On April 12th, St. Jacob’s celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. What an awesome price he paid so that we can be with him. Below are some pictures of individuals that assisted Pastor David during the service. We are so thankful for all that each of you do, especially the ones providing their gifts and talents at this time. Thanks so much!
Senior Adult Prom
Posted April 30, 2020 By adminThe Senior Adult Prom that was scheduled for May 2nd will be rescheduled at another date. Please continue to watch your newsletter and worship bulletins for updates.
Filed in Fellowship, Up and Going
Youth Director & Family Ministries
Posted April 30, 2020 By adminMany of you know the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.” It has always been one of my favorites as I was listening to it the other day, the story behind it came up and I would love to share it with you. The song was written by a successful Christian lawyer, Heratio Spafford. His only son died at age 4 in 1871. In 1872, the great Chicago fire wiped out his vast estate, made from a successful legal career. In 1873, he sent his wife & four daughters over to Europe on a summer trip on the ill-fated SS Ville du Havre. Since he had a lot of work to do, he planned to follow them later. The Ship sank and he lost his 4 daughters with the wife being the only survivor. She sent him a famous telegram which simply read, “SAVED ALONE….” On his return home, his law firm was burned down and the insurance company refused to pay him. He had no money to pay for his house and no work, so he lost his home. Then one day while sitting peacefully and thinking about what’s happening to him, he wrote a song – “Whatever, my Lord, You have taught me to say – It is well, it is well with my soul.”
My dear friends, a good attitude will determine your attitude. When you look at your soul, your life, career, family life, what do you say? Do you praise God? Do you feel the need to blame someone when things go wrong? I want to challenge you to sit down today and say, “Today, God, it is well with my soul. I am thankful I had a peaceful sleep. I am thankful I am alive with possibilities. I am thankful I have a roof over me. I am thankful I have a job. I am thankful that I have family and friends. Above all, I am thankful that I have the Lord Jesus Christ on my side.” Thank God for what you have. Thank God when you have little and when you have an abundance. I know we are all in a season of uncertainty and maybe feeling a little negativity because of it. We long for this season to be over and to return to our ‘normal lives’ but we can use this period for good, for purpose. I have a sign in my office that says ‘Today is a good day to have a good day” and that’s what I have chosen to preach to myself lately. Just like Heratio did when things were rocky, we too should praise God in the midst. We have the eternal hope of Jesus. That doesn’t make every day easy or stop tribulations from coming. We know that He is good, He is on our side, and we have so much to be thankful for even on our worst days. “What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Little is much when God is in it.
It Is Well With My Soul!
Rachel
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted April 2, 2020 By adminRead John 18:1 – 20:18
Writing the April installment of our newsletter is certainly an interesting project. The month of April 2020 brings with it the occasion of marking Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Soon afterward, the church observes the Triduum, otherwise known as the service of the Three Days. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Vigil of Easter are all wrapped up into one continual worship service. During these three days, the need for Christ’s innocent suffering and death and God’s willingness to sacrifice his only begotten Son lead us to the empty tomb of the Resurrection of our Lord. Yet citing all these things, the reality of our “social distancing” has made such observance challenging at best.
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus told his disciples that he would not leave them orphaned. He would send the Advocate, whom we recognize as the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would be with them as they carried on the ministry Christ himself instituted. In the face of persecution, trials and temptation, the Holy Spirit would fill the remaining disciples, now called apostles, with power from on high. They would need this power. The worldly powers that defy God’s goodness and mercy would not simply yield to the Gospel.
Today, as I write this column for you, we have to rely on the same power bestowed by the same Holy Spirit so that the church can carry on the mission of the very same Gospel. The current pandemic, Corona Virus or COVID-19 as it is called, has attempted to hinder God’s people from worship, community prayer, service toward one another and especially public proclamation of the Word of God. Along with that, I can imagine the devil smirking as he thinks he might have found a way to disrupt the celebration of the Sacraments and the fellowship of believers. Oh my, how short sighted can our advisory be?
Surely, we are experiencing something that we have never before even dreamed of. All around the world, people are experiencing the same sort of troubles as we are here. I have been in contact with friends in Canada, England, and Latvia and all report the same “social distancing” we are experiencing here. They also report one more thing that we know is true. We can continue to proclaim the Gospel to the world because Christ is still Lord of all.
With his innocent suffering and death, Jesus destroyed the power that evil would claim to have on the lives of God’s people. No longer are we held captive to the consequences of our sin. And because Jesus was raised from the grave on the third day, we have nothing to fear. Baptized into his death and resurrection, we have been made inheritors of God’s eternal kingdom of glory. No virus, no warnings from governments, nor any earthly powers can halt the sharing of this Good News.
