As you all know, I have had to cancel my previous two mission trips to Congo, first due to health reasons, then last year due to political reasons. In that time, my partner Pastor Stephane Kalonji has journeyed to Congo without assistance from another pastor and carried out the mission work we began twelve years ago. I have truly missed being a part of this important ministry of the Gospel. The good news this year is that we are scheduled to make our annual trip together for the first time in a while. Pastor Kalonji and I are both eager to see the progress made in the construction of the church building we established in 2023. My mission trip to the Congo this summer is scheduled for July 7th – 23rd. On Monday, July 6th , I will fly to Houston, TX to meet Pastor Kalonji; and the next day we will begin the long journey to Africa.
I am thankful to everyone who continues to support this mission work for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and covet your continued support and prayers. Prior to making this trip I will host one or two fundraising opportunities. Our budget for the trip this summer is $27,000.00. Somehow, by the grace of God, we manage each year to raise enough money to do this important work. Yet it gets more difficult as the years go by. Please consider how you might support the Congo Mission and become a partner with us. Donations may be made through our church offering and designated as “Congo Mission Trip.”
Pastor Archive
Congo Mission Trip 2026
Posted February 19, 2026 By adminPastoral Devotion for February – Bring Your Children
Posted February 3, 2026 By adminRead Matthew 19:13-15
Bring your children. Bring them to church. Saturate their lives with the Word of God.
Even if they lay on the floor.
Even if they need a sippy cup and a pack of goldfish crackers to keep them occupied.
Even if you must stand in the back swaying back and forth holding them.
Even when it’s hard.
Even when your pew looks like a small hurricane just came through.
Bring them to church. Even when you feel the glares and stares of others, don’t let that stop you.
Bring them to church and give them room in your pew.
Let them see you worship. Let them see you pray. Let them hear you sing.
Let them see you coming to the Savior with hands outstretched to receive his body and blood.
Because if they don’t see and learn these things from you, who will teach them?
The devil will teach them it’s not a priority.
The devil will teach them it’s okay to lay out.
The devil will teach them not to pick up their Bibles.
The devil will convince them to just skip worship all together.
Satan will have them so far off course and confused and misinformed that they will believe just being “good” is enough.
The world won’t teach them about Jesus.
The world won’t teach them about forgiveness.
The world won’t teach them about grace.
The world won’t teach them about heaven.
That’s your job.
It begins by bringing them to church.
So, bring your children. A church without the sounds of children is all too quiet.
A church without the presence of children is less joyful than it needs to be.
So, bring your children. Sit with them. Teach them. Let them sit with you. Let them learn from you.
Bring your children unto Christ, do not hinder them.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless the little children of our congregation. Bless us with their presence as we worship you and praise your name. Amen.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
St. Jacob’s 250th Year-long Celebration
Posted January 10, 2026 By adminThe year 2026 has come and with it, St. Jacob’s will celebrate our 250th anniversary of ministry of the Gospel within this community. The team appointed by the church council last year has worked faithfully to plan for the year’s activities, including welcoming several guest preachers who have played a significant role within our church family. The schedule of events during this year of celebration is listed below.
- January 18th – Guest preacher Rev. Dawn Rister; (SCMD Dean) congregation dinner following worship.
- February 15th – Congregation Outreach Event to support NALC Disaster Response.
- March 15th – Guest preacher Rev. Henry Pawluk; congregation dinner following worship.
- April 19th – Decades Day; worshipers dress from past eras and use a historic liturgy from our collective past.
- May 17th – Guest preacher Rev. Marty Ramey; congregation dinner following worship.
- June – Vacation Bible School
- July 19th – Guest preacher Rev. Randy Drafts; congregation dinner following worship.
- August 16th – Congregation Outreach Event; blankets for residents at Generations.
- September 20th – Guest preacher Rev. David Tholstrup (former SCMD Dean), congregation dinner following worship.
- October 25th – Homecoming and Anniversary Sunday, guest preacher NALC Presiding Bishop Dan Selbo; special catered congregation dinner following worship.
- November TBD – Golden Agers Recognition and celebration.
