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From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted July 3, 2026 By admin

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Happy 4th of July, or as it is more formally known “Independence Day.” July Fourth is the day we celebrate how wonderful it is to live in a country where we have freedom. In our 250 years of being a sovereign nation, Americans have enjoyed freedoms not shared in many countries around our globe. In light of that, I’m going to say something that might sound a little strange, especially as we celebrate the 4 th of July. People in the United States aren’t really free.

All we need to do is look around and see the evidence supporting such a statement. People continue to be divided by politics and social disagreements. Our founding documents state that all people are created equally yet so many of our citizens struggle against prejudices and oppression. The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religious expression, yet all too often, Christians are stifled when expressing their faith while pride concerning sin is allowed to parade in the streets. No, this doesn’t sound like freedom at all. While we certainly have more freedom in America than other places, there’s something we need to understand: You can live in the U.S. and still not be free. You can claim to be free and still not be truly free.

Read these words from our Lord Jesus. 31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36)

Freedom isn’t manifested in political statements. It’s not realized through tolerating false teaching or novel definitions of faithfulness. No, the people in Jesus’s day tried that too, claiming special status as descendants of Abraham, but they were proven wrong by Christ. For so many people, their sense of freedom comes through their perceived status, or by choosing to do what they feel is good and proper…for them. But listen to what Jesus says. “Very truly I tell you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”

Now, we all have to admit, each one of us has our faults. We are all guilty of sinful behaviors we would rather not discuss. If you carry a grudge against your neighbor, you are not free from sin. When greed overcomes your sense of generosity, you are not free. When substance abuse invades your need for control, you are not free. When you judge others according to your own perceived lofty standards, you’re not free. After all, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”

People often say, “It’s a free country, so I can do whatever I want.” Do you know where that idea originated? In the Garden of Eden as the snake tempted Eve, Satan planted a false notion in Eve’s mind. If you eat this fruit, then you will be like God, and you can be free to do whatever you want. The problem is, having a false sense of freedom to do whatever I want makes me even more of a slave to sin.

Do you truly want to be free? If so, listen to Jesus: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Getting my way isn’t freedom—not in Jesus’s eyes. Freedom doesn’t come from a country or a political party. It comes from the truth. “The truth will set you free.” The devil’s lie is that freedom is doing what you want. The truth is that real freedom is trusting in what Jesus did for you in taking your sin to the cross.  Through his victory over sin, death, and the devil, Jesus has set believers free. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Now think again of our country. What do we need? Not a certain political party. Not a change in the laws. What do we need? We need the truth. We need to abide in God’s Word. That’s what changes the hearts and minds of sinners in need of grace. Whenever you feel weighed down by sin, God’s truth will set you free. Whenever you feel trapped by worry, God’s truth will set you free. Whenever you feel surrounded by sadness, God’s truth will set you free. This is the assurance of our Lord. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Grace to you and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

 

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

Devotion for July – Be Content

Posted July 1, 2026 By admin

Read 1 Timothy 6:1-10
Singer/Songwriter Harry Chapin once spun a tale of a man named Mr. Tanner, a dry cleaner who was very good at his work. He was content with his chosen profession and loved his customers. Tanner was also a baritone who loved singing. Chapin said of Tanner, “He did not know how well he sang, it just made him whole.”
As the song goes, Tanner’s friends convinced him he should give up dry cleaning and pursue fame and glory. He would be able to leave the dry-cleaning business, become famous and enjoy a life of great prosperity. Yet, it was not to be; his debut proved that, while talented, public performance was not his calling. Dejected, Tanner gave up singing and his life was not the same.
God blesses his people with many gifts and talents. Used for God’s purposes, our gifts and talents bring joy to others. Humbly sharing these for the sake of others glorifies our God through whom such gifts come. Of course, there is always the temptation to seek glory, fame and fortune for ourselves, especially when swayed by others.
Just as Jesus teaches there are people of the world who would lead us astray, so too Paul teaches us that we are to be content with all God provides. Worldly influences may tempt us to seek glory for ourselves, but loving God and using our gifts to his glory brings joy and makes us whole.
Prayer: Holy God, make us content with all you have provided, that it may be our joy to serve others. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Pastor

Youth Through the Years Celebration

Posted June 29, 2026 By admin

We celebrated our youth through the years on Sunday, June 7th as part of our 250th Anniversary Celebration. We recognized our youth and advisors and shared many fun memories. It was a great time of fellowship with youth of all ages!

 

Filed in Fellowship, LCY, Other Happenings

Up and Going

Posted June 29, 2026 By admin

Twelve members and guests gathered at the Doza Rizen Restaurant in Chapin on June 11th for the Up and Going meeting. The hostess seated us at a private table in the Palmetto Gallery Room.

We ordered drinks and menu items and seated ourselves at the designated spot. While we waited, we enjoyed admiring the artwork on display in the Palmetto Gallery. Our selected food items were delivered. We each chose our favorite items and enjoyed the delicious food while laughing and talking with each other.

