October 2023

The frost is on the pumpkin, the hay is in the barn, signs that point us to October. Happy October! Along with the cooler temperatures comes shorter days and longer nights. Great sleeping weather…but don’t sleep in and miss church.

In this season of Fall we have several changes which require your attention. First, we will be celebrating Homecoming with a service of remembering what worship life used to look like. The worship committee has some fun things in store for us all on October 8. There will be some special guests present for a special dedication event. You won’t want to miss the homecoming service.

Second, our annual meeting is just around the corner where we will vote on 3 new council positions and firm up our spending plan budget. Pray for our members to become church leaders and serve a term on council.
Perhaps you would consider service a three-year term?

As for the budget, it will look like last year’s budget with no major changes in store. We are behind in our giving so everyone is encouraged to catch up our tithes so we can meet the budget by the end of December.

Changes are in store for us with our worship music. Several suggestions were received from our worship survey recorded last July and we plan to respond to your feedback. A big thank you to everyone who filled out a survey.

October also means the Festival of the Reformation. Martin Luther’s writings encourage the church always be about the business of reforming. How might we plan to Re-Shape the way things are so that we feel challenged and active in living out faith in Christ? We talked about this last Lent, and I am wondering if we can come together with our neighboring churches for a service of Thanksgiving. Plans are in the works to worship together the Sunday evening before Thanksgiving. We will provide rides for those of us who prefer not to drive after dark.

Again, I want to wish you a Happy October and I look forward to seeing you in church!
Pastor John


September 2023
Well here it is again, Back to School time. Time to pay extra attention as we drive through school zones and keep an eye out for students. As the students in the community travel back to classes, I wonder if we too can re-dedicate ourselves to learning more about our faith? How about Back to Sunday School Days? Certainly, every person’s faith needs to grow in many ways. How about you, where might your faith have a “growing edge?”

Some of us in the church need to learn how to be better at dreaming for God’s future in the church. What is God planning for this congregation over the next decade? Do you for-see more: Bible study classes, worship opportunities, or apple pie preparations? Should there be more sermons, more music, or more fellowship meals? What might God be calling us to do?

And what kinds of “Ministry offerings” is God wanting us to be involved with? Homeless ministry, ministry to the elderly, ministry to children and families? The NC Synod is making plans for ministry with refugees…is this something God is lifting up for us?

If we want to focus on GROWTH, how can we go and greet our neighbors to invite them to worship with us? Should we consider going door-to-door with printed materials explaining who we are and how Lutherans are a Grace-filled church, loving and forgiving as we reach out to others in the name of God’s son.

We have a few ideas regarding our worship offerings and want to thank all members who participated with our survey. Now we must all continue to gather for worship and sing praises to God. Plans are being made for community worship events around Thanksgiving and Lent. There will be additional services with other congregations and visiting clergy to lead the services. So Stay tuned for details.

One of the Sunday school classes is shifting gears and committing to a different topic for study. A series from Cokesbury Publishing is being previewed to help us gain insight into the teachings in the Gospels. Each book has a different author who had their own style and own emphasis in their telling of Jesus life. They were each Jews but their communities were different. Some wrote to fellow Jews, some were writing to Jews in communities of Gentiles. What can you and I glean from a fresh study and lively conversation of the gospels?

We will continue our Sunday lessons in the books of Romans and Matthew’s Gospel. We will hear how communities of faith live in harmony, live honorably, Witness and share love in the midst of diversity and take a stand to practice faith in the Messiah. This wisdom from scripture still has value and meaning for the church today. That is, if the church is engaged in “living” the old, old story of Jesus and His love and not simply singing about it. Of course, we sing hymn…I Love To Tell the Story; but we need to put the story into action. Remember, It’s September, and Church School is back in session. I look forward to seeing you in Worship.
Pastor John

August 2023
The “Dog Days” have arrived. Outdoor life is hot and keeping cool is a challenge. I learned about my own heart health that it is not wise for my health to be outside for any length of time in August without a bottle of water, a shady place nearby and a return to air conditioned comfort asap. If I don’t listen to my body, I will become overheated and sick.

