What benefits do you receive from attending the Women’s Bible Study? “Spending time with my sisters in Christ studying God’s word, sharing experiences, and prayer warriors.” “Women getting together to deepen our understanding of God’s word.” If you would like to share in this experience please join us! The Women’s Bible study will resume in September and all women are welcome! The Women’s Bible Study meets in the church office on the second Monday of each month from 6:45-8:00 PM, with our next meeting taking place on September 8th. Our study will focus on Jesus in Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion by Anne Graham Lotz. Questions? Contact Susan.
Pastoral Devotion for August – Do Not Fear, Believe
Posted August 1, 2025 By adminRead Luke 8:40-56
Jairus is a man with authority, yet he recognizes his limitations. For the sake of his daughter, Jairus yields to the authority of Christ and begs him to come, but there is an interruption. Another person in need of a miracle also reaches out to Jesus.
How often do we encounter such interruptions? How many times might we feel Jesus is otherwise preoccupied, busy elsewhere and putting off our urgent need? Out of control, our life seems like riding a roller coaster and anything that delays Jesus’ response makes us even more frantic. As Jairus waited for Jesus, things grew worse. News came that his daughter had indeed died. Jairus lost hope; his faith faded into despair. But with Jesus, hope is never lost.
As we continue along our earthly journey, fear and faith seem to walk alongside. Circumstances do not always go our way. Fear takes hold; illness, loneliness, grief and loss come to the forefront. In all of these, we reach out in faith to Christ for help, yet sometimes it seems interruptions block the path to wholeness. Jesus says. “Do not fear, only believe.” Behold, God is with you.
Prayer: Comfort me, O God, grant me faith that believes your promises are true. Amen.
Sanctuary Renovation Update
Posted August 1, 2025 By adminUpon congregational approval of the sanctuary renovation, carpentry materials were ordered and installation will begin in August. The first steps of the carpentry work will include renovations in the sacristy, new doors into the sacristy and around the chancel area and beginning renovation of the choir area. Everyone’s patience is very much appreciated!
Filed in Other Happenings
Maintaining Brain Health—hosted by Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminMaintaining Brain Health: BOOSTING YOUR BRAIN POWER! It is just as important to keep your brain as strong as your bones. Join us on Thursday, August 14th at 6:00 PM at Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church (1307 Drayton Street, Newberry) for this 1.5 hour program to help keep your brain healthy and stronger as you age. We will also learn more strategies on how to decrease or eliminate avoidable risks through exercise, nutritional diet, and memory training to enhance brain function. Helpful hand-outs will be distributed that lists 101 brain boosters – perfect list to hang on the fridge for daily reminders.
Marsha C. Garrett has been teaching Maintaining Brain Health since 2014. She worked for 28 years in senior care with main emphasis on working with those living/loving/caring for someone with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. She has lived her own personal journey with her mother who had Alzheimer’s and taught her how to never stop learning. Marsha is now retired and dedicates her volunteer time to teaching brain health because when people stop learning, the brain starts dying.
If you are interested in going, please let Laurie know by Wednesday, August 6th.
Filed in Other Happenings
Blessing of the Backpacks
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminThe public school year is about to begin, and with that we will have a blessing of the backpacks and bookbags for students in all grades. Please bring your backpack or bookbag with you to worship on Sunday, August 3rd. We will pray for our students, teachers, and school administrators that they would have a safe and fruitful year in school.
Lutheran Week 2025
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminThe Biennial NALC Convocation and Lutheran Week is scheduled for August 4th-8th in Pittsburgh, PA. Our lay delegate for the convocation this year is Lynn Shealy. Items to be addressed will be the 2025-2026 annual operating budget and receiving reports from several of the NALC ministries and ecumenical partners. There will be a few elections that will take place to fill positions on the Seminary Board of Regents, Court of Adjudication, and NALC Executive Council. Pastor David has been nominated for a seat on the NALC Executive Council. Please pray for safety in travel for all who will be attending and that the convocation will be a fruitful and enjoyable experience.
Notice of Called Congregation Meeting
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminThere will be a meeting of the congregation on Sunday, August 10th immediately following worship for the purpose of determining the disposition of approximately five acres of property.
In 2006, St. Jacob’s purchased 5.25 acres from Mr. Jim Haack. The purchase was made with the idea that the church may need an area to use for future construction needs such as providing “fill dirt” for the parking lot. There is an easement (driveway) through the 5.25 acre tract to an adjoining eighteen (18) acre tract, which was recently sold. The buyer of the 18 acre tract approached the Church Council about purchasing the 5.25 acres.
It has been determined that the 5.25 acres is not needed for construction needs at St. Jacob’s. The Church Council is recommending we sell the 5.25 acres for $78,250. The funds will be placed in an account until the Church Council determines the best use of the funds.
Filed in Other Happenings
St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs July 1, 2025
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminGood Things at St. Jacob’s for June
- Vacation Bible School
- Lutheran Men Bar-B-Q
- Pew restoration and cushions
- Successful relocation of services to Fellowship Hall Sunday
Pastor’s Report
- Pastor and Lynn will attend the NALC Lutheran Week in Pittsburgh August 3rd – 9th.
- Pastor shared that he will be on vacation August 22nd – 29th.
- Macedonia will be joining the NALC, which gives us nineteen congregations in the SC Mission District. There are three more congregations entertaining a vote to move to the NALC. Seven of these churches do not have a Pastor. The Bishop has asked Pastors to consider supplying at one of the seven churches when possible.
Property Team/Project Updates (Gerald Lindler / Danny Shealy)
- Parking lot permits/application forms have been signed and forwarded to the county for approval.
- Roofing tar applied to the office bathroom vents and secured roofing tacks. Laurie has not noticed any more leaking.
- Contacted Mike Outlaw – he is going to purchase the materials needed for the additional ventilation and lighting for the Disaster Shed. He is scheduled to begin work on July 8th.
- Continuing to work with Lexington County to issue associated parking lot permits.
- Pew restorations are complete.
Next scheduled meeting is August 5, 2025 at 6:45 PM in the church office.
Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings
South Carolina Mission District Updates
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminPer the updates shared with the congregation at worship on July 12th, the NALC South Carolina Mission District has received several new congregations that have disaffiliated from the ELCA. We have now grown from a district of twelve congregations to one of eighteen congregations, with a few more possibly joining in the near future.
In each case, our newest congregations have need for NALC pastoral services. Given a global clergy shortage across several denominational lines, our NALC Bishop Dan Selbo has asked that local congregations assist congregations experiencing prolonged pastoral vacancy by occasionally sharing their pastor as they are able. With regard to this request, and working with our Mission District Dean, Pastor David has agreed to assist neighboring congregations as he is able.
On the Sundays when he is asked to serve, he will provide a sermon and reserved communion elements for our Elders here at St. Jacob’s to lead worship. Please be in prayer for our newest member congregations and all congregations who are experiencing prolonged pastoral vacancy.
Lutheran Women
Posted July 20, 2025 By adminThe Lutheran Women will not meet in July. August 10th will be the annual outing at Zorba’s at 4:00 PM. The third Sunday meetings will resume on September 21st at 4:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All women of St. Jacob’s are welcome and encouraged to join us for fellowship.
