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Council News

Posted August 28, 2019 By admin

The Bud Sites and Lottie Sites Scholarship To be Awarded January 2, 2020 and June 1, 2020

Continuing your education after high school? Attending a College/University?  Attending a Technical College?  Attending Trade School?  If the answer to any of those questions is YES.  You want to keep reading.  Council has developed two types of scholarships for members of St. Jacobs.  These scholarships will be awarded in June of each year. There are two types of scholarships.  The first is a $250 scholarship that can be awarded to all members who meet the requirements.  The second is a $1,000 scholarship in memory of Mr. Bud Sites and Mrs. Lottie Sites and will be awarded to two members who meet the requirements.  All of these scholarships are funded from the Sites Endowment.  Mr. Bud and Mrs. Lottie supported our youth and Mrs. Lottie was a second-grade teacher at Chapin Elementary, where she retired.

What are the requirements for the $250 scholarships?

  • Must be a member of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church
  • Must attend church services at a minimum 12 times a year.  Students in college can also show proof of attendance to college campus ministry services or to other church services.
  • Must participate in a minimum of 4 church activities/events.  Examples of these events include the following: Lay reader, Crucifer, Communion Assistant, Cantor, Youth Event, VBS, LM, LW, Up and Going, Trashy Club, etc.  Proof of community services or campus ministry activities will also be accepted.
  • 3.0 Grade Average
  • Complete Application:
    • Name
    • Address
    • Documentation of church attendance for minimum of 12 times since January 1, 2019 
    •  Documentation of participation in church activities for minimum of 4 times since       January 1, 2019
    • Proof of grade average
    • Higher Education Plans – Name of Institution, Start Date

What are the requirements for the $1,000 scholarships?

  • All the Requirements as listed above for the $250 scholarship
  • Two additional requirements
    • Copy of Acceptance letter
    • The $1,000 Scholarship application will require the completion of an essay question

More good news!  We have decided not to wait until June 2020.  We will award $250 scholarships to all members who are continuing their education and meet the requirements for the Spring 2020 Semester.  What do you need to do?

  • Complete simple application (electronic or paper) and submit to church office.  Application includes:  
    • Name 
    • Address 
    • Documentation of church attendance for minimum of 12 times since January 1, 2019.  In addition to Sunday Services, there are our Wednesday Night Services, and other special services.  Students in college can also show proof of attendance to college campus ministry services or to other church services.  Must participate in a minimum of 4 church activities/events times since January 1, 2019.  Examples of these events include the following: Lay reader, Crucifer, Communion Assistant, Cantor, Youth Event, VBS, LM, LW, Up and Going, Trashy Club, etc.  Proof of community services or campus ministry activities will also be accepted. 
    • Proof of 3.0 grade average 
    • Higher Education Enrollment – Name of Institution, Start Date
  • Applications due by November 1, 2019
  • Award by January 2, 2020
  • Scholarships will be awarded to all members who qualify.

Other important facts to know:

  • Applicant may apply many times
  • Applications are required each year
  • $250 scholarship is only awarded to a student one time
  • Applicant can receive $1,000 scholarship two years
  • Applicant may receive $250 and $1,000 scholarship in the same year 

Start now to meet the requirements and receive these scholarships!  The $250 scholarship along with the two $1,000 scholarships will be available for the Fall 2020 schedule.  Applications for both scholarships will be due March 1.

Filed in Council Reports, LCY, Other Happenings, Sunday School

Creating A Vision For Ministry

Posted July 30, 2019 By admin

What is St. Jacob’s vision for ministry within our community and world? To be honest, we can’t say we have a clear vision. As a congregation of God’s people, we are all called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, follow him in faith and participate in the mission of God by doing the work of the gospel. In order to follow Christ, we must first understand God’s mission. We then must pray and discern which ministries to which God is calling us. And finally, we must create a vision, a clear understanding and strategy as to how we will engage in such ministries. For as Scripture teaches us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Proverbs, 29:18 KJV

 On June 30th, a small group of church family members met to begin this conversation. We introduced the process by which our church might discern those ministries God would have us do and then created a vision as to how we will do them. Yet this task is not simply for a small group. If we are to be serious about our faith and ministry, we will all need to take part.

Creating a vision for ministry does not happen quickly. In the coming months, there will be several seminars scheduled for St. Jacob’s church family members to come listen, learn and discuss the work God has set before us. Plan to attend these seminars as they are scheduled and be a part of St. Jacob’s participation in God’s mission.

Filed in Bible Study, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Men, Lutheran Women, Missions, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor, Sunday School, Worship and Music, Worship Service

The Road to Emmaus

Posted May 1, 2019 By admin

Luke 24:13-35
How many times have you traveled the Emmaus Road? How often have you considered the pitfalls and disappointments of earthly life and wondered, “How did these things occur?” The two disciples walking along the road, in the midst of despair asked this same question; “How did the crucifixion of Jesus come about?” The next question was even more difficult; “Where is his body?” “Can it be true, what the women said, that he is alive?”