This month we have all been asked to provide feedback with an evaluation of our Sunday service. I hope and pray that you will participate. Evaluations will help us to look back at ourselves and our plans…and chart a course by which we can improve for future worshipers. After all, who here does not want to welcome others and invite others to join in worship?

In August, our Gospel readings will take us through Matthew chapters 14,15, and 16. We see how Jesus feeds 5000, empowers Peter to walk on water, Learn how He has come to the lost sheep of Israel, and asks Peter “Who do YOU say I am?

Matthew reveals how Jesus is much more than a man, He must be the Son of God because of the things he did. Feeding so many, defying gravity, finding and healing those who are lost. Like Peter, we must come to our own confession…of WHO this is each Sunday. Is He our Lord? Or do we come to worship to just see each other? Is God bringing new life to all people? Or do we chose to remain on the sideline and watch as others grow in faith and serve neighbors? Has not God done something miracle like in your life such as “walking on water?” Did He not bring healing, order, direction and forgiveness to you?

Lutheran Chapel is a “living church” in motion with the “living bread” living body of Christ. How might we be more active as this “living” community? Where can we grow differently and be more attractive to the lost sheep? What miracle awaits for this church to step out in faith and remain focused on the cross of new life? Remember, Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink into the water. Let us keep our eyes on Him, get out of this boat, and move in the direction of Christ. Do you think we can do this? Are we ready to evaluate where we have been and set a course for a new future?

Ponder and pray about these questions of spiritual growth and faith journey as you complete and return your worship evaluation. Then, come and join us on Sundays so that we can walk together in Christ.
Pastor John


July 2023
Happy Independence Day! July means celebrating the birthday of America! I pray that your celebrations are family, fun filled events wherever that will take you. At church, we celebrate our independence from sin, Satan’s daily taxation of temptations and deceptions that ill lead us in the wrong direction. Not those who are in Christ, we are independent of the stains of sin and promised salvation through our faith in Christ. Do you believe this? St. Paul says in Romans 6, “We have been buried with Christ by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” This gift of independence is ours through the event of Baptism. But that is not all, like any finale adds joy to a fireworks display, God also adds more to the faith life of His children. God sustains our relationship with him through The Sacrament of the Altar, Holy Communion which Luther explains for us in the Small Catechism (ELW p. 1166). “The words, given for you and shed for you for the forgiveness of sin show us that forgiveness of sin, life and salvation are given to us in the sacrament through these words, because where there is forgiveness of then, there is also life and salvation.” So, again I say, Happy Independence Day! Salvation is ours through our faith in Christ! Let us now work together, worship together and serve our neighbors together in the name of Jesus. And here in the month of July, that means working together to make and sell apple pies at Farmer’s Day on July 15th. Can you join the congregation in this great week of making, preparing, cooking, and selling pies? Or do you prefer to buy a pie, make a donation, and share a smile with a mouth full of Lutheran Chapel joy? No matter how you choose, I do hope you will have some ownership in this ministry that is so well received by the community around us. We are not trying to break any record of sales as compared to previous years. No! We just wish to do our best and share in fellowship as we work together to provide a treat of faith to our neighbors. Come and help us get ready for Farmer’s Day by making pies! I hope you celebrate July in some special way. Remember your Baptism. Receive the Sacrament of the Altar and Worship with the joy of being truly free in Christ Jesus our Lord. Now, Let the real fireworks begin as we celebrate His Victory!

See you in church,
Pastor John


June 2023

Welcome to the green season of Pentecost! The time of the church year when our worship themes turn to the calling of disciples and the work of the Church. It is a good time for us to reflect upon our calling to be God’s people. Like the disciples, we hide for our safety, remaining behind locked doors. We hide inside our homes with the air-conditioning turned on. We hide from everything except our appointments with our doctors, maybe you want to hide from them too.

But here in the season of Pentecost, God has fulfilled the words of Jesus to “send an advocate” to accompany us and empower us with “truth”. Being empowered, the disciples were told to go into the world, teaching and baptizing in the name of Jesus. How about us? What can you and I do to teach others about faith? Who can we teach, and who can we telephone and invite to worship?

