Read: Revelation 19:11-16
If you were asked to describe Jesus how would you? What physical attributes could you mention? John takes up the task in the nineteenth chapter of Revelation. I would imagine, however, that our descriptions of Jesus would likely fall seriously short of John’s. Who among us could capture the true essence of Christ better than John?
Christians are one week removed from celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord. This celebration lends itself to peaceful images of shepherds, angels and a baby lying in a manger. Yet, the power and purpose of this child is captured in John’s vision of the one sitting atop of a white horse whose name is Faithful and True. He commands armies of angels. From his mouth comes a sharp sword which cuts down evil and rules the nations with a rod of iron. His name? The Word of the Lord.
Our Lord Jesus, God’s Word made flesh remains faithful and true. Christ is the same yesterday, today and always. He is Lord and Savior. He came to save we who are neither faithful nor true. His mercy is revealed through the truth of his Word and his grace is sufficient in all circumstances. Turn to the Lord. Call upon his name and receive the free gift of salvation through the one who is King of kings, Lord of lords.
Prayer: Most holy God, keep us in faith, that we would be ever thankful for your mercy and grace. Amen.
Outreach Archive
Pastoral Devotion for January: Faithful and True
Posted January 29, 2021 By adminWe Care
Posted December 30, 2020 By adminPlease continue to bring your donations of nonperishable items for We Care. You may bring your donations to worship with you on Sunday morning, or drop them off at the church office Monday – Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. When the list changes, it will be posted on the Bulletin Board in the Narthex.
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted December 29, 2020 By adminI seldom make New Year resolutions, but this year I believe I will be making an exception. As we begin our fourth year together and look forward to continuing our ministry of the Gospel, I’m personally looking forward to working with our ministry team leaders and their respective teams. I believe we have reached a point in our time together where God is calling us to a wider vision and to a greater purpose as a congregation and church family.
For starters, it will be interesting to find where God is leading us in our worship and music program. The COVID pandemic will not last forever and soon it will be time to reassemble our choirs. We might ask, “Where do we encounter the risen Christ and how do we make his presence known through the music of St. Jacob’s?” “Where is God in our Children’s and Adult choir rehearsals and anthems?” How will we glorify God through hand bell choirs, guitars and other instruments?” These are good questions, and our Worship and Music ministry team will play an important role in listening for God’s answers.
And what of our Outreach Ministry team? There are important questions surrounding our love and care for our neighbors in their physical and spiritual needs. It is time to discern the ways in which we might make Christ known in the lives of others. Are we following Jesus as he leads us into the world? How is it that each one of our church family members is actively participating in the ministry of St. Jacob’s? Feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, giving aid to the poor and welcoming the stranger are all everyday tasks within the Christian vocation. It is what Jesus means when he says “take up your cross and follow me.”
What is the goal of our Christian education program? God calls us to go into the world making disciples, teaching all that he has commanded. Is this the Great Commission we understand when we gather to make plans for the next Vacation Bible School or Sunday school curriculum? Or are we simply satisfied to maintain the status quo and do things we have always done them? Where is God when we offer Bible studies or workshops? Is he calling you to greater participation? God calls us all to grow in faith through hearing His Word. Perhaps some might consider (and I hope you will) becoming a teacher of the faith or a disciple in training.
Then we have our youth program. Where is God as we raise our youngest members in faith? Certainly, God calls each one of us to be mentors for our children, and we promise we will do these things as we baptize. We are all called to be teachers of the faith, mentors helping them grow and supporters of their mission and efforts as they find their purpose in God’s kingdom. Where is God as we help our children grow as disciples?
