Council Reports Archive

Council News

Posted August 28, 2019 By admin

The Bud Sites and Lottie Sites Scholarship To be Awarded January 2, 2020 and June 1, 2020

Continuing your education after high school? Attending a College/University?  Attending a Technical College?  Attending Trade School?  If the answer to any of those questions is YES.  You want to keep reading.  Council has developed two types of scholarships for members of St. Jacobs.  These scholarships will be awarded in June of each year. There are two types of scholarships.  The first is a $250 scholarship that can be awarded to all members who meet the requirements.  The second is a $1,000 scholarship in memory of Mr. Bud Sites and Mrs. Lottie Sites and will be awarded to two members who meet the requirements.  All of these scholarships are funded from the Sites Endowment.  Mr. Bud and Mrs. Lottie supported our youth and Mrs. Lottie was a second-grade teacher at Chapin Elementary, where she retired.

What are the requirements for the $250 scholarships?

  • Must be a member of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church
  • Must attend church services at a minimum 12 times a year.  Students in college can also show proof of attendance to college campus ministry services or to other church services.
  • Must participate in a minimum of 4 church activities/events.  Examples of these events include the following: Lay reader, Crucifer, Communion Assistant, Cantor, Youth Event, VBS, LM, LW, Up and Going, Trashy Club, etc.  Proof of community services or campus ministry activities will also be accepted.
  • 3.0 Grade Average
  • Complete Application:
    • Name
    • Address
    • Documentation of church attendance for minimum of 12 times since January 1, 2019 
    •  Documentation of participation in church activities for minimum of 4 times since       January 1, 2019
    • Proof of grade average
    • Higher Education Plans – Name of Institution, Start Date

What are the requirements for the $1,000 scholarships?

  • All the Requirements as listed above for the $250 scholarship
  • Two additional requirements
    • Copy of Acceptance letter
    • The $1,000 Scholarship application will require the completion of an essay question

More good news!  We have decided not to wait until June 2020.  We will award $250 scholarships to all members who are continuing their education and meet the requirements for the Spring 2020 Semester.  What do you need to do?

  • Complete simple application (electronic or paper) and submit to church office.  Application includes:  
    • Name 
    • Address 
    • Documentation of church attendance for minimum of 12 times since January 1, 2019.  In addition to Sunday Services, there are our Wednesday Night Services, and other special services.  Students in college can also show proof of attendance to college campus ministry services or to other church services.  Must participate in a minimum of 4 church activities/events times since January 1, 2019.  Examples of these events include the following: Lay reader, Crucifer, Communion Assistant, Cantor, Youth Event, VBS, LM, LW, Up and Going, Trashy Club, etc.  Proof of community services or campus ministry activities will also be accepted. 
    • Proof of 3.0 grade average 
    • Higher Education Enrollment – Name of Institution, Start Date
  • Applications due by November 1, 2019
  • Award by January 2, 2020
  • Scholarships will be awarded to all members who qualify.

Other important facts to know:

  • Applicant may apply many times
  • Applications are required each year
  • $250 scholarship is only awarded to a student one time
  • Applicant can receive $1,000 scholarship two years
  • Applicant may receive $250 and $1,000 scholarship in the same year 

Start now to meet the requirements and receive these scholarships!  The $250 scholarship along with the two $1,000 scholarships will be available for the Fall 2020 schedule.  Applications for both scholarships will be due March 1.

Church Council

Posted July 30, 2019 By admin

Council Briefs July 2019 The St. Jacob’s Church Council met July 2nd for its regular meeting. Good things noted for the month of June:

• VBS was very good. Thanks to all the volunteers and Sherrie McTeer for heading things up

• Nursery TV is operational, thank to Brandon Slice, John Riser and Don Dease for the hard work

• New Digital Sign has been installed and is operational

• Lutheran Men BBQ was a big success

• Confirmation of 5 Youth

Important Notes and Dates:

• Pastor to be in Congo from July 8 – 25 for mission work

• NALC Lutheran Week is August 5 – 10

• Supply Pastor List during Pastor David’s mission trip

• July 10 – Pastor James Houck

• July 14 – David Kibler (Eucharist elements to be consecrated by Pastor on 7/7/19) • July 21 – Pastor Sarah Woodward

