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 type of 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 the power and consequences of sin, death, and the devil. Thus, the King of the Jews, and of all people, does not rule over a kingdom of this world. He rules over the universe and God’s kingdom of glory forever and ever. Christ the King Sunday is the final Sunday 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 23rd.
Worship and Music Archive
Christ the King Sunday
Posted November 15, 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.
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.
Holy Baptism
Posted October 30, 2025 By adminAbigail was baptized during our Reformation Sunday service of worship, October 26th, 2025. Abigail is the daughter of Dylan and Amanda. Proud Grandparents are Chuck and Angela. Welcome Abigail, our newest sister in Christ.
Reformation Sunday
Posted October 14, 2025 By adminOn Sunday, October 26th, we will again observe the anniversary of the Reformation sparked by Dr. Martin Luther. As we know, on October 31st, 1517 (All Hallows Eve), Martin Luther posted his 95 articles for debate with the leadership of the Roman Church, challenging the abuses and corruption that existed within the Church. Luther went on to become the foremost of reformers of the sixteenth century. He translated the Latin Scriptures into his native German language so that ordinary people would have the ability to read the Bible for themselves. For us today, we have the lasting heritage and blessing of reading the Bible and studying God’s Word together within a church that bears the name of Luther. It is tradition that on Reformation Sunday the people in attendance wear red. I invite you all to keep this tradition as we gather for worship to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and give thanks for the life and public witness of Martin Luther so long ago.
Music Notes
Posted July 15, 2025 By adminIt’s time!
The new choir season starts August 27th with a covered dish dinner at 6:00 PM and a read through the music for the fall. Come join the choir family, enjoy fellowship, and praising God through song. We look forward to the new year of music. All are invited. No previous experience needed!
Thank you!
Over the last four years the congregation has sent me to the Chorister’s Guild Institute for training in leading choirs. Thank you for this tremendous opportunity. It’s been intense, exhausting, exhilarating and truly meaningful. For a week each summer, a group of students gather to learn conducting, music education methods, and choral skills along with a variety of other topics. The day begins with worship, classes and workshops, and ends with lots of homework in the evening. I have now completed the institute and can’t wait to share what I have learned with our choir, handbell choir and children’s choir.
VBS 2025!
Posted July 10, 2025 By admin
VBS 2025! Thank you for being part of a great week of VBS. We were reminded that when we are wandering, when we are alone, when we are powerless, when we need hope, and when we need a helper….we can always trust Jesus!
Thank you to all of our volunteers. Many thanks to Sandra, Davis, Gerald and Billy for preparing our meals. Thank you to Karla and Renee for crafts, Angela and Emma for Music, John, Tracy, Katelyn, Isabelle, and JT for games, and Julie Z, Donna, Raine, Judy, Patricia, Julie S, Lynn, and Kendra for shepherding our kids to each of the rotations and Pastor, Susan and David for sharing your time and lessons with the youth and adults. Thanks to all our participants too! You made VBS fun!
Sanctuary Renovation Update for July
You may have noticed already, but the pew refurbishing and the new pew cushions installation is complete! This is the first phase of the renovation and was completed the last week of June. If you were at worship on Sunday, June 29th, you have already had an opportunity to see the new blue color and try out the comfortable cushions!
We know you are wondering why some pews were left untouched. The simple answer is that these pews will be removed when the carpet is installed. It will look a bit odd for a brief time, but the pews will eventually be arranged in a way that allows for additional wheelchair seating toward the front and back of the sanctuary.
The next phase will involve carpentry work beginning in the narthex. This work will likely begin mid-August. We will keep you updated as the project progresses!
Midweek Bible Study Returns
Our Midweek Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, July 2nd beginning at 9:30 AM in the church office conference room. Our topic for study will be Recognizing Jesus in the Old Testament. This seven week study is for anyone who desires to learn more of how the Son of God is revealed to us through the books of the Old Testament. There are no special materials required. Just bring along your Bible and a desire to have a healthy and faithful conversation centered on the revelation of Jesus through the writings of Moses, the Psalms and prophets.
Adult Confirmation
Posted July 8, 2025 By adminOur Adult Confirmation study meets in the church office conference room on selected Tuesdays beginning at 6:30 PM. All who are interested in learning more about Lutheran theology, teaching, and worship are welcome to attend, regardless of if you grew up in the Lutheran Church or another denomination. We will examine elements of Luther’s Large Catechism, the Book of Concord and the traditions of Lutheran preaching and worship. No special materials are needed. Many life-long Lutherans wonder why we do certain liturgies or traditions or have questions regarding the liturgies or traditions. Participants will enjoy learning more and having their questions answered. Please let Pastor David know if you would like to participate.
Into the Liturgy, part 9
Posted June 20, 2025 By adminThe Nunc Dimittis
As Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple, Simeon beheld the fulfillment of God’s promise to send his Messiah. Simeon, having remained in the temple throughout his advanced years, gazed upon the infant Savior, praising God. Like Simeon, the Church looks upon her Savior as she receives Christ’s body and blood through the Sacrament of the Altar. We give thanks to God, for through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ we receive the full measure of God’s forgiveness and grace. Therefore, in the words of Simeon, we can depart in peace, God’s Word has been fulfilled.
The Benediction
As God instructed the priest Aaron (Numbers 6), God calls his ordained servant to pronounce the LORD’s blessing upon his people. God imparts his name upon the congregation, sending them back into the world with his peace and protection. Worshipers return to daily life filled with the promise of God’s countenance (his presence and favor).
The Exhortation
With the Divine Service now concluded, the children of God are called to be living examples of Christ’s love engaged in his Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). As we return to daily living, Christians are called to “Go in peace to serve the Lord.” We serve God by sharing the good news of the Gospel with the world while loving and serving our neighbor.
St. Jacob’s Youth Leading Worship
Posted June 14, 2025 By adminOn Sunday June 29th, our St. Jacob’s Youth from grades 6 and higher will be leading us in worship. We are grateful for the many wonderful and talented kids we have in our church family. Please plan on attending and offer your prayers of support for our youth as they grow in faith and service to the greater church.
