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Announcing! 2023 South Carolina Mission District Men’s Retreat

Posted March 5, 2023 By admin

All St. Jacob’s men are encouraged to participate in the first annual South Carolina Mission District Men’s Retreat. The retreat will take place at Camp Longridge in ridgeway, SC on the weekend of April 14-16. The cost for the weekend is $125.00 per person and includes meals and lodging.
The theme for the retreat is “Becoming Fishers of Men.” St. Jacob’s and St. Peter’s Lutheran Churches in Chapin are the host congregations for the weekend. Registration brochures are available in the narthex.
Fathers and sons are especially encouraged to attend. More information will follow in the St. Jacob’s Newsletter and South Carolina Mission District Facebook page.
Jesus said “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

Filed in Bible Study, Carolinas Mission Region, Lutheran Men, Missions, NALC, Other Happenings, Pastor, Retreat

From the Pastor’s Heart

Posted March 5, 2023 By admin

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
In March, our congregation is about to embark on a journey. It is an opportunity to do what nearly every congregation must do from time to time. We will gather to look at ourselves, our ministry, our mission and purpose with “Fresh Eyes for Mission.” This is a crucial step to be taken at a crucial time for our church family.
Through the years, St. Jacob’s has been a part of the community in and around Chapin. Through the lives of our members, we have enjoyed long lasting relationships with schools, local government, public servants, and a plethora of civic and religious groups. But as we consider these things, we must ask ourselves, “Have we been fully engaged in the mission of the Gospel here in this place?”
Like a lot of churches, St. Jacob’s is not the congregation we once were ten or fifteen years ago. But in our collective memory, we might be slow to acknowledge this. Many congregations are experiencing decline in membership, worship attendance, Sunday school participation, and family-oriented ministries. It’s often difficult to pinpoint the reason for such decline, but unless it is addressed, congregations can expect the trends to continue.
We are no different. I’ve spent several days pouring over St. Jacob’s report books for our recent past, and have seen for myself the decline that has occurred since the early 2000’s. The one thing that stands out for me in these reports is the level of participation our members shared in the mission and ministry. Also, the welcoming of new members into the church family (mostly through baptism or transfer from another congregation). The number of persons welcomed into St. Jacob’s through other means (invitation, new Chris tians) is small and has declined significantly through recent years. With a community growing at the pace Chapin is experiencing, this seems surprising.
Looking at St. Jacob’s with Fresh Eyes will allow us all to begin formulating a vision for future ministry and perhaps even growth. It will provide the means to have fruitful, and meaningful conversation centered on what God is calling us to do and be for the sake of our neighbors. And finally, we will have opportunity to pray together, asking God for guidance, insight, and patience, as we look for renewal of faithful and energetic ministry here in this place.
Several congregations within our Carolinas Mission region have conducted Fresh Eyes Summits. With the assistance of NALC leadership, they have experienced renewed excitement and commitment within their ranks, and look to the future with hope that is centered in faithful commitment to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. We can expect the same result if only we come together as a church family and make an honest assessment of who we are and discern the direction in which God is calling us.
A brief questionnaire is included in this newsletter, and will also be available for everyone to fill out on Sunday, March 5th. It is anonymous so you don’t have to worry about comments being attached to you. The questions are quite simple, but will provide important talking points for our Fresh Eyes Summit. Please fill it out and leave it in the box provided on the table near the narthex doors.
Finally, I am asking all of you to gather in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, March 11th to participate in the Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit work shop. Like I said earlier, it is a crucial time in our life together and an important conversation that we need to have. Please make the commitment to be there on March 11th. The workshop will go from 9:00AM – 3:00PM. It is arranged in such a way that your voice will be heard and your ideas given proper attention. I look forward to experiencing this with you and to discovering some of the new things God has in store for us. I’m sure there are also some familiar aspects of our ministry that will be lifted up and renewed as well. Thanks be to God for this opportunity to be a vibrant part of His mission here in Chapin now, and well into the future. This truly comes from the pastor’s heart.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila

Filed in Bible Study, From the Pastor’s Heart, Other Happenings, Pastor

Congregation Meeting

Posted March 4, 2023 By admin

Our Annual Spring Congregational meeting that was postponed will be announced within the next few weeks. The printing issues with the annual report book seemed to have been resolved. The Church council will review this report and upon their recommendation, the congregational meeting will be announced. As stated before, anyone desiring a hard copy of the report book should contact the church office so Jean can print your copy. All others will be distributed by way of email.

