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From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 2, 2020 By admin

[Jesus said] “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace to you and peace, Pastor David Nuottila

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

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted February 1, 2020 By admin

by Pastor David Nuottila

“I am a Christian, but I don’t have to go to church to have a relationship with God.” This is the phrase that all too often changes the course of conversation once people find out that I am a pastor. Each time I hear this phrase, I wonder if people really believe they can be faithful Christians on their own. Usually it means that this person does not feel the necessity to attend worship services on Sunday morning. Other times, it serves as an indicator of a past or present issue a person has within his/her congregation. In either case, the statement cannot be anymore false. To be a Christian means living within a relationship, not simply with God, but with other faithful Christians as well.

The Communion of Saints Just as families grow larger with the birth of each new child, so also God’s family of faith grows with the baptism of each new Christian. Through baptism, God gathers people into community with one another, living together as members of the body of Christ. This is not simply a relationship we share with members of our congregation. It isn’t just a relationship we have with Christians of our time. This relationship is one that is shared with all of God’s people for all time. As we express in our liturgy, “God has made us his people through our baptism into Christ.” God calls us to live together in faithfulness. Through times of prosperity and through times of great difficulty, Christians enjoy a kinship unlike any other, one filled with God’s unfailing love.

Being a Christian is also a way of life. Christians worship together, pray together, study God’s Word together and share fellowship together. When church family members fall short (and we all do), others come to their aid and support them with the love and compassion of Christ. God does not intend for his people to live in isolation; the Christian life cannot be lived out alone. Each member of the body depends on the others to live and thrive as God’s people of faith. Denying this relationship means denying the One who calls and institutes the relationship also.

Keeping the Sabbath Holy We often read in the gospels that Jesus had the custom of reading and teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. Jesus did not set this pattern for worship, and he did not set this pattern for people to learn of the ways of God. This pattern was established for us by the very hand of God with the third commandment. God said, “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.” Notice that Jesus’ Sabbath custom did not include spending the day alone. He went to the synagogue and joined God’s gathered family for worship. In worship, God speaks to his people through liturgy, song and sermon. We share stories of our faith, share the peace of Christ, and are strengthened as we receive our living Lord in Holy Communion. For Christians, keeping the Sabbath holy; therefore, also means immersing one’s self in the community gathered by God for worship.

Christ at the Center of Life Finally, to be a Christian, that is a follower of Jesus Christ, one must always keep Christ at the center of his/her life. To do this, one must strive to live as Jesus lived and obey his two great commandments. Jesus teaches that we are to love God with all our heart, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. God gathers us, God feeds us, and God sends us in mission to the world; not to live in isolation, but to be living examples of faithful people living in the community of Christ Jesus. Dismissing God’s call to gather with other Christians and be a fellow worker for the sake of the gospel replaces Christ and puts the self at the center of life. Those with the false notion of being Christian on their own do so with an unrealized intention of being in control of the relationship. They end up serving their interests before God’s interest, and eventually fall even farther away from the church and their relationship with God and his people. Living for the sake of the world and its empty promises brings false hope. Those who seek only to live as Christians on their terms live in denial of the promises of God and the fellowship of God’s people.

So why this article now? Well, as I look around and see those vacant seats in our church each week, and hear other pastors tell of the same emptiness, I pray for those who are not with us, especially those who profess to be Christians on their own. And what about those of us who attend worship each week and participate regularly in the life of the church? Are we inviting friends and neighbors to join us in this relationship? We all know people who say they are Christian, but don’t feel the need to go to church. Such a statement is our invitation to be inviting. The next time someone tells you they don’t need to attend worship in order to express their love for God, invite them anyway. Worship is not hardship; it is a Christian’s pleasure, a right and good thing to do. Invite them to come and see what they are missing.

Grace to you and peace, Pastor David Nuottila

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

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted January 1, 2020 By admin

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:18-19

 Fishermen, they are the ones whom Jesus picked out of the crowd. Fishermen. Jesus didn’t choose prominent figures. He didn’t choose the leader of the synagogue. He didn’t choose a rich land owner, civic leader or well-known businessman. He chose fishermen as his first disciples. It would seem highly unlikely that one who came to rescue God’s people from worldly powers that defy God would chose such a band of brothers to become the first members of his followers, but he did.

