And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:10-11
Mark does not tell us exactly where John was located while he was baptizing, except that he baptized in the waters of the Jordan River. Many people went out into the wilderness to hear John preach his message of repentance and to be baptized by him. This ritual washing was their means of declaring their turning from sinful behavior in order to live a more godly life. When Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized by John, he had no need to repent. Jesus did so to “fulfill all righteousness” and to completely identify himself with those whom he came to save. As he came up out of the water, Jesus heard the voice of his Father; “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
How many children long to hear such words from their father? These words of love and acceptance are words each child craves, yet many never hear such words from their father’s lips or feel the warmth of their father’s embrace. Many others grow up living with the absence of their father. Yes, some fathers turn from family responsibilities, but for so many children, love isn’t so plainly expressed simply because fathers are apprehensive to show their compassionate side. All too often, fathers feel they must be seen as strong and unwavering. Indeed, I will say the reality is that it takes even more strength to overcome such stigma and show the tenderness of a father’s love.
For so many people, the world seems a lonely place, one in which there is little love shown toward others. As we make our way through the trials and pitfalls of earthly life, we do so searching for love. Especially when times are difficult and it seems the world is against us, we long to hear the words Jesus heard from his Father; “You are my beloved [child].” For the baptized, this is a reality that cannot be overlooked.
Through his Son Jesus Christ, God has demonstrated the lengths he will go to save his people, rescuing them from the powers of sin and death. There is no other love that is greater than the love of the Father in heaven. There is no greater value than that the Father places upon his children, those whom he has claimed in baptism to be his own forever.
God desires to have a relationship with all people; he desires to save all people from their sin. As we hear the message of the gospel, the Holy Spirit moves us toward the waters of Holy Baptism. Through the waters connected to God’s Word and promise, our heavenly Father reaches out to us and holds us in his loving embrace. In a discussion during our annual Pastor’s Conference, it was presented to the ministerium that in Holy Baptism, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. While participation in the Spirit entails a variety of blessings, the Spirit is the promise. The Holy Spirit is the love between the Father and the Son. He cleanses us of sin and brings us into that divine relationship. Our life within the church is inseparable from this fellowship with God. The Baptized are joined to the Son, in spirit filled anticipation of the kingdom, such that, with Christ, we may call God “Father.” (Yoder, 2021)
As we emerge from the waters of the baptismal flood, we are greeted with the very words God spoke to Jesus, “You are my beloved [child].” Living in the bonds of the Father’s love, the baptized enjoy a relationship like no other. It is the forever assurance that no matter what happens in this temporary world, the Father, whose kingdom has no end, will love us and cherish us forever.
God bless the men of St. Jacob’s who are both, loving fathers and examples of fatherly love for the children of our congregation. And God bless us all as we live together in the Father’s love.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart Archive
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted June 7, 2021 By adminFrom 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
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted March 2, 2021 By adminWhere there is no prophetic vision the people perish but blessed is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18 KJV
During the most recent NALC Convocation, Bishop Dan Selbo shared his vision for the future of the North American Lutheran Church. The 2020 Vision, as he called it, is a ten-point vision of what and where he sees as the next set of building blocks for the NALC as we grow into the future of our mission and ministry. Reflecting upon Bishop Dan’s vision, I spent time in prayer and study concerning a vision of what and where I believe God is calling us at St. Jacobs to be as we grow into the future of our mission and ministry here. What follows is the fruit of this prayerful study. I hope and pray that our church family is willing and able to embrace this six-point vision for our future so that we truly become faithful participants in God’s mission for the sake of the world. I am convinced that each point within this vision is central to the future growth and ministry of St. Jacob’s. As with the bishop’s 2020 vision, each vision point carries with it an associated goal for the future.