Filed in Church Council President, Council Reports, Other Happenings

A Journey of Stones

Posted March 3, 2023 By admin

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. Each Sunday during Lent, Pastor David will be preaching a series of sermons titled “A Journey of Stones.” When Moses brought the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel, he found them to be in grievous sin worshiping a golden calf. In his anger he threw down the stone tablets, breaking them into pieces. Each Sunday, we will clutch the metaphoric stones of the tablets in our hands, contemplating the hardness of our hearts and the weight of our sin as we journey to the cross. During the Hymn of the day worshipers will cast their stones down at the foot of the cross where Christ won the ultimate victory over sin and death.
The journey of stones is an impactful and contemplative series. All are encouraged to attend each Sunday during Lent so as to participate and hear the entire series. Below is an outline of the Journey of Stones Lenten Series.
Feb. 26—Written in Stone; Ten Commandments
Mar. 5—Rejected Stones: Mark 12:1-12
Mar. 12—Stick and Stones; John 8:1-12
Mar. 19—Hearts of Stone; Luke 11:37-52
Mar. 26—Built on This Rock; Matthew 16:13-20
Apr. 2 (Palm Sunday)—Crying Stones; Lk 19:29-40

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Pastor, Worship and Music, Worship Service

Council Briefs for February 2023 Council Briefs – February 7, 2023

Posted March 3, 2023 By admin

Good things at St. Jacob’s
Sunday School attendance is up.
Worship attendance is up.
Ministry to Floriede Lindler was greatly appreciated.
Pastor’s Report Pastor
• David thanked the church elders for their leadership in worship service during his absence.
• Encouraged all men to attend the SCMD retreat in April.
• The Safety Team is working on the development of a Response Team for medical emergencies.
• The Discipleship Team encouraged the congregation to continue to donate to the Mercy Bucket Program.
• The Property Team reported that Chad Lindler will remain as Chairman and Gerald Lindler and Danny Shealy will serve as Co-Chairman.
• The NALC fresh eyes summit meeting will be March 10th, 11th, and 12th. Questionnaires will be mailed to all members for response in preparation for the meeting. All congregational members are encouraged to attend on Saturday, March 11th.
• Council is discussing a 3 phase plan to proceed with plans to improve church property. This plan will include the church facility, the office building facility, and the parking lot.

Filed in Council Reports, Other Happenings

Lenten Prayers

Posted March 3, 2023 By admin

During Lent, Christians all over the world focus on the disciplines of faith. One central and powerful discipline we can all engage in is prayer. This Lenten season, all members of St. Jacob’s are encouraged to deepen their prayer life by setting aside time each day to pray. Pray for your neighbors, pray for our congregation, pray for your family, and lastly, pray for yourself. Holy Scripture has much to say about God’s command for his people to pray.
Psalm 77:1 – “I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me.”
James 5:16 – “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
During Lent, everyone is encouraged to lift your prayers to God. Below are some daily prayers you may consider in these remaining days of Lent. The dates in bold we will pray as a congregation during worship special prayers for those who are listed.
March 1 – Pray for our church council and their families
March 2 – Pray for our church staff and their families
March 3 – Pray for our ministry team leaders and their families
March 4 – Pray for our church family; homebound, disconnected, and away from home
March 5 – Pray for our choir and musicians
March 6 – Pray for the pastor and his family
March 7 – Pray for our Sunday school
March 8 – Pray for our NALC Bishop Dan Selbo
March 9 – Pray for the NALC Staff
March 10 – Pray for our Dean, Pastor David Tholstrup
March 11 – Pray for our local emergency personnel (Police, Fire, EMT)
March 12—Pray for Doctors, nurses and medical assistants
March 13 – Pray for our President and Governor
March 14 – Pray for our Senators and Congressional Representatives
March 15 – Pray for the homeless in our community
March 16 – Pray for those who feel alone
March 17 – Pray for those who grieve lost loved ones
March 18 – Pray for those who are afraid
March 19 – Pray for parents
March 20 – Pray for people living in abusive relationships
March 21 – Pray for all caught in the wake of natural disasters
March 22 – Pray for married couples
March 23 – Pray for those going through divorce
March 24 – Pray for the recently retired
March 25 – Pray for people considering the adoption of children
March 26 – Pray for anyone suffering from addiction
March 27 – Pray for the elderly of our community
March 28 – Pray for those who suffer from hunger
March 29 – Pray for those who suffer from depression
March 30 – Pray for missionaries all over the world
March 31 – Pray for those who hurt your feelings or caused you distress
April 1 – Pray for your spouse or significant other
Holy Week
April 2 (Palm Sunday) – Give thanks for Jesus and His public ministry
April 3 – Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, pray for correction with in the Christian Church
April 4 – As Jesus taught in the temple, give thanks for teachers, librarians, and all educators
April 5 (The Day of Preparation) – Give thanks for the opportunity to serve others
April 6 (Maundy Thursday) – Give thanks for Holy Communion
April 7 (Good Friday) – Ask God for forgiveness, give thanks for His grace
April 8 (Holy Saturday) – Give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit
Holy God, Give us the will and the desire to come to you in prayer. Hold us in earnest as we pray for all those included within this list, and especially for all whom we may have failed to include. Into your hands, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Filed in Other Happenings, Worship Service

Pastoral Devotion for March – Do Not Be Anxious

Posted March 3, 2023 By admin

Read Matthew 6:25-34
Matthew 6:25-34
Some mornings it just doesn’t pay to read the papers or watch the news on television. One click of the remote and a restful sleep gives way to the harsh reality of our broken world. Military conflicts, economic down turns and global health crises dominate the airwaves. Quite frankly, things are a mess. Yet, one thing remains; Jesus Christ is still Lord of all.
If you choose to see only the effects evil has on the world, then you are missing out on so many of the good things of God. When the sun rises, birds begin to sing, flowers open to the sunshine and God’s people look toward a new day and a new opportunity to share the good news that through Christ Jesus, the world is reconciled to God.
Jesus says to God’s people, “Do not be anxious about your life.” Surely, the God who created heaven and earth, and formed humanity in his own image and likeness will provide and care for that which he calls his own.
Just take a look when the sun rises. The birds fill the skies, the flowers bloom, and as the new day dawns, the people of God remain in the tender care of our Lord. Simply seek the kingdom. It’s there for you today, tomorrow and always.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the blessing of each new day. Amen.

