When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. Mark 16:2
Writing this installment of my monthly letter to you, I cannot help but reflect upon our celebration of Easter 2020. Being somewhat naïve in our response to COVID-19 last year, we had hoped that after only three weeks of online worship only, the church would be filled with people on Easter Sunday. In hindsight, we certainly understand how wrong we were. Still, as Chris tians are called to do, we proclaimed the resurrection of Christ to the best of our ability for all to hear.
And now here we are about a year later. The COVID-19 pandemic is still a reality, but once more the church will proclaim the resurrection of our Lord to the best of our ability. For truly there is nothing that can defeat the power of the Risen Christ. So once more we hear the sweet refrain, “Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”
These are such wonderful words for a child of God to proclaim. Because Jesus offered his life as ransom for our sin, God has forgiven all who believe in him. And because Christ died and was raised to new life, the power of death is destroyed and all those who confess Jesus as Savior and Lord have the promise of eternal life. It’s no wonder that the sweet refrain “I know my Redeemer lives” is such sweet music to sooth our souls.
For over forty days, the Church has made its annual metaphoric Lenten pilgrimage to the city of Jerusalem where we are witnesses to the Passion of our Lord Jesus. His saving work is there for all to see. Lifted high on the cross bearing the weight of our disobedience, the victory over sin, death and the power of the devil is made sure. Still, even now, the events of Good Friday are difficult to bear for those who realize that it’s our sin that led to Jesus’ crucifixion. I can’t even begin to imagine the heartbreak and sorrow of those who witnessed it firsthand.
Mark’s account of the resurrection of Jesus seems to convey the gravity and power of the cross. Early in the morning, just as the sun breached the horizon, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome made their way to the tomb to finish the burial rite. Still reeling from the sight of Jesus’s death, theirs was a mission of duty according to Jewish custom. There is no doubt they loved Jesus; their devotion toward him was true. No amount of fear could keep them from completing that which was proper according to their law.
How would you feel if all of these things occurred before your eyes, and it was incumbent upon you to fulfill the duties of these women? Roman guards were on high alert. The temple authorities were tuned in to the activities of anyone who would claim to be a follower of Jesus, and the actions of his disciples would have most certainly been scrutinized closely. And when you finally make your way to the tomb…it is EMPTY!
Such were the circumstances for these women according to Mark. Fear had seized them and the thought of telling anyone seemed unlikely at best. Still, the angel’s words are clear and concise; “Go and tell the disciples and Peter.”
The good news of Jesus’ resurrection, as told to the women by the angel, was confirmation that God indeed has kept his promise to redeem that which was lost; to save his people from their sin and to reconcile all of creation unto the One who created the heavens and the earth. This good news of God’s salvation is still the sweetest refrain ever sung. As the psalmist writes, “The right hand of the Lord has triumphed!” People of God, the good news of Easter is the treasure God has entrusted unto you to share with the world around you. Christ has won the victory; through him sinners are forgiven and those who believe in him and are baptized into his death and resurrection will be saved. Do not be afraid to share this Easter joy. Take it to heart, proclaim it to those near and far. Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified is risen. And because he lives, we shall live also. Christ is risen; he is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastor Archive
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted April 1, 2021 By adminThe Congo Mission
Posted March 31, 2021 By adminInitially, July 2021 was the scheduled date for my next Mission trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sadly, as it has disrupted so much throughout the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a change in schedule for my mission partner Pastor Kalonji and me. I will not be accompanying him to Congo this summer. Every other year, Pastor Kalonji travels to a region in Congo where we recognize, that due to many circumstances, it might not be wise for me to go. So Pastor Kalonji will make this year’s trip alone, according to our previous protocols.
Still, I will be active in the mission of the Gospel for the sake of the Christian people in Congo. My chief role continues to be that of raising awareness of this ministry and raising funds through partnerships with other congregations of the NALC. We have set a very ambitious itinerary for Pastor Kalonji’s trip in July. One that includes purchasing motorcycles for two pastors who serve on the Bishop’s staff in Congo. Transportation is extremely difficult in Congo and these two pastors must travel throughout the countryside in order to visit congregations under their charge. As we provide reliable transportation for them, they will be more effective in their mission and ministry.
Pastor Kalonji will also engage in the more regular aspects of our shared mission, namely, providing education for pastors and lay people, feeding orphaned children, and freeing mothers and their newly born babies from detention in hospitals due to lack of payment. This ministry is one that I am convinced God has called me to be a part of and I do so with joy. I also invite everyone at St. Jacob’s to participate with me in this mission through your donations and prayerful support.
