Pastor David and Rachel Shelton continue to host an online Bible study at our regular time each Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM. The lesson is sent out via email the day before if we have an email address for you so you can prepare. You may follow along on our St. Jacob’s Facebook page for this live and interactive study. Participate by making comments in the comments section. Please give Facebook a try so you can participate. We might just find that there is room for online Bible study as a part of our future ministries.
Outreach Archive
Bible Study
Posted May 28, 2020 By adminSupporting We Care
Posted May 28, 2020 By adminEven before the COVID-19 crisis, food pantries such as We Care have faced many challenges. There are many families that depend on their services just so they might have enough food to last throughout the week or month. As a member of the community and especially as members of Christ’s church, St. Jacob’s can and should consider becom-ing a strong supporters of We Care. Why? Because as disciples of Jesus Christ, “we care.”
All members of our church family are encouraged to make regular donations of non-perishable items that can be brought to the church and collected in the fellowship hall. During the suspension of church activities, donations can be brought to the church office Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Providing food for those who are hungry is but one way we can grow in our partnership with those who provide for others. It is also a way we can grow in relationship with those whom God has placed within our midst. Remember, as we do it for the least of these, we do it also unto Christ our Lord.
Pantry Needs
Donations of all food items are appreciated.
Listed below are some of the things that are in constant need.
•Peanut butter/ Jelly
•Chili, Soup
•Dried Beans
•Grits, Rice
•Mac & Cheese
•Canned Tuna/Salmon
•Pork & Beans
•Spam
•Canned Chicken
•Pasta, Spaghetti Sauce
•Turnip/Collard Greens
•Laundry Detergent
•Personal Hygiene Items, ie Toothbrushes, Toothpaste
Filed in Other Happenings, Outreach
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted May 1, 2020 By adminby Pastor David Nuottila
At the time of this writing, we are in the midst of stay at home orders, social distancing and the closure of many other public places. Sporting events are cancelled; concerts, theaters and many other forms of entertainment are also shut down. Even our houses of worship are affected by government guidelines for gathering in large crowds. All of this due to the novel coronavirus outbreak that has caused a world-wide pandemic.
It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway; in all of this I miss my church family. As a pastor, I thrive on the personal interaction we all share here at St. Jacob’s. I suppose I should consider myself blessed in that, from time to time, I do get to see and speak with members of our congregation, albeit at a distance. Still, it is no substitute for the conversation, smiles, handshakes and hugs we would normally share on a frequent basis. Perhaps this is why I am choosing to focus on community as a theme for my writing this month.
Our God is one who has always gathered his peo-ple into community with one another. Ever since his creating of the first human beings, our Father has called his people into relationships to be shared among the faithful. Our Lord Jesus even assures us that as even two or three gather in his name, there he is among them. Our God is close to his people. God’s people are to be close with one another. The community in which we live is a gathering in the mystical body of Christ himself.
Who among us has not missed the gathering of our church family? Who is it that has enjoyed this time of separation between family members, friends and loved ones? No one, no not one. Just as a pastor thrives on the social interaction of his flock, so too does the flock thrive as we share in our life together. I have heard from several that they cannot wait until this current crisis passes so that we can all gather again. I have heard from several others that they didn’t realize just how much they
have taken our Sunday morning gatherings for granted. Yet, for the time being, we will have to endure as we have been doing.
I am very thankful for those who have helped during our online worship services. Certainly, our worship is enhanced by the addition of music and the presence of those who have participated as readers, singers and musicians. We worship as we are able in a way that I hope is reaching beyond our congregation. I pray that as we continue to seek ways in which to strengthen the sense of community among our church family members, we strengthen the relation-ships we share as well.
Until we are able to gather as one congregation in worship, I will continue to pray for God’s guidance and inspiration as I seek ways to foster the relationship we all share as family members of St. Jacob’s. Yes, this will mean continued morning and evening check-ins and devotions. It will mean the posting of jigsaw puzzles on our Facebook page for families to work on together. And most certainly, it will mean a continued effort to hold each one of you in prayer as we remain separated by state and federal guidelines.
