« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

An Advent Message from Pastor David

Posted December 5, 2022 By admin

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3

Have you seen something wonderful today? Have you noticed the beauty of God’s creation all around you? The world we live in is filled with beautiful things, trees, lakes, rivers, animals; the list goes on. All of these and everything is the result of the creative love of God. Sometimes I wonder if we can even imagine the conditions before God said “Let there be…” We humans cannot begin to understand the formlessness and void of creation in the beginning. Yet God said, “Let there be…” And it came to be.

As Christians all over the world begin to observe the Advent of our Lord Jesus, we do so by recalling the history of our salvation through Christ, which begins of course, in the beginning. As we read Holy Scripture, we believe Christ was present in the creation of all there is. The opening verses of the Gospel according to John teach us “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:1- 4).

The Creation narrative teaches us that apart from God there is no life or light. Still, even today so many continue to discount God’s creating love. Many people also deny the presence of God in the world or even in their lives. Yet, the simple fact remains, without God there is nothing. Without God humans have no purpose. Without the love of God in Christ Jesus, the people of the world walk in the darkness of their sin and their reality is such that they have no hope for salvation.

Jesus is the light of the world; he is the one in whom we find hope. Through Christ, God’s Word incarnate, the people of God are able to walk in the light of God’s mercy and grace. Our lives are no longer formless, they are not void, rather, they are filled with the purpose of proclaiming the gospel and the vocation of love for our neighbor. Today, as we find ourselves at the beginning of Advent, we find ourselves as sinners awaiting the celebration of our Savior’s entrance into earthly life in order to rescue God’s people from sin and death. In Advent, we find ourselves at the beginning, the beginning of new life in Christ. We believe that Christ’s presence at the beginning of Creation proves the creative nature of God’s faithful and redeeming love.

People of God, Christmas is just around the corner. As a disciple of Jesus, invite someone to worship with us at Christmas, and in the beginning of the new year, perhaps God will work the miracle of faith within their hearts and minds so that, they too may experience a new life in Christ; a life that was meant for them from the beginning.

Thank you God, for this beautiful world in which we live. Thank you for each person you have created in your image. Most of all, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our light and our life. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Pastor, Worship Service

Council Briefs for November 2022

Posted December 5, 2022 By admin

Good Things for October 2022

  • The Up and Going trip to the Newberry Museum.
  • Golden Ager’s Sunday (10/23/22) was a great success!
  • Trunk or Treat Halloween party and lock-in

Council Briefs for November 2022

  • The Council received the Pastor’s report. Pastor David is continuing to do the administrative duties in addition to his regular duties, as the search for an Administrative Assistant continues. The Pastor will be on vacation Nov. 14 – 19, 2022.
  • Bob provided the treasurer’s report. The church has spent 74% of the 2022 budget. The Council has established an ‘Estate Gifts’ account. A decision to for appropriation/ distribution of these funds will be determined at a later date.
  • All ministry team reports were received by the council. Notes of interest were as follows:
    • Staff Support: The Administrative Assistant position remains open. If you know of an interested candidate, please speak to a Council Member or Staff Support Committee member
    • Congregational Care: St. Jacobs will provide pound cakes for the Thanksgiving meal at The Hub. Volunteers will be needed following the Thanksgiving Eve ser[1]vice to assist in cutting and packaging the cakes.
    • Discipleship: Bags to replace Mercy boxes should arrive before Thanksgiving.
    • Property: The person who purchased the Church bus has reimbursed St. Jacob’s for the citations received prior to him re-tagging the bus.
    • Stewardship: The Audit team met on Oct. 21, 2022 to review the 3rd quarter records for the General Fund. All records were accepted as presented.
    • Worship and Music: New Chrismon trees and other decorations have been purchased for the Advent and Christmas season.

 

  • Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit: A handout will be distributed to the congregation during the Congregational Meeting on December 4, 2022.
  • The Administrative Assistant position remains open.
  • The Council has approved the final budget proposal for 2023. This budget will go before the Congregation for final approval at the Congregational Meeting on Dec. 4, 2022. A handout will be available for members to pick up two weeks prior to the Congregational Meeting. These copies will be made available in the Narthex.
  • The Council is seeking interested members to fill 5 vacated seats for the 2023/2024 term. Election for these seats will be held at the December Congregational meeting. Any members interested in filling a Council representative seat should notify one of the current Council members.
  • A decision was made to delay further discussions regarding the purchase of a small bus.
  • The Pastor shared a thank-you note from the AA group that meets at St. Jacobs, thanking the Church for the use of the building. Also, a note was received from Sherry Floyd for the gift from St. Jacobs in honor of her retirement.
  • The Agenda for the Annual Congregation[1]al Meeting was set as follows:
    • Election of Council Members for 2023
    • Approval of 2023 Budget
    • Handout for Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit

 

Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings

News from St. Jacob’s Up and Going‘s

Posted December 5, 2022 By admin

On a bright and sun shining November 17, 2022, twenty-two Up and Going members and guests gathered to enjoy an Old Timey Thanksgiving Meal together. The weather was cold, but the Fellowship Hall was warm and toasty, inviting all into the cheerfully decorated space. Fall items filled the room with color. Everyone was welcomed and encouraged to participate with others. Devotions given by Helen were from the book “Redeemer” entitled “Our Daily Bread” closing with praying together The Lord’s Prayer.

Business was conducted before we enjoyed a bountiful and delicious traditional Dutch Fork Thanksgiving meal. Thanksgiving memories were shared. Before leaving each member was given an Up and Going Cookbook. Hope you enjoy your Cookbook. Food stuff was collected to be taken to We Care. Thank you for helping with this project.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 11am in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring finger food for sharing and 3 pairs of men’s socks that will go to the Oliver Gospel Mission. Have a Blessed and wonderful Holiday Season…Remember: Jesus is the reason for the season.

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Up and Going

The NALC Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit

Posted December 5, 2022 By admin

Many congregations struggle with decline in attendance and income, transitioning neighborhood and context, lack of coherent and appropriate vision for mission. Time and time again congregational leaders make efforts to re-tool and re-shape the congregation’s life and ministry, only to find resistance to change, lack of commitment and little positive result. One of the challenges to renewal and re-formation is our closeness to our congregation’s history, culture and current practices. As with any family system, we can be so involved that we are blinded to the reality of our situation, unable to see clearly God’s will for new direction and transformation.
In ongoing reflection and conversation, leadership of the North American Lutheran Church have been seeking an integrative approach to congregational assessment, evaluation and renewal. Working together, several member’s of the NALC Executive staff have developed such an approach, appropriately titled, the “Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit.
The goal of the summit is to involve appropriate leadership in the NALC, together with congregational pastor and leaders, praying first, “Lord, let our eyes be opened!” We then trust that the Lord will give participants fresh eyes to receive new insight and understanding, all aimed at new or renewed direction for mission and ministry as the congregation seeks to follow Jesus firmly and faithfully.
On Monday evening, November 21st, several members of St. Jacob’s met with Pastor David Wendel, NALC assistant to the bishop for ministry, to explore the prospects of our congregation participating in the “Fresh eyes for Mission Summit.”
One need only look around to see that St. Jacob’s is not the congregation we once were. In these days of declining church attendance and membership, the Fresh Eyes Summit is designed to help congregations such as ours take a critical look at how their ministry is going and what key factors should be addressed. Congregations engaging in the summit look at the community’s growth and other factors, and weigh their giftedness to determine the capacity each church has for mission and ministry.
Several NALC congregations in the Carolinas (including local congregations such as Holy Trinity in Little Mountain) have participated and come away with renewed energy and excitement about their church’s Ministry.
More information will be shared during our Congregation Meeting on December 4th.

Filed in Bible Study, NALC, Other Happenings, Pastor, South Carolina Mission District, Worship and Music

Worship at Generations

Posted December 5, 2022 By admin

Every other Sunday, Pastor David leads worship for the residents of Generations Assisted Care of Chapin. This ministry has made a difference in the lives of many folks who are not able to attend worship at their home church. The congregation is invited and certainly encouraged to share the love of Christ Jesus in worship with our friends just down the road. Our next worship opportunity will be: Sunday, December 11 with a service of Christmas Lessons and Carols. We begin our worship at 1:00PM in the lobby. Join us as you are able and bring a smile to those whom God loves.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Pastor, Worship and Music, Worship Service

St. Jacob’s Men Sausage Fund Raiser

Posted December 5, 2022 By admin

On Monday, November 28th, the men of St. Jacob’s were at it again. Over a dozen of or Lutheran Men gathered in the fellowship hall to continue the tradition of making their world famous homemade pork sausage.
The men took orders for sausage at five dollars per pound to raise funds for several of their ongoing ministry projects. All in all, St. Jacob’s men produced seven-hundred-forty-six pounds of delicious sausage for the congregation and surrounding community.
Many thanks to all the men who participated in this event, and especially to Phyllis, Sandra, All, and Linda for their assistance in packaging the sausage in one pound containers.
As always, there is plenty of space for all the men of St. Jacob’s to become active in participating in our Lutheran Men’s ministry. The men of St. Jacob’s meet at 6PM on the third Sunday of each month.

