Our Advent Bible study will be titled “A Reunion of Grace” and will take a peek into the family history of our Lord. We will see how God chose to save humanity from sin, not through strength, but through humility and weakness. We will look at the lives of four ancestors of Jesus whose scars from human life are important factors for us to know about so that we can become more reliable witnesses to God’s amazing grace. Advent Bible study begins on Wednesday, December 1st, starting at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall and is open to anyone who would like to participate.
Pastor Archive
Advent Bible Study
Posted November 30, 2021 By adminAdvent Vespers
Posted November 30, 2021 By adminThe theme for our Advent Vespers will be “A Christmas Journey” featuring four dramatic readings presented by St. Jacob’s church family members. This set of monologues highlights the inner thoughts of four characters deeply involved in the divine drama of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus. Below is our schedule for mid-week Advent services.
December 1st – Joseph: The Stepfather
December 8th – Mary: The Favored One
December 15th – John: The Preparer
December 22nd – The Innkeeper
Advent Vespers will begin at 7:00 PM each Wednesday during the season. We will also receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion at each service. Please plan to attend each week as we anticipate the celebration of Christmas.
Pastoral Devotion for November
Posted November 10, 2021 By adminGreatness in Serving Others
Mark 10:35-45
What do you want to be when you grow up? That’s a question that we all faced at one time or another. Some probably wanted to be doctors or nurses. Some perhaps wanted to be a professional athlete. Still someone might have wanted to be an actor or singer. Have you ever noticed few children, if any, say they want to be a garbage collector? Fewer still might say they want to be the school custodian, or the person who makes up the beds in a hotel. When we are young, we want to stand out; we often dream of making it big. We have dreams for our future.
Jesus never asks his disciples about their vision of what their lives might be like once he is departed. Instead, he leads the twelve on a journey of humility and service. Jesus leads and they follow. Our Lord teaches the twelve and us that in order to be counted first in God’s kingdom; we must become last of all and servant of all.
Certainly, we dream about the future. Yet, no matter your vocation or station in life, blessed is the one who puts the needs of others above their own and becomes their servant. Truly this one is counted as greatest in heaven.
Prayer: Holy God, give us the will to follow Christ, becoming as servants of others and inheritors of your kingdom. Amen.
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted November 1, 2021 By admin[Jesus said] “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.” John 17:6-8
A few days into my recent vacation, I received news of the death of my friend and fellow pastor, Brett Collins. I know that several folks within our church family had known Pastor Brett for quite a while and considered him to be very close. This news saddened many people within our Lutheran Churches, both NALC and ELCA. We have lost a friend who was our pastor, a beloved family man, and a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.
As some of you may know, each Tuesday morning, Pastor Brett would join me and several other local Lutheran pastors online and we would study the Sunday lessons together. When a question regarding difficulties with the text would arise, Brett would often break the silence and offer this advice, “Just preach the Word, that’s what the people need to hear. Just Preach the Word man.” That is exactly what I had in mind when I preached and led worship at Holy Trinity in Little Mountain the Sunday following Pastor Brett’s death.
The day before I was in Salisbury, N.C. to perform a wedding for a former church youth member. I won’t deny, it was good seeing so many former church family members. I hadn’t seen any of them since taking the call to be St. Jacob’s Pastor. I realized that the old saying is true. Once a pastor, always a pastor. Memories from my two previous congregations found their way to the forefront of my mind as I enjoyed the smiles and hugs from people for whom I was their spiritual leader for six years, and again, I won’t deny that I enjoyed every minute.
The next morning (Sunday), having traveled back from North Carolina the night before, I had to stop
by St. Jacob’s on my way to Holy Trinity. It was good seeing folks who were gathered for worship, but it seemed strange that I was not going to be your preacher that particular morning. Instead, my calling for the day was to be Pastor for my friend’s flock. They were hurting and searching for comfort and encouragement and longed for a Word from God for reassurance.
During the prelude, I was seated behind the pulpit where Pastor Brett would have been sitting. The sensation was surreal. I asked myself, who am I that I should be in this place? Even though I had known Brett for a long time, this was his place, but he is no longer here. God called me to be pastor for them on this particular morning, and again the next Sunday. It was an assignment I was more than willing to accept. After all, once a pastor, always a pastor.
I believe I am writing this message to you as a way of peaceful reflection and response to the loss of a good friend. More than that, I believe I am writing this message to you because, as I sat be-hind the pulpit waiting to worship with a congregation that had just lost its shepherd, I realized just how special you all are to me. In the 17th chapter of John, Jesus says praise to his Father for his disciples saying Father, “I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.”