Speaking of worship, What specifically do you like about Sunday worship? What do you treasure about our weekly gathering to sing, pray, and encounter God in His Word? We will be taking a survey about Sunday Worship likes and dislikes so that we can be our best each week. Grace, forgiveness, and healing are God’s
gifts to his people; weekly worship is our gift to God. Let us make sure we are doing our best to plan and conduct worship gatherings. Watch out for this survey to be available later this month. Some of my favorite memories from the month of June include: graduations, confirmation services, day trips to visit places and turning on the large attic fan in my childhood home which would keep us cool at night. I did not grow up with air-conditioning. Now, I cannot live without it.

I suppose “getting older” has made me that way. I hope this “getting older” will not be my excuse to avoid God’s words at Pentecost. Since God has sent his
Holy Spirit into my life, your life, and His catholic church; we have been called to serve and care for others. How might we break free from the fortress of our “locked doors” and have conversations about faith? If I offer a Bible study at church…would you attend? If we have an ice-cream social in the fellowship hall…would you bring your spoon? Would you bring a friend? Could you telephone a friend to join you? What if we were to offer a night of sharing our gifts…a talent show? Would you come and sing, tell a joke, share a picture you have painted, read your favorite poem, or tell us all about the time you did something silly?

It's Pentecost, Let us focus on coming together and being together in the Name of Jesus. Can you think of something else we could plan that would bring the church family together?

May God’s blessings stir your heart this June, “like tongues of fire dancing upon the heads of the disciples”, may we be witnesses to the gift of life that God has gifted to us all.

See you in church,
Pastor John Tucker



May 2023

Welcome May!
What will this month bring to your household? Early in May, the Running of the Roses is held. It’s Kentucky Derby time. Southern Belles dress in their finest, including a flowery hat, and drink Mint Juleps. It’s Kentucky Derby Day. In mid-month we honor mom on Mother’s Day second Sunday in May. Then, at the end of the month, we honor our military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice to assure our freedom and way of life. Memorial Day. What will this month bring to you?

In the life of the church, we are focusing on the readings of the Easter Season. That is, what did the disciples do following the Resurrection? How did the death and new life of Jesus change their priorities for life? And where did this new priority take them in life? As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, our readings include Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life. Our second lessons will follow the First Epistle of Peter from start to finish. Read it’s message in for the early church followers that is only five chapters long. Look at the wisdom, direction and blessings for the church which are still true today.

I have been sharing my concerns for direction and vision in our ministry together. I feel that God has called us to be involved in ministry that is focused on others and not simply our church family. We are expected to take
care of each other. But what else is God calling us to do? What picture of “Hope” are we called to be offering to the community? Pray about this. Ask God to show us a clear vision. (My wife, Jeanne says enough about a vision. So I say, OK…Where do we go from here? “Not my will Father, but Your will be done.” See what you can glean from your reading of First Peter. What direction is God lifting up for His church? Peter reminds his congregation, “…the God of grace who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen and establish you.” God is with you and me in this busy month of May.

What will this month bring to your household? It is deemed as the following: National BBQ month, National Hamburger month, National Salad Month and Older Americans Month. How might we use this month to bring honor and glory to God…and not just our waist lines? Without a clear vision this month, it sure will be tempting to give into the many voices calling to us to be busy. Let us get busy for sure, after all It is May…the busiest month in the year from start to finish. Let’s not miss the opportunity to be busy for the Lord! May the Easter celebration continue.

See you in church,
Pastor John



March 2023

March has arrived and our Lenten disciplines are underway. Have you settled in to a discipline of reading your Lenten devotions? The devotion for March first gives us a statement to ponder, “There is no end to the things that can awaken our wonder…” wonderment of God and His creation. As Spring awakens creation,
where do you see and connect with God’s presence? Can you see and feel God’s renewing spirit in the flowers as they are poking through the garden beds? Have you felt God’s healing spirit following a recent visit to your doctor’s office? God is certainly busy making all things new.

As we continue weekly worship at 9:00 each Sunday morning, our lessons are helping us connect with our wonderment of the covenants that God made. Each week our lesson from the Old Testament reminds us of the promises that God made with his children. God’s covenants include: land, descendants, protection, law to direct our path, and all he asks in return is that we love Him with our whole heart. We promise to have no other God’s before Him. Our willingness to do that keeps the covenant in place.

