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From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted May 6, 2026 By admin

Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.” Acts 2:14

On the Sunday of Pentecost, the day we celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, we also celebrate the birth of God’s Church. In our worship, our learning and our serving, we see God’s Spirit in action. We feel the power of God’s love as the Spirit comes like the rush of a violent wind, stirring the hearts and minds of God’s people to faithfulness. These are the themes of Pentecost; the power of God’s Spirit blowing through the lives of God’s people.

It isn’t about wearing your red dress or shirt to church on Pentecost Sunday. It isn’t about confirming our youth as they complete their initial study of the catechism. It’s about the Holy Spirit of God blowing in the doors of the hearts and minds of God’s people, rearranging the furniture of our lives and filling us with all the confidence, strength, excitement and assurance the disciples had in order to share the good news of God’s redemption.

Think about the world around you. Think about the things you have heard and seen. Think about all the times in your life when you thought you were at wits end. In these instances, don’t you think the world needs to hear the good news of great joy that angels proclaimed to shepherds so long ago? In so many ways and in so many instances, God makes his presence and power known. Often it comes to us in the quiet moments of our lives. At other times it comes in ways so clear and powerful that no matter what, people can know and understand that God’s mercy and grace through Christ our Lord are real promises made to all who believe. God’s promises are real and his love lasts forever.

When God poured out the Holy Spirit upon the disciples in Jerusalem, amazing things began to happen. Suddenly, men who seemed to feel inadequate and frightened were filled with a bold confidence only God can provide. They took to the streets and faced the crowds they were, just moments before, afraid to confront. They spoke of the Old Testament prophecies, the faith of people such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They proclaimed the power of the Risen Christ, a power unmatched by the evil and brokenness of our world. And the people listened and believed.

The gospel of our Lord is the best news you are ever going to get in your life. The time you first realized God’s grace is for you, that you have been rescued from the consequences of sin forever, is as good as it gets.

When you are young, prom is a big moment. Some of us know kids who have recently gone to their first prom. Guess what, as good as the prom was, God claiming you to be his child is better. When you get older, graduation comes with all of its pomp and circumstance. Guess what, it can’t compare with all the glory of heaven. There are still bigger moments ahead in your lives. College, your first real love, engagement, marriage, the purchase of a home, and the birth of a child. You know what? All of these are wonderful blessings from our loving God, yet because of Christ Jesus, the best is yet to come.

People of God, all of these are wonderful events; they are milestone moments, monumental achievements, and times of great joy. But if that is where you live, if these are the most important times in your life, you’ve missed the boat. None of these can even compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved you from sin and death, made you holy in his sight and prepared a heavenly home for you. Nothing can compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved your life for all time. That’s good news, that’s exciting.

On the day of Pentecost, as we celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray that God stirs us to such faithfulness that we cannot help but tell others the good news of salvation through Christ Jesus. As we strive to follow the example of our Lord Jesus, may we continue to love others as we are loved, feed the hungry, care for the sick and minister to those who are least of all.

May we continue to pray: “Come Holy Spirit, kindle in us the fire of your love!”

Grace to you and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

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

Up and Going

Posted May 5, 2026 By admin

Nine Up and Going members met at Hawg Heaven Barbeque Restaurant on Thursday, April 16th for the April meeting. Devotions were given by Team Leader Helen Lindler based on God Isn’t Finished with Me Yet; there is more to come. There was prayer and then a meal blessing; we prayed together “The Lord’s Prayer”.

Business was discussed.

All enjoyed a delicious and bountiful buffet meal, but most of all each other’s company and the conversations around the table. Goodbyes were said and off everyone went to shop, get strawberries, run errands and head home. We all enjoyed our time together.

The May meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14th at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant in Irmo at 6164 Saint Andrews Road. Please meet there at 11:00 AM.

Helen

Team Leader for Up and Going

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

Lutheran Women

Posted May 5, 2026 By admin

On Sunday, May 17th, the Women’s Group will be hosting an “Old Timey Luncheon” in honor of our 250th Anniversary. We are asking that you furnish an old timey side dish and/or a dessert. Some suggestions include green beans, butter beans, some type of squash, potato salad, liver nips, homemade bread or cornbread. Our group is furnishing fried chicken. So, pull out your cookbooks and look for some old Dutch Fork recipes. If you need any suggestions or recipes please call Phyllis, Joan or Patricia.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone. So come and enjoy some delicious food and wonderful fellowship!

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Lutheran Women, Other Happenings

Devotion for May – Jesus said, “Go”

Posted May 4, 2026 By admin

Read Matthew 28:16-20

When we hear our Lord give the Great Commission, we understand finally that our response to Christ’s resurrection is to go into the world and tell others the good news of God’s salvation. Most Christians can quote this passage from memory; those who cannot certainly know where to find it in the Bible. But when congregations hear Christ’s command, the reaction can be varied.

