With the lifting of pandemic restrictions and practices, St. Jacob’s will return to hosting a single worship service on Sunday mornings. As we return to one service, we will do so while observing a new worship time. Beginning July 4, 2021, worship on Sunday morning will begin at 10:00 AM with Sunday school beginning at 9:00 AM.
Also, the return to one service means that we will have our worship assistants return to their pre-pandemic routines. Ushers will once again greet worshipers at the door and hand out bulletins. They will also pass the offering plates through the congregation at the appropriate point in our service. Communion assistants will resume pouring the wine from our pouring chalices. Acolytes will wear robes and remain in the chancel to assist the pastor when needed. And those who served as crucifer will resume that duty as well. Currently the plan is to have the choir re-convene on the first Sunday of August (August 1st).
It will be good to return to the worship practices that we have been missing for so long. Anyone who desires to volunteer as a worship assistant should contact the church office to have their name added to the appropriate list of volunteers.
Pastor Archive
Return To One Worship Service
Posted June 30, 2021 By adminFrom the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted June 7, 2021 By adminAnd when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:10-11
Mark does not tell us exactly where John was located while he was baptizing, except that he baptized in the waters of the Jordan River. Many people went out into the wilderness to hear John preach his message of repentance and to be baptized by him. This ritual washing was their means of declaring their turning from sinful behavior in order to live a more godly life. When Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized by John, he had no need to repent. Jesus did so to “fulfill all righteousness” and to completely identify himself with those whom he came to save. As he came up out of the water, Jesus heard the voice of his Father; “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
How many children long to hear such words from their father? These words of love and acceptance are words each child craves, yet many never hear such words from their father’s lips or feel the warmth of their father’s embrace. Many others grow up living with the absence of their father. Yes, some fathers turn from family responsibilities, but for so many children, love isn’t so plainly expressed simply because fathers are apprehensive to show their compassionate side. All too often, fathers feel they must be seen as strong and unwavering. Indeed, I will say the reality is that it takes even more strength to overcome such stigma and show the tenderness of a father’s love.
For so many people, the world seems a lonely place, one in which there is little love shown toward others. As we make our way through the trials and pitfalls of earthly life, we do so searching for love. Especially when times are difficult and it seems the world is against us, we long to hear the words Jesus heard from his Father; “You are my beloved [child].” For the baptized, this is a reality that cannot be overlooked.
Through his Son Jesus Christ, God has demonstrated the lengths he will go to save his people, rescuing them from the powers of sin and death. There is no other love that is greater than the love of the Father in heaven. There is no greater value than that the Father places upon his children, those whom he has claimed in baptism to be his own forever.
God desires to have a relationship with all people; he desires to save all people from their sin. As we hear the message of the gospel, the Holy Spirit moves us toward the waters of Holy Baptism. Through the waters connected to God’s Word and promise, our heavenly Father reaches out to us and holds us in his loving embrace. In a discussion during our annual Pastor’s Conference, it was presented to the ministerium that in Holy Baptism, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. While participation in the Spirit entails a variety of blessings, the Spirit is the promise. The Holy Spirit is the love between the Father and the Son. He cleanses us of sin and brings us into that divine relationship. Our life within the church is inseparable from this fellowship with God. The Baptized are joined to the Son, in spirit filled anticipation of the kingdom, such that, with Christ, we may call God “Father.” (Yoder, 2021)
As we emerge from the waters of the baptismal flood, we are greeted with the very words God spoke to Jesus, “You are my beloved [child].” Living in the bonds of the Father’s love, the baptized enjoy a relationship like no other. It is the forever assurance that no matter what happens in this temporary world, the Father, whose kingdom has no end, will love us and cherish us forever.
God bless the men of St. Jacob’s who are both, loving fathers and examples of fatherly love for the children of our congregation. And God bless us all as we live together in the Father’s love.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for June
Posted June 1, 2021 By adminInvited to The Banquet Joel 1:1-13, Revelation 18:15-24, Luke 14:12-24
The table is set, the banquet prepared. Everything is ready. It is time for the feast. There is only one problem; the guests have decided not to attend. It seems there are more pressing things on the agenda, other things, personal things, worldly things. Each declined, one by one. Yet, even as the guests spurned the invitation, the master vowed that the banquet would proceed, the meal will be served. How often do we sinners decline God’s invitation?
How many times do we opt out of worship, excuse ourselves from Bible study, or fail to perform acts of service, just so we can engage in our personal pleasures? The dilemma is before us; shall we come to God’s banquet, or do we cancel? After all, we have been invited. Our Baptism into Christ serves as the initial invitation. Even in our disobedience, God set his seal upon us. Through Christ, we have a place at the table.
