The Biennial NALC Convocation and Lutheran Week is scheduled for August 4th-8th in Pittsburgh, PA. Our lay delegate for the convocation this year is Lynn Shealy. Items to be addressed will be the 2025-2026 annual operating budget and receiving reports from several of the NALC ministries and ecumenical partners. There will be a few elections that will take place to fill positions on the Seminary Board of Regents, Court of Adjudication, and NALC Executive Council. Pastor David has been nominated for a seat on the NALC Executive Council. Please pray for safety in travel for all who will be attending and that the convocation will be a fruitful and enjoyable experience.
Other Happenings Archive
Lutheran Week 2025
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminNotice of Called Congregation Meeting
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminThere will be a meeting of the congregation on Sunday, August 10th immediately following worship for the purpose of determining the disposition of approximately five acres of property.
In 2006, St. Jacob’s purchased 5.25 acres from Mr. Jim Haack. The purchase was made with the idea that the church may need an area to use for future construction needs such as providing “fill dirt” for the parking lot. There is an easement (driveway) through the 5.25 acre tract to an adjoining eighteen (18) acre tract, which was recently sold. The buyer of the 18 acre tract approached the Church Council about purchasing the 5.25 acres.
It has been determined that the 5.25 acres is not needed for construction needs at St. Jacob’s. The Church Council is recommending we sell the 5.25 acres for $78,250. The funds will be placed in an account until the Church Council determines the best use of the funds.
Filed in Other Happenings
St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs July 1, 2025
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminGood Things at St. Jacob’s for June
- Vacation Bible School
- Lutheran Men Bar-B-Q
- Pew restoration and cushions
- Successful relocation of services to Fellowship Hall Sunday
Pastor’s Report
- Pastor and Lynn will attend the NALC Lutheran Week in Pittsburgh August 3rd – 9th.
- Pastor shared that he will be on vacation August 22nd – 29th.
- Macedonia will be joining the NALC, which gives us nineteen congregations in the SC Mission District. There are three more congregations entertaining a vote to move to the NALC. Seven of these churches do not have a Pastor. The Bishop has asked Pastors to consider supplying at one of the seven churches when possible.
Property Team/Project Updates (Gerald Lindler / Danny Shealy)
- Parking lot permits/application forms have been signed and forwarded to the county for approval.
- Roofing tar applied to the office bathroom vents and secured roofing tacks. Laurie has not noticed any more leaking.
- Contacted Mike Outlaw – he is going to purchase the materials needed for the additional ventilation and lighting for the Disaster Shed. He is scheduled to begin work on July 8th.
- Continuing to work with Lexington County to issue associated parking lot permits.
- Pew restorations are complete.
Next scheduled meeting is August 5, 2025 at 6:45 PM in the church office.
Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings
South Carolina Mission District Updates
Posted July 30, 2025 By adminPer the updates shared with the congregation at worship on July 12th, the NALC South Carolina Mission District has received several new congregations that have disaffiliated from the ELCA. We have now grown from a district of twelve congregations to one of eighteen congregations, with a few more possibly joining in the near future.
In each case, our newest congregations have need for NALC pastoral services. Given a global clergy shortage across several denominational lines, our NALC Bishop Dan Selbo has asked that local congregations assist congregations experiencing prolonged pastoral vacancy by occasionally sharing their pastor as they are able. With regard to this request, and working with our Mission District Dean, Pastor David has agreed to assist neighboring congregations as he is able.
On the Sundays when he is asked to serve, he will provide a sermon and reserved communion elements for our Elders here at St. Jacob’s to lead worship. Please be in prayer for our newest member congregations and all congregations who are experiencing prolonged pastoral vacancy.
Lutheran Women
Posted July 20, 2025 By adminThe Lutheran Women will not meet in July. August 10th will be the annual outing at Zorba’s at 4:00 PM. The third Sunday meetings will resume on September 21st at 4:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. All women of St. Jacob’s are welcome and encouraged to join us for fellowship.
Music Notes
Posted July 15, 2025 By adminIt’s time!
The new choir season starts August 27th with a covered dish dinner at 6:00 PM and a read through the music for the fall. Come join the choir family, enjoy fellowship, and praising God through song. We look forward to the new year of music. All are invited. No previous experience needed!
Thank you!
Over the last four years the congregation has sent me to the Chorister’s Guild Institute for training in leading choirs. Thank you for this tremendous opportunity. It’s been intense, exhausting, exhilarating and truly meaningful. For a week each summer, a group of students gather to learn conducting, music education methods, and choral skills along with a variety of other topics. The day begins with worship, classes and workshops, and ends with lots of homework in the evening. I have now completed the institute and can’t wait to share what I have learned with our choir, handbell choir and children’s choir.
Pastoral Devotion for July – Touched by Christ
Posted July 14, 2025 By adminRead Mark 10:1-16
Even in the first century divorce was legal. All that was required was a husband’s letter indicating his wife’s dismissal. Today’s legalities are much more substantial. It may be legal, but in the eyes of God, divorce is yet further evidence of our need for a savior. Surprisingly, this passage of scripture is not about divorce. The Pharisees’ only reason for bringing it up was another attempt to trap Jesus. Once again, their attempts failed. It is here where the text takes an unexpected turn.
As the disciples were seeking explanation concerning divorce, people began bringing children to Jesus so that he might touch them. Throughout Mark’s gospel, being touched by Jesus meant being healed. In the confrontation with the Pharisees centered on divorce, we see humanity’s brokenness and need for restoration. The children represent the weak and vulnerable; they serve as representatives for all who seek God’s healing, restoration, and forgiveness.
