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From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 5, 2026 By admin

Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2:13

“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Those were the words spoken over us as we received the ashes on Ash Wednesday just a couple of weeks ago. They are also the words God spoke to Adam and Eve following their tragic fall into sin. Adam, as we know, was created in God’s image and likeness from the dust of the ground. Once created, God declared him to be “very good.”

Yet, God also said that it was not good for the man to be alone. And so, God caused a deep sleep for Adam and took a rib from his side and created his helpmate. Later, upon beholding this new addition to the human family of God, Adam said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” The two were made to complement one another, to make humanity whole.

Yet, when temptation came to Adam and Eve, they did not withstand and became disobedient to God’s prohibition concerning the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. We know the rest of the story, and through it’s telling and retelling, we are reminded of our mortality. “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

As you continue in the midst of the Lenten season, it is your Pastor’s prayer that you do so with the intention of growing in the Christian disciplines of daily reading of Scripture, fervent prayer, and honoring the Sabbath through weekly worship. These are the marks of discipleship. These are the intentions Christ has for his people so that we would all grow closer in our relationship with him and with one another.

The ashen cross that adorned the foreheads of those who received it on Ash Wednesday are the reminder of your mortality and that you too were made from the dust of the ground. It is this dust to which you will one day return. But that does not ever need to be seen as the end of the story. For since God brought forth life from the lifeless dust so long ago, so too will he bring life once again to the faithful who have died in Christ

This is the good news for the people who have walked in the darkness of a fallen and broken world, fallen and broken by the powers of temptation and sin. God will not allow those saved by his grace through faith in Christ to remain dust forever. Just as God did not allow the power of the devil to claim and steal away that which God said is very good, God will not allow Satan to steal away the precious children he has claimed through the waters of Holy Baptism.

The season of Lent is one more opportunity for you to “return to the Lord your God” (Joel 2:13). Truly, as we continue to walk through the darkness of a broken world, we do so as children of the light that is in Christ. Each of us deals with our own sin and shame. Each of us has disobeyed God’s commandments just as our first parents Adam and Eve did so long ago. But just as God promised reconciliation to Adam and Eve, he promises the same to us.

As a part of our Lenten journey toward the cross of Christ, we walk in the light of the fulfillment of God’s promise. I look forward to spending time in worship and prayer with you during Lent, just as I look forward to proclaiming to you the Good News of Christ’s empty tomb on the day of resurrection. Until then, may we all seek to return to the Lord our God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

Grace to you and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Pastor

CMR Youth Spring Retreat

Posted February 27, 2026 By admin

When: April 17–19, 2026

Who: 6th–12th Graders

Where: Garden City Chapel, Murrells Inlet, SC 316 Dogwood Dr N, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Cost: $120 per person

We’re looking forward to a wonderful weekend together and are excited for all that’s in store! Please Contact Pr Dieter Punt or Amber Ball @ (704)528-5334 know if you have any questions.

Don’t forget to provide your T-shirt size when registering!

***Deadline to Register March 4***

Filed in Bible Study, Carolinas Mission Region, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Outreach, South Carolina Mission District

Pastoral Devotion for March – Welcome the Children

Posted February 27, 2026 By admin

This is a follow-up to the devotion shared in February’s newsletter. Read Matthew 19:13-15
Welcome the children who are brought to church. Share with them the Word of God.
Even if they lay on the floor, make room for them here.
If they offer you a goldfish cracker, accept it with joy.
If one of their parents must stand in the back swaying back and forth holding them, offer to help.
Even when it’s hard. Even when you seem bothered.
When your pew looks like it was hit by a tornado, smile and remember your youthful days
Be glad they are in church. Even when you feel like staring, look at them with love, don’t let your frustration get in the way.
Be thankful they are in church and give them room to grow comfortable with your presence
Make room for them in your pew. Let them see you worship. Let them see you pray. Let them hear you sing.
Let them see you coming to the Savior with hands outstretched to receive his body and blood.
Because if they don’t see and learn these things from you, who will teach them?
The devil doesn’t want them here. He will teach them to stay away, provide something else to do.
The devil will try to distract you with a child’s curiosity.
The devil will want you to feel bothered.
The devil will convince you that the children are better off left in the nursery.
Don’t let the devil separate the children from the faithful in worship.
Satan will have you so far off course and disturbed and put out that you won’t hear the message of hope in the Lord. You will only feel angst.
The world won’t teach the children about Jesus, that’s your job.
The world won’t teach them about forgiveness, that’s yours to embody.
The world won’t teach them about grace, that’s yours to offer.
The world won’t teach them about heaven.
But Jesus said, unless you have the faith of a little child, you won’t see it either.
It begins with parents and young children feeling loved and welcomed in church.
So, welcome the children. Welcome the whole family.
A church without the sounds of children is all too quiet.
A church without the presence of children is less joyful than it need be.
So, welcome the little children. Sit with them. Teach them. Let them sit with you. Let them learn from you.
Bring the children unto Christ, do not hinder them.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless the adults of our congregation. Make room in our hearts to welcome little children and find joy in them as they grow in faith. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor, Sunday School

