Other Happenings Archive

Up and Going

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

Thursday, Sept 12th began bright, sunshiny and warm as the Up and Going group arrived at St. Jacob’s Church and began loading the St. Jacob’s Express to go to Hendersonville, NC for the annual Apple Run. Eighteen members and guests were on board and Helen, Team Leader gave the devotions based on the fruits of the Spirit. She reminded us that we, as older adults, possess love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, all fruits of the Spirit and that God expects us to use these gifts. We are never too old to be of use to God. Pastor Brad Hales information sheet “Engaging the Aging” was passed around for all to read. There are always things that we can do to make our world a better place no matter our age or station in life. When we can do very little else, we can always pray for our Church and others. Remember to pray for, Gloria Z. and Gloria D., we miss having them with us. The Treasurer’s report was given and other business was discussed.

Gerald took us on the scenic route to Hendersonville via Lake Lure, the Flower Bridge and Chimney Rock. We laughed and talked about other adventures in the mountains. We ate a delicious lunch at Bay Breeze Seafood Restaurant in Hendersonville. Next was Lyda Farms to buy apples, cabbage, tomatoes, honey and all sorts of goodies including pumpkins. The bus was loaded with our treasures. An unexpected stop was at Grandad’s Apples to purchase fried apple pies, apple dumplings, cider, ice cream and other treats. Oh, Oh, so good! Loaded with treats, hot and tired we headed home. The bus buzzed with chatter and laughter as we made our way back to St. Jacob’s around 5 PM. We were hot and tired but all agreed that it had been a great day together!!

The October Meeting is scheduled for the 2nd Thursday in October, Oct 10th. We will go to the Happy Cow Creamery in Pelzer. Watch your worship folders for more information.

Helen

Team Leader

Up and Going

Fall Festival / Octoberfest

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

You are invited to St. Jacob’s second annual Fall Festival/Oktoberfest on Saturday October 19th, at 2:00 PM. It will be an afternoon full of German food, games, and fellowship celebrating the fall season together. Some of the activities include hayrides, painting pumpkins, cornhole, and more! There will be activities for all ages—We look forward to having you here and always feel free to extend the invitation to others!

Congregational Retreat at St. Christopher

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

Our next congregational retreat is scheduled for the weekend of January 10th-12th at beautiful Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island, SC. Last year several of our church family members enjoyed a time away for study, fellowship and refreshment as we shared our faith with one another. The theme of our retreat will be Living and Growing as Disciples of Jesus Christ. The cost per person is $150.00, the same as last year. There will be discussion concerning discipleship within families, discipleship of our children and being disciples for the sake of others. We will even enjoy a session around the campfire on the beach!

For those who may need assistance in meeting the cost, please contact Pastor David. Money should never be the issue for people to miss an opportunity to grow in faith and their relationship with Christ. Registration forms are available in the narthex and also through email. Just contact the church office.

Council Briefs September 2019

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

Good Things at St. Jacob’s for August:

  • Homecoming service was excellent; really enjoyed Pastor Brad Hales
  • Fireflies baseball game was well attended and a great time
  • Start of the Wednesday morning breakfast for Youth
  • Youth Lock-in

Important Notes and Dates:

  • The new flagpole has been purchased and installed in the cemetery
  • Building Team has met with SCDOT for parameters and scope of parking lot project; is currently working to identify the number of handicap spaces afforded in design and proper ingress and egress to property that is in line with current DOT specifications. Updates to follow when available
  • All team budget requests for FY2020 are due no later than September 29th
  • The Council has a called meeting to discuss the Constitution on September 15th
  • Next regularly scheduled Council meeting is October 1st at 6:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Andrew

Secretary,

St. Jacob’s Church Council

Worship and Music

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

October is upon us. Cooler fall temperatures, leaves changing colors, high school and   college football games, the State Fair – all serve as reminders that the year 2019 is rapidly    nearing its end.  But just because all the anthems have been chosen through the Christmas season doesn’t mean that I, or the singers, can rest on our laurels. 

Church music isn’t like any other kind of   performance. When you go to a concert, the band, orchestra, or choir have been rehearsing for months and the concert is the culmination of those months of practice. Once the concert is over, they move on to the next concert. 

The foremost difference between church music and other vocal or instrumental groups is that church music is NOT a performance.  It is, in its purest form, our prayer, our praise, our expression of gratitude to our Lord and Savior for His unconditional love, mercy and grace.  For me, it is an ongoing, constant looking ahead to the next season, and the one following; always working ahead so that the musicians have ample time to develop the musicality of each piece that we sing or play.  It is a challenge to look so far ahead and choose hymns and anthems that will not only compliment but enhance the Scriptures, and sometimes, I do miss the boat.  But it’s those other times, the times when everything fits together like a giant puzzle; I know that the Holy Spirit was guiding my choices.  

For that, I can only say …Soli Deo Gloria (to God Alone the Glory),

Laurie

Blessing Of The Animals

Posted September 27, 2019 By admin

Our pets are a part of our family and a gift from our Father in heaven.  They provide love and companionship asking little in return.  Join your church family on Saturday, October 5th at 10:00 AM for a special time together on the lawn in front of the Church Office.  Pastor David will lead a service of blessing and thanksgiving for the loving animals God has entrusted to us.