Filed in Bible Study, Other Happenings, Pastor

It’s Time to Order Easter Lilies

Posted March 3, 2023 By admin

Worship & Music will once again be accepting orders for Easter Lilies to be placed in the church for our Easter services in honor and/or memory of loved ones. This year the cost per lily will be $15.00 each.
Order forms will be available on the “Offering Table” or at the church office. If you would like to or der a lily, please submit your completed order form AND payment to Marie. If it is more convenient, you may mail your completed order form and payment to Robin.
The deadline for placing your order is Sunday March 19th. Please turn your completed order form & payment in early, NO orders can be accepted after the deadline.

Filed in Other Happenings

Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit – March 11th

Posted February 22, 2023 By admin

And Jesus stopped and called (the two blind men), saying, ‘What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, ‘Lord, let our eyes be opened.” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes and immediately they received their sight and followed him. Matthew 20:32-34
In ongoing reflection, prayer, and conversation, our church council has voted to join with members of the leadership of the North American Lutheran Church in seeking an integrative approach to our congregational assessment, evaluation, and renewal.
Working together, Assistant to the Bishop for Missions, Dr. Gemechis Buba, Assistant for Domestic Missions Pr. Phil Gagnon, Director for Renewal Ministries, Pr. Brad Hales and Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry, Pr. David Wendel have developed such an approach, appropriately titled, the “Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit!”
The goal of the summit is to involve appropriate leadership in the NALC, together with the Congregation’s pastor and leaders, praying first, “Lord, let our eyes be opened!” We then trust that the Lord will give participants fresh eyes to receive new insight and understanding, all aimed at new or renewed direction for mission and ministry as the congregation seeks to follow Jesus firmly and faithfully!
Each summit begins with pre-work by pastor and congregational leaders, which is reviewed by NALC leaders who bring varied experiences and expertise. An on-site visit is scheduled at St. Jacob’s with an NALC facilitator who will then join two or three of our congregational leaders in a tour of the local area and neighborhoods, surrounding the church, neighborhoods bordering the congregational service area, and making visits, where appropriate, to neighboring congregations, community offices and locations. The goal is to look with “fresh eyes” at the congregation, context and community and develop a strategy for renewal of ministries and growth.
The NALC facilitator then meets with the pastor and summit participants, which should include those currently on council and serving on ministry teams, as well as others who have served in the past and may serve in the future, to review pre-work, asking, “What have we learned? What is a surprise? What pre-conceived ideas were supported or dispelled?”
On Saturday, March 11th, a workshop is scheduled that will be led by the NALC facilitator, involving all members of the congregation who desire to participate in learning more about how to renew the mission and ministry of St. Jacob’s.
ALL MEMBERS OF ST. JACOB’S are encouraged and invited to participate in this Saturday Summit Workshop. Many congregations in the Carolinas have hosted Fresh eyes Summits in the last year, and have found them to be very helpful in learning more about how to renew their church’s ministry and create a vision for future growth.

Filed in Carolinas Mission Region, Other Happenings, Outreach

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Posted February 17, 2023 By admin

Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, is observed in various Christian denominations. The name “Shrove” Tuesday is derived from the Old English verb “shrive,” It refers to the confession of sins as a preparation for Lent, a usual practice in Europe in the Middle Ages. Although the day is sometimes still used for self-examination and introspection, Shrove Tuesday eventually acquired the character of a carnival or festival (Mardi Gras) in many places and is often celebrated with parades. As the final day before the austerity of the Lenten fast, Shrove Tuesday (also known as Fat Tuesday in Latin America) also has many customs pertaining to food. Pancakes are traditional in a number of countries because eggs, sugar, and fat, commonly forbidden during the Lenten fast, are to be used up so they will not go to waste or become a temptation to break the fast.
Also a part of the ritual of Shrove Tuesday, is the burning of the previous year’s Holy week palms, finalizing the previous year’s Lenten sacrifice. Shrove Tuesday marks the beginning of the forty Day season of Lent. This it the time when we contemplate the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert where he resisted the temptation of Satan.
As is our tradition, our Lutheran Men’s group will serve up a delicious pancake supper with all the trimmings featuring their homemade pork sausage for us to enjoy. We will also observe the ritual of burning last year’s palms to make the ashes for our Ash Wednesday imposition of ashes. The burning of palms will begin at 6:30PM on February 21st, with our pancake supper immediately following. Come enjoy this night of fellowship with your church family.

Filed in Fellowship, Other Happenings
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