Bible Study Archive

KFC—Kids For Christ

Posted April 1, 2020 By admin

Kids 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!

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings

Lower Elementary Class

Posted April 1, 2020 By admin

The lower elementary class made “faith eyes” in their study of The Presentation of Jesus at the temple with Simeon and Anna. “The Holy Spirit gives us faith to see Jesus.”

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings

Youth Director & Family Ministries

Posted April 1, 2020 By admin

Word

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The youth and I had such a great time at the Carolina’s Mission District retreat. It was held at Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island- many of you may be familiar with this camp from events you have attended in the past. A special thank you to Margaret Kleckley for attending with us as a chaperone. In the midst of all the uncertainty, we were grateful for the opportunity to attend and make the best of it. The retreat theme was “Fear Not” based on Isaiah 41:9-10 ‘”you whom I took from the ends of the Earth, and called you from it’s farthest corners, saying to you, “you are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”’ fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This was so timely because although we are going through a season of uncertainty and fear, we can have peace and rest in the fact that God is there for us and we are ready. There were times of fun, silliness, games, campfires, amazing food, and fellowship but there were also times of listening, sharing, confession, reverence, worship and learning. I want to share what was shared with us during our night session. We looked at Matthew 8:23-27, which is the story where Jesus is asleep on the boat with the disciples when the storm comes. Fear begins to drown and overwhelm the disciples and through this, Jesus teaches them to trust Him and to cry out for His help. Though we fear many things, we have the assurance that Jesus will carry us through – therefore that should bring us to our knees to pray. The Lord uses the storms we go through so that we can find Him mightier than the storm. We know that Jesus saved Noah in the flood, rescued Joseph from the pit and cleared him of all false accusations, saved Daniel from the hungry lions, and saved those three men from the fiery furnace. Jesus understands our fears, weakness, temptation, and sadness. In this story, we are shown that an all-powerful Being is in control of His creation. He doesn’t take our storm away, but he steps into the boat with us and the great calm that the disciples experienced after the storm was just a sample of what all those who be-lieve will relish in the new creation. I would love to share more about our trip once we are all back together again. If you get a chance to talk to any of our youth members, ask them what they learned or what their experience was. I’m sure they would love to share it with you. During this time of uncertainty, set your hope on God, set your hope on the One who is above it all. He gives peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) and is with you in the storm of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. He is our peace and He will deliver us.

Grace & Peace, Rachel

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Retreat

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

[Jesus said] “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

For several years now, throughout the North American Lutheran Church, it has been well noted that in order to be effective and bold witness for Christ, there must be a shift in our church culture. For years, we have lived according to a church membership mentality. Such behavior lends itself to a perception of ownership of the church rather than that of stewardship. Another aspect of the membership culture is a sense of belonging to a specific congregation rather than being a part of the church at large. The culture of membership bears little fruit for the kingdom of God. Instead, the fruit produced is concentrated upon the perceived needs of the congregation that we might sustain our current way of existence. Hearing this, where do we as a congregation find ourselves along the road to discipleship?

During our Congregational Council Retreat, we took initial steps toward culture change by way of a brief assessment of ourselves and our congregation. In terms of discipleship, we discovered that there is much work to do. Focus was placed upon six habits of church leaders. These same habits are central to living as a disciple of Jesus Christ. To become a disciple of Jesus, one must first understand and begin living according to each behavior. Below is a brief description.

Worship – Disciples not only worship Christ regularly, they understand the purpose and benefit of worship. The chief purpose of worship is that Christians receive God’s good gifts of forgiveness and eternal life. This is the reason for our worship. The fruit of our worship is that we are strengthened in our faith, thanking God and singing his praises for all he provides. When we fail to worship, we fail to gather with God’s people and receive that which God pours out, and we miss the opportunity to bear the fruit of such gratitude.

Prayer – Disciples of Jesus follow his example of prayer. Each of us prays, of that there is no doubt. But to follow Jesus’ example means that we would be intentional in our prayer, seeking out times each day when we withdraw from others and all distractions, spending time alone in prayerful conversation with God. This means quiet time, peaceful and uninterrupted. It also includes time to be quiet and listen for God’s answer.

Study the Scriptures – Disciples of Jesus Christ study Holy Scripture each day. They spend time in the morning, afternoon or evening reading the Bible and learning the ways of God. Disciples also study with others, so that they would learn together. And finally, it is not enough that we study, but disciples know the Word of God. Disciples continue to study so that they know and understand the message of the Law and prophets. They know and can articulate to others the Gospel and guide others in their learning.