CMR Youth Retreat 2026

Posted February 15, 2026 By admin

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Other Happenings, Retreat, South Carolina Mission District, Worship Service

Ash Wednesday and the Beginning of Lent

Posted February 7, 2026 By admin

This year, Ash Wednesday is February 18th , and we will observe the day with our annual Ash Wednesday services including the imposition of ashes and celebration of Holy Communion beginning at 6:30 PM. The season of Lent is a reflective time for all Christians to take up the discipline or regular worship attendance and confession of sins. Please remember to set aside time for this meaningful and spiritual time together as a church family in Christ.
Lenten Vespers will be held each week during Lent featuring dramatic readings by several of our church family members. Due to the construction of our new parking lot, our Lenten Vespers will be held on Sunday evenings during Lent. Due to the number of activities scheduled for each Sunday, we will not serve a congregational Lenten meal prior to worship.
These changes are necessitated due to planned construction during the week and limited weekday access to our church property during this time. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

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

Pastoral Devotion for February – Bring Your Children

Posted February 3, 2026 By admin

Read Matthew 19:13-15

Bring your children. Bring them to church. Saturate their lives with the Word of God.

Even if they lay on the floor.

Even if they need a sippy cup and a pack of goldfish crackers to keep them occupied.

Even if you must stand in the back swaying back and forth holding them.

Even when it’s hard.

Even when your pew looks like a small hurricane just came through.

Bring them to church. Even when you feel the glares and stares of others, don’t let that stop you.

Bring them to church and give them room in your pew.

Let them see you worship. Let them see you pray. Let them hear you sing.

Let them see you coming to the Savior with hands outstretched to receive his body and blood.

Because if they don’t see and learn these things from you, who will teach them?

The devil will teach them it’s not a priority.

The devil will teach them it’s okay to lay out.

The devil will teach them not to pick up their Bibles.

The devil will convince them to just skip worship all together.

Satan will have them so far off course and confused and misinformed that they will believe just being “good” is enough.

The world won’t teach them about Jesus.

The world won’t teach them about forgiveness.

The world won’t teach them about grace.

The world won’t teach them about heaven.

That’s your job.

It begins by bringing them to church.

So, bring your children. A church without the sounds of children is all too quiet.

A church without the presence of children is less joyful than it needs to be.

So, bring your children. Sit with them. Teach them. Let them sit with you. Let them learn from you.

Bring your children unto Christ, do not hinder them.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless the little children of our congregation. Bless us with their presence as we worship you and praise your name. Amen.

 

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Filed in Bible Study, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Lutheran Men, Lutheran Women, Other Happenings, Pastor, Sunday School, Up and Going, Worship and Music, Worship Service

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted February 1, 2026 By admin

Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

Recently, in a conversation I had with various clergy, the question was raised, “Why is it that so many Christians today don’t put the same effort in their spiritual life and service to God as they do in their secular life and service to employers?” I’ve given this conversation much thought, and I believe I could rephrase this question to ask, “Why are so many Christians today reluctant to actively serve God through serving in their church?” I know plenty of people that when it comes to their secular life, in and out of work, the sky is the limit. They are willing to work overtime on days and weekends or keep strange hours if it means making it to a special event. They won’t think twice about skipping church on Sunday. And when it comes to serving the Lord in special ways or at special times, the conversation becomes filled with “I can’t,” “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t have the time,” or the much overused “You don’t want me to do that.” Rest assured, when one is invited to serve in a particular way, that person IS wanted by the one who asked. And the one who asks IS none other than Christ the Lord.

This reminds me of when I was a younger man, my dad was someone who seldom attended worship. Yet, one day, he went with my mom and found a few of his friends were regular attendees of the very same congregation. Eventually, Dad became a once in a while pew sitter, and after some time he was just as regular in his church attendance as his friends. Once that happened, his pastor recognized that he had gifts to share. The pastor asked my dad if he would serve as an usher. The initial answer was “No.” But after being asked a few more times Dad relented and became an usher.

Then he was asked to serve on the Hospitality Committee. Again, he initially said “No.” But after some encouragement, he agreed. Then came the biggie. The pastor asked Dad to serve the congregation as an Elder. What followed was the usual chorus of “I can’t” and “I’m not good enough” and the inevitable “You don’t want me to do that.” The truth is, the pastor DID want my dad to do that, because the pastor recognized that Dad had the giftedness for the position, Dad just didn’t want to believe it. And like many people, he didn’t want the inconvenience of serving.

Long story short, Dad finally responded to God’s call to serve and he became an Elder. He and my mom were also the chief members of the Hospitality Committee. Dad never missed a Sunday, and he found great joy in serving God through serving his congregation. That’s how it works. Unexpected joy through serving God never comes if “I can’t” turns into “I won’t.”

