In November, the Altar Guild purchased two new pouring chalices and a new wine flagon for use during Holy Communion. With these new vessels, St. Jacob’s will be better stewards of the communion elements shared during our worship. All those who serve as communion assistants are asked to attend one of the scheduled training sessions in January. Holy Communion assistant training will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 6th and Sunday, January 13th.
Pastor Archive
New Communion ware and Assistant Training
Posted January 9, 2019 By adminFrom the Pastor’s Heart
Posted January 9, 2019 By admin“Arise and shine, your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1
For centuries, astronomers have plotted the courses of the stars in order to keep track of time and the passing of the seasons. Navigators of ships used the stars to help guide them to their destination. And long ago, ancient cultures shared stories of mythical characters whose constellations may be seen as people gazed at the night time sky. Much has been learned by tracking the many points of light that pierce the darkness of night.
Following the birth of our Lord Jesus, there were others who also looked to the stars, one star in particular. The Magi from the East followed this star which led them to Bethlehem. By marking the exact time when they first saw the star and following its light westward, the wise men were led on a journey upon which they encountered Christ. Once they reached their destination, God revealed to the them the one born as his own redeeming light. It is in this epiphany that Jesus is revealed to the world as God’s ultimate outpouring of love.
The celebration of the Epiphany of our Lord is the proclamation that long before we could have ever stumbled our way out of darkness, God’s light has come to us. Through our Baptism, God makes us children of the light. In our thankful response to God’s grace, we carry the light of Christ into the world so that others can experience the fulfillment and wonder of God’s promise of a Savior. It is through loving God above all else and serving our neighbor in the name of Christ, that we let our light shine. Our Lord calls each and every one of us to serve as a beacon leading others to the truth of the gospel, just as that single star led the Magi so many years ago.
As we begin a new year in ministry, I would invite all of our church family members to consider the ways in which you proclaim the gospel and share God’s love. We have the opportunity to engage is so many missions of the NALC and within our mission district. Here in Chapin, we can feed the hungry, give aid to the poor, provide shelter and welcome those who have no place for worship. St. Jacob’s is uniquely positioned to serve our neighbors in town, and the many who live in developing communities all around us.
We also have the opportunity to serve Christ through our service to others around our country and world. I am so pleased that many of our church family members have embraced the mission work of Pastor Stephane Kalonji and I in the Congo. Several other congregation have also joined St. Jacob’s in supporting this important mission. Through your efforts and generosity, pastors have Bibles from which to teach and preach, many hungry children are fed, and a community of God’s people have a relationship of faith and love with a congregation who will pray for them and minister to them in times of trial. Jesus calls us all to follow his example of love and service for the sake of the least among us. I would also invite those who have not considered attending Sunday school and one of our weekly Bible studies to give it a try. As Christians and disciples of Jesus Christ, daily reading of Holy Scripture is essential and weekly gathering for worship and learning is most beneficial for those growing in faith and hope. There is no better time to begin such practice than during Epiphany, the season of light.
Since the birth of Christ, the time of our lives is no longer marked by plotting stars and our destination is no longer found by tracking celestial bodies. Our time and our destination are caught up in Jesus Christ. To use a metaphor, the books of Holy Scripture serve as the stars of our celestial journey and Christ our compass. Led by God’s Holy Spirit, we travel through life’s journey always remembering to let our light shine before others, so that all may see that in Christ the light of the world has come.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for January
Posted January 9, 2019 By adminLight for the World
Isaiah 60:1-9, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12
It wasn’t through loud trumpet blasts, nor were messengers dispatched from far off lands. The magi received the good news through simple means; by the light of a star. They followed the light in order to worship the newborn King of kings.
Each year we hear this story and quickly focus on the wise men and their gifts, perhaps missing the central part of the story. Jesus was born that man no longer should die. Through Christ, salvation has come into the world. As the angel told the shepherds, this is good news for all people.
The Magi were foreigners, Gentiles, yet God got their attention in a simple way, by the light of a star, and led them to the savior of the world. Who are the outsiders today? What signs will God use in order to speak to them? It’s probably fair to say that wise men bearing gifts of gold won’t be passing through their town, and it’s not likely that a star will lead people to any particular church building.
The truth is, God calls his people to be light for the world revealing that which was made known so long ago. Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, is the Messiah, the Lord. Through him, God has brought salvation to our fallen world. People of God, arise, share the good news. Light has scattered our darkness forever.
Prayer: Shine your light upon me, O Lord, that I may share the good news of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Filed in Bible Study, Pastor
Pastoral Devotion for December
Posted December 1, 2018 By adminRead John 1:1-14
Since the beginning, light has been a sign of life and hope. As God spoke, light burst forth and shattered the darkness. Throughout John’s account of the gospel of Christ, a theme of darkness and light winds its way through each chapter.
Imagine the first Christmas morning, the first hint of sunlight breaking through the dawn of a new day. Its warm rays illumine the form of the new family; the father and mother huddled close, gazing upon their child born during the night. Those first beams of light shine upon the child who is wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Yet even brilliant rays of sunlight cannot compare to the splendor of his radiance. For this child is light for the world.