God’s promise of covenant with his people and our devotion to Him is what sustains us in life. Our path is not guaranteed to be easy, but God has promised to walk with us through the struggles. Struggles like our issues of health and well being, our failing strength and balance, our struggles to maintain our finances, and difficulties to keep up with the relationships we have with each other. God is present with us in all of this. So too, is God with us in the struggles of our Lenten journey. We might struggle with our choices to deny
ourselves things and treats in Lent, but remember that Christ struggled too. He gave up his options to follow God’s plan for Him and the salvation of all believers.

As the month of March unfolds, so too will our puzzlement of God’s presence in creation. As we gather on Wednesday evenings for Supper and Worship, we will explore elements of God’s Grace. What is Grace? Who offers this Grace? Where is Grace in the world to be found? Our conversation begins with a video
presentation followed by lively conversation. Join us on this Lenten Journey of Grace!

Carry on in your discipleship. I look forward to seeing you in church.
Pastor John Tucker

February 2023

Welcome February, Welcome Season of Lent. This is the season when the church takes a more serious look at our identity as baptized children of God and our unworthiness due to our preference to live in sin. For Martin Luther, this was his “journey into the dark night of the soul”. A time to listen humbly from the foot of the cross as God calls for repentance. God’s call to stop the direction in which we are traveling, realize that we are lost without his presence, and turn our hearts around to the direction of discipleship.

Such a turning looks different for each of us. We are all traveling at different speeds, in various directions, seeking worldly gains. Repentance is the calling by Jesus to stop the vehicle, turn down the distractions so that His “Bread of Life” might be received.

This sounds so simple but, it still alludes us all. We feel as if we are “in charge of” the world around us and we like being lost. We enjoy blazing new trails, finding new paths and we are blind to the truth that we are traveling further and further away from the “Light of the World”. Like you, I really do prefer the light so I have to come out of the darkness. I personally seek to do this by getting myself to a place where I can hear God’s Word, think about this Word and apply it to my daily life. God’s Word is a “Living Word”. It was not meant to merely remain in a Holy Book or be spoken by church leaders. It is meant to make a difference in your life and my life, calling us to repent and change direction.

This is an invitation, an option I offer to you…to stop your daily grind and join your church family on Wednesday evenings for a meal together followed by a brief worship service. Our focus is to hear God’s word and be reminded that all of us are in the same boat, needing to refocus our lives on faith in God’s Son. In this way, “The Word” reminds that God is not finished with any of us. He is busy trying to shape us into His Church so that our lives are lived to His Glory. Won’t you consider joining us for worship on Wednesdays? “The Word” will invite you into a deeper walk with that which matters most. Matters most? What does that mean for you? …Can FAITH take a bolder stand in your daily activities? is exactly This is the reason we are called together each LENT. I pray that I will see you for Supper in the Fellowship Hall.

Pastor John


January 2023

Happy New Year – 2023! Where did 2022 go? The year went by far too fast and it seems like yesterday that we were celebrating the beginning of 2022. We are finishing the first month of the church year as the church year begins with Advent and the Birth of Our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ.

Many things changed in 2022. We lost 8 members of our congregation during 2022. We pray for God’s peace for all of these families. We have returned to a “normal” worship service (no mask, separate seating or contact tracing) and are using the ELW hymnal for our liturgy and hymns. We held several Bible Studies and have returned to having meals in the Fellowship Building. We have several members that are now in long term care facilities. We ask for God’s healing presence to be upon each of them. We’re glad that Laura Agner has joined us as our organist after the unexpected loss of Gail Deal.

Where did the time go? Time is like the ocean tide – it is every present – it comes in with the sunrise in the morning and goes out with the sun setting every evening. Night falls and the world becomes dark. We can’t change it and it is the same every day, month and year. We constantly wish that we would have more time to do the things that we need or think we need to take care of immediately or to finish. Do we use our time wisely for thanking God for his constant love and presence among us? For giving us what we need not what we think we need.

