Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight!” Mark 1:1-3
With the first Sunday of Advent behind us, the Church has begun a new year in her liturgical cycle. For the past twelve months we have heard the truth regarding Jesus Christ from Matthew’s perspective. This year we will primarily dwell in Mark’s gospel as he shares with us his account concerning God’s saving grace made available through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
On a personal note, the year we read Mark is perhaps my favorite within our lectionary cycle. Mark’s gospel is different, he does not begin his account like the other gospel writers; he skips over what we now call the birth narrative of Jesus, and gets straight to the heart of the matter, recalling the words of the prophet Isaiah concerning God’s promise of a Savior and Messiah who is Jesus of Nazareth.
I think that at least once every three years, this is an important step in our earthly journey. It allows Christians to avert so much attention from our worldly Christmas activities and busy-ness, and focus our hearts and minds on the Advent of our Lord, his coming at his nativity, yet also his coming again in glory. From the beginning of Mark’s first chapter and at the dawn of Advent, we hear the words from the prophet “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight!” (Mark 1:3).
This exhortation, whether we hear it from the prophet Isaiah, or from Mark’s gospel as quoted by John the Baptist, calls God’s people to action. Israel’s prophets foretold of his coming. Then for centuries, the people of God waited for the fulfillment of his promise to send a savior, yet God seemed distant and quiet. Then as if from nowhere and following four hundred years of silence, a strange looking fellow wearing camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist prophetically shouted out what we now consider a familiar Advent refrain: “Prepare the way of the Lord!” John called God’s people to repent of their sins and ready themselves for the coming of God’s Messiah.
Now, two thousand years removed from this scene, we hear these same prophetic words: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight!” The question becomes, “How do we do that?” What does it mean for Christians today to make the Lord’s paths straight? Traditionally, congregations begin the liturgical year making preparations for the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord at Christmas. Our most visible preparations include hanging evergreens, setting up Christmas trees, lighting extra candles and singing a fair number of Christmas songs. Yet, listening to John the Baptist as he cries out in the wilderness, I’m not so sure this is what he is talking about. It seems that in order to prepare the way of the Lord, we are to be about preparing ourselves and actually doing the work of the Lord.
Our world and the non-believers who live in it are separated from God by the great chasm that is sin. No matter how much we try, we cannot escape the consequences of human disobedience without the grace provided by God through our Lord Jesus. Our Advent preparations, therefore, must include repentance, thankfully receiving the forgiveness made possible through Christ, and sharing the good news that is the Gospel of Jesus.
Our response to God’s gift of grace calls us to take Christ’s commandments seriously, to love God and love our neighbor. We offer our lives in service for the sake of others, exhorting others to prepare themselves to receive their Lord and King. This evangelical mission culminates with inviting others to join us in worship, take their place at God’s table of grace, and assist them in making their preparations for receiving the gift of Christ.
I invite you to make this Advent a time of preparation of self. Dwell in God’s Word, give thanks for His mercy and grace. Then, as we celebrate with one another, let us all join in worship and praise upon the Nativity of our Lord and the joy of heaven and earth at Christmas.
Grace to you and peace during this time of Advent preparation, and may you and your family have a very blessed Christmas!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13
At the time of this writing, it is still the middle of September, but October is on the horizon. October! It seems summer has simply flown by. Yet, even as I prepare to travel to England, for a much-anticipated vacation, I can’t help but reflect upon all we shared the past few months, while un derstanding that there is much to plan and prepare for during the months ahead. Our church calendar is filling up with activities, least of which is our annual Homecoming Sunday and recognition of St. Jacob’s Golden Agers. Trunk or Treat, Reformation Sunday, and All Saints Sunday are also coming very soon. Yes, it will be a busy time in the church. As you begin making room for the many opportunities for your church and family in October, let me ask a direct question: How do you plan to be a disciple of Jesus Christ each and every day?
Each morning, Christians wake up to the opportunity to show the love of Christ Jesus to others, have compassion for the weak and vulnerable, and forgive where someone has done wrong. We are to re-present Christ especially to those who may not realize God’s activity in their lives. As God’s people we also wake up to the Christian responsibility to thank God for the many blessings He showers upon us, and to offer Him the finest of what we can offer of ourselves.
