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From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila

Posted December 29, 2020 By admin

I 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

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

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted December 2, 2020 By admin

For 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

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

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted October 31, 2020 By admin

For 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

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

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted October 1, 2020 By admin

Now 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

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

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted September 1, 2020 By admin

Acts 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

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted August 1, 2020 By admin

by 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

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

From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila

Posted July 1, 2020 By admin

by Pastor David Nuottila

I never met George Floyd. I never met Rashard Brooks, Michael Brown, Walter Scott or any of the other unarmed men who were killed in recent years by police officers employing excessive force. No, I never met any of them, but their deaths sadden me. I am also saddened by the resulting violent protests, rioting, looting and extreme measures called for by people who believe they can correct injustice through radical means. Confusion, dismay, sadness and disbelief; these are all words I can use to sum up my thoughts concerning our current social crisis.

All of these point toward one troubling symptom that plagues our human society. No, it isn’t racism; it isn’t classism, it isn’t politicism nor is it any other “ism” that sets people apart. The real sickness is much worse. It is sin. Sin leads to all of these and to so many more troubles, conflicts and plagues against humanity. I am grieved by the death of George Floyd and the events that followed because our world suffers under the weight of sin, and it seems so many people don’t understand that we cannot free ourselves. Truly, we depend on God’s mercy.

Now, some would point out that it is easy to simply say that we depend on God’s mercy and leave it there. But consider this. In the beginning when God created the first human beings, he created them in his own image and likeness. Being made in God’s image, therefore, it stands to reason that each human life is of great value and deemed precious in God’s sight. God made George Floyd in his image and likeness, just as he made the police officer who killed him. Both men were made in the image of God. Yet, both men, being sinners, found themselves in need of redemption.

Because of sin, one man was involved in unscrupulous activity. The other looked upon him with perceived superiority over the other. In the end, the way one looked at the other resulted in the disregard for the value God places on human life. Looking back, we can likely say this about so many other instances that have made headlines. The taking of George Floyd’s life was shameful, immoral, and a tragic disgrace to the human family as a whole. So is
the practice of looking at one person and forming opinions simply based on color, ethnicity, gender or any other personal trait. The bottom line is all human beings are created in God’s image and likeness. This includes the officers Derek Chauvin, Garrett Rolfe, Darren Wilson and Michael Slager.

Sin doesn’t apply a different degree of force according to one’s race. Neither does it show any favoritism because of gender or ethnicity. Sin only knows one thing, death. Sin seeks to destroy that which is made in God’s image and likeness. As long as there are differences in people, sin will work to exploit those differences to the detriment of humanity. There is only one power stronger, the power of love.

In scripture we read in so many places where our Lord Jesus had compassion upon large crowds of people. These crowds were often made up of Jews, Gentiles, the rich, the poor and the afflicted. It didn’t matter to Jesus; he knew the value God placed on each and every life. He knew that all were created in the image and like-ness of God. His only concern was to save people from their sin so they would live together with God forever. Jesus accomplished this through the power of love. Our Lord calls us to use this same power so that we would live in relationship with one another until the day Christ comes again.

Only through the power of love will we be able to live lives of forgiveness towards one another and learn to live in relationships that promote good will. Only through the power of God’s love will we see the image and likeness of God as we look upon one another. And only through the power of God’s love will we come to repentance when we fall short and confess our sin against our brother or sister and be reconciled to one another. No, we are naïve to think we can solve this without God.

Grace to you and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in From the Pastor’s Heart

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted June 1, 2020 By admin

by Pastor David Nuottila
As the day of Pentecost approaches, it seems to be a somewhat bitter-sweet occasion for us to celebrate this year. Bitter in that we are not all gathered in one place for worship. All of us at St. Jacob’s (and most other congregations) have been separated for quite some time now. When you think about it, we suspended in person church activities in just the third week of Lent. Holy Week services, the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, and the entire Easter season played out to an empty church building. Only through technology were we able to gather spiritually for worship during this time.

Yet, the day of Pentecost is a sweet moment in time for us as we remember God’s outpouring of His Holy Spirit upon the apostles and ultimately the church. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was proclaimed to those gathered in the streets of Jerusalem by the very men who just weeks before were afraid to even go out in public. The fear of those who crucified our Lord kept Jesus’s closest companions from giving witness to the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of our Lord. That is, until the day of Pentecost.
These days, it is the COVID-19 virus that attempts to quiet the Gospel and stifle the church. Surely, many live in fear today; fear from a virus they cannot see. People are afraid to come into close contact with others. They are fearful of gathering in crowds of even the most modest numbers. And quite honestly, even those who say they are not fearful go about their daily lives having changed the ways they interact with others. Yes, we are fearful, but the church is anything but quiet.
Again, since the third week of Lent, so many pastors and teachers of the faith have embraced technology and used these marvels to proclaim the resurrection of our Lord, and the good news of God’s grace through faith in Christ. And in true Pentecost fashion, many pastors have noticed a large number of people “attending” worship as online services are provided. Here at St. Jacob’s we have had a significant ground swell of people viewing our weekly worship.
As we continue to find ways to reach out to people with the saving Gospel of Jesus, we must also realize the day is coming when we will once again open our doors to the congregation and community. In that day, we will no longer look to technology as our primary means of sharing faith with our community and world. Just like the apostles of old, the members of St. Jacob’s must take to the streets and tell others about the love God has for His people and the forgiveness that comes through Christ.
And so, even as we might see this year’s celebration of Pentecost as a bitter-sweet day in time, it is actually a rekindling of our mission and ministry. As God’s people, we must recognize the power of the Holy Spirit poured out upon our congregation and Christ’s call for us to use this power to grow His church on earth. Whether socially distant or gathered in one place, our mission is to proclaim the Gospel, share our faith, and grow as disciples of our Lord. This was, is. and always shall be the mission of the church of Jesus Christ, and the mission and ministry of we His people gathered here.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted May 1, 2020 By admin

