Read Matthew 4:17-22, Acts 9:1-9
Four men were simple fishermen. They really did not have the qualifications we might think necessary to build a church. Their expertise was working with nets and boats, finding fish, catching and selling them. Another man was a tax collector, a traitor in the eyes of many of his peers. He worked for the oppressive government, taking in more than he was asked so that he could skim off the top and live a lavish lifestyle. Certainly, as we size up the twelve, none would seem made of the metal required to carry on Christ’s mission.
Within today’s Church, many pastors come with prior experience. Some filled occupations in skilled labor, others held professional positions. Before attending seminary and being ordained, many pastors, myself included, never thought themselves qualified or to be one called to the office of Pastor. Yet, years later, there they are and here I am.
And so, we have the conversion of Saul, who was once a persecutor of the Church. Along the Damascus Road, Jesus confronted Saul, brought him to faith, and made him God’s instrument in the gospel mission. God chooses whom he will. And he alone equips and qualifies those he chooses. Who knows? If he has not already, God may choose you. Actually, he already has.
Every Christian man, woman or child is called to share the good news of Christ Jesus. Sharing faith with friends and family, inviting others to worship and doing acts of charity are all ways in which we proclaim the goodness of God. Certainly, through the power of the Holy Spirit, God has called us all to do all the above. Go in peace; serve the Lord.
Prayer: Fill me with your Spirit, O Lord, and use me as you will. Amen
Other Happenings Archive
Pastoral Devotion for November – Called by Christ
Posted November 3, 2025 By adminMusic Notes
Posted November 1, 2025 By adminMark your calendars for Sunday, December 14th. That is the date for this year’s Christmas Cantata. It will be presented during the church service. For now, mark your calendars for Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM. That is the time for cantata practice, and we need you. The choir rehearses cantata music from 6:00-6:30 PM. Feel free to stay and practice the weekly music as well. We are especially in need of male voices. Guys, there are many of you hiding in the congregation with very nice voices. We heard you this summer. Please come help with our cantata. It is a short-term commitment and a wonderful way to give thanks to God for all the many blessings he has showered upon you.
Children’s choir and youth handbells are up and running. Children’s choir is from 3:00-4:00 PM on Sunday afternoons for kids in K-4. Youth handbells is for youth grades 5 and above and meets from 4:00-5:00 PM on Sundays.
Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
Posted November 1, 2025 By adminThe Lutheran Women would like to thank all volunteers that came out to support our fall festival. This year’s fall festival was well attended, and a great time was had by all! Everyone especially enjoyed the halloweenies!
The Church Office will be closed
Posted October 31, 2025 By adminTuesday, November 11th
and
Thursday, November 27th
Electronic Giving
Posted October 31, 2025 By adminDear Members of St. Jacob’s:
We want to start by expressing gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity towards our church. Your contributions have been essential to our ability to continue carrying out our mission and serving the needs of our community.
We also want to take this opportunity to introduce our new e-giving platform, Vanco. This platform provides a secure and user-friendly way to give to our church online, and we are confident that it will make giving more convenient for many members of our congregation.
You can give now at this link on our website: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZXTV
You can also give using this QR Code for Giving to St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church
This QR code will be printed in the bulletin each Sunday and also in the newsletter each month. It makes giving SIMPLE and EASY!
Approved Accounts for giving. The following list of funds have been approved by Council for any financial gifts. If you make a financial gift to a fund not listed below, a member of the Finance Team will contact you to determine 1) if you would like to choose another account or 2) if you would prefer to have your gift returned. Please make your financial gifts to one of the accounts listed below:
• General Fund (operating expenses)
• Building Fund (property, parking lot, and facilities)
• Cemetery Fund
• Memorial Fund (Memorial gifts not designated)
• Lutheran Men Fund
• Lutheran Women Fund
• Lutheran Youth Fund
• Up and Going
• Mercy Bags (We Care Meals for a Week)
• Congo Mission Trip
• Holiday Giving (Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas)
• We Care (Chapin Mission)
Whether you choose to give online or in person, your support is vital to the continued success of our church community. We are so grateful for your generosity and commitment to our shared mission.
Thank you again for all that you do.
