As Vacation Bible School approaches, we want to get ahead on planning and equipping those who will be teaching. If you would like to volunteer to serve, check the sign-up sheet on the youth bulletin board by the fellowship hall. VBS will be June 22nd-25th. Continue to watch your newsletter and worship folders for more details.
Everyone is invited to a workday on Saturday, March 7th from 9 AM-12 PM. We will be cleaning and organizing the Sunday School wing downstairs. All supplies will be provided. There is a lot to do and many hands make it go much faster (and more fun too!). There will be jobs for all ages and abilities. We look forward to seeing you there and thank you in advance for serving.
First Communion classes are scheduled for Sundays, March 15th, 22nd, and 29th. Parents or guardians who feel their child is ready should plan to attend classes with their child. Classes will be held during the Sunday School time in the Sanctuary. Children participating will receive their First Communion on Palm Sunday, April 5th.
As you know, St. Jacob’s is in the midst of discernment for our musical program and a search for a new Music Director/Organist. In the meantime, supply organists have been scheduled to accompany our congregation in worship for the coming months. Please continue in prayer for the leaders of our congregation, the Staff Support Team and all who are involved in the process. God grant us faith and patience as we continue to seek the one whom he has already chosen.
In keeping with our regular Wednesday evening worship schedule, Lenten vespers will begin on March 4th in the church nave at 7 PM. Several of our church family members will present dramatic readings based on the Sola Publishing series “Will You Betray Me?”
Preceding each service will be a light meal served in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 6:15 PM. Join the members of your church family for fellowship and worship as we focus on God’s holy Word and Christ’s journey toward the victory of the cross
There have been some wonderful developments concerning the Congo Mission as of late. In November, Pastor Stéphane Kalonji and I submitted paperwork to incorporate what is now known as Congo Mission International. Having received information that incorporation has been granted, the next step was to submit the application for tax exempt status.
I am pleased to inform you that Congo Mission International has been granted 501(c)(3) tax exempt status by the United States Internal Revenue Service. These are exciting times for us as we do the work God sets before us. Yet, it goes without saying, the work in God’s mission field is never complete. I would invite you to continue to support the Congo Mission through your benevolent offerings and by attending special fund-raising events during the year. I will be working with several people at St. Jacob’s to schedule a fund-raising dinner for our congregation and also the community around us. Please keep Congo Mission International and the good folks we minister to in Africa in your prayers.
During the season of Lent, our Wednesday morning Bible Study will focus on the Psalms we read during the season. We will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 26th, taking a look at Psalm 51 as King David prays to God for mercy.
Our Wednesday mornings are filled with great discussion concerning scripture and the impact it has on our daily life. Consider joining us each Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Invite your friends and neighbors too.
Miranda and I want to express our thanks and gratitude to all of you at St. Jacob’s for the Christmas gifts for the children which brought them so much joy and for the monetary gifts and gift cards. We are very thankful that God has put St. Jacob’s in our lives. We have had many hard days and your thoughtfulness and prayers are helping us get through these days. You all have been such a great example of Christian attitude, support and caring for people.
God bless each of you, Chris
Up and Going met on February 13th with beautiful valentine decorations that set the mood. There were 25 members and guests present to enjoy this special time together. The blessing was said and a delicious covered dish meal followed. The program was presented by Tommy, assisted by his wife, Janet. February is Heart Health month and Tommy spoke to us about his heart health journey, which includes living on a heart pump. He graciously showed us the heart pump, it’s batteries and how it is connected to his body and answered our questions. His wife designed the tee shirt that holds his batteries and answered questions. Their presentation was absolutely amazing. Tommy added funny stories about his journey and his strong Faith. Janet passed out handouts that they had prepared for each of us. This was the most fascinating show and tell. We sincerely appreciate Tommy and Janet being with us and sharing their experiences. We also welcomed their friend Biebe who was with them. Albert gave the devotions emphasizing one of our favorite Bible verses, Nothing Can Separate us from God’s Love. This was a very timely devotion considering all that Tommy had just told us. The Treasurer’s Report was given. Old and New Business was discussed. Helen passed out Heart Health handouts entitled “Timing is everything”, “Love your heart” and “Did You Know Heart Attacks Have Beginnings?” She then read a poem by Clay Harrison entitled “Everyday Miracles”. This writing reminded us that we receive miracles from God constantly. Let us acknowledge and give thanks. Thank you to each of you for making this meal and meeting so enjoyable.
The March Up and Going Meeting is scheduled for March 12th at 11 AM in the Fellowship Hall. The meal will be our annual soup pot lunch. There is a sign up sheet posted for each person to designate whatever you would like to bring to fill our soup pot and fixings. Ray will provide the devotions and a short program on getting our gardens ready for Spring Planting. We will then make bows and cards for the Hospice Easter Bags, which we will assemble in April.
Thanks, Helen
We want to thank all of you for your continued support. The Love Offering luncheon on Sunday, January 26th was a big success. All money raised went to the Simmons family to help with their mounting medical bills. Also, we along with the Lutheran Men’s group were able to furnish We Care with 690 pounds of food and non-perishable items. Our group will continue to collect food and non-perishable items for We Care. There is a box in the Fellowship Hall to place your donations.
We have a busy year planned. Following are some dates you may want to put on your calendar: April 4—Easter Egg Hunt, May 23—Mother Daughter Brunch, September 13—Congregational Meal Fundraiser, September 26—Host NALC Lutheran Women District Meeting, and October 31—Trunk or Treat. Watch your worship folders for information regarding these events.
We invite all ladies to come join us. Our meetings are on the 3rd Sunday of each month at 4:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions in reference to our group, please call me at 345-3245 or 609-5371.
Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.”
Leader, Phyllis