 What is even more curious to us in these so many years after Jesus walked the earth is why Simon, Andrew, and later James and John left their nets, their families and even their lives behind and followed this unknown Jesus. Jesus wasn’t well known at this point. He wasn’t famous. As far as anyone knew, he was a carpenter from Nazareth. But indeed, they did follow and they became the builders of the church Jesus instituted so that the world could learn of God’s salvation through the death and resurrection of his Son.

Now here we are in the year 2020 and Jesus is still calling disciples to build up his church so that all who have not heard the name Jesus may hear the truth of the Gospel. Jesus calls all Christians to be disciples, to take up their cross and follow, just as he called Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Our Lord calls us to learn from him, do the things he did, and live for the sake of others that they might be saved. The only things left to consider is will we follow? Will we leave behind all that hinders us, all that keeps us from being about the work of Christ? Will we learn to cast our nets and fish for people?

Being disciples and making disciples is central to the ministry of the NALC. Since the beginning of our denomination nearly ten years ago, we have heard the call to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Slowly, gradually, I have begun bringing this movement to St. Jacob’s. For the past twelve months, a handful of church family members and I have studied together and explored the life of discipleship. Now, as we begin this new year, more church family members will engage in this discussion and study until our congregation as a whole has the opportunity to follow our Lord on this journey of faith. We will be learning more about being disciples of Jesus and finding ways to make disciples for him as we share our faith with our community. What we will one day recognize is a change in the culture of our congregation. One where worship is paramount, fellowship is increased, and prayer becomes central to what we do as we engage more deeply in the mission of the church.

Dear friends, living as disciples of Jesus is something all Christians are called to do. Casting our nets and fishing for people is the work our Lord Jesus has given not only to us, but all of his followers. I pray that as you read this, you will become curious as did Simon and Andrew. I pray that you would become eager as did James and John. And I pray that our church family, all of us together, will become fishers of people, following our Lord Jesus as his disciples on a journey of faith.

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 December 1, 2019 By admin

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

Certainly we have arrived at the unfolding of a very busy time of year. The month of December gives way to frantic shopping trips, over extended schedules and plenty of last minute items to scratch off the list. Yet, this is nothing new. Year after year, people find it difficult to simply enjoy the warmth, peace and joy of the approaching Christmas season. As the days rush on toward December 25th, so many people tend to overfill their days with activity until the things “to do” end up spilling over into the evening hours. So much to do; so little time. Such is life during the month of December.

The Church is not immune to such commotion. Congregations large and small have calendars filled with events, choir rehearsals, extra services and plenty of other activities. It’s of little wonder that by the time the Christmas Day celebration is concluded, we are all ready for rest. Believe it or not, one of our most beloved Christmas songs was born out of such a frantic time.

 In 1818, Father Joseph Mohr was preparing for the Christmas service at St. Nicholas’ Church in Oberndorf, Austria. Of course, plans had been made well in advance, choirs and musicians had rehearsed the special music selected for the festival worship and all appeared ready. Father Mohr decided to take a few moments for himself and enjoy playing some music on the church organ. Imagine his shock as he sat upon the bench and the organ would not play. After several frantic hours attempting to make repairs, Father Mohr came to the conclusion that other music would be needed, but there was no time to make such arrangements. That is when he experienced a moment of grace.

Years earlier, Father Mohr had written a simple poem for Christmas but never really shared it with anyone. He found the poem and took it to the church organist, asking if it were possible to come up with a tune that the choir could learn on very short notice. With no organ available, the organist, Franz Gruber, wrote a simple arrangement for the guitar. Neither of the two men could imagine this simple song, the words written years earlier and the tune at the spur of the moment would become one of the most beloved hymns of Christmas.

As our lives continue to be filled with seemingly endless activity and our world continues to spin out of control, the blessing of Christmas is instilled within the hearts of God’s people as we sing Father Mohr’s Silent Night amid the soft glow of lighted candles. Within the words of Mohr’s poem comes the Christmas proclamation that God has indeed kept his promise to send unto the people of earth a Savior.

Luke reminds us that even the sleepy town of Bethlehem was teeming with activity the night Christ was born. As Joseph and Mary struggled to find a place to rest following their journey from Nazareth, the town was bursting at the seams. A lowly stable became the only option as Mary gave birth to the baby who is Christ the Lord. Still, in the silence of the surrounding fields, angels sang unto lowly shepherds the glad tidings of Jesus’ birth.

