For those who are working through the year long Bible study, “Experiencing the Heart of Jesus” we will have a time for conversation and encouragement to review what has been learned this far. We will meet in the church office on Tuesday, May 13th beginning at 6:30 PM. Do not worry if you have fallen behind. Everyone does at one time or another. Everyone is pretty much on their own schedule and the discussions will focus on personal reflections.
Up and Going
Posted April 30, 2025 By adminOn Thursday, April 10th, 2025 the Up and Going met in the Fellowship Hall for the monthly meeting and to prepare a very important yearly project, one of our favorite projects.
Team Leader, Helen greeted and welcomed everyone. The Fellowship Hall was pretty with spring and Easter decorations. Helen gave the devotions, reading the Easter story from Matthew, chapters 27 and 28. Devotions ended with prayers and thanksgiving for our meal.
A delicious covered dish meal was enjoyed by everyone. It is surprising the variety and wonderful tastes available for our enjoyment. Special thanks to our great cooks.
After lunch everyone jumped in to fill the Easter Bags for Hospice. Twelve members worked diligently and with amazing efficiency to fill each bag with approximately one pound of goodies. Special “Thank You” to all who brought goodies for the Easter Bags. At 2:00 PM, 144 Easter Bags were filled, everything cleaned up and put back in its place and the bags ready for delivery.
Fifty bags were delivered to Lutheran Hospice at White Rock and the balance to Prisma Hospice on Colonial Life Boulevard, Columbia. Both facilities were so excited to receive these Easter Bags for their Hospice patients, so often forgotten. Huge “Thank yous” were received by Ann Lindler and Helen Lindler as they made deliveries. What a grand and glorious day this had been!!! Sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make this project such a wonderful success.
May meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 8th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be a covered dish meal. See you then.
Helen
Team Leader for Up and Going
Youth News
Posted April 30, 2025 By adminMark your calendars, the youth are planning a congregational picnic for Sunday, June 1st, immediately following the service. Before the weather gets too hot, we need to take advantage of the picnic shelter. The youth will provide more information at the beginning of the church services in May. Make plans to wear comfy clothes on June 1st and join us for an afternoon of food and fun.
The youth began April with a cross walk for Lent and ended with a trip to Stars and Strikes.
We will meet May 4th and May 25th from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall to work on plans for the picnic, share a meal and worship our Lord.
Easter Egg Hunt
Posted April 30, 2025 By adminThe Lutheran Women hosted the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12th. Children young and old had a visit with the Easter Bunny, made crafts, hunted eggs, and had snacks. Thank you to all the volunteers and participants that helped make this year’s Easter Egg Hunt a huge success.
St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs April 1, 2025
Posted April 30, 2025 By adminGood Things at St. Jacob’s for March
- Lenten Meals and Vespers Attendance — Great Fellowship.
- Youth Service.
- Sunday School attendance.
- Altar vases look great.
Ministry Teams
Christian Education: Sherrie
- Selected 2025 VBS Theme — True North.
- VBS dates — Monday, June 23rd-Thursday, June 26th with meals at 5:45 PM and VBS from 6:30-8:00 PM.
- All the old computer equipment has been picked up by Incite Technologies and disposed.
- No Sunday School on Easter Sunday.
Property: Gerald / Danny
- Completed Temple Talk on parking lot update to congregation on March 23rd.
- Ongoing Property Team project updates:
- Correct doorknob latch assembly for work room door is on order.
- Waiting for a quote for the priming and painting of new Fellowship Hall side doors.
- Received quotes from HVAC contractors for replacing two 2 1/2 ton systems located on balcony walls of sanctuary. One unit is broken and cost wise unrepairable, and the other unit is limping along — both units are very old. Property Team has decided to use Wilson Refrigeration & AC Service out of Pomaria, SC. They will be removing the two old systems and installing two High Wall 3 Ton Mitsubishi 18.4 Seer Ductless Heat Pump systems with Wi-Fi T-Stat (thermostat) controls. Unit warranty — 10 years parts, 10 years compressor and 1 year labor. Ecobee Wi-Fi T-Stat (thermostat) warranty — 5 years parts and 1 year labor total installation cost.
