The Lutheran Men will meet on Sunday, October 20th at 6 PM in the fellowship hall.
Reformation Sunday
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminReformation Sunday is the day Lutherans remember and reflect upon the ministry and mission of Martin Luther as he called the Church to debate his 95 Theses concerning God’s grace and salvation. In 1517 on All Hallows Eve (Oct. 31) Luther nailed his call to debate on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg setting in motion the events that would lead to the Sixteenth Century Reformation.
Within the Lutheran Church today there are several traditions observed as we commemorate this anniversary. On Reformation Sunday we will, of course, sing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God and we will affirm our Baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. Another tradition is the wearing of red which symbolizes the entry into eternal life through the blood of Christ Jesus. Everyone is invited to wear the color red during our worship service on Reformation Sunday, October 27 as we mark one more Reformation celebration and look forward to the return of our Lord Jesus.
It’s Time To Order Christmas Poinsettias
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminThe Altar Guild will once again be accepting orders for Christmas Poinsettias to be placed in the church for our Christmas services in honor and/or memory of loved ones. This year the cost per poinsettias will be $10.00; checks should be made payable to St. Jacob’s Altar Guild.
If you would like to order a poinsettia, please submit your completed order. The deadline for placing your order is Sunday, November 3, 2019. In order to guarantee delivery of the poinsettias, the Altar Guild 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.
Filed in Other Happenings
Up and Going
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminThursday, Sept 12th began bright, sunshiny and warm as the Up and Going group arrived at St. Jacob’s Church and began loading the St. Jacob’s Express to go to Hendersonville, NC for the annual Apple Run. Eighteen members and guests were on board and Helen, Team Leader gave the devotions based on the fruits of the Spirit. She reminded us that we, as older adults, possess love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, all fruits of the Spirit and that God expects us to use these gifts. We are never too old to be of use to God. Pastor Brad Hales information sheet “Engaging the Aging” was passed around for all to read. There are always things that we can do to make our world a better place no matter our age or station in life. When we can do very little else, we can always pray for our Church and others. Remember to pray for, Gloria Z. and Gloria D., we miss having them with us. The Treasurer’s report was given and other business was discussed.
Gerald took us on the scenic route to Hendersonville via Lake Lure, the Flower Bridge and Chimney Rock. We laughed and talked about other adventures in the mountains. We ate a delicious lunch at Bay Breeze Seafood Restaurant in Hendersonville. Next was Lyda Farms to buy apples, cabbage, tomatoes, honey and all sorts of goodies including pumpkins. The bus was loaded with our treasures. An unexpected stop was at Grandad’s Apples to purchase fried apple pies, apple dumplings, cider, ice cream and other treats. Oh, Oh, so good! Loaded with treats, hot and tired we headed home. The bus buzzed with chatter and laughter as we made our way back to St. Jacob’s around 5 PM. We were hot and tired but all agreed that it had been a great day together!!
The October Meeting is scheduled for the 2nd Thursday in October, Oct 10th. We will go to the Happy Cow Creamery in Pelzer. Watch your worship folders for more information.
Helen
Team Leader
Up and Going
Fall Festival / Octoberfest
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminYou are invited to St. Jacob’s second annual Fall Festival/Oktoberfest on Saturday October 19th, at 2:00 PM. It will be an afternoon full of German food, games, and fellowship celebrating the fall season together. Some of the activities include hayrides, painting pumpkins, cornhole, and more! There will be activities for all ages—We look forward to having you here and always feel free to extend the invitation to others!
Congregational Retreat at St. Christopher
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminOur next congregational retreat is scheduled for the weekend of January 10th-12th at beautiful Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island, SC. Last year several of our church family members enjoyed a time away for study, fellowship and refreshment as we shared our faith with one another. The theme of our retreat will be Living and Growing as Disciples of Jesus Christ. The cost per person is $150.00, the same as last year. There will be discussion concerning discipleship within families, discipleship of our children and being disciples for the sake of others. We will even enjoy a session around the campfire on the beach!
For those who may need assistance in meeting the cost, please contact Pastor David. Money should never be the issue for people to miss an opportunity to grow in faith and their relationship with Christ. Registration forms are available in the narthex and also through email. Just contact the church office.
