Through the words of the prophet Joel, God called to His people and commanded that they turn from their sinful ways and return to Him for His grace and blessings. This has been the focal point of Lent for Christians as they observe the forty days of this season of penitence and reflection. Lent is a time for listening and responding to the call to return to faithfulness to the God who has been ever faithful to His people. Joel’s exhortation, “Return to the Lord, your God” will serve as our call to Lenten vespers each Wednesday leading to Easter. It is more than a verse sung as part of the liturgy. It is a heartfelt directive for our lives as together we follow the pathway of Lent.
Pastor David will join four other NALC pastors in a preaching series where each will visit one another’s congregation and preach according to five themes of Lent. The schedule for our Lenten series at St. Jacob’s is:
1st Week in Lent – Pr. Bill White (St. Peter’s Lexington) – Return from Betrayal
2nd Week in Lent – Pr. David Nuottila – Return to Prayer
3rd Week in Lent – Pr. Dave Tholstrup (St. Peter’s Chapin) – Return from Denial
4th Week in Lent – Pr. Andrew Loomis (Immanuel, Sumter) – Return to the Kingdom of God
5th Week in Lent – Pr. Cassie Boehringer (St. Peter’s, Lexington) – Return from False Witness
The liturgy we will follow for the Wednesday Vespers is Holden Evening Prayer. Please note that traditional Vespers liturgy does not include the Sacrament of Holy Communion, so there will not be communion on the Wednesdays in Lent. Please plan on attending each week as we journey together toward repentance and the cross of Christ, and finally are confronted with our risen Lord at the empty tomb of Easter. As it has been our tradition, a meal will be served prior to our Lenten mid-week worship services. Keep an eye on our weekly worship bulletin for more details.
Pastor Archive
Lenten Vespers Series and Schedule
Posted March 2, 2022 By adminPastoral Devotion for March
Posted February 28, 2022 By adminCome and Rest
Read Mark 6:7-13, 30-33
The disciples returned from the mission from which Jesus sent them filled with excitement. They couldn’t wait to report to their teacher the many things they had done in his name. Pairing up and traveling from place to place, the disciples preached the message of repentance to all who would hear, cast out demons, and healed the sick. Certainly, there was plenty to discuss, but understanding their needs, Jesus invited them to come away to a place of rest.
Life as a disciple of Christ is much the same today. Those who are engaged in ministering to the sick, hungry, homeless, and lost find that there is seemingly no end to such mission. Even the people of God who come weekly to worship often lean heavily upon those called to ministry. Even still, the passion and excitement displayed by the twelve is paralleled by today’s disciple. Similarly, just as with the twelve, seldom is there a day when such a disciple may take full advantage of finding a desolate place to rest. Even in that desolate place, the disciple loves those whom God has placed in his charge; he cares for the sick, tends to the needy, and prays for the flock. The notion of rest seems unattainable, yet Jesus realizes and understands their needs.
Following the boat that carried Jesus and the twelve to that “desolate” place was a great crowd. When Jesus saw them, he had compassion and called his disciples to give them something to eat. What followed was perhaps one of Jesus’ most powerful miracles. Not only did Jesus feed the multitude, but he also fed the twelve. As we continue to trust and follow our Lord, Jesus continues to feed us with the truth of the gospel, the compassion of God’s love and with food from heaven provided in abundance.
The blessing of being in ministry and service in the name of Christ is such that as the disciple grows tired, Jesus fills them with power, even when the desolate place is not so peaceful.
Prayer: Dearest Jesus, bless us in our work of the gospel, and grant us rest in you. Amen.
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted February 19, 2022 By adminDo you have enough faith?
Read Mark 7:24-30
Do you have enough faith? Do you have enough faith to pray even when it seems God is not listening? It is not always easy to maintain faithfulness, especially when it seems God is silent to our pleas for help. Just as the Psalmist wrote; “O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest…” (Psalm 22:2) many feel they experience silence from God. On the night he was handed over, Jesus himself prayed that the cup of suffering might be removed from him, yet he remained faithful. The fact remains that Jesus’ crucifixion was God’s greatest silence.
We have all experienced this silence of God. We pray for something, and the opposite seems to happen. We pray for healing yet still suffer. We pray for companionship, yet we remain lonely. This is where faith enters. Having faith means understanding and believing that Christ was, is and always will be Emmanuel, God with us. Even as we do not understand God’s ways, through faith we are enabled to believe that God’s mercy endures. Even as we don’t always seem to get what we want, the Holy Spirit leads us through faith to realize God gives us what we need.
In the text listed above, the Syrophoenician woman pleads for her daughter’s healing; she believes the crumbs from the Master’s table have the power to save. It is all she needs. Even as we plead, “Lord have mercy”, Christ reaches out and fills our empty hands with this same bread from heaven. Christ is our only source for forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal life. Through faith in him we are saved.