Finally, how do we acknowledge God’s presence as we do the work of leadership within our congregation? When we make decisions that involve our time, talent, and treasure, are we making them with God’s purposes in mind? Or are we simply trying to figure out the best way of doing things as simply as possible without causing too much disturbance while keeping a close eye on the budget? As we perform maintenance and repair, make plans for future upgrades or simply preserve that which we already have, we are to accomplish our work while understanding every corner, nook and cranny of St. Jacob’s is the temple of God set aside for worship and prayer. How do we use every inch of what we have, on both sides of the street, to proclaim Christ crucified and risen? Truly I tell you, it makes a difference. Asking “Where is God in all this?” brings all of us to the point of realizing that nothing we have actually belongs to us. God is the Creator and Owner. Our gracious God blesses his people with everything imaginable to accomplish the task he sets before us. Asking “Where is God in all this focuses people on the very point that our mission is to do God’s mission.
It is the beginning of a new year, the onset of another chapter in the life of our congregation. More than this, it is time to begin preparing St. Jacob’s for a greater purpose and presence in the life of Christ’s church on earth. I’m looking forward to seeing these days unfold. I’m excited at the possibilities we have before us. Where is God in all this? He is right here in our midst. God is the one equipping and empowering us with gifts beyond measure, that we might show others the wonders of his love in Christ Jesus. Happy New Year everyone, and may God continue to bless us as his servants of the gospel. Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
We Care
Posted November 27, 2020 By adminPlease continue to bring your donations of non-perishable items for We Care. You may bring your donations to worship with you on Sunday morning, or drop them off at the church office Monday – Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. When the list changes, it will be posted on the Bulletin Board in the Narthex.
1. Jelly/Jam
2. Corn Muffin Mix
3. Pancake mix
4. Chili Beans
5. Chunky Soup
6. Progresso Soup
7. Canned Sweet Potatoes
8. Shampoo/Conditioner
9. Shaving Cream
10. Cleaning Supplies
We also ALWAYS need any cleaning supplies, paper products and personal care items.
Up And Going News
Posted November 27, 2020 By adminThe Up and Going held a short meeting on Nov 15th after Church services with 11 members present. Sure was good to see all of you. Get Well cards were signed for Davis and Leon. During August, a memorial was sent to St. Jacob’s Cemetery Fund in memory of Gloria Dugan; a memorial was given to the Monts family in memory of Landon, grandson of Sandra and Davis; a memorial was given to the Lindler family in memory of Jamie, granddaughter of Frances. Birthday cards and get well cards have been sent to appropriate members. Members are reminded to bring non-perishable food items as is our custom in November and December for We Care. The December Meeting will be held after Sunday Church Services on a chosen Sunday in December. Watch Sunday bulletins for date or updates. Take care of yourself and Be Safe. Love to all.
Thanks,
Helen
Weekly Bible Study On Zoom
Posted November 27, 2020 By adminBible study continues to be held each Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM on Zoom.com. We are continuing our study of the book of James. There are no special materials that you must purchase. All you need is a computer and access to the internet to join in the conversation. Weekly study guides are emailed to the congregation on Tuesday afternoon. Even if you have not provided an email address our study’s such that you can join in and participate in the conversation. Why not make Bible study a part of your week? If you have any questions, please contact Pastor David or Rachel.
Pastoral Devotion for November
Posted November 1, 2020 By adminSpiritual Revitalization
Read John 2:13-22, Hebrews 3:1-11
Everyone has at least one bad habit, one particular vice that keeps us from getting the proper amount of rest, nutrition, or exercise. Left unchecked, such habits can lead us along a path of poor health, sickness, even death. We know better, but we just can’t stop. So many people struggle with the desire to rid themselves of bad habits and promote healthier living. Such lifestyle changes are difficult. It takes strength and determination to adhere to them.
The same can be said for the healthiness of our faith. As worldly powers pull and tug at God’s people, healthy habits of faith often succumb to unhealthy bad habits. Time for reading Holy Scripture is often replaced by work or play. Gathering with the faithful for worship often becomes less appealing than a social gathering with friends. Soon, many Christians grow weak in their faith. It becomes increasingly difficult to articulate what their faith means to them, and how important it is that Jesus endured the tragedy of the cross for their sake.
The author of Hebrews calls Christians to spiritual revitalization. He encourages us to consider all that God has done and continues to do through Christ our Lord. John reminds us that even the temple needed cleansing. We may not need to turn over tables, but certainly there is room in each life for re-commitment to faithful living. Through faith in Christ Jesus, worship and prayer, it can be so.
