On Thursday, March 20th, several pastors and lay leaders of the South Carolina Mission District visited our NALC Disaster Response Shed. Many were glad to see the growing inventory and asked questions on how their congregations might help provide materials for those recovering from hurricanes, floods, and other disasters. Thank you to Don Dease for his leadership in coordinating and managing our disaster response shed.
Other Happenings Archive
Pastors Visit the Disaster Response Shed
Posted April 2, 2025 By adminUp and Going
Posted April 2, 2025 By adminEighteen members and guests gathered in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy the March Up and Going meeting. A delicious covered dish meal consisting of salads, meats, vegetables, sides and desserts was enjoyed by all. Everything was so tasty. Thank you to all of our cooks.
After the meal, Helen, Team Leader, gave the devotions from Our Daily Bread entitled “Seeing God In Creation.” The Bible reading was from Job 42: 1-6. She then read an article “The Signs of Spring” from Irmo Chapin Life magazine written by Keith Kneeshaw.
We then gathered at the work tables to write greeting cards and make beautiful bows which will be attached to the Hospice Easter Bags that we will make at the April meeting and deliver to Lutheran Hospice for distribution.
The April Up and Going meeting will be held on Thursday, April 10th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch is a covered dish meal. After lunch, we will assemble Easter Bags for Hospice. Please bring Easter items to put in these bags.
Helen
Team Leader for Up and Going
St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs March 11, 2025
Posted March 31, 2025 By adminParking Lot Update (Provided by Danny Shealy)
- Danny provided updated drawing of parking lot.
- Continue to work through the east drive across from Martin Road. Currently right in and right out but want to provide a left in.
- Providing more concrete in front of church for after service fellowship.
- The playground will be removed.
- Danny needs to make a few more changes to this drawing before finalizing.
- Next drawing will be the grading and drainage plans. Biggest issue is the size and placement of one, possibly two drainage ponds. Move back as far into the woods as possible.
- There will be a concrete pad for the dumpster with a solid fence around it.
- There will be wheel stops for parking in front of the church, which are 20 feet off the edge of the road.
- Painted crosswalk with signage and flashing lights.
- Hoping to have permits by May.
Thrivent Update (Provided by Danny Shealy)
- Larry and Danny met with Thrivent representative.
- The Thrivent representative is preparing an investment strategies proposal for church funds.
Church Sanctuary Renovation Update (including moving altar)
- Continue to work with designer to finalize plans.
- Renovations Team meeting next week.
Pastor’s Report
- Pastor shared activities from February and upcoming events in March.
- Pastor shared that he appreciated all the volunteers that helped with both funeral services. Formed a Youth Council to include Isabelle Peeples, Daniel Covalt, Pastor, Angelia, David, and Susan. Excited about the Council and the discipleship direction that they are taking.
- Pastor is hosting the SCMD Pastors at St. Jacob’s March 20th.
- March 30th – Youth and family Cross Walk at Palmetto Trail
- Looking at the possibility of a NALC mission trip this summer in the Western NC area. Will hold an interest meeting on April 3rd.
Ministry Teams Safety: Robert Wessinger
- Seven Security Cameras have been installed and are working well. It is being used as planned during church services.
Discipleship: Lynn Shealy / Julie Stuck
- Don Dease continues to organize and accept supplies in the Disaster Preparedness Shed.
- February 18th, 9 volunteers assisted in unloading a large shipment of supplies from St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.
- Inventory: 243 Cleaning Buckets, 129 hygiene kits, and 90 elementary school kits.
- Anticipate delivery from Holy Trinity of 50 cleaning buckets.
Property: Gerald Lindler / Danny Shealy
- Reviewed and installed LED bulbs in existing 4 light fixtures in bus shed.
- Awaiting quote on ventilation recommendation and adding 2 additional LED light fixtures.
- Fellowship Hall floor cleaned and waxed.
- Communicated with engineer on fine tuning parking lot plans and permitting.
Christian Education: Sherrie McTeer
- Plans for VBS curriculum is being researched and will schedule meeting to choose the curriculum and VBS dates.
