The 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.
You 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
A New Day
Read: Psalm 118, Zephaniah 3:14-20
With each sunrise comes the hope that today will be better than tomorrow. The problems of yesterday are in the past, they are but memories now. Today is a new day, a chance to start again, an opportunity to do better.
We have all had mornings such as this. We have all suffered through bad days, moments of grief and loss, or times of trouble. Often times we become so engulfed in our predicament that we lose sight of the one who calls us his own. Yet, God is present.
The psalmist reminds us that in the midst of earthly life, each new day is a gift from our Father in heaven. The prophet Zephaniah assures God’s people of his continued peace and presence. God delights in his people. He is pleased with all who call upon his name. His love is greater than any earthly power. He will refresh you. He will uphold you. Most of all, God rejoices in you. Greet God in the morning with prayer. Come to him and ask his blessing. Rejoice! This is the gift of a new day.
Prayer: Holy God, I delight in your love for me, for you have called me your own. Amen.
On Sunday, February 16th, the youth of St. Jacob’s led our congregation in worship. They did everything from leading the confession and forgiveness to the children’s sermon, to assisting Pastor David serve communion. They all did a wonderful job; and we, as a congregation, should be very proud of the giftedness of our younger members!
As Vacation Bible School approaches, we want to get ahead on planning and equipping those who will be teaching. If you would like to volunteer to serve, check the sign-up sheet on the youth bulletin board by the fellowship hall. VBS will be June 22nd-25th. Continue to watch your newsletter and worship folders for more details.
In keeping with our regular Wednesday evening worship schedule, Lenten vespers will begin on March 4th in the church nave at 7 PM. Several of our church family members will present dramatic readings based on the Sola Publishing series “Will You Betray Me?”
Preceding each service will be a light meal served in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6:15 PM. Join the members of your church family for fellowship and worship as we focus on God’s holy Word and Christ’s journey toward the victory of the cross
There have been some wonderful developments concerning the Congo Mission as of late. In November, Pastor Stéphane Kalonji and I submitted paperwork to incorporate what is now known as Congo Mission International. Having received information that incorporation has been granted, the next step was to submit the application for tax exempt status.
I am pleased to inform you that Congo Mission International has been granted 501(c)(3) tax exempt status by the United States Internal Revenue Service. These are exciting times for us as we do the work God sets before us. Yet, it goes without saying, the work in God’s mission field is never complete. I would invite you to continue to support the Congo Mission through your benevolent offerings and by attending special fund-raising events during the year. I will be working with several people at St. Jacob’s to schedule a fund-raising dinner for our congregation and also the community around us. Please keep Congo Mission International and the good folks we minister to in Africa in your prayers.
During the season of Lent, our Wednesday morning Bible Study will focus on the Psalms we read during the season. We will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 26th, taking a look at Psalm 51 as King David prays to God for mercy.
Our Wednesday mornings are filled with great discussion concerning scripture and the impact it has on our daily life. Consider joining us each Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Invite your friends and neighbors too.
Up and Going met on February 13th with beautiful valentine decorations that set the mood. There were 25 members and guests present to enjoy this special time together. The blessing was said and a delicious covered dish meal followed. The program was presented by Tommy, assisted by his wife, Janet. February is Heart Health month and Tommy spoke to us about his heart health journey, which includes living on a heart pump. He graciously showed us the heart pump, it’s batteries and how it is connected to his body and answered our questions. His wife designed the tee shirt that holds his batteries and answered questions. Their presentation was absolutely amazing. Tommy added funny stories about his journey and his strong Faith. Janet passed out handouts that they had prepared for each of us. This was the most fascinating show and tell. We sincerely appreciate Tommy and Janet being with us and sharing their experiences. We also welcomed their friend Biebe who was with them. Albert gave the devotions emphasizing one of our favorite Bible verses, Nothing Can Separate us from God’s Love. This was a very timely devotion considering all that Tommy had just told us. The Treasurer’s Report was given. Old and New Business was discussed. Helen passed out Heart Health handouts entitled “Timing is everything”, “Love your heart” and “Did You Know Heart Attacks Have Beginnings?” She then read a poem by Clay Harrison entitled “Everyday Miracles”. This writing reminded us that we receive miracles from God constantly. Let us acknowledge and give thanks. Thank you to each of you for making this meal and meeting so enjoyable.
The March Up and Going Meeting is scheduled for March 12th at 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The meal will be our annual soup pot lunch. There is a sign up sheet posted for each person to designate whatever you would like to bring to fill our soup pot and fixings. Ray will provide the devotions and a short program on getting our gardens ready for Spring Planting. We will then make bows and cards for the Hospice Easter Bags, which we will assemble in April.
Thanks, Helen
We want to thank all of you for your continued support. The Love Offering luncheon on Sunday, January 26th was a big success. All money raised went to the Simmons family to help with their mounting medical bills. Also, we along with the Lutheran Men’s group were able to furnish We Care with 690 pounds of food and non-perishable items. Our group will continue to collect food and non-perishable items for We Care. There is a box in the Fellowship Hall to place your donations.
We have a busy year planned. Following are some dates you may want to put on your calendar: April 4—Easter Egg Hunt, May 23—Mother Daughter Brunch, September 13—Congregational Meal Fundraiser, September 26—Host NALC Lutheran Women District Meeting, and October 31—Trunk or Treat. Watch your worship folders for information regarding these events.
We invite all ladies to come join us. Our meetings are on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 4:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions in reference to our group, please call me at 345-3245 or 609-5371.
Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.”
Leader, Phyllis
