For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.
Matthew 25:14-15
The parable of the talents is one that we have heard many times. It comes to us towards the end of the church year and often serves as a text concerning our stewardship. Believe it or not, the parable of the talents is not about money. To think so is to miss the point of this passage. This parable is given by our Lord as he teaches us about preparing for his coming again, Yet, as it is in so many churches, we read this parable and immediately focus upon the talents rather than the servants to whom they have been entrusted.
Two of the servants quickly go to work using the talents they have been allotted to produce even more talents. The third servant does not. He is afraid of the master and so he buries the talent he has been provided and sits idle while awaiting the master’s return. Upon the master’s return, the two who have used these talents for their intended purpose are rewarded and enter into the master’s joy while the idle servant is stripped of his talent and sent away.
Jesus teaches us that as we await his coming again, we are to continue to carry on the mission he handed to the apostles so long ago. We do not know when he will return, but we do know that he has entrusted much into the hands of his people. As stewards of what God has entrusted to us, the mission is not to focus on growing the wealth of the church; it is to continue the mission and work God has given his people to do until Christ comes again.
Have you ever wondered why churches with the least amount of money seem to do the most in the way of mission and ministry? Attend a mission region or church-wide convocation and you will see what I mean. Among the many presentations given one will notice these efforts of small congregations that are busily and cheerfully engaged in the mission of the Gospel. It is because their focus is not on the money, but on the servants doing the work of the Master.
St. Jacob’s is not unlike any other congregation. God has called people with various gifts and talents to this place in order that we too would be engaged in his mission. With the many gifts and talents shared among us, we too are called to worship, learn, build up the faith of one another as we also minister to the needy within our community and world. God also expects that we would be busy in the growing of his church, that is the body of Christ on earth, by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. That seems like a long list of things to do, one that would require many talents. The good news is that God has provided everything we need.
Rather than explain the rest of the parable, I would simply encourage you to discern the talents God has placed within your grasp. I also invite you to ponder how you can use these, along with the gifts of others within our church family to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. It is stewardship time. We have all been provided with time and talent sheets. Look them over. See where you might become engaged in the mission of the church. God has entrusted every member of St. Jacob’s with gifts and talents. How shall we use them? If you are uncertain, please contact me and I will pray with you. Together we can share the Master’s joy as we share his goodness and mercy with others.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Archive for October, 2020
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 31, 2020 By adminLiturgical Worship in November
Posted October 30, 2020 By adminNovember is a month of remembrance, celebration, and transition. From the first day of the month until the final Sunday, we offer our thanks and praise to God for his saving grace that comes through his Son Jesus Christ. The celebrations of November complete the liturgical cycle of one year and lead us into the next. Please join us as you are able, either in person or online each Sunday as we observe these three significant dates.
All Saints Day
All Saints Day is a time of remembrance and a time of thanksgiving. We remember all who have entered the Church Triumphant and now rest peacefully in Christ. We also give thanks for all the saints within the Church Militant who strive to share the Gospel of Christ and extend the ministry of the church throughout the world. Join us on All Saints Day, November 1stfor worship. As is customary, we will have a prayer for our church family members who passed away since our All Saints celebration last year. All Saints Day is November 1stand traditionally observed on the first Sunday in November.
Christ The King Sunday
The earliest Christians identified Jesus with the predicted Messiah of the Jews. The Hebrew word “Messiah,” and the Greek word “Christ,” both mean “anointed one.” They refer to the expected king whom God promised would deliver his people from all earthly powers. Holy Scripture reveals Jesus of Nazareth to be this long-awaited Messiah. Unlike the Messiah most Jews expected, Jesus came to free all people, Jew and Gentile, and he did not come to free them from the Babylonians, Assyrians, or Romans, but from sin and death. Thus, the King of the Jews, and of all people, does not rule over a kingdom of this world. Christ the King Sunday is the final Sun-day of the Christian Church year and focuses on the return of Christ at the end of the age. This year, Christ the King Sunday is celebrated on November 22nd.
First Sunday Of Advent
The first Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the new liturgical year for the Christian Church. The word “advent” literally means “coming.” Coming on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, Advent is the season when Christians prepare for the coming of our King Jesus Christ. There is actually a two-fold meaning of this coming. When the Church celebrates Advent, we look toward Jesus’ second coming by remembering his first coming to earth. We ponder again the great mystery of the incarnation when our Lord humbled himself, taking on our humanity, and entered our time and space to free us from sin. All the while, we recall in the Creed that our Lord will come again to judge the living and the dead and that we must be ready to greet him. This year, the First Sunday of Advent is November 29th.
Unveiled: Shining Light In The Darkness
Posted October 29, 2020 By adminWe all wear veils. Veils we put on to hide ourselves. Veils we allow others to put on us to cover. Veils to separate us. Jesus’ death tore the veil in two and granted us access to God the Father, welcoming us behind the veil. We are released and welcomed into a life of worship. Our response is to shine and share that light with others.
