What a joy it was to kick off our year of celebration. On Sunday, January 18th , we welcomed former St. Jacob’s member Pastor Dawn Rister and her family as our initial Anniversary Year guest preacher. We are grateful for her time with us and for the fellowship we shared. The 250th Anniversary Celebration will continue throughout the year as we welcome several guest preachers and share memories of our history within the community of the Dutch Fork. Please make sure to attend each of these special occasions and invite your friends and neighbors to join us. The schedule of the remaining events during this year of celebration is listed below.
• February 15th – Congregational Outreach Event to support NALC Disaster Response.
• March 15th – Guest preacher Rev. Henry Pawluk; congregational dinner following worship.
• April 19th – Decades Day; worshipers dress from past eras and use a historic liturgy from our collective past.
• May 17th – Guest preacher Rev. Marty Ramey; congregational dinner following worship.
• June – Vacation Bible School
• July 19th – Guest preacher Rev. Randy Drafts; congregational dinner following worship.
• August 16th – Guest preacher Rev. David Tholstrup (former SCMD Dean), congregational dinner following worship.
• September 20th – Congregational Outreach Event; blankets for residents at Generations.
• October 25th – Homecoming and Anniversary Sunday, guest preacher NALC Presiding Bishop Dan Selbo; special catered congregational dinner following worship.
• November TBD – Golden Agers Recognition and Celebration.
We give thanks to God for the long history of our congregation, and especially for the life and witness of so many who have been a part of our proclamation and now take their rest in Christ. Thanks be to God for the life we share together.
Fellowship Archive
St. Jacob’s 250th Year-long Celebration
Posted February 14, 2026 By adminAsh Wednesday and the Beginning of Lent
Posted February 7, 2026 By adminThis year, Ash Wednesday is February 18th , and we will observe the day with our annual Ash Wednesday services including the imposition of ashes and celebration of Holy Communion beginning at 6:30 PM. The season of Lent is a reflective time for all Christians to take up the discipline or regular worship attendance and confession of sins. Please remember to set aside time for this meaningful and spiritual time together as a church family in Christ.
Lenten Vespers will be held each week during Lent featuring dramatic readings by several of our church family members. Due to the construction of our new parking lot, our Lenten Vespers will be held on Sunday evenings during Lent. Due to the number of activities scheduled for each Sunday, we will not serve a congregational Lenten meal prior to worship.
These changes are necessitated due to planned construction during the week and limited weekday access to our church property during this time. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Lutheran Men Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Posted February 7, 2026 By adminPlease make plans now to gather with your church family on Tuesday, February 17th for our annual Lutheran Men sponsored Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. The meal will begin at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall and there will be plenty of Christian fellowship and good food – pancakes, eggs, sausage and more all prepared by our Lutheran Men.
Music Notes
Posted February 5, 2026 By adminFebruary is a time of change liturgically. We begin the month in the season of Epiphany when Christ is revealed to us as the light of the world. The Magi saw this light and were drawn to the child, Jesus. We see the Morning Star, fair and bright, who teaches us how to shine the light of God’s love in the world. But by the middle of February, we will change to the season of Lent. We will put away the alleluias from our worship and in our music, we will reflect on our need for a savior and precious gift we have been given.
My song is love unknown,
My savior’s love to me,
Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be.
Oh, who am I that for my sake
My Lord should take frail flesh and die.
February will also be a time of change for our congregation as the physical work on our parking lot begins. Because of lack of access to the building during the weekdays for safety reasons, we will have our normal midweek Lenten worship on Sunday evenings. Sundays will be a busy day. After Ash Wednesday, choir practice will change to Sunday evenings immediately following the Lenten worship service. We invite you to come join us as we prepare music for our Easter Sunday worship. Children’s choir and bell choir will remain at the same time on Sunday afternoons.
Up and Going
Posted February 3, 2026 By adminHappy New Year. The Up and Going met on January 8 th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy our annual Soup Pot Lunch and Bingo, with 14 members in attendance. Chief Cook Lindler had the pot boiling and as members arrived and brought soup items, they were added to the soup pot. Other members brought items to enjoy with our soup or delicious desserts. The vegetable soup was delicious, as well as all of the other items and goodies.
Devotions were from “Mornings with Jesus: Emphasis on the Importance of Faith,” given by Helen, Team Leader. We all prayed together The Lord’s Prayer.
Business session was conducted. Treasurer’s Report was given by Treasurer Gary.
Sickness was discussed and prayer concerns were brought before the group. Old and new business was discussed. 2026 birthday cards were signed. Gerald Lindler offered our Meal Blessing. We then enjoyed bowls of delicious vegetable soup and cooked okra, cornbread, a variety of crackers, and homemade pimento cheese. For dessert there was chocolate cream, apple and coconut pies and brownies. So, so, delicious.
After lunch, Joan and Gary lead the group in BINGO; one of our favorite things to do. Everyone brought great prizes, an amazing variety of gifts. So hard to choose from. Bingo is always fun to play. The laughter and conversation are priceless.
Sincere thanks to everyone for your contributions. Special thanks to Ann for providing the beautiful snowmen display and table pretties. Thanks to Ann for cooking soup and Joan and Gary for calling Bingo.
The February meeting is scheduled for February 12th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring food to share. We will make bows for the Hospice Easter Bags. Plan to make 150. Bring ribbon if you want to. Time to plan for Easter Bag contents. Hope to see you then.
Helen
Team Leader for Up and Going
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Posted January 7, 2026 By adminPastor David has put together an updated One Year Bible Reading Plan for members of St. Jacob’s, friends and family. This reading plan begins on January 1st and has listed scripture readings for each day of 2026. Dedicating only about fifteen minutes a day, you will read the entire Bible in one year. It is suggested that those participating in the plan find a regular time each day (each morning is best) and with pencil, pen, or highlighter in hand to identify passages for later study.
Lutheran Men Country Sausage Sale
Posted January 5, 2026 By adminThe Lutheran Men will be making Country Sausage on Monday, February 16th. If you would like to purchase BULK sausage for $5.00 per pound, please place your order in advance. See a member of the LM or contact Gerald on or before Sunday, February 8th. The sausage can be picked up between 3:00 and 6:00 PM on Monday, February 16th in the Fellowship Hall.
Up and Going
Posted January 5, 2026 By adminOn a bright and beautiful morning, 18 members and guests gathered in the festively decorated Fellowship Hall at 11:00 AM to celebrate Christmas at the December Up and Going meeting. A bountifully set table provided by attendees awaited our enjoyment. And, enjoy we did. The food was delicious. Thank you to all for providing such a wonderful meal with desserts. Gerald gave the meal blessing. Helen Lindler thanked everyone for attending and a short business session was held. Gary gave the Treasurer’s Report. Prayers for the sick…Pastor Eargle, Leon and Ramonia and praises for O’Neal and Damon and Mrs. Miriam that their health has improved.
Gary read from “The Message” the precious story of Jesus’ conception and birth events. We then sang songs telling this story in song with Joan Marco, pianist, and Tommy Faulk on guitar. These beloved Christmas songs were enjoyed by all. Special thanks to Joan, Gary and Tommy.
Helen, Team Leader, gave the devotions from Our Daily Bread entitled “Grace Now,” reminding us that it makes no difference how busy or irritated we become, we should always be filled with God’s love. God’s love is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered (1 Corinthians 13:5).
Helen reported seeing the most beautiful rainbow that appeared to be right over St. Jacob’s Church on the afternoon of Stanley Slice’s visitation. We discussed God’s promise of the rainbow and God’s speaking to us through the rainbow; the how and why they appear.
Our Christmas gift of food and other items for We Care totaled 96 pounds. Oliver Gospel Mission was thrilled to receive our gifts last month. I am so proud of each of you. You have given so generously to these projects.
January is our annual Soup Pot Lunch and Bingo. Please sign up and list your contribution to the soup pot or a dessert or sandwiches, crackers or cornbread. Please bring items early or previously cooked. We will begin cooking soup at 10:00 AM. Don’t forget to bring repurposed Bingo items. We will play as long as the prizes last. We wish each of you a blessed New Year.
Helen
Team Leader for
Up and Going
Midweek Bible Study
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminMidweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. We are currently studying the Gospel According to John. This study is a traditional chapter and verse study where we will read and learn more of the message John has to teach all who hear his Gospel and come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true Son of God. We will read and compare John’s writing with that of the other Gospel writers. We will also explore the connections between John’s Gospel and the Old Testament. Everyone is invited to join us as they are able.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminJesus 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
One of the greatest joys of being a pastor is watching the young people of the congregation grow to become faithful disciples of Christ. The Greek word for disciple is “mathetes,” (pronounced ma-thay-tays). It means that one who is a disciple is a learner, a student of the master. The disciple follows the teacher and submits to the teacher’s ways, following the teacher’s example. This leads to a transformation in the way the disciple’s life is lived. We call this transformation living a life of “discipleship.”
When we think of disciples as students, we imagine them to be people who attend lectures or read books. But disciples, as in the context of the Bible, were required to interact with and imitate a real living person, their teacher. A disciple would literally follow someone in hopes of eventually becoming what they are. This is the calling of Christians throughout our shared history within the Church. So, how does one know if they are living the life of discipleship?
Such a life is distinguished by several indicators. We call these the “Marks of Discipleship.” The first is to be someone who is regularly dwelling in God’s Word. Reading the Bible is essential for living as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Truly, the only way to learn from Christ is to dwell in his Word.
The next mark of discipleship is to have an active and dynamic prayer life. Simply put, disciples pray. In his teaching about prayer, Jesus commands his followers to pray. As Jesus gives his teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:5-13, he says, “When you pray.” Jesus expects his disciples to pray. Through prayer faith is reaffirmed, confidence in God’s Word is built, and we become more aligned with God’s will.
It should go without saying that disciples also enjoy learning more about God’s truth. So, we can say, disciples willingly learn from the Lord. Disciples study with other disciples in fellowship with one another. Learning and fellowship are strong indicators of one who lives a life of discipleship. Disciples not only learn, but they do so eagerly and joyfully.
Disciples also worship and participate regularly in the Sacraments. Disciples come to the Lord’s table, welcomed as a sinner redeemed by Christ himself. They savor each opportunity in which they may receive the body and blood of Christ for the sake of their forgiveness and as nourishment for their faith.
And finally, disciples serve Christ by serving and evangelizing their neighbor. Engaging the mission of the Gospel means meeting the physical needs of our neighbor while also meeting their spiritual needs. Mission work is defined by these two traits. To live the life of discipleship means presenting yourself as a living sacrifice for the sake of others. All the while sharing with them the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
I mentioned earlier it is a pastor’s joy to witness the younger members of the Church growing into the life of discipleship. That is because, as they learn from their pastor and their Sunday school teachers, they learn from Christ himself. Those who remain in the fellowship of their peers will grow to become faithful disciples of Jesus simply through regular learning, worship, and fellowship among God’s people. We have witnessed that here at St. Jacob’s. Just take a look at the young people who are climbing into leadership roles within our worship services. They are the ones who regularly live and learn among the faithful. We can all be thankful for each one of them as they grow in faith. Let us prayerfully guide them and may we also learn from them how to become greater disciples of our Lord Jesus.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
