It’s hard to believe but the season of Lent is nearly upon us. Our mid-week series will include a set of dramatic readings from characters from the Passion of our Lord Jesus. From the widow who donated her two pennies to the temple treasury to the man who provided Jesus with a donkey to ride on Palm Sunday these unique readings are presented in such a way that we might ponder the “Gifts of Lent.” We look forward to your attending our mid-week Lenten series. Those who would wish to participate in the readings should contact Pastor David.
Pastor Archive
Mid-Week Lenten Series
Posted February 1, 2021 By adminDaily Devotions
Posted February 1, 2021 By adminIt has been my pleasure to share daily devotions with the congregation and our friends on Facebook the past nine months. This has been an unexpected blessing for me in our current condition of the COVID-19 pandemic. So much so that it has become an enjoyable part of my daily routine. As we flip the page to 2021, I plan to continue this time of devotions and prayer throughout the year. I pray that more of our church family members will make these devotions a part of their morning routine. Please, feel free to share these devotions with your friends and family on Facebook as you are able.
Pastor David
Pastoral Devotion for January: Faithful and True
Posted January 29, 2021 By adminRead: Revelation 19:11-16
If you were asked to describe Jesus how would you? What physical attributes could you mention? John takes up the task in the nineteenth chapter of Revelation. I would imagine, however, that our descriptions of Jesus would likely fall seriously short of John’s. Who among us could capture the true essence of Christ better than John?
Christians are one week removed from celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord. This celebration lends itself to peaceful images of shepherds, angels and a baby lying in a manger. Yet, the power and purpose of this child is captured in John’s vision of the one sitting atop of a white horse whose name is Faithful and True. He commands armies of angels. From his mouth comes a sharp sword which cuts down evil and rules the nations with a rod of iron. His name? The Word of the Lord.
Our Lord Jesus, God’s Word made flesh remains faithful and true. Christ is the same yesterday, today and always. He is Lord and Savior. He came to save we who are neither faithful nor true. His mercy is revealed through the truth of his Word and his grace is sufficient in all circumstances. Turn to the Lord. Call upon his name and receive the free gift of salvation through the one who is King of kings, Lord of lords.
Prayer: Most holy God, keep us in faith, that we would be ever thankful for your mercy and grace. Amen.
Daily Devotions by Pastor David
Posted December 29, 2020 By adminIt has been my pleasure to share daily devotions with the congregation and our friends on Facebook the past nine months. This has been an unexpected blessing for me in our current condition of the COVID-19 pandemic. So much so that it has become an enjoyable part of my daily routine. As we flip the page to 2021, I plan to continue this time of devotions and prayer throughout the year. I pray that more of our church family members will make these devotions a part of their morning routine. Please, feel free to share these devotions with your friends and family on Facebook as you are able.
Filed in Bible Study, Pastor
Sharing The Peace
Posted December 3, 2020 By adminOver a period of time, several of our church family members have asked me about the sharing of the peace within our worship. When the COVID-19 virus came upon us, several asked if we would refrain from engaging in the practice. In recent conversations, the sharing of the peace of Christ has come up again. I truly want everyone here among us to understand this element of our liturgy and why it is positioned as it is. And so yes, here is a second article I’ve written for this month’s newsletter.
Sharing the peace during worship is not simply a moment when we say a quick hello to those around us. It is not a time to catch up or for brief conversation. It serves a much deeper function. Primarily, we share the peace for biblical reasons. The first comes to us from the fifth chapter of Matthew. Jesus said, “if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there, you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering” (Matthew 5:23-24). Within the early Church, sharing the peace was a way for people in the Christian community to be reconciled to one another before making their offering at the altar. It is for this reason that sharing the peace always comes before the offering and receiving Holy Communion. We are first reconciled to our brother or sister. Then, at peace with one another, we share the Lord’s Supper in communion with the people of God.
We also share the peace because during the Last Supper, Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). Again, when Jesus him-self appeared to the disciples after his resurrection,
he greeted them by saying, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36; John 20:19, 26). We bring these two together: just as Jesus shared his peace with us, so we should share peace with one another.
Sharing “peace” with one another is an ancient Christian tradition, not only in the words of Jesus, but also in the practices of the Christian community. Paul begins every one of his letters by saying, “Grace to you, and peace” (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1, etc.). This suggests that in the early Church, “Grace to you and peace” was the way Christians greeted one another. Many pastors, as do I, begin their sermon with this greeting in the peace of Christ. His is the Word preached, and so the sermon is brought to the con-gregation in the peace of Christ.
