Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
When Paul made his way to Thessalonica, he brought with him the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Most had not heard the gospel; it was the first time such a man as Paul came with this amazing message. As he taught, some might have thought him crazy to believe so earnestly a story of saving grace which comes through a man once crucified, dead, but alive again. Just the opposite was the case. A number of people in Thessalonica were gripped by the power of the Holy Spirit, and in their hearing the gospel they came to great faith. In this introductory passage to his first letter, Paul gives thanks and praise for their faith and early enthusiasm. But Paul did not write this letter to puff them up. No, he wrote it to encourage them as they faced challenges, doubts and fears.
Christians today certainly face doubts and fears. Like the first Christians at Thessalonica, the church today benefits from the encouragement of other faithful disciples. Left on their own, the faithful soon become distant and inactive in matters of worship, fellowship and Christian living. The world offers so many alternatives to living a life patterned after the example of Jesus. At every turn, the powers that defy God lay in wait to snatch the believer from the community of faith, that they would set their minds on earthly things rather than seeking God’s kingdom.
Many today look at the church and think Christians are as crazy as Paul to believe such a story. To a world fallen into sin, the gospel simply doesn’t make sense. Yet, through the sharing of the gospel message, the Holy Spirit continues to bring people to faith. The church certainly faces issues of complacency; many are not as active as we ought to be. And so, we encourage one another with God’s Word and through prayer. The Holy Spirit strengthens God’s people through their hearing the gospel. The epistles of Paul, along with the other biblical authors continue to encourage Christians throughout the world. And finally, the powerful witness of the saints and the lives of all who have gone before us in faith continue to serve as examples for the church to follow.
Prayer: Come Holy Spirit; fill the hearts of your people and kindle within us the fire of your love, that we too may share the good news of Christ. Amen.
Pastor Archive
Pastoral Devotion for October – Encourage One Another
Posted October 1, 2025 By adminMidweek Bible Study
Posted September 30, 2025 By adminOur Wednesday morning Bible study has resumed. 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. Midweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted September 5, 2025 By adminJesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16
Over the years, among the greatest joys I have found in being a pastor is watching the children of the church grow in their faith. From the moment of their Baptism, it is a tremendous blessing for congregations to make children a part of our life together. As I write this monthly message, our congregation is at the onset of a new year of Sunday school where we hope to welcome children of all ages (yes, even adults). I am also preparing the coming year’s lesson plans for our confirmands as they journey closer to the day when they will claim God’s promises as their own.
According to the vows we make in Baptism, we acknowledge that we are to never cease learning more about our loving God. Sunday school, confirmation instruction, and Bible studies all exist for one purpose; to help the children of God grow in faith and trust in our Lord and Savior. It is a gift and joy to share this ministry with our families, and especially our children as they grow and one day begin families of their own.
In order for this to happen, families need to grow in faith together. They need to gather in God’s house of prayer, hear his Gospel, and receive nourishment for their faith sharing in the sacraments. Yet, in so many congregations today, families do not attend worship on Sunday, let alone Sunday school. Even fewer adults attend regular Christian learning opportunities such as Bible studies. Yet, it is our Lord who compels people to come to him.
Jesus was quite clear in his rebuke of those who tried to keep children away. His words carry weight and authority like those of no one else. “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Imagine the sight, a kingdom filled with the laughter and wide eyes of children (and adults) as they flock to the one who embodies the love of God, promising to keep them near to him forever. If we only follow Jesus’s instructions and bring the children, we can see this reality unfold right before our eyes.
The truth be told, children love to be among their church family. When the children of the church are present, they find themselves in the midst of a community that shares equal joy and wonder in the presence of Christ the Lord. Maybe that’s because, as we welcome the children into our midst and shower them with love and attention, God takes delight and showers us with the blessing of the children’s love, energy, and excitement. Soon, even the most stodgy of adults can feel their heart melt with joy as they are welcomed in Christ as little children in the lap of their heavenly Father.
If you have ever been a part of a congregation without children, you will know just how quiet life in the church can be. If you are a parent but don’t weekly attend worship or Sunday school you are missing out on one of the most rewarding joys of being a Christian. As children of God, we are to be ever thankful for all of God’s blessings, especially our life together. We can be filled with the joy of knowing that, just as Christ welcomed the children and blessed them, our heavenly Father also welcomes and blesses us. Sadly, we adults sometimes forget this.
We can learn so many lessons from the children of the church; all we need to do is watch them and let them be children. First, we can learn what it truly means to have a child-like faith. To believe and fully trust God in all situations. When circumstances in life cause us fear or anxiety, we can curl up in the lap of our Father, seeking his peace and comfort just as a child seeks the same from a loving parent or grandparent. When we feel that we are lacking something or find that we have a particular need, we can ask God with assurance of a small child when he or she receives that which would bring fulfillment.
As I said at the onset, it brings me great joy to see the children each week in worship. Each one brings tremendous gifts to our church family just by their presence among us. Watching the many children that I had the privilege to baptize grow and take their place in the community always brings to mind God’s blessings and promises that we find in his peace, power, and presence.
Parents, please continue to bring your children to church. Grandparents, bring your adult children and grandchildren. Share their lives with those whom God has called and gathered here at St. Jacob’s. Let them all come to Christ, do not hinder them. They serve as living, breathing reminders to all of us of the joy we experience in the presence of Christ our Lord. They also help us continue in a child-like faith as we await the great and glorious day when our Lord comes to take us to where he is, the place he has prepared for all the children of God.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for September – Idols Are Nothing
Posted September 1, 2025 By adminRead Mark 3:22-35, Isaiah 44:9-20
How foolish we are; how misguided are our thoughts. Too often, superstitions and charms get in the way of faith. Who remembers carrying a lucky rabbit’s foot as a child? Who recalls possessing a four leafed clover? How many times have you turned the horseshoe upright so the luck does not run out? These are but a few examples of humanity’s struggle with false gods. Harmless superstitions? Tell that to the person purchasing lotto tickets with his last few dollars; his lucky number is due. Thankfully, Jesus shows us the truth.
When Jesus showed the scribes and Pharisees the power of God’s love, they claimed he was out of his mind. No one had ever taught the things Jesus taught or performed such miracles. Surely, they thought, he is possessed by Beelzebul. Only because of the hardness of their hearts could they not see Jesus truly was their long awaited Messiah, the Son of God. The same is true today.
Science attempts to explain the wonders of the universe; philosophy the powers of reason. People even rely on lucky charms, solicit good vibes and fall for superstitions in hopes of prevailing against the world. Each attempt falls short, for only through Christ can we prevail against the powers that defy God. Through faith, we know Jesus is Lord. Only Christ has the power to save.
Prayer: Inspire us O Lord, give us the faith to cling to the truth of your Word. Amen
Confirmation Instruction to Begin
Posted August 25, 2025 By adminCatechetical instruction for our youth members in grade 7 and above who have not been confirmed will begin on Sunday, August 31st beginning at 3:00 PM. Parents are asked to attend this initial meeting for the year. We will meet in the church office and share information and scheduling for the coming Fall session. Please make a note on your family calendars and plan to attend.
Midweek Bible Study Returns in September
Posted August 20, 2025 By adminOur Midweek Bible Study is on break until September. We will resume our regular Wednesday morning sessions on September 10th at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. Anyone who would like to attend is welcome. Please invite your friends, family members, or neighbors to come with you.
Pastor on Vacation
Posted August 14, 2025 By adminPastor David will be taking some time away on vacation to travel to San Diego to visit his daughter from Friday, August 22nd through Friday, August 29th. Then following Sunday services on August 31st, he will be out of the office from Monday, September 1st through Saturday, September 6th. Those who may find need for pastoral services during these times should contact the church office during regular office hours, or contact council president A.J. outside church office hours and arrangements will be made.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted August 5, 2025 By adminGod has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
As I begin this August edition, I am mindful that yet one more summer season is nearing its conclusion. Soon, children will be returning to school having advanced to the next grade level. Family vacations will have provided their lifetime of memories, and yes, even the activities of the Church will shift, kicking it up a notch as they say. Choirs will resume weekly rehearsals. Sunday school students may experience the moving on from one classroom to another, and some of our youth members will begin taking the next steps toward affirming their baptism as they engage in catechetical classes with their pastor. Yes, the author of Ecclesiastes was right, “to everything, there is a season.”
