Fellowship Archive

Easter Sunday

Posted April 30, 2020 By admin

On April 12th, St. Jacob’s celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. What an awesome price he paid so that we can be with him. Below are some pictures of individuals that assisted Pastor David during the service. We are so thankful for all that each of you do, especially the ones providing their gifts and talents at this time. Thanks so much!

Filed in Fellowship, Worship and Music, Worship Service

Senior Adult Prom

Posted April 30, 2020 By admin

The Senior Adult Prom that was scheduled for May 2nd will be rescheduled at another date. Please continue to watch your newsletter and worship bulletins for updates.

Filed in Fellowship, Up and Going

Youth Director & Family Ministries

Posted April 30, 2020 By admin

Many of you know the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.” It has always been one of my favorites as I was listening to it the other day, the story behind it came up and I would love to share it with you. The song was written by a successful Christian lawyer, Heratio Spafford. His only son died at age 4 in 1871. In 1872, the great Chicago fire wiped out his vast estate, made from a successful legal career. In 1873, he sent his wife & four daughters over to Europe on a summer trip on the ill-fated SS Ville du Havre. Since he had a lot of work to do, he planned to follow them later. The Ship sank and he lost his 4 daughters with the wife being the only survivor. She sent him a famous telegram which simply read, “SAVED ALONE….” On his return home, his law firm was burned down and the insurance company refused to pay him. He had no money to pay for his house and no work, so he lost his home. Then one day while sitting peacefully and thinking about what’s happening to him, he wrote a song – “Whatever, my Lord, You have taught me to say – It is well, it is well with my soul.”

My dear friends, a good attitude will determine your attitude. When you look at your soul, your life, career, family life, what do you say? Do you praise God? Do you feel the need to blame someone when things go wrong? I want to challenge you to sit down today and say, “Today, God, it is well with my soul. I am thankful I had a peaceful sleep. I am thankful I am alive with possibilities. I am thankful I have a roof over me. I am thankful I have a job. I am thankful that I have family and friends. Above all, I am thankful that I have the Lord Jesus Christ on my side.” Thank God for what you have. Thank God when you have little and when you have an abundance. I know we are all in a season of uncertainty and maybe feeling a little negativity because of it. We long for this season to be over and to return to our ‘normal lives’ but we can use this period for good, for purpose. I have a sign in my office that says ‘Today is a good day to have a good day” and that’s what I have chosen to preach to myself lately. Just like Heratio did when things were rocky, we too should praise God in the midst. We have the eternal hope of Jesus. That doesn’t make every day easy or stop tribulations from coming. We know that He is good, He is on our side, and we have so much to be thankful for even on our worst days. “What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

Little is much when God is in it.
It Is Well With My Soul!
Rachel

Filed in Fellowship, LCY, Youth Director

Youth Workday

Posted April 1, 2020 By admin

The youth and other volunteers had a workday on March 7th. During this time, we were able to clean and organize the entire Sunday School wing downstairs. This is just the beginning of many projects we have planned to reboot our Sunday School program. We are grateful for all who came and served. Thank you for your willingness and support of our Youth ministry.

Keep an eye out for other opportunities to serve in the future, and join me in praying for all the children who will reap what we sow.

Filed in Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Outreach

Senior Adult Prom

Posted April 1, 2020 By admin

You are invited to St. Jacob’s SENIOR ADULT PROM. If you are 65 or older, this is for you. As of right now, we will plan on the date being May 2nd, from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, but this can always change if we need it to (respecting the Coronavirus regulations.) Come enjoy a night of food, music, dancing, and fellowship. There is no pressure to dress up but if you would like to, by all means do. The youth and I want to celebrate and serve you by having a night full of fun and memories. I will keep everyone up-dated if the date needs to change. I am excited and hope you are too! Call the church office if you plan to attend. Rachel

