We will have our monthly meeting on Sunday, September 18th at 4 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
Lutheran Men News
Posted September 8, 2022 By adminWe will have our monthly meeting on Sunday, September 18th at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall.
Choir Notes
Posted September 5, 2022 By adminPsalm 98:4-6
4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
There is no doubt that God loves our music. Throughout scripture we are told to offer songs to God. In 1Chronicles, we are told that after David’s armies had subdued Israel’s enemies, the people were able to settle and David assigned duties to the Levites, the clan chosen to be priests and care for all things related to worship. In 1Chronicles 23, David chooses 4000 men to be in charge of the music used in worship. David knew that our offering of music was pleasing to God.
In the book of Revelation, John is given a glimpse into heaven where he sees the heavenly host gathered around the Lamb of God singing. Verse 4 tells us that each of the elders holding a harp fell down before the Lamb and they sang a new song. Then angels numbering thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand encircled the throne and sang. And finally John heard every creature in heaven and earth and under the earth and on the sea singing. There is no doubt that God loves our music. The music of our worship service is an offering to God. Just as we bring our gifts of money, and offer prayers and praise to God each Sunday, we also give an offering of music to God. Some of the songs of our worship are old familiar hymns that we love. Some of the hymns are newer and we may not be as familiar with them. But all of the hymns are an offering of music to our God and we join those elders, and angels and all the host of heaven and earth singing new songs and much loved songs to our Lord. On Sundays, sing out with gusto. If you can’t carry a tune, sing out with gusto, God will hear the beauty of your voice in offering to Him. If you aren’t familiar with the song, sing out with gusto. God will accept your offering with pleasure. If you are afraid to sing, sing out with gusto and join your voice to all those voices in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea. God will hear your offering and there is no doubt that God loves our music.
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted September 4, 2022 By adminRead John 17:1-26
As a part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples (John 13-17), Jesus prays what is known as his “High Priestly Prayer” (John 17) for the faithful men who have accompanied him throughout his three-year earthly ministry. He prays for these men who were once fishermen, or perhaps simple laborers, one was even a tax collector. In the three years they were with Jesus, he called these twelve ordinary men to be apostles; disciples sent into the world with a teaching for God’s people. Though one would later betray him, the apostles became Jesus’ closest friends and companions along the entire journey from Galilee, all the way to Jerusalem and the cross.
Through the prayer Jesus offered on their behalf, our Lord asked that the Father would continue to guide and protect those whom he entrusted to him. Jesus prayed that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostles would be one with him, just as Jesus is one with the Father in a relationship of divine love. Not only did Jesus pray for the twelve, but he also prayed for you and me, and for all believers who would come to faith through the witness and testimony of the apostles.
Reflecting on the text of Jesus’ Farewell discourse and “High Priestly Prayer,” I can say with conviction that even as we have to say farewell to our Administrative Assistant and beloved friend, Sherry Floyd, we will continue to pray for her in her faithful service to our Lord Jesus. For over eight years, Sherry has been a partner with St. Jacob’s in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She has been a faithful worker in the vineyard God planted here in this place, approaching her position each day, not simply as a job to do, but as a ministry she offers in thankfulness to the one who is Lord of all.
In the nearly five years that I have been blessed to know Sherry, she has become one of my most trusted co-workers throughout my pastoral ministry. Sherry and I have been through many wonderful experiences together as we have shared in the ministry of St. Jacob’s. Like it was with the apostles and Jesus, we have also seen our fair share of life’s challenges and emotional moments. I can empathize with the feeling Jesus had for the twelve in that saying farewell to one of my closest companions in ministry is not something that is simple to do. Still, as I know everyone at St. Jacob’s will, I pray for Sherry and Joe, that they will enjoy a time of renewal and restoration in their retirement together. May the Lord bless them and keep them. May the Lord’s face shine upon them and be gracious to them. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon then and keep them in peace.
Blessings,
Pastor David
Pastoral Devotion for September
Posted September 2, 2022 By adminWorship the One Who Saves
Read Mark 14:1-11
The chief priests and the scribes supposed him a threat, so they conspired to arrest him and have him killed. Judas Iscariot turned traitor and made arrangements to betray him, receiving a handsome reward for his dubious effort. Such is the backdrop of today’s text; Jesus will soon be handed over and crucified. Yet, one person stands out, showing her love and devotion for her Lord.
Rising above the stench of sin, the sweet fragrance of perfume danced through the air as she anointed the one who came to save her. Her devotion is unmistakable. She lives, as we do, in the midst of a world refusing God’s mercy and grace. Such a world does not stop to acknowledge the Creator of all that is seen and unseen. It does not receive the one through whom salvation comes. Yet, like the woman who anoints Jesus’ feet, even today, the Church offers Christ the sweet fragrance of her worship and thanksgiving.