Council Briefs September 2019
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminGood Things at St. Jacob’s for August:
- Homecoming service was excellent; really enjoyed Pastor Brad Hales
- Fireflies baseball game was well attended and a great time
- Start of the Wednesday morning breakfast for Youth
- Youth Lock-in
Important Notes and Dates:
- The new flagpole has been purchased and installed in the cemetery
- Building Team has met with SCDOT for parameters and scope of parking lot project; is currently working to identify the number of handicap spaces afforded in design and proper ingress and egress to property that is in line with current DOT specifications. Updates to follow when available
- All team budget requests for FY2020 are due no later than September 29th
- The Council has a called meeting to discuss the Constitution on September 15th
- Next regularly scheduled Council meeting is October 1st at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew
Secretary,
St. Jacob’s Church Council
Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings
Youth Director & Family Ministries
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminI have been learning a lot this month about identity. I have heard that word over and over in sermons and Bible studies, but it never really resonated with me until recently. During a time of major change in my life, I want to remain rooted in who I am regardless of my changing surroundings and circumstances. I know this is the case for most of us when we have a lot going on. We often push ourselves to the backburner because we simply don’t have the time. But what we don’t realize is that from who we are comes everything else.
Since our identity comes from God, we can only find it in Him. Jesus says in Matthew, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.” Sometimes we let life speak louder than truth by letting our circumstances define who we are and how we’re doing. It’s a form of idolatry to let things matter more than what matters most, our relationship with Him and who He says we are.
We hear the words “die to self” and it seems intimidating, but it really is a gift. There is nothing greater than fullness of union with Christ: when we are fully surrendered and a walking sacrifice. His joy becomes our joy; His love, our love; His peace, our peace; His strength, our strength. From this place of identity, we no longer chase after the desires of the flesh but rather, seek to glorify God in all areas of our life. From this place, we no longer fear the future or provision. Lastly, we don’t have to suffer without confidence that our circumstances will produce things of eternal value. Just as Jesus’ sufferings were not wasted, neither will ours be. Praise God that He loves us enough to take us from brokenness and rebellion to a new identity in Christ because of the sacrifice of His Son. There is no life apart from Him and we can experience this fullness of life when we lay down ourselves, our schedules, and our control in order to step into who He says we are and who He calls us to be.
Our youth will meet at 5 PM on Sunday, October 6th in the fellowship hall. Due to the fall festival, we will not have a meeting on Sunday, October 20th. Grace and peace, Rachel
Worship and Music
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminOctober is upon us. Cooler fall temperatures, leaves changing colors, high school and college football games, the State Fair – all serve as reminders that the year 2019 is rapidly nearing its end. But just because all the anthems have been chosen through the Christmas season doesn’t mean that I, or the singers, can rest on our laurels.
Church music isn’t like any other kind of performance. When you go to a concert, the band, orchestra, or choir have been rehearsing for months and the concert is the culmination of those months of practice. Once the concert is over, they move on to the next concert.
The foremost difference between church music and other vocal or instrumental groups is that church music is NOT a performance. It is, in its purest form, our prayer, our praise, our expression of gratitude to our Lord and Savior for His unconditional love, mercy and grace. For me, it is an ongoing, constant looking ahead to the next season, and the one following; always working ahead so that the musicians have ample time to develop the musicality of each piece that we sing or play. It is a challenge to look so far ahead and choose hymns and anthems that will not only compliment but enhance the Scriptures, and sometimes, I do miss the boat. But it’s those other times, the times when everything fits together like a giant puzzle; I know that the Holy Spirit was guiding my choices.
For that, I can only say …Soli Deo Gloria (to God Alone the Glory),
Laurie
Filed in Other Happenings, Worship and Music
Blessing Of The Animals
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminOur pets are a part of our family and a gift from our Father in heaven. They provide love and companionship asking little in return. Join your church family on Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 AM for a special time together on the lawn in front of the Church Office. Pastor David will lead a service of blessing and thanksgiving for the loving animals God has entrusted to us.
