When 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
Pastor Archive
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 30, 2021 By adminPastoral 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.
90 Day Bible Fitness Challenge
Posted August 30, 2021 By adminBy the time this newsletter makes it to the congregation, those who are engaged in the 90 Day Bible Fitness Challenge will find themselves in the midst of the final third of their reading plan. The halfway point came on Tuesday, August 24th. As several have discussed in our small group sessions, reading chronologically has been a blessing. It has allowed for a greater understanding of the entire story of God’s people Israel and the promise of a Savior.
We will do this exercise again sometime in the future. But until we do, St, Jacob’s church family members can look forward to more studies that will pique the interest of those who would like to gain further understanding concerning the whole story of God’s love according to the Scriptures.
Keep reading your Bibles. For as John wrote in the book of Revelation: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it” Rev. 1:3.
More About the Congo Mission
Posted August 30, 2021 By adminBy the time this newsletter is published and sent out, my mission partner and good friend Pastor Stéphane Kalonji will have returned from this year’s Congo Mission trip. With his return, the countdown to next mission trip has begun. Next July, as the Lord wills it, I will travel with my friend and brother in Christ to Kinshasa and embark on a three-week mission to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and minister to the people of the Bas-Congo region.
I am most anxious to return and see my friends in the cities of Boma, Tshela, and Matadi. These are people who have taken me in and treated me as one of their own. We share meals together, fellowship and a fairly good amount of laughter as we do the work of the gospel together.
One more aspect of next year’s trip is that Pastor Kaonji and I have invited someone new to go along with us. St. Jacob’s newest friend, Pastor Mathew Magera, who visited us with his youth group in July is prayerfully discerning our invitation to accompany us to Congo and work along side us as we engage Jesus’s Great Commission to make disciples. As a part of this invitation, I hope to travel to Zion Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh to provide information for his congregation. I expect this trip will occur in early September, perhaps as early as Labor Day Weekend.
Please pray for Pastor Mathew as he considers becoming one of our Congo Mission International Missionaries. I can truly attest to the fact that once one has met the people of the Bas-Congo region and shared life together with them, they will be a part of that person’s life forever.
In the coming months, I will ask our church family, our auxiliaries, and friends to once again support our missional effort by hosting fund raising events and sharing information concerning the Congo Mission within the greater Chapin community. The amount of funding it takes to complete our mission efforts each year can seem somewhat daunting, but God has and always will provide the means for his missionaries to extend the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the world. Until then, thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers, and support on behalf of our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in a land so far away. I assure you; they pray for us continually that God would bless us in our ministry and proclamation of the Gospel. To God be the glory, Pastor David
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted August 5, 2021 By adminJesus said, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
Before you settle in to read this article, I would invite you to do something first. Go to your shelf or table and pick up your Bible. Then go to the kitchen and pour yourself a glass of water. Now set the glass filled with water beside your Bible on the table nearest you and begin reading.
There is a book on my shelf that I enjoy reading from time to time which is written by Max Lucado. It bears the title Come Thirsty. It is a very good resource for those who may feel distant from God and also for those who would enjoy a “spiritual pick me up” if you will. I do love reading this book and hearing the invitation of our Loving God to come to Him as a child comes to his/her father.
It is always appropriate that we ponder how it is we approach our Father in heaven. How is it that we take time to earnestly study God’s Word and to pray for heightened awareness of God’s presence in our daily lives? Truly, it is good that we look deep inside our lives in order that we may see ourselves for who we are as sinners, yet also to see ourselves for whose we are, God’s beloved children redeemed by the blood of Christ. As we continue in our life together, we should all provide ourselves with opportunities to reflect upon God’s call to follow the example of Christ Jesus, loving God with all our heart, loving our neighbor, and ministering to the needs of those whom God places within our midst. The more we ponder these things, the more we will realize our thirst for God’s amazing grace, His forgiveness, love and kindness.
A central part of this pondering is coming to the wellspring of God’s Word through the Holy Scriptures. Our Lord invites us all to “come thirsty” for his grace. Come thirsty for the power of God’s redeeming love. Such a thirst can only be quenched by the living water that is Christ our Lord.
Here at St. Jacob’s, we have provided several opportunities for such thirst quenching study of God’s Word. The response to the 90 Day Bible Fitness Challenge was much more than I initially thought. We have 19 church family members engaged in reading through the Bible in 90 days and I am sure most, if not all, will see it through to completion. We are also beginning an in-depth reading of the book of Revelation on Wednesday mornings. I invite everyone to “Come Thirsty” and learn more about this most misunderstood book of the Bible and to hear God’s message of salvation within its pages.
I am also very encouraged by Rachel’s offering to lead a women’s Bible study on Tuesday mornings and her small group study for the high school and college aged young ladies of St. Jacob’s. Rachel is someone who is well equipped to tell others about the love of God in Christ Jesus. I would invite the women of St. Jacob’s to “Come Thirsty” for the fellowship and learning that such Bible studies provide.
In order that you may fully realize God’s awesome power and love in your life, I invite you to “Come Thirsty.” “Come Thirsty” to worship where all may join hearts and voices in praise and thanksgiving for all that God has done and continues to do. I invite you to “Come Thirsty” for God’s love; to hear His gospel proclaimed, His Word preached and to realize the abundance of His mercy and grace.
As you come to worship, I also invite you to come to Sunday School where you will learn even more of the goodness of our Lord and Savior. “Come Thirsty” for the fellowship we share as God’s gathered empowered and equipped for ministry and sent into the world for the sake of those who are neediest among us.
Finally, I invite you to ponder the Bible and the glass of water before you. God’s written Word proclaiming His grace made available through His Word made flesh. As you open the pages of Holy Scripture, you will be reminded that God made water to be a sign of His unfailing love and His promise to deliver His people. Through water and the Word, God washes us in the flood of our baptism, pouring out the gifts of faith and the Holy Spirit, forgiveness of sins and the promise of everlasting life.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for August
Posted August 1, 2021 By adminFriendship
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
We all have friends with whom we have lost contact. Friendship is not just a relationship between people; it is also something that takes time and great effort to maintain. Quality friendships endure because those in such relationships have a genuine interest in the life of the other.
The apostle Paul formed many friendships throughout his journeys. These relationships were important to Paul, so he was sure to strengthen them through daily prayer. Rooting his caring and close relationships between God’s people.
Christians are not unlike others in the world in that we often become nostalgic thinking of distant friends. Many of our friends are those we have lost touch with through the years. Sometimes we feel reluctant to reconnect, seemingly embarrassed by our lack of communication. Maybe they’ve forgotten us? Perhaps they too have moved on? Sadly, rationalizing distant friendships in this way leads to even further separation. So, do we simply forget those friends from our past? Certainly not!
The memories of our friends are their memories as well. Not only do we reminisce about past friendships, but the friends from our past most likely remember us fondly too. Praying and thanking God for the gift of friendship helps keep those relationships alive. Through prayer, we can offer thanks to God and once again feel the joy of being a friend to someone whom we love.
Prayer: Thank you Lord, for the friendships we share with others, for they truly are a blessing from you. Amen.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Posted July 29, 2021 By adminAll are invited to join in the Bible study on Wednesday mornings beginning at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We are currently reading the Book of Revelation. If you have ever tried to read Revelation but had difficulty understanding all the symbolism, then this study is for you. We will learn more about the letters to the seven churches, and address some of the more confusing aspects of John’s vision and letter to the Church of Jesus Christ. There are no special materials needed. Just bring your Bible and a desire to join in on the discussion.