Join your brothers and sisters in Christ as we gather virtually to support missionaries serving in their homes and neighborhoods, in their congregations, and internationally. This conference will provide encouragement, tools and training, inspiration, and connection to missionaries to be unashamed of the Gospel burning in our hearts, unleashed by the power of the Holy Spirit from the veils that darken our sight, unrestricted to be the aroma of Christ, and UNVEILED to be and to make disciples to shine light in the darkness.
Pastor David invites all church family members to join him November 4th-6thfor this virtual conference for mission and ministry. The cost for the three-day event is $20.
Follow this link for more information or to register.
Weekly Bible Study on Zoom
Posted October 29, 2020 By adminBible study continues to be held each Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM on Zoom.com. We are continuing our study of the book of James. There are no special materials that you must purchase. All you need is a computer and access to the internet to join in the conversation. Weekly study guides are emailed to the congregation on Tuesday afternoon. Even if you have not provided an email address our study’s such that you can join in and participate in the conversation. Why not make Bible study a part of your week? If you have any questions, please contact Pastor David or Rachel.
In Person and Online Sunday School
Posted October 29, 2020 By adminIn person Sunday School will begin on Sunday, November 1st. We will begin with two classes. The first class will be for children up to middle school. The class will be taught by Rachel and Sherrie and will meet in the Sunday School wing downstairs. The second class will be for Adults and high school students. This class will be led by Pastor David and will meet in the Fellowship Hall. This will be the format through December 31st. In person Sunday School will begin at 9:40 AM each week.
For those who are not yet returning to in person worship or Sunday School, the online lessons will continue on our St. Jacob’s Facebook page. These lessons are posted at 8:00 AM on Sunday morning. The current list of lessons focuses on several familiar Bible stories of the Old Testament. Please enjoy these and other St. Jacob’s online offerings such as Bible studies and devotions as you are able.
The Lutheran Women News
Posted October 29, 2020 By adminThere will be a meeting on November 15that 4:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall with social distancing. Please bring an item or items for We Care. Looking forward to seeing each of you again.
Council Briefs for October
Posted October 29, 2020 By adminSt. Jacob’s Church Council met for its regular meeting on October 6th
Good Things at St. Jacob’s for September:
- Attendance is steadily improving
- New A/V System is installed
- Internet enhancement for Sanctuary is complete
- Church’s Finances and Giving are in great shape
- New Ministry Team Roll Out
Important Notes and Dates:
- Building Team has submitted final plans to Council for parking lot expansion
- Be on lookout for info in reference to Annual Congregational Meeting
- Time and Talent Sheets are being circulated; please fill one out and return
- Pastor on Vacation -Oct. 8th-22th
- October 25th–Reformation Sunday
- October 31st–Trunk or Treat in Bus Parking Lot
- Nov 1stIn person Sunday School starts again
Please check Facebook page and/or Website for updates to church activities and functions
Next regularly scheduled Council meeting is November 3rd at 6:30 PM
Youth Director & Family Ministries
Posted October 29, 2020 By adminI want to write about something that has become extremely relevant in my life over the past couple of months. I love sharing what I’m learning and walking through in hopes that it can give you some insight to my life and maybe even find similarities to what you are learning. I want to talk about “cancel culture.” If you don’t know what this is, it is the idea that someone can be “cancelled” by others based on something they said or have done. This can be something based on morals, politics, social actions, even economics -really anything. Usually it looks like the extremity of cutting someone off because they don’t hold the same value or opinion as you do. People can spend their entire lives doing good but can get cancelled over one small thing they have said. Matthew Chapter 18 answers the question of ‘how many times should we forgive?’ and Jesus says ‘70 x 7’. Our responsibility is to extend forgiveness, restore, and believe the best. We release the demand for justice to God and forgive as Christ forgives us. We don’t have to accept or endorse; we are called to love.
We as believers need to be careful of cancelling things in culture that we need to contextualize. We cannot write off culture as a whole, but the idea that there are things in this world that cannot be redeemable for the sake of the Gospel. We need to prioritize faithfulness to God regardless of circumstance. Whether it be a pandemic, an election, or even an argument with a friend. We can shift our idea from ultimate abolition to ‘life is too short for me to spend my time hyped up on what is going on here.’ This is what I would call a redeeming culture, being able to use the world around us to point to the Gospel rather than writing off every idea that we don’t immediately agree with. Don’t let this world have you thinking that the ‘cut off game’ is better than the power of reconciliation. Of course, there are always exceptions. In this case, anything that violates God’s Word should be “cancelled” but we can advocate in a way that is lawful, peaceful, and courageous. We can ask ourselves how can trends, controversies, assumptions, intentions, actions, etc. be used to bring God glory?
