In the wake of Governor McMaster’s removal of the state-wide mask mandate, face masks are no longer required for singing at St. Jacob’s during worship. Those who wish to continue to wear facemasks are welcome to do so. As we continue our journey toward resuming our pre-pandemic practices for worship, we will enjoy singing hymns and liturgy without the wearing of facemasks. We will also resume standing while singing during the appropriate times of our service (during singing of hymns and liturgy). Also, facemasks will not be needed by children during the Children’s sermon.
Hand sanitizer will remain available on the table near the entrance to the church nave as will a supply of disposable facemasks for those who wish to wear one. Thank you to all for your understanding throughout the time of our COVID-19 response during the past year.
Fellowship Archive
Small Steps Toward Normal
Posted May 19, 2021 By adminWednesday Morning Bible Study
Posted May 19, 2021 By adminOur Wednesday morning Bible Study will resume on May 26th, the Wednesday between Pentecost Sunday, and Holy Trinity Sunday. Considering the timing of our schedule, our topic will be I AM WHO I AM. A Study of the Holy Name of God. This will be our first in-person Bible Study since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
All who desire to participate should meet in the fellowship hall on Wednesday, May 26th at 9:30 AM. No special materials are necessary, just bring along your favorite Bible and a desire to study God’s Word with your friends and church family members. Facemasks are not required but anyone who feels they should wear one is welcome to do so. It will be a good opportunity to resume the fellowship that we have been missing since last March. Join us, won’t you?
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted May 4, 2021 By admin“And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21
In just a few short weeks, we will celebrate the day of Pentecost. Of course, this is the day when God poured out his Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is also known to Christians as the birthday of the Church. There is no way the remaining eleven apostles could have understood that their proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, made to the people of Jerusalem, would be such a defining moment and set in motion a mission and ministry that would endure throughout the world for over two-thousand years. But here we are, that far removed from the day the Holy Spirit came upon those gathered together in prayer waiting, as Christ commanded, for “power from on high.” The power received by the apostles is the greatest power known to the earth. No other powers can stand against the power of God’s Holy Spirit nor can any earthly power take away the promise of God’s salvation, made certain and true, through the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
Surely, the powers that defy God continue to attempt to undo what God has done through Christ. The devil and his minions will hurl their fiery weapons at believers, but God will not allow those unto whom he has poured out his Spirit to falter. Even the COVID-19 pandemic that fell upon the whole earth was not strong enough to silence the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
One year ago, as you will recall, St. Jacob’s like so many congregations throughout the country had ceased meeting in public for worship. Our very first gathering since halting our weekly in person worship services was on Pentecost Sunday, May 31st. We gathered outside in the parking lot, heard God’s Word, sang our thankful praises, and celebrated Holy Communion. As we participated in our service, a number of cars, vans, and trucks passed by. Our worship service on that beautiful sunny day served as a visible reminder of God’s love for his people and that the proclamation of the Gospel cannot be silenced even by a world-wide pandemic. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the best news anyone could ever hope to receive. It is our story to tell, our life to share, and our hope for everlasting life in God’s kingdom of glory.
My prayer this Pentecost is that God would stir our congregation to such faithfulness that we cannot help but share the gospel of Christ Jesus, and that by the power of the Holy Spirit, we experience the disciples’ joy, living in the fullness of God’s grace, loving our neighbor and extending our Savior’s love to all who are in need. Like the apostles who first proclaimed this wonderful news of God’s grace, we must continue to provide such a faithful witness to the world and community around us. Who knows? In keeping with the rich tradition of the Church of Jesus Christ, as begun by those twelve ordinary men whom our Lord called to be apostles, the Good News we share just might live on in the hearts and minds of our neighbors here in Chapin, and become a power that not even the devil himself can oppose. This is the Pentecost message. That God has poured out his Holy Spirit upon all who are Baptized into the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Spirit will move as he will, transforming those who hear and respond to the Gospel.
Nearly two-thousand years ago it all began with twelve ordinary men whom Christ had chosen. And now it continues, for Christ has chosen you to be his witness to the world around you. God bless you as you live out your calling to be his disciple, sharing the Good News with all whom you meet.
Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit. Stir up the hearts of your, faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love. Amen.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for May
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminThe Great Deception
Read Matthew 28:11-15
From Galileo to Columbus, the world has had difficulty accepting things that challenge long held belief. The earth is the center of the solar system and the world is flat. When challenged, these long held truths found support by kings and emperors. Pope Urban VIII even had Galileo stand trial because he dared question these perceived realities. One might think that the Church would be open to new possibilities, especially since it is the Church which was born out of such a discovery. After all, once crucified and buried, dead men do not escape the grave.
After making their report to the authorities, the guards assigned to Jesus’ tomb were paid to keep the story from spreading. After all, if the resurrection were real, then everything Jesus said and taught would also be true. The priests and Pharisees would have some explaining to do. Better to keep it quiet.
Since that first Easter day, the world has tried to do just that; keep news to the resurrection quiet. All sorts of stories and theories have been offered, the oldest one being concocted by the temple authorities claiming the disciples stole his body. Some asserted that Jesus did not die, and when he was taken from the cross was revived. Still others say Jesus wasn’t crucified at all; it was an imposter who hung on the cross. Try as they might, such claims cannot be substantiated because they are not true.
