Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

November is a month of remembrance, celebration, and transition. From the first day of the month until the final Sunday, we offer our thanks and praise to God for his saving grace that comes through his Son Jesus Christ. The celebrations of November complete the liturgical cycle of one year and lead us into the next. Please join us as you are able, either in person or online each Sunday as we observe these three significant dates.
All Saints Day
All Saints Day is a time of remembrance and a time of thanksgiving. We remember all who have entered the Church Triumphant and now rest peacefully in Christ. 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. Join us on All Saints Day, November 1stfor worship. As is customary, we will have a prayer for our church family members who passed away since our All Saints celebration last year. All Saints Day is November 1stand traditionally observed on the first Sunday in November.
Christ The King Sunday
The earliest Christians identified Jesus with the predicted Messiah of the Jews. The Hebrew word “Messiah,” and the Greek word “Christ,” both mean “anointed one.” They refer to the expected king whom God promised would deliver his people from all earthly powers. Holy Scripture reveals Jesus of Nazareth to be this long-awaited Messiah. Unlike the Messiah most Jews expected, Jesus came to free all people, Jew and Gentile, and he did not come to free them from the Babylonians, Assyrians, or Romans, but from sin and death. Thus, the King of the Jews, and of all people, does not rule over a kingdom of this world. Christ the King Sunday is the final Sun-day of the Christian Church year and focuses on the return of Christ at the end of the age. This year, Christ the King Sunday is celebrated on November 22nd.
First Sunday Of Advent
The first Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the new liturgical year for the Christian Church. The word “advent” literally means “coming.” Coming on the heels of Christ the King Sunday, Advent is the season when Christians prepare for the coming of our King Jesus Christ. There is actually a two-fold meaning of this coming. When the Church celebrates Advent, we look toward Jesus’ second coming by remembering his first coming to earth. We ponder again the great mystery of the incarnation when our Lord humbled himself, taking on our humanity, and entered our time and space to free us from sin. All the while, we recall in the Creed that our Lord will come again to judge the living and the dead and that we must be ready to greet him. This year, the First Sunday of Advent is November 29th.

October 1st is a wonderful day in the life of our church as we welcome Dr. Sarah Masterson to St. Jacob’s. Sarah is on the faculty of Newberry College serving as Associate Professor of Piano and Music Theory. She also is the Director of the Department of Social Media and the W. Darr Wise Piano Competition. Please be sure to introduce yourself to her as you are able. We look forward to Sarah sharing her musical gifts with us in worship.

Volunteers are needed for Sunday morning to serve as communion assistants, ushers and lay readers. We could also use a few volunteers who would help for a few minutes to wipe down and set-up the church for worship following the 8:30 AM service. Anyone who would like to help in this capacity should contact Pastor David.

The congregation is reminded to follow a few simple changes during worship to help keep from spreading the coronavirus. Entrance into the building is through the Fellowship Hall only. As you enter, please use the hand sanitizer provided and wear your mask if you have one. Masks are not required but strongly suggested. Remember to keep at least six feet physical distance between you and your neighbor. Only occupy those pews that are marked for seating.

Now that we have resumed singing in worship, worshipers are asked to please remain seated while singing. Those seated in the pews should wear a mask while singing. This includes singing the liturgy and Psalm. Also, as we share the peace of Christ, we do so without physical contact (immediate family members may disregard). Waving, peace signs, or other gestures should be used as well as a vocal greeting.

Upon leaving at the conclusion of the service, please take your worship bulletin and any other debris with you. Do not leave it in the pews. Offerings and record of worship cards are placed in the basins on the table at the narthex doors. Please do not linger or visit within the church nave. Simply depart and vis-it outside so volunteers can begin preparing for the next service.