We will be kicking off our youth group for kids (ages 13 and under) with an ice cream party on February 2nd at 4 PM in the fellowship hall following Children’s Choir practice. You do not have to be a part of the children’s choir to attend. Everyone in this age group is encouraged to join!
Worship and Music Archive
Youth Group Kickoff
Posted January 30, 2020 By adminMusic Update
Posted January 30, 2020 By adminAs we begin the discernment of our music program and embark on a search for a new Music Director, it should go without saying that our two Sundays during which our congregation sang everything without benefit of the organ or piano were simply wonderful examples of our ability to sing. St. Jacob’s is filled with people who, when all singing together, are able to make a very joyful sound as we sing God’s praises.
We are blessed in that we do have supply organists scheduled for our upcoming weeks. Our services of worship will be enhanced by each one. I do pray that, even as we welcome musicians to accompany us, our singing will continue to be cheerful and bold. For me as your pastor, as I stand in the Chancel each week, there is no sound so sweet as the sound of the congregation singing the hymns and liturgies of the church.
In the times ahead, I will do all I can to keep the congregation up to date as to the progress of our search for a new music director. In the meantime, pray for the Staff Support Team, our choir and other musicians as we all work together to identify the one God has chosen to lead us musically.
Filed in Worship and Music, Worship Service
Worship and Music
Posted December 23, 2019 By adminDecember was a busy month, as usual. But amidst all the hustle and bustle, there are those magical moments where one can sense the presence of God. The Christmas program, presented by the Children’s Choir, was one such moment. Others were found in the Wednesday Advent services, the Blue Christmas service, the Christmas Day service, Lessons and Carols on the 29th and of course in the Christmas Eve service.
I want to thank everyone who provided music for any of the December services; your willingness to share your musical talents for the enrichment of worship services is truly appreciated, both by the congregation and by me.
We come now to the beginning of a new year and a new opportunity to become involved in some way with the music ministry at St. Jacob’s. God has given us all unique gifts and talents to use for His glory and to bring His word to a world in need. Please prayerfully consider using those talents in our music ministry.
Happy New Year and Soli Deo Gloria, Laurie
Christmas Morning Worship
Posted November 26, 2019 By adminAll members of our St. Jacob’s church family and friends are invited to keep Christ in Christmas as we worship on Christmas Morning. This service is “come as you are.” Children in pajamas, adults in relaxed and casual dress are all most certainly welcome. Come make a joyful noise and share in the blessing of Christmas with your church family. Worship on Christmas morning begins at 10 AM.
Christmas Eve – The Nativity Of Our Lord
Posted November 26, 2019 By adminOur Christmas Eve Service of Worship will be held on Tuesday, December 24th beginning at 7 PM. Come worship the new born King! Join us and invite your friends and neighbors for our traditional candlelight service as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Blue Christmas – The Longest Night
Posted November 26, 2019 By adminChristmas is not always a joyous time for everyone. Each year, there are some who will experience the Christmas celebration for the first time without a cherished loved one. There are also others who will find themselves facing difficult circumstances in life or loneliness. Still, the love of God out shines even the darkest night.
Once again, on the longest night of the year, we will gather for worship and give thinks for the light of Christ, especially as He comes to us at Christmas. Our entire church family, friends, neighbors and community is invited and encouraged to attend this candlelight service. Please be sure to tell others about this worship opportunity of prayer, peace and the power of God’s love. Worship for Blue Christmas begins at 6:30 PM on Saturday, December 21st.
Advent Vespers At St. Jacob’s
Posted November 26, 2019 By adminEveryone is invited and encouraged to come worship with us each Wednesday evening in December for Advent Vespers. The focus of our worship will be our Need for Redemption, God’s Promise of a Savior, and the Fulfilment of the Promise through Jesus Christ. In keeping with the worship time of our Wednesday Evening Light, Advent Vespers will begin at 6:30 PM.
Children’s Choir
Posted November 26, 2019 By adminAs I’m sure you’ve noticed, our children have been hard at work this fall in children’s choir. In addition to learning anthems, the children have been learning the liturgy and taken on the task of leading the kyrie. We are also learning about other parts of the liturgy to be able to bring praises to God with the rest of the St. Jacob’s church family.
