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From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 5, 2026 By admin

Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Joel 2:13

“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Those were the words spoken over us as we received the ashes on Ash Wednesday just a couple of weeks ago. They are also the words God spoke to Adam and Eve following their tragic fall into sin. Adam, as we know, was created in God’s image and likeness from the dust of the ground. Once created, God declared him to be “very good.”

Yet, God also said that it was not good for the man to be alone. And so, God caused a deep sleep for Adam and took a rib from his side and created his helpmate. Later, upon beholding this new addition to the human family of God, Adam said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” The two were made to complement one another, to make humanity whole.

Yet, when temptation came to Adam and Eve, they did not withstand and became disobedient to God’s prohibition concerning the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. We know the rest of the story, and through it’s telling and retelling, we are reminded of our mortality. “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

As you continue in the midst of the Lenten season, it is your Pastor’s prayer that you do so with the intention of growing in the Christian disciplines of daily reading of Scripture, fervent prayer, and honoring the Sabbath through weekly worship. These are the marks of discipleship. These are the intentions Christ has for his people so that we would all grow closer in our relationship with him and with one another.

The ashen cross that adorned the foreheads of those who received it on Ash Wednesday are the reminder of your mortality and that you too were made from the dust of the ground. It is this dust to which you will one day return. But that does not ever need to be seen as the end of the story. For since God brought forth life from the lifeless dust so long ago, so too will he bring life once again to the faithful who have died in Christ

This is the good news for the people who have walked in the darkness of a fallen and broken world, fallen and broken by the powers of temptation and sin. God will not allow those saved by his grace through faith in Christ to remain dust forever. Just as God did not allow the power of the devil to claim and steal away that which God said is very good, God will not allow Satan to steal away the precious children he has claimed through the waters of Holy Baptism.

The season of Lent is one more opportunity for you to “return to the Lord your God” (Joel 2:13). Truly, as we continue to walk through the darkness of a broken world, we do so as children of the light that is in Christ. Each of us deals with our own sin and shame. Each of us has disobeyed God’s commandments just as our first parents Adam and Eve did so long ago. But just as God promised reconciliation to Adam and Eve, he promises the same to us.

As a part of our Lenten journey toward the cross of Christ, we walk in the light of the fulfillment of God’s promise. I look forward to spending time in worship and prayer with you during Lent, just as I look forward to proclaiming to you the Good News of Christ’s empty tomb on the day of resurrection. Until then, may we all seek to return to the Lord our God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

Grace to you and peace,

Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Pastor

Pastoral Devotion for March – Welcome the Children

Posted February 27, 2026 By admin

This is a follow-up to the devotion shared in February’s newsletter. Read Matthew 19:13-15
Welcome the children who are brought to church. Share with them the Word of God.
Even if they lay on the floor, make room for them here.
If they offer you a goldfish cracker, accept it with joy.
If one of their parents must stand in the back swaying back and forth holding them, offer to help.
Even when it’s hard. Even when you seem bothered.
When your pew looks like it was hit by a tornado, smile and remember your youthful days
Be glad they are in church. Even when you feel like staring, look at them with love, don’t let your frustration get in the way.
Be thankful they are in church and give them room to grow comfortable with your presence
Make room for them in your pew. Let them see you worship. Let them see you pray. Let them hear you sing.
Let them see you coming to the Savior with hands outstretched to receive his body and blood.
Because if they don’t see and learn these things from you, who will teach them?
The devil doesn’t want them here. He will teach them to stay away, provide something else to do.
The devil will try to distract you with a child’s curiosity.
The devil will want you to feel bothered.
The devil will convince you that the children are better off left in the nursery.
Don’t let the devil separate the children from the faithful in worship.
Satan will have you so far off course and disturbed and put out that you won’t hear the message of hope in the Lord. You will only feel angst.
The world won’t teach the children about Jesus, that’s your job.
The world won’t teach them about forgiveness, that’s yours to embody.
The world won’t teach them about grace, that’s yours to offer.
The world won’t teach them about heaven.
But Jesus said, unless you have the faith of a little child, you won’t see it either.
It begins with parents and young children feeling loved and welcomed in church.
So, welcome the children. Welcome the whole family.
A church without the sounds of children is all too quiet.
A church without the presence of children is less joyful than it need be.
So, welcome the little children. Sit with them. Teach them. Let them sit with you. Let them learn from you.
Bring the children unto Christ, do not hinder them.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless the adults of our congregation. Make room in our hearts to welcome little children and find joy in them as they grow in faith. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor, Sunday School

Congo Mission Trip 2026

Posted February 19, 2026 By admin

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.”

Filed in Missions, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

Pastoral Devotion for February – Bring Your Children

Posted February 3, 2026 By admin

Read Matthew 19:13-15

Bring your children. Bring them to church. Saturate their lives with the Word of God.

Even if they lay on the floor.

Even if they need a sippy cup and a pack of goldfish crackers to keep them occupied.

Even if you must stand in the back swaying back and forth holding them.

Even when it’s hard.

Even when your pew looks like a small hurricane just came through.

Bring them to church. Even when you feel the glares and stares of others, don’t let that stop you.

Bring them to church and give them room in your pew.

Let them see you worship. Let them see you pray. Let them hear you sing.

Let them see you coming to the Savior with hands outstretched to receive his body and blood.

Because if they don’t see and learn these things from you, who will teach them?

The devil will teach them it’s not a priority.

The devil will teach them it’s okay to lay out.

The devil will teach them not to pick up their Bibles.

The devil will convince them to just skip worship all together.

Satan will have them so far off course and confused and misinformed that they will believe just being “good” is enough.

The world won’t teach them about Jesus.

The world won’t teach them about forgiveness.

The world won’t teach them about grace.

The world won’t teach them about heaven.

