Worship the One Who Saves
Read Mark 14:1-11
The chief priests and the scribes supposed him a threat, so they conspired to arrest him and have him killed. Judas Iscariot turned traitor and made arrangements to betray him, receiving a handsome reward for his dubious effort. Such is the backdrop of today’s text; Jesus will soon be handed over and crucified. Yet, one person stands out, showing her love and devotion for her Lord.
Rising above the stench of sin, the sweet fragrance of perfume danced through the air as she anointed the one who came to save her. Her devotion is unmistakable. She lives, as we do, in the midst of a world refusing God’s mercy and grace. Such a world does not stop to acknowledge the Creator of all that is seen and unseen. It does not receive the one through whom salvation comes. Yet, like the woman who anoints Jesus’ feet, even today, the Church offers Christ the sweet fragrance of her worship and thanksgiving.
Sing praises to the one who gives his life for you. Bow down and worship the God of your salvation. For in the midst of a fallen and sinful world, he continues to offer his mercy and grace.
Prayer: May the worship we offer be pleasing in your sight O Lord, for through you only do we have life everlasting.
Amen.
Bible Study Archive
Pastoral Devotion for September
Posted September 2, 2022 By adminMid-Week Bible Study Resumes
Posted September 1, 2022 By adminOur Wednesday morning Bible study will resume on September 7th with a study of Jesus’s parables. From the parable of the Mustard Seed to the Parable of the Rich Man and Poor Lazarus, we will look closely at the teaching of Jesus as he shares what it is to live the life of a person of faith. No materials are needed except your Bible and a willingness to read along with the members of your church family. We have enjoyed many wonderful discussions during our Wednesday Morning Bible studies and pray that more church family members will join in. Bible study will begin at 9:30 AM each week in the fellowship hall.
Men’s Bible Study
Posted August 26, 2022 By adminBeginning on Monday, September 12th, Pastor David will offer a Bible study for the men of St. Jacob’s. Each Monday morning at 7 AM., we will meet in the Church Office Conference Room for approximately one hour. Each man who signs up to attend will receive a copy of the “Every Man’s Life Application Bible” which will be used as our primary text. Please contact Pastor David with your intent on participating so he can order your copy of the “Every Man’s Bible.”
End of Summer Lock-In
Posted August 10, 2022 By adminPastor David and Matt are planning a lock-in for our youth in grades 5-12. We will enjoy plenty of games and activities as well as evening and midnight worship by candlelight. Please contact Pastor David or Matt to let them know that your child(ren) will be attending. A list of items children should bring with them will be published at least one week before the lock-in takes place. One activity during our lock-in will be to engage the mission of the Church by assembling Flood Buckets for the NALC Disaster Response Warehouse. Anyone who would like to donate items for the Flood Buckets may do so. A list will be published in the Mid-August Grace Notes and also included in the worship bulletins prior to the lock-in.
Women’s Bible Study
Posted August 5, 2022 By adminThe Women’s Bible Study group meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month. We will begin a new study using the book written by Shannon Bream, The Women of the Bible Speak. The book can be purchased online, Hobby Lobby, Costco and other retailers for $15.99. Please join us as we study this exciting topic beginning on Thursday, August 18th. The group meets from 9-10:30 AM at the home of Susan. At each meeting, we ask that people try to bring canned goods or an item to be donated to We Care. Please let Susan know if you plan to attend or if you have any questions.
Pastoral Devotion for August
Posted August 1, 2022 By adminShow Us Your Ways
Once while on vacation, my wife and I were enjoying the scenic back roads of North Carolina. We planned our day using the road atlas I had owned for several years. The plan was to get from point “A” to point “B” in time for dinner. Unwittingly, we ran into a problem. The paved road we were traveling, marked on the map as a state road, gradually became a gravel trail leading deep into the woods. I had confidence in my outdated map, but it wasn’t long before we were faced with a decision; follow the map or listen to the voice inside our heads encouraging us to turn around.
Paul reminds the people of God that once dead in our sinfulness, all have traveled the road of disobedience and selfishness. It is a familiar road, and if left to ourselves, we would choose this road most often. Along this road the “prince of power in the air” strives to lead humanity away from God. All too often those who follow such a road are confident in their decisions and become convinced it is the right path.
Paul is clear; God rescued us from earthly powers through Christ. Through the teaching of the apostles, Christians are afforded the example of Christ like living. Jesus himself provided the example for all to follow. Turning to Scripture, which is our unfailing guide and never outdated, we can recognize the path of righteousness. Even as we find it difficult to follow such a path, God promises to strengthen us and lead us by the power of his Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Show us your ways, O God, and lead us on the path to righteousness. Amen.
Worship While Pastor David Is In The Congo
Posted July 28, 2022 By adminDue to the current shortage of available supply pastors, worship on the Sundays of August 7th and 14th will be led by our St. Jacob’s Church Elders. They will lead us in liturgy and distribution of Holy Communion. On August 7th, David will be preaching a sermon written by Pastor David prior to his leaving for the Congo. On Sunday, August 14th Sherrie will be doing the same. We are blessed by the service of our Elders while our pastor is away.
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted July 4, 2022 By admin15Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16But 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. 17Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:15-17
Over the years, one of the greatest joys I have found in being a pastor is watching the children of the church grow in their faith. It is a tremendous blessing for congregations to have children among them as part of our life together. As I write this monthly message, we are getting ready to begin Vacation Bible School. It will be a week filled with children’s learning, laughter, singing, and energy. VBS is always a highlight for the summer months. It is a time when adults can reflect on days gone by when we were the children experiencing much of the same things as the kids today. That’s how life in the church goes.
Jesus was quite clear in his rebuke of those who tried to keep children from coming to him. His words carry a 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 as they flock to the one who embodies the love of God, promising to keep them near to him forever. If we only watch and pay attention, 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.
If you have ever been a part of a congregation without children, you will know just how quiet life in the church can be. As children of God, we are to be ever thankful for all of God’s blessings. We are to 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 sometime forget this as we find ourselves burdened with the weight of our fallen broken world upon our shoulders. Finding joy in presence of children helps us put such hindrances in their proper place.
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 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
Pastoral Devotion for July
Posted July 1, 2022 By adminPray; God Will Hear
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28
It seems these days there are so many people calling for prayer. After all, there is so much for which to pray. All around the world we hear of people struggling with poverty, hunger, and disease. Even as I write this, I received a prayer request. With so many prayers, how can we be sure God hears them?
The scriptures are filled with passages declaring God’s hearing and answering the prayers of his people. In the book of Jeremiah we read, “You will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” Jeremiah 29:12 In Mark’s Gospel Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24
These are but two of many passages in the Bible that point us to the power of prayer and the assurance that God hears them. We know our God is one who keeps his promises, especially the promise to save people from their sin. With that, the apostle Paul encourages God’s people to pray. Pray without ceasing. Pray for your neighbor. Pray for your loved ones as well as your enemies. Give thanks in all circumstances. God is faithful. He will surely answer your prayer.
Prayer: O Lord, listen as I cry to you. Hear my prayer. Amen.
Mid-Week Bible Study
Posted June 29, 2022 By adminMid-Week Bible Study continues in the Fellowship Hall each Wednesday morning at 10 AM. We are reading the book of Acts and learning more about the birth of the Church of Jesus Christ and the men whom Christ chose to establish it. No previous study is required, and the lessons are presented in such a way that it really doesn’t matter if you are joining in at the middle of our study or if you have attended each week. We have a very lively discussion and look forward to more church family members joining.
