Our Midweek Bible Study will resume 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.
Other Happenings Archive
Midweek Bible Study Resumes
Posted September 3, 2025 By adminPastoral 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
Adult Confirmation
Posted August 28, 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.
Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings
Sanctuary Renovation Update
Posted August 28, 2025 By adminBy now you have noticed a few changes occurring in the narthex and sanctuary! You may not have noticed, but a new ceiling and lighting have been installed in the areas on each side of the chancel, too!
During the month of September, renovation activities will begin in the chancel area. We will be installing new doors in the narthex and around the chancel.
Some good news: we have determined that our existing light fixtures don’t have to be replaced! New lamps and lenses will be added which should provide appropriate lighting in the sanctuary. The lights will be updated and painting in the narthex and sanctuary will begin during the month of September.
We appreciate everyone’s patience during this time!
Filed in Other Happenings
Celebrating Everyone’s Birthday!
Posted August 28, 2025 By adminHappy Birthday to you!
Yes You!
St. Jacob’s is having a birthday party following worship on Sunday, September 7th!
We will gather in the Fellowship Hall for lunch, games, fellowship, fun, and of course…birthday cake! We will sit by birthday month! Come join us as we celebrate everyone’s birthdays.
Please sign up by Sunday, August 31st. There will be an insert in the worship bulletin on August 31st to sign up or contact Sherrie.
Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings
St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs August 5, 2025
Posted August 28, 2025 By adminGood Things at St. Jacob’s for July
- Ramonia’s 90th birthday
- Comfortable pew cushions
- Received more flood buckets and had lots of volunteers to unload
Ministry Teams
Staff Support: Susan
- Recognized Laurie Shacker on her birthday, July 26th.
- Bryan reported that he has repeatedly cleaned up the centipedes that enter the basement each summer. He wants the congregation to know that he is aware of their presence and that he cleans, but they come right back. This will end by September – they are seeking water and cool temperatures inside the building.
- Planning for annual staff reviews in August.
Safety: Robert
- Fire extinguishers have been checked and are good through 2025.
- Will check first aid and medical equipment for expired dates.
Christian Education: Sherrie
- Will plan for Promotion Sunday in September with breakfast. Date to be determined with Pastor.
Congregational Care: Billy
- The team provided a meal for the family of Lorene Cannon.
Discipleship: Lynn
- Mercy Bag Donations:
- July 7th – 17 bags weighing 286 pounds.
- 21st – 7 bags weighing 129 pounds.
- Also delivered some paper products and other pantry items.
- Disaster Shed:
- Received shipments of supplies from Lexington and Mayor Memorial in Newberry. Inventory
- 389 Storm Buckets
- 482 Hygiene Kits
- 91 Elementary School Kits
- 24 Kitchen Kits
- 112 Bibles
- Received shipments of supplies from Lexington and Mayor Memorial in Newberry. Inventory
Property: Gerald / Danny
- Mike Outlaw installed 4 Hunter outdoor rated 52” ceiling fans and 2 LD 4’ light fixtures in the bus/ disaster shed.
- Parking lot permits/application forms have been received by Lexington County and are in the review stages.
- Sanctuary Renovations ο Beadboard being installed and working on ceilings in Narthex and Sacristy. Update choir loft to be one level.
New Business:
- Time for 2026 budget requests, which will be due in September. Next scheduled meeting is September 2, 2025 at 6:45 PM in the church office.
Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings
Up and Going
Posted August 22, 2025 By adminOn July 10th, twenty members and guests gathered in the Fellowship Hall for a July 4th picnic. Gerald Lindler gave the meal blessing. Everyone brought a side dish or dessert to add to BBQ pork cooked by the Lutheran men. The food was delicious and enjoyed by all.
Devotions were given by Team Leader Helen. She read an Independence Day devotion from “Mornings With Jesus.” The Bible reading was from the 5th chapter of Galatians. Helen then read an article by Brian Adleman entitled “Staying Spiritually Grounded In A Busy Season.” Devotions ended with all praying together The Lord’s Prayer.
Business was conducted. Gary gave the Treasurer’s report. There were word searches, puzzles and coloring pages for each person to choose and complete. Several games of corn hole were played with much laughter and funny comments. So much fun to participate and to listen as others enjoyed fun times together.
Everyone helped clean up and put things back in order. Heartfelt partings sent us on our way.
The August Up and Going meeting will be the 4 Churches’ Meeting. This year Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Little Mountain will host the meeting on Thursday, August 28th at 11:00 AM in their Trinity Life Center. They will provide the main meat, all paper products, utensils and beverages. We are asked to each bring a side dish or dessert. There will be food, fellowship and entertainment. If you should need a ride, please contact Helen or Ann. Keep in mind that the annual Apple Run is scheduled for September.
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.
Filed in Other Happenings, Pastor
Youth Bible Study
Posted August 12, 2025 By adminAll youth grades 7-12 are invited to join the Youth Bible Study! The Youth Bible Study meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 7:00-8:00 PM in the church office and is led by David Kibler and Susan Shealy. Our next meeting will be Wednesday, August 20th. We will not meet on Wednesday, August 6th.
This year we will be reading and studying together the epistles of Paul (1 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians) to learn what Paul has to teach us about how our life in Christ’s church is different from life in the world. We will support each other in learning how to live a Christian life as a teenager in a secular world. Please join us – and bring a friend!
