The St. Jacob’s Church Council met April 2nd for its regular meeting.
Good things noted for the month of March:
• Kitchen clean-out on March 30th went very well
• Meals for Mom has been kicked off and doing great; any volunteers to take food or to notify of families of newborns in need of assistance please contact Julie Shealy
• 5th Sunday Kickball game and cookout was fun; thanks to Kristen and Nate Nickel for their coordination of the event
• Pastoral letter on Fiscal Responsibility was well received
• Thanks to Sherrie McTeer and Pastor David for help with Sunday School
Important Notes and Dates:
• Pastor to be on vacation from April 28th – May 11th
• Pastor to be in Congo from July 8th – 25th for mission work
• Carolina Mission District Convocation in N. Charleston is May 17th-18th
Brandon will be Congregational Delegate
• Children’s Choir Musical/Fundraiser is May 19th
• Confirmand Public Examination is June 2nd
• Confirmation Day w/reception is June 9th
• Council has approved a new Pictorial Directory; be on the lookout for picture dates and times for new Directory; packages will be available for purchase
• Two (2) new lapel microphone’s installed for use in sanctuary
• Carolina Connect internet has been installed and is operational
Ongoing Project Updates:
• KITCHEN: The Kitchen renovation has been officially completed with the installation of the vent hoods for the ranges. Don informed the
congregation on April 7th that he expects the project to come in under budget as well.
• DIGITAL SIGN: The new digital sign has been ordered and will take approximately 7 weeks to be delivered; making the estimated arrival around May 21st.
• PARKING LOT: Discussion in regards to the parking lot and current parking situation is still underway; no formal decisions have been made…updates to follow when available.
• DIRECTOR OF YOUTH/FAMILY SVCS: Pastor has been in contact with the Career Services Director at Newberry College in reference to the available Youth and Family Services Director job opening. Newberry College along with 21 other schools, have our job announcement for viewing to applicable candidates. No new applicants have been presented yet.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew J. (A.J.)
Secretary, St. Jacob’s Church Council
Council Reports Archive
Church Council Meeting News
Posted April 30, 2019 By adminCouncil Briefs for March 7, 2019
Posted March 28, 2019 By adminThe St. Jacob’s Church Council met March 7th, 2019 for its regular meeting.
Good things noted around St. Jacob’s for the month of February (and a little into March!) were:
1.) The bringing of the church children to the Baptismal Font to witness baptism up close
2.) Congregational singing has been exceptional and enjoyed at all services
3.) The bereavement response of the congregation has been good and faithful
4.) The refurbished Church Kitchen was blessed on Shrove Tuesday
Important Notes and Dates:
• Pastor will be on vacation from April 28th through May 11th
• Pastor will be on Mission Trip to Congo from July 8th through July 25th
• VBS dates have been set and will be held from June 17th – June 20th (Monday-Thursday); please be on the lookout for
details and volunteer positions
• Brandon Slice and Larry Shull have volunteered to be Delegates for St. Jacob’s at the upcoming NALC convocations
Names for the convocation are still being accepted for consideration. Pease see Pastor David or Council President Danny
New phone system to be installed; phone numbers will remain the same
Congregation Informational Meeting for the upcoming election of the new bishop will be held by Pastor David sometime in May after service; date to be determined and published before hand.
Congratulations to Pastor David and Mrs. Angela on the sale of their home and becoming full time Chapin residents!
Next scheduled council meeting is April 2nd in the church office at 6:30 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew
Secretary, St. Jacob’s Council
Council Briefs for February 5, 2019
Posted February 28, 2019 By adminThe St. Jacob’s Church Council met for its regular meeting on Feb. 5th.
Good things recognized around the church from January were:
1) Marriage Enrichment Retreat was very good
2) Council Work Retreat was a great way to start the year
3) Kitchen Renovation has started and is on schedule
4) Pastor Pawluk had a good service while Pastor David was away
5) New Sunday School material is working well.