Help us, O Lord, to overcome that which hinders our faith, that we might seek you always. Amen.
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 31, 2020 By adminFor it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.
Matthew 25:14-15
The parable of the talents is one that we have heard many times. It comes to us towards the end of the church year and often serves as a text concerning our stewardship. Believe it or not, the parable of the talents is not about money. To think so is to miss the point of this passage. This parable is given by our Lord as he teaches us about preparing for his coming again, Yet, as it is in so many churches, we read this parable and immediately focus upon the talents rather than the servants to whom they have been entrusted.
Two of the servants quickly go to work using the talents they have been allotted to produce even more talents. The third servant does not. He is afraid of the master and so he buries the talent he has been provided and sits idle while awaiting the master’s return. Upon the master’s return, the two who have used these talents for their intended purpose are rewarded and enter into the master’s joy while the idle servant is stripped of his talent and sent away.
Jesus teaches us that as we await his coming again, we are to continue to carry on the mission he handed to the apostles so long ago. We do not know when he will return, but we do know that he has entrusted much into the hands of his people. As stewards of what God has entrusted to us, the mission is not to focus on growing the wealth of the church; it is to continue the mission and work God has given his people to do until Christ comes again.
Have you ever wondered why churches with the least amount of money seem to do the most in the way of mission and ministry? Attend a mission region or church-wide convocation and you will see what I mean. Among the many presentations given one will notice these efforts of small congregations that are busily and cheerfully engaged in the mission of the Gospel. It is because their focus is not on the money, but on the servants doing the work of the Master.
St. Jacob’s is not unlike any other congregation. God has called people with various gifts and talents to this place in order that we too would be engaged in his mission. With the many gifts and talents shared among us, we too are called to worship, learn, build up the faith of one another as we also minister to the needy within our community and world. God also expects that we would be busy in the growing of his church, that is the body of Christ on earth, by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. That seems like a long list of things to do, one that would require many talents. The good news is that God has provided everything we need.
Rather than explain the rest of the parable, I would simply encourage you to discern the talents God has placed within your grasp. I also invite you to ponder how you can use these, along with the gifts of others within our church family to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. It is stewardship time. We have all been provided with time and talent sheets. Look them over. See where you might become engaged in the mission of the church. God has entrusted every member of St. Jacob’s with gifts and talents. How shall we use them? If you are uncertain, please contact me and I will pray with you. Together we can share the Master’s joy as we share his goodness and mercy with others.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Unveiled: Shining Light In The Darkness
Posted October 29, 2020 By adminWe all wear veils. Veils we put on to hide ourselves. Veils we allow others to put on us to cover. Veils to separate us. Jesus’ death tore the veil in two and granted us access to God the Father, welcoming us behind the veil. We are released and welcomed into a life of worship. Our response is to shine and share that light with others.
Join your brothers and sisters in Christ as we gather virtually to support missionaries serving in their homes and neighborhoods, in their congregations, and internationally. This conference will provide encouragement, tools and training, inspiration, and connection to missionaries to be unashamed of the Gospel burning in our hearts, unleashed by the power of the Holy Spirit from the veils that darken our sight, unrestricted to be the aroma of Christ, and UNVEILED to be and to make disciples to shine light in the darkness.
Pastor David invites all church family members to join him November 4th-6thfor this virtual conference for mission and ministry. The cost for the three-day event is $20.
Follow this link for more information or to register.
Weekly Bible Study on Zoom
Posted October 29, 2020 By adminBible study continues to be held each Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM on Zoom.com. We are continuing our study of the book of James. There are no special materials that you must purchase. All you need is a computer and access to the internet to join in the conversation. Weekly study guides are emailed to the congregation on Tuesday afternoon. Even if you have not provided an email address our study’s such that you can join in and participate in the conversation. Why not make Bible study a part of your week? If you have any questions, please contact Pastor David or Rachel.
