Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

As we once again prepare to enter the season of Lent, I wish to focus upon our Christian calling to be disciples, evangelists, and ambassadors for the kingdom of God. It always hits me at this time of year, how a few people who claim to be Christians fail to worship in God’s house and participate in the life of Christ’s Church, especially during Lent.

Lent isn’t like Advent; there is no gradual build up to receiving gifts and singing beloved carols. In Advent, even Santa and his reindeer yield to the warm and inviting vision of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, while his joyful mother and father look on. In Lent, there are no pretty, cute and cuddly reminders in super markets and malls that alert us to the holy day that is approaching. The bunny isn’t as accommodating as Santa when it comes to making room. Yet, as much as Advent prepares us for the wonder of Christmas, Lent is to prepare us even more for the joy of Easter.

As disciples, Lent is the time when we are to look deeply into our life of faith, recognize our struggle against sin, and strive to grow stronger in our relationship with Christ our Lord. By now, you have all heard me say a hundred times, we are to worship weekly, come frequently to the Lord’s Supper, read scripture daily, pray without ceasing, give alms, live among God’s people and tell others of the goodness of God. This is the vocation of everyone who claims Jesus to be Lord and Savior of all.

Lent is also a time when, as evangelists, we are to use our gifts and talents to tell others about the goodness of God’s mercy. So many people in the community that surrounds Union Lutheran Church have not heard the gospel spoken to them on a personal level. Yes, I’m sure most have heard the name of Jesus, but how many have a relationship with him? How many unchurched people know that the God who created them wants to save them from their sin? How many others, who have lapsed in their faith, really understand that Christ desires for them to cherish the benefits of their baptism, that they may have a personal relationship with the one who freely extends his grace? As evangelists, our calling is to tell them and help them grow in faith.

Finally, Lent is a time when, as ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we are to not only represent Christ in the world, but we are also to re-present Christ to the world. Our lives are visible to believers and un-believers alike. They see us as we go about our daily routine and take notice of how we extend the love of God to others. Ambassadors are held to high standards, lest they misrepresent the one who calls them. When we fail or fall short of those marks of discipleship (worship, scripture, prayer, communion, etc.) the world takes notice.