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Outreach

Up and Going News

Posted April 1, 2020 By admin

Word

The Up and Going met on Thursday, March 12th. It was the annual “Soup Pot” lunch. Members arrived early and the soup pot was started. Additional ingredients were added as they arrived and the soup simmered until all ingredients were added and the soup pot taster, Ann, declared “soup is just right”. All gathered in the Fellowship Hall for the business meeting. The treasurer’s report was given. A thank you note from Shirley Nuottila was read. An article in the Chapin Magazine on the broccoli being raised at the CATS Center and later distributed to the District 5 schools for preparation and consumption was discussed. This was of inter-est because of our recent visit to the CATS Center. Ray gave the devotions and prayer on Blessings. We were scheduled to make bows for Hospice Bags but Bob had graciously made all of the bows beforehand. After the Blessing, we all enjoyed a big pot of soup and lots of side dishes and desserts. We most certainly do enjoy good food and fellowship. Ray gave the program on Spring Gardens. He encouraged us to plant early, use good soil, and fertilizer, water as needed and pet our plants. He was generous to bring each of us a choice of Aloe or Mexican Petunia plants. Each was planted and growing and ready to be transplanted when needed. A special thank you to Ray for our plants. Once again, we all enjoyed a fun time together. When it is safe to do so, we will resume our monthly meetings. Keep safe…. Remember the Up and Going Members in your thoughts and prayers.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Up and Going

KFC—Kids For Christ

Posted April 1, 2020 By admin

Kids for Christ “KFC” is off to a great start! In March, we had our first service project. We colored pictures, wrote notes, and decorated crosses to add to the Up & Going hospice bags! During this time, we were able to talk about the season leading up to Easter and why our church sends gifts to people in hospice care. Thank you to the Up & Going for including us. It was a lot of fun, and they turned out great!

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings

Lower Elementary Class

Posted April 1, 2020 By admin

The lower elementary class made “faith eyes” in their study of The Presentation of Jesus at the temple with Simeon and Anna. “The Holy Spirit gives us faith to see Jesus.”

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings

Youth Director & Family Ministries

Posted April 1, 2020 By admin

Word

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The youth and I had such a great time at the Carolina’s Mission District retreat. It was held at Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island- many of you may be familiar with this camp from events you have attended in the past. A special thank you to Margaret Kleckley for attending with us as a chaperone. In the midst of all the uncertainty, we were grateful for the opportunity to attend and make the best of it. The retreat theme was “Fear Not” based on Isaiah 41:9-10 ‘”you whom I took from the ends of the Earth, and called you from it’s farthest corners, saying to you, “you are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”’ fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This was so timely because although we are going through a season of uncertainty and fear, we can have peace and rest in the fact that God is there for us and we are ready. There were times of fun, silliness, games, campfires, amazing food, and fellowship but there were also times of listening, sharing, confession, reverence, worship and learning. I want to share what was shared with us during our night session. We looked at Matthew 8:23-27, which is the story where Jesus is asleep on the boat with the disciples when the storm comes. Fear begins to drown and overwhelm the disciples and through this, Jesus teaches them to trust Him and to cry out for His help. Though we fear many things, we have the assurance that Jesus will carry us through – therefore that should bring us to our knees to pray. The Lord uses the storms we go through so that we can find Him mightier than the storm. We know that Jesus saved Noah in the flood, rescued Joseph from the pit and cleared him of all false accusations, saved Daniel from the hungry lions, and saved those three men from the fiery furnace. Jesus understands our fears, weakness, temptation, and sadness. In this story, we are shown that an all-powerful Being is in control of His creation. He doesn’t take our storm away, but he steps into the boat with us and the great calm that the disciples experienced after the storm was just a sample of what all those who be-lieve will relish in the new creation. I would love to share more about our trip once we are all back together again. If you get a chance to talk to any of our youth members, ask them what they learned or what their experience was. I’m sure they would love to share it with you. During this time of uncertainty, set your hope on God, set your hope on the One who is above it all. He gives peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) and is with you in the storm of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. He is our peace and He will deliver us.