• July 24 – Pastor Paulette McHugh

• July 28 – Called Congregational Meeting (Vote on Bishop)

• Due to unforeseen events, the Pictorial Directory has been postponed until further notice

• Church Yard sale is scheduled for October 12th; details to follow when available

• Next council meeting is scheduled for August 13th @ 6:30 PM in the Church Office

Ongoing Project Updates:

• DIGITAL SIGN: Completed

• PARKING LOT: Initial survey has been completed. Updates of progress of project will be made when they become available

Respectfully submitted,

Andrew,

Secretary,

St. Jacob’s Church Council

Church Council

Posted June 26, 2019 By admin

The St. Jacob’s Church Council met June 4th for its regular meeting.

Good things noted for the month of May:

  • Congo Meal went very well
  • Children’s Choir musical was fantastic and raised over $1,500 for new choir robes and music
  • Start of Wednesday evening services
  • Hiring of Rachel Shelton to fill position of Youth & Family Services Director
  • Thanks to Walt Shealy for volunteering to be Church Treasurer
  • Thanks to all the volunteers for the upcoming VBS for your eagerness and willingness to serve
  • Wrap-up of Pastor’s first Confirmation; Public exam was well received

Important Notes and Dates:

  • Vision Workshop and info meeting for election of new bishop to be held June 30th @ 4pm
  • Pastor to be in Congo from July 8th – 24th for mission work
  • New pictorial picture days are July 29th & 30th, keep a look out for sign up sheet
  • TV in Nursery is operational for viewing of service
  • Next council meeting is scheduled for July 2, 2019 @ 6:30 PM in the Church Office

Ongoing Project Updates:

  • DIGITAL SIGN: Pending arrival, has been delayed to the end of June for completion of electrical work and scope of parking lot discussions
  • PARKING LOT: Building Team has made recommendations for implementation of a new parking lot with an added covered Portico and elimination of roadside parking to address safety concerns. Council has approved for funds earmarked for the Parking Lot Restoration given by SCE&G to be used to have a Topographical Improvement Survey, Construction Renderings and Civil Engineering Scope completed to comply with all county, DHEC and DOT guidelines and regulations.
    Development of construction plans and estimates to be made as they become available. Expected expenditures of initial document process are well below current level of earmarked funds.
  • DIRECTOR OF YOUTH/FAMILY SVCS: Position has been filled by the hiring of Rachel Shelton. Rachel started officially on June 3rd.

Respectfully submitted, Andrew, Secretary, St. Jacob’s Church Council

Church Council News

Posted May 30, 2019 By admin

St. Jacobs Church Council met May 7th for its regular meeting.

  • Good attendance at Easter egg hunt and
  • Holy Week services were enjoyable
  • Palm Sunday Children’s Choir performance was great
  • Easter breakfast was very nice
  • Flood buckets were assembled and
  • distributed; 44 in total (382 lbs of food collected during food drive also)

Thanks to the Lutheran Women for their LW Service

Important Notes and Dates:

  • Pastor will be in Congo from July 8th-25th for mission work
  • Confirmand Public Exam is June 2nd
  • Confirmation Day w/reception is June 9th
  • Starting May 22nd Pastor will hold
  • Wednesday evening service with Eucharist
  • Nursery TV should be operational by June to broadcast service in real time to those in the nursery
  • Picture days for new Church Directory are July 29th and 30th.

Ongoing Project Updates:

Digital Sign: Sign is still on schedule for install around May 21st. Council has approved recommended electrical upgrade to sign location.

Parking Lot: No formal decisions have been made in regards to the parking lot.

Director of Youth/Family Services: One interview was held with a potential candidate and she withdrew her name from consideration. One more interview is scheduled for the month of May.

Church Council Meeting News

Posted April 30, 2019 By admin

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 Briefs for March 7, 2019

Posted March 28, 2019 By admin

The 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 admin

The 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 admin

The 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 admin

The 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 admin

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.