As we make our annual sojourn into the Christmas season, it is my prayer that we all take time away from the urgency of life and all its activities. May we simply remember the gift of Christ our Lord. In the midst of so much activity, Christmas comes in its fullest sense during the quietest of moments. These moments declare to us the fullest measure of God’s love; especially as we sing, once more, the beloved words written by Father Joseph Mohr; “Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright.” May the joy of Christ be yours this Christmas and always.

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

Posted November 1, 2019 By admin

by Pastor David Nuottila

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

Waking up early on Thanksgiving morning, the house is already filled with the most pleasing aroma. The feast is being prepared. Perhaps the pies went in first, then the casseroles. In due time, while the parades are concluding and as the pre-game shows begin, the turkey is popped in the oven. Then, after the game, the table is set and the food is blessed. Dig in everyone, for that is how we give thanks in this day and age.

If the above paragraph rings true (for the most part) then consider this. Behind the dumpster, which is filled to the brim, a small homeless family seeks warmth and shelter from the cold, misty rain. The mission doesn’t open its doors for another two or three hours so the family waits patiently along with the others who have gathered. Then finally, the doors creak open and the usual crowd shuffles in. Among them are some new faces yet, each has the same expression.

Long tables are set with paper plates and plastic cups. Plastic table cloths decorated in autumn colors blend nicely with the napkins adorned with the same pattern. Then the food arrives; a feast to the eyes and a circus for the senses. The flavors of each dish are matched perfectly with the smiles of those generous souls who volunteered to host the banquet. Then suddenly a pause, a pastor offers grace and asks God’s blessing upon not only the meal, but for those who enjoy each bite. This, my friends, is how thanks are given in the kingdom of God.

The psalmist who wrote the prayer of thanksgiving above calls upon the people of God enter the

kingdom with thankful hearts. God has provided and will continue to provide for His people. Made sure and certain by our heavenly Father is the safety and security of His eternal kingdom of glory. The hope of rescue from sin and the grave is made a reality through the offering of His Son Jesus Christ. And since God has acted in such a way for His people, our response to enter His gates with thanksgiving, praising and blessing His name forever.

In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus teaches us that our thankful response begins by serving. We serve the God we cannot see by loving and serving the neighbor we can see. Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt.25:35). To share Christ’s love in such a way is to share the kingdom of God with those whom God has placed within our midst. Truly, as we do it unto them, we do it unto Him.

I pray you have a wonderful and joyous Thanksgiving holiday. I pray that as your home is opened to family and friends, it is also filled with smiles, laughter, and the Spirit of love for the Lord. It is also my prayer for our church family, that as we pause for this Thanksgiving Day, we would live lives of thanksgiving for all God has done and continues to do for His people. I pray that, year round, we would share the love of God by loving and serving the neighbor God has shown to us. For in this, we proclaim that the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness is for all generations.

Grace to you and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

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

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted October 1, 2019 By admin

October! It’s October already! It seems summer has simply flown by. Yet, even as I reflect upon all we shared the past few months, there is much to plan and prepare for during the months ahead. Our church calendar is filling up with activities, Christian learning opportunities and several other ministry events for everyone to consider being a part of. As you begin making room for the many opportunities for your church and family in October, let me ask a simple 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 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 share the Christian responsibility to love God with all our hearts 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, we have a busy month ahead of us; 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 my question. 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 to you and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor, Worship and Music

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted September 1, 2019 By admin

The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.  5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.  6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:4-6  

 Within the Rite of Holy Baptism, parents of small children, sponsors and congregations promise that we will lead the child into a healthy life of faith in Christ Jesus.  We promise that we will bring the child to God’s house for worship, teach them the Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments and the Creed.  We promise to place the Holy Scriptures in their hands and help them learn from them by reading the Bible together.  We promise to provide for their instruction in the Christian faith so that they would live in the covenant of their baptism and in communion with God’s people.  Parents of the newly baptized children especially bear responsibility for these promises; promises their parents first made on their behalf years ago.