Having worshiped with the folks at Holy Trinity, I can say that without a doubt, Pastor Brett Collins gave them the Word God had given to him. They heard it and they know it’s true. Brett taught them well, and he set a fine example for them to follow. Now, in the wake of his sudden and tragic death, I know there will be more silent moments as I study the texts each Tuesday with my fellow pastors. In such times, I will do my best to take the advice of my friend, Brett Collins. “Just preach the Word, that’s what the people want to hear. Just preach the Word man.” May the Word I give to you on
Sunday be the same truth of the Gospel God gives me so that you may hear the truth concerning Jesus Christ.
I’m sorry for the long message, but I believe this month’s article truly reflects the nature of the title of my monthly column. For certainly, memories of my friend and the joy I find in being your pastor is what is on The Pastor’s Heart.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
First Communion Instruction
Posted November 1, 2021 By adminPastor David will offer First Communion Instruction for children in grades 1-6 who have not yet begun receiving the sacrament, or for those who have not yet attended First Communion Instruction. Classes will be held during the Sunday school time on November 7th, 14th, and 21st. Children must attend with a parent or guardian. If you feel your child or grandchild is ready to begin receiving Holy Communion, or already receives communion but has not received this instruction, please contact Pastor David Nuottila.
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 30, 2021 By adminWhen the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” Then God said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:4-5
As you begin reading this month’s article, I would ask you to first consider a few questions which I believe will provide perspective and a framework for reflection. When was the last time that you heard God speaking to you? Really, when was the last time you actually became still, and you were able to hear God’s voice? What was your response? In that instance when you felt a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit and heard God’s voice calling and inviting you to take part in his work, what did you do?
I am usually amazed at what God can do each time I am invited into difficult and stressful situations in the life of someone whom I am called to minister. Through-out my ministry, I have had my share of extraordinary and difficult moments. There have been many times when God called me to a place I’d rather not go. Suddenly, in those instances, I felt a bit like Moses when he saw the burning bush. My thoughts would sometimes turn into self-doubt. “What makes me so special that they should listen to me?” “What if I don’t have the ability to do what is required?” “What good can come out of my simply being there?”
We all know Moses as one of the central characters of the Old Testament narrative, yet before he became such a key figure, he could have been best described as someone who was lacking in confidence and filled with doubt. He was born a slave but raised in the house of Pharaoh and later rejected by even his own people. He had to flee Egypt because he killed a guard. When God finally got Moses’ attention, he was but a shepherd tending a flock that wasn’t even his own. God’s call wasn’t extended in dramatic fashion. There were no lightning bolts or loud claps of thunder. Instead, God used the sight of a burning bush.
This is where Moses gives us one of those great theological movements. Instead of sitting there with a puzzled look on his face, Moses turns aside. Turning aside is one of those things we learn about in seminary. Turning aside means dropping what you are doing, forgetting what you are thinking about so that you can look and listen for God. Moses turned aside in order to pay attention and noticed that this bush was not consumed by the flames. Moses turned aside and heard God. Yet, even turning aside isn’t always enough.
When God called Moses, his response was to the effect of “Who am I but a poor shepherd, uneducated in your ways and incapable of eloquent speech?” With each excuse Moses was able to conjure up, God promised to do more than simply meet his needs. Fast forwarding several thousand years, we may be quick to offer the same excuses when God calls us to ministry. “Who am I that I should be of help?” “I’m not qualified, send someone else.” “In this instance, I don’t believe I have what it takes.” I’m not up to the challenge…am I?” Often, at times we sound just like Moses, yet God still takes the time to bless us with the gift of the Holy Spirit and walk with us into the dark valley. Our calling as Jesus’ disciples is simply to go and let God be God.
The burning bushes are out there in our midst. God continually calls his people to action using the most ordinary of means but spotting those burning bushes takes patience and it takes practice. If we are not listening for God, if we are not paying at-tention, we might not recognize a burning bush when we see one. As we go about our busy day, Christian folk need to be actively looking and listening for God. We need to be tuned in to the burning bushes in our midst, always remembering that as we are called to ministry, God is with us and provides what is needed to do his will.
So again, I ask the questions that I have considered these last few weeks. When was the last time that you heard God speaking to you? When was the last time you actually became still so you could listen? What was your response? I pray that God will fill you with his presence and power as you hear him calling you to greater discipleship. For he who calls you is faithful, he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians. 5:24.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for October
Posted October 5, 2021 By adminBe Content
Read 1 Timothy 6:1-10
Songwriter, Harry Chapin spun a tale of a man named Mr. Tanner, a dry cleaner who was very good at his work. He was content with his chosen profession and loved his customers. Tanner was also a baritone who loved singing. Chapin said of Tanner, “He did not know how well he sang, it just made him whole.”
As the song goes, Tanner’s friends convinced him he should give up dry cleaning and pursue fame and glory. He would be able to leave his business behind, become famous and enjoy a prosperous life. Yet, it was not to be; his debut proved that public performance was not his calling. Dejected, Tanner gave up singing and his life was not the same.