We give thanks to God for the long history of our congregation, and especially for the life and witness of so many who have been a part of our proclamation and now take their rest in Christ. Thanks be to God for the life we share together.
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Posted January 7, 2026 By adminPastor David has put together an updated One Year Bible Reading Plan for members of St. Jacob’s, friends and family. This reading plan begins on January 1st and has listed scripture readings for each day of 2026. Dedicating only about fifteen minutes a day, you will read the entire Bible in one year. It is suggested that those participating in the plan find a regular time each day (each morning is best) and with pencil, pen, or highlighter in hand to identify passages for later study.
Midweek Bible Study
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminMidweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. We are currently studying the Gospel According to John. This study is a traditional chapter and verse study where we will read and learn more of the message John has to teach all who hear his Gospel and come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true Son of God. We will read and compare John’s writing with that of the other Gospel writers. We will also explore the connections between John’s Gospel and the Old Testament. Everyone is invited to join us as they are able.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminJesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
One of the greatest joys of being a pastor is watching the young people of the congregation grow to become faithful disciples of Christ. The Greek word for disciple is “mathetes,” (pronounced ma-thay-tays). It means that one who is a disciple is a learner, a student of the master. The disciple follows the teacher and submits to the teacher’s ways, following the teacher’s example. This leads to a transformation in the way the disciple’s life is lived. We call this transformation living a life of “discipleship.”
When we think of disciples as students, we imagine them to be people who attend lectures or read books. But disciples, as in the context of the Bible, were required to interact with and imitate a real living person, their teacher. A disciple would literally follow someone in hopes of eventually becoming what they are. This is the calling of Christians throughout our shared history within the Church. So, how does one know if they are living the life of discipleship?
Such a life is distinguished by several indicators. We call these the “Marks of Discipleship.” The first is to be someone who is regularly dwelling in God’s Word. Reading the Bible is essential for living as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Truly, the only way to learn from Christ is to dwell in his Word.
The next mark of discipleship is to have an active and dynamic prayer life. Simply put, disciples pray. In his teaching about prayer, Jesus commands his followers to pray. As Jesus gives his teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:5-13, he says, “When you pray.” Jesus expects his disciples to pray. Through prayer faith is reaffirmed, confidence in God’s Word is built, and we become more aligned with God’s will.
It should go without saying that disciples also enjoy learning more about God’s truth. So, we can say, disciples willingly learn from the Lord. Disciples study with other disciples in fellowship with one another. Learning and fellowship are strong indicators of one who lives a life of discipleship. Disciples not only learn, but they do so eagerly and joyfully.
Disciples also worship and participate regularly in the Sacraments. Disciples come to the Lord’s table, welcomed as a sinner redeemed by Christ himself. They savor each opportunity in which they may receive the body and blood of Christ for the sake of their forgiveness and as nourishment for their faith.
And finally, disciples serve Christ by serving and evangelizing their neighbor. Engaging the mission of the Gospel means meeting the physical needs of our neighbor while also meeting their spiritual needs. Mission work is defined by these two traits. To live the life of discipleship means presenting yourself as a living sacrifice for the sake of others. All the while sharing with them the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
I mentioned earlier it is a pastor’s joy to witness the younger members of the Church growing into the life of discipleship. That is because, as they learn from their pastor and their Sunday school teachers, they learn from Christ himself. Those who remain in the fellowship of their peers will grow to become faithful disciples of Jesus simply through regular learning, worship, and fellowship among God’s people. We have witnessed that here at St. Jacob’s. Just take a look at the young people who are climbing into leadership roles within our worship services. They are the ones who regularly live and learn among the faithful. We can all be thankful for each one of them as they grow in faith. Let us prayerfully guide them and may we also learn from them how to become greater disciples of our Lord Jesus.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for January – Bearing Witness to Love
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminRead John 10:19-42
There is an old saying that suggests actions speak louder than words. When people say “I love you,” the evidence is not in their spoken words, but their acts of kindness. Absent of any display of affection or selfless deeds saying to someone “I love you” is simply an empty exchange of words.
As Jesus lived among God’s people, he proclaimed the fullness of God’s love. However, it is through his many signs and wonders that our Lord makes the Father’s love known in real and visible ways. Foretold by the prophets of long ago, Jesus’s teaching and his miraculous works point to him as God’s Messiah. Still, the Pharisees and scribes would have none of this.