So why are there so many questions regarding the sharing of the peace? The truth be told, the tradition was either lost or reduced to a few simple words in the hymnal’s liturgy many decades ago. As progressiveness crept into the church, much of the symbolism and tradition faded into the background. Instead of traditional expressions of faith, programming and relevance welled up to the surface. Thankfully, several denominations are reforming or renewing and returning to the rites and tradition of Christian worship.
The surprising thing is not that we share the Peace during our services; it is that we lost the tradition for so long. In some ways, it was lost for centuries. Sure, it was there, in the midst of the Communion service, but it was reduced to a simple sentence from the pastor at the altar, and a plain response given by the congregation. What followed was a time for handshakes, hugs and hellos, and that was that. It had lost its meaning.
When fully understood, sharing the peace is a spiritual practice that brings congregations and individuals together in faith. Ideally, we would do this not simply with words, but also employ our usual handshakes and hugs. Sadly, as current conditions dictate a necessity for physical distance, handshakes and hugs are out of the question. Still, with smiles and the words of Christ’s peace, we can continue this traditional practice of our faith. I look forward to the next time we can share the peace of our Lord Jesus. Until then, these words will convey my heartfelt desire for you.
Grace to you and PEACE,
Pastor David Nuottila
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted December 2, 2020 By adminFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
These words from the prophet Isaiah are very familiar. We hear them every year as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas and once more receiving God’s promise of salvation through his beloved Son. Hearing them so often, it is clear to us what the prophet is saying in his foretelling of the birth of the Christ child. God will come to his people, taking on human form, invading our time and space. But imagine yourself a person in the kingdom of Judah, living in Isaiah’s time and hearing the prophet proclaim this message from God firsthand. Certainly, questions would come to mind. “Who is this child Isaiah is talking about?” “When will the child be born?” So many questions to be asked, so many answers to be given, but for now, all the people of Judah could do is hear the message of the prophet and wait for God to reveal what is to be done.
As the Church enters into yet another season of Advent, especially within a year such as this, the question becomes; “What are we waiting for?” One thing that would spring into the forefront is that we are all waiting for the coronavirus to finally run its course. We are waiting for a return to “normalcy.” As a people world-wide, we are waiting for the all clear signal that life would resume as it was before we had even learned the word COVID-19. But if that is all we are waiting for, once again we have missed the mark.
As so many people turn the pages of their calendars from November to December, thoughts of the Christmas celebration quickly move to the forefront. There are plans to be made, parties to
attend, cards to be mailed and gifts to be purchased, all while being sure to wear masks,
wash hands and remain six feet apart from others. Lockdown, social distance, and quarantine are words that have challenged us in the way we live. Still, it is nearly Christmas. What about the promise? Where do Isaiah’s words enter the picture for our celebration this Christmas?
Well, first of all, as we hear these words, we should remember they are words of Advent. They are words of promise and words of patiently waiting for God to act. Isaiah calls us to reflect on God’s promises. Isaiah calls us to a time of anticipation and a time of faithful waiting. The message of our Advent season is that, just as Christ came into the world so long ago, he will come again bringing God’s kingdom to his people in its fullness and glory.
As we patiently wait for Christ to come again, we respond in faithfulness to Jesus’ commandment to love God and love others as God loves us. Even during a world-wide pandemic, his love continues to be the calling for the people of God. As we await the coming of God’s Messiah, we must strengthen the relationships we share, remain diligent in our service to our neighbor, and strive toward greater faithfulness and discipleship.
Yes, we will celebrate Christmas. But this year it will seem different. Safeguards will be in place. Crowds within churches will be smaller, and the programs for the season will certainly be somewhat modified. But the promise remains the same.
As Isaiah said so many years ago, the Christ child has been given unto us. Christ invaded our world, taking on human form and reconciling people to God. Now we await that day when Christ will come again, just as he has promised to do. We actively wait by lifting up our voices in praise and thanksgiving, loving our neighbor as God loves us, and by passing on the good news of Christ to a world in need of God’s grace – just as we have always done.
Blessings to you all this Advent season, and peace to you as we celebrate together the Nativity of our Lord.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion For December
Posted December 1, 2020 By adminThe Light Of Christ
Read Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-4
Light came down; it came from heaven. This light came down and assumed the flesh of a child. He took up residence among the people of God. Many who encountered the light did not recognize its source. Most who passed by didn’t even take notice. Others, most certainly found it hard to believe such light could radiate from the smallest, most insignificant of people; a baby wrapped in rags, a feeding trough for his bed. But then shepherds came.
They were filled with excitement; theirs was a story too good to be true. Angels brought, to this band of sheep watchers, the news concerning the birth of a Savior; Christ the Lord they said! Can it be? The Christ of God born this night … in this little town? So they ran, only to find things just the way the an-gels said they would be. In that instant, the shepherds recognized the light.
