Greatness in Serving Others
Mark 10:35-45
What do you want to be when you grow up? That’s a question that we all faced at one time or another. Some probably wanted to be doctors or nurses. Some perhaps wanted to be a professional athlete. Still someone might have wanted to be an actor or singer. Have you ever noticed few children, if any, say they want to be a garbage collector? Fewer still might say they want to be the school custodian, or the person who makes up the beds in a hotel. When we are young, we want to stand out; we often dream of making it big. We have dreams for our future.
Jesus never asks his disciples about their vision of what their lives might be like once he is departed. Instead, he leads the twelve on a journey of humility and service. Jesus leads and they follow. Our Lord teaches the twelve and us that in order to be counted first in God’s kingdom; we must become last of all and servant of all.
Certainly, we dream about the future. Yet, no matter your vocation or station in life, blessed is the one who puts the needs of others above their own and becomes their servant. Truly this one is counted as greatest in heaven.
Prayer: Holy God, give us the will to follow Christ, becoming as servants of others and inheritors of your kingdom. Amen.
Archive for November, 2021
Pastoral Devotion for November
Posted November 10, 2021 By adminFrom the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted November 1, 2021 By admin[Jesus said] “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.” John 17:6-8
A few days into my recent vacation, I received news of the death of my friend and fellow pastor, Brett Collins. I know that several folks within our church family had known Pastor Brett for quite a while and considered him to be very close. This news saddened many people within our Lutheran Churches, both NALC and ELCA. We have lost a friend who was our pastor, a beloved family man, and a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.
As some of you may know, each Tuesday morning, Pastor Brett would join me and several other local Lutheran pastors online and we would study the Sunday lessons together. When a question regarding difficulties with the text would arise, Brett would often break the silence and offer this advice, “Just preach the Word, that’s what the people need to hear. Just Preach the Word man.” That is exactly what I had in mind when I preached and led worship at Holy Trinity in Little Mountain the Sunday following Pastor Brett’s death.
The day before I was in Salisbury, N.C. to perform a wedding for a former church youth member. I won’t deny, it was good seeing so many former church family members. I hadn’t seen any of them since taking the call to be St. Jacob’s Pastor. I realized that the old saying is true. Once a pastor, always a pastor. Memories from my two previous congregations found their way to the forefront of my mind as I enjoyed the smiles and hugs from people for whom I was their spiritual leader for six years, and again, I won’t deny that I enjoyed every minute.
The next morning (Sunday), having traveled back from North Carolina the night before, I had to stop
by St. Jacob’s on my way to Holy Trinity. It was good seeing folks who were gathered for worship, but it seemed strange that I was not going to be your preacher that particular morning. Instead, my calling for the day was to be Pastor for my friend’s flock. They were hurting and searching for comfort and encouragement and longed for a Word from God for reassurance.
During the prelude, I was seated behind the pulpit where Pastor Brett would have been sitting. The sensation was surreal. I asked myself, who am I that I should be in this place? Even though I had known Brett for a long time, this was his place, but he is no longer here. God called me to be pastor for them on this particular morning, and again the next Sunday. It was an assignment I was more than willing to accept. After all, once a pastor, always a pastor.
I believe I am writing this message to you as a way of peaceful reflection and response to the loss of a good friend. More than that, I believe I am writing this message to you because, as I sat be-hind the pulpit waiting to worship with a congregation that had just lost its shepherd, I realized just how special you all are to me. In the 17th chapter of John, Jesus says praise to his Father for his disciples saying Father, “I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.”
Having worshiped with the folks at Holy Trinity, I can say that without a doubt, Pastor Brett Collins gave them the Word God had given to him. They heard it and they know it’s true. Brett taught them well, and he set a fine example for them to follow. Now, in the wake of his sudden and tragic death, I know there will be more silent moments as I study the texts each Tuesday with my fellow pastors. In such times, I will do my best to take the advice of my friend, Brett Collins. “Just preach the Word, that’s what the people want to hear. Just preach the Word man.” May the Word I give to you on
Sunday be the same truth of the Gospel God gives me so that you may hear the truth concerning Jesus Christ.
I’m sorry for the long message, but I believe this month’s article truly reflects the nature of the title of my monthly column. For certainly, memories of my friend and the joy I find in being your pastor is what is on The Pastor’s Heart.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
It’s Time to Order Christmas Poinsettias
Posted November 1, 2021 By adminWorship and Music will once again be accepting orders for Christ-mas Poinsettias to be placed in the church for our Christmas services in honor and/or memory of loved ones. This year the cost per poinsettia will be $10.50; checks should be made payable to St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church with Poinsettia on the memo line.
If you would like to order a poinsettia, please submit your completed order form AND payment to Marie or Robin.
The deadline for placing your order is Sunday, November 14, 2021. To guarantee delivery of the poinsettias, Worship and Music must place the order for St. Jacob’s on the deadline date. The team asks that you turn your orders in early as NO orders can be accepted after the deadline.
Manager Scene and Chrismon Trees Setup Your Help Is Needed
Posted November 1, 2021 By adminYou are invited to help assemble the Manger Scene on Saturday, November 27th beginning at 9 AM. Come help if you can.
Lutheran Women
Posted November 1, 2021 By adminChristmas is coming. The Lutheran Women are selling RADA Cutlery and Happy Home Flavoring. Contact Sandra or send an email message to get more information and to place your order.
First Communion Instruction
Posted November 1, 2021 By adminPastor David will offer First Communion Instruction for children in grades 1-6 who have not yet begun receiving the sacrament, or for those who have not yet attended First Communion Instruction. Classes will be held during the Sunday school time on November 7th, 14th, and 21st. Children must attend with a parent or guardian. If you feel your child or grandchild is ready to begin receiving Holy Communion, or already receives communion but has not received this instruction, please contact Pastor David Nuottila.
St. Jacob’s Chancel Choir
Posted November 1, 2021 By adminThe St. Jacob’s choir will be meeting for rehearsals on Wednesdays. Please plan on attending. There is always room for more who would enjoy the fellowship of this small group ministry and making a joyful noise unto the Lord. There is no musical experience or special ability required. Just come and join the group.
Mid-Week Advent Worship
Posted November 1, 2021 By adminThe season of Advent is just around the corner with the First Sunday in Advent being Nov. 28th. On Wednesday, December 1st we will begin Mid-Week Advent worship. Anyone who would like to volunteer to present a dramatic monologue should contact Pastor David.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Posted November 1, 2021 By adminIt’s hard to believe but it is time once again for our Thanksgiving Eve worship service. In years past, St. Jacob’s participated in a community project to supply families with traditional Thanksgiving meals provided by The Hub. Last year in the midst of the pandemic, The Hub ceased providing such meals and so we turned our hearts to support We Care. This year, it is hoped that we will find a way to expand our ministry to those in need who are our neighbors in the surrounding community. Please keep an eye on the weekly bulletin announcements and also the mid-month Grace Notes for further details.
St. Jacob’s Kids for Christ
Posted November 1, 2021 By adminOur KFC group will meet on Sunday, November 7th and Sunday, November 21st at 4 PM. All our children in grades 1-6 are invited to come enjoy games, snacks and a time of learning how to become disciples of Jesus by serving others. We will also begin a new service project to help support We Care of Chapin. Come join in the fun as we gather in Jesus’ name and grow in faith as Kids for Christ.