 The Proverb above speaks to the importance of such promise keeping.  Usually, when the Proverb is spoken of, it is verse six that stands alone; “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”  But when we read this verse in its fuller context, we soon realize the importance of a young life being provided a strong foundation of faith.  The world is filled with powers that defy God, temptations that are overwhelming and so many of the devil’s false promises. We all want our children to have a good life, a full life, one that brings pleasure to their selves and to others.  But as we read in Scripture, and know through our experience, the devil and his minions set thorns and snares along the pathways of God’s people.  On our own, we are no match for them.  Left to fend for ourselves, we will fall deeper into sin without even realizing it.

 For several decades now, there has been a worsening condition permeating the Christian Church, one by which we have seen ever increasing numbers of our younger members fall away from faith.  I believe it is so important to address this condition that I have devoted my doctoral studies to develop resources for pastors, congregations and families to bring about faith formation for our children and children’s children.

 I think we can all agree that we would love to see more of our young people in worship and Sunday school.  The trouble is that so often we don’t know how to encourage them.  Instead, we sometimes inadvertently enable them in their staying away.  Truth being told, children, especially teens, earnestly desire to have a healthy relationship with church families, one centered upon Jesus Christ and one that shares a desire to grow in relationship with God and his people.

 Over the years, I have ministered to parents whose children have fallen away from the church.  I have ministered to grandparents who faithfully bring their grandchildren to worship often (and that’s a good thing).  I have also heard questions from such children that ask, “If mommy and daddy don’t have to go to church, why do I have to go?”  This is a heartbreaking question because at the root of it lies a deeper and more central question, “Why don’t mommy and daddy WANT to go?”

 Jesus says, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16).  The riches, honor and life the Proverb speaks of is a life lived eternally in the presence of God.  When we fail to keep our baptismal promises, we hinder our children; we keep them from growing in a life of faith in Christ.  And not only that, first and foremost, we break the promise we initially made before God and one another.

People of God, I know this is a sensitive issue.  I myself have had to face this truth in my own life.  I know first-hand the difficulties of keeping such promises, especially when children grow older and become more independent.  That is precisely the time when parents should strive to keep the promise they made to their child.  Train them up in the way they should go.  Encourage them when they are older, and faithfully come to God’s house together and enjoy a life lived among God and his people. Doing so will bring us to the reward God has in mind for all his people; life in his kingdom forever.

 Grace to you and peace, Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, From the Pastor’s Heart, Outreach, Pastor, Worship and Music, Worship Service

Pastoral Devotion For August

Posted August 1, 2019 By admin

What Must I Do?  

Read Mark 10:17-31

What must I do to inherit eternal life? This is a question much like that asked by so many people today. “What must I do to make it into heaven?” The rich man in the text told Jesus he had kept the commandments, yet Jesus finds him still lacking. The Lord tells him to sell all he has, give the       proceeds to the poor and then follow him. There will be no need for personal wealth as he will have treasure in heaven. Sadly for this fellow, he can’t bear to part with his worldly possessions. The       reality, it seems, is that his material goods possessed him.  

So is that how we inherit eternal life? Does the act of passing on our wealth to the poor, filling our days doing good works, and keeping the commandments provide the final punch for our ticket to heaven? In a word, no! If we believe this we also will find ourselves lacking.

To inherit, one must be an heir, someone to whom the inheritance is passed down. Through Holy   Baptism, God makes us his children; we are made inheritors through water and the Word. Joined to Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are made heirs. God no longer finds us lacking, and so to us, the kingdom of God is passed down. What must we do? Simply believe, for Christ has done it for you.

Gracious God, thank you for making us your children, and thus, heirs to your everlasting kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted July 1, 2019 By admin

How often have you wondered what it might be like to go to a far-off place, meet people of a much different culture, and share with them the good news of Christ our Lord? Several years ago, I was afforded just such an experience. As most of you know, I travel to the democratic Republic of Congo every other year with my mission partner, Pastor Stéphane Kalonji. My first experience was so profound that I have made this mission a key part of my ministry of the gospel. Now, following months of preparation, it is finally time to make this trip again.

On Monday, July 8th Pastor Kalonji and I will begin our travels. I will depart from Columbia in the early morning hours and head to Houston, Texas. There, Pastor Kalonji and I will fly to Paris, France and finally to Kinshasa, the capitol city of the Congo, DRC. My total travel time will be just about thirty-six hours with twenty-one in the air. Certainly, it is a long trip and there is no doubt that we will be very tired when we finally reach our destination.