Blessings,
St. Jacob’s Church Council
St. Jacob’s Finance Committee
October 2025
All Saints Sunday
Posted October 30, 2025 By adminAs it is each year, the Church sets aside the first Sunday in November to remember and give thanks to God for the faithful witness of those who have passed from earthly life within the previous twelve months. This year, All Saints Sunday is November 2nd. As people of faith, we continually remember all who have entered the Church Triumphant and now rest peacefully in Christ.
We acknowledge the St. Jacob’s members who joined the Church Triumphant, Letha Sites, Mitch Martin, Gloria Ziemer, Kristen Nickel, J.L. Lindler, and Lorene Cannon. We remember, as well, siblings of several of our church members who have passed during this last year. These include Richard Shull (brother of Larry Shull), Dwain Wessinger (brother of Elvia Lindler), and Sarah Paysinger (sister of Betty Ann Shealy). We also give thanks for all the saints within the Church Militant who strive to share the Gospel of Christ and extend the ministry of the church throughout the world. Everyone is invited to worship with us this year on All Saints Sunday beginning at 10:00 AM. As is customary, we will have a prayer for those church family members who passed away since our All Saints celebration last year.
Midweek Bible Study
Posted October 30, 2025 By adminMidweek Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. We are currently studying the Gospel According to John. This study is a traditional chapter and verse study where we will read and learn more of the message John has to teach all who hear his Gospel and come to believe that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true Son of God. We will read and compare John’s writing with that of the other Gospel writers. We will also explore the connections between John’s Gospel and the Old Testament. Everyone is invited to join us as they are able.
It’s Time To Order Christmas Poinsettias !!
Posted October 30, 2025 By adminWorship and Music will be accepting orders for Christmas Poinsettias to be placed in the church for our Christmas services in honor and/or memory of loved ones. This year the cost per poinsettia will be $11.00; checks should be made payable to St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church.
If you would like to order a poinsettia, please submit your completed order form AND payment to Marie or Robin. If it is more convenient, you can mail the information to Robin.
The deadline for placing your order is Sunday, November 23rd. To guarantee delivery of the poinsettias, Worship and Music must place the order for St. Jacob’s on the deadline date. Please turn your orders in early as NO orders can be accepted after the deadline.
Poinsettias may be removed from the sanctuary following the Christmas Service.
ALL poinsettias not picked up before Saturday, December 27th will be discarded.
Up and Going
Posted October 30, 2025 By adminThursday, October 9th was an exciting day for the Up and Going group. It was BINGO day and we love BINGO. Twenty-two members and guests gathered for a delicious covered dish meal and BINGO led by callers Joan and Gary Marco.
But first came devotions by Team Leader Helen. The title was “Love Worthy of Our Life.” Helen read from the LBW Green Book the words from the hymn “When I Survey the Wonderous Cross.” Author William Temple reminds us to think about the words we are singing and if we believe them, to sing with gusto and feeling. If we mean them even a little and want to mean them more sing them very softly. Devotions closed with the group praying together “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Business was conducted with Treasurer’s report given by Gary, Treasurer. Prayer concerns were discussed. Helen asked all to include these in our daily prayers. Everyone had brought gifts for BINGO prizes. Our group paused for a moment of thankfulness to Gloria and Bob for the special BINGO gifts. BINGO started and we were off and running. BINGO – BINGO – BINGO
Everyone had generously given prizes, so we played until all gifts were gone. Lots of fun and fellowship today.
Thursday, November 13th will be our Thanksgiving meal. Please bring a traditional Thanksgiving covered dish, side or dessert. Helen (O’Neal) will provide the turkey, and Ann Lindler will make the dressing. November is our month of giving to The Oliver Gospel Mission. Please bring socks, underwear and T-shirts for the men at OGM. All sizes are appreciated and cherished. Please bring your favorite Thanksgiving memories to share with the group. Susan Shealy will be at the meeting to explain the automatic church giving system. If interested, bring your check, debit/credit cards and Susan will set this up for you. Hope to see you on November 13th.
Helen
Team Leader for
Up and Going
Welcome New Member
Posted October 30, 2025 By adminOn October 19th, Scott joined the St. Jacob’s church family by affirmation of baptism. We are happy to welcome Scott as our newest church member.
