Spiritual gifts are specific ways the work of the Holy Spirit is manifested in our lives. These gifts – on top of our interests, hobbies, abilities, likes and dislikes join together to form who we are and how we participate in the work God is doing all around us. We all have needs, and when you put us all together to make up a church, those needs become the church’s needs. As we hear the Gospel, it changes our hearts. Our attention will begin to turn away from ourselves to those around us. Galatians 6:10 says “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” You can see the Gospel through the local church all across the world. Our church is sustained by faithful volunteer service. The church is people who love Jesus parking cars, holding babies, reading the Scriptures together, pouring tea and lemonade, and opening their homes. The Lord can use anybody. All you have to do is be willing to answer the call. This seems so small, but it really does require a change of heart. A good measure of our spiritual health is our depth of concern for other people. A phrase my friends used to say in college was “love finds a need and meets it.” We are all of the same body, brothers and sisters, and there is no doubt that we love each other here at St. Jacob’s. There is no better way to show love than to let God work in and through us by helping one another. If we learned anything this past year, it’s that we don’t want to do life alone. We’re not made for that. Even the most introverted people need to know that someone is in their corner. As we begin to open up, welcome people back, and begin having events, I want to encourage you to participate. There is so much to do and so many people to catch up with. I don’t want to ever take for granted how blessed we are to have each other here. Don’t be afraid to reach out to try something new or attend something new. We need to trust that God will equip us, guide us, and give joy for the work.
In Christ,
Rachel
Other Happenings Archive
Youth Director & Family Ministries
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminSunday School Teachers
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminIf you’ve ever thought about teaching Sunday School, now is your chance! We are now opening our classrooms again to new volunteers. There is only one class for our younger members, and it is a great opportunity to serve and have some fun! The lessons will be given to you two weeks in advance so you will have plenty of time to look over them before your scheduled date. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Narthex. We are currently scheduling through the end of the year so there are many dates available. If you have any questions, contact Rachel or Sherrie. We would love to assist you in any way that we can.
VBS Teachers
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminIt’s that time again, St. Jacob’s! It is very exciting to say that we will be having VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL this summer. The dates will be June 21st – 24th. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 CDC guidelines, things will look a little different this year, but we will make the best of it and remain safe while doing so. If you would like to volunteer in any way (crafts, teaching, decorating, etc.) please contact Rachel. There is something for everyone to do – just looking for your willingness and excitement. There will be more information given as we get closer to the date.
Council Highlights for April Meeting
Posted May 4, 2021 By admin Good Things at St. Jacob’s for April:
• Lenten Services and Palm Sunday services were great.
• Easter Sunday attendance was 150.
• Children’s Choir Bells on Maundy Thursday and again on Easter were excellent!
Council Briefs:
• Building Team is progressing with the renovation plan.
• VBS planning is underway!
• The Kibler Genealogy Annual Meeting is planned for Oct. 15th -16th in the Fellowship Hall.
• The TV in the Nursery will be upgraded for viewing the service being broadcast.
Record of Worship And Communion
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminAs a reminder to the congregation, when attending worship on either Sunday or Wednesday, please be sure to complete a Record of Worship and Communion card. Our newly adopted constitution states that to be considered an active/voting member one must have a record of at least twelve worship services attended and have communed the same number of times within the liturgical year (December-November). Also, active/voting members of the congregation will have at least one contribution of record during the liturgical year. It is important to note that purchasing flowers, poinsettias, or Easter lilies are not considered a contribution of record.
Musical Mondays
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminMusical Mondays starts June 28th. We are so excited to offer singing, handbells, games, and crafts, all praising God through music. This is open for all children who have completed first grade and up. Sign up on the Narthex bulletin board by May 22nd so that we can purchase music and supplies. We will meet each Monday from June 28th – August 9th from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM with lunch included. Due to the NALC Convocation, there will be no meeting on August 2nd . Musical Mondays will conclude with an evening presentation, more information will follow.
Volunteers Needed to Provide Meals for Musical Mondays
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminWe are looking for volunteers to provide lunch each week for Musical Mondays and that sign-up sheet is also in the Narthex. If you are not comfortable serving, you can prepare and drop off; and we will gladly serve. Once sign-ups have closed, we will have the number of children attending and possibly some suggestions for meals, if needed. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Rachel or Angela.
Sunday School Update
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminPlease note that the young adults will be meeting for Sunday School each Sunday downstairs as well as the younger children. The older adults will continue to meet in the Fellowship Hall.
Audio/Video
Posted May 4, 2021 By adminAs we continue to livestream our services each week, we are in need of volunteers who would be interested in joining the Audio/Video Team. The system is easy to learn and even easier to work with during the services. If you have the gift of understanding technology, this is a great opportunity for you to serve. A member of the team will gladly work with you until you feel comfortable and confident to do so alone. Reach out to Rachel, Angela, or Brandon with any questions you may have.
Pastoral Devotion for April
Posted April 2, 2021 By adminEncountering The Risen Lord
Read John 20:19-31
Isn’t it amazing how quickly Easter Sunday comes and goes? Oh, Easter isn’t over, just the hoopla that surrounds Easter Sunday. In too many respects, the world doesn’t quite understand Easter. The crowds may be gone, but the story hasn’t been fully told. That’s the difficulty faced by the church. The crowds have not heard the whole story. It is no wonder there is so much confusion with regards to Easter. But there was also plenty of confusion that first Easter day.
Women went to the tomb and found it empty. The great stone was rolled away but no one saw who did it. Angels gave the message that Jesus had been raised. As night fell, the disciples were afraid. They locked the doors out of fear that those who killed Jesus might come after them. Just then, Jesus stood among them very much alive.
Perhaps that’s the number one problem so many people have at Easter. Perhaps so many come for the celebration but skip the rest of the story because they are afraid that they might really have an encounter with the risen Lord.
Truly, that’s not such a far-fetched idea. All through his ministry, Jesus said that if any would follow him, they must first take up their cross. Jesus expected his followers to bear fruit for the kingdom, love God, worship him, and live for the sake of their neighbor. For so many today, doing these things means a drastic change in the way life is lived.
Encountering Jesus means living on his terms, not ours. Encountering the risen Lord means we actually have to do something faithful. Meeting Jesus means acknowledging our sin and coming to repentance. It’s easy to see why so many do not want to hear the rest of the story. It’s easier to simply leave the empty tomb of Easter Sunday and get on with life on Monday. But tombs are meant for the dead, and Jesus is alive.
Jesus left behind what belongs in the tomb, the darkness of sin, death and the devil. The risen Christ brought with him light, life, and the peace of God. Ours is to share the entire story so that others may come to believe.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, empower me to do your will, and go where you lead. Amen.
