This is a follow-up to the devotion shared in February’s newsletter. Read Matthew 19:13-15
Welcome the children who are brought to church. Share with them the Word of God.
Even if they lay on the floor, make room for them here.
If they offer you a goldfish cracker, accept it with joy.
If one of their parents must stand in the back swaying back and forth holding them, offer to help.
Even when it’s hard. Even when you seem bothered.
When your pew looks like it was hit by a tornado, smile and remember your youthful days
Be glad they are in church. Even when you feel like staring, look at them with love, don’t let your frustration get in the way.
Be thankful they are in church and give them room to grow comfortable with your presence
Make room for them in your pew. Let them see you worship. Let them see you pray. Let them hear you sing.
Let them see you coming to the Savior with hands outstretched to receive his body and blood.
Because if they don’t see and learn these things from you, who will teach them?
The devil doesn’t want them here. He will teach them to stay away, provide something else to do.
The devil will try to distract you with a child’s curiosity.
The devil will want you to feel bothered.
The devil will convince you that the children are better off left in the nursery.
Don’t let the devil separate the children from the faithful in worship.
Satan will have you so far off course and disturbed and put out that you won’t hear the message of hope in the Lord. You will only feel angst.
The world won’t teach the children about Jesus, that’s your job.
The world won’t teach them about forgiveness, that’s yours to embody.
The world won’t teach them about grace, that’s yours to offer.
The world won’t teach them about heaven.
But Jesus said, unless you have the faith of a little child, you won’t see it either.
It begins with parents and young children feeling loved and welcomed in church.
So, welcome the children. Welcome the whole family.
A church without the sounds of children is all too quiet.
A church without the presence of children is less joyful than it need be.
So, welcome the little children. Sit with them. Teach them. Let them sit with you. Let them learn from you.
Bring the children unto Christ, do not hinder them.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless the adults of our congregation. Make room in our hearts to welcome little children and find joy in them as they grow in faith. Amen.
Other Happenings Archive
Pastoral Devotion for March – Welcome the Children
Posted February 27, 2026 By adminCongo Mission Trip 2026
Posted February 19, 2026 By adminAs you all know, I have had to cancel my previous two mission trips to Congo, first due to health reasons, then last year due to political reasons. In that time, my partner Pastor Stephane Kalonji has journeyed to Congo without assistance from another pastor and carried out the mission work we began twelve years ago. I have truly missed being a part of this important ministry of the Gospel. The good news this year is that we are scheduled to make our annual trip together for the first time in a while. Pastor Kalonji and I are both eager to see the progress made in the construction of the church building we established in 2023. My mission trip to the Congo this summer is scheduled for July 7th – 23rd. On Monday, July 6th , I will fly to Houston, TX to meet Pastor Kalonji; and the next day we will begin the long journey to Africa.
I am thankful to everyone who continues to support this mission work for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and covet your continued support and prayers. Prior to making this trip I will host one or two fundraising opportunities. Our budget for the trip this summer is $27,000.00. Somehow, by the grace of God, we manage each year to raise enough money to do this important work. Yet it gets more difficult as the years go by. Please consider how you might support the Congo Mission and become a partner with us. Donations may be made through our church offering and designated as “Congo Mission Trip.”
CMR Youth Retreat 2026
Posted February 15, 2026 By admin
St. Jacob’s 250th Year-long Celebration
Posted February 14, 2026 By adminWhat a joy it was to kick off our year of celebration. On Sunday, January 18th , we welcomed former St. Jacob’s member Pastor Dawn Rister and her family as our initial Anniversary Year guest preacher. We are grateful for her time with us and for the fellowship we shared. The 250th Anniversary Celebration will continue throughout the year as we welcome several guest preachers and share memories of our history within the community of the Dutch Fork. Please make sure to attend each of these special occasions and invite your friends and neighbors to join us. The schedule of the remaining events during this year of celebration is listed below.
• February 15th – Congregational Outreach Event to support NALC Disaster Response.
• March 15th – Guest preacher Rev. Henry Pawluk; congregational dinner following worship.
• April 19th – Decades Day; worshipers dress from past eras and use a historic liturgy from our collective past.
• May 17th – Guest preacher Rev. Marty Ramey; congregational dinner following worship.
• June – Vacation Bible School
• July 19th – Guest preacher Rev. Randy Drafts; congregational dinner following worship.
• August 16th – Guest preacher Rev. David Tholstrup (former SCMD Dean), congregational dinner following worship.
• September 20th – Congregational Outreach Event; blankets for residents at Generations.
• October 25th – Homecoming and Anniversary Sunday, guest preacher NALC Presiding Bishop Dan Selbo; special catered congregational dinner following worship.
• November TBD – Golden Agers Recognition and Celebration.
We give thanks to God for the long history of our congregation, and especially for the life and witness of so many who have been a part of our proclamation and now take their rest in Christ. Thanks be to God for the life we share together.
Ash Wednesday and the Beginning of Lent
Posted February 7, 2026 By adminThis year, Ash Wednesday is February 18th , and we will observe the day with our annual Ash Wednesday services including the imposition of ashes and celebration of Holy Communion beginning at 6:30 PM. The season of Lent is a reflective time for all Christians to take up the discipline or regular worship attendance and confession of sins. Please remember to set aside time for this meaningful and spiritual time together as a church family in Christ.