When a child of God begins each new day with such emphasis, the life of discipleship begins to take hold and we live into the calling God has for each one of us. So again, this begs the question: How do you plan to be a disciple of Jesus Christ each and every day? In my asking this twice, I hope you are not simply waiting for my answer. I hope you are not expecting me to offer a directive for the church that challenges you to do your part as I see it, for such is not my intent.
I am asking this question because as followers of Jesus Christ, we each respond to His call to follow in different ways. Some are able to engage in the life of the congregation more regularly than others. Some have time enough to come to the church and serve on committees, provide services such as lawn care and cleaning, others may even show up every time the doors are open.
Others among us have different responsibilities. Within our church family, we have parents with small children, members who work not just one, but two jobs, and still others who may have health related issues that prevent them from participating as they once did. Yet, no matter where we may fall in this broad spectrum, as God’s people, each one of us shares the Christian responsibility to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
We all share Jesus’s calling to go into the world and make disciples by sharing with them the good news of God’s salvation. So, understanding this, I’ll ask one last time: How do you plan to be a disciple of Jesus Christ each and every day? As Pastor, I will do my best to help you discern the answer to this question. I will do what I can to help you pray, study God’s Word and live among God’s people so that you might hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit who is calling you to a life of discipleship.
I will continue to pray for you and your family, preach to you the gospel of Christ Jesus, lead you in worship and teach you and your children the faith in which we baptize. In turn, I pray that you too will help me to further discern the answer to our question, for even pastors need to learn to take time to enjoy their relationship with our loving heavenly Father.
Yes, October signals the beginning of a busy time for the church. It is one filled with opportunities to worship God, love our neighbor, and enjoy the fellowship of God’s people. Take a good look and identify those opportunities where you and your family can grow in faith and discern your answer to the question of discipleship. Choose to take time each day to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, seeking God’s kingdom first. Then be sure to share His blessings of grace, mercy and peace with those whom God places within your midst. Soon, you will realize you are living the life of discipleship, and the question will have its answer.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Well, here we are at the beginning of August, the month that signals a change in the lives of people. With the impending conclusion of summertime, plans are being made for children to return to the classroom, vacation times are drawing to an end, and even for the church, we plan for the coming autumn months.

At St. Jacob’s, we find ourselves in the same pattern of life as so many other congregations. We have had a wonderful summer season. Our volunteers planned and hosted an amazing Vacation Bible School. Several of our children participated in the Solid Rock Day Camp. Sunday school attendance and participation has greatly increased. The Journey Sunday School class worked diligently in completing improvements to our church office building. Angela led another great time of Musical Mondays for our youth hand bell group. And on a personal note, I was able to participate in an amazing mission trip to Congo.

All in all, the 2023 Summer season at St. Jacob’s found our congregation quite actively engaged in the mission God has set before us. But now, it is time for a change in seasons. The author of Ecclesiastes, in his wisdom, reminds the people of God that there is a time and a season for every matter under heaven. Even as congregations conclude their summer programs, there are still many opportunities to serve our loving God. In the pattern of Christian life, there truly is a time and a season for everything.

Many of us enjoy hearing the words of Ecclesiastes 3 that speak of the times and seasons. Perhaps this is so because we remember the song that came out of the 1960’s that quoted these verses. But keeping the passage in context, the real blessing of the wisdom shared by King David’s son (also identified as “the Preacher”) comes to us in the verses following the identification of the times and seasons for all matters under heaven.

In Ecclesiastes 3:9-12 we read further: “What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live.” The Preacher’s observations on life convinced him that “the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to the men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all” (Ecc. 9:11). Man’s fate, the Preacher maintains, does not depend on righteous or wicked conduct but is a mystery that remains hidden in God (Ecc. 9:1). All attempts to unravel this mystery and thereby gain the wisdom necessary to secure one’s fate are “vanity,” or futile. In the face of such uncertainty, the author’s counsel is to enjoy the good things that God provides while one has them to enjoy, for man does not know his own time.

So what does this mean for the people of God today. Well, the same thing it meant for God’s people of all time. We are to live lives of thanks and praise to the God who supplies all that is
needed for daily life. We are to love God with our whole being, and our neighbor as ourselves. All the worries and cares of this life are placed well within the hands of the One who created and
sustains humanity and all that is captured within this world. Living as thankful people, we can find joy in learning from God’s Word together, while exploring the richness and blessing of the
relationship we share together in Christ Jesus.