Share Faith – Disciples of Jesus Christ are those who engage in Christ’s Great Commission, sharing the good news with others whom they meet. To share your faith means that you are not only willing and able, but you are eager to tell others about God’s salvation that comes through Christ, crucified and risen. Disciples are not shy, they are bold witnesses to all that God has done and continues to do for the sake of humanity.

Serve – Disciples understand the example Jesus provided on the night he was betrayed. Before reclining at the table, Jesus took upon himself the role of a servant and washed the feet of his disciples. Understanding this, we too are to disregard our status and come to the aid of our neighbor. Disciples understand that we serve the God whom we cannot see by serving the neighbor visible to us.

Share – Finally, disciples understand that all we have within our possession is a trust from God. Our Father in heaven has gifted everyone generously, but each is gifted differently. Whether rich or poor, disciples understand that we are to share what we have with others. Our time, talent and treasure are all gifts to be shared joyfully with our neighbor so that all might see the goodness of God.

The leadership of the NALC is correct in saying we need a shift in our culture. For the sake of our community and world, we must be prepared to take on the role of being disciples of Jesus Christ. Our Lord commands us to do so. Jesus said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” Luke 9:23. A shift in culture takes time. It takes dedication and discipline. But most of all, it takes the willingness for all who claim to be followers of Jesus to take his word seriously.

This year will be one during which our sense of discipleship continues to grow. It will be one during which we as a congregation will continue to strive toward the six habits of greater discipleship. I invite you to pray with me for our congregation and the ministries that we share. I invite you to pray for me as I continue to learn more of how God is calling our congregation to engage in his mission. And finally, I promise that I will continue to pray for each of you, that you hear the call of our Lord to be his disciples and joyfully answer “Here I am Lord, send me.”

Grace to you and peace, Pastor David Nuottila

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

Pastoral Devotion For March

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

A New Day

Read: Psalm 118, Zephaniah 3:14-20

With each sunrise comes the hope that today will be better than tomorrow. The problems of yesterday are in the past, they are but memories now. Today is a new day, a chance to start again, an opportunity to do better.

We have all had mornings such as this. We have all suffered through bad days, moments of grief and loss, or times of trouble. Often times we become so engulfed in our predicament that we lose sight of the one who calls us his own. Yet, God is present.

The psalmist reminds us that in the midst of earthly life, each new day is a gift from our Father in heaven. The prophet Zephaniah assures God’s people of his continued peace and presence. God delights in his people. He is pleased with all who call upon his name. His love is greater than any earthly power. He will refresh you. He will uphold you. Most of all, God rejoices in you. Greet God in the morning with prayer. Come to him and ask his blessing. Rejoice! This is the gift of a new day.

Prayer: Holy God, I delight in your love for me, for you have called me your own. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

Youth Sunday

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

On Sunday, February 16th, the youth of St. Jacob’s led our congregation in worship. They did everything from leading the confession and forgiveness to the children’s sermon, to assisting Pastor David serve communion. They all did a wonderful job; and we, as a congregation, should be very proud of the giftedness of our younger members!

Filed in Bible Study, LCY, Other Happenings, Outreach, Worship Service

Vacation Bible School

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

As Vacation Bible School approaches, we want to get ahead on planning and equipping those who will be teaching. If you would like to volunteer to serve, check the sign-up sheet on the youth bulletin board by the fellowship hall. VBS will be June 22nd-25th. Continue to watch your newsletter and worship folders for more details.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor, Sunday School, Worship and Music, Worship Service

First Communion Classes

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

First Communion classes are scheduled for Sundays, March 15th, 22nd, and 29th. Parents or guardians who feel their child is ready should plan to attend classes with their child. Classes will be held during the Sunday School time in the Sanctuary. Children participating will receive their First Communion on Palm Sunday, April 5th.

Filed in Bible Study, LCY, Other Happenings, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted February 1, 2020 By admin

by Pastor David Nuottila

“I am a Christian, but I don’t have to go to church to have a relationship with God.” This is the phrase that all too often changes the course of conversation once people find out that I am a pastor. Each time I hear this phrase, I wonder if people really believe they can be faithful Christians on their own. Usually it means that this person does not feel the necessity to attend worship services on Sunday morning. Other times, it serves as an indicator of a past or present issue a person has within his/her congregation. In either case, the statement cannot be anymore false. To be a Christian means living within a relationship, not simply with God, but with other faithful Christians as well.

