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Youth News

Posted December 1, 2025 By admin

Christmas Party

Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to a Christmas Party December 7th from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM in the church office.

We will bake Christmas cookies to take to our homebound members when we go Christmas caroling the next week.

There will be food, music, crafts and lots of fun. Make plans to join us.

2026 NALC Continental Youth Gathering July 7-10, 2026

Join us for an exhilarating journey of faith and fellowship at the North American Lutheran Church’s Continental Youth Gathering (CYG) from July 7–10, 2026, nestled in the heart of Virginia at St. John Lutheran Church in Roanoke, VA.

NALC youth will rally around the powerful theme “Rejoice,” living with a joy that lasts. Joy isn’t just a happy feeling; it’s something God has given us so that we can face life with hope, no matter what’s going on around us. The mission of the CYG is to provide opportunities for Lutheran youth to not only grow in their faith, but to be encouraged by connecting with other believers throughout North America.

The CYG isn’t merely an event, but a milestone in nurturing a robust community of believers across North America. It is a space where youth can delve deeper into scripture, engage in earnest conversation with peers and leaders, and encounter God in a fresh, transformative way. Over four days, attendees will join together in:

  • corporate worship,
  • scripture study,
  • large and small group sessions,
  • and mission events that reach out to the broader community.

With only 350 spots available and a deadline for registration on April 15, 2026, be sure to mark your calendars and register as soon as possible.

Filed in LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, NALC, Other Happenings, South Carolina Mission District

2026 NALC Continental Youth Gathering

Posted October 25, 2025 By admin

Mark your calendars! From July 7th –10 th, 2026, youth and leaders from across the NALC will gather at St. John Lutheran Church in Roanoke, Virginia for four unforgettable days of worship, service, learning, and joy in Christ. This gathering is the heartbeat of our shared youth ministry and connections will be made among youth from all across the NALC. Registration will open in October. There will be a meeting for youth and parents to discuss plans for making this gathering a wonderful addition to our St. Jacob’s Youth ministry. The meeting time and date will be announced in the next few weeks. Keep an eye on the weekly church bulletin for information.

Filed in Carolinas Mission Region, Fellowship, NALC, Other Happenings, South Carolina Mission District

Pastor to Supply in October

Posted September 30, 2025 By admin

Throughout the NALC, pastors are being called upon by Bishop Dan Selbo to assist the many congregations experiencing prolonged pastoral vacancy. In response to such need here in our SC Mission District, Pastor David Nuottila will be away from St. Jacob’s on Sunday, October 5th to provide pastoral services at Silverstreet Lutheran Church, one of our newest NALC congregations. Our Lutheran Men will lead worship here on that day along with a lay distribution of Holy Communion with bread and wine held in reserve from our September 28th divine services. Please keep the people at Silverstreet in your prayers as they begin their search of a new pastor.

Filed in Carolinas Mission Region, NALC, Other Happenings, South Carolina Mission District

Summary Report on the NALC Convocation

Posted September 10, 2025 By admin

The Clergy and lay delegates of the North American Lutheran Church met for the annual NALC Lutheran Week from August 4th – August 8th in Pittsburgh, PA. With this convocation, the NALC celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. The North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) celebrated its tenth anniversary and welcomed their new President, the Rev. Dr. Jukka Kääriäinen. Dr. Kääriäinen and his family come to us from Helsinki, Finland.
Elections were held for positions on the NALC Executive Council (2 clergy, 2 lay). Four pastors were also elected to the NALC Court of Adjudication, and one pastor was elected to the NALS Board of Regents.
Delegates approved several updates to the NALC Constitution to strengthen governance:
• Establish Bylaws—Delegates approved the establishment of formal bylaws for the NALC, adjusting various sections of the Constitution that better serve the Church as bylaws.
• Establish Article and Bylaws for NALS— Delegates approved to adopt an article and bylaws for the North American Lutheran Seminary.
• Establish Article and Bylaws Regarding Financial and Legal Matters—Delegates approved an article and bylaws clarifying financial and legal procedures for the NALC.
Finally, the 2026 NALC and NALS operating budgets were approved without amendment.
We extend our gratitude to Lynn Shealy for serving as St. Jacob’s lay delegate to the convocation.

Filed in NALC, Other Happenings

Lutheran Week 2025

Posted July 30, 2025 By admin

The Biennial NALC Convocation and Lutheran Week is scheduled for August 4th-8th in Pittsburgh, PA. Our lay delegate for the convocation this year is Lynn Shealy. Items to be addressed will be the 2025-2026 annual operating budget and receiving reports from several of the NALC ministries and ecumenical partners. There will be a few elections that will take place to fill positions on the Seminary Board of Regents, Court of Adjudication, and NALC Executive Council. Pastor David has been nominated for a seat on the NALC Executive Council. Please pray for safety in travel for all who will be attending and that the convocation will be a fruitful and enjoyable experience.

