Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
One of the greatest joys of being a pastor is watching the young people of the congregation grow to become faithful disciples of Christ. The Greek word for disciple is “mathetes,” (pronounced ma-thay-tays). It means that one who is a disciple is a learner, a student of the master. The disciple follows the teacher and submits to the teacher’s ways, following the teacher’s example. This leads to a transformation in the way the disciple’s life is lived. We call this transformation living a life of “discipleship.”
When we think of disciples as students, we imagine them to be people who attend lectures or read books. But disciples, as in the context of the Bible, were required to interact with and imitate a real living person, their teacher. A disciple would literally follow someone in hopes of eventually becoming what they are. This is the calling of Christians throughout our shared history within the Church. So, how does one know if they are living the life of discipleship?
Such a life is distinguished by several indicators. We call these the “Marks of Discipleship.” The first is to be someone who is regularly dwelling in God’s Word. Reading the Bible is essential for living as a disciple of Jesus. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Truly, the only way to learn from Christ is to dwell in his Word.
The next mark of discipleship is to have an active and dynamic prayer life. Simply put, disciples pray. In his teaching about prayer, Jesus commands his followers to pray. As Jesus gives his teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:5-13, he says, “When you pray.” Jesus expects his disciples to pray. Through prayer faith is reaffirmed, confidence in God’s Word is built, and we become more aligned with God’s will.
It should go without saying that disciples also enjoy learning more about God’s truth. So, we can say, disciples willingly learn from the Lord. Disciples study with other disciples in fellowship with one another. Learning and fellowship are strong indicators of one who lives a life of discipleship. Disciples not only learn, but they do so eagerly and joyfully.
Disciples also worship and participate regularly in the Sacraments. Disciples come to the Lord’s table, welcomed as a sinner redeemed by Christ himself. They savor each opportunity in which they may receive the body and blood of Christ for the sake of their forgiveness and as nourishment for their faith.
And finally, disciples serve Christ by serving and evangelizing their neighbor. Engaging the mission of the Gospel means meeting the physical needs of our neighbor while also meeting their spiritual needs. Mission work is defined by these two traits. To live the life of discipleship means presenting yourself as a living sacrifice for the sake of others. All the while sharing with them the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
I mentioned earlier it is a pastor’s joy to witness the younger members of the Church growing into the life of discipleship. That is because, as they learn from their pastor and their Sunday school teachers, they learn from Christ himself. Those who remain in the fellowship of their peers will grow to become faithful disciples of Jesus simply through regular learning, worship, and fellowship among God’s people. We have witnessed that here at St. Jacob’s. Just take a look at the young people who are climbing into leadership roles within our worship services. They are the ones who regularly live and learn among the faithful. We can all be thankful for each one of them as they grow in faith. Let us prayerfully guide them and may we also learn from them how to become greater disciples of our Lord Jesus.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Other Happenings Archive
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminPastoral Devotion for January – Bearing Witness to Love
Posted January 4, 2026 By adminRead John 10:19-42
There is an old saying that suggests actions speak louder than words. When people say “I love you,” the evidence is not in their spoken words, but their acts of kindness. Absent of any display of affection or selfless deeds saying to someone “I love you” is simply an empty exchange of words.
As Jesus lived among God’s people, he proclaimed the fullness of God’s love. However, it is through his many signs and wonders that our Lord makes the Father’s love known in real and visible ways. Foretold by the prophets of long ago, Jesus’s teaching and his miraculous works point to him as God’s Messiah. Still, the Pharisees and scribes would have none of this.
“How long will you keep us in suspense?” “Why do you not tell us plainly?” Jesus had already given the answer, but they refused to believe, even as they’ve
seen the evidence with their own eyes. Such hardened hearts are not capable of belief because they do not understand love.