Point #1 – That St. Jacob’s develops an intentional Disciple Making Culture. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is more than simply calling yourself a disciple. Disciples continually learn from their teacher. They embrace a way of life where one lives in the world but not of the world. It is my hope that St. Jacob’s develops a culture where our church family members learn the importance and benefit of living as disciples of Jesus Christ. Becoming students of God’s Word through reading Scripture daily, engaging in Christian education opportunities of the church on a regular basis. This vision includes helping people develop an intentional prayer life, teaching church family members how it is they might share their faith with others outside St. Jacob’s, and growing in a deeper, more personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. The Goal: That St. Jacob’s would develop a small group ministry dedicated to assist members as they grow in discipleship and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Point #2 – Growing the Christian Education Ministries of our Congregation. It is becoming more and more common that children do not know the great stories of the Bible. This is an issue that has not just popped up overnight, it has happened because all too often parents have not stressed the importance of Sunday school and Christian education. It has been increasingly difficult to provide Christian Education for people of all ages due to a lack of willingness of adults to serve as Sunday school teachers for our young people. My vision for St. Jacob’s Christian Education includes classes where I might help equip and empower adult members of our Congregation to become faith leaders for our children. This is why I have begun the St. Jacob’s Online campus. Learning more about the Biblical narrative will provide others with the confidence needed to relate the biblical story to our life today and help our children to grow in faithfulness and love for the Lord. The Goal: That the majority of church family members embrace Christian learning and become active participants in studying the Scriptures together in Bible studies and Sunday school.
Point #3 – Raising up Leaders for the Church. While St. Jacob’s does support our NALC Seminary system through benevolent giving, I believe we are well equipped to help the NALC raise up the next generation of Pastors. The evidence for this is how the congregation welcomed and provided a place for NALC Candidate Philip Sandi to come and begin developing skills and confidence as he discerns his call to ministry. St. Jacob’s has previously served as an internship site and would provide an excellent contextual education opportunity for an intern of the NALC to come and learn and growinto the vocation of pastoral ministry. The Goal: That St. Jacob’s would discern the importance of this ministry and become an internship site for the NALC.
Point #4 – That St. Jacob’s would Grow in our Focus on Mission and Outreach. One of the CORE Values of the NALC is that the NALC is a Mission Driven Church. Since its founding by the apostles, the Church of Jesus Christ has existed for the sake of her neighbor. In Matthew 25, Jesus calls his followers to minister to the poor, the needy, hungry, sick and marginalized. The North American Lutheran Church calls upon congregations to engage this mission by participating in Local ministries, NALC mission partnerships, and at least one global ministry. Certainly, we do these things through our benevolent giving, but participating through “hands on” projects will help us grow in our sense of mission and ministry. We have plenty of resources at our disposal for use in active participation within several ministries such as NALC disaster response, WE CARE of Chapin and, Congo Mission International. The Goal: That St. Jacob’s church family members would lend their talents to working on mission projects regularly and the Outreach Team would become leaders in Mission projects throughout the year.
Point #5 – That St. Jacob’s develops a Welcoming and Inviting Culture through which the surrounding community is able to come and hear the Gospel and find a community of believers that shares their life together in Christ Jesus. So many studies have been conducted in recent years that point to the fact that most people come to a new church because they were personally invited by its members. Another study by the Barna group points to the issue that average Christian today only invites 1.2 people annually to their church for Sunday worship. As Chapin continues to grow in population and diversity, I believe we are uniquely situated to provide a community for worship for so many who do not have a church home of their own. When is the last time you invited someone to come to worship at St. Jacob’s? You might just want to begin with those family members who have been missing for a number of months or years. The Goal: That St. Jacob’s becomes known as an inviting congregation throughout Chapin and the surrounding community.
Point #6 – That St. Jacob’s grows in our Sense of Christian Fellowship. When I first came to St. Jacob’s, I was told that I shouldn’t go hungry because we are a congregation that likes to eat. This is music to the ears of those who enjoy a robust time of fellowship with family and friends. Sadly, even before the pandemic, fellowship opportunities at St. Jacob’s have been fewer and farther between. I’m not sure why this is the case, but it goes without saying that a congregation that enjoys lively Christian fellowship also enjoys a healthy relationship and life together. The Goal: As we emerge from the global pandemic, St. Jacob’s schedules frequent events during which we would enjoy fellowship among our church family.
