My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22
As you all know, I have been dealing with a serious health issue for quite a while. It was serious enough that I had to cancel my annual trip to Congo. It hasn’t been a secret that I have been diagnosed with blockages in my heart. When the news was first delivered to Angela and me, we didn’t really know what to do. The doctors who were tending to me were not comfortable in making a definitive treatment plan. After a few tense days, I decided to get a second opinion. Not that the doctors who saw me weren’t good doctors, I don’t believe that for a second. I’m sure they are quite capable. But this being the first time I have had to deal with such an issue, I prayed for guidance and comfort. The answer to my prayers came in the form of a complete stranger suggesting I see a doctor in Charlotte whom he had been treated by. One or two calls later and I was in the loop.
In Charlotte, I met a team of doctors who truly give Angela and me confidence and assurance that the prescribed remedy will be my best option for future good health. Thus, I have agreed to undergo bypass surgery where it is likely two main arteries will be repaired. I truly appreciate the care I am receiving through the doctors and nurses in Charlotte. Angela and I are completely comfortable with the decision to proceed with surgery.
We also take comfort in knowing that God is the one who enables medical personnel to do the work of healing. Truly, only God could provide the wisdom and skillset to accomplish such miracles. As Solomon said in the Proverbs, God’s Word is “life to those who find [it] and health to one’s whole body.”
My surgery is scheduled for November 7th and I will be away from the church for about three weeks after that. On Sunday, November 10th, our elders will lead worship and distribute Holy Communion with bread and wine consecrated the week prior. I have arranged for Pastor Leon Rawl to supply on November 17th and 24th so there will be no interruption in the celebration of the Sacrament.
I hope to return to St. Jacob’s (albeit in a reduced capacity) on Sunday, December 1st with some restrictions on driving and lifting. My doctor supports this line of thought and sees no reason not to expect a favorable outcome to this procedure and complete recovery. I am thankful for the prayers many of you have offered on my behalf and look forward to improved health following recovery from surgery. This has not been an easy article to write. I’m not used to sharing such news about my personal health. But through the years so many have shared their health concerns that God has convinced me, now is the time to do the same, share with the ones whom you love, for this is truly what is on your pastor’s heart, figuratively and realistically.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 29, 2024 By adminMission Youth Reformation Party
Posted October 29, 2024 By adminThe Carolinas Mission Region will hold its annual Youth Reformation Party on Sunday, November 3rd beginning at 3:00 PM. The location for the gathering will be Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Gastonia, NC. All St. Jacob’s youth and their friends in grades 6-12 are invited. Please let Pastor David or Angela Nuottila know if you are planning on participating. Parents, we will need volunteers to provide transportation. Holy Trinity is located along HWY 321 about two hours away. We should return to St. Jacob’s around 8:00 PM.
Up and Going
Posted October 29, 2024 By adminThe Up and Going met at 9:45 AM in the Fellowship Hall for devotions and a short business session before our trip to Batesburg to enjoy lunch at Shealy’s BBQ. Team leader Helen gave the devotion based on the reading that we are children of God and made in His image and so we bear His traits. We closed with praying together The Lord’s Prayer.
Fourteen members and guests traveled by car. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and enjoyable fellowship together. Thursday is liver-nip day and for those that like them, this was a special treat. For the rest of us, there were lots of other delicious foods available. Every dish is always a delicious treat and then there is the dessert bar. Oh…so good!!
November is our Thanksgiving meal at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 14th. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board. Please sign up if you plan to attend and list what you will bring for our meal. This year we will gift The Oliver Gospel Mission with men’s socks and underwear. Everybody is asked to bring a pack of socks AND a pack of men’s underwear to fill our giving box.
Helen
Team Leader for Up and Going
Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
Posted October 29, 2024 By adminThe Lutheran Women would like to thank all volunteers that came out to support our fall festival. A great time was had by all!