For everything there truly is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. There is a time for us to worship together, a time for us to laugh and cry as a family of faith; a time for us to play, and a time for us to work in mission and ministry for the sake of others. There is a time to cherish our life together and a time to grow and share all these blessings with the community around us.

As the season of summer draws to its eventual close and the autumn of 2023 breaks in upon us, let us all give thanks to God for the times and seasons we have together in this place, and let us pray that God would continue to bless our congregation well into the future with a vibrant life together, inviting and welcoming others to become members of the family of St. Jacob’s here in Chapin.
Grace and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Matthew 28:9-10
I don’t mind saying that as I sit down to write this month’s installment, I’m stuck. I’m stuck because we are in the midst of the Easter season where it is our Christian endeavor to share the Good News of Christ’s resurrection, but by the month’s end, we will have celebrated Jesus’ ascension into heaven, and the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. There is so much liturgical and theological fruit to be gleaned from the fields of faith that I cannot possibly think of a way to cover it all in one page of the newsletter. So, let’s stick with the chief purpose for all Christians and continue the proclamation of the resurrection.
As we navigate our current times here in Chapin, we soon see a community that is growing by leaps and bounds. Our small community is one of the fastest growing areas of the state. As we learned during our Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit, we can expect greater housing development and economic expansion in the times ahead. “What has this got to do with the resurrection” you may ask? Well, again as we found out during our Fresh Eyes Summit, over 63% of the people who live within fifteen minutes drive time from St. Jacob’s are not affiliated with any sort of church or religious entity. That’s a lot of people, approximately forty-eight thousand!
As Jesus told the women who came to the tomb on that first day of the week, he tells us also. “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” The key to this verse is that Jesus is sending his people into the world to share the Good News of God’s saving grace through Christ our Lord. Hear again the first four words Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.”
It is common knowledge that the reason Christians today are not very good at evangelism (sharing the Gospel) is because they are apprehensive in speaking about faith issues with others, especially strangers. But this is exactly what Christ calls every Christian to do. And since God calls us all to be evangelists, we need not be afraid. Even if someone turns you away, you have still planted the seed of God’s Word. Imagine how it would have been if those women who first encountered the risen Lord Jesus kept the news to themselves. We might not be here at St. Jacob’s or even have a church at all. We might not have the fellowship of other believers, or dear friends whom we enjoy seeing each week in worship. We might not be sharing the Sacrament of Holy Communion, or participating in our Sunday schools, Bible studies, and VBS.
Well, if we are not sharing the Good News of Jesus with our community, then there are over forty eight thousand unchurched people who do not realize these blessings that many of us take for granted. If we don’t share the Gospel with others, we also are not following Jesus’ command to tell others. Faith, love, and hope we have in our Lord compel us to tell others, not just during the Easter season, but during all times and seasons.
As Pastor and Shepherd for St. Jacob’s, I am working on developing ways that we might learn together how to be more effective in the mission of evangelism. It begins with knowing the story, and then developing confidence in telling the story to others. As St. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7, “…we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” The treasure is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The clay Jars are our fragile and imperfect human bodies. God has entrusted to us the mission of His Gospel and will not allow us to fail, so there is no reason to feel apprehensive, uncomfortable, or afraid. Yes, it is awkward at first, but it doesn’t take long to realize that you can do this with God’s help, and He will help you.
Once we embark on this mission, the “stuckness” will soon fade. When we become more proficient in our evangelism, our congregation, as a whole will become energized and refreshed by the power of the same Gospel which we share. So hear again the words of Jesus on the first day of the week. ““Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers…” Invite them to St. Jacob’s and here they will encounter the power of the risen Christ,
Grace to you and peace,
David Nuottila

[Peter and the other disciple] were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. John 20:4
Recently while looking through some old Bible study material, I stumbled upon a video that made me pause for a while. It is a video of a skit portrayed by two men called “The Skit Guys.” In the video, they are enacting the events of the first Easter morning. Peter and John (The Skit Guys) are told by some women that they have seen Jesus. In response, they run to the empty tomb. John runs much swifter and much more sure footed than Peter. Their faces display the anticipation and even perhaps a bit of fear concerning what they might find. John reaches the tomb first, but he won’t look inside or enter. Then Peter arrives, huffing and puffing, but he enters the tomb without stopping to think. As I replay this video in my mind, this is the point where I have to hit the pause button.