I believe these vision points are central to the mission and ministry of St. Jacob’s future. With God’s help we will grow and become a house of prayer for many to call their church home. As the proverb says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” I believe living as a disciple of Jesus Christ is the key. If we attempt to build our ministry on our own, we will surely stumble. This vision for our congregation is not something That I offer on my own, but it is offered to you as I have prayed for God’s guidance in leading St. Jacob’s into the future of our life together in Christ. Having a vision for ministry is crucial to any congregation. We need to understand the direction in which we are traveling, that is if we are traveling at all. The desire here is to help us move forward. If we don’t know what it is that we are moving toward, it will be increasingly difficult to recognize the destination when we finally arrive.
Thank you for indulging me in this rather lengthy installment of my monthly column. I ask you all to prayerfully consider each of these ministry points and discern your role within them.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted February 1, 2021 By admin“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
As several within our church family know, I have been engaged in a Doctor of Ministry program (DMIN) for the last few years. In the Spring of 2020, I completed all the required course work for this degree. What is left is to complete my thesis project and dissertation. The focus of my work is to equip and empower parents of all ages to be faith leaders within the family. This extends to parents of all ages with children of all ages. I believe it is crucial that congregations realize the importance of families growing together in faith and their relationship with Christ. Truly, I do not have to look far to see how a parent can struggle with such faithful practice.
While raising my own children, I would love to say I was the picture of the ideal parent. Like so many, Angela and I struggled with balancing things between the secular world and the church. Travel sports teams and other public school events pulled us in several directions, but mostly they would attempt to pull us away from our life of faith. Still, as I watch my oldest son teaching his children, I soon realize there were many things I could have and should have done differently.
As a father, I certainly missed many opportunities to be a faith teacher for my kids. As I search for a reason, I quickly realize that I never learned how to become the faith leader for my family. Back then there was little emphasis placed on equipping parents for the spiritual fight against the powers of the world, even today there are few resources provided parents mired within this struggle. Now as a pastor, I pray that I can help parents become models of faith for their children, especially for their adult children and grandchildren. Doing so means owning up to those times when we recognize that, as parents, we have fallen short in keeping our
baptismal promises made on the behalf of our children.
Admitting such is not pleasant, but once understood, an awareness of God’s loving grace envelops parents and we soon realize the treasure trove of guidance we have through the words of Holy Scripture and the love and support network of the fellowship of believers. God’s compassionate empowerment is there at the ready for anyone who would ask.
Given my many years of service within the Church, and through life experiences and the lessons I have learned from others, my hope is that the children (of all ages) of St. Jacob’s will grow in faith and fellowship with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that parents will feel they have been equipped to become models of faith for their children.
As my DMIN Work continues, it is my prayer that the fruit of four years of doctoral study will produce helpful resources through which I am able to offer pastoral support for families struggling against the powers that continue in their attempt to pull God’s children away from a life of faith.
If you have ever wondered “Why don’t my children want to come to church?” Or if you have adult children that seem to have fallen away from the good habits of Christian life, I invite you to come along on this journey with me. Part of doctoral work within the church is engaging people in their faith, meeting them where it matters and doing the work of the gospel together.
This is truly an issue that lies at the heart of your pastor. It is my prayer that God would grant me the wisdom, insight, and patience to see it through. I know he will for as my favorite Bible passage states, “He who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted December 29, 2020 By adminI seldom make New Year resolutions, but this year I believe I will be making an exception. As we begin our fourth year together and look forward to continuing our ministry of the Gospel, I’m personally looking forward to working with our ministry team leaders and their respective teams. I believe we have reached a point in our time together where God is calling us to a wider vision and to a greater purpose as a congregation and church family.
For starters, it will be interesting to find where God is leading us in our worship and music program. The COVID pandemic will not last forever and soon it will be time to reassemble our choirs. We might ask, “Where do we encounter the risen Christ and how do we make his presence known through the music of St. Jacob’s?” “Where is God in our Children’s and Adult choir rehearsals and anthems?” How will we glorify God through hand bell choirs, guitars and other instruments?” These are good questions, and our Worship and Music ministry team will play an important role in listening for God’s answers.