Pastoral Devotion For September

Posted September 1, 2019 By admin

The Will of the Father

 Matthew 21:23-32

In the parable, Jesus said “A man had two sons.” Both of these sons were given direction to work in their father’s vineyard.  One said no, but later went.  The other said yes, but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father? According to the Pharisees, it was the son who said no, but changed his mind.

 Have you ever noticed in this parable, Jesus doesn’t tell them that they are correct? Did the Pharisees get it right?  The truth is that both sons at one point fell short of the father’s expectations. Both sons needed a change of heart.

 How often have you heard God’s Word and said “No, I will not go” but later went?  How many other times have you said, “Yes, I will go” but failed to do so? In each case we fall short of God’s glory and need a change of heart.  Thankfully, through Christ we are afforded God’s mercy and grace. All we need to do is ask, and God will provide the will and means necessary to do that which he calls us to do.  For the will of the Father is that we believe in his Son.  Today, as in all days, God calls you to faith through Christ and to work in his vineyard. How will you respond?

 Prayer: Lord Jesus, strengthen me in faith, that when you call, I may do your will. Amen.

Homecoming 2019

Posted August 28, 2019 By admin

Thank you to all who volunteered, attended and took part in our 2019 Homecoming celebration.  It is always good to welcome back familiar faces, meet new people and enjoy a wonderful meal together with our Church family.  It was especially nice to have as our guest preacher, the Rev. Brad Hales from the NALC staff.  Thank you Pastor Brad for a wonderful message and for visiting us here at St. Jacob’s.

Columbia Fireflies

Posted August 28, 2019 By admin

The St. Jacob’s Youth and their Families enjoyed watching the Fireflies play ball on Sunday, August 18th.  Our very own Jack Wallace was requested to throw out the first pitch.  Many of our youth were able to participate in some of the activities they had on the field as well.  In all it was a perfect day for a ballgame.  We are so excited about all the wonderful things we are going to be doing in the coming months so continue to watch your worship folders and newsletters.

Council News

Posted August 28, 2019 By admin

The Bud Sites and Lottie Sites Scholarship To be Awarded January 2, 2020 and June 1, 2020

Continuing your education after high school? Attending a College/University?  Attending a Technical College?  Attending Trade School?  If the answer to any of those questions is YES.  You want to keep reading.  Council has developed two types of scholarships for members of St. Jacobs.  These scholarships will be awarded in June of each year. There are two types of scholarships.  The first is a $250 scholarship that can be awarded to all members who meet the requirements.  The second is a $1,000 scholarship in memory of Mr. Bud Sites and Mrs. Lottie Sites and will be awarded to two members who meet the requirements.  All of these scholarships are funded from the Sites Endowment.  Mr. Bud and Mrs. Lottie supported our youth and Mrs. Lottie was a second-grade teacher at Chapin Elementary, where she retired.

What are the requirements for the $250 scholarships?

  • Must be a member of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church
  • Must attend church services at a minimum 12 times a year.  Students in college can also show proof of attendance to college campus ministry services or to other church services.
  • Must participate in a minimum of 4 church activities/events.  Examples of these events include the following: Lay reader, Crucifer, Communion Assistant, Cantor, Youth Event, VBS, LM, LW, Up and Going, Trashy Club, etc.  Proof of community services or campus ministry activities will also be accepted.
  • 3.0 Grade Average
  • Complete Application:
    • Name
    • Address
    • Documentation of church attendance for minimum of 12 times since January 1, 2019 
    •  Documentation of participation in church activities for minimum of 4 times since       January 1, 2019
    • Proof of grade average
    • Higher Education Plans – Name of Institution, Start Date

What are the requirements for the $1,000 scholarships?

  • All the Requirements as listed above for the $250 scholarship
  • Two additional requirements
    • Copy of Acceptance letter
    • The $1,000 Scholarship application will require the completion of an essay question

More good news!  We have decided not to wait until June 2020.  We will award $250 scholarships to all members who are continuing their education and meet the requirements for the Spring 2020 Semester.  What do you need to do?

  • Complete simple application (electronic or paper) and submit to church office.  Application includes:  
    • Name 
    • Address 
    • Documentation of church attendance for minimum of 12 times since January 1, 2019.  In addition to Sunday Services, there are our Wednesday Night Services, and other special services.  Students in college can also show proof of attendance to college campus ministry services or to other church services.  Must participate in a minimum of 4 church activities/events times since January 1, 2019.  Examples of these events include the following: Lay reader, Crucifer, Communion Assistant, Cantor, Youth Event, VBS, LM, LW, Up and Going, Trashy Club, etc.  Proof of community services or campus ministry activities will also be accepted. 
    • Proof of 3.0 grade average 
    • Higher Education Enrollment – Name of Institution, Start Date
  • Applications due by November 1, 2019
  • Award by January 2, 2020
  • Scholarships will be awarded to all members who qualify.

Other important facts to know:

  • Applicant may apply many times
  • Applications are required each year
  • $250 scholarship is only awarded to a student one time
  • Applicant can receive $1,000 scholarship two years
  • Applicant may receive $250 and $1,000 scholarship in the same year 

Start now to meet the requirements and receive these scholarships!  The $250 scholarship along with the two $1,000 scholarships will be available for the Fall 2020 schedule.  Applications for both scholarships will be due March 1.