Helen gave the blessing before our meal. It is so nice to enjoy each other’s company in a casual setting. After lunch Helen gave the devotions. The Bible reading was Proverbs 11:25, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” The reading concluded with this important advice “love breeds more love, grace multiplies into more grace, and blessings expand as they ripple out on their journey.”

Helen encouraged all to pray for The SC Oncology Center doctors, nurses, workers and all patients as well as all Up and Going members and guests, as many are dealing with health issues.

The July meeting will be held at the new Chapin Ale House on Chapin Road (the old JR Peters). Please meet there at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 9th.

Helen

Team Leader

Up and Going

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Up and Going

St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs June 2, 2026

Posted June 29, 2026 By admin

Good Things at St. Jacob’s for May

  • 250th anniversary dinner was a success
  • We are close to meeting our hymnal goal
  • We received some much needed rain

 

Website Presentation (Susan Shealy):

  • Staff photos and information are needed.
  • Logo has been updated with current up-to-date information for users to access.
  • WIX (website builder) – 1 st year is free.
  • Constant Contact – Laurie would be able to use to send newsletters and see who opened/received; there is an additional fee for this service.

Pastor’s Report:

  • Pastor is working with the NALC pastors about renewing ministry; he would like to focus on “who we are” and “what are we doing” this summer.
  • Received new members Steve and Anita Dye.
  • May 24th – baptism of Bennett David Gobble (Pastor’s grandchild).
  • Laurie will be on vacation July 27th -31st .

Ministry Team Reports

  • Christian Education
    • Many thanks to Pastor for assisting with Sunday School.
    • Women’s Bible study will have a social event in June.
    • VBS will be Monday, July 13th – Thursday, July 16th
      • Meal starting at 5:45 PM and VBS from 6:30-8:00 PM.
      • Possibly adding a baby class for those under 3.
      • We have teachers and helpers for all classes.
      • All materials have been ordered.
    • Will continue to submit background checks for Sunday School and VBS teachers and volunteers.
    • Will sponsor Luther League, LCY, Youth celebration on Sunday, June 7th .
    • Prayers for our program and increasing attendance for Sunday School and volunteers for both Sunday School and nursery.
    • Congregational Care
    • Plan to assist Lutheran Women with 250th anniversary meal on May 17th .
  • Congregational Care
    • Assisted Lutheran Women with 250th anniversary meal on May 17th .
    • Plan to assist Christian Ed with LCY lunch June 7th .
  • Discipleship
    • Donated 9 Mercy Bags to We Care weighing 208 pounds.
    • Many thanks for all the donations and for those who shop, pack and take the bags to We Care.
  • Property
    • Picnic shed quotes in progress.
    • City water application with submitting paperwork is in progress. Initially would install 1” PVC to temporary spigot for water hose use. Permanent installation will be as parking lot construction permits.
    • A sump pump was purchased and installed in the church office basement. This currently seems to be working even with heavy rains.
    • The east side of the church basement HVAC is broken. The unit is 30 years old. Cannot repair due to R-22 Freon no longer being available. Property team will replace (using our 2026 budgeted funds) with a 3 ton Armstrong heat pump installed by Wilson’s on June 3rd .
  • Safety
    • Continue to search for an affordable reference for CPR/AED certification.
    • Continuing to monitor church grounds during activities and services.
  • Staff Support
    • Julie and Susan worked with Nancy Williamson to update website.
    • Need help to promote digital media position.
  • Stewardship
    • AJ to provide temple talk (or source this out) once a month – possibly the 1st Sunday of every month.
  • Worship and Music
    • Close to new hymnal quota.

Old Business:

  • Child and Youth Protection Policy:
    • Council to identify who would be responsible for the policies – safety team was discussed.
  • Property Team to give quotes to council on the removal of picnic shed and renovating the shed to become a covered playground.
  • Property Team to give quotes on exterior lighting and phases. (Adrian to ask about solar)

** Next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, July 7th at 6:30 PM in the church office. **

 

Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings

VBS in July

Posted June 10, 2026 By admin

Mark your calendars for VBS 2026. Join us for Illumination Station Monday, July 13th through Thursday, July 16th. Experience what it means for Jesus to be the Light of the World. There will be classes for all ages including adults. Children will rotate classes for lessons, games, music, and crafts. Our meal will be served starting at 5:45 PM and VBS will start at 6:30 PM and end at 8:00 PM. Come and experience God’s promised, perfect, powerful, and proven son – Jesus Christ. Come and experience Illumination Station!

 

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Worship and Music, Worship Service, Youth and Family Ministries, Youth Director

Youth Through the Years Celebration

Posted June 5, 2026 By admin

Were you in the youth during Pastor Wessinger’s call? Were you in the Luther League? Were you in the youth during Pastor Eargle’s call? Were you in the LCY? Are you in the youth today? Have you served as a youth advisor? Have you supported our youth through the years? If you answered yes to any of those questions, mark your calendars for Sunday, June 7th.

We are celebrating our youth, advisors, and supporters of the past and present with a hamburger meal after service. Come join the fun as we walk down memory lane. And….there are some stories and memories to share!! You don’t want to miss the fun and the opportunity of a great time of fellowship with youth of all ages!