I pray that you all remain safe and healthy. I pray that you take the time to enjoy the relationships you share with those who are closest to you. And I pray, most of all, that in this season of Easter, the joy of Christ’s resurrection, the power of God’s love for his people, and the love that binds us together in faith remains first and foremost in your hearts and minds. God bless you and keep you in his grace.
Blessings,
Pastor David Nuottila
Community Care
Posted April 30, 2020 By adminSt. Jacob’s is blessed to be a part of the community of Chapin. In communities such as ours, people have relationships that go way back in time. Families have put down deep roots and truly have grown up with the surrounding area. Even as new people are welcomed into the community, they experience all the small town qualities that have been central to the lives of so many. This closeness, this sense of togetherness is something that should draw St. Jacob’s into greater mission and ministry among our neighbors.
Even before the COVID-19 crisis, food pantries such as We Care have faced many challenges. There are many families that depend on their services just so they might have enough food to last throughout the week or month. As a member of the community, and especially as a member of Christ’s church, St. Jacob’s, can and should consider becoming a stronger supporter of We Care. Why? Because as disciples of Jesus Christ, “we care.”
Our Lutheran Women have been supporters of We Care. Beginning today, I would like to invite all of our church family members to begin supporting our local food pantry. Canned food and other non-perishable items can be brought to the church and collected in the Fellowship Hall. For now, donations can be made by contacting the church office and we can open the Fellowship Hall for
you. Perhaps two or three folks could volunteer once or twice a month to help deliver these goods to We Care. Providing food for those who are hungry is but one way we can grow in partnership with those who provide for others. It is also a way we can grow in relationship with those whom God has placed within our midst. Remember, as we do it for the least of these, we do it also unto Christ our Lord.
It’s Time To Come Home
Posted April 30, 2020 By adminHave you been away from St. Jacob’s for a while? Has it been weeks, months, or even years? Well, now is the time to consider your return. Thanks to COVID-19, everyone has been away. No one has been in worship on Sunday except for watching in their own homes. Perhaps you too have been watching. If so, that means you have been a part of the community gathered around the Gospel each week. Or perhaps you have been watching the morning or evening devotions, and Pastor’s check-in. If that’s the case, I am very grateful for your presence online; and I hope to see you in person when we can open our doors to everyone.
Now is the time to come home. No matter the reason you have been away, now is the time to re-connect. You don’t have to worry about questions about your absence. You don’t need to be concerned about having been away for any specific period of time. Like I said, we have all been away. When we resume our regular worship activities just come be a part of them. Come home to St. Jacob’s. Come and hear the Gospel and enjoy our shared life together.
Upon Our Return
Posted April 30, 2020 By adminThe following is a list of things, I (Pastor David) will be working on and suggesting upon our return to activity at St. Jacob’s.
Continued live streaming of our worship services – This will require St. Jacob’s to purchase further licensing so that we can have permission to include music and liturgies in their fullest form for our live and recorded services.
Online Bible studies – I will be looking for ways to share a more interactive Bible study once a week. Possibilities include internet services such a Zoom TM or possibly conference calls.
Safer and healthier practices for worship – I will be working with the Worship and Music Team to explore ways of keeping our congregation safe by limiting the possibility for transmitting coronavirus, flu and other germs.
More congregational focus on our home bound members – This could include the development of a lay visitation team made up of volunteers who check-in on our shut-in members frequently.
Daily video check-in and devotions – This will likely take place in the morning sometime around 9:00 AM on our Facebook page.
These are just a few of the things that have been running through my mind during our time of social distancing. The goal is to strengthen our sense of community among our church family and to begin providing a more consistent witness to the Gospel to Chapin and the surrounding area.
Lutheran Women Mother/Daughter Brunch
Posted April 30, 2020 By adminDue to social distancing, the Lutheran Women are cancelling the Mother/Daughter Brunch scheduled for May 23rd .
