Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

“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

For 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