Do you have enough faith? What do you think? Do you believe that God’s blessings are for you even if you are an outsider? Having enough faith is not hoping we will get what we want; it is knowing Jesus is Lord. Having enough faith is believing that no matter what chaos threatens us, we are not alone in a storm. Having enough faith means knowing Christ is our Lord and our God, and through him only is the way to eternal life.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Mid-Week Bible Study
Posted January 31, 2022 By adminOur mid-week Morning Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, February 2nd beginning at 10 AM. Our topic will be a based on a book “Reviving the Aging Church” written by our friend, Pastor Brad Hales from the NALC Staff. We will take a close look at the scriptures pertaining to God’s blessing the faithful with long life and many years. This will be a great study and produce good fruit for our congregation as we live into the “golden” years. There are no special materials needed, just bring your Bible and a desire to explore God’s Word with members of your church family.
Pastoral Devotion for February
Posted January 31, 2022 By adminTogether in Faith
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
Christians today certainly face doubts and fears. So, like many in the early church, Christians today benefit from the encouragement of other believers. When left on their own, even the faithful risk becoming distant and inactive in matters of worship and fellowship. The world offers too many alternatives to living a life patterned after the example of our Lord Jesus.
At every turn, the powers that defy God lay in wait to snatch the believer from the community of faith. Worldly temptations meant to lure believers away from heavenly things become stumbling blocks. Relying on the self only, even the most devout can set their minds on earthly things rather than seeking God’s kingdom first. This is the great challenge to the faithful while living in a world fallen in upon itself. In such a world, we often rely on the faith of others.
The church certainly faces issues of complacency; many are not as active as we ought to be. Others become lukewarm in their faith. Yet, living in a community of faith, the Holy Spirit strengthens God’s people through their hearing the gospel. The epistles of Paul, along with the other biblical authors continue to encourage Christians throughout the world. We are strengthened by their words, for theirs are the Word of God.
PRAYER: Strengthen your church, O Lord; bless the community of those who call upon your name. Amen.
Pastoral Devotion For January
Posted January 3, 2022 By adminA PLACE AT THE TABLE
Read – 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10, Luke 16:19-31
As baptismal waters washed over his head, the stain of sin was erased forever, and he was made a new creation. At long last he became a child of God, refreshed, and brought to new life. So it was for a homeless man living on the streets of Charleston who happened to become friends with this particular pastor. Truly, Greg became the best friend I ever had.
It seemed that at every turn, fortune never seemed to smile upon Greg. He was homeless, friendless, and trusted no one. Yet, tired of being alone, he entered the church. There he found compassion. In time, the compassion he discovered taught him to trust; his trust led him to love. Life remained difficult, but through his newly gifted faith, Greg would begin to understand this earthly affliction would one day pass, and the kingdom would be his forever. That day came for Greg soon after I left Charleston to serve a congregation in North Carolina.
As Lazarus longed for food from the rich man’s table, not a crumb would fall within his reach. Making a distinction between rich and poor, the rich man failed in his calling to feed the hungry, thus he lived contrary to God’s mandate to love his neighbor. Upon his death, the rich man was denied the mercy of God. In short, he received his reward for his selfishness and refusal to care for those in need. Many in this world continue make such distinctions, only helping when they feel the recipient “deserves” to be helped. They make distinctions between people according to appearances. Thus, the lost and hungry often go ignored. But just as God smiled upon Lazarus, all who call upon the Lord will find compassion and take their place at the table of heaven.
Father God, give us hearts for love alone, that we might love and serve our neighbor without distinction. Amen.
Pastoral Devotion for December
Posted December 15, 2021 By adminI Am with You
Read: Genesis 28:10-22
Jacob, having tricked his father Isaac into blessing him over and above his brother Esau, is now on the run. He is in fear for his life as his brother has vowed to kill him for what he had done. Alone and afraid, Jacob travels through the wilderness. He is not seeking an encounter with God, nor is he searching for some deeply religious explanation of his life. Jacob is between places, the place of his father which is his home, and the place to which he is traveling where he hopes to find a new life. Yet, through a dream, God makes his presence known and the gospel, the good news of God’s deliverance comes to Jacob. “Behold, I am with you!”
Jacob’s vision of a ladder reaching from earth into heaven teaches us that the world is not a place absent of God’s presence. Rather, there is intersection between the realm of earthly life and God’s kingdom. Angels, messengers of God, travel to and from bringing tidings of good news and God’s divine protection to those who live within the family of faith. God’s children are not alone; there is someone who walks with us, powerful enough to take on our troubles and wash away our shame. Because God loved the world so much, we have a Savior who says, “Behold, I am with you!”
How often do we wander in the wilderness? When are those instances when we search for God, yet He seems distant? These are the times to become quiet and still, to open our hearts and minds to the presence of our Lord Jesus. For the words of his promise are sure, “Behold, I am with you.”