Who told you? Who brought you the good news of this light from heaven? Was it an angel, or a shepherd? Probably not, but it was most certainly some-one who recognized the light from heaven; and now you do too. Tell others. Tell them light came down. It came from heaven. And in the light was life and the life was the light for all people. Angels told shepherds. Tell someone, anyone. Share the good news.
Prayer: God of wonder, fill us with the light of your Christ, that we may share the light of his love. Amen.
Weekly Bible Study On Zoom
Posted November 27, 2020 By adminBible study continues to be held each Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM on Zoom.com. We are continuing our study of the book of James. There are no special materials that you must purchase. All you need is a computer and access to the internet to join in the conversation. Weekly study guides are emailed to the congregation on Tuesday afternoon. Even if you have not provided an email address our study’s such that you can join in and participate in the conversation. Why not make Bible study a part of your week? If you have any questions, please contact Pastor David or Rachel.
Pastoral Devotion for November
Posted November 1, 2020 By adminSpiritual Revitalization
Read John 2:13-22, Hebrews 3:1-11
Everyone has at least one bad habit, one particular vice that keeps us from getting the proper amount of rest, nutrition, or exercise. Left unchecked, such habits can lead us along a path of poor health, sickness, even death. We know better, but we just can’t stop. So many people struggle with the desire to rid themselves of bad habits and promote healthier living. Such lifestyle changes are difficult. It takes strength and determination to adhere to them.
The same can be said for the healthiness of our faith. As worldly powers pull and tug at God’s people, healthy habits of faith often succumb to unhealthy bad habits. Time for reading Holy Scripture is often replaced by work or play. Gathering with the faithful for worship often becomes less appealing than a social gathering with friends. Soon, many Christians grow weak in their faith. It becomes increasingly difficult to articulate what their faith means to them, and how important it is that Jesus endured the tragedy of the cross for their sake.
The author of Hebrews calls Christians to spiritual revitalization. He encourages us to consider all that God has done and continues to do through Christ our Lord. John reminds us that even the temple needed cleansing. We may not need to turn over tables, but certainly there is room in each life for re-commitment to faithful living. Through faith in Christ Jesus, worship and prayer, it can be so.
Help us, O Lord, to overcome that which hinders our faith, that we might seek you always. Amen.
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 31, 2020 By adminFor it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.
Matthew 25:14-15
The parable of the talents is one that we have heard many times. It comes to us towards the end of the church year and often serves as a text concerning our stewardship. Believe it or not, the parable of the talents is not about money. To think so is to miss the point of this passage. This parable is given by our Lord as he teaches us about preparing for his coming again, Yet, as it is in so many churches, we read this parable and immediately focus upon the talents rather than the servants to whom they have been entrusted.
Two of the servants quickly go to work using the talents they have been allotted to produce even more talents. The third servant does not. He is afraid of the master and so he buries the talent he has been provided and sits idle while awaiting the master’s return. Upon the master’s return, the two who have used these talents for their intended purpose are rewarded and enter into the master’s joy while the idle servant is stripped of his talent and sent away.
Jesus teaches us that as we await his coming again, we are to continue to carry on the mission he handed to the apostles so long ago. We do not know when he will return, but we do know that he has entrusted much into the hands of his people. As stewards of what God has entrusted to us, the mission is not to focus on growing the wealth of the church; it is to continue the mission and work God has given his people to do until Christ comes again.
Have you ever wondered why churches with the least amount of money seem to do the most in the way of mission and ministry? Attend a mission region or church-wide convocation and you will see what I mean. Among the many presentations given one will notice these efforts of small congregations that are busily and cheerfully engaged in the mission of the Gospel. It is because their focus is not on the money, but on the servants doing the work of the Master.
St. Jacob’s is not unlike any other congregation. God has called people with various gifts and talents to this place in order that we too would be engaged in his mission. With the many gifts and talents shared among us, we too are called to worship, learn, build up the faith of one another as we also minister to the needy within our community and world. God also expects that we would be busy in the growing of his church, that is the body of Christ on earth, by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. That seems like a long list of things to do, one that would require many talents. The good news is that God has provided everything we need.
Rather than explain the rest of the parable, I would simply encourage you to discern the talents God has placed within your grasp. I also invite you to ponder how you can use these, along with the gifts of others within our church family to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. It is stewardship time. We have all been provided with time and talent sheets. Look them over. See where you might become engaged in the mission of the church. God has entrusted every member of St. Jacob’s with gifts and talents. How shall we use them? If you are uncertain, please contact me and I will pray with you. Together we can share the Master’s joy as we share his goodness and mercy with others.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