Lent is our time to get into the healthy habits of faith, not simply for our sake, but for the sake of the world around us. The best and simplest place to begin such an endeavor is to invite those church family members who have been missing out on congregational life. We all know someone who is a member of our congregation but they have not been regular in there worship attendance. As one such member is missing from the Sunday assembly, the fellowship of the whole family is lacking. How wonderful would it be if we were able to rekindle the faith of one who would be willing to re-establish the relationship of Christian love with their church family? My prayer is that, as a church family, we recognize the necessity and benefit of Lent. My prayer is for those who worship regularly is to invite others to come hear the gospel. My prayer for those who do not worship as often as they should, will hear the still small voice of God calling them into his presence. Brothers and sisters in Christ, pray with me, beginning today and always, that as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, we may grow in faith and love, and that our Lenten walk leads us to overflowing joy at the sight of the empty tomb of Easter.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight!” Mark 1:1-3
With the first Sunday of Advent behind us, the Church has begun a new year in her liturgical cycle. For the past twelve months we have heard the truth regarding Jesus Christ from Matthew’s perspective. This year we will primarily dwell in Mark’s gospel as he shares with us his account concerning God’s saving grace made available through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
On a personal note, the year we read Mark is perhaps my favorite within our lectionary cycle. Mark’s gospel is different, he does not begin his account like the other gospel writers; he skips over what we now call the birth narrative of Jesus, and gets straight to the heart of the matter, recalling the words of the prophet Isaiah concerning God’s promise of a Savior and Messiah who is Jesus of Nazareth.
I think that at least once every three years, this is an important step in our earthly journey. It allows Christians to avert so much attention from our worldly Christmas activities and busy-ness, and focus our hearts and minds on the Advent of our Lord, his coming at his nativity, yet also his coming again in glory. From the beginning of Mark’s first chapter and at the dawn of Advent, we hear the words from the prophet “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight!” (Mark 1:3).
This exhortation, whether we hear it from the prophet Isaiah, or from Mark’s gospel as quoted by John the Baptist, calls God’s people to action. Israel’s prophets foretold of his coming. Then for centuries, the people of God waited for the fulfillment of his promise to send a savior, yet God seemed distant and quiet. Then as if from nowhere and following four hundred years of silence, a strange looking fellow wearing camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist prophetically shouted out what we now consider a familiar Advent refrain: “Prepare the way of the Lord!” John called God’s people to repent of their sins and ready themselves for the coming of God’s Messiah.
Now, two thousand years removed from this scene, we hear these same prophetic words: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight!” The question becomes, “How do we do that?” What does it mean for Christians today to make the Lord’s paths straight? Traditionally, congregations begin the liturgical year making preparations for the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord at Christmas. Our most visible preparations include hanging evergreens, setting up Christmas trees, lighting extra candles and singing a fair number of Christmas songs. Yet, listening to John the Baptist as he cries out in the wilderness, I’m not so sure this is what he is talking about. It seems that in order to prepare the way of the Lord, we are to be about preparing ourselves and actually doing the work of the Lord.
Our world and the non-believers who live in it are separated from God by the great chasm that is sin. No matter how much we try, we cannot escape the consequences of human disobedience without the grace provided by God through our Lord Jesus. Our Advent preparations, therefore, must include repentance, thankfully receiving the forgiveness made possible through Christ, and sharing the good news that is the Gospel of Jesus.
Our response to God’s gift of grace calls us to take Christ’s commandments seriously, to love God and love our neighbor. We offer our lives in service for the sake of others, exhorting others to prepare themselves to receive their Lord and King. This evangelical mission culminates with inviting others to join us in worship, take their place at God’s table of grace, and assist them in making their preparations for receiving the gift of Christ.
I invite you to make this Advent a time of preparation of self. Dwell in God’s Word, give thanks for His mercy and grace. Then, as we celebrate with one another, let us all join in worship and praise upon the Nativity of our Lord and the joy of heaven and earth at Christmas.
Grace to you and peace during this time of Advent preparation, and may you and your family have a very blessed Christmas!
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13
At the time of this writing, it is still the middle of September, but October is on the horizon. October! It seems summer has simply flown by. Yet, even as I prepare to travel to England, for a much-anticipated vacation, I can’t help but reflect upon all we shared the past few months, while un derstanding that there is much to plan and prepare for during the months ahead. Our church calendar is filling up with activities, least of which is our annual Homecoming Sunday and recognition of St. Jacob’s Golden Agers. Trunk or Treat, Reformation Sunday, and All Saints Sunday are also coming very soon. Yes, it will be a busy time in the church. As you begin making room for the many opportunities for your church and family in October, let me ask a direct question: How do you plan to be a disciple of Jesus Christ each and every day?
Each morning, Christians wake up to the opportunity to show the love of Christ Jesus to others, have compassion for the weak and vulnerable, and forgive where someone has done wrong. We are to re-present Christ especially to those who may not realize God’s activity in their lives. As God’s people we also wake up to the Christian responsibility to thank God for the many blessings He showers upon us, and to offer Him the finest of what we can offer of ourselves.
When a child of God begins each new day with such emphasis, the life of discipleship begins to take hold and we live into the calling God has for each one of us. So again, this begs the question: How do you plan to be a disciple of Jesus Christ each and every day? In my asking this twice, I hope you are not simply waiting for my answer. I hope you are not expecting me to offer a directive for the church that challenges you to do your part as I see it, for such is not my intent.
I am asking this question because as followers of Jesus Christ, we each respond to His call to follow in different ways. Some are able to engage in the life of the congregation more regularly than others. Some have time enough to come to the church and serve on committees, provide services such as lawn care and cleaning, others may even show up every time the doors are open.
Others among us have different responsibilities. Within our church family, we have parents with small children, members who work not just one, but two jobs, and still others who may have health related issues that prevent them from participating as they once did. Yet, no matter where we may fall in this broad spectrum, as God’s people, each one of us shares the Christian responsibility to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
We all share Jesus’s calling to go into the world and make disciples by sharing with them the good news of God’s salvation. So, understanding this, I’ll ask one last time: How do you plan to be a disciple of Jesus Christ each and every day? As Pastor, I will do my best to help you discern the answer to this question. I will do what I can to help you pray, study God’s Word and live among God’s people so that you might hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit who is calling you to a life of discipleship.
I will continue to pray for you and your family, preach to you the gospel of Christ Jesus, lead you in worship and teach you and your children the faith in which we baptize. In turn, I pray that you too will help me to further discern the answer to our question, for even pastors need to learn to take time to enjoy their relationship with our loving heavenly Father.
Yes, October signals the beginning of a busy time for the church. It is one filled with opportunities to worship God, love our neighbor, and enjoy the fellowship of God’s people. Take a good look and identify those opportunities where you and your family can grow in faith and discern your answer to the question of discipleship. Choose to take time each day to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, seeking God’s kingdom first. Then be sure to share His blessings of grace, mercy and peace with those whom God places within your midst. Soon, you will realize you are living the life of discipleship, and the question will have its answer.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila