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Youth Director & Family Ministries

Posted November 26, 2019 By admin

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, as I assume it is for many of you. Maybe because of the time we get with family and friends, the music, Hallmark movies, endless shopping, and of course eating too much. All of these things are so easy to enjoy but often overshadow the real Christmas celebration—the baby in a manger, shepherds, wise men, angels, and the prophecies fulfilled. The first Christmas is a story that has endured. It’s a story about hope, peace, and family. An often overlooked perspective of this season is the humility of the birth of Jesus. Even though it is right to shout out with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest!” it is also important to quietly worship God for the humility of the Christmas story. Paul used the incarnation of Jesus as the model for our attitude of humility. Philippians 2:5-7 says, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” Although Jesus never laid aside his deity, he exhibited profound humility in becoming a man. The very fact that God would become a man should stagger our pride. We should adore the humble Christmas baby. Humility, service, meekness and love marked Jesus’ life. Ultimately, he sacrificed His life as a substitute for all who would believe in Him. All of the glorious humility of Christmas leads us forward to the beginning of the new year, the Cross, and the Resurrection. The greatest of Kings being born in the most humble of places shows us how to live our lives in the way God intended. This season allows us to serve, to love, to worship and to celebrate Immanuel: God with us. “For unto us a child is born, His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” The sweetest gift will always be the one our Savior gave us, Himself.

Grace & Peace, and a Merry Christmas!

Rachel

Filed in LCY, Other Happenings, Outreach

Youth Director & Family Ministries

Posted October 31, 2019 By admin

The second annual Oktoberfest Fall Festival is in the books! Despite the rain, which moved a few activities indoors, it was a great day spent with our church family. I wanted to especially thank everyone who helped out, I couldn’t have done it without you! While reflecting on the week, I was reminded just how lucky I am to have a home at St. Jacob’s. I have shared with a number of you the many life transitions that I am currently going through and love getting to hear about the times when many of you were where I am. The thing I have learned the most over the past couple of months is that change can be a good thing. God is continuously changing us and molding us to ultimately be like Him. Even though this may not always be comfortable or line up with where we think our lives are going, we can rest in the fact that He has a plan.

The good thing is that He gives us each other to walk through these things with. We can bear one another’s burdens, overlook faults, let offenses go quickly, react out of love, show support, and be there to help or maybe just hold. During these times, we are being molded by God Himself and the Word says He will return for a Church without spot or wrinkle, therefore we need to go through the fire, of refinement, we need to press in and through times of change. I want to encourage you with this: if you’re going through a transition season, do not let your heart be troubled, see the good, hold fast to the truth of the Word and the promises of God, and press into your family at St. Jacob’s. Let’s enter this next season like never before. If you have a need, allow someone to meet it. If you want to bless someone, absolutely go for it. If you have an unsolved issue with a brother or sister, take it to the cross and then to that person for forgiveness. It’s refining season and I believe we will begin to see the fruit of accepting these changes in and around us.

Grace & Peace,

Rachel Shelton

Filed in Fellowship, LCY, Other Happenings, Outreach

Children’s Choir

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

The Children’s Choir will practice each Sunday afternoon at 3 PM in the Sanctuary. We are looking forward to having so much fun learning new songs and lifting our little voices to the Lord.

Filed in LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Outreach, Worship and Music

Sunday School Teachers Needed

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

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.

Filed in LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Sunday School, Worship Service

Youth Director & Family Ministries

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

I 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

Filed in LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Outreach

Upcoming Youth Event

Posted August 28, 2019 By admin

Prayer 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

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Outreach

Columbia Fireflies

Posted August 28, 2019 By admin

The 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.

Filed in Fellowship, LCY, Other Happenings, Outreach

Council News

Posted August 28, 2019 By admin

The 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.

Filed in Council Reports, LCY, Other Happenings, Sunday School

Children’s Choir

Posted August 28, 2019 By admin

Tune 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

Filed in Fellowship, LCY, Outreach, Worship and Music

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

Filed in Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Outreach
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