Grace & Peace, Rachel

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Retreat

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

[Jesus 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

For several years now, throughout the North American Lutheran Church, it has been well noted that in order to be effective and bold witness for Christ, there must be a shift in our church culture. For years, we have lived according to a church membership mentality. Such behavior lends itself to a perception of ownership of the church rather than that of stewardship. Another aspect of the membership culture is a sense of belonging to a specific congregation rather than being a part of the church at large. The culture of membership bears little fruit for the kingdom of God. Instead, the fruit produced is concentrated upon the perceived needs of the congregation that we might sustain our current way of existence. Hearing this, where do we as a congregation find ourselves along the road to discipleship?

During our Congregational Council Retreat, we took initial steps toward culture change by way of a brief assessment of ourselves and our congregation. In terms of discipleship, we discovered that there is much work to do. Focus was placed upon six habits of church leaders. These same habits are central to living as a disciple of Jesus Christ. To become a disciple of Jesus, one must first understand and begin living according to each behavior. Below is a brief description.

Worship – Disciples not only worship Christ regularly, they understand the purpose and benefit of worship. The chief purpose of worship is that Christians receive God’s good gifts of forgiveness and eternal life. This is the reason for our worship. The fruit of our worship is that we are strengthened in our faith, thanking God and singing his praises for all he provides. When we fail to worship, we fail to gather with God’s people and receive that which God pours out, and we miss the opportunity to bear the fruit of such gratitude.

Prayer – Disciples of Jesus follow his example of prayer. Each of us prays, of that there is no doubt. But to follow Jesus’ example means that we would be intentional in our prayer, seeking out times each day when we withdraw from others and all distractions, spending time alone in prayerful conversation with God. This means quiet time, peaceful and uninterrupted. It also includes time to be quiet and listen for God’s answer.

Study the Scriptures – Disciples of Jesus Christ study Holy Scripture each day. They spend time in the morning, afternoon or evening reading the Bible and learning the ways of God. Disciples also study with others, so that they would learn together. And finally, it is not enough that we study, but disciples know the Word of God. Disciples continue to study so that they know and understand the message of the Law and prophets. They know and can articulate to others the Gospel and guide others in their learning.

Share Faith – Disciples of Jesus Christ are those who engage in Christ’s Great Commission, sharing the good news with others whom they meet. To share your faith means that you are not only willing and able, but you are eager to tell others about God’s salvation that comes through Christ, crucified and risen. Disciples are not shy, they are bold witnesses to all that God has done and continues to do for the sake of humanity.

Serve – Disciples understand the example Jesus provided on the night he was betrayed. Before reclining at the table, Jesus took upon himself the role of a servant and washed the feet of his disciples. Understanding this, we too are to disregard our status and come to the aid of our neighbor. Disciples understand that we serve the God whom we cannot see by serving the neighbor visible to us.

Share – Finally, disciples understand that all we have within our possession is a trust from God. Our Father in heaven has gifted everyone generously, but each is gifted differently. Whether rich or poor, disciples understand that we are to share what we have with others. Our time, talent and treasure are all gifts to be shared joyfully with our neighbor so that all might see the goodness of God.

The leadership of the NALC is correct in saying we need a shift in our culture. For the sake of our community and world, we must be prepared to take on the role of being disciples of Jesus Christ. Our Lord commands us to do so. Jesus said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” Luke 9:23. A shift in culture takes time. It takes dedication and discipline. But most of all, it takes the willingness for all who claim to be followers of Jesus to take his word seriously.

This year will be one during which our sense of discipleship continues to grow. It will be one during which we as a congregation will continue to strive toward the six habits of greater discipleship. I invite you to pray with me for our congregation and the ministries that we share. I invite you to pray for me as I continue to learn more of how God is calling our congregation to engage in his mission. And finally, I promise that I will continue to pray for each of you, that you hear the call of our Lord to be his disciples and joyfully answer “Here I am Lord, send me.”

Grace to you and peace, Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Pastor

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