- Received quote for installing 4 ceiling fans and 2 LED light fixtures, breaker, wire, switches and 1 day labor in bus shed.
- A keyed doorknob has been installed on the music room door in the basement.
Church Sanctuary Renovation Update (including moving altar)
- Continue to work with designer to finalize plans.
- Deposit has been made for pew restorations.
- Plan to move the altar out as part of the renovations.
- Requested budget to replace the light fixtures. Need more lighting in the Sanctuary.
- The front doors at the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall will be painted as part of the renovations.
Next scheduled meeting is May 6, 2025 @ 6:45 PM in the Church office.
Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings
Pastoral Devotion for May – Jesus Said “Go”
Posted April 30, 2025 By adminRead Matthew 28:16-20
When we hear our Lord give the Great Commission, we understand finally that our response to Christ’s resurrection is to go into the world and tell others the good news of God’s salvation. Most Christians can quote this passage from memory; those who cannot certainly know where to find it in the Bible. But when congregations hear Christ’s command, the reaction can be varied.
As the remaining disciples gathered on the mountain with Jesus, Matthew tells us they worshiped him, but some doubted. Rest assured, the same condition exists within the Church today. Jesus says, “Go.” Yet, some doubt they are strong enough in their faith.
Others doubt they have the necessary knowledge of the scriptures. Still others feel they lack the training and skill needed to make disciples. All this said, the command given by Jesus stands. Our Lord says, “Go.”
As followers of Christ, it is incumbent upon Christians to learn. As the body of Christ on earth, it is incumbent upon the Church to teach and equip. As those called, gathered and sent by our Lord, it is incumbent upon us all to encourage one another, remembering Christ is with us even to the end of the age.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as we go in your name, overcome our doubts with your peace and presence. Amen.
Congo Mission Update
Posted April 19, 2025 By adminI’m not sure how many folks have been paying attention to the news of the ongoing struggle in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but there have been some significant and terribly unfortunate events taking place. The neighboring country of Rwanda has sent and supported militaristic factions and groups over the border and seized several of the bordering cities and other areas. These incursions have led to violent protests in several parts of the country, including the capital city of Kinshasa.
Given these political and military actions, Pastor Stephane Kalonji and I have concluded that I should not travel to the Congo this summer. Pastor Kalonji is Congolese and can blend in with the population while staying with family and completing our planned mission. Our amended agenda is for Pastor Kalonji to accomplish all that he and I had planned, including overseeing the construction of the parish building in Mbuji Mayi, education for laity, feeding orphaned children, freeing mothers and their babies from clinics, and supplying Bibles for those with such need. The decision regarding my travel breaks my heart as I pray for those pastoral colleagues and friends whom I have longed to visit. Please keep this situation in your prayers and ask God for resolution, reconciliation, and restoration of all that has been affected.
Pastor Kalonji will travel to Kinshasa at the end of June and upon his return home will provide a full report on his work and also on the political and social climate of the area. I look forward to hearing his report and to seeing photos of friends within the Lutheran Church whom I have been closely associated with over the last ten years.
Experiencing the Heart of Jesus
Posted April 17, 2025 By adminFor those who are engaged in the Max Lucado Bible Study, Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks, our next quarterly gathering will be held in the church office Sunday school room on Monday, April 21st beginning at 6:30 PM. Don’t worry if you have fallen a little behind, everyone is on a different schedule. The discussion will include various parts of the study according to how much has been read. Please plan to join us.
Easter Divine Services
Posted April 14, 2025 By adminOur traditional Easter Sunrise Service is scheduled for 7:00 AM on Easter Sunday, April 20th. A Festival Service of the Resurrection will commence at 10:00 AM. This service will include a full processional, Gospel Procession and Trumpet accompaniment as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Please invite family members, friends and neighbors to join us on Easter Sunday.
Solid Rock Day Camp
Posted April 10, 2025 By adminSolid Rock Day Camp is looking for faithful young adults to work as day camp counselors this summer! Counselors lead bible time, crafts, games, devotions, and tons of good ol’ kid fun with elementary age children at various locations across the southeast. It’s not only a job, it’s an amazing experience! Check our website for more information: https://www.carolinas-nalc.org/home/youth/.
