Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

The Carolinas Mission Region Mission Team sponsored a “Flood Bucket Build” on Saturday, May 20 at Advent Lutheran Church in Kings Mountain, NC. The goal was to assemble 400 flood buckets to stock the Disaster Response warehouse. With the generosity of donors, and the volunteers who helped assemble flood buckets, the event was a rousing success. A grand total of 500 flood buckets were assembled! Thank you to St. Jacob’s volunteers Janice, Gloria, Bob, Tommy, and Pastor David Nuottila who helped assemble the flood buckets. Also thank you to those who donated scrub brushes and dish washing gloves at St. Jacob’s.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
When we think of sanctuary, we think of safe space; one where we might find peace. Sanctuary is a place where we can take refuge from all that surrounds us. Within the church, we have several perceptions of sanctuary and where it can be realized. For some, sanctuary is that place near or at the altar. It is the Holy of Holies, the place where God resides. Others speak of sanctuary as being that place where God meets us for worship. No matter your definition, and regardless whether you are taking refuge from some source of anxiety or seeking peace, sanctuary is always found upon holy ground.
Think of sanctuary as being that quiet place where we draw close to God. It’s the most intimate setting, found deep within the safe confines of our heart. Through scripture and prayer we are able to retreat to this safe space. In our mind, quieted by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can begin to envision a room filled with holy relics and images.
Imagine the walls of your safe space decorated with images such as Christ our Good Shepherd, Jesus welcoming the little children and Jesus calming the storm. Fill this room within your heart with visions of stained glass and icons of faith. Soon you will feel the peace and power of God’s presence. Such is the comforting hope of sanctuary.
Our world is filled with powers that defy God, temptations that work against all that we believe is good and proper. As we continue the struggle of living faithfully within a broken world, it is good to take refuge in Christ our Lord. Continually seeking the richness of God’s kingdom, soon we ourselves become a living sanctuary for those who do not know the power of God. Invite them in. Help them find rest and respite from all the world’s distractions. Assist them also in seeking the peaceful sanctuary of God’s love. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard the hearts and minds of the faithful in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Holy God, bring me your peace and quiet my anxious heart through Christ our Lord. Amen.

This June, St. Jacob’s is partnering with St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Chapin, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Little Mountain to bring summer camp to Chapin. The Solid Rock Day Camp (June 11-16) is for elementary school aged children (grades 1-5). They will have the full camp experience of games, fun, and food, while maing plenty of new friends, all in a Christian atmosphere. This is a great experience and blessing for our families. Please take advantage of this day camp opportunity which is sponsored by the NALC Carolinas Mission Region. Cost of the camp is $50.00 per child payable at St. Jacob’s. Anyone requiring assistance to cover registration fees should contact Pastor David Nuottila to make these confidential arrangements. By the way, the Solid Rock Camp Counselors will be worshiping with us at St. Jacob’s on June 11, so your camper will be able to meet them. Contact Pastor David for registration information as it is done via email. Hurry, the camp is filling up quickly.

[ Jesus said] You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
I’m sure some of you have felt the frustration of a slow-moving line at the checkout in a grocery store. No matter how hard I try to check out quickly, I often find myself in a line that takes forever to move through. One particular evening, I was at the super market, standing in line at one of the few registers that were open, and there was a problem with the scanner. As I waited, I struck up a conversation with the woman standing in line ahead of me.
After a few moments of sharing small talk, I asked her what she did for a living. She told me that she was a police officer. Soon, much to her surprise, we had even more to talk about. Finally, she asked me what I did for a living. When I told her I was a pastor she smiled then turned her head and focused her attention elsewhere. In the few seconds following my answer, I realized this was the reaction I had anticipated. When folks ask me my profession, my answer often becomes a conversation killer. Comments usually range from “Oh, that’s nice.” to “uh huh.” This instance seemed no different, so I just waited for the cashier to begin ringing up my groceries.
A few seconds later a woman standing behind me asked, “Where is your church?” I told her where St. Jacob’s was located, and again, this woman turned away. Finally, the officer ahead of me looked at me and asked, “Do you know of a church in Lexington where I might attend? I’m new in town and when people find out I’m a cop they usually find someone else to talk to.” She went on to say that she really didn’t know anyone in town but that she would love to find a church near her home. “Sure” I told her, “Go see my friends at St. Peter’s.” Now, to be honest, I’m not really sure if she indeed went over to St. Peter’s, but I did recognize that this young woman had a hunger for the gospel.
As is the case of so many people, the world is filled with problems, issues and distractions that grab their attention and fill their hearts and minds with worry, doubt and anxiety. It is so easy to focus on the headlines of our lives and forget that we do in fact have good news that satisfies the hunger deep within our hearts and souls. Everywhere we go there are people who are hungry and thirsting for the gospel of Christ Jesus. As children of God, we are called to proclaim this good news, even when we think people don’t want to listen. The power of the gospel is such that once the seed is planted, growth will occur. We may not realize how or when the good news takes root, but God assures us that even as we plant the seed of his Word, the Holy Spirit will most certainly cause it to grow.
Sharing our faith with others, especially those who have not heard the gospel of Christ, is the calling of every Christian. God gathers us in worship, shares his Word through song, reading and preaching, and then feeds us from his table of grace so that we are enabled and equipped to tell others of Christ. God sends us out as witnesses to the power of God’s love and the abundance of his grace.
It doesn’t matter if one turns away when you share your faith with them. The seed is still planted. It doesn’t matter if another shuns you as you bring God’s message of salvation. What matters is that each one of us takes up the cross of Christ, serves our neighbors out of love, and bears witness to God whose mercy and forgiveness through Christ Jesus is eternal and meant for all people. Only when we do this will we bring the good news to those who long to be a part of God’s eternal kingdom.
As you ponder this message, think about those instances when you might share the gospel with a stranger. Then pray for confidence and clarity in your proclamation. Pray for those with whom you share your faith. God’s word will not come back empty of this you can be sure.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

On Pentecost Sunday, May 28th, Isabelle publicly affirmed her Baptism and received the Rite of Conformation. We rejoice with Isabelle and her family upon this milestone faith event and look forward to Isabelle’s greater participation in the life of St. Jacob’s. CONGRATULATIONS!

As most church family members know, the renovation of the Church Office has begun. Thank you to the Journey Sunday School Class members who have pitched in and provided labor to remove the old carpet, tear out old doors and frames, sand the trim that will need to be painted and so much more. It won’t be long and we will have a brand new office facility for our church staff to work in, our ministry teams and council to meet in, and groups to enjoy Bible study and other functions. Keep up the good work Journey class!