In these days of uncertainty, in the midst of doubt and fear, darkness often falls upon the human family. Yet, through the babe born unto Mary and Joseph, light shines. In Christ there is hope; in him there is peace, through him only is light, and the light is life for all people.
In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light.” Today, this same light shines in the hearts of God’s people, a light that no darkness can overcome. Ours is to testify to the light of Christ. Through him only, is there hope for life without end.
Prayer: We thank you, O God, for the light that shatters the darkness, the light of your Christ. Amen.
Married Couples Retreat
Posted November 27, 2018 By adminIf you have been wondering about attending our Married Couples Retreat but thought you missed the deadline you are in luck. There is still time to get your name on the list and reserve your place. This retreat will offer time for married couples to relax at a beautiful camp along the beach while learning more about God’s blessings in marriage. The retreat will begin at 7:00 pm. Friday, January 25th and continue through 11:00 am. Sunday, January 27th. Participants may check-in on Friday as early as 3:00 p.m. and enjoy some of the sights and sounds of the Carolina coast. Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday is included, as well as supper on Saturday evening. Supper on Friday and lunch on Saturday are on your own. Registration fee is $300.00 per couple. Registration forms are available in the Narthex. Please contact Pastor David Nuottila if you have any questions.
Christmas Party for Children’s Choir and Christmas Program Party
Posted November 27, 2018 By adminPastor David and Angela are hosting a Christmas party for the children’s choir and Christmas program participants. We will gather in the fellowship hall after rehearsal on December 9th. All those participating in the Christmas program please join us for pizza, cookie decorating and Christmas fun.
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted November 1, 2018 By adminIt’s hard to believe it’s already time to write my article for the November newsletter. Today, it’s raining, strong winds are blowing, and tropical storm Michael just deposited a tree in my driveway. I am also preparing to go on vacation tomorrow (Oct. 12) but truth be told, my mind is on our shared ministry in November. This is a busy time for the Church, and November is a month filled with opportunities to serve God and His people.
Think about it. We begin November as a church family celebrating the Sunday of All Saints. We remember fondly those beloved saints who have gone on to glory before us. It is a special time for Christians as we reflect upon the lesson taught to us by so many faithful followers of Christ Jesus. It’s also a time for us to consider the ways we serve our Lord as well. Then, a few weeks later, we conclude the month in celebration of Christ our King, a time to reflect upon the ways our Lord makes His grace known throughout the seasons of the Church.
Sandwiched in between these two festivals, there are so many other things that beg for our attention. There are elections of government officials and football rivalries to enjoy. And don’t forget setting time aside to enjoy the annual Thanksgiving feast! All of these beg the question, “How do we juggle the demands of our daily life and our life as a disciple of Christ Jesus? It seems something has got to give.
Sadly, all too often it is the church that takes a back seat. As life gets busier and busier, we know and understand that we must cut back. Each of our activities is important to us, and we hate to miss out. But God calls his people to be disciples first and above all else. This is where All saints Sunday and Christ the King intersect. Remembering the saints who taught us the faith, we strive to follow the example of Christ our King. Doing this, we follow the faithful examples of those saints who have died and now live in Christ’s glory. One such person in my life was my Grandma Bea.
Grandma Bea was a leader in the community in which I grew up. She was the first woman ever elected to our town’s council. She was also chairwoman of the Northville Beautification Society, and the founder of the Northville Business and Professional Women’s League (some of you may have noticed her B.P.W. placard on my desk). Somewhere in all that, Grandma found time to put up preserves and vegetables, care for her many grandchildren, bake wonderful bread and volunteer with the Red Cross. I don’t know how she managed to do all of this. I do know, however, that she never missed a Sunday in church, she was a generous giver with her tithes, and always took time to tell others of the wonderful things God has done and continues to do.
This November, I invite you to remember the saints who have gone before us and follow their many examples of faithful living. There is much to do here at St. Jacob’s, many ways of being a part of our ministry together. Above all else, remember to attend worship each Sunday and give thanks to the One who provides all we need, and whose mercy and grace endure forever.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Pastoral Devotion for November
Posted November 1, 2018 By adminChrist the King
For just a few seconds, close your eyes and relax. Get comfortable, clear your mind and imagine seeing Jesus. Imagine actually seeing his face, imagine being there with him. What image did you see? Did you see him as a baby born in Bethlehem? How about as a shepherd, or blessing little children? These are often the images we see of Jesus in our mind. Such images provide us with popular metaphors associated with Christ. Jesus our friend, Jesus our brother, Jesus our comforter. We learn to see Jesus as the one who walks with us and talks with us.
I would imagine that few if any saw Jesus as King. Kings aren’t normal images for too many folks these days. In folklore, Kings wore long purple robes and golden crowns. Today’s kings mostly wear suits and look like presidents, or wear military uniforms and look like soldiers. Jesus doesn’t fit these descriptions. He doesn’t wear gold around His neck or rings on His fingers. He doesn’t wear a suit and certainly not army fatigues.