Each of us walks the Emmaus Road in our own way. Earthly life has many toils and snares. Among many simple pleasures, sin, doubt and sorrow also make their presence known. Yet, as we make our way to Emmaus, the stranger comes alongside. Walking with us, stride for stride, he assures us of God’s love, mercy and grace. The stranger joins us in our story and welcomes us into his.

And finally, as the stranger stays with us, this invited guest serves as host for the most wonderful feast of all, making himself known in the breaking of the bread. It is true! Our Lord Jesus, who once was dead, is alive! And because he lives, we shall live also. Thanks be to God.


Prayer: Walk with me, O Christ, and keep me in your grace.

Amen.

Filed in Other Happenings, Pastor, Sunday School

CHILDREN’S CHOIR MUSICAL FUNDRAISER

Posted April 30, 2019 By admin

Prepare to set sail with the children’s choir on Sunday, May 19th. The children’s choir is ready for choir robes so we are holding a fundraiser spaghetti dinner on May 19th beginning at 5:30 PM. We are asking for donations at the door to cover the cost of the dinner but most especially to allow us to buy choir robes.


As entertainment for the dinner, our children have been working hard preparing to present the story of Noah, from a musical written by Tom Long and Allen Pote, The Sailor’s Bible.


Please come help us celebrate the end of our first choir season and help the children raise money to purchase their choir robes. It’s sure to be a great evening.


Blessings, Angela

Filed in Fellowship, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Sunday School

Children’s Choir Christmas Message

Posted November 27, 2018 By admin

The children’s choir is working hard learning music to help lead worship. We are talking a lot about Jesus as the light of  the world. In Advent the children will call to Jesus, Prince of Peace, Messiah, to come show us the light that we might follow. At Christmas the children will ask us if we are ready for this light. Will we see Jesus as he comes to us? Will we see the person who needs our help? Will we reach out to those who are hurting? Will we be ready to follow wherever God leads us? And finally during Epiphany the children will announce, “Arise and shine, your light has come!” As we celebrate the seasons ahead we pray we will all be ready to let Jesus’s light shine through us. I encourage you all to talk to our children about ways in which you see Jesus in your day to day life and ways that we can all shine Jesus’s light on others.

Merry Christmas from the children’s choir.

Filed in LCY, Other Happenings, Sunday School, Worship and Music, Worship Service

Children’s Christmas Program

Posted October 31, 2018 By admin

This year’s Children’s Christmas Program will be Sunday, December 16 at 6 pm with a short reception following the performance.
The program, “O Come Let Us Adore Him”, is based on the hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
All children from kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to participate.
Practices will be on the following Sundays from 4 – 4:45 (immediately after Children’s Choir rehearsal): November 11th & 18th and December 2nd & 9th, with a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 15th at 10 am.
Adult volunteers are also needed; please contact Angela or Laurie if you would be willing to assist us with this program. The deadline is to let us know is November 4th if your child(ren) will be participating; it will help us greatly in our
preparations for the first practice.

Filed in LCY, Other Happenings, Outreach, Sunday School, Worship and Music, Worship Service

October is STEWARDSHIP month

Posted September 25, 2018 By admin

October is STEWARDSHIP month here at Saint Jacob’s, the time of year when we prayerfully consider how we can use our God given gifts of time, talent and possessions to serve God and our neighbors as STEWARDS of His Kingdom here on earth. The stewardship team has chosen this year to use the offertory prayer as our theme for STEWARDSHIP month.
Merciful Father, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us – ourselves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In these words, we declare to all that STEWARDSHIP is a way of life, not just something that we talk about, but something that we live out in our daily lives. These words declare our true belief that all that we have is a gift from God, and we give back to Him only a portion, asking Him to “receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord” – the GREATEST GIFT OF ALL!
There is much work to do and many ministries that require our time, talent and abilities here at Saint Jacob’s. We need teachers, grass cutters, cooks and dish washers, lay readers, acolytes and greeters, team leaders and council members, computer geeks, singers and musicians, bell ringers and bus drivers, prayer warriors and accountants. The list can go on and on, but you know what is needed, and you also know what you are capable of and willing to offer.
It has been said countless times by some, “I would like to do that, but I just don’t think I am the right person”, or “I would do that, but there are others here who can do it better than me.” You are a child of God, and He has given you one or many gifts. Remember, you are the STEWARD of that one, or those many gifts. Do not be afraid to use them in service to our Lord. Offer them with joy and thanksgiving!
We have provided a brief description of our teams, the name of the 2018 team leader, and the Council Representative for each ministry group. Please pray about how you will use your time and talents at St. Jacob’s in 2019 and fill out the Time & Talent form on the reverse and place it in the offering plate on any Sunday up to and including October 28th, the final Sunday of the month.