Filed in Lutheran Men, Other Happenings

NALC Disaster Response Event

Posted December 5, 2022 By admin

What a great time we had during our NALC Disaster Response project in November! So many of our church family members helped us collect items to assemble health and hygiene kits for the Disaster Response warehouse. Our Goal was to collect enough materials to assemble fifty kits. That goal was certainly met. Along with health kits, St. Jacob’s collected about forty-five blankets, and several packages of adult disposable undergarments. Pastor David also furnished a case of Bibles to be donated to the warehouse.

At the completion of our project, one question remained. Who is the champion chili chef at St. Jacob’s? That question was answered as June went home with the honors (and the Chili Champion apron and trophy). Thank you to all who supplied chili with all the fixings. Thank you also to everyone who made a donation of time and talent in collecting and assembling the health kits for the NALC Disaster Response Warehouse. All in all, it was a fun night of mission and fellowship. Well done St. Jacob’s!

Filed in Other Happenings, Outreach, South Carolina Mission District

We Care Center Needs

Posted November 25, 2022 By admin

September Most Needed Items:
• Vienna Sausages
• Boxed pasta
• Instant potatoes
• Progresso soup
• Chili
• Canned greens
• Spam
• Soup
• Pancake mix/Syrup
• Corn muffin mix
We also ALWAYS need:
• laundry detergent
• toiletries
• paper products.
THANK YOU!

Filed in Other Happenings, Outreach

Thanksgiving with The HUB

Posted November 21, 2022 By admin

As we have done so many times in the past, St. Jacob’s will once again join several local congregations in supplying Thanksgiving Dinner for folks in our community who do not have the means to provide such a feat for their family. Working with the Hub in Chapin, St. Jacob’s will provide 200 pound cake slices for their dessert. Please provide slices of pound cake as you are able. Following our Thanksgiving Eve service, gather in the Fellowship Hall as we wrap the cake slices and prepare them for delivery.
Help us and the Christian Community in Chapin to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to our neighbors.

Filed in Missions, Other Happenings, Outreach

The Advent Wreath

Posted November 20, 2022 By admin

Advent traditions will vary by country, but the thought behind Advent is mostly the same across cultures and denominations. Derived from the Latin word “adventus”, the word “advent” means “arrival” or “coming”. In this instance, it is used to mark the Sundays between Christ the King Sunday and the arrival of the baby Jesus on Christmas Day. Unlike Christmas, Advent is a season of expectation, introspection, and hope, it is the time when the Christian Church remembers the prophecy of the coming Messiah into the world as the Christ child, and also the coming again of the Crucified, risen, ascended, and exalted Christ, the King of Glory.

The tradition of Advent dates back to the 4th or 5th century. The Advent wreath used by congregations across denominations today, first appeared in 1839. As the story goes, in 1839, a Lutheran minister working at a children’s mission in Germany created a wreath out of the wheel of a cart. The minister placed 20 small red candles upon the outer ring of the wheel and four larger white candles inside the ring, lighting the red candles on weekdays and the four white candles on Sundays as a way for the children to countdown the days until Christmas.

Advent wreaths were eventually fashioned out of evergreens, twisted together in a circle to symbolize continuous life across the seasons, from the death of winter to the new life of spring. Naturally, this earthly symbolism also points to the spiritual symbolism of newness and the promise of eternal life and salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The circular nature of the wreath, similar to a wedding ring or band, is further meant to reflect the unending love of Christ and eternal life offered through salvation.

Designating the names for the various candles of the Advent Wreath is a more recent tradition, most likely from the early to mid-20th century. Since that time, various traditions have been developed by denominational publishing houses and even candle companies. There are no strict traditional names for the candles upon the wreath. Names for Advent candles are usually tied to lectionary texts. As new lectionaries are developed, some older traditional texts may be replaced with other Biblical texts according to denominational traditions.

The most common designations for the four candles of the wreath among Protestant denominations are 1) Prophets Candle, 2) Bethlehem Candle, 3) Shepherds Candle, and 4) Angels Candle. Another set of designations commonly used are Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

Keep in mind, the use of candles and Advent wreaths during worship is a human tradition and not one mandated by Scripture. Such symbols are used to help worshipers focus their hearts and minds in their worship of the One True God and his promise to save people from their sin. designations for candles, or the order in which they are lit, should never be construed as having one proper order or process of being lit before, or during worship. Only the symbolism of the light of Christ breaking through the darkness of our world should be the focus.

St. Jacob’s Advent Wreath will be placed in the front of the church nave on November 27th, the first Sunday of Advent.

Filed in Other Happenings
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »