The Lutheran Women third Sunday meetings will resume on September 21st at 4:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All women of St. Jacob’s are welcome and encouraged to join us for fellowship.
The Clergy and lay delegates of the North American Lutheran Church met for the annual NALC Lutheran Week from August 4th – August 8th in Pittsburgh, PA. With this convocation, the NALC celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. The North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) celebrated its tenth anniversary and welcomed their new President, the Rev. Dr. Jukka Kääriäinen. Dr. Kääriäinen and his family come to us from Helsinki, Finland.
Elections were held for positions on the NALC Executive Council (2 clergy, 2 lay). Four pastors were also elected to the NALC Court of Adjudication, and one pastor was elected to the NALS Board of Regents.
Delegates approved several updates to the NALC Constitution to strengthen governance:
• Establish Bylaws—Delegates approved the establishment of formal bylaws for the NALC, adjusting various sections of the Constitution that better serve the Church as bylaws.
• Establish Article and Bylaws for NALS— Delegates approved to adopt an article and bylaws for the North American Lutheran Seminary.
• Establish Article and Bylaws Regarding Financial and Legal Matters—Delegates approved an article and bylaws clarifying financial and legal procedures for the NALC.
Finally, the 2026 NALC and NALS operating budgets were approved without amendment.
We extend our gratitude to Lynn Shealy for serving as St. Jacob’s lay delegate to the convocation.
The Lutheran Women will have a spaghetti meal fundraiser on Sunday, September 28th following the worship service led by the Lutheran Men. The meal will be salad, spaghetti, bread and dessert and may be eaten in or taken to go.
Adult plates will be $10 and child plates will be $5. The funds raised will go to Andy Wessinger to help with medical expenses.
There will be a sign-up sheet in the worship folder on September 14th and September 21st, or you can call Sandra. Please let us know if you plan to join us no later than September 21st.
Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16
Over the years, among the greatest joys I have found in being a pastor is watching the children of the church grow in their faith. From the moment of their Baptism, it is a tremendous blessing for congregations to make children a part of our life together. As I write this monthly message, our congregation is at the onset of a new year of Sunday school where we hope to welcome children of all ages (yes, even adults). I am also preparing the coming year’s lesson plans for our confirmands as they journey closer to the day when they will claim God’s promises as their own.
According to the vows we make in Baptism, we acknowledge that we are to never cease learning more about our loving God. Sunday school, confirmation instruction, and Bible studies all exist for one purpose; to help the children of God grow in faith and trust in our Lord and Savior. It is a gift and joy to share this ministry with our families, and especially our children as they grow and one day begin families of their own.
In order for this to happen, families need to grow in faith together. They need to gather in God’s house of prayer, hear his Gospel, and receive nourishment for their faith sharing in the sacraments. Yet, in so many congregations today, families do not attend worship on Sunday, let alone Sunday school. Even fewer adults attend regular Christian learning opportunities such as Bible studies. Yet, it is our Lord who compels people to come to him.
Jesus was quite clear in his rebuke of those who tried to keep children away. His words carry weight and authority like those of no one else. “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Imagine the sight, a kingdom filled with the laughter and wide eyes of children (and adults) as they flock to the one who embodies the love of God, promising to keep them near to him forever. If we only follow Jesus’s instructions and bring the children, we can see this reality unfold right before our eyes.
The truth be told, children love to be among their church family. When the children of the church are present, they find themselves in the midst of a community that shares equal joy and wonder in the presence of Christ the Lord. Maybe that’s because, as we welcome the children into our midst and shower them with love and attention, God takes delight and showers us with the blessing of the children’s love, energy, and excitement. Soon, even the most stodgy of adults can feel their heart melt with joy as they are welcomed in Christ as little children in the lap of their heavenly Father.
If you have ever been a part of a congregation without children, you will know just how quiet life in the church can be. If you are a parent but don’t weekly attend worship or Sunday school you are missing out on one of the most rewarding joys of being a Christian. As children of God, we are to be ever thankful for all of God’s blessings, especially our life together. We can be filled with the joy of knowing that, just as Christ welcomed the children and blessed them, our heavenly Father also welcomes and blesses us. Sadly, we adults sometimes forget this.
We can learn so many lessons from the children of the church; all we need to do is watch them and let them be children. First, we can learn what it truly means to have a child-like faith. To believe and fully trust God in all situations. When circumstances in life cause us fear or anxiety, we can curl up in the lap of our Father, seeking his peace and comfort just as a child seeks the same from a loving parent or grandparent. When we feel that we are lacking something or find that we have a particular need, we can ask God with assurance of a small child when he or she receives that which would bring fulfillment.
As I said at the onset, it brings me great joy to see the children each week in worship. Each one brings tremendous gifts to our church family just by their presence among us. Watching the many children that I had the privilege to baptize grow and take their place in the community always brings to mind God’s blessings and promises that we find in his peace, power, and presence.
Parents, please continue to bring your children to church. Grandparents, bring your adult children and grandchildren. Share their lives with those whom God has called and gathered here at St. Jacob’s. Let them all come to Christ, do not hinder them. They serve as living, breathing reminders to all of us of the joy we experience in the presence of Christ our Lord. They also help us continue in a child-like faith as we await the great and glorious day when our Lord comes to take us to where he is, the place he has prepared for all the children of God.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
The September Up and Going meeting will be the annual Apple Run on Thursday, September 11th. Please be at the church ready to depart at 8:30 AM. A sign up sheet will be on our bulletin board. Lunch will be at Harry’s BBQ and Miss Piggy’s Ice Cream Parlor.
Our Midweek Bible Study will resume regular Wednesday morning sessions on September 10th at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. Anyone who would like to attend is welcome. Please invite your friends, family members, or neighbors to come with you.
Read Mark 3:22-35, Isaiah 44:9-20
How foolish we are; how misguided are our thoughts. Too often, superstitions and charms get in the way of faith. Who remembers carrying a lucky rabbit’s foot as a child? Who recalls possessing a four leafed clover? How many times have you turned the horseshoe upright so the luck does not run out? These are but a few examples of humanity’s struggle with false gods. Harmless superstitions? Tell that to the person purchasing lotto tickets with his last few dollars; his lucky number is due. Thankfully, Jesus shows us the truth.
When Jesus showed the scribes and Pharisees the power of God’s love, they claimed he was out of his mind. No one had ever taught the things Jesus taught or performed such miracles. Surely, they thought, he is possessed by Beelzebul. Only because of the hardness of their hearts could they not see Jesus truly was their long awaited Messiah, the Son of God. The same is true today.
Science attempts to explain the wonders of the universe; philosophy the powers of reason. People even rely on lucky charms, solicit good vibes and fall for superstitions in hopes of prevailing against the world. Each attempt falls short, for only through Christ can we prevail against the powers that defy God. Through faith, we know Jesus is Lord. Only Christ has the power to save.
Prayer: Inspire us O Lord, give us the faith to cling to the truth of your Word. Amen
Our Adult Confirmation study meets in the church office conference room on selected Tuesdays beginning at 6:30 PM. All who are interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, teaching, and worship are welcome to attend, regardless of if you grew up in the Lutheran Church or another denomination. We will examine elements of Luther’s Large Catechism, the Book of Concord and the traditions of Lutheran preaching and worship. Many life-long Lutherans wonder why we do certain liturgies or traditions or have questions regarding the liturgies or traditions. Participants will enjoy learning more and having their questions answered. No special materials are needed. Please let Pastor David know if you would like to participate.
By now you have noticed a few changes occurring in the narthex and sanctuary! You may not have noticed, but a new ceiling and lighting have been installed in the areas on each side of the chancel, too!
During the month of September, renovation activities will begin in the chancel area. We will be installing new doors in the narthex and around the chancel.
Some good news: we have determined that our existing light fixtures don’t have to be replaced! New lamps and lenses will be added which should provide appropriate lighting in the sanctuary. The lights will be updated and painting in the narthex and sanctuary will begin during the month of September.
We appreciate everyone’s patience during this time!
Happy Birthday to you!
Yes You!
St. Jacob’s is having a birthday party following worship on Sunday, September 7th!
We will gather in the Fellowship Hall for lunch, games, fellowship, fun, and of course…birthday cake! We will sit by birthday month! Come join us as we celebrate everyone’s birthdays.
Please sign up by Sunday, August 31st. There will be an insert in the worship bulletin on August 31st to sign up or contact Sherrie.