Like the plague of locusts in our reading from Joel, sin continues to lay the world to waste. Lovers of money search for fulfilment through material means. The self-righteous turn their backs to the needy. Even so, God has reconciled that which was lost. In Christ there is redemption. For those who seek God’s grace there is forgiveness. The Lord says “Come, the banquet is ready.”
Prayer: Feed us at your table Lord, and fill us with your love. Amen.
Six-Point Vision Update
Posted May 28, 2021 By adminIn the March newsletter, I provided a six point vision for our near future ministries here at St. Jacob’s. This month, I would like to update the congregation concerning each of these ministry vision points.
Create an Intentional Disciple Making Culture
I have met with our Discipleship Ministry Team leader Lynn Shealy, and we are working on a congregational activity to help us begin growing a culture of discipleship and mission. We hope to invite the congregation to be a part of this at some point during the summer.
Growing the Christin Education Ministries of our Congregation
The goal of this vision point is to enhance our Christian Education Ministry for all ages. The beginning steps are working with the children. Progress toward this goal is happening through the efforts of Angela Nuottila and Rachel Shelton and their plan for Musical Mondays. Children will learn what it means to praise God throughout their life. I am also dedicated to continue posting daily morning devotions and conducting Bible studies using our St. Jacob’s Online Campus on Zoom.com.
Raising up Leaders for the Church I have had an initial meeting with a small group of church family members to help in discernment concerning St. Jacob’s as an NALC internship site. The cost of internship is steep, but there is assistance available through the Carolinas Mission Region. We will continue to meet and discuss the possibilities of hosting an NALC intern in the future. I am also in the process of inviting the president of the North American Lutheran Seminary to come visit with our congregation and provide more insight concerning the need to raise up candidates for ordained ministry within the NALC. Team members for discernment are: Susan, Judy, Michael, Danny, John.
Grow in our Focus on Mission and Outreach
In May, Rachel and I took a tour of the NALC Disaster Warehouse and spoke with the administrators and our NALC Bishop. We will be planning ways for our congregation to become greater supporters of this ministry as the need continues to grow.
Develop a Welcoming and Inviting Culture
This is something that St. Jacob’s has been good at throughout the years, but we need to remain very intentional in inviting others to join us for worship and to become a part of our life together. I hope to meet with the Worship and Music Team soon so, we can plan an “Invite a Friend Sunday” when we welcome friends and extended family members to come worship with us.
Grow our Sense of Christian Fellowship
Perhaps the greatest challenge for us is to overcome the sense of social distance following the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions are eased and more people are vaccinated against the virus, we are able to open up our congregation to more activities. I am hoping that our auxiliaries (Men, Women, Up and Going, Youth) will resume monthly meetings and enjoy time together.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Posted May 19, 2021 By adminOur Wednesday morning Bible Study will resume on May 26th, the Wednesday between Pentecost Sunday, and Holy Trinity Sunday. Considering the timing of our schedule, our topic will be I AM WHO I AM. A Study of the Holy Name of God. This will be our first in-person Bible Study since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
All who desire to participate should meet in the fellowship hall on Wednesday, May 26th at 9:30 AM. No special materials are necessary, just bring along your favorite Bible and a desire to study God’s Word with your friends and church family members. Facemasks are not required but anyone who feels they should wear one is welcome to do so. It will be a good opportunity to resume the fellowship that we have been missing since last March. Join us, won’t you?
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted May 4, 2021 By admin“And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21
In just a few short weeks, we will celebrate the day of Pentecost. Of course, this is the day when God poured out his Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is also known to Christians as the birthday of the Church. There is no way the remaining eleven apostles could have understood that their proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, made to the people of Jerusalem, would be such a defining moment and set in motion a mission and ministry that would endure throughout the world for over two-thousand years. But here we are, that far removed from the day the Holy Spirit came upon those gathered together in prayer waiting, as Christ commanded, for “power from on high.” The power received by the apostles is the greatest power known to the earth. No other powers can stand against the power of God’s Holy Spirit nor can any earthly power take away the promise of God’s salvation, made certain and true, through the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
Surely, the powers that defy God continue to attempt to undo what God has done through Christ. The devil and his minions will hurl their fiery weapons at believers, but God will not allow those unto whom he has poured out his Spirit to falter. Even the COVID-19 pandemic that fell upon the whole earth was not strong enough to silence the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
One year ago, as you will recall, St. Jacob’s like so many congregations throughout the country had ceased meeting in public for worship. Our very first gathering since halting our weekly in person worship services was on Pentecost Sunday, May 31st. We gathered outside in the parking lot, heard God’s Word, sang our thankful praises, and celebrated Holy Communion. As we participated in our service, a number of cars, vans, and trucks passed by. Our worship service on that beautiful sunny day served as a visible reminder of God’s love for his people and that the proclamation of the Gospel cannot be silenced even by a world-wide pandemic. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the best news anyone could ever hope to receive. It is our story to tell, our life to share, and our hope for everlasting life in God’s kingdom of glory.