“How long will you keep us in suspense?” “Why do you not tell us plainly?” Jesus had already given the answer, but they refused to believe, even as they’ve
seen the evidence with their own eyes. Such hardened hearts are not capable of belief because they do not understand love.
Our works and good deeds contribute nothing towards our salvation. Yet, as believers in Christ Jesus, our works do bear witness to the love God has for his people. Jesus calls us to a life of love for God and neighbor. When one says “I love God” or “I love my neighbor,” he can only be believed when his actions match his words. Without such works, saying “I love God and neighbor” is yet one more empty exchange.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, make our actions towards others match our words of love, that all may come to see your goodness and mercy. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Posted December 26, 2025 By adminPastor David has put together an updated One Year Bible Reading Plan for members of St. Jacob’s, friends and family. This reading plan begins on January 1st and has listed scripture readings for each day of 2026. Dedicating only about fifteen minutes a day, you will read the entire Bible in one year. It is suggested that those participating in the plan find a regular time each day (each morning is best) and with pencil, pen, or highlighter in hand identify passages for later study.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted December 7, 2025 By adminTherefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
As a church with centuries of tradition celebrating the birth of Christ, it seems clear to us what these words from Isaiah mean. 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 wait; wait for God to act, wait for the promised Messiah. As the Church enters into yet another season of Advent, the question becomes; “What are we waiting for?”
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. But in all this busyness, what about the promise? Where do Isaiah’s words enter the picture of our Christmas celebration, and do they have a lasting meaning in our everyday lives? Have Isaiah’s words about the coming of Christ lost their urgency or is the church tired of waiting?
Well, truth be told, Advent seems to be the most misunderstood, most unobserved time of the church year. Isaiah’s words are words of promise and words of perseverance while patiently waiting for God to act. But we live in a time where we want gratification immediately. They say patience is a virtue, but it seems our society is running low on virtue. Still, Advent calls us to wait. 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.
Now, we all love Christmas, some so much that they begin counting down the days very early in Summer. And clearly, the world loves Christmas, at least what it thinks Christmas is. Christmas trees, festive songs, snowmen, reindeer, and a jolly old elf seem to usher in a time that is most cherished in peoples’ lives. For many, waiting for Christmas begins very early in the year. Early decorations, playing Christmas carols, shopping for gifts. That’s how so many show their love for Christmas. And I wonder, is this what Christmas has become for so many Christians today? If we have this insatiable love for the world’s sense of Christmas, how do we show our love for God with all our heart, soul, and mind for the other 364 days of the year?
Our present reality is that we live in a post-Christian society where even believers don’t dedicate time to Sabbath learning and hearing God’s Word. Many Christians insist they have a strong belief in Jesus. Yet for so many, this strong belief is only shown in social media comments and responses. Yet preparing for the world’s celebration of December 25th takes the shape of preparing for a Christmas without Christ. It seems to me that our post Christian society needs a reset.
As we patiently wait for Christ to come again, we do well to respond in faith to Jesus’s greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, not just during Advent, but all year long. It’s time for all Christians to put the truth behind their claims of faithfulness.
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. Not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
Isaiah prophesied that the Christ would come in a miraculous way. A virgin will conceive and bear a son who will be called Emmanuel, that is “God with us.” Jesus promised he would come again in the fullness of God’s glory. He would come and bring the people of God into his glorious kingdom. Yet, this is the same Savior who, after promising to return urged his followers to remain diligent in worship and prayer when he said, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8). Considering our present reality, I find that to be a good question.
It’s not always easy to say, but at the beginning of this Advent season, this is truly what is on your pastor’s heart.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Midweek Bible Study
Posted December 1, 2025 By adminMidweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. We are currently studying the Gospel According to John. This study is a traditional chapter and verse study where we will read and learn more of the message John has to teach all who hear his Gospel and come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true Son of God. We will read and compare John’s writing with that of the other Gospel writers. We will also explore the connections between John’s Gospel and the Old Testament. Everyone is invited to join us as they are able.