Filed in Carolinas Mission Region, Fellowship, NALC, Other Happenings, Pastor, South Carolina Mission District

South Carolina Mission District Updates

Posted July 30, 2025 By admin

Per the updates shared with the congregation at worship on July 12th, the NALC South Carolina Mission District has received several new congregations that have disaffiliated from the ELCA. We have now grown from a district of twelve congregations to one of eighteen congregations, with a few more possibly joining in the near future.

In each case, our newest congregations have need for NALC pastoral services. Given a global clergy shortage across several denominational lines, our NALC Bishop Dan Selbo has asked that local congregations assist congregations experiencing prolonged pastoral vacancy by occasionally sharing their pastor as they are able. With regard to this request, and working with our Mission District Dean, Pastor David has agreed to assist neighboring congregations as he is able.

On the Sundays when he is asked to serve, he will provide a sermon and reserved communion elements for our Elders here at St. Jacob’s to lead worship. Please be in prayer for our newest member congregations and all congregations who are experiencing prolonged pastoral vacancy.

Filed in Carolinas Mission Region, NALC, Other Happenings, South Carolina Mission District

The Vocation of Marriage Sunday

Posted July 1, 2025 By admin

On June 13, 1525, Martin Luther married Katharina von Bora, establishing a profound example of Christian marriage as a sacred vocation. Their partnership embodied mutual respect, faithful companionship, hospitality, and spiritual ministry. Luther emphasized marriage as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with His Church, calling couples to mutual love and support, grounded in God’s sustaining grace. As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of Martin and Katie Luther’s marriage, the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) renews its commitment to strengthening the vocation of marriage and supporting families in their journey of discipleship and honoring marriage as a spiritual vocation shaped by grace, while prayerfully supporting those experiencing separation or divorce.
This year, the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s marriage to Katharina von Bora was commemorated on June 13, 2025. Their marriage was an event that helped reform not only the Church, but the Christian household itself. Martin and Katie’s marriage became a living witness to faith, companionship, and the daily practice of grace.
To mark this historic anniversary, our congregation will join the NALC in observing a Vocation of Marriage Sunday during this Season after Pentecost. The NALC is inviting every congregation to take part in planning a special Sunday to honor the vocation of marriage, affirm the dignity of all Christian households, and strengthen the Church’s witness to covenantal love. St. Jacob’s is planning a unique Sunday service for July 6th, with special liturgical materials, Scripture reflections, prayers, and even a rite for affirming marriage vows during worship. Support and strengthening of Christian families is central to living in faith together. Therefore, whether you are young or old, married or unmarried, widowed or divorced, this Sunday is for you.

Filed in Bible Study, Carolinas Mission Region, Fellowship, NALC, Other Happenings, South Carolina Mission District, Worship Service

Summer Mission Trip

Posted May 14, 2025 By admin

Inquiries have been made to our North American Lutheran Church Disaster Response about scheduling a mission trip to the North Carolina Mountains this Summer. Per a conversation with others, it appears a good time to schedule such a trip is either the week of July 6th-12th or July 13th-19th.

We need to let the NALC Disaster Response coordinator know how may volunteers to expect, the type of service we could provide, and the dates we would be willing to serve. All housing accommodations would be arranged by NALCDR. Anyone interested in making a mission trip this summer should contact Pastor David so plans can be made.

 

Filed in Carolinas Mission Region, Fellowship, Missions, NALC, Other Happenings, Outreach, South Carolina Mission District

Congo Mission Update

Posted April 19, 2025 By admin

I’m not sure how many folks have been paying attention to the news of the ongoing struggle in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but there have been some significant and terribly unfortunate events taking place. The neighboring country of Rwanda has sent and supported militaristic factions and groups over the border and seized several of the bordering cities and other areas. These incursions have led to violent protests in several parts of the country, including the capital city of Kinshasa.

Given these political and military actions, Pastor Stephane Kalonji and I have concluded that I should not travel to the Congo this summer. Pastor Kalonji is Congolese and can blend in with the population while staying with family and completing our planned mission. Our amended agenda is for Pastor Kalonji to accomplish all that he and I had planned, including overseeing the construction of the parish building in Mbuji Mayi, education for laity, feeding orphaned children, freeing mothers and their babies from clinics, and supplying Bibles for those with such need. The decision regarding my travel breaks my heart as I pray for those pastoral colleagues and friends whom I have longed to visit. Please keep this situation in your prayers and ask God for resolution, reconciliation, and restoration of all that has been affected.
Pastor Kalonji will travel to Kinshasa at the end of June and upon his return home will provide a full report on his work and also on the political and social climate of the area. I look forward to hearing his report and to seeing photos of friends within the Lutheran Church whom I have been closely associated with over the last ten years.

Filed in Missions, NALC, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

Pastors Visit the Disaster Response Shed

Posted April 2, 2025 By admin

On Thursday, March 20th, several pastors and lay leaders of the South Carolina Mission District visited our NALC Disaster Response Shed. Many were glad to see the growing inventory and asked questions on how their congregations might help provide materials for those recovering from hurricanes, floods, and other disasters. Thank you to Don Dease for his leadership in coordinating and managing our disaster response shed.

Filed in Carolinas Mission Region, Missions, NALC, Other Happenings, South Carolina Mission District
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