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Worship and Music, Worship Service

St. Jacob’s 250th Anniversary Year-long Celebration

Posted June 4, 2026 By admin

Another monthly observance of our 250th anniversary celebration was completed as we welcomed our old friend Pastor Marty Ramey back to St. Jacob’s. It was a joy to have her with us as she brought the sermon for our worship and visited with the congregation over the “Old Timey Dinner” sponsored by the women of our congregation.

Next up is a celebration of St. Jacob’s Youth past and present. Everyone who has been a part of the youth ministry over the years is invited to share a time of fellowship and a meal following our worship on Sunday, June 7th. Join your church family as we continue our year-long celebration as we give thanks to God for our congregation’s long history in the service of the Gospel. Please make sure to attend each of these and invite your friends and neighbors to join us. Below is a list of our remaining planned events.

  • June 7th – Luther League, LCY, Youth celebration; members of past groups will be invited to attend church service; hamburger meal will be provided after service.
  • July 19th – Guest preacher Rev. Randy Drafts (former seminarian and field worker); congregational dinner following worship.
  • August 16th – Guest preacher Rev. David Tholstrup (former SCMD Dean), congregational dinner following worship.
  • September 20th – Congregational Outreach Event; blankets for residents at Generations.
  • October 25th – Homecoming and Anniversary Sunday, guest preacher NALC Presiding Bishop Dan Selbo; special catered congregational dinner following worship.

November TBD – Golden Agers Recognition and Celebration.

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Worship and Music, Worship Service

Up and Going

Posted June 2, 2026 By admin

On Thursday, May 14th, eleven members and guests gathered at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant in Irmo to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.

Helen Lindler gave the devotions, with the Bible reading from the book of Daniel, the 6th chapter, verses 26 and 27. The devotional reading was entitled “God Rescues and He Saves.” Daniel was a Jew captured from Judah and taken to Babylon. He interpreted King Darius’s dreams. King Darius turned on Daniel and had him thrown into the lion’s den. God saved Daniel and King Darius recognized the power and strength of Daniel’s God.

Gerald gave the prayer and also said grace for our meal. Thank you Gerald. All enjoyed a delicious seafood meal and the table buzzed with conversation and laughter. Everyone enjoyed a great time together.

The June meeting will be Thursday, June 11th at Doza Rizen. Please meet there at 11:00 AM. Doza Rizen is located next to the Food Lion in Chapin.

 

Helen (O’Neal) Lindler

Team Leader for

Up and Going

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Up and Going

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted June 1, 2026 By admin

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
For several weeks during the spring, our confirmands studied and reflected upon the Lord’s Prayer as found in the sixth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel. Having listened to our students and their reflections upon what Jesus is teaching us; I would like to offer reflection on three of the petitions contained in the prayer our Lord has taught us.
The introduction and first petition of the prayer is “Our Father, hallowed be your name.” Jesus teaches us to pray in this way, not because God’s name isn’t holy or glorified on its own, but that we would recognize the holiness of God’s name and glorify Him in the way we live our life each day. As we recognize the holiness of God’s name we are most likely to honor and keep the second Commandment, not taking God’s name in vain. Honoring and glorifying God’s name is the precursor to living the Christian life.
The second petition I’d like to discuss is “Your Kingdom come.” God’s kingdom refers to His way of ordering things. Through the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus, we have a clear picture of what God’s kingdom is to look like. Throughout his earthly life and ministry, Jesus exemplified the greatest commandments to love God and love neighbor. Following his example, we strive to live as people belonging to the kingdom of God here on earth. We are to strive for peace, healing broken relationships, and caring for those whom society turns away.
And finally, the third petition I’d offer for reflection is “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” This is a most difficult petition to live up to, for we are all sinners in need of God’s grace. Central to the teaching of Jesus is forgiveness. This is important because central to the suffering of our world, in all walks of life, is the reluctance to forgive. We do well to recall the words Jesus speaks following His teaching the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus says, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14-15 ESV).
Forgiveness and reconciliation are paramount to living as citizens of God’s kingdom. There is no room for sinners to live in the blessed peace of God’s forever kingdom. That is why he sent his Son Jesus into the world. God loved the world so much that all who believe that Jesus is indeed Lord and Savior would have their sins forgiven. Therefore, it is to be our thankful response to demonstrate this same love for our neighbor. For if we do not, God will not forgive us. We can’t pick and choose who we will forgive or not forgive, just as God would not pick and choose one believer over another. After all, any person who has sinned against another is also someone whom Jesus came to die for.
Each week we pray this prayer that Jesus taught us. It is a prayer central to our life together as God’s people. In reflection and study of the Lord’s Prayer, I asked our confirmands, as I always do, to write the Lord’s prayer putting it into their own words. There will be occasion in the future when I will use their prayers as a part of our liturgy. Until such time, let us strive to earnestly contemplate the words Jesus taught us, and focus on living as kingdom people saved by the grace of our loving and merciful God.
Heavenly Father, help us bring you glory by keeping your name holy in all we say and do. Lead us to do the work of your kingdom, and to forgive others as you have forgiven us. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Pastor
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