The verse above reveals the wonder and mystery of living as a child of God. We reap the many blessings of this earthly life, blessings our loving Father has provided from his own hand. As we read the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, and I recommend you do, we soon discover that our God provides so much in the way of blessing for his children so that inescapable joy may be ours.
Even through all the seasons of life, God is never far away from us. His love rains down like that sweet mid-summer sun shower which cools and refreshes. Sometimes the weight of the world might seem too much to bear, but not so with God. The third chapter of Ecclesiastes teaches us that God governs the times and seasons, and that nothing is outside of his control. This can be a source of comfort and trust in both times of celebration and times of sorrow.
The verse I shared above, Ecclesiastes 3:11, speaks of God placing eternity in our hearts, a longing for something more than this life. This can be a reminder to seek God and to live with an eternal perspective. None of us knows when the end of this earthly life will transpire, but through faith, and God’s blessing of love and his presence, we need not worry about it. Eternity in the kingdom of heaven is ours.
The seasons of earthly life are just that, seasons to be lived, experienced, and enjoyed. Each season of life has its own purpose. With each sunrise comes the opportunity to embrace the blessing of one more day, one more season through which we may relish the time and times we have been provided to love, serve and share with our family, friends, and neighbors. Yet, none of these can compare to the endless joy we will share in the company and presence of our Lord and Savior.
God has put eternity into our hearts and minds. He has promised that through all the seasons of life, the good times, and yes, even the most difficult, he is with us and the blessing of his love can never be taken from us. Reading Ecclesiastes chapter 3 encourages us to appreciate the present moment and to find joy in God’s gifts, recognizing that these seasons are temporary. Understanding such can lead us to living each day with a spirit of gratitude for all God has done and continues to do.
To everything there is a season. A season to give thanks for the ever-present love and joy that is received through goodness and mercy of our God. In these seasons of life, I invite you all to live among your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ, worshiping, serving, and learning joyfully as we grow in our relationships with one another and especially with our lord who promises to be with us forever and ever.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Adult Confirmation
Posted August 2, 2025 By adminOur Adult Confirmation study meets in the church office conference room on selected Tuesdays beginning at 6:30 PM. All who are interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, teaching, and worship are welcome to attend, regardless of if you grew up in the Lutheran Church or another denomination. We will examine elements of Luther’s Large Catechism, the Book of Concord and the traditions of Lutheran preaching and worship. Many life-long Lutherans wonder why we do certain liturgies or traditions or have questions regarding the liturgies or traditions. Participants will enjoy learning more and having their questions answered. No special materials are needed. Please let Pastor David know if you would like to participate.
Pastoral Devotion for August – Do Not Fear, Believe
Posted August 1, 2025 By adminRead Luke 8:40-56
Jairus is a man with authority, yet he recognizes his limitations. For the sake of his daughter, Jairus yields to the authority of Christ and begs him to come, but there is an interruption. Another person in need of a miracle also reaches out to Jesus.
How often do we encounter such interruptions? How many times might we feel Jesus is otherwise preoccupied, busy elsewhere and putting off our urgent need? Out of control, our life seems like riding a roller coaster and anything that delays Jesus’ response makes us even more frantic. As Jairus waited for Jesus, things grew worse. News came that his daughter had indeed died. Jairus lost hope; his faith faded into despair. But with Jesus, hope is never lost.
As we continue along our earthly journey, fear and faith seem to walk alongside. Circumstances do not always go our way. Fear takes hold; illness, loneliness, grief and loss come to the forefront. In all of these, we reach out in faith to Christ for help, yet sometimes it seems interruptions block the path to wholeness. Jesus says. “Do not fear, only believe.” Behold, God is with you.
Prayer: Comfort me, O God, grant me faith that believes your promises are true. Amen.