As the remaining disciples gathered on the mountain with Jesus, Matthew tells us they worshiped him, but some doubted. Rest assured, the same condition exists within the Church today. Jesus says, “Go.” Yet, some doubt they are strong enough in their faith. Others doubt they have the necessary knowledge of the scriptures. Still others feel they lack the training and skill needed to make disciples. What it boils down to is a lack of faith. Suffice it to say, all baptized children of God are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission. All are blessed with the power of the Holy Spirit, all that is needed is belief in God and relying upon his presence. Doubt can be a strong obstacle to overcome, but it’s no match for the Holy Spirit. All this said, the command given by Jesus stands. Our Lord says, “Go.”

As followers of Christ, we are to go into the world teaching all Christ commanded. The good news is that you are equipped, you do not go alone. Jesus is with you just as he was with the apostles so long ago. Finally, doubt and fear are overcome with faith and love. Christ said, “Go.” And so we go, remembering Christ is with us even to the end of the age.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, overcome our doubts and help us live in your peace and presence. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Missions, Outreach, Pastor, Worship Service

Confirmation Class of 2026

Posted May 4, 2026 By admin

We are drawing nearer to the conclusion of this round of Catechetical instruction and plans are being made for the confirmation and continued instruction of our confirmands. It’s important to understand that confirmation is in no way a sort of graduation or completion of study. Our confirmed youth are not expected to know everything about the Christian faith, the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions. What is most important is that the seed for continued faith formation is planted and nurtured so as they grow, our youth will remain active in their faith. The congregation’s role is to continue to lead and instruct them according to the promises we all made upon the day of their Baptism.
The final date has not yet been set for Confirmation Day but will be determined in the coming weeks. Until then, please keep our confirmands in prayer that they will grow in the faith in which they were baptized.

Filed in Bible Study, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth

Lutheran Women

Posted April 20, 2026 By admin

On Sunday, May 17th, the Women’s Group will be hosting an “Old Timey Luncheon” in honor of our 250th Anniversary. We are asking that you furnish a food item and/or a dessert. Some suggestions include green beans, butter beans, some type of squash, potato salad, liver nips, homemade bread or cornbread. Our group is furnishing fried chicken, pound cake, coconut cake, coconut pies, pecan pies, sweet potato pies and banana pudding with meringue. So, pull out your cookbooks and look for some old Dutch Fork recipes. If you need any suggestions or recipes please call Phyllis, Joan or Patricia.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Lutheran Women, Other Happenings, Outreach

Up and Going

Posted April 12, 2026 By admin

Ten members and guests braved the stormy weather on Thursday, March 12th , at 10:00 AM to gather in the Fellowship Hall to make Hospice Easter Bags. Lots of chatter and laughter accompanied the work we did. In about 2 hours, the team had completed 208 beautiful Easter Bags. So pretty with colored grass, packages of crackers, cookies, a stuffed Easter egg, and lots of different candies.

Our work time concluded with all praying together The Lord’s Prayer. We quickly put everything in its proper place. We loaded Helen’s car with all of the Hospice Easter Bags and off they went for delivery. Helen, Ann and Frances delivered 50 bags to Lutheran Hospice at White Rock and 158 Easter Bags to Prisma Hospice, Colonial Blvd, Columbia. Both groups were so excited to receive the bags and welcomed us warmly. Such a humbling experience. The group then went to Lizards Thicket for a well-deserved, delicious lunch.

Special thank you’s to everyone who contributed edible treats or money to purchase special items for the bags. Extra special thank you’s to all who braved the stormy weather to come out and help make the bags. I am so proud of each of you. You are so special and giving of your time and talents.

The April meeting will be held April 16th at Hog Heaven Restaurant in Prosperity. We will meet there at 10:45 AM. If you need a ride, please contact Helen or Ann.

Helen

Team Leader for Up and Going

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Outreach, Up and Going

Confirmation Class of 2026

Posted April 10, 2026 By admin

Our current candidates for confirmation in 2026 are working hard to complete the prescribed materials leading up to their affirmation of the Christian faith. During the past year and a half, we have surveyed the books of the Old Testament and New Testament. We have studied the Ten Commandments as well as the Apostle’s Creed. Currently, we are engaged in an in-depth study of the Lord’s Prayer which will be followed by a study of the Sacraments. Finally, on a date yet to be determined, the class will participate in the Lutheran tradition of Public Examination. This event is meant to demonstrate to the church that they have indeed fully completed the regimen of Catechetical study and are ready to claim the promises God made in their Baptism. More information on Public Examination will be shared as the date and time are added to the church calendar.

We can all be proud of these young members of our church family and continue to support them as they travel along the path of life-long faith formation. The current class includes Carolene, Brilynn, Samantha, Copeland, Bryleigh, and MacKenzie.