I’m curious, when you imagined seeing Jesus, how many saw a man beaten to within an inch of his life, his outstretched hands nailed to a cross beam and gasping for breath with bystanders mocking and taunting him? Oh…and as for his crown? Thorns, sharp and pointed; digging into his forehead. When a few finally recognized Jesus as King, this is the image they had before them. Yet, in this image we see the glory of our King Jesus.
Jesus came to earth to save His people from sin. He came to rescue those who believe in Him from eternal death. In the stripes of His wounds runs the blood from which we are saved. From His dying words, “It is finished” we have the proclamation that Christ has won the victory, God and creation are reconciled through His innocent death on the cross.
So once again I invite you to close your eyes, picture Jesus in your mind. What do you see? Yeah, me too. I see the babe of Bethlehem, the Good Shepherd and the one who feeds the hungry and cures the sick. But that’s ok, that’s who Jesus is as well. And next week Matthew will begin telling us the story in his words; the story of Christ our King.
St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Congregational Meeting and Council Reports
Posted October 31, 2018 By adminCouncil noted Good Things at St. Jacob’s this month included that the October fest was a big success. Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the German food that was prepared. The congregational meeting on September 30th went well. St. Jacob’s looks forward to bringing on a new Director of Youth and Family Ministries. The Youth choir is doing an excellent job under the direction of Angela and Laurie. They make a dynamic team and the children are singing so well! A special thank you is extended to Angela and Laurie for your continued work with the newly formed Youth Choir.
Pastor Report- Pastor David noted that South Carolina is now the largest (46 congregations) geographic area in the
NALC. South Carolina will elect its own Dean and each region will have their own Dean. Pastor commented that by
dividing into more regions this will reduce the Bishop’s travel during the year.
Pastor David was very pleased with October fest and hopes to continue this annual tradition at St. Jacob’s.
Pastor David would like to create a Disaster Response protocol for St. Jacob’s. This would require the church to gather materials to get to the various staging areas after catastrophic damage. The Disaster Relief Coordinator for the NALC is Ms. Mary Bates.
Staff Support- The Staff Support Team is advertising the position for Director of Youth and Family Ministries. The position is also listed on the St. Jacob’s website.
Spiritual Life- The donation from the Altar Guild for new communion ware was approved by Council. These new items were ordered from “CM Almy” and St. Jacob’s looks forward to the use of these new and improved pouring chalices
and flagon.
Short Term- Council approved that the settlement we receive for our damaged parking lot from SCE&G, be earmarked for the specific purpose of repairing and paving our parking lot in the future.
Parish Life- The Up and Going Group made their annual Apple Run trip on September 26, 2018. The group visited “Lyda Farms” in Hendersonville, NC. Lyda Farms is a 5th generation family farm that has been locally growing fruits and vegetables for 60 years. The St. Jacob’s Up and Going group enjoyed purchasing apples, cabbage, tomatoes and other goodies. A big thank you to Gerald Lindler for driving the group and helping unload all their many purchases!Support of
Ministries- Cemetery Team needs to schedule a work day for cemetery work. The volunteer turn-out for this specific work day needs to be excellent in order to accomplish all of the work that needs to be completed.
Statistical information- 356 total membership as of 10/10/2018
Advertising has aggressively started for the Director of Youth and Family Ministries position. Resumes are currently being collected and reviewed.
Brandon Slice is gathering various quotes for phone and internet service for St. Jacob’s. Brandon is also in the process of setting up a place in the nursery to view the weekly sermons. Brandon noted that he will need assistance with pulling some wire for this project. Thanks to Brandon Slice for all your many efforts with this project!
The Safety Team is in process of composing a “St. Jacob’s Safety Policy” for Council review. This will include medical, fire, intrusion, and child protection type emergencies.
The Property and Building Team are working together to gather quotes and ideas for some new kitchen improvements at St. Jacob’s Church.
New Business:
The Budget Team is in process of composing the 2019 St. Jacob’s budget.
Council approved for continuance of the current cleaning contract for St. Jacob’s Church.
Council will begin obtaining nominees to serve on the 2019-2021 Council for St. Jacob’s Church.
Married Couples Retreat
Posted October 31, 2018 By adminOur first annual Married Couples Retreat, to be held at beautiful Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island is less than ninety days away. This retreat will offer married couples from St. Jacob’s a time away for relaxation, Bible study and growing in faith together, while enjoying the beauty of God creation.
The retreat will begin at 7:00 pm. Friday, January 25 and continue through 11:00 am. Sunday, January 27. Participants may check-in on Friday as early as 3:00 p.m. Dinner on Friday is on your own. Registration fee is $300.00 per couple. We still have room for several couples to join in. Please register as soon as you can in case we need to arrange for additional lodging. Registration forms are available in the Narthex. Please contact Pastor David Nuottila if you have any questions.
