We are in need of Sunday School teachers for our Pre-K Class and Elementary Grade Class. Please see the schedule on the bulletin board in the Narthex and sign up if you are able to use your talents and gifts to help train up our children.
LCY Archive
Sunday School Teachers Needed
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminYouth Director & Family Ministries
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminI have been learning a lot this month about identity. I have heard that word over and over in sermons and Bible studies, but it never really resonated with me until recently. During a time of major change in my life, I want to remain rooted in who I am regardless of my changing surroundings and circumstances. I know this is the case for most of us when we have a lot going on. We often push ourselves to the backburner because we simply don’t have the time. But what we don’t realize is that from who we are comes everything else.
Since our identity comes from God, we can only find it in Him. Jesus says in Matthew, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.” Sometimes we let life speak louder than truth by letting our circumstances define who we are and how we’re doing. It’s a form of idolatry to let things matter more than what matters most, our relationship with Him and who He says we are.
We hear the words “die to self” and it seems intimidating, but it really is a gift. There is nothing greater than fullness of union with Christ: when we are fully surrendered and a walking sacrifice. His joy becomes our joy; His love, our love; His peace, our peace; His strength, our strength. From this place of identity, we no longer chase after the desires of the flesh but rather, seek to glorify God in all areas of our life. From this place, we no longer fear the future or provision. Lastly, we don’t have to suffer without confidence that our circumstances will produce things of eternal value. Just as Jesus’ sufferings were not wasted, neither will ours be. Praise God that He loves us enough to take us from brokenness and rebellion to a new identity in Christ because of the sacrifice of His Son. There is no life apart from Him and we can experience this fullness of life when we lay down ourselves, our schedules, and our control in order to step into who He says we are and who He calls us to be.
Our youth will meet at 5 PM on Sunday, October 6th in the fellowship hall. Due to the fall festival, we will not have a meeting on Sunday, October 20th. Grace and peace, Rachel
Upcoming Youth Event
Posted August 28, 2019 By adminPrayer Breakfast—We will have a prayer breakfast for students (7th —12th Grades) every Wednesday morning for the rest of the year at 8:30 AM in the fellowship hall. See you on Wednesdays.
Youth Lock-In — All 7th—12th graders, please make plans to enjoy a lock-in with Rachel. Bring a pillow, toothbrush, toothpaste, sleeping bag, a change of clothes and your Bible. You are welcome to invite your friends.
Youth Group Meeting—We will be meeting on Sunday, September 15th at 5 PM in the Sanctuary
Columbia Fireflies
Posted August 28, 2019 By adminThe St. Jacob’s Youth and their Families enjoyed watching the Fireflies play ball on Sunday, August 18th. Our very own Jack Wallace was requested to throw out the first pitch. Many of our youth were able to participate in some of the activities they had on the field as well. In all it was a perfect day for a ballgame. We are so excited about all the wonderful things we are going to be doing in the coming months so continue to watch your worship folders and newsletters.
Council News
Posted August 28, 2019 By adminThe Bud Sites and Lottie Sites Scholarship To be Awarded January 2, 2020 and June 1, 2020
Continuing your education after high school? Attending a College/University? Attending a Technical College? Attending Trade School? If the answer to any of those questions is YES. You want to keep reading. Council has developed two types of scholarships for members of St. Jacobs. These scholarships will be awarded in June of each year. There are two types of scholarships. The first is a $250 scholarship that can be awarded to all members who meet the requirements. The second is a $1,000 scholarship in memory of Mr. Bud Sites and Mrs. Lottie Sites and will be awarded to two members who meet the requirements. All of these scholarships are funded from the Sites Endowment. Mr. Bud and Mrs. Lottie supported our youth and Mrs. Lottie was a second-grade teacher at Chapin Elementary, where she retired.
What are the requirements for the $250 scholarships?
- Must be a member of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church
- Must attend church services at a minimum 12 times a year. Students in college can also show proof of attendance to college campus ministry services or to other church services.
- Must participate in a minimum of 4 church activities/events. Examples of these events include the following: Lay reader, Crucifer, Communion Assistant, Cantor, Youth Event, VBS, LM, LW, Up and Going, Trashy Club, etc. Proof of community services or campus ministry activities will also be accepted.
- 3.0 Grade Average
- Complete Application:
- Name
- Address
- Documentation of church attendance for minimum of 12 times since January 1, 2019
- Documentation of participation in church activities for minimum of 4 times since January 1, 2019
- Proof of grade average
- Higher Education Plans – Name of Institution, Start Date
What are the requirements for the $1,000 scholarships?
- All the Requirements as listed above for the $250 scholarship
- Two additional requirements
- Copy of Acceptance letter
- The $1,000 Scholarship application will require the completion of an essay question
More good news! We have decided not to wait until June 2020. We will award $250 scholarships to all members who are continuing their education and meet the requirements for the Spring 2020 Semester. What do you need to do?
- Complete simple application (electronic or paper)
and submit to church office. Application
includes:
- Name
- Address
- Documentation of church attendance for minimum of 12 times since January 1, 2019. In addition to Sunday Services, there are our Wednesday Night Services, and other special services. Students in college can also show proof of attendance to college campus ministry services or to other church services. Must participate in a minimum of 4 church activities/events times since January 1, 2019. Examples of these events include the following: Lay reader, Crucifer, Communion Assistant, Cantor, Youth Event, VBS, LM, LW, Up and Going, Trashy Club, etc. Proof of community services or campus ministry activities will also be accepted.
