Everyone is invited to a workday on Saturday, March 7th from 9 AM-12 PM. We will be cleaning and organizing the Sunday School wing downstairs. All supplies will be provided. There is a lot to do and many hands make it go much faster (and more fun too!). There will be jobs for all ages and abilities. We look forward to seeing you there and thank you in advance for serving.
Sunday School Archive
Youth Workday
Posted March 2, 2020 By adminYouth Director and Family Ministries
Posted January 30, 2020 By adminIn 2020, I made it my goal to try to do new things, to get out of my comfort zone. I want to encourage you all to do that as well. One of my favorite things about St. Jacob’s is Sunday School. I love that we take the time to be together, study scripture, and prepare our hearts and minds for Worship. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage; then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:4-8
We all have different gifts, perspectives, and experiences to bring to the table. I would love to encourage you that if you are not in a Sunday School class, consider joining one. If your child does not regularly attend Sunday School, bring them, I guarantee they will benefit greatly from it. The first leap is always the toughest; but in the long run, you will thank yourself.
“Are you and your family involved in Sunday School classes? If not, why not give it a try? Sunday School provides a structure for teaching God’s Word to specific age groups. As a parent, you teach your children in your home and they learn not only from the Scriptures you teach them, but they learn from your actions. In a Sunday School class, they can hear the same teaching from others and that builds their trust in what you say and teach them and helps them to build trust in the teachers and pastor. And Sunday School classes give all of us, regardless of the age group, a time of fellowship with other believers, an opportunity to share our faith with each other, and we learn to pray with and for others. It helps us to become disciples of Jesus whether we are three or onehundred and three years old. If you will only give it a try, you might find that you get more from it than you ever imagined. Come and see.” Larry Shull
“Come join us as we JOURNEY together in FAITH and FELLOWSHIP. The Journey Class meets in the church office conference room each Sunday beginning at 9:15 AM for fellowship and our lesson begins at 9:30 AM. We are a group that enjoys lively discussion and a deep desire to understand God’s Word and its application to our lives. Our current study is focused on the Lessons and Gospel that are read as part of our worship each week. A strength of this class is the friendship and prayerful support that has developed among the members as we journey through life’s challenges and obstacles together. We welcome ALL to come and experience this JOURNEY with us!” Susan S. Shealy
“I like Sunday School because it’s not just one activity. We play games and crafts and learn about God.” Cora Wallace
Sunday School classes for children and teens is located downstairs starting at 9:15 AM. We look forward to seeing some new faces!
Grace & Peace,
Rachel
Youth Director and Family Ministries
Posted December 23, 2019 By adminIt’s that time of year again. The time for New Year’s Resolutions. And the top resolutions, for most people, tend to revolve around the same three poles: money, health and family. We set goals to bring change, to improve our lives, and to obtain new habits and maybe even try to break some old ones. But what would a set of New Year’s resolutions look like for us and our church, your role as a leader, or simply as someone who wants to live a life of Kingdom investment? I want to offer some suggestions of things I have committed to in the past, and usually continue to grow each New Year:
- Spending more time in prayer
- Being more intentional about Evangelism
- Reading more books (There are so many great Christian books out there, and I would love to recommend some.)
- Seek out people in Church that you may have never spoken to and get to know something about them
- Find a need in the Church and try to meet it, whether it involves one person or the entire congregation, there are always things that can be done!
I always find it interesting to see what people declare as their New Year change, not as a test to see how long we can stick with something but to cheer each other on while learning about areas where people feel as though they fall short. So whether it’s eating healthier, serving the Church in a new way, or being a better friend; I would love to know. On my bulletin board in the hallway next to the fellowship hall, feel free to share what your New Year’s goal is. Once you have shared, join me in praying for each resolution to be brought to completion. Thank you, Lord for giving us a New Year ahead. Help us live the way we should in each new day we tread. Give us gentle wisdom, give us strength and courage as a shoulder we might lend. The year ahead is empty, help us fill it with good things. Each new day filled with joy and happiness it brings. Amen.
May all the blessings of the Lord be yours in abundance in the New Year, Isaiah 43:19.
Rachel
Sunday School Teachers Needed
Posted September 27, 2019 By adminWe are in need of Sunday School teachers for our Pre-K Class and Elementary Grade Class. Please see the schedule on the bulletin board in the Narthex and sign up if you are able to use your talents and gifts to help train up our children.
Council News
Posted August 28, 2019 By adminThe 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.
Creating A Vision For Ministry
Posted July 30, 2019 By adminWhat 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.
The Road to Emmaus
Posted May 1, 2019 By adminLuke 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.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR MUSICAL FUNDRAISER
Posted April 30, 2019 By adminPrepare 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
Children’s Choir Christmas Message
Posted November 27, 2018 By adminThe 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.
Children’s Christmas Program
Posted October 31, 2018 By adminThis 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.
