Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

Council 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 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

Good 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

Council noted Good Things at St. Jacob’s this month included the Lutheran Women’s fund raiser was a success, the Children’s Choir did a great job singing on Mother’s Day, and the St. Jacob’s Church High School graduates reception went well.

The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed and approved.

Pastor’s Report- The Pastor’s Report was reviewed and approved. Pastor thanked Kathleen Pierce for her time and dedication she has graciously given to the St. Jacob’s Church Youth Group. Five Confirmands will be attending Camp Lutheridge – June 24th -30th.

Staff Support- Nursery Director, Kelly Smothers was recognized on her birthday. The job opening for a Director of Christian Education and Youth Minister is being extended and discussed.

Spiritual Life- The Altar Guild met with Pastor David to discuss ways to become better stewards of the sacramental bread and wine.

Worship and Music– Laurie Lackey met with Pastor David, Gloria Ziemer and Marie Slice to assist with selecting hymns and planning special church services. Those interested are encouraged to join the Music Team.

Short Term– The Lutheran Women, Lutheran Men and Up and Going books were all audited. This completes audit of all church treasurers’ books.

Witness– May activities for Lutheran Women and the Up and Going Group appeared in the Chapin Times newspaper.

Parish Life– The Mother/Daughter Brunch has been finalized and tickets are for sale. The Lutheran Women’s Group has also made plans to visit shut-ins during the month of July.

Up and Going took a trip on May 10th to The Charleston Tea Plantation, 21 members and guests attended this fun-filled day. On May 17th a picture from the Charleston trip, along with a large write-up appeared in the Chapin Times newspaper. A June 21st Up and Going trip is planned for Saluda and Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Support of Ministries- A work day was successful in the church cemetery cleaning out a drainage culvert.

Membership status: 360 Total as of June 6, 2018.
Digital sign funds update: $14,449 as of 6/3/18.

Other Church Business
The position of Christian Educator and Youth Minister was discussed. Updates are on the way for this position. Sherry has received a new office computer and Brandon is in process of installation.
Brandon is still investigating recording the church services and experimenting with various recording equipment. These recordings will be available for St. Jacob’s Church shut-ins when established.

Additional copies of the church cemetery maps are being created to ensure we have backup copies.

Our Church Delegates, Larry and Bob, will be attending the NALC convocation in Denver, CO.

Council noted Good Things at St. Jacob’s this past month: youth confirmation classes are going well, Easter services and Sunrise service attendance were both up from previous years and the children’s choir did an excellent job singing on Easter Sunday. A special thank you to Frances Slice for taking care of the church office duties while Sherry Floyd enjoyed a vacation.

Ministry Teams – Thank you to those that submitted monthly reports. A few highlights of the monthly reports are included below:

• Staff Support – Sherry Floyd was recognized on Administrative Assistant Day. The deadline has been extended for accepting applications for a Director of Christian Education/Youth Minister.

• Spiritual Life – The Worship Planning Team is scheduled to meet with Pastor David on May 1, 2018. Volunteers are needed to assist with children’s choir.
• Short Term – Modifications are still being made to the church constitution. The church audit was completed on May 4, 2018.
• Witness – The Lutheran Women fundraiser meal was written up in The Chapin Times for two consecutive weeks.

• Parish Life –

• Up and Going – A total of 19 St. Jacob’s Church members and guests attended a fun-filled day ofwonderful fellowship. They enjoyed a BBQ lunch at the Schoolhouse Restaurant in Scranton, SC. After lunch the group traveled to the “Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden” in Bishopville, SC. Mr. Pearl Fryar and his garden are internationally recognized. The garden draws visitors from around the globe. Davis Brown provided the devotion for the group. A special thank you to Gerald Lindler for graciously driving the St. Jacob’s bus!

• Lutheran Women are making preparations for the Ladies Brunch on June 23, 2018 at 11 am. Lutheran Women’s Sunday went well and June Lindler did an outstanding job presenting the sermon.

• The Youth Group was not able to attend the zoo trip due to bad weather. They did enjoy a Bible study on April 15th at Sonic.

• Support of Ministries – Technology Team has updated the St. Jacob’s website and the Communication Team reports the total church membership is 360.

Old Business – Defibrillator pads have been ordered. Additional copies of the cemetery layout are being created for the church. Larry will attend the Carolinas Convocation in May and also the NALC convocation in August. A list of the ministry teams and members was presented and reviewed by council.

New Business – Applications are still being accepted by St. Jacob’s for a Christian Education Director/Youth Minister.