Our annual Thanksgiving Eve service of worship will be held at 6:30PM on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Everyone at St. Jacob’s is encouraged to attend as we worship and give thanks to our loving God for the many blessings he pours out upon us. Gather with your church family for this special evening.
It’s hard to believe, but in a few short weeks the season of Advent will be upon us.
“Advent” comes from a Latin word meaning “coming” or “arrival.” Within the traditional Church, the season of Advent is the season of waiting and anticipation of the coming of Christ. Not simply the coming of Christ as the child born in a manger, but also His second Coming to usher in the kingdom of God in its fullness. This dual meaning of Advent has been celebrated by Christians since the 6th century.
At St. Jacob’s we will celebrate Advent in traditional ways. Sunday worship services will focus on the lessons prescribed by our lectionary. Our mid-week services will feature dramatic readings and the Vespers liturgy from the Lutheran Book of Worship.
On Wednesday, December 21, we will once again offer a Blue Christmas Service: Worship on the Longest Night. Further information will be shared in the weekly worship bulletins leading up to this date.
Celebrating Advent leads worshipers to greater spiritual depth in the midst of a secular season of distraction that pulls us farther from the very meaning of Christmas. Like a powerful magnet, using images of bright lights, festive decorations, and beautifully wrapped gifts, the world seeks to draw Christians away from the expected hope of Christ and toward a life shaped by earthly cultural traditions.
Join us for worship during Advent and experience God working in your spiritual life as you join the Christian family in the waiting, expectation, and contemplative reflection of pondering the grace of God and the ultimate gift of CHRISTmas.
Our Lutheran Men are renewing one of our favorite holiday traditions, the Annual St. Jacob’s Christmas Dinner. Due to COVID, it has been some time since we have gathered for this fellowship event, but this year we will again enjoy the sharing with friends and family as we kick off the festive holiday season. Our Christmas Dinner will take place on Sunday, December 4th immediately following our service of worship. Everyone is invited to attend, dinner will be provided. Please invite your family and friends to celebrate with us as we joyfully look forward to the coming of our Lord and Savior.
The Men of St. Jacob’s would like you to know that it is once again the season for one our favorite treats—delicious, made from scratch pork sausage. From now until November 20th, our Lutheran Men will be taking orders for their famous sausage. The price for sausage will be $5.00 per pound. Just see any member of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Men to place your order. Sausage will be available for pick up on Monday, November 28 in the Fellowship Hall. As always, there is plenty of opportunity for all men of St. Jacob’s to lend a hand. We are always looking for new volunteers to pitch in and learn the craft of making this delicious sausage. Contact Lutheran Men’s president Lynn to let him know that you are able and willing.
Read Genesis 28:10-22
Jacob, having tricked his father Isaac into blessing him over and above his brother Esau, is now on the run. He is in fear for his life as his brother has vowed to kill him for what he had done. Alone and afraid, Jacob travels through the wilderness. He is not seeking an encounter with God, nor is he searching for some deeply religious explanation of his life.
Jacob is between places, the place of his father which is his home, and the place to which he is traveling where he hopes to find a new life. Yet, through a dream, God makes his presence known and the gospel, the good news of God’s deliverance comes to Jacob. “Behold, I am with you!”
Jacob’s vision of a ladder reaching from earth into heaven teaches us that the world is not a place absent of God’s presence. Rather, there is an intersection between the realm of earthly life and God’s kingdom. Angels, messengers of God, travel to and from bringing tidings of good news and God’s divine protection to those who live within the family of faith. God’s children are not alone; there is someone who walks with us, powerful enough to take on our troubles and wash away our shame. Because God loved the world so much, we have a Savior who says, “Behold, I am with you!”
How often do we wander in the wilderness? When are those instances when we search for God, yet He seems distant? These are the times to become quiet and still, to open our hearts and minds to the presence of our Lord Jesus. For the words of his promise are sure, “Behold, I am with you.”
Prayer – Holy God, guide us by your Holy Spirit and guard us with your angels. Help us to see always, your power and presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sixteen members and guests of the Up and Going gathered in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, Oct 20, 2022 at 9AM for the October Meeting. Devotions were given by Helen and the business session followed. At 9:30 AM, we departed for our visit to The Newberry Museum. We were warmly greeted and welcomed by our tour guides, Mr. Steven Knapp and Ms. Denise Reid. The Museum’s special exhibit was “Celebrating the 100th Homecoming Anniversary at Newberry College”. We were amazed at the important history of Newberry College and it’s importance to the Lutheran Church. Our guides were so informed and presented the facts with such expertise that you didn’t want to miss not one word. They were wonderful guides.
As we exited the Museum, the weather was fabulous, so we decided to walk to the restaurant, “The Grill on Main” for lunch. The food was delicious. We enjoyed chatting and visiting during our lunch time. Next, a leisurely stroll up and down Main Street as we reminisced about the changes on Main Street and the enjoyment of shopping there over the years. Time to head home. This day trip was so much fun and a real learning experience. Visit The Newberry Museum at 1300 Friendly Street if you possibly can. It is well worth your time.
Our next meeting is Thursday, Nov 17th, (the 3rd Thursday) in the Fellowship Hall at 11:00am. We are having an “Old Fashioned Thanksgiving” so, bring a covered dish or dessert from your Mama or Grand[1]mama’s Receipts. The turkey will be provided. A signup sheet will be posted. Please bring 3 cans of food for We Care. Mark your calendar, our December Christmas Party is scheduled for December 1st (1st THURSDAY) 11am in the Fellowship Hall.
How might you participate in the life and ministry of St. Jacob’s? It is the time of year when all church family members are asked to ponder this very question. As you consider ways in which you might become or continue to be involved, please be sure to fill out the Time and Talent Sheet for 2023. Every member of St. Jacob’s (all ages) is encouraged to fill out a time and talent sheet.
Blank sheets will be included as an insert to the worship bulletin each Sunday through November 13th. Begin with prayer and then check the ways in which you are willing and able to serve our Lord and his church.
Who is the champion chef at St. Jacob’s? We will find the answer to that question as we enjoy a Chili Cook-off after we finish assembling health kits for the NALC Disaster Response Warehouse.
Anyone may enter their favorite pot of Chili, (with beans or without). Matt and his select panel of Judges will crown the 2022 St. Jacob’s Chili Master. Who will take home the trophy? Come and see and be a part of the fun and fellowship.
Our St. Jacob’s Men’s Bible study continues to meet in the church office conference room on the second and fourth Monday each month at 7AM. All men at St. Jacob’s are encouraged to participate as they are able. Each participant will receive a copy of the “Every Man’s Bible” in the New Living Translation (NLT).” The Bible is provided at no cost and is a wonderful addition to every man’s Bible collection.
Currently we are exploring the lives of men we read about in the bible and finding out more about their life and struggle to become faithful believers in a world fallen into sin. Please join us. Encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. We are looking forward to the growth of this ministry.
Our Wednesday morning Bible study is in full swing with a study of the Parables of Jesus. Everyone who is able is invited to join the group. We have wonderful conversations while exploring the richness of God’s mercy and grace. Come be a part of our learning and fellowship. Mid-week Bible study meets at 9:30 A.M. in the fellowship Hall each Wednesday Morning.