God sent his Son into the world to save people from their sin and that’s just what he did. All who believe and are baptized are saved. Just as the world is PASTORAL DEVOTION FOR MAY round and the earth revolves around the sun, God’s people are raised to new life through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There really can be no point in raising new questions, defending old assertions and supporting the notion of life without Christ, unless one intends to live apart from God.
Prayer: Almighty God, fill us with your truth, that we may tell others the news of Christ’s victory.
Amen.
Sunday School Teachers
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminIf you’ve ever thought about teaching Sunday School, now is your chance! We are now opening our classrooms again to new volunteers. There is only one class for our younger members, and it is a great opportunity to serve and have some fun! The lessons will be given to you two weeks in advance so you will have plenty of time to look over them before your scheduled date. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Narthex. We are currently scheduling through the end of the year so there are many dates available. If you have any questions, contact Rachel or Sherrie. We would love to assist you in any way that we can.
Musical Mondays
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminMusical Mondays starts June 28th. We are so excited to offer singing, handbells, games, and crafts, all praising God through music. This is open for all children who have completed first grade and up. Sign up on the Narthex bulletin board by May 22nd so that we can purchase music and supplies. We will meet each Monday from June 28th – August 9th from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM with lunch included. Due to the NALC Convocation, there will be no meeting on August 2nd . Musical Mondays will conclude with an evening presentation, more information will follow.
Sunday School Update
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminPlease note that the young adults will be meeting for Sunday School each Sunday downstairs as well as the younger children. The older adults will continue to meet in the Fellowship Hall.
Pastoral Devotion for April
Posted April 2, 2021 By adminEncountering The Risen Lord
Read John 20:19-31
Isn’t it amazing how quickly Easter Sunday comes and goes? Oh, Easter isn’t over, just the hoopla that surrounds Easter Sunday. In too many respects, the world doesn’t quite understand Easter. The crowds may be gone, but the story hasn’t been fully told. That’s the difficulty faced by the church. The crowds have not heard the whole story. It is no wonder there is so much confusion with regards to Easter. But there was also plenty of confusion that first Easter day.
Women went to the tomb and found it empty. The great stone was rolled away but no one saw who did it. Angels gave the message that Jesus had been raised. As night fell, the disciples were afraid. They locked the doors out of fear that those who killed Jesus might come after them. Just then, Jesus stood among them very much alive.
Perhaps that’s the number one problem so many people have at Easter. Perhaps so many come for the celebration but skip the rest of the story because they are afraid that they might really have an encounter with the risen Lord.
Truly, that’s not such a far-fetched idea. All through his ministry, Jesus said that if any would follow him, they must first take up their cross. Jesus expected his followers to bear fruit for the kingdom, love God, worship him, and live for the sake of their neighbor. For so many today, doing these things means a drastic change in the way life is lived.
Encountering Jesus means living on his terms, not ours. Encountering the risen Lord means we actually have to do something faithful. Meeting Jesus means acknowledging our sin and coming to repentance. It’s easy to see why so many do not want to hear the rest of the story. It’s easier to simply leave the empty tomb of Easter Sunday and get on with life on Monday. But tombs are meant for the dead, and Jesus is alive.
Jesus left behind what belongs in the tomb, the darkness of sin, death and the devil. The risen Christ brought with him light, life, and the peace of God. Ours is to share the entire story so that others may come to believe.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, empower me to do your will, and go where you lead. Amen.
It is Scholarship Time!
Posted March 31, 2021 By adminContinuing your education after high school? Attending a College/University? Attending a Technical College? Attending Trade School? Continuing your education? If the answer to any of those questions is YES, you want to keep reading.
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.
What are the requirements?
• 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. Proof of community services or campus ministry activities will also be accepted.
• 3.0 Grade Average.
• Completed “Application for The Bud and Lottie Sites Scholarships”
• For the $1,000 Scholarship, the same requirements above, a copy of your acceptance letter, and a 1,500 word essay. The essay question is on the application.
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 the $1,000 scholarship two years.
Ready to apply? Contact Sherry in the church office for an application.
Applications must be sent to the church office and are due on June 1, 2021. Do not miss out on this opportunity for additional education funds.
The Spirituality of Wine
Posted March 31, 2021 By adminFor our next installment of the St. Jacob’s Online Campus, we will study the God works in created things for the enjoyment of his people. Specifically, we will study the beauty and centrality that vineyards and the wine produced from their fruit play within the rich tradition and history of God’s people. Along with the Holy Scriptures, The Spirituality of Wine written by Gisela Kreglinger will be our primary source for our study and conversation. Those who would like to participate should send an email to Pastor David or the church office to be added to the list. There are no materials to be purchased. All lesson plans will be provided to participants by way of email. Everyone is also invited to enjoy a glass of their favorite wine as we study. You may wish to share with the group what it is that makes this wine special for you. The goal of this study is to understand how wine is used as a part of faith and practice in the lives of God’s people.