And what of our Outreach Ministry team? There are important questions surrounding our love and care for our neighbors in their physical and spiritual needs. It is time to discern the ways in which we might make Christ known in the lives of others. Are we following Jesus as he leads us into the world? How is it that each one of our church family members is actively participating in the ministry of St. Jacob’s? Feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, giving aid to the poor and welcoming the stranger are all everyday tasks within the Christian vocation. It is what Jesus means when he says “take up your cross and follow me.”
What is the goal of our Christian education program? God calls us to go into the world making disciples, teaching all that he has commanded. Is this the Great Commission we understand when we gather to make plans for the next Vacation Bible School or Sunday school curriculum? Or are we simply satisfied to maintain the status quo and do things we have always done them? Where is God when we offer Bible studies or workshops? Is he calling you to greater participation? God calls us all to grow in faith through hearing His Word. Perhaps some might consider (and I hope you will) becoming a teacher of the faith or a disciple in training.
Then we have our youth program. Where is God as we raise our youngest members in faith? Certainly, God calls each one of us to be mentors for our children, and we promise we will do these things as we baptize. We are all called to be teachers of the faith, mentors helping them grow and supporters of their mission and efforts as they find their purpose in God’s kingdom. Where is God as we help our children grow as disciples?
Finally, how do we acknowledge God’s presence as we do the work of leadership within our congregation? When we make decisions that involve our time, talent, and treasure, are we making them with God’s purposes in mind? Or are we simply trying to figure out the best way of doing things as simply as possible without causing too much disturbance while keeping a close eye on the budget? As we perform maintenance and repair, make plans for future upgrades or simply preserve that which we already have, we are to accomplish our work while understanding every corner, nook and cranny of St. Jacob’s is the temple of God set aside for worship and prayer. How do we use every inch of what we have, on both sides of the street, to proclaim Christ crucified and risen? Truly I tell you, it makes a difference. Asking “Where is God in all this?” brings all of us to the point of realizing that nothing we have actually belongs to us. God is the Creator and Owner. Our gracious God blesses his people with everything imaginable to accomplish the task he sets before us. Asking “Where is God in all this focuses people on the very point that our mission is to do God’s mission.
It is the beginning of a new year, the onset of another chapter in the life of our congregation. More than this, it is time to begin preparing St. Jacob’s for a greater purpose and presence in the life of Christ’s church on earth. I’m looking forward to seeing these days unfold. I’m excited at the possibilities we have before us. Where is God in all this? He is right here in our midst. God is the one equipping and empowering us with gifts beyond measure, that we might show others the wonders of his love in Christ Jesus. Happy New Year everyone, and may God continue to bless us as his servants of the gospel. Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted December 2, 2020 By adminFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
These words from the prophet Isaiah are very familiar. We hear them every year as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas and once more receiving God’s promise of salvation through his beloved Son. Hearing them so often, it is clear to us what the prophet is saying in his foretelling of the birth of the Christ child. God will come to his people, taking on human form, invading our time and space. But imagine yourself a person in the kingdom of Judah, living in Isaiah’s time and hearing the prophet proclaim this message from God firsthand. Certainly, questions would come to mind. “Who is this child Isaiah is talking about?” “When will the child be born?” So many questions to be asked, so many answers to be given, but for now, all the people of Judah could do is hear the message of the prophet and wait for God to reveal what is to be done.
As the Church enters into yet another season of Advent, especially within a year such as this, the question becomes; “What are we waiting for?” One thing that would spring into the forefront is that we are all waiting for the coronavirus to finally run its course. We are waiting for a return to “normalcy.” As a people world-wide, we are waiting for the all clear signal that life would resume as it was before we had even learned the word COVID-19. But if that is all we are waiting for, once again we have missed the mark.