Also, please remember to pick up some items for We Care. We Care sent us a card in the mail thanking us for the 690 pounds of food we supplied for the month of February. Please see the listing of their food needs below.
•Peanut butter / jelly
•Chili, Soup
•Grits, Rice
•Mac & Cheese
•Canned Tuna / Salmon
•Pork & Beans
•Spam
•Canned Chicken
•Pasta, Spaghetti Sauce
•Turnip / Collard Greens
•Laundry Detergent
•Personal Hygiene Items, Toothpaste
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted April 2, 2020 By adminRead John 18:1 – 20:18
Writing the April installment of our newsletter is certainly an interesting project. The month of April 2020 brings with it the occasion of marking Jesus’s Triumphal Entry into the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Soon afterward, the church observes the Triduum, otherwise known as the service of the Three Days. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Vigil of Easter are all wrapped up into one continual worship service. During these three days, the need for Christ’s innocent suffering and death and God’s willingness to sacrifice his only begotten Son lead us to the empty tomb of the Resurrection of our Lord. Yet citing all these things, the reality of our “social distancing” has made such observance challenging at best.
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus told his disciples that he would not leave them orphaned. He would send the Advocate, whom we recognize as the Holy Spirit. The Spirit would be with them as they carried on the ministry Christ himself instituted. In the face of persecution, trials and temptation, the Holy Spirit would fill the remaining disciples, now called apostles, with power from on high. They would need this power. The worldly powers that defy God’s goodness and mercy would not simply yield to the Gospel.
Today, as I write this column for you, we have to rely on the same power bestowed by the same Holy Spirit so that the church can carry on the mission of the very same Gospel. The current pandemic, Corona Virus or COVID-19 as it is called, has attempted to hinder God’s people from worship, community prayer, service toward one another and especially public proclamation of the Word of God. Along with that, I can imagine the devil smirking as he thinks he might have found a way to disrupt the celebration of the Sacraments and the fellowship of believers. Oh my, how short sighted can our advisory be?
Surely, we are experiencing something that we have never before even dreamed of. All around the world, people are experiencing the same sort of troubles as we are here. I have been in contact with friends in Canada, England, and Latvia and all report the same “social distancing” we are experiencing here. They also report one more thing that we know is true. We can continue to proclaim the Gospel to the world because Christ is still Lord of all.
With his innocent suffering and death, Jesus destroyed the power that evil would claim to have on the lives of God’s people. No longer are we held captive to the consequences of our sin. And because Jesus was raised from the grave on the third day, we have nothing to fear. Baptized into his death and resurrection, we have been made inheritors of God’s eternal kingdom of glory. No virus, no warnings from governments, nor any earthly powers can halt the sharing of this Good News.
As of today, I have no idea what our Easter celebration might look like. I am hopeful that we will all be together sharing a festive breakfast and that we are able to gather in our beautiful church nave singing praises to the One who has gained the eternal victory. This is my prayer. We shall see soon enough. Until then, let’s continue giving God our thanks and praise, for he has done mighty things for the sake of his people. God bless you all in these interesting times. You are certainly in my prayers.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Youth Workday
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminThe youth and other volunteers had a workday on March 7th. During this time, we were able to clean and organize the entire Sunday School wing downstairs. This is just the beginning of many projects we have planned to reboot our Sunday School program. We are grateful for all who came and served. Thank you for your willingness and support of our Youth ministry.
Keep an eye out for other opportunities to serve in the future, and join me in praying for all the children who will reap what we sow.
Senior Adult Prom
Posted April 1, 2020 By adminYou are invited to St. Jacob’s SENIOR ADULT PROM. If you are 65 or older, this is for you. As of right now, we will plan on the date being May 2nd, from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, but this can always change if we need it to (respecting the Coronavirus regulations.) Come enjoy a night of food, music, dancing, and fellowship. There is no pressure to dress up but if you would like to, by all means do. The youth and I want to celebrate and serve you by having a night full of fun and memories. I will keep everyone up-dated if the date needs to change. I am excited and hope you are too! Call the church office if you plan to attend. Rachel