- Proof of 3.0 grade average
- Higher Education Enrollment – Name of Institution, Start Date
- Applications due by November 1, 2019
- Award by January 2, 2020
- Scholarships will be awarded to all members who qualify.
Other important facts to know:
- Applicant may apply many times
- Applications are required each year
- $250 scholarship is only awarded to a student one time
- Applicant can receive $1,000 scholarship two years
- Applicant may receive $250 and $1,000 scholarship in the same year
Start now to meet the requirements and receive these scholarships! The $250 scholarship along with the two $1,000 scholarships will be available for the Fall 2020 schedule. Applications for both scholarships will be due March 1.
Children’s Choir
Posted August 28, 2019 By adminTune Our Hearts Lord! The children’s choir has started its second season. This year we will be sporting our new choir robes as we help to lead worship with the adult choir. Choir practice is Sunday afternoon at 3 PM for children in 1st through 6th grade. The choir will sit together in the choir loft for worship on the second Sunday of each month. I thank the parents for their commitment to bringing their children to practice each week. We memorize all the music so regular attendance at practice is crucial. In addition to anthems we will be learning about our Lutheran liturgy. We will also work on music for the Christmas program throughout the fall. Please pray for our choir that God would tune our hearts and teach us to sing his praise.
Love in Christ, Angela
Ventures In Youth Ministry Symposium Report
Posted August 28, 2019 By admin“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters, only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.” – Galatians 5:13
The most profound thing I learned at the Youth Symposium last week in Indianapolis was that it is not about youth ministry at all, it’s about youth doing ministry. I had the honor of attending Lutheran Week-where the first two days are set apart for NALC directors, pastors, and church staff who have a vision of raising up the youth of their congregations not only to know who Jesus is, but to have a mission for others to know Him too. The meetings were led by Gary and Laurie Pecuch, who have dedicated their lives to the youth of not only their congregation but to train others to lead the youth of every NALC congregation. During our time together, we shared resources, ideas, goals, and a vision for the future of the Church that will be placed in the hands of our youth. We covered topics such as biblical-self-esteem, outreach to our communities, spiritual disciplines such as scripture study and prayer, and building strong cross-generational relationships within our church family. I enjoyed learning from others and making connections with many who have been on the front lines of youth ministry for much longer than I have, sharing the wisdom that they have gained over the years. It really is a family of people who are all on the same team to lead the youth to put their faith in action and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Thank you for the opportunity to attend the Convocation and trusting me to faithfully report back to the congregation what I have learned.
Rachel
Youth Director & Family Ministries
Posted August 28, 2019 By admin16 So say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
As a continuation of my last newsletter article; the importance of implementing daily time in prayer and in scripture study during the slow season that will carry us into the next with joyful hearts. It’s no secret that there is a lot going on in our world today and sometimes it seems that our only option is for our face to meet the ground time and time again and pray. This is where we are to press in, instead of letting the flesh lead us, we must rediscover the preeminence of the Word of God and value truth over feeling and emotion; let us hold on even tighter to the anchor of the living Word of God and to our church family also.
We need to pray in boldness, faith, and declaration in order to raise up our youth amongst the craziness of the world around us. This is done by impressing the importance of discipleship, church attendance, and Godly living as no optional- but commandments we are to obey as Christians. It is essential that as we continue to grow our youth program at St. Jacob’s, we do so as a team. One body, made of different parts, with different gifts; all committed to seeing the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth be a reality for our young people. I look forward to growing in these spiritual disciplines alongside each of you for in the months to come.
All for His glory, Rachel
Creating A Vision For Ministry
Posted July 30, 2019 By adminWhat is St. Jacob’s vision for ministry within our community and world? To be honest, we can’t say we have a clear vision. As a congregation of God’s people, we are all called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, follow him in faith and participate in the mission of God by doing the work of the gospel. In order to follow Christ, we must first understand God’s mission. We then must pray and discern which ministries to which God is calling us. And finally, we must create a vision, a clear understanding and strategy as to how we will engage in such ministries. For as Scripture teaches us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs, 29:18 KJV
On June 30th, a small group of church family members met to begin this conversation. We introduced the process by which our church might discern those ministries God would have us do and then created a vision as to how we will do them. Yet this task is not simply for a small group. If we are to be serious about our faith and ministry, we will all need to take part.
Creating a vision for ministry does not happen quickly. In the coming months, there will be several seminars scheduled for St. Jacob’s church family members to come listen, learn and discuss the work God has set before us. Plan to attend these seminars as they are scheduled and be a part of St. Jacob’s participation in God’s mission.
Come Watch The Fireflies!
Posted July 30, 2019 By adminSt. Jacob’s Families and Youth are invited to a night of fellowship to watch the Columbia Fireflies baseball team on August 18th at 5:05 PM. Tickets are $9.00 per person and parking is an additional $4.00 cash per car. There is a sign-up sheet on the Youth Bulletin Board in the hallway next to the Fellowship Hall, the deadline to sign up is August 4th so reservations can be made! There will be an email sent out as the date approaches with specific details regarding tickets! Continue to check the Youth Bulletin Board often so you can stay updated on upcoming announcements and events the Youth will have coming!
