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Pastoral Devotion For October

Posted October 1, 2019 By admin

The Good Life

Read – Luke 9:18-27

A quick trip down the self-help aisle of your favorite bookstore suggests the way to living the good life is a positive outlook, high self-esteem and a heavy dose of optimism. Even some well-known evangelical authors try to convince us that the key to a good life means understanding God wants us to have our best life now.  In such cases and through their royalties, it is usually the authors of such books who realize the good life they proclaim. 

Jesus teaches his followers a much different path to a full and rich life. Jesus calls God’s people to   forsake the ways of the world by taking up a life of humble service for the sake of others. Denying ourselves and taking up the cross means we are to follow the example of our Lord, loving our neighbors and putting their needs ahead of our own. Such a life eschews the notion of living our best life now. 

Christians know this earthly life is but a glimpse. It is not something to be treasured above all else, but to be lived in such a way that others may also receive a glimpse of the kingdom to come. Jesus says, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (v. 24). The good life we aspire to is the life of   eternal joy in God’s kingdom. To this life, there is only one book that truly points the way.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, equip and empower us to follow you along the path to eternal life.

Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

Children’s Choir

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

The Children’s Choir will practice each Sunday afternoon at 3 PM in the Sanctuary. We are looking forward to having so much fun learning new songs and lifting our little voices to the Lord.

Filed in LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Outreach, Worship and Music

Duty and Delight

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

Along with many of you, my list of responsibilities seem to grow larger each day. We all have obligations that we must fill in our families, in the workplace and at home. Are these meant to be our primary duties? What about our duties and obligations to God and His church? We fill the needs in our homes, with cleaning, cooking, laundry and lawn care. All these things seem to keep our lives in order. What of our spiritual lives and our duties to the Kingdom of God? You can find the word “duty” often in scripture. In Luke 17:10, Jesus said, “so you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty.”

As Christians, we should take delight in our obligations. “It is our duty and delight that we should everywhere and always offer thanks and praise to you, O God, through Jesus Christ …” We should always strive to serve our Lord with a joyful heart. The more that we actively serve, the closer we walk with Jesus. Membership of a congregation carries responsibility. We are the body of Christ, and all parts must work together to know and show Christ’s love in every aspect of our lives.

Duty and delight seem to work best when paired together. I encourage you to find delight in even the most mundane chores. I give praise to God for the beautiful family that he has given me to care for. When I carry that thought with me, I can find joy in all my daily obligations. We should do the same in the responsibilities that we have in serving God. I thank God for our church and the people who worship and serve with us.

This month is stewardship month. As we begin to hand out the time and talent sheets, I urge you to follow what you are called to do. We all have God given talents and we would love to know how you can share yours.

Nicki

Stewardship Team

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Missions, Other Happenings, Outreach

Lutheran Women

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

Lutheran Women will meet Sunday, October 20th at 4:30 PM in the fellowship hall. Joan has the devotions for the meeting.

Filed in Fellowship, Lutheran Women, Other Happenings, Outreach

Lutheran Men

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

The Lutheran Men will meet on Sunday, October 20th at 6 PM in the fellowship hall.

Filed in Fellowship, Lutheran Men, Other Happenings, Outreach

Reformation Sunday

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

Reformation Sunday is the day Lutherans remember and reflect upon the ministry and mission of Martin Luther as he called the Church to debate his 95 Theses concerning God’s grace and salvation. In 1517 on All Hallows Eve (Oct. 31) Luther nailed his call to debate on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg setting in motion the events that would lead to the Sixteenth Century Reformation.

Within the Lutheran Church today there are several traditions observed as we commemorate this anniversary. On Reformation Sunday we will, of course, sing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God and we will affirm our Baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection. Another tradition is the wearing of red which symbolizes the entry into eternal life through the blood of Christ Jesus. Everyone is invited to wear the color red during our worship service on Reformation Sunday, October 27 as we mark one more Reformation celebration and look forward to the return of our Lord Jesus.