A great example is in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Paul lets you know right away that he is no longer under any obligation and ownership to the enemy or of any human beings. Therefore, his commitment to people is not based on anyone’s preferential desire of him to be a specific way. Paul is saying that he is not driven by the self-interest of others or to please man/culture. He even goes as far as using language that the Corinthians would understand by calling himself a slave in order to be faithful to the one thing that cannot be cancelled the truth of the Gospel and our calling as Christians in this world. Understanding that there is a difference between reaching people and trying to please them. The Gospel will always offend for the right reasons, never the wrong ones. We must learn to be wise missionaries to the world and utilize culture rather than writing it off. This means being in the world but not of the world. God would never cancel or give up on a relationship with His people.
Our thinking must be fueled, formed, and anchored on God’s word rather than what a society starved for controversy says we should be upset about. We should take every thought captive and conform it to the truth letting God be the filter of how we think not social media, not Hollywood, not the news. Asking ourselves ‘What is the Biblical response?’ or even ‘Am I wrong in this situation?’ (and learning to normalize it.) What are you living for? The approval of God or of the world around you?
Grace & Peace,
Rachel
Pastoral Devotion for October — Hear Our Prayer
Posted October 1, 2020 By adminThere is one thing that is fairly certain, we all, at one time or another, ask people to keep us in their prayers. Another thing that is certain is that others have asked us to do the same. Prayer is a central part of Christian living. We pray for healing, comfort, peace and happiness. We pray for so many things, but what happens when we do not immediately recognize God’s answer?
Some, although they believe, begin to have doubts. The man, whose son was possessed, believed one of Jesus’ followers could cast out the demon. When this did not happen, doubt crept into the situation. The word “if” is pursed upon his lips; “If you can…help us.”
Jesus teaches us the power of prayer. “Ask and it will be given. Seek and you will find.” (Matt. 7:7-8) Our Lord teaches that as you pray, do so believing that you have already received that for which you pray. It is no small task; because of doubt, we often need visible proof that our prayers are truly answered. Still, God is faithful. As we pray in faith, the Holy Spirit provides us with confidence that God indeed hears our prayers and provides all we need.
Prayer: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 1, 2020 By adminNow there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
October is a month that brings along several seasonal changes. Most notably, the hot tempera-tures of summer give way to more comfortable days and cooler nights. Leaves on the trees begin turning color and even animals begin the work of winter’s preparation. Look around you. The season is changing.
October is also a month that brings opportunity, and dare I say the word “change” here at St. Jacob’s. For once, I can put away language of the coronavirus and not even mention Covid-19. No, the opportunity and possible change I speak of is something that happens every October. Yet, this year it is more noticeable than most.
Each October, the Stewardship Team wrestles with helping to build a budget, inspire everyone to be cheerful givers and look out for the financial well-being of our congregation for the coming year. They also wrestle with building ministry teams and seeking volunteers in the hopes of rekindling the flames of ministries that were once vibrant but now seem somewhat stalled. This is a concern I share, especially this year.
As it is with many congregations, we have ministry team leaders that have been at their post for quite a while. Most of our team leaders are ready for relief. Others have completed their “tour of duty” so to speak and are ready to “step down.” For this to happen, they need someone to “step up.” Here is where my concern enters the picture.
Now is the opportune time for St. Jacob’s to earnestly become involved within our community and greater church. Now is the opportune time for us to take the Word of God to those who do not
have a home church but need to hear a word from God. Now is the time for more workers to enter the vineyard, plant the seeds and nurture those that sprout. However, as I read over the list of those who actively engage in this sort of ministry, Jesus’s words ring true. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
Now is the opportune time for our ministry teams to be refreshed with new ideas and dare I say younger leaders. God has blessed St. Jacob’s with many talented and gifted people. Yes, several work hard as they make a living and provide for their families. But the same is true of those who have served so well and for so long. As disciples of Jesus, we all are to be aware of our giftedness. We are all to be made aware of our calling from Christ to take up our cross and follow him. We all are to be good stewards of the time and talent God provides.
Each one of us is gifted by the Holy Spirit. Each one of us is enabled and empowered to grow the body of Christ using the gifts of the Spirit. My prayer for St. Jacob’s is that we don’t miss this opportune time. I will be intentional in my prayers for our church family. I will be intentional in my assisting the Stewardship Team in seeking team leaders. I will be intentional in helping team leaders build vibrant and enthusiastic ministry teams ready to begin working toward the harvest. Will you be intentional in your prayers? Will you be willing to use your spiritual gift? Will you be willing to enter the vineyard and work alongside other disciples as they plant the seeds of God’s word? Now is the opportune time. Let’s not let it go by.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
