Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

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 second coming of our King Jesus Christ. There is actually a two-fold meaning of this “Advent” coming. When the Church celebrates Advent, we look toward Jesus’s 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 entering into 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 30th. Advent is a great time to renew faithful worship habits. If you have been away from St. Jacob’s for an extended period, you are encouraged to “come and see” him who is called Christ the Lord. Come hear the good news of salvation and receive the sacrament of his body and blood for the forgiveness of sin. Mid-week Advent Vespers will be observed on the three Wednesdays in Advent (Dec. 3rd, 10th, 17th) this year. Join your church family in worship in all these opportunities to help prepare the way of the Lord.

As 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.

Abigail 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.

On 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.