Holy God, guide us by your Holy Spirit and guard us with your angels. Help us to see always, your power and presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Christmas Morning Worship
Posted December 10, 2021 By adminYears ago, I was confronted by a church member concerning Worship on Christmas Day. That particular year, Christmas was on Sunday and this certain church member wanted to know if we would be having worship that morning. Of course, we did have worship. After all, Sunday is the Lord’s Day regardless of any other celebration we might want to observe. That instance set in motion a practice that I have observed every year since. As a pastor, it breaks my heart that the vast majority of churches remain closed on Christmas morning, one of the holiest days of the year. I have made it my tradition to offer a worship service every year on Christmas morning for those who would desire to come celebrate Christmas with worship and Holy Communion. This year will be no different. Worship with holy communion will be Christmas morning at 10:00 AM. All are invited to keep Christ in Christmas and worship at St. Jacob’s during this simple Christmas morning service. It is a “come as you are” opportunity to gather with your church family. Over the years, I have witnessed children in pajamas, adults in relaxed and casual dress, all coming to sing the praises of a God who would provide the most precious gift of all, the birth of a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Everyone is most certainly welcome. Come make a joyful noise and share in the blessing of Christmas with your church family.
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted December 1, 2021 By adminAnd she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
I can’t say why, but this year, more than most, the celebration of Christmas seems just a little bit nearer to me. Perhaps it is because that the past two Christmas celebrations have been somewhat curtailed by the pandemic. Maybe it is because the year 2021 presented a few challenges to my faith. Or perhaps it is due to a cloudy outlook into the future that many people envision because of uncertain times. Regardless, this year I find myself in earnest reflection of the Christmas narrative and the miracle surrounding the birth of our Lord Jesus.
Think of it, a young woman – a girl actually – pure and innocent, a virgin, suddenly finding herself “with child” by the power of the Holy Spirit. Dear Mary, whom the church would later recognize as “theotokos” or “the God-bearer” she would face so many challenges at a tender young age that most women would likely shy away from. Mary most likely faced harsh ridicule from those who knew her best. “How could you become pregnant outside of marriage?” How could you bring shame upon your family…upon Joseph with such behavior?” No, in these instances, young Mary was alone in her predicament. How could she convince people the child within her was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit? Truly, how could she convince Joseph? Only because God sent the angel Gabriel to Joseph in a dream did he become privy to God’s plan to send his Son into the World through such humble means.
As servants of the Lord, Mary and Joseph submitted to the will and desire of our Holy and Mighty God. Perhaps because of their humbleness and willingness God found reason to choose them to be the instruments of his good will toward mankind.
Think of Joseph. He was a man who worked with his hands. Scripture tells us that he was a faithful and just man, one who took into consideration his love and concern for others. Joseph is a good example for today’s men to follow. When presented with challenges in relationships with others, we can look to Joseph, doing well to handle them quietly, faithfully, compassionately. When called to serve according to God’s will, even when the situation is difficult, we can see in Joseph a willing spirit and an eager obedience to follow.
And think of Mary, the things she had to experience for herself. There was no midwife to help her deliver and care for her child. No warm water in which to bathe the child. No light, no warmth, only a cold manger for a bed and rags in which to wrap the babe in so he wouldn’t shiver. Who showed this poor girl what to do in such circumstances? Who was there to guide her, encourage her? No one but God, and Mary placed her complete faith and trust in him.
I believe that such reflection upon the birth of our Lord serves us well as we look to God’s unfailing love for his people. Christmas is a time when we can take a long look at our faith and life. What sweeter picture can there be other than a young mother’s glance beaming down upon her first child even as he was born into such a harsh environment? Loving eyes looking upon a helpless child, dependent upon his mother for everything.
It is the same picture of love we see as we consider our heavenly Father’s glance beaming down upon his precious children whom he saved from sin and death through the miracle of this baby born of Mary. We sinful human beings are brought into a right relationship through the child conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. This truly is the greatest gift of all. God’s loving eyes looking upon his people who are helpless and powerless against the powers that would defy God’s goodness, mercy, and grace.
As we sojourn into the approaching Advent and Christmas seasons, I would pray that we all could do so in quiet reflection upon the images of Christ’s nativity. Take in the picture of the holy family. Make them a part of who we are as God’s people gathered here. May we all share the love, peace, and miracle of the Nativity of our Lord.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Reaching Out With Worship
Posted November 30, 2021 By adminBeginning on Sunday, December 5th, Pastor David will be leading a brief worship service in the lobby at Generations. This service will take place at 1:30 PM. every other Sunday. Several St. Jacob’s church family members reside at Generations and it will be good to share a time of Word and Sacrament with them and the rest of the residents. Several have remarked about how much they enjoyed our singing for them in October and are looking forward to Sunday worship. Volunteers to assist in singing familiar hymns and distributing communion would be appreciated. If you would like to help out, please contact Pastor David.