Important motions made during the meeting were, the approval for new internet service to be purchased from ‘Carolina Connect’ and approval to move forward with the reorganization of the St. Jacob’s Ministry Team Structure. Council also approved the reinstating of the “Meals for Mom’s” program to provide food for the parents of newborn’s and to help ease the transition of life at home with a newborn.
Next scheduled meeting was moved to March 7th, to accommodate for Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday services.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew J.
Secretary, St. Jacob’s Council
Council Briefs
Posted February 4, 2019 By adminThe St. Jacob’s Church Council met in January for a two day council retreat. Friday January 11th, we met for a potluck supper with spouses and had an informative discussion about who/what the NALC is and does; focusing on the four core values of Christ Centered, Mission Driven, Traditionally Grounded and Congregationally Focused.
Three good things recognized from 2018 were 1) Stain Glass Window Restoration; 2) The Children’s Christmas Program; 3) Attendance at Christmas Eve Service.
Saturday Jan.12th Council returned for a 6 hour work day that set the tone for the upcoming year. Sherry was elected Vice-President and A.J. was elected Recording Secretary. Council discussed their favorite Bible passages and how they can mold us for service. Council assessed Discipleship on a personal and congregational level and began to work on how we can foster a culture of Discipleship in and around our congregation.
Council was asked to set three attainable goals for 2019 and they are 1)Review Ministry Team Organization;
2) Repair Parking Lot and Upgrade Exterior Presence;
3) Increase ministry to our surrounding community.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew
Secretary, St. Jacob’s Council
The
Church Council Retreat
Posted January 9, 2019 By adminThe Church Council will meet for their first annual Council Retreat during the second weekend of January. On Friday, January 11th, council members and their spouses will share a covered dish dinner in the fellowship hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. Ministry Team reports will be received that evening. Council members will then meet on Saturday, January 12th from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Information and a retreat agenda will be sent to all council members prior to the retreat.
Council Briefs
Posted January 9, 2019 By adminCouncil noted Good Things at St. Jacob’s this month included that the Thanksgiving Eve service was very good. The altar
arrangement was beautiful for the Thanksgiving Eve service. A special thank you to Robin & Gerald Lindler for preparing the
harvest arrangement. The Wednesday morning Bible study is continuing to be enjoyed by those attending. Others are
encouraged to come join this group on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. There was over 300 slices of cake collected for
the HUB. Another thank you to Angela and Laurie for your continuing success with the new Children’s Choir. Everyone is
enjoying hearing all these LITTLE people carry a BIG sound!
Pastor Report- Pastor David noted that he recently attended a meeting for the NALC in Hickory, NC.
Pastor David announced that December 2nd was his one year anniversary at St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church. Pastor said he has really enjoyed his last year with the church and looks forward to where we are headed as a congregation.
Pastor David also attended a PCAT Workshop at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. This meeting focused on restructuring the NALC. Pastor David feels that we need to get the message regarding the NALC to our local community. We are partners of these congregations.
Pastor David noted two important dates. Pastor will hold Service for the “Longest Night” on December 19th. Pastor David said that he enjoys doing this service every year and he will look at moving it to the traditional date of December 21st for the following year. We were unable to accommodate the traditional December 21st date for this service in 2018. There will also be a first time ever Christmas morning service on December 25th. Pastor David will continue this Christmas morning service every year at St. Jacob’s Church. He is very excited about bringing this special service into St. Jacob’s.
There were several members of Council whose term ended in December 2018. Pastor David gave each one of these Council members a thank you gift and thanked each Council member for their service and dedication to St. Jacob’s Church.
Staff Support– The Team is continuing to advertise the position for Director of Youth and Family Ministries. The first job candidate was interviewed by the Interview Committee on November 27, 2018. More interviews are being scheduled with additional candidates.
Spiritual Life- The Worship and Music Team have finalized the plans for the Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the December 30th services. The Worship and Music Team met to discuss and clarify the role of the team and the tasks ahead for 2019.
