Pastor David and Rachel Shelton continue to host an online Bible study at our regular time each Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM. The lesson is sent out via email the day before if we have an email address for you so you can prepare. You may follow along on our St. Jacob’s Facebook page for this live and interactive study. Participate by making comments in the comments section. Please give Facebook a try so you can participate. We might just find that there is room for online Bible study as a part of our future ministries.
Bible Study Archive
Bible Study
Posted May 28, 2020 By adminFrom the Pastor’s Heart
Posted May 1, 2020 By adminby Pastor David Nuottila
At the time of this writing, we are in the midst of stay at home orders, social distancing and the closure of many other public places. Sporting events are cancelled; concerts, theaters and many other forms of entertainment are also shut down. Even our houses of worship are affected by government guidelines for gathering in large crowds. All of this due to the novel coronavirus outbreak that has caused a world-wide pandemic.
It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway; in all of this I miss my church family. As a pastor, I thrive on the personal interaction we all share here at St. Jacob’s. I suppose I should consider myself blessed in that, from time to time, I do get to see and speak with members of our congregation, albeit at a distance. Still, it is no substitute for the conversation, smiles, handshakes and hugs we would normally share on a frequent basis. Perhaps this is why I am choosing to focus on community as a theme for my writing this month.
Our God is one who has always gathered his peo-ple into community with one another. Ever since his creating of the first human beings, our Father has called his people into relationships to be shared among the faithful. Our Lord Jesus even assures us that as even two or three gather in his name, there he is among them. Our God is close to his people. God’s people are to be close with one another. The community in which we live is a gathering in the mystical body of Christ himself.
Who among us has not missed the gathering of our church family? Who is it that has enjoyed this time of separation between family members, friends and loved ones? No one, no not one. Just as a pastor thrives on the social interaction of his flock, so too does the flock thrive as we share in our life together. I have heard from several that they cannot wait until this current crisis passes so that we can all gather again. I have heard from several others that they didn’t realize just how much they
have taken our Sunday morning gatherings for granted. Yet, for the time being, we will have to endure as we have been doing.
I am very thankful for those who have helped during our online worship services. Certainly, our worship is enhanced by the addition of music and the presence of those who have participated as readers, singers and musicians. We worship as we are able in a way that I hope is reaching beyond our congregation. I pray that as we continue to seek ways in which to strengthen the sense of community among our church family members, we strengthen the relation-ships we share as well.
Until we are able to gather as one congregation in worship, I will continue to pray for God’s guidance and inspiration as I seek ways to foster the relationship we all share as family members of St. Jacob’s. Yes, this will mean continued morning and evening check-ins and devotions. It will mean the posting of jigsaw puzzles on our Facebook page for families to work on together. And most certainly, it will mean a continued effort to hold each one of you in prayer as we remain separated by state and federal guidelines.
I pray that you all remain safe and healthy. I pray that you take the time to enjoy the relationships you share with those who are closest to you. And I pray, most of all, that in this season of Easter, the joy of Christ’s resurrection, the power of God’s love for his people, and the love that binds us together in faith remains first and foremost in your hearts and minds. God bless you and keep you in his grace.
Blessings,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion For May
Posted May 1, 2020 By adminCommunity In Christ
Read Acts 2:42-47
Each year, the National Geographic Channel airs a series in which ten competitors are deposited in a wild and desolate location somewhere around the globe. The purpose of the journey is to find out which of them is able to survive the longest in the wild while being totally, as the title would describe, Alone. The competitors have no contact with anyone. Only if they radio for assistance would they hear another human voice, but such a call means their odyssey comes to an end.
Being alone is contrary to the life God would have for his people. In the beginning, God created Adam but soon afterward made for him a helper and companion. Throughout the ages, God has blessed the human family that people may live in communi-ty with one another. In his book, “Life Together”, Dietrich Bonhoeffer explains that, for believers, community is a gift of God’s grace.
Not all live in such community. Many believers are dispersed throughout the world and live among those who have not believed Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Yet, our God calls some Christians to love and even live among their enemies. Speaking the Gospel of Christ to those who do not believe provides the building blocks of faith, which in turn serve as the seeds that sprout and grow into the fellowship of faith.
God does not intend for his people to live alone. Filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, believers have what is needed to introduce others to Christ. Hearing the Gospel bring others to faith, and through faith, Christ establishes the community of believers.
Bible Study
Posted April 30, 2020 By adminPastor David AND Rachel Shelton will be hosting an online Bible study at our regular time of 9:30 AM, on Wednesday mornings. You may follow along on our St. Jacob’s Facebook page for this live and interactive study. You may participate by making comments in the comments section. Please, even if you are new to Facebook or have not used it before, give it a try. We might just find that there is room for online Bible study as a part of our future ministries.
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.
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!
Lower Elementary Class
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminThe 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.”
Youth Director & Family Ministries
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminWord
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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
