Looking at the calendar, it’s hard to believe that my mission trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo is but a month away. I want to thank all who have donated used pairs of eyeglasses for me to take to the people of Congo who have such need but do not have access to eyecare. We have collected plenty of glasses, and I have no more room for additional donations. Everything that has been donated must fit into my luggage, along with clothes for three weeks, Bibles to be distributed in churches, and donated clergy attire for pastors in the Congolese Church.
This trip will be unlike those I have made previously. My mission partner, Pastor Kalonji and I will travel to a region in the Congo where I have never been before. It is somewhat exciting to imagine seeing new places and experiencing new customs as we minister to the people of God. The congregations where we will accomplish the bulk of our mission work are unique in that they do not have any church buildings. These congregations gather outside all year round. No matter the weather, the gospel of Christ is preached to all who would hear it.
I am looking forward to seeing several of the friends that I have made over the years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic prevented me from making my regularly scheduled trip last year. It has been three long years since my last visit and much has changed within the church. Still, the mission is the same. We will preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, minister to men, women, and children, feed orphans, and free mothers with their newborn babies from hospitals where they cannot afford to pay their out-standing balance due.
Pastor Kalonji and I ask for your prayers as we travel to this far off place. We ask your prayers for safety in travel and for success in our mission work. More than that, we ask that we would bring glory to God’s name as we share this important mission work with you and so many others who have supported us through the years.
Countdown to Congo
Posted June 10, 2022 By adminPastoral Devotion for June
Posted June 1, 2022 By adminRely on God
Read Matthew 6:25-34
How often do you wake up today and you are already worried about tomorrow? If that is the case, it is likely you went to bed already feeling the pressure of a certain circumstance or the ill effects of something you perceive to be a looming problem. And so it goes for so many in our world.
Our Lord Jesus teaches us that we should not worry. We should not worry about clothing, food, drink, or anything else under the sun. When we worry or become anxious about things we have or don’t have, we rely upon ourselves to alleviate the problem. Yet, truthfully, we are to put our trust in God who provides all we will ever need for life. As our Lord Jesus says, it is the father’s good pleasure to give us his kingdom.
Worrying about tomorrow’s problems today only causes them to become stumbling blocks for today’s opportunities. Lift up your worries and cares to God in prayer. Commend them to the Lord. As you do, you will soon realize his presence in your life each day, and the anxiousness for tomorrow will be replaced with the joy of Christ today.
Prayer: Lord, I put my trust in you, knowing you will provide all I need. Amen.
Ninety Day Bible Reading Challenge
Posted May 25, 2022 By adminOnce again, we present the challenge to our congregation to read the Bible in ninety days. As it was last year, the challenge is to read the entire Bible, chronologically, every day for three months. We will use the New Living Translation (NLT) Chronological Study Bible which can be purchased through Amazon.com or ordered from most Bible bookstores. Our challenge will begin on Wednesday, June 1st and continue through August 29th. Reading plans will be shared with all who take up the challenge.
Several who took the challenge last year found the NLT Chronological Bible to be a wonderful Bible reading and study aid. Helping them to grow in their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. I would invite you to participate again this year.
Small groups will meet on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall beginning on June 5th . We will encourage one another, talk about confusing passages and use some guided questions to facilitate conversation and learning more about what we have read. A brochure is located on the table in the church nave adjacent to the offering plates. It contains information about what to expect as we take up the challenge to read the Bible in 90 days. Even those who took the challenge last year will find it to be a rewarding experience. Order your Bible today, and let’s read the Bible together in ninety days.
Council Briefs
Posted May 25, 2022 By adminGood Things @ St. Jacob’s for April:
- Sunrise Breakfast: good food and good attendance
- Nice reception for Matt Burt
- Good cemetery workday – thirteen workers spread 7.5 tons of topsoil
- Easter Egg Hunt
Digital Sign
Posted May 25, 2022 By adminThe digital sign is a way of posting upcoming events and the different services we have at St Jacob’s. The church is in need of a volunteer who can update the digital sign with the upcoming events at the church. The sign is updated by an application on the computer, and with training can be done remotely. If anyone is interested, please contact Michael Corley at mcorley0814@icloud.com or Sherry Floyd in the church office.
Lutheran Men and Lutheran Women
Posted May 25, 2022 By adminThese groups will not be meeting in June.
Lutheran Men BBQ Pork and Hash Fundraiser
Posted May 25, 2022 By adminThe Lutheran Men are planning their annual BBQ pork and hash fundraiser.
The cost is $10.00 for a pound of BBQ and $8.00 for a quart of hash.
As in the past, orders can be picked up at the church Fellowship Hall on Friday, June 24th between 3-6:00 PM and Saturday, June 25th between 8-10 AM. Please see a member of the LUTHERAN MEN to place your order. The deadline is Sunday, June 12th.
Tuesday Evening Family Ministry
Posted May 25, 2022 By adminMatt, our Director for Youth and Family Ministry, has begun a new Family ministry here at St. Jacobs. Families share a time together exploring the depths of the Christian faith and growing in their relationship with Christ as his disciples. We gather on Tuesday evenings at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall, enjoying games, music, snacks and learning more about how we can grow together as children of God. Please plan to join us. You can reach out to Matt via email at matt@st-jacobs.org or speak with him on Sunday morning.
Vacation Bible School
Posted May 25, 2022 By adminSparks Studios 2022
VBS is back! Kids for Pre-K to 8th grade and their friends are invited to join us for a week of fun games, music, snacks, lessons, crafts, and much more. This year we will be diving into the awesomeness of God the Father, our Creator and Designer. The overwhelming joys of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit as He helps us throughout our lives.
VBS will begin with a light supper served at 5:45 PM and will conclude each evening about 8 PM. Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors as we offer praise and thanks to God for all he continues to do in the lives of his people. Mark it on your calendars starting on Monday, June 20th to Thursday, June 23rd at 5:45 PM.
We are currently seeking volunteers for a variety of roles, including:
Games coordinator
Lesson teacher
Meal provider
Craft makers
Volunteers for each age group Pre-K, 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th, 5th-8th,
If you are interested in helping us or have any questions, please reach out to: Matt, Sherrie McTeer or the Church office,
In Christ,
Matt Burt
Up And Going
Posted May 25, 2022 By adminOn a beautiful May 2nd, Monday morning, 48 Up and Going members and guests gathered in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy a May Day Gathering. A Traditional May Day Pole was on display to help us get into the May Day Spirit and everyone was dressed in Spring attire.
The Chapin Chirpers provided entertaining music and a delightful musical program entitled “Calendar Girl”. The room was filled with singing, clapping and laughter. Our thanks to the Chapin Chirpers for honoring us with their music that filled our faces with smiles and our hearts with happiness.
Then we enjoyed a bountiful lunch of different sandwiches, chips, vegetable trays and dips, pickles, topped off with cherry or apple dump cake with whipped topping and cookies. Tea and water were served for our enjoyment. Thank you to Joan and Gary Marco for coordinating the lunch for us.
What a wonderful day of hugs, laughter, food, fun and fellowship enjoyed by all! We departed with happy spirits, so thankful to God to be together in person again. We have missed each other’s company.
The next meeting of the Up and Going will be Thursday June 9th at 11AM. This is a covered dish meal and Pastor David will present the program on St. Jacob’s Treasure–Older, Wiser Lutherans. Hope to see you there.