Sing praises to the one who gives his life for you. Bow down and worship the God of your salvation. For in the midst of a fallen and sinful world, he continues to offer his mercy and grace.
Prayer: May the worship we offer be pleasing in your sight O Lord, for through you only do we have life everlasting.
Amen.
Mid-Week Bible Study Resumes
Posted September 1, 2022 By adminOur Wednesday morning Bible study will resume on September 7th with a study of Jesus’s parables. From the parable of the Mustard Seed to the Parable of the Rich Man and Poor Lazarus, we will look closely at the teaching of Jesus as he shares what it is to live the life of a person of faith. No materials are needed except your Bible and a willingness to read along with the members of your church family. We have enjoyed many wonderful discussions during our Wednesday Morning Bible studies and pray that more church family members will join in. Bible study will begin at 9:30 AM each week in the fellowship hall.
Up And Going News
Posted August 26, 2022 By adminOn a beautiful Thursday Morning, Sept 18th, nineteen members and guests of St. Jacob’s Up and Going gathered at Macedonia Lutheran Church (Church on the Lake) to enjoy the 4 Churches Annual Meeting hosted by the Macedonia Goldies.
Upon arrival each person signed in and received a beautiful handcrafted bulletin with a prize ticket attached. We then gathered in the Sanctuary for the Program. Sandy Bennett, president of the Goldies, warmly welcomed us to Macedonia.
She invited each of us to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Terry Hundley then opened with prayer. Pastor then gave a short program on the Blessings of Every Day with Christ. He encouraged us to enjoy each day with Christ and not worry about yesterday or tomorrow but to concentrate on our work for Christ today. He encouraged us to read the book “Win The Day” for more on this subject.
Ms. Michelle Hancock entertained with beautiful songs that she had selected to sing for our enjoyment. Her singing was so beautiful and touched our hearts. Pastor Terry then gave the Blessing for our meal. We then gathered in the Fellowship Hall for our Meal and prize drawings.
The meal was so, so delicious. There was such a selection to choose from. Much more than you could get a taste of everything …your plate just wouldn’t hold it.
After the meal, we excitedly enjoyed the drawings for prizes. Beautiful handmade items made by the Goldies members were given out as prizes. There were aloe plants potted in precious tea and coffee cups. These were for everyone to have one.
We then visited with old friends, near and dear to our hearts. This was the first time that we had met since COVID. What a pleasure to see our friends from Holy Trinity, Mount Tabor, Macedonia and St. Jacob’s gathered together for fellowship and fun.
St. Jacob’s will host the next 4 Churches Meeting in August of 2023.
The next Up and Going Meeting will be the Annual Apple Run on Thursday September 15rh. Please let Helen or Ann know by September 1st if you plan to go. We will enjoy lunch in Hendersonville, NC. Seats are limited so notify one of them soon.
Director of Youth And Family Ministries
Posted August 26, 2022 By adminI have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)
Why would the God of all deem us worthy to speak such sweet words?
This past month we have opened up the question of why. Starting in the beginning and working our way through the Bible, seeing how His plan of redemption unfolds. I can’t thank you enough for continuing to think of the family ministry through your prayers and support. May you pray that the family’s here at St. Jacob’s would grow in their intimate, personal, and authentic relationships with the God of all.
This past month, we also had the opportunity to join the youth group at St. Peter’s, Lexington, for their annual youth week! The week was full of fun activities like going to a driving range, a family night, serving, and ending with a laser-tag lock-in and hearing about God’s mission for us.
As we look forward, please pray for our youth’s upcoming lock-in during Labor Day weekend and the continual ministry God has planned for St. Jacob’s.
As always, we would love you, the congregation, to get involved in the lives of youth. If you are interested, please feel free to reach out any time!
In Christ,
Matt
Youth and Family Director
Youth Lock-In
Posted August 26, 2022 By adminOn Friday, September 2nd St. Jacob’s youth from grades 5 – 12 are invited to participate in a lock in here at the church. Pastor David and Matt will be leading the evening’s activities. We will have plenty of snacks and games. As a ministry project, we will have materials on hand for each youth member to assemble a mercy box to be delivered to We Care of Chapin. Parents may begin dropping off their children in the fellowship hall at 7 PM on Friday, September 2nd. Pick up will be at 8 AM on Saturday, September 3rd. St. Jacob’s participants are encouraged to invite a friend to participate as well. Please contact Matt to let him know if your child will be attending.
Men’s Bible Study
Posted August 26, 2022 By adminBeginning on Monday, September 12th, Pastor David will offer a Bible study for the men of St. Jacob’s. Each Monday morning at 7 AM., we will meet in the Church Office Conference Room for approximately one hour. Each man who signs up to attend will receive a copy of the “Every Man’s Life Application Bible” which will be used as our primary text. Please contact Pastor David with your intent on participating so he can order your copy of the “Every Man’s Bible.”