The next morning, the hardships of life in Congo will be immediately upon us. There is no gradual acclamation, no settling in; the conditions are what they are. Food, clean water, and electricity are all scarce. The extreme conditions of poverty and hunger are just the way of life. Yet, as we meet with pastors from the Lutheran Church in Kinshasa on our first morning there, the joy of mission in Christ’s name will be brought to the forefront instantly. I am looking forward to seeing my friends again and sharing this important work with them. Pastors Tombisa, Ngoma, Ahkim and Epaphras share a close bond of friendship with Pastor Kalonji and I.

Our schedule will see us travel to several cities in the Bas-Congo Province (western region). As we visit various congregations, we will lead seminars for pastors and church leaders, have Bible studies with women’s groups and feed large numbers of orphaned children. We will provide Bibles for pastors who do not have one of their own, and if possible, Bibles for families as well.

Pastors and lay leaders travel great distances to attend these seminars and the women’s groups come from all around. Considering the difficulty of travel in such a place, I am always quite taken by their response. Most have no place to stay, so they cook over charcoal fires and sleep on the concrete floor of the church building. Even in these conditions, the joy of being a child of God is made clear by their continual singing of thankful songs of praise.

Of course, we cannot do this work on our own. I am so thankful that St. Jacob’s has recognized and supported this mission. Through faith, many have been moved by the Holy Spirit to contribute funds, assist with projects and pray for the Congo Mission. It goes without saying that, as I address the people of Congo, I will bring to them greetings and prayers from all of you here. I may be the one on the ground, but you, my church family, will be with me in spirit at every moment.

Just as I am looking forward to making this trip again, I am also looking forward to returning and sharing with you the joys of a job well done in the name of Christ our Lord. The peace of the Lord be with you always, and may God bless those to whom we share our faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.

To God be the glory,

now and forever.

Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in From the Pastor’s Heart, Missions, Other Happenings

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted June 1, 2019 By admin

On the Sunday of Pentecost, we celebrate God’s giving the gift of the Holy Spirit. In our worship, our learning and our serving, we see God’s Spirit in action. The faithful can feel the power of God’s love as the Spirit comes like the rush of a violent wind, stirring the hearts and minds of God’s people. These are the themes of Pentecost; the power of God’s Spirit blowing through the lives of God’s people, calling them to share the gospel in faith, hope and love.

There are several traditions within the Church surrounding the day of Pentecost, yet Pentecost is not about wearing your red dress or shirt to worship. It is not about confirming our youth as they complete their initial study of the catechism. It’s about the Holy Spirit of God blowing in the doors of the hearts and minds of God’s people, rearranging the furniture of our lives and filling us with all the confidence, strength, excitement and assurance the disciples had in order to share the good news of God’s re-demption

Think about the world around you. Think about the things you have heard and seen. Think about all the times in your life when you thought you were at your wit’s end. So many others have faced the same obstacles in life. The world needs to hear this good news of great joy. In so many ways and in so many instances, God makes his presence and power known. He is revealed in ways so clear that no matter what, people can feel the power of his presence, realizing God’s mercy and grace are real and that his love lasts forever.

This is exciting stuff folks. This is the stuff of which books of biblical proportion are written. The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is the best news you are ever going to receive in your life. The times you first realized God’s grace is for you, that you have been rescued from the consequences of sin forever is as good as it can possibly get.

When you are young, prom is a big moment. Some of us know kids who have recently gone to their first prom. Guess what, as good as the prom was, God claiming you to be his child is better. When you get older, graduation comes with all of its pomp and circumstance. Guess what, it can’t compare with all the glory of heaven. There are still bigger moments ahead in your lives. College, your first real love, engagement, marriage, the purchase of a home, and the birth of a child. You know what? All of these are blessings from a loving God, yet because of Christ Jesus, the best is yet to come.

People of God, all of these are wonderful events; they are milestone moments, monumental achievements, and times of great joy. But if these are truly the most important times in your life, you’ve missed the mark. None of these can even compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved you from sin and death, made you holy in his sight and prepared a heavenly home for you. Nothing can compare with the fact that through Christ Jesus, God has saved your life for all time. That is good news; that is exciting.

My prayer this Pentecost is that God stirs 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.

Come Holy Spirit. Stir up the hearts of your
faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love. Amen.

To God be the glory, now and forever.
Pastor David Nuottila

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