God blesses his people with many gifts and talents. Used for God’s purposes, they bring much joy. Humbly sharing our gifts for the sake of others glorifies God through whom such gifts come. Of course, there is always the temptation to seek fortune and glory for ourselves, especially when swayed by others.
Just as Jesus teaches there are people of the world who would lead us astray, so too Paul teaches us that we are to be content with all God provides. Worldly influences may tempt us to seek glory for ourselves, but loving God and using our gifts to his glory brings joy and makes us whole.
Holy God, make us content with all you have provided, that it may be our joy to serve others. Amen.
Seminary President Visit
Posted September 30, 2021 By adminThe Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen, President of the North American Lutheran Seminary, joined us on Sunday September 26th and led a small group discussion on the NALC Seminary network. Following his presentation, Pastor Riesen served as our guest preacher for the day. Pastor Riesen wanted to pass along his regards to everyone and say that he noticed the congregation at St. Jacob’s is one that certainly shares the warmth and welcoming nature of God’s love. We are thankful for the opportunity to greet Pastor Eric and ask God’s continued blessings upon him and our North American Lutheran Seminary.
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted September 5, 2021 By adminIn March, I offered to the congregation what I call my Six-Point Vision to enhance our ministry and congregational life for the future of St. Jacob’s. The six points as they were presented in the March newsletter are:
1. Create an Intentional Disciple Making
Culture.
2. Growing the Christian Education Ministries of our congregation.
3. Raising up Leaders for the Church.
4. Grow in our focus on Mission and Outreach.
5. Develop a welcoming and inviting culture.
6. Grow in our sense of Christian fellowship.
This month, I would like to speak to one of those points that I believe is vital to the future of our life together. Point #2, Growing the Christian Education Ministries of our congregation, is one that has been a generations old problem for many congrega-tions. It is no secret that participation in Sunday School, Confirmation, and Bible Studies have fallen off drastically since the day when many of us were eager participants.
Over my pastoral ministry spanning three congregations, Christian Education teams have been faced with the issue of having too few volunteers to teach classes and a dwindling number of students. The same questions have arisen over the years. “How do we encourage people to teach classes?” How can we get our children to participate?” Since my initial conversations with the call team four years ago, I understand, St. Jacob’s, has struggled with these same questions. Answers, I assure you, do not come easy.
In order to address this complex issue, I asked for the Christian Education Team to meet in August in order to discuss the present condition of our Sunday School Ministry. At the time of this writing and due to newsletter deadlines, the meeting has been scheduled but has not yet taken place. It is my hope that our discussion will prove fruitful and faithful as we speak to the need for Christian Education and
faith formation for all members of our church family.
During the Youth Ministry Workshop at our convocation in Texas, I began a conversation citing the challenges of Sunday school and found that St. Jacob’s has not been alone in facing this issue. More recently, I also began an online conversation among pastors and youth ministers which is leading to an understanding among the group that perhaps it is time to begin thinking creatively and unconventionally. On Thursday, August 26th, I participated in an online Zoom discussion centered upon the questions we all face regarding Sunday School. The information brought out during this conversation was astounding. So many congregations are facing dire circumstances when it comes to providing Christian education for our children.
All too often, discussions regarding Sunday School end up with committees and ministry teams suggesting that we turn the clocks back to a time when Sunday School participation was in its heyday, doing the things we did when we were kids. This seldom works given that times have changed, and approaches to teaching and communicating with children are much different. The lack of volunteers willing to serve as teachers is also an issue that remains constant.
Given all of this, there is something that we must never lose sight of. God commands us to teach the Scriptures to our children and to our children’s children. For the sake of our families and the generations that will follow, it is imperative that we take God’s command seriously. If we don’t teach our children and young adults the things God commands, the world will teach them the things that our sinful world demands. This is a concern that weighs heavy upon your pastor’s heart.
I pray that we are able to have a faithful and fruitful conversation and that any decisions we make will be in line with God’s expectations for our church family. Especially for the sake of our children and their families, I ask for your continued prayers and support of our Christian Education Ministry. I will do my best to be a teacher of the faith for you and for those in our community now and into the future. I also pledge to continue to seek God’s guidance leading our congregation to develop a greater desire to study God’s Word and pass it on to others.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for September
Posted August 30, 2021 By adminLet Your Light Shine
Read Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus said to his disciples, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket.” God blesses the Church with the most precious treasure there is, the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every Christian is therefore filled with the light of Christ and called to give witness to the wonders of God’s mercy and grace.
Often, it is said to the newly baptized person, “Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our light shines when we love God with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves. Shining our light, we share the love of Christ Jesus with all whom we meet.
Jesus of Nazareth is light and life for the world. Baptized into his death and resurrection, the light of Christ dwells within God’s people. May you always feel the presence and power of our Lord Jesus. And may your light shine through the darkness of this world, that those within your midst may finally see the glory of the Father and enter the gates of our eternal home.
Prayer: Shine the light of your love, O Lord, and fill me with the power of your love. Amen.
