Invited to The Banquet Joel 1:1-13, Revelation 18:15-24, Luke 14:12-24
The table is set, the banquet prepared. Everything is ready. It is time for the feast. There is only one problem; the guests have decided not to attend. It seems there are more pressing things on the agenda, other things, personal things, worldly things. Each declined, one by one. Yet, even as the guests spurned the invitation, the master vowed that the banquet would proceed, the meal will be served. How often do we sinners decline God’s invitation?
How many times do we opt out of worship, excuse ourselves from Bible study, or fail to perform acts of service, just so we can engage in our personal pleasures? The dilemma is before us; shall we come to God’s banquet, or do we cancel? After all, we have been invited. Our Baptism into Christ serves as the initial invitation. Even in our disobedience, God set his seal upon us. Through Christ, we have a place at the table.
Like the plague of locusts in our reading from Joel, sin continues to lay the world to waste. Lovers of money search for fulfilment through material means. The self-righteous turn their backs to the needy. Even so, God has reconciled that which was lost. In Christ there is redemption. For those who seek God’s grace there is forgiveness. The Lord says “Come, the banquet is ready.”
Prayer: Feed us at your table Lord, and fill us with your love. Amen.
Other Happenings Archive
Pastoral Devotion for June
Posted June 1, 2021 By adminSmall Steps Toward Normal
Posted June 1, 2021 By adminIn the wake of Governor McMaster’s removal of the state-wide mask mandate, face masks are no longer required for singing at St. Jacob’s during worship. Those who wish to continue to wear facemasks are welcome to do so. As we continue our journey toward resuming our pre-pandemic practices for worship, we will enjoy singing hymns and liturgy without the wearing of facemasks. We will also resume standing while singing during the appropriate times of our service (during singing of hymns and liturgy). Also, facemasks will not be needed by children during the Children’s sermon. Hand sanitizer will remain available on the table near the entrance to the church nave as will a supply of disposable facemasks for those who wish to wear one. Thank you to all for your understanding throughout the time of our COVID-19 response during the past year.
Council Highlights for May Meeting
Posted June 1, 2021 By admin1. Attendance is up.
2. Easter gatherings were joyful and well attended.
3. Pews opened up (less restrictions).
Honoring Our Graduates
Posted June 1, 2021 By adminSt. Jacob’s honors this year’s high school graduates, Jack, Lauren, Anna, Lily and Lauren. Jack will graduate from Spring Hill High School on June 18th. Lauren, Anna, and Lauren will graduate from Chapin High School on June 19th. Lily is a graduate of Lamplight Academy. Her graduation was held on May 15th. A reception with cake and punch will be held in the Fellowship Hall following worship on June 13th. God bless these graduates as they begin the next chapter in their lives. Congratulations!
Six-Point Vision Update
Posted May 28, 2021 By adminIn the March newsletter, I provided a six point vision for our near future ministries here at St. Jacob’s. This month, I would like to update the congregation concerning each of these ministry vision points.
Create an Intentional Disciple Making Culture
I have met with our Discipleship Ministry Team leader Lynn Shealy, and we are working on a congregational activity to help us begin growing a culture of discipleship and mission. We hope to invite the congregation to be a part of this at some point during the summer.
Growing the Christin Education Ministries of our Congregation
The goal of this vision point is to enhance our Christian Education Ministry for all ages. The beginning steps are working with the children. Progress toward this goal is happening through the efforts of Angela Nuottila and Rachel Shelton and their plan for Musical Mondays. Children will learn what it means to praise God throughout their life. I am also dedicated to continue posting daily morning devotions and conducting Bible studies using our St. Jacob’s Online Campus on Zoom.com.
Raising up Leaders for the Church I have had an initial meeting with a small group of church family members to help in discernment concerning St. Jacob’s as an NALC internship site. The cost of internship is steep, but there is assistance available through the Carolinas Mission Region. We will continue to meet and discuss the possibilities of hosting an NALC intern in the future. I am also in the process of inviting the president of the North American Lutheran Seminary to come visit with our congregation and provide more insight concerning the need to raise up candidates for ordained ministry within the NALC. Team members for discernment are: Susan, Judy, Michael, Danny, John.
Grow in our Focus on Mission and Outreach
In May, Rachel and I took a tour of the NALC Disaster Warehouse and spoke with the administrators and our NALC Bishop. We will be planning ways for our congregation to become greater supporters of this ministry as the need continues to grow.
Develop a Welcoming and Inviting Culture
This is something that St. Jacob’s has been good at throughout the years, but we need to remain very intentional in inviting others to join us for worship and to become a part of our life together. I hope to meet with the Worship and Music Team soon so, we can plan an “Invite a Friend Sunday” when we welcome friends and extended family members to come worship with us.
Grow our Sense of Christian Fellowship
Perhaps the greatest challenge for us is to overcome the sense of social distance following the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions are eased and more people are vaccinated against the virus, we are able to open up our congregation to more activities. I am hoping that our auxiliaries (Men, Women, Up and Going, Youth) will resume monthly meetings and enjoy time together.
Mid-Week Bible Study
Posted May 28, 2021 By adminOur morning Bible study has resumed meeting in person each Wednesday at 10:00 AM. Our topic for study through the end of June is I AM WHO I AM – A Study of the Holy Name of God. Everyone is invited to attend as they are able. There are no special materials required and no experience necessary. All you need is a desire to gather with members of our church family as we learn more from God’s Word together. Bring your Bible with you and enjoy this time of study and reflection.
Sunday School Teachers
Posted May 28, 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
Posted May 28, 2021 By adminCome and explore a world of concrete and cranes, rivets and rebar, bulldozers, and backhoes, and learn to build your faith on Jesus as we uncover the truth that ‘He who began a good work will be faithful to carry it on to completion’! St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church will host Vacation Bible School Monday, June 21st – Thursday, June 24th from 6:00-8:00 PM each night. Join us at 5:45 PM for a shared meal before we kick off each night learning about God through games, lessons, crafts, and music! There are classes for all ages, even adults! Come, fellowship, and learn about how to build a STRONG FOUNDATION of love, forgiveness, worth, and promises of Jesus! We cannot wait to see you there. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, reach out to Rachel at rachelshel10@outlook.com.
Youth Director & Family Ministries
Posted May 28, 2021 By adminLast week, Pastor David and I were able to travel to Kings Mountain, NC to tour one of the two disaster response warehouses in the Carolinas Mission Region. We were able to see what items were needed and how they facilitate collection and distribution. The flood buckets and health kits even grew in quantity while we were there. This was also very special because we were joined by the NALC Bishop, Dan Selbo, and many other CMR Pastors. We have many ideas for our congregation to partner with the warehouse and Mission Region in the future. We are collecting cases of bottled water over the next month. This was the biggest need that we saw while we were there, and we would love to help where we see a need. If you would like to help, you can place the case(s) on the specified table in the Fellowship Hall. We will collect over the next couple of weeks and delivery will be announced at a later date.
Thank you in advance,
Rachel
Musical Mondays
Posted May 19, 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.