Short Term- The kitchen improvements will begin in January 2019. The cabinet alteration and kitchen flooring will most likely be the first project that takes place on the construction schedule. (THE KITCHEN WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR USE BEGINNING JANUARY 14 UNTIL THE END OF FEBRUARY.)
The digital sign will take 6-8 weeks to be constructed off-site and then will be installed on the existing brick structure.
The stained glass windows covering project has been completed. Thanks to Chad Lindler for recommending that the gutters be cleaned out during this project!
Parish Life- The Up and Going Group enjoyed an early Thanksgiving meal on November 15, 2018. A group of 23 members and guests enjoyed a meal at Shealy’s BBQ in Batesburg-Leesville. Helen Lindler provided the devotion. A very special thank you to Gerald Lindler for driving the bus!
Support of Ministries- Brandon Slice continues to work on getting pricing on the phone and internet service for St. Jacob’s Church. Brandon will install the video system for the church nursery in the next 2 weeks. Brandon is also continuing to research video recording opportunities for the church shut-ins.
Council Reports for November
Posted November 27, 2018 By adminCouncil noted Good Things at St. Jacob’s this month included that the Hannah Coker Blood Drive was a huge success. There were 50 units of blood collected and the goal was met. Thanks to everyone that helped with this Blood Drive effort! Thank you to A.J. Peeples for delivering the Sunday message on Lutheran Men Sunday! The Youth Choir did a great job singing on October 28th. Thank you to Frances Slice for covering the church office duties while Sherry Floyd was away.
Pastor Report – Pastor David thanked Gerald Lindler for handling several important church situations while he was away on vacation. Also, thanks to the other Pastors for their Pastoral Care while he was away, especially Pastor Dave Tholstrup.
Staff Support – The Staff Support Team is advertising the position for Director of Youth and Family Ministries. The position is also listed on the St. Jacob’s website. St. Jacob’s has received numerous resumes for Director of Youth and Family Ministries. The Interview Team is to meet on November 11, 2018 to review all received resumes. Pastor David is to setup a time for the Interview Team to meet with the 3 strongest candidates. Acknowledged Laurie Lackey’s birthday on November 6, 2018.
Spiritual Life – A master list of the “Time & Talents” sheets for St. Jacob’s Church was created by Brenda Smith. This list was forwarded to each Council member and each associated team category is to be distributed into every Team Leader’s respective box. The choir workshop was rescheduled for Saturday, November 17th. The Worship and Music Team are finalizing plans for the special Day of Epiphany Service on January 6, 2019.
Short Term – Council unanimously approved the proposal for upgrading the Fellowship Hall kitchen from the Building and Property Teams. This recommendation will be brought to the Congregation on December 2, 2018 at the Congregational Meeting.
Witness – The Publicity Team worked together with Don Dease on getting the publicity out to the public for the Hannah Coker Blood Drive.
Support of Ministries – Membership Secretary reported the following statistics: 353 – Total church Membership as of 11/05/2018, 308 -Baptized confirmed, 45 -Baptized only
Old Business
• Council unanimously approved to accept the St. Jacob’s proposed 2019 yearly budget of $286,747.00 with a weekly contribution needed of $5,514. 00. This is compared to our 2018 yearly budget of $272,097.00 and weekly needed contribution of $5,233.00. This will be brought to the Congregational Meeting on December 2, 2018.
• Video/Record/YouTube options for Church Service for shut-ins-status—Brandon is gathering various quotes for phone and internet service for St. Jacob’s. Brandon is also in the process of setting up a place in the nursery to view the weekly sermons.
• Digital Sign—There has been $15,110.00 currently donated for the purchase of a digital sign as of November 4, 2018. Council unanimously approved to present a recommendation to the congregation on December 2, 2018 during the congregational meeting.
• Windows—Council unanimously approved to have maintenance completed on the Church’s stain glass windows.