As so many people turn the pages of their calendars from November to December, thoughts of the Christmas celebration quickly move to the forefront. There are plans to be made, parties to
attend, cards to be mailed and gifts to be purchased, all while being sure to wear masks,
wash hands and remain six feet apart from others. Lockdown, social distance, and quarantine are words that have challenged us in the way we live. Still, it is nearly Christmas. What about the promise? Where do Isaiah’s words enter the picture for our celebration this Christmas?
Well, first of all, as we hear these words, we should remember they are words of Advent. They are words of promise and words of patiently waiting for God to act. Isaiah calls us to reflect on God’s promises. Isaiah calls us to a time of anticipation and a time of faithful waiting. The message of our Advent season is that, just as Christ came into the world so long ago, he will come again bringing God’s kingdom to his people in its fullness and glory.
As we patiently wait for Christ to come again, we respond in faithfulness to Jesus’ commandment to love God and love others as God loves us. Even during a world-wide pandemic, his love continues to be the calling for the people of God. As we await the coming of God’s Messiah, we must strengthen the relationships we share, remain diligent in our service to our neighbor, and strive toward greater faithfulness and discipleship.
Yes, we will celebrate Christmas. But this year it will seem different. Safeguards will be in place. Crowds within churches will be smaller, and the programs for the season will certainly be somewhat modified. But the promise remains the same.
As Isaiah said so many years ago, the Christ child has been given unto us. Christ invaded our world, taking on human form and reconciling people to God. Now we await that day when Christ will come again, just as he has promised to do. We actively wait by lifting up our voices in praise and thanksgiving, loving our neighbor as God loves us, and by passing on the good news of Christ to a world in need of God’s grace – just as we have always done.
Blessings to you all this Advent season, and peace to you as we celebrate together the Nativity of our Lord.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 31, 2020 By adminFor it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.
Matthew 25:14-15
The parable of the talents is one that we have heard many times. It comes to us towards the end of the church year and often serves as a text concerning our stewardship. Believe it or not, the parable of the talents is not about money. To think so is to miss the point of this passage. This parable is given by our Lord as he teaches us about preparing for his coming again, Yet, as it is in so many churches, we read this parable and immediately focus upon the talents rather than the servants to whom they have been entrusted.
Two of the servants quickly go to work using the talents they have been allotted to produce even more talents. The third servant does not. He is afraid of the master and so he buries the talent he has been provided and sits idle while awaiting the master’s return. Upon the master’s return, the two who have used these talents for their intended purpose are rewarded and enter into the master’s joy while the idle servant is stripped of his talent and sent away.
Jesus teaches us that as we await his coming again, we are to continue to carry on the mission he handed to the apostles so long ago. We do not know when he will return, but we do know that he has entrusted much into the hands of his people. As stewards of what God has entrusted to us, the mission is not to focus on growing the wealth of the church; it is to continue the mission and work God has given his people to do until Christ comes again.
Have you ever wondered why churches with the least amount of money seem to do the most in the way of mission and ministry? Attend a mission region or church-wide convocation and you will see what I mean. Among the many presentations given one will notice these efforts of small congregations that are busily and cheerfully engaged in the mission of the Gospel. It is because their focus is not on the money, but on the servants doing the work of the Master.
St. Jacob’s is not unlike any other congregation. God has called people with various gifts and talents to this place in order that we too would be engaged in his mission. With the many gifts and talents shared among us, we too are called to worship, learn, build up the faith of one another as we also minister to the needy within our community and world. God also expects that we would be busy in the growing of his church, that is the body of Christ on earth, by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. That seems like a long list of things to do, one that would require many talents. The good news is that God has provided everything we need.
Rather than explain the rest of the parable, I would simply encourage you to discern the talents God has placed within your grasp. I also invite you to ponder how you can use these, along with the gifts of others within our church family to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. It is stewardship time. We have all been provided with time and talent sheets. Look them over. See where you might become engaged in the mission of the church. God has entrusted every member of St. Jacob’s with gifts and talents. How shall we use them? If you are uncertain, please contact me and I will pray with you. Together we can share the Master’s joy as we share his goodness and mercy with others.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 1, 2020 By adminNow there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
October is a month that brings along several seasonal changes. Most notably, the hot tempera-tures of summer give way to more comfortable days and cooler nights. Leaves on the trees begin turning color and even animals begin the work of winter’s preparation. Look around you. The season is changing.
