenings, Outreach

News From Council President

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

Who are we? We are St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church – SJLC. We are a congregation Serving Jesus Loving Community! This is our 2020 theme for Council. During our January Council Retreat, we reviewed the Mission and Core Values of the North American Lutheran Church. Our Core Values are: “Christ Centered”, “Mission Driven”, “Traditionally Grounded” and “Congregationally Focused”. Council discussed how we, as a congregation, are fulfilling these values, what additional opportunities we could offer and areas that we could focus on this year. During our retreat, we established the following 2020 goals, which touch all our Core Values.

  • Strengthen and Grow Sunday School by Revitalizing, Promoting and Recruiting
    • This goal includes Christian Education for all ages, finding volunteers for teach ers and helpers, a Christ Centered curriculum that is traditionally grounded, being faithful, and attending Sunday School, growing Sunday School, and providing other education opportunities.
  • Strengthen and Grow our Youth (Pre-K thru College)
    • This goal includes our “OWL” Program, Youth programs and opportunities including education, mission and serving.
  • Community Service Opportunities
    • This goal includes looking for opportunities that our congregation can reach out to others – sharing the gospel and providing help.
  • Spiritual Growth in Stewardship Opportunities
    • This goal includes stewardship opportunities which includes our individual time, talents and giving and as a church, being good stewards of our resources, properties, facilities, and services.

If you feel called to serve and to assist us in working on any of these goals, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our Council members. It is our congregation working together – Serving Jesus Loving Community that will make each of these a reality.

God Bless! Sherrie

Filed in Church Council President, Other Happenings

Council Briefs

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

The St. Jacob’s Congregational Council met       February 4th for its regular meeting.

Good things noted for the month of January:

  • A’Capella services were wonderful
  • Congregational Dinner was well attended
  • $2500 raised during dinner for family in need

Important Notes and Dates:

  • Feb. 23 – Guest Preacher Philip Sandi
  • Feb. 24-25 – LM Sausage Pickup
  • Feb. 25 – Shrove Tuesday
  • Feb. 26 – Ash Wednesday
  • March 3 – Council Meeting
  • March 4 – Lenten Meal and Service

Ongoing Project Updates:        No updates this reporting period

Next Scheduled Meeting:  Regular meeting – March 3rd, 6:30 PM @ the Church Office

 Respectfully submitted, Andrew,  Secretary St. Jacob’s Congregational Council

Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings

Meet The St. Jacob’s Team

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

Every month we will continue interviewing one person from the team that serves St. Jacob’s.

 Our prayer for this series is that it will allow everyone to get to know us deeper and open the door for conversations.

 This month’s team member is Pastor David.

 What is your favorite bible verse and why? My favorite verse is Luke 24:30; “When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them.” This is from the account of the Road to Emmaus. The risen Lord Jesus came to the disciples just as he comes to us. Jesus is revealed to us as He offers His body and blood for our forgiveness and fills us with the power of His love. Truly, there isn’t enough room on this page to explain more about why it is my favorite.

 What is one thing you are passionate about? I am passionate about helping people grow in their faith and understanding of God’s continued presence in their lives. It begins with worship, prayer and study of scripture. If only more Christians would take time during the week to gather around God’s Word and study together! What an amazing witness we could provide. Other than the Bible, what is one book that has greatly impacted your faith? I have several favorites, but I would suppose “The Wounded Healer” by Henri J.M. Nouwen is one I can say has had a great impact on my life and ministry.

If you could learn a new skill, what would it be and why? I’d like to play the piano. I have always loved music and would love to learn how to make music.

 What is one movie you could watch over and over and never get tired of? The Shawshank Redemption – There are so many pivotal moments where life and death collide, evil is overcome by good and in the struggle of life in a broken world, faith and hope lead to new life.

 What is the thing you like the most about St. Jacob’s? I love the way we love each other as a church family. There is a genuine concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and a desire to live together as children of God. I believe God has blessed us with a gift to share with our community and I pray we will find ways to share this gift and invite others to come and see these blessings first hand.

Filed in Other Happenings, Pastor

Youth Director & Family Ministries

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

Below is an article that someone shared with me a while ago. As it brought me to tears, I thought about how important this reminder is to not only our congregation, but to all people, to remember the responsibility that we all carry to raise up the next generation in the faith that we all share.

Article: Take your kids to church. Make the effort. Wake them up early. Fool with the belts and the buckles and the fancy hair bows. Endure the sleepy, grumpy faces and the misplaced shoes. Run around like a mad woman gathering everybody’s belongings and trying to get out the door on time. Hop to the car with a shoe in one hand and your make-up bag in the other. Give those babies a poptart and let ‘em eat it in the car. If its raining, get wet. If its cold, get a jacket. If you’re tired, go tired. But take those babies to church. You know why? Because Jesus is there. He’s there. And He’ll meet them there. And you too. He’ll be there in the sweet smile of their Sunday School teacher as she greets them into their room. He’ll be there in the hug from a sweet friend and the encouraging smile that assures you that they “just barely made it” too. He’ll be there in the sacred words read from the Bible speaking truth to their little impressionable hearts. He’ll be there in the worship and the watery eyes and whispers of praise.

So take them. Carry all of their Bibles and drawings and toilet paper tube creations. Sit by them in worship. Open your Bible and open theirs. Show them how to find the scripture the pastor is preaching from. Show them how to worship. Explain to them why He’s worthy of worship. Let them see you laugh and cry and praise and study. Forgive their wiggles and paper rustles and know that they’re listening even when it seems like they aren’t. Ask them questions and answer the ones they ask you. Tell them of His greatness – His power – His faithfulness. Tell them with your words and show them with your life. Tell them what he’s done for you and how you’ve been changed by His grace and forgiveness and goodness and love. Tell them how they can be too. Point them to Jesus. Over and over and over again.

Take your kids to church. They’ll love it there. It’s the only place where they can go and just be themselves. They don’t have to “be” good enough or smart enough or athletic enough. They don’t have to perform for approval or achievement. They just get to go and hear how much God loves them. Just because they’re them. Just because He created them, they’re valued. Their worth isn’t based on the grades they make or their ability to throw a curveball. Its not dependent on their performance or skill level. And they need a little more of that, don’t you think? A little more grace and a little less pressure.

Take them to church. Before you take them to the ballfield or the dance studio. Before you take them on vacation or to grandma’s or to the backyard to play. Let them know its a priority. Show them it has eternal value. Let them see you set aside schedules and extra curricular activities and work and busy-ness to be present with the Lord in His house. I promise you won’t regret it. I promise you it won’t return back void. I promise it’s worth it.

“But Jesus said, let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

Grace & Peace, Rachel

Filed in Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Outreach, Worship Service
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