My prayer this Pentecost is that God would stir our congregation to such faithfulness that we cannot help but share the gospel of Christ Jesus, and that by the power of the Holy Spirit, we experience the disciples’ joy, living in the fullness of God’s grace, loving our neighbor and extending our Savior’s love to all who are in need. Like the apostles who first proclaimed this wonderful news of God’s grace, we must continue to provide such a faithful witness to the world and community around us. Who knows? In keeping with the rich tradition of the Church of Jesus Christ, as begun by those twelve ordinary men whom our Lord called to be apostles, the Good News we share just might live on in the hearts and minds of our neighbors here in Chapin, and become a power that not even the devil himself can oppose. This is the Pentecost message. That God has poured out his Holy Spirit upon all who are Baptized into the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Spirit will move as he will, transforming those who hear and respond to the Gospel.
Nearly two-thousand years ago it all began with twelve ordinary men whom Christ had chosen. And now it continues, for Christ has chosen you to be his witness to the world around you. God bless you as you live out your calling to be his disciple, sharing the Good News with all whom you meet.
Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit. Stir up the hearts of your, faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love. Amen.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for May
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminThe Great Deception
Read Matthew 28:11-15
From Galileo to Columbus, the world has had difficulty accepting things that challenge long held belief. The earth is the center of the solar system and the world is flat. When challenged, these long held truths found support by kings and emperors. Pope Urban VIII even had Galileo stand trial because he dared question these perceived realities. One might think that the Church would be open to new possibilities, especially since it is the Church which was born out of such a discovery. After all, once crucified and buried, dead men do not escape the grave.
After making their report to the authorities, the guards assigned to Jesus’ tomb were paid to keep the story from spreading. After all, if the resurrection were real, then everything Jesus said and taught would also be true. The priests and Pharisees would have some explaining to do. Better to keep it quiet.
Since that first Easter day, the world has tried to do just that; keep news to the resurrection quiet. All sorts of stories and theories have been offered, the oldest one being concocted by the temple authorities claiming the disciples stole his body. Some asserted that Jesus did not die, and when he was taken from the cross was revived. Still others say Jesus wasn’t crucified at all; it was an imposter who hung on the cross. Try as they might, such claims cannot be substantiated because they are not true.
God sent his Son into the world to save people from their sin and that’s just what he did. All who believe and are baptized are saved. Just as the world is PASTORAL DEVOTION FOR MAY round and the earth revolves around the sun, God’s people are raised to new life through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There really can be no point in raising new questions, defending old assertions and supporting the notion of life without Christ, unless one intends to live apart from God.
Prayer: Almighty God, fill us with your truth, that we may tell others the news of Christ’s victory.
Amen.
Pastoral Devotion for April
Posted April 2, 2021 By adminEncountering The Risen Lord
Read John 20:19-31
Isn’t it amazing how quickly Easter Sunday comes and goes? Oh, Easter isn’t over, just the hoopla that surrounds Easter Sunday. In too many respects, the world doesn’t quite understand Easter. The crowds may be gone, but the story hasn’t been fully told. That’s the difficulty faced by the church. The crowds have not heard the whole story. It is no wonder there is so much confusion with regards to Easter. But there was also plenty of confusion that first Easter day.
Women went to the tomb and found it empty. The great stone was rolled away but no one saw who did it. Angels gave the message that Jesus had been raised. As night fell, the disciples were afraid. They locked the doors out of fear that those who killed Jesus might come after them. Just then, Jesus stood among them very much alive.
Perhaps that’s the number one problem so many people have at Easter. Perhaps so many come for the celebration but skip the rest of the story because they are afraid that they might really have an encounter with the risen Lord.
Truly, that’s not such a far-fetched idea. All through his ministry, Jesus said that if any would follow him, they must first take up their cross. Jesus expected his followers to bear fruit for the kingdom, love God, worship him, and live for the sake of their neighbor. For so many today, doing these things means a drastic change in the way life is lived.
Encountering Jesus means living on his terms, not ours. Encountering the risen Lord means we actually have to do something faithful. Meeting Jesus means acknowledging our sin and coming to repentance. It’s easy to see why so many do not want to hear the rest of the story. It’s easier to simply leave the empty tomb of Easter Sunday and get on with life on Monday. But tombs are meant for the dead, and Jesus is alive.
Jesus left behind what belongs in the tomb, the darkness of sin, death and the devil. The risen Christ brought with him light, life, and the peace of God. Ours is to share the entire story so that others may come to believe.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, empower me to do your will, and go where you lead. Amen.
From the Pastor’s Heart by Pastor David Nuottila
Posted April 1, 2021 By adminWhen 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
The 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.