New Business
Council nominees for 2019-2020 to be presented to the Congregation on December 2, 2018 are listed below. Other qualified nominees (who agree to serve) can be received from the floor. We will need to elect five from this list of nominees. 1. David, 2. A.J., 3. Johanne, 4. Marie, 5. Robert, 6. Karla, 7. Sherrie, 8. Leon, 9. Kayla, 10. John
St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Congregational Meeting and Council Reports
Posted October 31, 2018 By adminCouncil noted Good Things at St. Jacob’s this month included that the October fest was a big success. Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the German food that was prepared. The congregational meeting on September 30th went well. St. Jacob’s looks forward to bringing on a new Director of Youth and Family Ministries. The Youth choir is doing an excellent job under the direction of Angela and Laurie. They make a dynamic team and the children are singing so well! A special thank you is extended to Angela and Laurie for your continued work with the newly formed Youth Choir.
Pastor Report- Pastor David noted that South Carolina is now the largest (46 congregations) geographic area in the
NALC. South Carolina will elect its own Dean and each region will have their own Dean. Pastor commented that by
dividing into more regions this will reduce the Bishop’s travel during the year.
Pastor David was very pleased with October fest and hopes to continue this annual tradition at St. Jacob’s.
Pastor David would like to create a Disaster Response protocol for St. Jacob’s. This would require the church to gather materials to get to the various staging areas after catastrophic damage. The Disaster Relief Coordinator for the NALC is Ms. Mary Bates.
Staff Support- The Staff Support Team is advertising the position for Director of Youth and Family Ministries. The position is also listed on the St. Jacob’s website.
Spiritual Life- The donation from the Altar Guild for new communion ware was approved by Council. These new items were ordered from “CM Almy” and St. Jacob’s looks forward to the use of these new and improved pouring chalices
and flagon.
Short Term- Council approved that the settlement we receive for our damaged parking lot from SCE&G, be earmarked for the specific purpose of repairing and paving our parking lot in the future.
Parish Life- The Up and Going Group made their annual Apple Run trip on September 26, 2018. The group visited “Lyda Farms” in Hendersonville, NC. Lyda Farms is a 5th generation family farm that has been locally growing fruits and vegetables for 60 years. The St. Jacob’s Up and Going group enjoyed purchasing apples, cabbage, tomatoes and other goodies. A big thank you to Gerald Lindler for driving the group and helping unload all their many purchases!Support of
Ministries- Cemetery Team needs to schedule a work day for cemetery work. The volunteer turn-out for this specific work day needs to be excellent in order to accomplish all of the work that needs to be completed.
Statistical information- 356 total membership as of 10/10/2018
Advertising has aggressively started for the Director of Youth and Family Ministries position. Resumes are currently being collected and reviewed.
Brandon Slice is gathering various quotes for phone and internet service for St. Jacob’s. Brandon is also in the process of setting up a place in the nursery to view the weekly sermons. Brandon noted that he will need assistance with pulling some wire for this project. Thanks to Brandon Slice for all your many efforts with this project!
The Safety Team is in process of composing a “St. Jacob’s Safety Policy” for Council review. This will include medical, fire, intrusion, and child protection type emergencies.
The Property and Building Team are working together to gather quotes and ideas for some new kitchen improvements at St. Jacob’s Church.
New Business:
The Budget Team is in process of composing the 2019 St. Jacob’s budget.
Council approved for continuance of the current cleaning contract for St. Jacob’s Church.
Council will begin obtaining nominees to serve on the 2019-2021 Council for St. Jacob’s Church.
October is STEWARDSHIP month
Posted September 25, 2018 By adminOctober is STEWARDSHIP month here at Saint Jacob’s, the time of year when we prayerfully consider how we can use our God given gifts of time, talent and possessions to serve God and our neighbors as STEWARDS of His Kingdom here on earth. The stewardship team has chosen this year to use the offertory prayer as our theme for STEWARDSHIP month.
Merciful Father, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us – ourselves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In these words, we declare to all that STEWARDSHIP is a way of life, not just something that we talk about, but something that we live out in our daily lives. These words declare our true belief that all that we have is a gift from God, and we give back to Him only a portion, asking Him to “receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord” – the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!