Our works and good deeds contribute nothing towards our salvation. Yet, as believers in Christ Jesus, our works do bear witness to the love God has for his people. Jesus calls us to a life of love for God and neighbor. When one says “I love God” or “I love my neighbor,” he can only be believed when his actions match his words. Without such works, saying “I love God and neighbor” is yet one more empty exchange.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, make our actions towards others match our words of love, that all may come to see your goodness and mercy. Amen.
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Posted December 26, 2025 By adminPastor David has put together an updated One Year Bible Reading Plan for members of St. Jacob’s, friends and family. This reading plan begins on January 1st and has listed scripture readings for each day of 2026. Dedicating only about fifteen minutes a day, you will read the entire Bible in one year. It is suggested that those participating in the plan find a regular time each day (each morning is best) and with pencil, pen, or highlighter in hand identify passages for later study.
It’s time to update the Church Roster
Posted December 14, 2025 By adminAll members are asked to provide updated contact information for the church roster. We especially need to know if you no longer have a landline and if your cell number, email or mailing addresses have changed in 2025. You can provide the information to the church office or directly to the Membership Secretary, Robin. Our Ministry Teams, Auxiliary Groups and members of the congregation use the information from the roster to ensure everyone is made aware of important happenings at St. Jacob’s. Thank you for taking the time to help keep our church roster and membership records accurate and up to date.
Christmas Morning Worship
Posted December 10, 2025 By adminChristmas Morning Worship is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM on December 25th. The church gathers to sing praises to our Lord Jesus upon the celebration remembering his incarnation which took place in Bethlehem so long ago. Join us and hear the Gospel message of God’s Word taking flesh and dwelling among his people. Holy Communion will be celebrated Christmas morning.
Church Office Closed for Christmas
Posted December 8, 2025 By adminAs is our custom, the church office will be closed for Christmas. The office will close on Wednesday, December 24th and reopen on Monday, January 5th. Please have all necessary information for the remainder of the year you wish to be included in bulletins and newsletters submitted no later than Monday, December 15th .
Tithing Envelopes for 2026
Posted December 7, 2025 By adminMany of our members are now using the Vanco Online Giving option St. Jacob’s now offers for their weekly tithing. The 2026 envelopes were ordered long before this option was offered, and they will be available in the Fellowship Hall from December 7, 2025 – January 25, 2026. Please pick your envelopes up today. If you need envelopes for 2026 assigned OR no longer wish to have envelopes for your family, please contact Robin or sign the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Posted December 7, 2025 By adminTherefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
As a church with centuries of tradition celebrating the birth of Christ, it seems clear to us what these words from Isaiah mean. God will come to his people, taking on human form, invading our time and space. But imagine yourself a person in the kingdom of Judah, living in Isaiah’s time and hearing the prophet proclaim this message from God firsthand. Certainly, questions would come to mind. “Who is this child Isaiah is talking about?” “When will the child be born?” So many questions to be asked, so many answers to be given, but for now, all the people of Judah could do is wait; wait for God to act, wait for the promised Messiah. As the Church enters into yet another season of Advent, the question becomes; “What are we waiting for?”
As so many people turn the pages of their calendars from November to December, thoughts of the Christmas celebration quickly move to the forefront. There are plans to be made, parties to attend, cards to be mailed and gifts to be purchased. But in all this busyness, what about the promise? Where do Isaiah’s words enter the picture of our Christmas celebration, and do they have a lasting meaning in our everyday lives? Have Isaiah’s words about the coming of Christ lost their urgency or is the church tired of waiting?
Well, truth be told, Advent seems to be the most misunderstood, most unobserved time of the church year. Isaiah’s words are words of promise and words of perseverance while patiently waiting for God to act. But we live in a time where we want gratification immediately. They say patience is a virtue, but it seems our society is running low on virtue. Still, Advent calls us to wait. The message of our Advent season is that just as Christ came into the world so long ago, he will come again bringing God’s kingdom to his people in its fullness and glory.