As of today, I have no idea what our Easter celebration might look like. I am hopeful that we will all be together sharing a festive breakfast and that we are able to gather in our beautiful church nave singing praises to the One who has gained the eternal victory. This is my prayer. We shall see soon enough. Until then, let’s continue giving God our thanks and praise, for he has done mighty things for the sake of his people. God bless you all in these interesting times. You are certainly in my prayers.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for April
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminWho Will Roll Away the Stone?
Read Mark 16:1-8
Oh, the things we forget when we have a job to do. Oh, the details we overlook. Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome were heading to Jesus’ tomb to complete the burial rite. It was only along the way that they thought about the boulder which sealed Christ’s tomb. Who would move it? Indeed, who would remove the obstacle standing between the women and their Lord? Image their reaction when they saw this barrier was already overcome.
Jesus, the one who was crucified was no longer among the dead. Jesus, the one who lived a life without sin, yet died for the sins of others, was raised by the hand of God. In death, Jesus conquered death. Through his resurrection, Jesus opened the way of everlasting life for all believers. The great barrier, the sin of the world, is overcome by the love of God in Christ Jesus. This is the good news of Easter.
In Christ, the great barrier which once stood be-tween God and humanity no longer exists. Even as we are consumed with our worry, our business and our consumption, God’s grace is made certain for all who believe. In Christ, we are forgiven. And because he lives, we shall live also.
Prayer: All praise and honor and glory be to you, O God, for Christ has triumphed over sin and the grave. Amen.
Prayers for our Neighbors
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminPlease be in prayer for all our neighbors as we go through the next several weeks. Pray that as a nation, this virus will not keep spreading and we can resume our normal lives. Be careful and stay safe when you have to be out. We will let you know when we are able to gather again through email, Facebook, or on the church sign. God bless you all.
Filed in Other Happenings
Youth Workday
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminThe youth and other volunteers had a workday on March 7th. During this time, we were able to clean and organize the entire Sunday School wing downstairs. This is just the beginning of many projects we have planned to reboot our Sunday School program. We are grateful for all who came and served. Thank you for your willingness and support of our Youth ministry.
Keep an eye out for other opportunities to serve in the future, and join me in praying for all the children who will reap what we sow.
Senior Adult Prom
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminYou are invited to St. Jacob’s SENIOR ADULT PROM. If you are 65 or older, this is for you. As of right now, we will plan on the date being May 2nd, from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, but this can always change if we need it to (respecting the Coronavirus regulations.) Come enjoy a night of food, music, dancing, and fellowship. There is no pressure to dress up but if you would like to, by all means do. The youth and I want to celebrate and serve you by having a night full of fun and memories. I will keep everyone up-dated if the date needs to change. I am excited and hope you are too! Call the church office if you plan to attend. Rachel
Up and Going News
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminWord
The Up and Going met on Thursday, March 12th. It was the annual “Soup Pot” lunch. Members arrived early and the soup pot was started. Additional ingredients were added as they arrived and the soup simmered until all ingredients were added and the soup pot taster, Ann, declared “soup is just right”. All gathered in the Fellowship Hall for the business meeting. The treasurer’s report was given. A thank you note from Shirley Nuottila was read. An article in the Chapin Magazine on the broccoli being raised at the CATS Center and later distributed to the District 5 schools for preparation and consumption was discussed. This was of inter-est because of our recent visit to the CATS Center. Ray gave the devotions and prayer on Blessings. We were scheduled to make bows for Hospice Bags but Bob had graciously made all of the bows beforehand. After the Blessing, we all enjoyed a big pot of soup and lots of side dishes and desserts. We most certainly do enjoy good food and fellowship. Ray gave the program on Spring Gardens. He encouraged us to plant early, use good soil, and fertilizer, water as needed and pet our plants. He was generous to bring each of us a choice of Aloe or Mexican Petunia plants. Each was planted and growing and ready to be transplanted when needed. A special thank you to Ray for our plants. Once again, we all enjoyed a fun time together. When it is safe to do so, we will resume our monthly meetings. Keep safe…. Remember the Up and Going Members in your thoughts and prayers.
KFC—Kids For Christ
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminKids for Christ “KFC” is off to a great start! In March, we had our first service project. We colored pictures, wrote notes, and decorated crosses to add to the Up & Going hospice bags! During this time, we were able to talk about the season leading up to Easter and why our church sends gifts to people in hospice care. Thank you to the Up & Going for including us. It was a lot of fun, and they turned out great!