I wonder to myself, upon hearing the reports of the women saying they have seen Jesus very much alive, would I be bold enough to charge into Christ’s tomb? Even as I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus was beaten, whipped and crucified, would I have the where with all to enter the tomb where they laid his body only to find it empty? Thinking about that for a while, I finally decided that, yes I would. Having walked with Jesus for three years as a disciple, having witnessed his many miracles, and having come to believe Jesus is who he says he is; I would have to enter the tomb.
I suppose the question I have for you, my church family, is much the same that I faced when watching this video. If someone came to you early in the morning, excited and out of breath, and told you that they had seen Jesus and he is very much alive, you would run to the tomb in order to see for yourself? Would this amazing news of Christ’s resurrection stir your emotions so deep that you would simply have to wit ness the event with your own eyes? I suspect that it would. I suspect that given such extraordinary news, you too would run to the tomb of Jesus in wondrous expectation. We would likely do this because of the same reason Peter and John did; we are his disciples and we love him.
Through the reading of Holy Scripture, worship and prayer, we are witnesses to the many amazing miracles of Jesus. We are students of his teaching and recipients of his grace. Following Jesus through out his mission and ministry, we too have come to know Jesus as Messiah and Lord, through whom we have forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life. Throughout the past twelve months, since Easter of last year, I pray that in my preaching and teaching, you have heard the gospel of Christ and the reports that Jesus is indeed alive!
Even as we have traveled the Lenten Road once more, even as we are about to once again mark the event of Christ’s Passion, and come to the realization that yes, Jesus did give up his life for our sake. Soon, the sun will rise on yet another Easter morning. Yes, we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that Jesus died and was buried, but still the reports of his resurrection persist. Jesus is alive! We have seen him! How sweet this news is to the ears of the people of God.
At the conclusion of the video, Peter finally emerges from the tomb to meet John who is still standing outside. Peter, holding the burial garments of Christ in his hands, can only look at John with a stare of complete amazement. As the two disciples take in the meaning of what they have witnessed, all they can do is laugh through their tears of joy. Jesus is alive. He is risen! It happened just as he said it would.
People of God, as Easter Sunday is upon us, I invite you to run to the empty tomb and see for yourself. Come hear the good news of Jesus’ resurrection once more. If you have not been in worship for a while, what a great time to come! I invite you to run to the tomb, charge right in and behold the glory of God in the resurrection of our Lord. It happened just the way Jesus said it would. I invite you to be a part of the Easter story and to be a part of the celebration among your church family. Come hear the good news of Christ Jesus. He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
In March, our congregation is about to embark on a journey. It is an opportunity to do what nearly every congregation must do from time to time. We will gather to look at ourselves, our ministry, our mission and purpose with “Fresh Eyes for Mission.” This is a crucial step to be taken at a crucial time for our church family.
Through the years, St. Jacob’s has been a part of the community in and around Chapin. Through the lives of our members, we have enjoyed long lasting relationships with schools, local government, public servants, and a plethora of civic and religious groups. But as we consider these things, we must ask ourselves, “Have we been fully engaged in the mission of the Gospel here in this place?”
Like a lot of churches, St. Jacob’s is not the congregation we once were ten or fifteen years ago. But in our collective memory, we might be slow to acknowledge this. Many congregations are experiencing decline in membership, worship attendance, Sunday school participation, and family-oriented ministries. It’s often difficult to pinpoint the reason for such decline, but unless it is addressed, congregations can expect the trends to continue.
We are no different. I’ve spent several days pouring over St. Jacob’s report books for our recent past, and have seen for myself the decline that has occurred since the early 2000’s. The one thing that stands out for me in these reports is the level of participation our members shared in the mission and ministry. Also, the welcoming of new members into the church family (mostly through baptism or transfer from another congregation). The number of persons welcomed into St. Jacob’s through other means (invitation, new Chris tians) is small and has declined significantly through recent years. With a community growing at the pace Chapin is experiencing, this seems surprising.