Our goal for 2022 is to continue supplying food for children throughout the year as we have been doing. We also hope to bring two pastors from the Congo to the United States so they can visit with the congregations who have supported them for the past ten years of this mission. I am truly looking forward to introducing St. Jacob’s to my friends from the Congo; and I pray that you will help make this dream a reality. Thank you all again for your prayers and support for those brothers and sisters in Christ who are so far away.
The Spirituality of Wine
Posted March 31, 2021 By adminFor our next installment of the St. Jacob’s Online Campus, we will study the God works in created things for the enjoyment of his people. Specifically, we will study the beauty and centrality that vineyards and the wine produced from their fruit play within the rich tradition and history of God’s people. Along with the Holy Scriptures, The Spirituality of Wine written by Gisela Kreglinger will be our primary source for our study and conversation. Those who would like to participate should send an email to Pastor David or the church office to be added to the list. There are no materials to be purchased. All lesson plans will be provided to participants by way of email. Everyone is also invited to enjoy a glass of their favorite wine as we study. You may wish to share with the group what it is that makes this wine special for you. The goal of this study is to understand how wine is used as a part of faith and practice in the lives of God’s people.
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted March 2, 2021 By adminWhere there is no prophetic vision the people perish but blessed is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18 KJV
During the most recent NALC Convocation, Bishop Dan Selbo shared his vision for the future of the North American Lutheran Church. The 2020 Vision, as he called it, is a ten-point vision of what and where he sees as the next set of building blocks for the NALC as we grow into the future of our mission and ministry. Reflecting upon Bishop Dan’s vision, I spent time in prayer and study concerning a vision of what and where I believe God is calling us at St. Jacobs to be as we grow into the future of our mission and ministry here. What follows is the fruit of this prayerful study. I hope and pray that our church family is willing and able to embrace this six-point vision for our future so that we truly become faithful participants in God’s mission for the sake of the world. I am convinced that each point within this vision is central to the future growth and ministry of St. Jacob’s. As with the bishop’s 2020 vision, each vision point carries with it an associated goal for the future.
Point #1 – That St. Jacob’s develops an intentional Disciple Making Culture. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is more than simply calling yourself a disciple. Disciples continually learn from their teacher. They embrace a way of life where one lives in the world but not of the world. It is my hope that St. Jacob’s develops a culture where our church family members learn the importance and benefit of living as disciples of Jesus Christ. Becoming students of God’s Word through reading Scripture daily, engaging in Christian education opportunities of the church on a regular basis. This vision includes helping people develop an intentional prayer life, teaching church family members how it is they might share their faith with others outside St. Jacob’s, and growing in a deeper, more personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. The Goal: That St. Jacob’s would develop a small group ministry dedicated to assist members as they grow in discipleship and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Point #2 – Growing the Christian Education Ministries of our Congregation. It is becoming more and more common that children do not know the great stories of the Bible. This is an issue that has not just popped up overnight, it has happened because all too often parents have not stressed the importance of Sunday school and Christian education. It has been increasingly difficult to provide Christian Education for people of all ages due to a lack of willingness of adults to serve as Sunday school teachers for our young people. My vision for St. Jacob’s Christian Education includes classes where I might help equip and empower adult members of our Congregation to become faith leaders for our children. This is why I have begun the St. Jacob’s Online campus. Learning more about the Biblical narrative will provide others with the confidence needed to relate the biblical story to our life today and help our children to grow in faithfulness and love for the Lord. The Goal: That the majority of church family members embrace Christian learning and become active participants in studying the Scriptures together in Bible studies and Sunday school.
Point #3 – Raising up Leaders for the Church. While St. Jacob’s does support our NALC Seminary system through benevolent giving, I believe we are well equipped to help the NALC raise up the next generation of Pastors. The evidence for this is how the congregation welcomed and provided a place for NALC Candidate Philip Sandi to come and begin developing skills and confidence as he discerns his call to ministry. St. Jacob’s has previously served as an internship site and would provide an excellent contextual education opportunity for an intern of the NALC to come and learn and growinto the vocation of pastoral ministry. The Goal: That St. Jacob’s would discern the importance of this ministry and become an internship site for the NALC.
Point #4 – That St. Jacob’s would Grow in our Focus on Mission and Outreach. One of the CORE Values of the NALC is that the NALC is a Mission Driven Church. Since its founding by the apostles, the Church of Jesus Christ has existed for the sake of her neighbor. In Matthew 25, Jesus calls his followers to minister to the poor, the needy, hungry, sick and marginalized. The North American Lutheran Church calls upon congregations to engage this mission by participating in Local ministries, NALC mission partnerships, and at least one global ministry. Certainly, we do these things through our benevolent giving, but participating through “hands on” projects will help us grow in our sense of mission and ministry. We have plenty of resources at our disposal for use in active participation within several ministries such as NALC disaster response, WE CARE of Chapin and, Congo Mission International. The Goal: That St. Jacob’s church family members would lend their talents to working on mission projects regularly and the Outreach Team would become leaders in Mission projects throughout the year.
Point #5 – That St. Jacob’s develops a Welcoming and Inviting Culture through which the surrounding community is able to come and hear the Gospel and find a community of believers that shares their life together in Christ Jesus. So many studies have been conducted in recent years that point to the fact that most people come to a new church because they were personally invited by its members. Another study by the Barna group points to the issue that average Christian today only invites 1.2 people annually to their church for Sunday worship. As Chapin continues to grow in population and diversity, I believe we are uniquely situated to provide a community for worship for so many who do not have a church home of their own. When is the last time you invited someone to come to worship at St. Jacob’s? You might just want to begin with those family members who have been missing for a number of months or years. The Goal: That St. Jacob’s becomes known as an inviting congregation throughout Chapin and the surrounding community.
Point #6 – That St. Jacob’s grows in our Sense of Christian Fellowship. When I first came to St. Jacob’s, I was told that I shouldn’t go hungry because we are a congregation that likes to eat. This is music to the ears of those who enjoy a robust time of fellowship with family and friends. Sadly, even before the pandemic, fellowship opportunities at St. Jacob’s have been fewer and farther between. I’m not sure why this is the case, but it goes without saying that a congregation that enjoys lively Christian fellowship also enjoys a healthy relationship and life together. The Goal: As we emerge from the global pandemic, St. Jacob’s schedules frequent events during which we would enjoy fellowship among our church family.
I believe these vision points are central to the mission and ministry of St. Jacob’s future. With God’s help we will grow and become a house of prayer for many to call their church home. As the proverb says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” I believe living as a disciple of Jesus Christ is the key. If we attempt to build our ministry on our own, we will surely stumble. This vision for our congregation is not something That I offer on my own, but it is offered to you as I have prayed for God’s guidance in leading St. Jacob’s into the future of our life together in Christ. Having a vision for ministry is crucial to any congregation. We need to understand the direction in which we are traveling, that is if we are traveling at all. The desire here is to help us move forward. If we don’t know what it is that we are moving toward, it will be increasingly difficult to recognize the destination when we finally arrive.
Thank you for indulging me in this rather lengthy installment of my monthly column. I ask you all to prayerfully consider each of these ministry points and discern your role within them.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for March
Posted March 1, 2021 By adminNo Secrets
Read – 1 John 1:5-10
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open; all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid. These words are very familiar to a great number of Christians. Each week, Christians bear their souls, confessing their sins to our almighty God. Yet, God is not the only one who is to hear our confession.
Day by day, people sin against one another. All too often, we sin against our neighbor even without them knowing about it. Gossip, harmful remarks and breaking confidences are all ways in which we sin against our brothers and sisters. Such sins are those which we do our best to keep hidden from the one who is the object of our misgiving. After all, what they don’t know won’t hurt them right?
Even if we are able to keep knowledge our sins from others, God sees them. Our Father knows our hearts and minds better than we know them ourselves. Failing to recognize our sin leads us away from our God and drives a wedge in the midst of the community of faith. Yet, as we acknowledge and confess our sin in the presence of God and one another, we are assured of our forgiveness.
Prayer: Almighty God, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.
Holy Week and Easter
Posted February 25, 2021 By adminUnlike last year, this Spring St. Jacob’s will offer our traditional Holy Week and Easter Services. Holy Week will begin with our Palm Sunday services on March 28th. For the 10:30 AM service we will begin outside in front of the church entrance for our call to worship and Palm Procession. Members will be invited to lay their palm branches down at the foot of the chancel near the Paschal candle and then make their way to their seats using the side aisles.
There will be no Wednesday evening service during Holy Week since we will gather again on Maundy Thursday (April 1st) for worship with Holy Communion and the stripping of the altar. On Good Friday (April 2nd) we will gather in silence at 7 PM for our evening worship.
On Easter Sunday (April 4th) we will hold our Easter Sunrise service beginning at 7 AM. Sadly, as things stand right now we will not be offering our annual Easter breakfast for the congregation. Sunday school will be held at its regular time of 9:15 AM with worship following at 10:30 AM. We look forward to the celebration of Easter with our church family, especially since public worship was cancelled last year. Please plan to attend all of our Holy Week and Easter services as you are able.