Now, we all love Christmas, some so much that they begin counting down the days very early in Summer. And clearly, the world loves Christmas, at least what it thinks Christmas is. Christmas trees, festive songs, snowmen, reindeer, and a jolly old elf seem to usher in a time that is most cherished in peoples’ lives. For many, waiting for Christmas begins very early in the year. Early decorations, playing Christmas carols, shopping for gifts. That’s how so many show their love for Christmas. And I wonder, is this what Christmas has become for so many Christians today? If we have this insatiable love for the world’s sense of Christmas, how do we show our love for God with all our heart, soul, and mind for the other 364 days of the year?
Our present reality is that we live in a post-Christian society where even believers don’t dedicate time to Sabbath learning and hearing God’s Word. Many Christians insist they have a strong belief in Jesus. Yet for so many, this strong belief is only shown in social media comments and responses. Yet preparing for the world’s celebration of December 25th takes the shape of preparing for a Christmas without Christ. It seems to me that our post Christian society needs a reset.
As we patiently wait for Christ to come again, we do well to respond in faith to Jesus’s greatest commandment to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, not just during Advent, but all year long. It’s time for all Christians to put the truth behind their claims of faithfulness.
As Isaiah said so many years ago, the Christ child has been given unto us. Christ invaded our world, taking on human form and reconciling people to God. Now we await that day when Christ will come again, just as he has promised to do. We actively wait by lifting up our voices in praise and thanksgiving, loving our neighbor as God loves us, and by passing on the good news of Christ to a world in need of God’s grace. Not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
Isaiah prophesied that the Christ would come in a miraculous way. A virgin will conceive and bear a son who will be called Emmanuel, that is “God with us.” Jesus promised he would come again in the fullness of God’s glory. He would come and bring the people of God into his glorious kingdom. Yet, this is the same Savior who, after promising to return urged his followers to remain diligent in worship and prayer when he said, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8). Considering our present reality, I find that to be a good question.
It’s not always easy to say, but at the beginning of this Advent season, this is truly what is on your pastor’s heart.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
Up and Going
Posted December 4, 2025 By adminHappy Thanksgiving to all! Thursday, November 13th was the annual Thanksgiving lunch for the Up and Going. Twenty-eight members and guests gathered to enjoy wonderful food and fellowship. Helen Lindler gave the devotion on being thankful despite trials, concluding with all praying together The Lord’s Prayer.
Business was conducted and the Treasurer’s Report given by Gary, Treasurer. A Veteran’s Day salute was given to all Veterans. Susan gave an interesting and informative presentation on St. Jacob’s Electronic Giving. Susan graciously agreed to stay after the meeting to help anyone interested in setting up their giving account. Thank you Susan for helping us better understand this new electronic system.
Gary gave the Meal Blessing, afterwards we enjoyed a Wonderful Thanksgiving Meal with delicious food and even better conversations. I am so thankful to each of you for your generosity to the Oliver Gospel Mission. Your gifts totaled 118 pairs of socks, 52 pairs of underwear, 13 t-shirts, 1 sweatshirt, 2 jackets and a package of toiletries. I am very proud of each of you and your thanksgiving to the Oliver Gospel Mission.
December is our Christmas Party. Please bring party foods to share and 4 or more non-perishable food items, paper products or cleaning supplies for We Care. In place of exchanging gifts, our gifts will go to We Care. See you on December 11th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall.
Helen
Team Leader for Up and Going
Wreaths Across America
Posted December 3, 2025 By adminSt. Jacob’s has partnered with the American Legion Post 193 in Chapin for the Wreaths Across America program. The program places Christmas wreaths upon the graves of American military veterans in cemeteries across the country in remembrance and thankfulness for their service to God and country. Thank you to all who have sponsored wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves here at St. Jacob’s. The congregation is invited to attend a ceremony on Saturday, December 13th beginning at 1:30 PM in our cemetery. Each veteran’s name will be read in remembrance before placing the wreath upon their grave. Family members of past veterans are invited to place the wreath. If a family member is not present, any member of St. Jacob’s is invited to do the honors. We look forward to a wonderful time together remembering our brothers and sisters who wore our country’s uniform in military service.