Looking at St. Jacob’s with Fresh Eyes will allow us all to begin formulating a vision for future ministry and perhaps even growth. It will provide the means to have fruitful, and meaningful conversation centered on what God is calling us to do and be for the sake of our neighbors. And finally, we will have opportunity to pray together, asking God for guidance, insight, and patience, as we look for renewal of faithful and energetic ministry here in this place.
Several congregations within our Carolinas Mission region have conducted Fresh Eyes Summits. With the assistance of NALC leadership, they have experienced renewed excitement and commitment within their ranks, and look to the future with hope that is centered in faithful commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. We can expect the same result if only we come together as a church family and make an honest assessment of who we are and discern the direction in which God is calling us.
A brief questionnaire is included in this newsletter, and will also be available for everyone to fill out on Sunday, March 5th. It is anonymous so you don’t have to worry about comments being attached to you. The questions are quite simple, but will provide important talking points for our Fresh Eyes Summit. Please fill it out and leave it in the box provided on the table near the narthex doors.
Finally, I am asking all of you to gather in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, March 11th to participate in the Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit work shop. Like I said earlier, it is a crucial time in our life together and an important conversation that we need to have. Please make the commitment to be there on March 11th. The workshop will go from 9:00AM – 3:00PM. It is arranged in such a way that your voice will be heard and your ideas given proper attention. I look forward to experiencing this with you and to discovering some of the new things God has in store for us. I’m sure there are also some familiar aspects of our ministry that will be lifted up and renewed as well. Thanks be to God for this opportunity to be a vibrant part of His mission here in Chapin now, and well into the future. This truly comes from the pastor’s heart.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:10
Remember, you are dust. As if we need a reminder. In the second chapter of Genesis we read that God created humankind from the dust of the ground. It wasn’t long after, that Adam and Eve fell into sin and God explained to them the consequences of their disobedience. In chapter 3, God said to Adam, “By the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread, until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return” Genesis 3:19.
And so, since that time, God’s people have had to face the truth, you are dust, and there is nothing you can do about it. To dust you shall return.
Each year, about this time, Christians all over the world are confronted with the fact that, because we are sinners, we are deserving of God’s punishment and wrath. It is the reality we face on Ash Wednesday. Well, in truth, it is only a part of the reality we face on Ash Wednesday. The other part is that we receive the good news that God has provided for us the means to escape eternal punishment. God, who is rich in mercy, provides for his people a Savior who will spare us from the eternal death we so richly deserve.
Facing these realities, Christians all over the world begin the annual metaphorical pilgrimage to the cross of Christ where the victory over sin is won. The season of Lent is a somber time, a time for self-reflection upon our lives as sinners, yet also as God’s redeemed people through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. The worship services of the Church are meant to provide people with an opportunity to reflect upon their need for a Savior, and to remind them that we indeed have one. He is Christ the Lord.
All that Christ endured, his pain, his suffering, he did so for our sake. As God’s incarnate Word, Jesus came into the world to fully identify with God’s created people who have fallen away from the Father’s intentions and expectations.
Centuries before Christ was born, King David, of all people, stood convicted in his sin. Just like every one else, King David was formed from the dust of the ground. David knew there was nothing he could do to erase the shame and guilt that he brought upon himself through his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. Mercy could only come from the God whom he grievously disobeyed. And so, in his guilt and shame, he bore his heart to God.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit (Psalm 51:10-12). David’s prayer is our prayer too. Only through Christ are we saved. Even as we are dust, through God’s grace, mercy and love, Christ extends the promise of God’s kingdom to all who believe.
This year, as we make our annual Lenten journey to the cross together, we will do so following a particular journey. I will be preaching a series of sermons entitled “The Journey of Stones.” Each Sunday during Lent we will hear messages meant to reveal the hardness of our hearts, hearts as hard as stone. By journey’s end, we will leave this hardness of heart where it belongs, at the foot of the cross of Christ.
I invite you to commit to weekly worship during Lent and to make this journey with the rest of your church family. It begins with worship on Ash Wednesday, February 22, when we are marked with the ashen cross of Christ, the symbol of our mortality blended with the symbol of our salvation. Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return. God’s grace and peace be unto you all during this season of Lent and forever and always.
Blessings,
Pastor David Nuottila