The Communion of Saints Just as families grow larger with the birth of each new child, so also God’s family of faith grows with the baptism of each new Christian. Through baptism, God gathers people into community with one another, living together as members of the body of Christ. This is not simply a relationship we share with members of our congregation. It isn’t just a relationship we have with Christians of our time. This relationship is one that is shared with all of God’s people for all time. As we express in our liturgy, “God has made us his people through our baptism into Christ.” God calls us to live together in faithfulness. Through times of prosperity and through times of great difficulty, Christians enjoy a kinship unlike any other, one filled with God’s unfailing love.

Being a Christian is also a way of life. Christians worship together, pray together, study God’s Word together and share fellowship together. When church family members fall short (and we all do), others come to their aid and support them with the love and compassion of Christ. God does not intend for his people to live in isolation; the Christian life cannot be lived out alone. Each member of the body depends on the others to live and thrive as God’s people of faith. Denying this relationship means denying the One who calls and institutes the relationship also.

Keeping the Sabbath Holy We often read in the gospels that Jesus had the custom of reading and teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. Jesus did not set this pattern for worship, and he did not set this pattern for people to learn of the ways of God. This pattern was established for us by the very hand of God with the third commandment. God said, “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.” Notice that Jesus’ Sabbath custom did not include spending the day alone. He went to the synagogue and joined God’s gathered family for worship. In worship, God speaks to his people through liturgy, song and sermon. We share stories of our faith, share the peace of Christ, and are strengthened as we receive our living Lord in Holy Communion. For Christians, keeping the Sabbath holy; therefore, also means immersing one’s self in the community gathered by God for worship.

Christ at the Center of Life Finally, to be a Christian, that is a follower of Jesus Christ, one must always keep Christ at the center of his/her life. To do this, one must strive to live as Jesus lived and obey his two great commandments. Jesus teaches that we are to love God with all our heart, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. God gathers us, God feeds us, and God sends us in mission to the world; not to live in isolation, but to be living examples of faithful people living in the community of Christ Jesus. Dismissing God’s call to gather with other Christians and be a fellow worker for the sake of the gospel replaces Christ and puts the self at the center of life. Those with the false notion of being Christian on their own do so with an unrealized intention of being in control of the relationship. They end up serving their interests before God’s interest, and eventually fall even farther away from the church and their relationship with God and his people. Living for the sake of the world and its empty promises brings false hope. Those who seek only to live as Christians on their terms live in denial of the promises of God and the fellowship of God’s people.

So why this article now? Well, as I look around and see those vacant seats in our church each week, and hear other pastors tell of the same emptiness, I pray for those who are not with us, especially those who profess to be Christians on their own. And what about those of us who attend worship each week and participate regularly in the life of the church? Are we inviting friends and neighbors to join us in this relationship? We all know people who say they are Christian, but don’t feel the need to go to church. Such a statement is our invitation to be inviting. The next time someone tells you they don’t need to attend worship in order to express their love for God, invite them anyway. Worship is not hardship; it is a Christian’s pleasure, a right and good thing to do. Invite them to come and see what they are missing.

Grace to you and peace, Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, From the Pastor’s Heart, Outreach, Pastor

Pastoral Devotion for February

Posted February 1, 2020 By admin

Prayers of Thankfulness

Read Colossians 1:1-14

How often do you find yourself praying for someone? It is likely that you often pray for those who are sick, facing a difficult decision or for the safe travels of a friend. But when you pray, how often do you give thanks for the faith of others?

As Paul begins his letter to the Colossians, he rejoices and gives thanks for the faithfulness of those to whom he proclaimed the Gospel. In fact, it would seem by the introduction to this letter that Paul continually leads his community in thankful prayer for the Colossians’ love and care for their neighbors. He praises God for the work of the Holy Spirit within their community and beyond. Such an example of faithfulness!

We all have persons in our life that have taught us the Christian faith. Our response ought to be as Paul’s. We should give thanks for their witness. We should rejoice that they are examples of Christian living we can imitate as we share our faith with those whom we meet.

And so, following Paul’s lead, I pray for the well-being of those who have taught me the faith and continue to be examples for me to follow. And I pray for all who read the words I share here, that they too might live lives of faith for the sake of their neighbor.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the many people who have taught me the faith. May they continue in your peace and love. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Pastor

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