First Communion Instruction
Posted February 25, 2021 By adminFirst Communion Instruction will be held for those Baptized children of St. Jacob’s whose parents feel that they are ready to begin receiving the Sacrament of the Altar. While there is no hard and fast age requirement for receiving Holy Communion, parents should speak with their children concerning their participation in the Sacrament. If your child has expressed an interest or has asked question with regards to Holy Communion, he or she may be ready to receive their Lord in this new way.
Pastor David will offer classes on three successive Sundays in March, March 7th, 14th, and 21st during the Sunday school hour. A parent or guardian is asked to accompany their child in order to share experiences with them. Children participating in this instruction will receive their first Holy Communion on Palm Sunday, March 28th at the 10:30 AM. Service. Please contact Pastor David with any questions you might have.
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted February 1, 2021 By admin“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
As several within our church family know, I have been engaged in a Doctor of Ministry program (DMIN) for the last few years. In the Spring of 2020, I completed all the required course work for this degree. What is left is to complete my thesis project and dissertation. The focus of my work is to equip and empower parents of all ages to be faith leaders within the family. This extends to parents of all ages with children of all ages. I believe it is crucial that congregations realize the importance of families growing together in faith and their relationship with Christ. Truly, I do not have to look far to see how a parent can struggle with such faithful practice.
While raising my own children, I would love to say I was the picture of the ideal parent. Like so many, Angela and I struggled with balancing things between the secular world and the church. Travel sports teams and other public school events pulled us in several directions, but mostly they would attempt to pull us away from our life of faith. Still, as I watch my oldest son teaching his children, I soon realize there were many things I could have and should have done differently.
As a father, I certainly missed many opportunities to be a faith teacher for my kids. As I search for a reason, I quickly realize that I never learned how to become the faith leader for my family. Back then there was little emphasis placed on equipping parents for the spiritual fight against the powers of the world, even today there are few resources provided parents mired within this struggle. Now as a pastor, I pray that I can help parents become models of faith for their children, especially for their adult children and grandchildren. Doing so means owning up to those times when we recognize that, as parents, we have fallen short in keeping our
baptismal promises made on the behalf of our children.
Admitting such is not pleasant, but once understood, an awareness of God’s loving grace envelops parents and we soon realize the treasure trove of guidance we have through the words of Holy Scripture and the love and support network of the fellowship of believers. God’s compassionate empowerment is there at the ready for anyone who would ask.
Given my many years of service within the Church, and through life experiences and the lessons I have learned from others, my hope is that the children (of all ages) of St. Jacob’s will grow in faith and fellowship with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that parents will feel they have been equipped to become models of faith for their children.
As my DMIN Work continues, it is my prayer that the fruit of four years of doctoral study will produce helpful resources through which I am able to offer pastoral support for families struggling against the powers that continue in their attempt to pull God’s children away from a life of faith.
If you have ever wondered “Why don’t my children want to come to church?” Or if you have adult children that seem to have fallen away from the good habits of Christian life, I invite you to come along on this journey with me. Part of doctoral work within the church is engaging people in their faith, meeting them where it matters and doing the work of the gospel together.
This is truly an issue that lies at the heart of your pastor. It is my prayer that God would grant me the wisdom, insight, and patience to see it through. I know he will for as my favorite Bible passage states, “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 February
Posted February 1, 2021 By adminLove Yourself
[One of the scribes asked him] “Which commandment is the greatest of all?” Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 3The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31
Next to the commandment to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength, this is the second greatest commandment. Which begs the question, when is the last time you considered what it means to love yourself?
On the surface, I am sure we would all say we love ourselves. But if that were truly the case, why is it that so many people suffer from low self-esteem or have an unhealthy self-image? We live in a society of comparisons. When one person is judged against another, someone must fall short. The world cannot wait to push you aside. The devil is always ready to steal away whatever remains of your good character. So, how does one who suffers this fate learn to love their self? First, remember the greatest commandment. Love God.
Love the God in whose image you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Love him for his mercy and grace. Love God for the blessing of each new day and for the life he has given you. Love the God who first loved and will always love you. Through him you will find love not only for yourself, but your neighbor as well.
Prayer: Holy God, thank you for the love you have for me. Help me to share such love with others. Amen.
Mid-Week Worship
Posted February 1, 2021 By adminPlease remember that St. Jacob’s offers a mid-week worship service with Holy Communion each Wednesday evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. For those who have been easing back into presence in public places and making extra care during the pandemic, this service might be a welcome addition to your weekly schedule. The gathering on Wednesday even is fairly small and there is ample room for physical distancing. The sacrament of Holy Communion is shared each week. This service is also streamed live on our congregation Facebook page. Anyone with questions or concerns may contact Pastor David Nuottila.