We are beginning work on our Christmas program. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 15th at 6 PM. You won’t want to miss our Christmas program as we ask, “Is there any peace left on earth,” adapted from a program written by The Reverend David Wendel, assistant to the bishop. With so much conflict around us today between nations, politicians as well as in day to day life, it is easy to believe there is little peace left on earth. Come explore the true peace of Christmas. We hope that you all have a blessed Christmas season. The children’s choir’s prayer for you this December is “Dona nobis pacem.” Ask any children’s choir member what that means. They can all tell you.
Filed in LCY, Worship and Music
All Saints Sunday
Posted October 31, 2019 By adminThis year, the Sunday of All Saints will be observed on November 3rd. All Saints Sunday is a day when the Church Militant (those saints who are still living) remembers and gives thanks to God for the lives and the witness of the Church Triumphant (those saints who have passed from earthly life). Traditionally, this is done through prayer and the lighting of a candle. During the Baptismal Rite, candles are given for the newly baptized with the words “Let your light shine before others, that they would see your good work and glorify your Father in heaven.
This year, we especially remember the light and the love of these saints from our church family who have completed their pilgrimage on earth within the last twelve months. Bob Shields, Pearl Cribb, Rie Eargle and Harold Driver have completed the work God gave them, yet their light still shines. Join us on November 3rd for this celebration of saints and to give thanks to God for all His blessings.
From the Pastor’s Heart
Posted October 1, 2019 By adminOctober! It’s October already! It seems summer has simply flown by. Yet, even as I reflect upon all we shared the past few months, there is much to plan and prepare for during the months ahead. Our church calendar is filling up with activities, Christian learning opportunities and several other ministry events for everyone to consider being a part of. As you begin making room for the many opportunities for your church and family in October, let me ask a simple question: How do you plan to be a disciple of Jesus Christ each and every day?
Each morning, Christians wake up to the opportunity to show the love of Christ Jesus to others who may not realize God’s activity in their lives. As God’s people we also wake up to the Christian responsibility to thank God for the many blessings He showers upon us, and to offer Him the finest of what we can offer of ourselves.
When a child of God begins each new day with such emphasis, the life of discipleship begins to take hold and we live into the calling God has for each one of us. So again, this begs the question: How do you plan to be a disciple of Jesus Christ each and every day? In my asking this twice, I hope you are not simply waiting for my answer. I hope you are not expecting me to offer a directive for the church that challenges you to do your part as I see it, for such is not my intent.
I am asking this question because as followers of Jesus Christ, we each respond to His call to follow in different ways. Some are able to engage in the life of the congregation more regularly than others. Some have time enough to come to the church and serve on committees, provide services such as lawn care and cleaning, others may even show up every time the doors are open. Others among us have different responsibilities.
Within our church family, we have parents with small children, members who work not just one, but two jobs, and still others who may have health related issues that prevent them from participating as they once did. Yet, no matter where we may fall in this broad spectrum, as God’s people each one of us share the Christian responsibility to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We all share Jesus’s calling to go into the world and make disciples by sharing with them the good news of God’s salvation. So understanding this, I’ll ask one last time: How do you plan to be a disciple of Jesus Christ each and every day?
As Pastor, I will do my best to help you discern the answer to this question. I will do what I can to help you pray, study God’s Word and live among God’s people so that you might hear the still small voice of the Holy Spirit who is calling you to a life of discipleship. I will continue to pray for you and your family, preach to you the gospel of Christ Jesus, lead you in worship and teach you and your children the faith in which we baptize. In turn, I pray that you too will help me to further discern the answer to our question, for even pastors need to learn to take time to enjoy their relationship with our loving heavenly Father.
Yes, we have a busy month ahead of us; one filled with opportunities to worship God, love our neighbor and enjoy the fellowship of God’s people. Take a good look and identify those opportunities where you and your family can grow in faith and discern your answer to my question. Choose to take time each day to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, seeking God’s kingdom first. Then be sure to share His blessings of grace, mercy and peace with those whom God places within your midst. Soon, you will realize you are living the life of discipleship, and the question will have its answer.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