October is also a month that brings opportunity, and dare I say the word “change” here at St. Jacob’s. For once, I can put away language of the coronavirus and not even mention Covid-19. No, the opportunity and possible change I speak of is something that happens every October. Yet, this year it is more noticeable than most.
Each October, the Stewardship Team wrestles with helping to build a budget, inspire everyone to be cheerful givers and look out for the financial well-being of our congregation for the coming year. They also wrestle with building ministry teams and seeking volunteers in the hopes of rekindling the flames of ministries that were once vibrant but now seem somewhat stalled. This is a concern I share, especially this year.
As it is with many congregations, we have ministry team leaders that have been at their post for quite a while. Most of our team leaders are ready for relief. Others have completed their “tour of duty” so to speak and are ready to “step down.” For this to happen, they need someone to “step up.” Here is where my concern enters the picture.
Now is the opportune time for St. Jacob’s to earnestly become involved within our community and greater church. Now is the opportune time for us to take the Word of God to those who do not
have a home church but need to hear a word from God. Now is the time for more workers to enter the vineyard, plant the seeds and nurture those that sprout. However, as I read over the list of those who actively engage in this sort of ministry, Jesus’s words ring true. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
Now is the opportune time for our ministry teams to be refreshed with new ideas and dare I say younger leaders. God has blessed St. Jacob’s with many talented and gifted people. Yes, several work hard as they make a living and provide for their families. But the same is true of those who have served so well and for so long. As disciples of Jesus, we all are to be aware of our giftedness. We are all to be made aware of our calling from Christ to take up our cross and follow him. We all are to be good stewards of the time and talent God provides.
Each one of us is gifted by the Holy Spirit. Each one of us is enabled and empowered to grow the body of Christ using the gifts of the Spirit. My prayer for St. Jacob’s is that we don’t miss this opportune time. I will be intentional in my prayers for our church family. I will be intentional in my assisting the Stewardship Team in seeking team leaders. I will be intentional in helping team leaders build vibrant and enthusiastic ministry teams ready to begin working toward the harvest. Will you be intentional in your prayers? Will you be willing to use your spiritual gift? Will you be willing to enter the vineyard and work alongside other disciples as they plant the seeds of God’s word? Now is the opportune time. Let’s not let it go by.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted September 1, 2020 By adminActs 19:2 [Paul writes] “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
I remember reading a devotion written by my friend and fellow NALC Pastor Gemechis Buba concerning the above scripture passage. Within his devotion, Pastor Buba describes the fullness and richness of a life lived in through the power of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit God pours out upon his people through their Baptism. With regards to their Baptism, Paul puts forward a simple question to the people in Ephesus, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” The people of the church in Ephesus were quite honest in their answer. They informed Paul that they had not even heard of the Holy Spirit. As I read this passage once more, I wonder how we at St. Jacob’s might address our receiving God’s Holy Spirit.
I don’t think Lutherans talk enough about the Holy Spirit, much less talk about being blessed with spiritual gifts. Yet as baptized people of God, we truly are blessed with this same Spirit of God that Jesus’ disciples, Paul and the saints at Ephesus received. Still, Lutherans tend to be more reserved when it comes to acting in what we perceive to be a “spiritual way.” But Pastor Buba is right when he wrote in his devotion that “the Christian life becomes powerless, meaningless, and dull” without the power and presence of the Holy Spirit evident in our lives. The Holy Spirit fills the hearts and minds of Christian people with the joy and hope of God’s amazing grace. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a tremendous blessing, a life giving blessing…a life SAVING blessing.