All Saints Sunday
Posted October 29, 2024 By adminThis year, All Saints Sunday falls on November 3rd. It is a time of remembrance and a time of thanksgiving. With the traditional candle lighting and prayer, we remember those who have entered the Church Triumphant and now rest peacefully in Christ. We also give thanks for the newest saints of Christ who are welcomed into the Church Militant through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Since our Previous All Saints celebration, several of our church family members have grieved the passing of parents. We have also welcomed three children into God’s family of faith through the waters of Holy Baptism. We give thanks to God for the Baptisms of Chloe Meetze, Tate Bise, and Samuel Dugan. We also acknowledge the St. Jacob’s members who joined the Church Triumphant, Kenneth Mostiler and Richard Shealy. We remember, as well, parents of several of our church family members who have passed during the last year. These include, Vera (Tina’s mother), Gerald (Tina’s father), Elizabeth (Joanie’s mother), Howard (Melissa’s father), Heyward (Jeff’s father), Beverly (Michael’s mother), and Nolan Berton (Bert) (John’s father). May God grant us peace and consolation as we commend our loved ones to his almighty and eternal care.
IT’S TIME TO ORDER CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS !!
Posted October 29, 2024 By adminWorship and Music 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 poinsettia will be $13.00; checks should be made payable to St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church.
Additional order forms will be available on the Narthex Bulletin Board. If you would like to order a poinsettia, please submit your completed order form AND payment to Marie or Robin. If it is more convenient, you can text or email your order information to Robin.
The deadline for placing your order is Wednesday, November 6th. To guarantee delivery of the poinsettias, Worship and Music must place the order for St. Jacob’s on the deadline date. Please turn your orders in early as NO orders can be accepted after the deadline.
All Saints Sunday
Posted October 25, 2024 By adminAll Saints Day is a time of remembrance and a time of thanksgiving. With the traditional candle lighting and prayer, we remember those who have entered the Church Triumphant and now rest peacefully in Christ. We also give thanks for the newest saints of Christ who are welcomed into the Church Militant through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. All Saints Day is November 1st and traditionally observed on the first Sunday in November.
Lutheran Women
Posted October 20, 2024 By adminThe Women’s Group will be sponsoring a Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 27th from 4:00-6:00 PM. There will be games, cake walk, fishing pond, corn hole, face painting and hay rides. Prizes will be given. Everyone (adults too) is invited to wear your Halloween costume. There will also be a costume contest.
Halloweenies (hot dogs), chips and drinks will be served. Invite a friend and come on out for lots of fun and fellowship.
We need more volunteers for the Trunk or Treat. If you are interested, please let Phyllis or Sandra know by Sunday, October 20th.
Into Liturgy, part 2
Posted October 20, 2024 By adminWe continue to explore the components of our Sunday liturgical worship (the Divine Service) from start to finish in the order which they appear. This month, we examine the Invocation along with the Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness.
Invocation
For Lutherans, the invocation is the opening prayerful act through which we humbly, yet confidently acknowledge God’s divine presence during worship. Baptized into his name – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we seek God’s blessing as we come to hear his Word and receive his grace. As we are gathered in God’s name, we remember that in baptism, we are sealed by the power of the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Thus, it is proper to make the sign of the cross over your body, beginning at the forehead (Father), then moving to the abdomen (Son), then left to right across your heart (Holy Spirit).
Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness
(Absolution)
After the Invocation, the Brief Order for Confession and Absolution in divine service prepares us to enter the place where heaven and earth are united in God’s name. Sins are confessed, and through the office of the keys, are absolved by the one called under the authority of Christ himself to absolve (forgive) sins. The congregation receives absolution from the Pastor as from God himself. The Pastor’s act of absolving is God’s forgiveness conveyed upon repentant sinners. Here, the Office of the Keys, the special authority Christ has given to his church to loosen or bind sins (John 20:21-23) is used publicly by the Pastor as a called and ordained servant of God’s Word.
Reformation Sunday
Posted October 15, 2024 By adminOn October 31, 1517 as an invitation to debate the Roman Catholic practice of selling indulgences, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This action by Luther is seen as the beginning of the 16th century Reformation which gave rise to the Lutheran church and other protestant church bodies. As we gather for worship on October 27th, we will acknowledge our Lutheran history through the singing of traditional hymns. We will also have the opportunity to dedicate the new red paraments purchased earlier in the year which dress our altar, pulpit, and lectern. Please join us for worship as we give thanks to God for the work of Martin Luther and those dedicated to lead the Reformation of the Church.
