Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

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