There is much work to do and many ministries that require our time, talent and abilities here at Saint Jacob’s. We need teachers, grass cutters, cooks and dish washers, lay readers, acolytes and greeters, team leaders and council members, computer geeks, singers and musicians, bell ringers and bus drivers, prayer warriors and accountants. The list can go on and on, but you know what is needed, and you also know what you are capable of and willing to offer.
It has been said countless times by some, “I would like to do that, but I just don’t think I am the right person”, or “I would do that, but there are others here who can do it better than me.” You are a child of God, and He has given you one or many gifts. Remember, you are the STEWARD of that one, or those many gifts. Do not be afraid to use them in service to our Lord. Offer them with joy and thanksgiving!
We have provided a brief description of our teams, the name of the 2018 team leader, and the Council Representative for each ministry group. Please pray about how you will use your time and talents at St. Jacob’s in 2019 and fill out the Time & Talent form on the reverse and place it in the offering plate on any Sunday up to and including October 28th, the final Sunday of the month.
Thank you.
Your Stewardship Team
ST. JACOB’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
MINISTRY TEAMS
2018 Team Leaders & Council Representative
SHORT TERM MINISTRY TEAMS – Ministries that have specific goals to accomplish with definite beginning and ending time periods. These teams are active on an as needed basis – Council Rep: Don
Audit Team – Responsible for auditing all church expenses which includes all auxiliary groups (Lutheran Men, Lutheran Women, Up & Going and St. Jacob’s Youth). Team Leader: Frances
Building Team – Assists in the planning, evaluation and guidance needed in the call to build or expand the property of the church and its ministries. Team Leader: Don
Constitution Team – Reviews the church constitution and makes recommendations for amendments as needed. Team Leader: Robert
Historical Team – Maintains and stores historical books and records of St. Jacob’s. Team Leader: Kayla
MINISTRY TEAMS FOR WITNESS – Ministries that include community outreach and participation; and shares with the community what’s happening at St. Jacob’s – Council Rep: John
Outreach Team – Reaches out and shares God’s love and good news by organizing opportunities of Christian service within our community and beyond. Team Leaders: John and David
Publicity Team – Publicizes church news to make the congregation and the surrounding community aware of events and activities at St. Jacob’s. Team Leader: Walt
MINISTRY TEAMS FOR PARISH LIFE – Fellowship ministries for congregational members – Council Rep: Frances
Congregational Care – Responsible for demonstrating Christian love and providing for the well being and care of the congregation. Assists with congregational fun events including Homecoming, 5th Sunday Fun Night and 1st Sunday Coffee & Lemonade. Team Leader: Billy
Congregational Safety Team – Responsible for the safety of the church and congregation. Team Leader: Jeff
Other fellowship groups for our Congregation: Lutheran Men (Billy); Lutheran Women (Phyllis); Up & Going (Helen); and St. Jacob’s Youth
SUPPORT OF MINISTRY TEAMS – Ministry teams that support the financial and physical assets that belong to our church. – Council Rep: Barry and Brandon
Long Range Planning Team – Studies and evaluates the demographics, spiritual culture in our area and our ministries. Makes recommendations on how we as a congregation can respond to needs in ministry. Team Leader: AJ
Property Team – Responsible for the care and maintenance of all church property at large including all church buildings, the church bus, and cemetery grounds. Team Leader: Chad
Stewardship Team – Encourages the congregation to recognize all they have is a gift from God and to help them understand the Bible tells us a portion of what God gives to us should be returned to Him. Team Leader: Larry
Technology Team – Responsible for the care and maintenance of all office equipment and systems; manages the sound system for all worship events and ensures that the sermons are recorded. Team Leader: Brandon
STAFF SUPPORT MINISTRIES – Ministries that support paid staff – Council Rep: Kathleen
Staff Support Team – Works closely with Pastor to supervise and support all employed or contracted personnel (Music Ministers, Administrative Assistant, Youth Director, Cleaning Staff and Nursery Director). Team Leader: Susan