Delegates Needed for Convocations
- Carolina Mission Region Convocation (May 2-3 in NC)
- NALC Convocation (August 4-8 in Pittsburgh)
Youth Members Leading Worship
Posted March 31, 2025 By adminOur St. Jacob’s Youth members in grades six and above lead the congregation in worship on the last Sunday in the months with five Sundays. This has been a blessing to our church and to these young people as they continue to study and learn more about the church’s liturgy. We are thankful for each of these faithful kids and look forward to having them lead us in worship.
Mission Trip Interest Meeting
Posted March 31, 2025 By adminWith all that has affected the lives of our neighbors in Western North Carolina, the opportunity for mission is greater than ever. In response to disasters, St. Jacob’s has taken up donations for flood buckets, health and hygiene kits, along with various foods and supplies for the sake of others. Now is a good time to put “boots on the ground” as they say.
In April, I invite our church family members to join me for a discussion to gauge the interest of any who might like to make a mission trip to North Carolina this summer in order to help with recovery efforts. It will take years for lives to be put back together, and any small contribution we could make I’m sure would be much appreciated. All who are interested may join me on Thursday, April 3rd in the church office beginning at 6:30 PM.
March News Letter
Posted February 27, 2025 By admin
Filed in Bible Study, Choir Notes, Lutheran Men, Lutheran Women, Missions, NALC, Online Campus, Other Happenings, Outreach, Pastor
2025 Congo Mission Trip
Posted February 15, 2025 By adminAs we all will remember, I was not able to make my mission trip to Congo last summer due to health reasons. Well, thanks be to God, I am finally able to resume my mission work with my partner Pastor Stephane Kalonji in Congo.
Our trip is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 30th. We will fly from Houston, TX to Kinshasa and arrive there on Tuesday evening, July 1st. Our mission work will include a visit with the Lutheran congregation in Mbuji Mayi where we will be able to see the progress of construction of the new parish building we are making possible through grants and donations. While in that province, we will again visit the village of Merode where, last summer, the children learned a song in English to serenade me with. I can’t wait to hear these children raise their voices to God in a language I can understand.
My portion of the mission trip will conclude on July 14th and I will return to Chapin on July 15th. As always, I will take your prayers with me and be surrounded by the love and support of so many who have supported the Congo Mission over the years.
The Great Chili Cook-Off
Posted February 14, 2025 By adminIt’s been a while since we crowned June Lindler St. Jacob’s Chili Cook-Off Champion. Now she has the opportunity to defend her title. On Sunday, February 23rd at 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall, Pastor David and the St. Jacob’s Youth will host another Great Chili Cook-Off to raise funds for his upcoming mission trip to Congo. Everyone is invited to participate, the more the merrier. The winner will be determined by the number of “Congo Bucks” raised by that particular pot of chili. Everyone who would like to cast their vote may exchange their good old American greenbacks for a fist full of “Congo Bucks.” The winner of the challenge will receive the coveted Chili Champion trophy, a championship apron, and bragging rights as St. Jacob’s Chili Champion for 2025. Come join the fun and enjoy some wonderful fellowship and delicious chili.
Music Notes
Posted February 10, 2025 By adminOur youngest choristers are busy busy bees this month learning about Epiphany and the beatitudes. Or as we like to spell it the Bee-atitudes. They will be sharing Jesus’s message of blessings with the congregation in a couple of weeks. If you see one of our children’s choir members, ask them to tell you about the meaning of the words epiphany or beatitudes. I’m sure they can tell you. They are also beginning to ring handbells. It’s a favorite activity for everyone.
Just a reminder of our weekly schedule:
- Chancel choir – Wednesdays 6:00-7:00PM
- Children’s choir – Sundays 3:00-3:45 PM
- Handbell rehearsals – Sundays 4:00-5:00 PM
- Youth choir – Sundays 5:00-5:30 PM Please come and join us!
Adult Confirmation
Posted February 7, 2025 By adminSeveral members of our congregation were not raised in the Lutheran Church and have asked questions regarding Lutheran tradition. Beginning on Monday, February 17th, Pastor David will offer an Adult Confirmation experience for anyone who is interested in growing their knowledge of Lutheran teaching and practice. We will meet in the church office classroom beginning at 6:45 PM for about an hour or so. Please contact Pastor David if you are interested in participating.