That’s your job.

It begins by bringing them to church.

So, bring your children. A church without the sounds of children is all too quiet.

A church without the presence of children is less joyful than it needs to be.

So, bring your children. Sit with them. Teach them. Let them sit with you. Let them learn from you.

Bring your children unto Christ, do not hinder them.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless the little children of our congregation. Bless us with their presence as we worship you and praise your name. Amen.

 

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Filed in Bible Study, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Lutheran Men, Lutheran Women, Other Happenings, Pastor, Sunday School, Up and Going, Worship and Music, Worship Service

St. Jacob’s 250th Year-long Celebration

Posted January 10, 2026 By admin

The year 2026 has come and with it, St. Jacob’s will celebrate our 250th anniversary of ministry of the Gospel within this community. The team appointed by the church council last year has worked faithfully to plan for the year’s activities, including welcoming several guest preachers who have played a significant role within our church family. The schedule of events during this year of celebration is listed below.

  • January 18th – Guest preacher Rev. Dawn Rister; (SCMD Dean) congregation dinner following worship.
  • February 15th – Congregation Outreach Event to support NALC Disaster Response.
  • March 15th – Guest preacher Rev. Henry Pawluk; congregation 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; congregation dinner following worship.
  • June – Vacation Bible School
  • July 19th – Guest preacher Rev. Randy Drafts; congregation dinner following worship.
  • August 16th – Congregation Outreach Event; blankets for residents at Generations.
  • September 20th – Guest preacher Rev. David Tholstrup (former SCMD Dean), congregation dinner following worship.
  • October 25th – Homecoming and Anniversary Sunday, guest preacher NALC Presiding Bishop Dan Selbo; special catered congregation 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.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Pastor, Worship and Music, Worship Service

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Posted January 7, 2026 By admin

Pastor David has put together an updated One Year Bible Reading Plan for members of St. Jacob’s, friends and family. This reading plan begins on January 1st and has listed scripture readings for each day of 2026. Dedicating only about fifteen minutes a day, you will read the entire Bible in one year. It is suggested that those participating in the plan find a regular time each day (each morning is best) and with pencil, pen, or highlighter in hand to identify passages for later study.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Pastor

Midweek Bible Study

Posted January 4, 2026 By admin

Midweek 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.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, Other Happenings, Pastor

From Your Pastor’s Heart

Posted January 4, 2026 By admin

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
One of the greatest joys of being a pastor is watching the young people of the congregation grow to become faithful disciples of Christ. The Greek word for disciple is “mathetes,” (pronounced ma-thay-tays). It means that one who is a disciple is a learner, a student of the master. The disciple follows the teacher and submits to the teacher’s ways, following the teacher’s example. This leads to a transformation in the way the disciple’s life is lived. We call this transformation living a life of “discipleship.”
When we think of disciples as students, we imagine them to be people who attend lectures or read books. But disciples, as in the context of the Bible, were required to interact with and imitate a real living person, their teacher. A disciple would literally follow someone in hopes of eventually becoming what they are. This is the calling of Christians throughout our shared history within the Church. So, how does one know if they are living the life of discipleship?
Such a life is distinguished by several indicators. We call these the “Marks of Discipleship.” The first is to be someone who is regularly dwelling in God’s Word. Reading the Bible is essential for living as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Truly, the only way to learn from Christ is to dwell in his Word.
The next mark of discipleship is to have an active and dynamic prayer life. Simply put, disciples pray. In his teaching about prayer, Jesus commands his followers to pray. As Jesus gives his teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:5-13, he says, “When you pray.” Jesus expects his disciples to pray. Through prayer faith is reaffirmed, confidence in God’s Word is built, and we become more aligned with God’s will.
It should go without saying that disciples also enjoy learning more about God’s truth. So, we can say, disciples willingly learn from the Lord. Disciples study with other disciples in fellowship with one another. Learning and fellowship are strong indicators of one who lives a life of discipleship. Disciples not only learn, but they do so eagerly and joyfully.
Disciples also worship and participate regularly in the Sacraments. Disciples come to the Lord’s table, welcomed as a sinner redeemed by Christ himself. They savor each opportunity in which they may receive the body and blood of Christ for the sake of their forgiveness and as nourishment for their faith.
And finally, disciples serve Christ by serving and evangelizing their neighbor. Engaging the mission of the Gospel means meeting the physical needs of our neighbor while also meeting their spiritual needs. Mission work is defined by these two traits. To live the life of discipleship means presenting yourself as a living sacrifice for the sake of others. All the while sharing with them the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
I mentioned earlier it is a pastor’s joy to witness the younger members of the Church growing into the life of discipleship. That is because, as they learn from their pastor and their Sunday school teachers, they learn from Christ himself. Those who remain in the fellowship of their peers will grow to become faithful disciples of Jesus simply through regular learning, worship, and fellowship among God’s people. We have witnessed that here at St. Jacob’s. Just take a look at the young people who are climbing into leadership roles within our worship services. They are the ones who regularly live and learn among the faithful. We can all be thankful for each one of them as they grow in faith. Let us prayerfully guide them and may we also learn from them how to become greater disciples of our Lord Jesus.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Pastor

Pastoral Devotion for January – Bearing Witness to Love

Posted January 4, 2026 By admin

Read 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.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor

One Year Bible Reading Plan

Posted December 26, 2025 By admin

Pastor David has put together an updated One Year Bible Reading Plan for members of St. Jacob’s, friends and family. This reading plan begins on January 1st and has listed scripture readings for each day of 2026. Dedicating only about fifteen minutes a day, you will read the entire Bible in one year. It is suggested that those participating in the plan find a regular time each day (each morning is best) and with pencil, pen, or highlighter in hand identify passages for later study.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Pastor
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