Filed in Bible Study, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Pastor

Pastoral Devotion for April – Encountering the Risen Lord

Posted April 5, 2026 By admin

Read John 20:19-31
Isn’t it amazing how quickly Easter Sunday comes and goes? Oh, Easter isn’t over, just the hoopla that surrounds Easter Sunday. In too many respects, the world doesn’t quite understand Easter. The crowds may be gone, but the story hasn’t been fully told. That’s the difficulty faced by the church. The crowds have not heard the whole story. It is no wonder there is so much confusion with regards to Easter. But there was also plenty of confusion that first Easter day.
Women went to the tomb and found it empty. The great stone was rolled away but no one saw who did it. Angels gave the message that Jesus had been raised. As night fell, the disciples were afraid. They locked the doors out of fear that those who killed Jesus might also come after them. Just then, Jesus stood among them very much alive.
Perhaps that’s the number one problem so many people have at Easter. Perhaps so many come for the celebration but skip the rest of the story because they are afraid that they might really have an encounter with the risen Lord.
That’s not such a far-fetched idea. All through his ministry, Jesus said that if any would follow him, they must first take up their cross. Jesus expected his followers to bear fruit for the kingdom, love God, worship him, and live for the sake of their neighbor. For so many today, doing these means a drastic change in the way life is lived.
Encountering Jesus means living on his terms, not ours. Encountering the risen Lord means we actually have to do something faithful. Meeting Jesus means acknowledging our sin and coming to repentance. It’s easy to see why so many do not want to hear the rest of the story. It’s easier to simply leave the empty tomb of Easter Sunday and get on with life on Monday. But tombs are meant for the dead, and Jesus is alive.
Jesus left behind what belongs in the tomb, the darkness of sin, death and the devil. The risen Christ brought with him light, life and the peace of God. Ours is to share the entire story so that others may come to believe.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, empower us to do your will, and go where you lead. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Pastor, Worship Service

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 31, 2026 By admin

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25
As springtime begins to lead people into more and more activities, we can always look forward to increased activities in and around the church. Opportunities for cookouts, VBS, games and even the prospect of youth group gatherings on Sunday afternoons all exist.
As the calendar page flips toward the Easter season and beyond, I am reminiscent of the times when I was much younger and enjoyed many of these activities. As a youth member of my church, I looked forward to spending time with friends and several of the adults of our church family. What truly mattered to me wasn’t the number of kids who were there, but that my church took the time to show me that I mattered to them. I was loved by my congregation, and they were happy to see me.
Thankfully, it was my parents, who were active in our congregation, who made it a point to teach me what it means to be a part of the church. It took me years to understand, but in their support of our congregation’s youth activities, my parents gave me a gift that has lasted my entire life. The gift is the relationship I have always enjoyed living among God’s people. I am thankful that ever since those days long ago, I have always been connected to the church.
I can imagine what some may be thinking. “Easy for you to say, you’re a pastor.” But I have not always been a pastor. As a worker for a naval shipyard, and later as a service coordinator for a home security company, I had ample opportunities to put off my life as a church member. But the faith God gave me through my Baptism wouldn’t let me go. The gift my parents gave me as a child, and later as a teenager, continued to keep me grounded and connected to the church and people who loved me and were happy to see me. It is this gift that Angela and I strived to pass on to our children in hopes that they would always enjoy life among God’s faithful people.
In these later years of my life, I have noticed a tragic shift within the fellowship of the church. Life among people of faith seems to have been largely absorbed by life among people of the world. People are not as apt to commit to churchly activities as they once were but are more than ready to participate in worldly events. Fewer adult members of the church seem to reach out to the youth and let them know how happy they are to see them. I tip my hat to those who do and encourage others to follow.
As your pastor, I lament over those instances when time is set aside to welcome the youth of the church, but few, if any, show up. The children need to know they matter. I want the youth to know that the adults of the congregation are happy to see them. Simply put, I want today’s youth members to enjoy the same gift I received from my parents when I was their age. But it takes commitment.
In the wake of declining church membership, fewer children are present for worship or other church activities. Now more than ever, it is imperative that families share time together in worship and fellowship as often as possible. Congregations such as ours need to develop ways of welcoming families to enjoy time together away from the world’s attempts to steal them away from living as the children of God. Family ministries are a way to grow relationships between the youth and adult members of the church. Younger and older folks doing things together, enjoying time among fellow Christians, and growing the relationships God established among us all is a step forward, but again, it takes commitment.
Again, I can imagine what some are thinking, “Pastor, we have tried that before.” If that’s the case, I have some questions, “Why did you stop? Was it discouragement, was it that you grew weary, was it inconvenient?” Likely the answer to all these is “yes.” But where does that leave us as we strive to pass on the gift of Christian fellowship to our young people?
Rest assured, I’m not suggesting a new program for us to try. I’m simply suggesting to our church family, especially those with children and youth members, that it is so important to share life among the faithful with children and especially teens. The powers of this fallen and broken world are all too ready, willing, and able to snatch them up and lead them away. But we have this gift to share, the gift that will stay with them all their life long. It’s the gift of people who know that they matter, and we are happy to see them.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor, Worship and Music, Worship Service, Youth Director
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