Thank you.
Your Stewardship Team

ST. JACOB’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
MINISTRY TEAMS

2018 Team Leaders & Council Representative

SHORT TERM MINISTRY TEAMS – Ministries that have specific goals to accomplish with definite beginning and ending time periods. These teams are active on an as needed basis – Council Rep: Don

Audit Team – Responsible for auditing all church expenses which includes all auxiliary groups (Lutheran Men, Lutheran Women, Up & Going and St. Jacob’s Youth). Team Leader: Frances

Building Team – Assists in the planning, evaluation and guidance needed in the call to build or expand the property of the church and its ministries. Team Leader: Don

Constitution Team – Reviews the church constitution and makes recommendations for amendments as needed. Team Leader: Robert

Historical Team – Maintains and stores historical books and records of St. Jacob’s. Team Leader: Kayla

MINISTRY TEAMS FOR WITNESS – Ministries that include community outreach and participation; and shares with the community what’s happening at St. Jacob’s – Council Rep: John

Outreach Team – Reaches out and shares God’s love and good news by organizing opportunities of Christian service within our community and beyond. Team Leaders: John and David

Publicity Team – Publicizes church news to make the congregation and the surrounding community aware of events and activities at St. Jacob’s. Team Leader: Walt

MINISTRY TEAMS FOR PARISH LIFE – Fellowship ministries for congregational members – Council Rep: Frances

Congregational Care – Responsible for demonstrating Christian love and providing for the well being and care of the congregation. Assists with congregational fun events including Homecoming, 5th Sunday Fun Night and 1st Sunday Coffee & Lemonade. Team Leader: Billy
Congregational Safety Team – Responsible for the safety of the church and congregation. Team Leader: Jeff

Other fellowship groups for our Congregation: Lutheran Men (Billy); Lutheran Women (Phyllis); Up & Going (Helen); and St. Jacob’s Youth

SUPPORT OF MINISTRY TEAMS – Ministry teams that support the financial and physical assets that belong to our church. – Council Rep: Barry and Brandon

Long Range Planning Team – Studies and evaluates the demographics, spiritual culture in our area and our ministries. Makes recommendations on how we as a congregation can respond to needs in ministry. Team Leader: AJ

Property Team – Responsible for the care and maintenance of all church property at large including all church buildings, the church bus, and cemetery grounds. Team Leader: Chad

Stewardship Team – Encourages the congregation to recognize all they have is a gift from God and to help them understand the Bible tells us a portion of what God gives to us should be returned to Him. Team Leader: Larry

Technology Team – Responsible for the care and maintenance of all office equipment and systems; manages the sound system for all worship events and ensures that the sermons are recorded. Team Leader: Brandon

STAFF SUPPORT MINISTRIES – Ministries that support paid staff – Council Rep: Kathleen
Staff Support Team – Works closely with Pastor to supervise and support all employed or contracted personnel (Music Ministers, Administrative Assistant, Youth Director, Cleaning Staff and Nursery Director). Team Leader: Susan

MINISTRY TEAMS FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE – Ministries to help us grow in our spiritual life and worship. Council Rep: June

Altar Guild Team – Responsible for preparation for Holy Communion; changing paraments; cleaning Communion vessels, linens and acolyte robes; acolytes, banner bearer, crucifer, and lay readers and notifying members of their assigned Sunday for altar flowers. – Team Leader: Brenda

Christian Education Team – Works closely with Pastor to provide opportunities for members of all ages to study and grow in understanding of Christian faith and life. – Team Leader: Open

Prayer Team – Assists in communicating prayer needs to the congregation – Team Leader: Bob & Gloria

Worship & Music Team – Works closely with Music Director and all music related groups: Hand Bells, Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs. Assists in planning music for worship services. – Team Leader: Open

Filed in Council Reports, Fellowship, LCY, Lutheran Church Youth, Lutheran Men, Lutheran Women, Other Happenings, Outreach, Sunday School, Up and Going, Worship and Music

Confirmation instruction

Posted September 25, 2018 By admin

Confirmation instruction will be held each Sunday for youth members in grades 7-9 who have not been confirmed. Classes meet at 3:00 pm in the Middle/High school classroom. If you know of a member of our church family that has a child of confirmation age and is not attending, please extend an invitation not only to join us in worship; but, also have their child(ren) attend confirmation classes.

Filed in Bible Study, Lutheran Church Youth, Other Happenings, Sunday School

Coffee Fellowship

Posted September 25, 2018 By admin

We will have our Coffee Fellowship on Sunday, October 7 after the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Pastor, Sunday School

Worship and Music news

Posted September 25, 2018 By admin

This year’s Children’s Christmas Program will be on Sunday, December 16 at 6 pm with a short reception following the performance. The program, “O Come Let Us Adore Him”, is based on the hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
All children from preschool through 6th grade are invited to participate.
Practices will be on the following Sundays from 4 – 4:45 (immediately after Children’s Choir rehearsal): November 11th & 18th and December 2nd & 9th, with a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 15th at 10 am.

Adult volunteers are also needed; please contact Angela or Laurie if you would be willing to assist us with this program.
REMINDER to Children’s Choir: we sing during the worship service on October 28th and December 2nd.

Also to note, the Thanksgiving service will be held on Wednesday, November 21st at 7 pm.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Laurie

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings, Outreach, Sunday School, Worship and Music
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