The devil would love nothing more than to convince you that you are not able, you are not worthy, or you are not wanted. “I can’t,” “I’m not good enough,” “I don’t have the time,” and “You don’t want me” are all the devil’s words, not words of faith. They are the tricks he uses to convince you that you should not serve the God who saves you from the consequences of sin. Instead, the devil will try to convince you that a secular life filled with work and play is more desirable. And if you attend worship, you are better off just sitting in the pew noticing the actions of others. The devil wants you to respond to God’s call saying, “I won’t.”

In our text, Jesus exhorts his disciples to earnestly pray to the Lord of the harvest that he would send more laborers into the fields. This is the prayer of every church leader I know. To tell the truth, there is plenty of room for more people to engage in the ministry of any congregation. By responding to God’s call to serve, the faithful will always find unexpected joy through the giving of their time and giftedness. Here at St. Jacob’s, we have plenty of opportunities. How will you answer when asked?

Grace to you and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

 

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings

St. Jacob’s 250th Year-long Celebration

Posted January 10, 2026 By admin

The year 2026 has come and with it, St. Jacob’s will celebrate our 250th anniversary of ministry of the Gospel within this community. The team appointed by the church council last year has worked faithfully to plan for the year’s activities, including welcoming several guest preachers who have played a significant role within our church family. The schedule of events during this year of celebration is listed below.

  • January 18th – Guest preacher Rev. Dawn Rister; (SCMD Dean) congregation dinner following worship.
  • February 15th – Congregation Outreach Event to support NALC Disaster Response.
  • March 15th – Guest preacher Rev. Henry Pawluk; congregation dinner following worship.
  • April 19th – Decades Day; worshipers dress from past eras and use a historic liturgy from our collective past.
  • May 17th – Guest preacher Rev. Marty Ramey; congregation dinner following worship.
  • June – Vacation Bible School
  • July 19th – Guest preacher Rev. Randy Drafts; congregation dinner following worship.
  • August 16th – Congregation Outreach Event; blankets for residents at Generations.
  • September 20th – Guest preacher Rev. David Tholstrup (former SCMD Dean), congregation dinner following worship.
  • October 25th – Homecoming and Anniversary Sunday, guest preacher NALC Presiding Bishop Dan Selbo; special catered congregation dinner following worship.
  • November TBD – Golden Agers Recognition and celebration.

 

We give thanks to God for the long history of our congregation, and especially for the life and witness of so many who have been a part of our proclamation and now take their rest in Christ. Thanks be to God for the life we share together.

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

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Posted January 7, 2026 By admin

Pastor David has put together an updated One Year Bible Reading Plan for members of St. Jacob’s, friends and family. This reading plan begins on January 1st and has listed scripture readings for each day of 2026. Dedicating only about fifteen minutes a day, you will read the entire Bible in one year. It is suggested that those participating in the plan find a regular time each day (each morning is best) and with pencil, pen, or highlighter in hand to identify passages for later study.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Pastor

Up and Going

Posted January 5, 2026 By admin

On a bright and beautiful morning, 18 members and guests gathered in the festively decorated Fellowship Hall at 11:00 AM to celebrate Christmas at the December Up and Going meeting. A bountifully set table provided by attendees awaited our enjoyment. And, enjoy we did. The food was delicious. Thank you to all for providing such a wonderful meal with desserts. Gerald gave the meal blessing. Helen Lindler thanked everyone for attending and a short business session was held. Gary gave the Treasurer’s Report. Prayers for the sick…Pastor Eargle, Leon and Ramonia and praises for O’Neal and Damon and Mrs. Miriam that their health has improved.
Gary read from “The Message” the precious story of Jesus’ conception and birth events. We then sang songs telling this story in song with Joan Marco, pianist, and Tommy Faulk on guitar. These beloved Christmas songs were enjoyed by all. Special thanks to Joan, Gary and Tommy.
Helen, Team Leader, gave the devotions from Our Daily Bread entitled “Grace Now,” reminding us that it makes no difference how busy or irritated we become, we should always be filled with God’s love. God’s love is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered (1 Corinthians 13:5).
Helen reported seeing the most beautiful rainbow that appeared to be right over St. Jacob’s Church on the afternoon of Stanley Slice’s visitation. We discussed God’s promise of the rainbow and God’s speaking to us through the rainbow; the how and why they appear.
Our Christmas gift of food and other items for We Care totaled 96 pounds. Oliver Gospel Mission was thrilled to receive our gifts last month. I am so proud of each of you. You have given so generously to these projects.
January is our annual Soup Pot Lunch and Bingo. Please sign up and list your contribution to the soup pot or a dessert or sandwiches, crackers or cornbread. Please bring items early or previously cooked. We will begin cooking soup at 10:00 AM. Don’t forget to bring repurposed Bingo items. We will play as long as the prizes last. We wish each of you a blessed New Year.
Helen
Team Leader for
Up and Going

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Up and Going
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