Think about it for a moment. As Lutherans, we have been taught that it is the Holy Spirit that brings us to faith. That faith enables us to believe in Jesus Christ. As sinful creatures we cannot, by our own power, come to believe, let alone have faith in the resurrected Lord. By its very nature, our sin seeks to drive us away from having a relationship with God. Yet, as we are baptized and the pastor lays hands on us (as Paul laid hands on the saints at Ephesus), God pours out his Holy Spirit upon us, cleanses us from the stains of our fallen humanity, and clothes us in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. This, my friends, should bring us to loud shouts of thanksgiving. It is at this particular moment in time when we are brought to new life in Christ. Through this gift of the Holy Spirit, God calls us to live differently; He calls us to live as children of God. Such a Spirit filled life is both joyous and exciting.
Friends, as baptized children of our loving God, we are invited into a deep and rich relationship with the One who created all there is. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that each of us would always welcome more spiritual joy in our lives, especially in these times of the pandemic. Believe me, when you realize the presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, your life will never be the same. Soon and very soon the joy of being redeemed by God in Christ Jesus and brought to faith by the power of the Holy Spirit will fill your heart.
Let us be honest with ourselves and admit we need to experience the love, hope, and peace the Holy Spirit brings to us. Let us all welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives and not be afraid to show others just how joyful we are to be God’s children. I promise you that as you live in the power and love of the Holy Spirit, God will satisfy the hunger and thirst of your souls and pour out blessings upon you. Express this joy as often as you can so that others can see how God changes the lives of people.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted August 1, 2020 By adminby Pastor David Nuottila
Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.” Mark 4:26-27
Throughout July, our texts from the Gospel according to Matthew have included several of Jesus’s farming parables. The fourth chapter of Mark’s gospel could also be described as the Lord’s Guide to Kingdom Farming. Jesus teaches with parables involving fertile soil; sunshine; the sower; and of course, seeds. In the first of the farmer parables, the sower willfully scatters seed in all types of soil. Some of the seed grows, some struggles against other unwanted plants, and there is a portion that seems to have little chance at all. Yet the sower is always generous with the seed of God’s Word.
In the text above, there is little doubt that the farmer takes no credit for the sprouting of the seed. Instead, the farmer sleeps and rises with the day and night, simply having faith that growth will occur. Please read the parable found in Mark 4:26-34 to get the fuller context. The farmer in God’s kingdom understands powers beyond his own are at work causing the seed to sprout and grow. When the time is right, he takes up the sickle and reaps the harvest. This cycle is but one way of recognizing how the Holy Spirit moves throughout the world as disciples of Jesus carry out the farmer’s duty of scattering seed.
As Christians scatter the Word among the mission fields, faithful disciples resemble the farmer in the parable. In faith, the Church sleeps and rises not knowing how it is that God causes the seed to sprout and grow in the hearts of those who receive the Word. We are often surprised at how quickly some seeds sprout. Suddenly, new members enter the community of believers and take their place at the table where God continues to feed and nourish their faith. Other seeds seem to take a long time to sprout and grow. Those who have scattered have diligently sown the seed but don’t see much in the way of results. In either case, it isn’t up to the one planting to cause growth but to simply sow the seed.
Jesus uses this parable to teach the Church that no matter the time or place, ours is the duty to be generous in the planting of the seed of God’s Word. Our mission is to be kingdom farmers and plant seed. God causes growth; the measure of our success is in the planting. As an illustration, the second parable offered today teaches us that God causes the seed planted by God’s people to grow far beyond what we are able to comprehend.
Jesus asks, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With such an illustration, we ought to recognize that it isn’t the size of the congregation or the number in a group that is important. It is the faith in which we sow our seed which is essential to kingdom farming.
Often, in the church that is sleeping and rising with the night and the day, small groups of believers gather to pray. Eventually, they recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit and begin to put faith into action. Soon, new ideas sprout and ministries for the sake of others emerge. The mustard seed is the smallest, yet it miraculously grows and becomes the largest of shrubs. Likewise, we never know which of our small ideas will grow into vibrant ministries to feed and shelter those within the kingdom who have need. And so it is that we continue to gather as a congregation, hear the Word of God, pray with one another, and engage the mission of God as kingdom farmers. Again as Jesus says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