by Pastor David Nuottila
At the time of this writing, we are in the midst of stay at home orders, social distancing and the closure of many other public places. Sporting events are cancelled; concerts, theaters and many other forms of entertainment are also shut down. Even our houses of worship are affected by government guidelines for gathering in large crowds. All of this due to the novel coronavirus outbreak that has caused a world-wide pandemic.
It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway; in all of this I miss my church family. As a pastor, I thrive on the personal interaction we all share here at St. Jacob’s. I suppose I should consider myself blessed in that, from time to time, I do get to see and speak with members of our congregation, albeit at a distance. Still, it is no substitute for the conversation, smiles, handshakes and hugs we would normally share on a frequent basis. Perhaps this is why I am choosing to focus on community as a theme for my writing this month.
Our God is one who has always gathered his peo-ple into community with one another. Ever since his creating of the first human beings, our Father has called his people into relationships to be shared among the faithful. Our Lord Jesus even assures us that as even two or three gather in his name, there he is among them. Our God is close to his people. God’s people are to be close with one another. The community in which we live is a gathering in the mystical body of Christ himself.
Who among us has not missed the gathering of our church family? Who is it that has enjoyed this time of separation between family members, friends and loved ones? No one, no not one. Just as a pastor thrives on the social interaction of his flock, so too does the flock thrive as we share in our life together. I have heard from several that they cannot wait until this current crisis passes so that we can all gather again. I have heard from several others that they didn’t realize just how much they
have taken our Sunday morning gatherings for granted. Yet, for the time being, we will have to endure as we have been doing.
I am very thankful for those who have helped during our online worship services. Certainly, our worship is enhanced by the addition of music and the presence of those who have participated as readers, singers and musicians. We worship as we are able in a way that I hope is reaching beyond our congregation. I pray that as we continue to seek ways in which to strengthen the sense of community among our church family members, we strengthen the relation-ships we share as well.
Until we are able to gather as one congregation in worship, I will continue to pray for God’s guidance and inspiration as I seek ways to foster the relationship we all share as family members of St. Jacob’s. Yes, this will mean continued morning and evening check-ins and devotions. It will mean the posting of jigsaw puzzles on our Facebook page for families to work on together. And most certainly, it will mean a continued effort to hold each one of you in prayer as we remain separated by state and federal guidelines.
I pray that you all remain safe and healthy. I pray that you take the time to enjoy the relationships you share with those who are closest to you. And I pray, most of all, that in this season of Easter, the joy of Christ’s resurrection, the power of God’s love for his people, and the love that binds us together in faith remains first and foremost in your hearts and minds. God bless you and keep you in his grace.

Blessings,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Outreach, Pastor

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted April 2, 2020 By admin

Read John 18:1 – 20:18

Writing the April installment of our newsletter is certainly an interesting project. The month of April 2020 brings with it the occasion of marking Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Soon afterward, the church observes the Triduum, otherwise known as the service of the Three Days. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Vigil of Easter are all wrapped up into one continual worship service. During these three days, the need for Christ’s innocent suffering and death and God’s willingness to sacrifice his only begotten Son lead us to the empty tomb of the Resurrection of our Lord. Yet citing all these things, the reality of our “social distancing” has made such observance challenging at best.  

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus told his disciples that he would not leave them orphaned. He would send the Advocate, whom we recognize as the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would be with them as they carried on the ministry Christ himself instituted. In the face of persecution, trials and temptation, the Holy Spirit would fill the remaining disciples, now called apostles, with power from on high. They would need this power. The worldly powers that defy God’s goodness and mercy would not simply yield to the Gospel.  

Today, as I write this column for you, we have to rely on the same power bestowed by the same Holy Spirit so that the church can carry on the mission of the very same Gospel. The current pandemic, Corona Virus or COVID-19 as it is called, has attempted to hinder God’s people from worship, community prayer, service toward one another and especially public proclamation of the Word of God. Along with that, I can imagine the devil smirking as he thinks he might have found a way to disrupt the celebration of the Sacraments and the fellowship of believers. Oh my, how short sighted can our advisory be?  

Surely, we are experiencing something that we have never before even dreamed of. All around the world, people are experiencing the same sort of troubles as we are here. I have been in contact with friends in Canada, England, and Latvia and all report the same “social distancing” we are experiencing here. They also report one more thing that we know is true. We can continue to proclaim the Gospel to the world because Christ is still Lord of all.  

With his innocent suffering and death, Jesus destroyed the power that evil would claim to have on the lives of God’s people. No longer are we held captive to the consequences of our sin. And because Jesus was raised from the grave on the third day, we have nothing to fear. Baptized into his death and resurrection, we have been made inheritors of God’s eternal kingdom of glory. No virus, no warnings from governments, nor any earthly powers can halt the sharing of this Good News.  

As of today, I have no idea what our Easter celebration might look like. I am hopeful that we will all be together sharing a festive breakfast and that we are able to gather in our beautiful church nave singing praises to the One who has gained the eternal victory. This is my prayer. We shall see soon enough. Until then, let’s continue giving God our thanks and praise, for he has done mighty things for the sake of his people. God bless you all in these interesting times. You are certainly in my prayers.  

Grace to you and peace,  

Pastor David Nuottila

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