MINISTRY TEAMS FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE – Ministries to help us grow in our spiritual life and worship. Council Rep: June
Altar Guild Team – Responsible for preparation for Holy Communion; changing paraments; cleaning Communion vessels, linens and acolyte robes; acolytes, banner bearer, crucifer, and lay readers and notifying members of their assigned Sunday for altar flowers. – Team Leader: Brenda
Christian Education Team – Works closely with Pastor to provide opportunities for members of all ages to study and grow in understanding of Christian faith and life. – Team Leader: Open
Prayer Team – Assists in communicating prayer needs to the congregation – Team Leader: Bob & Gloria
Worship & Music Team – Works closely with Music Director and all music related groups: Hand Bells, Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs. Assists in planning music for worship services. – Team Leader: Open
Council Briefs for September 4, 2018 Meeting
Posted September 25, 2018 By adminGood Things at St. Jacob’s : St. Jacob’s Homecoming was great with 145 in attendance. Pastor David Wendel’s sermon was well received and many also enjoyed his message before the church service. The Congo Mission Dinner Fundraiser went well and the Youth pool party was fun for all.
Treasurer’s Report – Pastor David suggested that 5% of the operating budget be dedicated to NALC and from his experience that is how it is typically set-up.
Pastor’s Report – Pastor David is encouraging prayer regarding the election of a new NALC Bishop. He reminded council of the process and the qualities that we would like to see in our next Bishop. Pastor will keep the congregation informed as we go forward. Pastor will be away on vacation October 14-21st. Pastor Gary Blobaum will be covering this absence for Pastor David.
Reports of Ministry Teams:
Staff Support – Staff Support met on August 14 to discuss the job description for the Director of Youth and Family Ministry position. Bryan and Christina Metze from Staff Support Team attended the September 4th council meeting to review and provide input for the job description of Director of Youth and Family Ministries position. A motion was made and unanimously approved by Council to accept and fill this position. This proposal will be presented to our congregation for a vote scheduled for September 30, 2018.
Spiritual Life – Pastor asked that the LBW remain in the pews for awhile. This will help relieve the task of transporting the books back and forth. Pastor suggested that there needs to be further conversation on the LBW vs the ELW in the pew. Brenda Smith will begin sending out monthly reminders for those that are serving assistants each Sunday. Altar Guild feels that these will serve as friendly reminders to those that have volunteered. Laurie Lackey and the Music Team will continue working on music for upcoming church services. We welcome anyone who wishes to join the team.
Short Term – Don Dease, in the near future, will be getting a parking lot repair proposal from SCE&G to the Building Team for their review.
Witness – Volunteers are needed to change the church sign. David has been very generous to volunteer his time for this important job, but would like some relief. Anyone that is interested can contact the church office.
Parish Life – The August Up and Going meeting was the “4 Churches Meeting” held on August 23, 2018. Mt. Tabor hosted the meeting and a delicious meal was served. 15 members and guests from St. Jacob’s attended the meeting.
Support of Ministries – Communications Secretary reported 358 total membership as of 09/03/2018. A motion was made and approved to purchase a new television and video camera. These devices will be set-up in the church by Brandon . This newly added technology will provide the nursery staff the opportunity to see and hear the Sunday message. Currently, the nursery speaker is no longer in working order.
Old Business:
Safety Team update – Gerald provided to each council member a draft of “St. Jacob’s Safety Policy” written by the Safety Team. Council should review and provide input at the next council meeting. Council will also follow-up at the next meeting regarding the copyright and streaming policies for St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church. Laurie is leading this effort.
New Business:
A motion was made and approved for the Property Team to get pricing on various kitchen improvements for St. Jacob’s Church. The Property Team will report back with their ideas as well as pricing on these items.
Facility Request: August 4, 2019-The Addy Family Reunion and October 29, 2018- 3pm-7pm-Hannah Coker Blood Drive—
Both Approved
