As you all know, I have had to cancel my previous two mission trips to Congo, first due to health reasons, then last year due to political reasons. In that time, my partner Pastor Stephane Kalonji has journeyed to Congo without assistance from another pastor and carried out the mission work we began twelve years ago. I have truly missed being a part of this important ministry of the Gospel. The good news this year is that we are scheduled to make our annual trip together for the first time in a while. Pastor Kalonji and I are both eager to see the progress made in the construction of the church building we established in 2023. My mission trip to the Congo this summer is scheduled for July 7th – 23rd. On Monday, July 6th , I will fly to Houston, TX to meet Pastor Kalonji; and the next day we will begin the long journey to Africa.
I am thankful to everyone who continues to support this mission work for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and covet your continued support and prayers. Prior to making this trip I will host one or two fundraising opportunities. Our budget for the trip this summer is $27,000.00. Somehow, by the grace of God, we manage each year to raise enough money to do this important work. Yet it gets more difficult as the years go by. Please consider how you might support the Congo Mission and become a partner with us. Donations may be made through our church offering and designated as “Congo Mission Trip.”
Outreach Archive
Congo Mission Trip 2026
Posted February 19, 2026 By adminSt. Jacob’s 250th Year-long Celebration
Posted February 14, 2026 By adminWhat a joy it was to kick off our year of celebration. On Sunday, January 18th , we welcomed former St. Jacob’s member Pastor Dawn Rister and her family as our initial Anniversary Year guest preacher. We are grateful for her time with us and for the fellowship we shared. The 250th Anniversary Celebration will continue throughout the year as we welcome several guest preachers and share memories of our history within the community of the Dutch Fork. Please make sure to attend each of these special occasions and invite your friends and neighbors to join us. The schedule of the remaining events during this year of celebration is listed below.
• February 15th – Congregational Outreach Event to support NALC Disaster Response.
• March 15th – Guest preacher Rev. Henry Pawluk; congregational dinner following worship.
• April 19th – Decades Day; worshipers dress from past eras and use a historic liturgy from our collective past.
• May 17th – Guest preacher Rev. Marty Ramey; congregational dinner following worship.
• June – Vacation Bible School
• July 19th – Guest preacher Rev. Randy Drafts; congregational dinner following worship.
• August 16th – Guest preacher Rev. David Tholstrup (former SCMD Dean), congregational dinner following worship.
• September 20th – Congregational Outreach Event; blankets for residents at Generations.
• October 25th – Homecoming and Anniversary Sunday, guest preacher NALC Presiding Bishop Dan Selbo; special catered congregational dinner following worship.
• November TBD – Golden Agers Recognition and Celebration.
We give thanks to God for the long history of our congregation, and especially for the life and witness of so many who have been a part of our proclamation and now take their rest in Christ. Thanks be to God for the life we share together.
Pastoral Devotion for January – Bearing Witness to Love
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminRead John 10:19-42
There is an old saying that suggests actions speak louder than words. When people say “I love you,” the evidence is not in their spoken words, but their acts of kindness. Absent of any display of affection or selfless deeds saying to someone “I love you” is simply an empty exchange of words.
As Jesus lived among God’s people, he proclaimed the fullness of God’s love. However, it is through his many signs and wonders that our Lord makes the Father’s love known in real and visible ways. Foretold by the prophets of long ago, Jesus’s teaching and his miraculous works point to him as God’s Messiah. Still, the Pharisees and scribes would have none of this.
“How long will you keep us in suspense?” “Why do you not tell us plainly?” Jesus had already given the answer, but they refused to believe, even as they’ve
seen the evidence with their own eyes. Such hardened hearts are not capable of belief because they do not understand love.
Our works and good deeds contribute nothing towards our salvation. Yet, as believers in Christ Jesus, our works do bear witness to the love God has for his people. Jesus calls us to a life of love for God and neighbor. When one says “I love God” or “I love my neighbor,” he can only be believed when his actions match his words. Without such works, saying “I love God and neighbor” is yet one more empty exchange.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, make our actions towards others match our words of love, that all may come to see your goodness and mercy. Amen.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Posted November 21, 2025 By adminIt’s hard to believe but the time is quickly approaching for our Thanksgiving Eve worship service. Our service will begin at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, November 26th in the church nave. With Pastor David away, we will have a lay distribution of Holy Communion, sharing elements held in reserve from our most recent celebration of the sacrament.
Following our service, we will once more prepare pound cake slices to be included in the community Thanksgiving meal sponsored by The Hub. Please come and join us for worship and for an opportunity to serve our neighbors.
Christ the King Sunday
Posted November 15, 2025 By adminThe Hebrew word “Messiah,” and the Greek word “Christ,” both mean “anointed one.” They refer to the expected king whom God promised would deliver his people from all earthly powers. Holy Scripture reveals Jesus of Nazareth to be this long-awaited Messiah. Unlike the type of Messiah most Jews expected, Jesus came to free all people, Jew and Gentile; and he did not come to free them from the Babylonians, Assyrians, or Romans, but from the power and consequences of sin, death, and the devil. Thus, the King of the Jews, and of all people, does not rule over a kingdom of this world. He rules over the universe and God’s kingdom of glory forever and ever. Christ the King Sunday is the final Sunday of the Christian Church year and focuses on the return of Christ at the end of the age. This year, Christ the King Sunday is celebrated on November 23rd.
Lutheran Women
Posted November 5, 2025 By adminFundraiser
The Lutheran Women would like to thank everyone for their generous support of our spaghetti meal fundraiser for Andy. It was a huge success.
Rada Knives and Happy Home Flavorings
The Lutheran Women are selling Rada knives and Happy Home flavorings. Now is a good time to place an order as these make great Christmas gifts! To place an order please contact.
Community Projects
The Lutheran Women donated 180 pounds of food to We Care and provided men’s toiletries to the NALC Women’s Project.
Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
Posted November 1, 2025 By adminThe Lutheran Women would like to thank all volunteers that came out to support our fall festival. This year’s fall festival was well attended, and a great time was had by all! Everyone especially enjoyed the halloweenies!
Midweek Bible Study
Posted October 30, 2025 By adminMidweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. We are currently studying the Gospel According to John. This study is a traditional chapter and verse study where we will read and learn more of the message John has to teach all who hear his Gospel and come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true Son of God. We will read and compare John’s writing with that of the other Gospel writers. We will also explore the connections between John’s Gospel and the Old Testament. Everyone is invited to join us as they are able.
Welcome New Member
Posted October 30, 2025 By adminOn October 19th, Scott joined the St. Jacob’s church family by affirmation of baptism. We are happy to welcome Scott as our newest church member.
Vacation Bible School
Posted June 5, 2025 By admin
Come join our Alaskan adventure Monday, June 23rd through Thursday, June 26th. A light supper will be served each night starting at 5:45 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Instruction will begin at 6:30 PM and ends at 8:00 PM. There will be fun, fellowship, activities, games, crafts, science experiments, and music. We will study scripture that reveals that Jesus is a faithful friend that we can always trust. Be part of our adventure as we see majestic mountains, racing rivers, sparkling glaciers, and the northern lights. There are classes for all ages! Bring a friend! Don’t miss the fun. Pastor David will lead an adult class in the church nave. Join the members of our church family as we enjoy our time together learning more about the love God showers upon his people through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Anyone who is willing and able to help out during the week should contact Sherrie McTeer. There are plenty of opportunities to serve.