The people of God are the children welcomed into the presence of Christ. We come to Jesus to be healed, to be made whole and to be set free from the consequences of our disobedience. Jesus says, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them.” Bring those who face the hardship of sin, sickness, and divorce. In their brokenness, I will forgive them, bless them, and give them life.
Even in difficult circumstances such as divorce, our Lord Jesus has the power to forgive and restore those who seek his grace. Through Christ, there is hope for renewal. There is hope for healing. And there is abundant love that is poured out upon the children of God, a love so true that it will overcome any and all brokenness of our human condition.
Prayer: As we come into your presence, O Lord, bless and heal us with the power of your love. Amen.
VBS 2025!
Posted July 10, 2025 By admin
VBS 2025! Thank you for being part of a great week of VBS. We were reminded that when we are wandering, when we are alone, when we are powerless, when we need hope, and when we need a helper….we can always trust Jesus!
Thank you to all of our volunteers. Many thanks to Sandra, Davis, Gerald and Billy for preparing our meals. Thank you to Karla and Renee for crafts, Angela and Emma for Music, John, Tracy, Katelyn, Isabelle, and JT for games, and Julie Z, Donna, Raine, Judy, Patricia, Julie S, Lynn, and Kendra for shepherding our kids to each of the rotations and Pastor, Susan and David for sharing your time and lessons with the youth and adults. Thanks to all our participants too! You made VBS fun!
Sanctuary Renovation Update for July
You may have noticed already, but the pew refurbishing and the new pew cushions installation is complete! This is the first phase of the renovation and was completed the last week of June. If you were at worship on Sunday, June 29th, you have already had an opportunity to see the new blue color and try out the comfortable cushions!
We know you are wondering why some pews were left untouched. The simple answer is that these pews will be removed when the carpet is installed. It will look a bit odd for a brief time, but the pews will eventually be arranged in a way that allows for additional wheelchair seating toward the front and back of the sanctuary.
The next phase will involve carpentry work beginning in the narthex. This work will likely begin mid-August. We will keep you updated as the project progresses!
Midweek Bible Study Returns
Our Midweek Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, July 2nd beginning at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. Our topic for study will be Recognizing Jesus in the Old Testament. This seven week study is for anyone who desires to learn more of how the Son of God is revealed to us through the books of the Old Testament. There are no special materials required. Just bring along your Bible and a desire to have a healthy and faithful conversation centered on the revelation of Jesus through the writings of Moses, the Psalms and prophets.
Adult Confirmation
Posted July 8, 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. No special materials are needed. 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. Please let Pastor David know if you would like to participate.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted July 7, 2025 By adminJesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62
The verse I’ve chosen for this month’s reflection is one that has been often misinterpreted to mean people should not reminisce over the past, but always look to the future with faith. While the sentiment is true, we should always be looking in faith toward our gaining the kingdom of God. But it goes without saying that often our memories bring with them feelings of love, warmth, and peace through the lasting visions of those whom we love, or have loved in the past.
As your pastor, I often find myself steeped in memories of those whom I have had the pleasure of knowing, and also the joy of being included in so many milestone moments for celebration. Along with those are the moments when faith plays a profound role in the lives of people whose hearts are broken or perhaps filled with great joy. Given the collection of memories God has blessed me to make through my years of pastoral ministry, it has taken quite some time to write my column this month. Even as my hand has been “to the plow,” I’ve been looking back and remembering the joys and sorrows I’ve shared with so many.
It might seem strange to hear a pastor say, but I thank God for Facebook, Instagram, and other forms of electronic media. It is through these instruments that I have been able to remain connected to so many of the people I love and continue to enjoy the pastoral relationship once shared in person but now shared through social media. I enjoy seeing the photographs of children I had the pleasure to baptize as they have grown over the years. Some have recently graduated high school and will be off to college later this year.
Several of the “little ones” from previous congregations have now taken their place among the workforce. Youth whom I have confirmed in the Carolinas now live in places such as Alaska, North Dakota, and California. Two have become registered nurses. One has become a doctor, and yet another is now an award winning TV news investigative reporter. I love it when these “kids” drop me a quick note, tag me in a photo, or send an instant message just to say “hi.” I’ve even had the pleasure and honor of having former youth group members ask me to preside at their wedding. It is such a joy to see “our children” grow in faith and to see their life unfold.
All of this makes me wonder what the youth of St. Jacob’s will be up to in about ten years or so. The children I’ve been blessed to baptize will be preparing for confirmation. The ones confirmed will be preparing for life after college or will have begun their careers. And our middle school and high school youth might even be enjoying moments and making memories with their spouses and children. Who knows what blessings from God await us all as we continue to grow in faithfulness and in our relationship together.
So as we reflect on our verse for this month, don’t take it to say you should not look back on fond memories. God provides us with recollection so we can relive the moments of joy they bring. Memories play a central role in preparing us for those milestone moments we will experience in the future, but memories are not that which we are to look to for promise in our lives yet to come.
Using Jesus’s metaphor, in plowing a field, a farmer keeps the rows straight by focusing on an immovable object in front and in the distance. If the farmer started to plow and kept looking back, he would never make straight rows and do a good job plowing. In following Jesus, he is to be the immovable object of our focus. Never take your eyes off Him. Our memories bring us pleasure, but they are in the past. No plowman ever plowed a straight furrow looking back over his shoulder.
Plowmen also do something else of great importance: they hold on. A plowman who lets go is no plowman at all. Jesus teaches us to hold on to him. Grasp hold of him through faith and know that through the love of God, a life of blessing awaits. This life may not be of this world but will last for all eternity in the kingdom of heaven.
Watching our children grow, living through the emotional moments of life together as pastor and people. Enjoying all the splendid blessings God pours out upon us all. This is what is on your pastor’s heart this summer.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