Lenten Vespers will be held each week during Lent featuring dramatic readings by several of our church family members. Due to the construction of our new parking lot, our Lenten Vespers will be held on Sunday evenings during Lent. Due to the number of activities scheduled for each Sunday, we will not serve a congregational Lenten meal prior to worship.
These changes are necessitated due to planned construction during the week and limited weekday access to our church property during this time. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Lutheran Men Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Posted February 7, 2026 By adminPlease make plans now to gather with your church family on Tuesday, February 17th for our annual Lutheran Men sponsored Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. The meal will begin at 6:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall and there will be plenty of Christian fellowship and good food – pancakes, eggs, sausage and more all prepared by our Lutheran Men.
Music Notes
Posted February 5, 2026 By adminFebruary is a time of change liturgically. We begin the month in the season of Epiphany when Christ is revealed to us as the light of the world. The Magi saw this light and were drawn to the child, Jesus. We see the Morning Star, fair and bright, who teaches us how to shine the light of God’s love in the world. But by the middle of February, we will change to the season of Lent. We will put away the alleluias from our worship and in our music, we will reflect on our need for a savior and precious gift we have been given.
My song is love unknown,
My savior’s love to me,
Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be.
Oh, who am I that for my sake
My Lord should take frail flesh and die.
February will also be a time of change for our congregation as the physical work on our parking lot begins. Because of lack of access to the building during the weekdays for safety reasons, we will have our normal midweek Lenten worship on Sunday evenings. Sundays will be a busy day. After Ash Wednesday, choir practice will change to Sunday evenings immediately following the Lenten worship service. We invite you to come join us as we prepare music for our Easter Sunday worship. Children’s choir and bell choir will remain at the same time on Sunday afternoons.
Lutheran Men Country Sausage Sale
Posted February 5, 2026 By adminThe Lutheran Men will be making Country Sausage on Monday, February 16th . If you would like to purchase BULK sausage for $5.00 per pound, please place your order in advance. See a member of the LM or contact Gerald on or before Sunday, February 8th . The sausage can be picked up between 3:00 and 6:00 PM on Monday, February 16th in the Fellowship Hall.
Pastoral Devotion for February – Bring Your Children
Posted February 3, 2026 By adminRead Matthew 19:13-15
Bring your children. Bring them to church. Saturate their lives with the Word of God.
Even if they lay on the floor.
Even if they need a sippy cup and a pack of goldfish crackers to keep them occupied.
Even if you must stand in the back swaying back and forth holding them.
Even when it’s hard.
Even when your pew looks like a small hurricane just came through.
Bring them to church. Even when you feel the glares and stares of others, don’t let that stop you.
Bring them to church and give them room in your pew.
Let them see you worship. Let them see you pray. Let them hear you sing.
Let them see you coming to the Savior with hands outstretched to receive his body and blood.
Because if they don’t see and learn these things from you, who will teach them?
The devil will teach them it’s not a priority.
The devil will teach them it’s okay to lay out.
The devil will teach them not to pick up their Bibles.
The devil will convince them to just skip worship all together.
Satan will have them so far off course and confused and misinformed that they will believe just being “good” is enough.
The world won’t teach them about Jesus.
The world won’t teach them about forgiveness.
The world won’t teach them about grace.
The world won’t teach them about heaven.
That’s your job.
It begins by bringing them to church.
So, bring your children. A church without the sounds of children is all too quiet.
A church without the presence of children is less joyful than it needs to be.
So, bring your children. Sit with them. Teach them. Let them sit with you. Let them learn from you.
Bring your children unto Christ, do not hinder them.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, bless the little children of our congregation. Bless us with their presence as we worship you and praise your name. Amen.
From Your Pastor’s Heart
Up and Going
Posted February 3, 2026 By adminHappy New Year. The Up and Going met on January 8 th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy our annual Soup Pot Lunch and Bingo, with 14 members in attendance. Chief Cook Lindler had the pot boiling and as members arrived and brought soup items, they were added to the soup pot. Other members brought items to enjoy with our soup or delicious desserts. The vegetable soup was delicious, as well as all of the other items and goodies.
Devotions were from “Mornings with Jesus: Emphasis on the Importance of Faith,” given by Helen, Team Leader. We all prayed together The Lord’s Prayer.
Business session was conducted. Treasurer’s Report was given by Treasurer Gary.
Sickness was discussed and prayer concerns were brought before the group. Old and new business was discussed. 2026 birthday cards were signed. Gerald Lindler offered our Meal Blessing. We then enjoyed bowls of delicious vegetable soup and cooked okra, cornbread, a variety of crackers, and homemade pimento cheese. For dessert there was chocolate cream, apple and coconut pies and brownies. So, so, delicious.
After lunch, Joan and Gary lead the group in BINGO; one of our favorite things to do. Everyone brought great prizes, an amazing variety of gifts. So hard to choose from. Bingo is always fun to play. The laughter and conversation are priceless.
Sincere thanks to everyone for your contributions. Special thanks to Ann for providing the beautiful snowmen display and table pretties. Thanks to Ann for cooking soup and Joan and Gary for calling Bingo.
The February meeting is scheduled for February 12th at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring food to share. We will make bows for the Hospice Easter Bags. Plan to make 150. Bring ribbon if you want to. Time to plan for Easter Bag contents. Hope to see you then.
Helen
Team Leader for Up and Going