Filed in Fellowship, NALC, Other Happenings, Outreach, Worship Service

Up and Going

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

Thursday, Sept 12th began bright, sunshiny and warm as the Up and Going group arrived at St. Jacob’s Church and began loading the St. Jacob’s Express to go to Hendersonville, NC for the annual Apple Run. Eighteen members and guests were on board and Helen, Team Leader gave the devotions based on the fruits of the Spirit. She reminded us that we, as older adults, possess love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, all fruits of the Spirit and that God expects us to use these gifts. We are never too old to be of use to God. Pastor Brad Hales information sheet “Engaging the Aging” was passed around for all to read. There are always things that we can do to make our world a better place no matter our age or station in life. When we can do very little else, we can always pray for our Church and others. Remember to pray for, Gloria Z. and Gloria D., we miss having them with us. The Treasurer’s report was given and other business was discussed.

Gerald took us on the scenic route to Hendersonville via Lake Lure, the Flower Bridge and Chimney Rock. We laughed and talked about other adventures in the mountains. We ate a delicious lunch at Bay Breeze Seafood Restaurant in Hendersonville. Next was Lyda Farms to buy apples, cabbage, tomatoes, honey and all sorts of goodies including pumpkins. The bus was loaded with our treasures. An unexpected stop was at Grandad’s Apples to purchase fried apple pies, apple dumplings, cider, ice cream and other treats. Oh, Oh, so good! Loaded with treats, hot and tired we headed home. The bus buzzed with chatter and laughter as we made our way back to St. Jacob’s around 5 PM. We were hot and tired but all agreed that it had been a great day together!!

The October Meeting is scheduled for the 2nd Thursday in October, Oct 10th. We will go to the Happy Cow Creamery in Pelzer. Watch your worship folders for more information.

Helen

Team Leader

Up and Going

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Outreach, Up and Going

Fall Festival / Octoberfest

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

You are invited to St. Jacob’s second annual Fall Festival/Oktoberfest on Saturday October 19th, at 2:00 PM. It will be an afternoon full of German food, games, and fellowship celebrating the fall season together. Some of the activities include hayrides, painting pumpkins, cornhole, and more! There will be activities for all ages—We look forward to having you here and always feel free to extend the invitation to others!

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Outreach

Congregational Retreat at St. Christopher

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

Our next congregational retreat is scheduled for the weekend of January 10th-12th at beautiful Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island, SC. Last year several of our church family members enjoyed a time away for study, fellowship and refreshment as we shared our faith with one another. The theme of our retreat will be Living and Growing as Disciples of Jesus Christ. The cost per person is $150.00, the same as last year. There will be discussion concerning discipleship within families, discipleship of our children and being disciples for the sake of others. We will even enjoy a session around the campfire on the beach!

For those who may need assistance in meeting the cost, please contact Pastor David. Money should never be the issue for people to miss an opportunity to grow in faith and their relationship with Christ. Registration forms are available in the narthex and also through email. Just contact the church office.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

Youth Director & Family Ministries

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

I have been learning a lot this month about identity. I have heard that word over and over in sermons and Bible studies, but it never really resonated with me until recently. During a time of major change in my life, I want to remain rooted in who I am regardless of my changing surroundings and circumstances. I know this is the case for most of us when we have a lot going on. We often push ourselves to the backburner because we simply don’t have the time. But what we don’t realize is that from who we are comes everything else.

Since our identity comes from God, we can only find it in Him. Jesus says in Matthew, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.” Sometimes we let life speak louder than truth by letting our circumstances define who we are and how we’re doing. It’s a form of idolatry to let things matter more than what matters most, our relationship with Him and who He says we are.

We hear the words “die to self” and it seems intimidating, but it really is a gift. There is nothing greater than fullness of union with Christ: when we are fully surrendered and a walking sacrifice. His joy becomes our joy; His love, our love; His peace, our peace; His strength, our strength. From this place of identity, we no longer chase after the desires of the flesh but rather, seek to glorify God in all areas of our life. From this place, we no longer fear the future or provision. Lastly, we don’t have to suffer without confidence that our circumstances will produce things of eternal value. Just as Jesus’ sufferings were not wasted, neither will ours be. Praise God that He loves us enough to take us from brokenness and rebellion to a new identity in Christ because of the sacrifice of His Son. There is no life apart from Him and we can experience this fullness of life when we lay down ourselves, our schedules, and our control in order to step into who He says we are and who He calls us to be.

Our youth will meet at 5 PM on Sunday, October 6th in the fellowship hall. Due to the fall festival, we will not have a meeting on Sunday, October 20th. Grace and peace, Rachel

Filed in LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Outreach
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