New Year – New Beginnings! We all (or most of us) make New Year resolutions. Lose weight, give up certain foods or drinks, organize our house or office, spend more time with loved ones, and to read the Bible Daily and pray for ALL the world. Some of the resolutions take root and grow, but most of them wither and fall by the roadside within a few weeks or months. With each new year/new day we have the possibility to make an impact on someone or something through kindness, volunteering, calling, writing a note (a lost art since texting & email have become popular), or simply listening when someone wants to talk. Take the time each day to renew your spirit with the Word of God. We have a new look to Chapel Notes which I hope you enjoy. My wish for each of you is to have a Happy New Year – filled with God’s loving arms wrapped around you and that you would truly know that he is with us each and every day!

Peace & Love!
Jackie


December 2022

Welcome Advent! We begin preparing our hearts and homes for the advent of the Messiah. God’s greatest gift of love has been prepared and will be out for delivery soon. Oh that our “ring doorbells” would capture the delivery and announce the arrival that we all anticipate. I am wondering what each of us must do to prepare our hearts to receive this greatest gift of all?

We have the next four weeks to continue preparations. We begin by decorating
the sanctuary and church building with the “Hanging of the Greens”. We want to give the outward appearance that we are making changes. And beautiful changes at that! What changes also need to be made to change our hearts and perspectives to show love and shine forth God’s divine light to others?

Advent hymns will help us to Watch for Messiah and Keep Awake! What is your
favorite Advent Hymn? Can’t think of one? Make that your goal in the coming
weeks…select a favorite and commit it to memory. Then, Identify a Scripture
reading that captures your view on what it means to long for God to come and
rescue his people?

Savior of the Nations Come…will we be ready for his arrival? Have you thought
about how you personally will greet him? How will you Prepare the Royal Highway that leads to your inmost dwelling? It will take more than a gift of canned food items for others... so ponder what changes need to be in the works.

“No more let sin and sorrow grow not thorns infest the ground. He comes to make his blessings flow…” Is there a blessing you are hoping to receive this year? What blessing might we as a church be called to give to others? Are you on board with providing such a gift to the community?

We have a lot of things to ponder in this season of preparation. Not only our
outward decorations, but singing hymns that will help us reflect on God’s purpose to move his followers away from the darkness of sin into the light of life. If we are not yet ready, what will it take for the world to get ready? How might we together make plans to further the preparations? Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel… Let us all look to the heavens for God to enter the story, and let us be caught looking, waiting and watching as He arrives to bring us light. Happy Advent! Happy Christmas this December.

Pastor John


November 2022
Welcome November! What do these words mean to you? Many people are anxious about the election in the week ahead. I pray that you will not be anxious. Cast your vote and pray for God’s will to be done. Then pray for our leaders to allow God to overshadow their decisions and policies, remembering that in two years, we will vote again to elect new leaders to carry the torch of liberty and justice for all.

Election day seems to be the central theme at the moment, but we have
forgotten about our church calendar and the festival day that comes before
Election Day. I am talking about All Saints Day. This is a day for worship when we pause to remember all of the Saints who have died since last November, who now live in God’s nearer presence. I hope you will join us for worship on November 1 at 9:00 AM for this celebration of life everlasting.

For some in the church family, November means a celebration of our veteran’s service to country on November 11. We remember their commitment to God and country and their unselfish priority to represent America in the Fortress of safety and battlefield of conflict. It is said that there are few people who will lay down their life for another. Jesus Christ is the first; and our soldiers and veterans answered a similar call. Thank you, Veterans.

Let us not forget our National Day of Thanksgiving on the last Thursday.
What are you most thankful for? With who will you spend this holiday? What is
your favorite food to share? How is God part of your celebration? I am drawn to reflect on Psalm 95: verse 2 “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise to him with songs.” How has God blessed you and your family this year? Sing God’s praises over these blessings.

The last Sunday in November begins the season of Advent-4 weeks until the
birth of our Lord and Savior. How might this year’s celebration be different then previous celebrations? What new joy are you planning to share to embrace this holy season? Might there be a concert or caroling event you could attend now that the pandemic is less urgent?

Welcome November! A month that my dentist says has increased his business due to the multitude of people who have broken teeth as a result of stress
over election day. May your life not reflect such stress, rather… “give to Caesar the things of Caesar, and give to God the things that belong to God” (Mt. 22:21). Give God thanksgiving…for all he has provided and His promise to be with us, even to the close of the age. God has this…Have Faith .
Pastor John


October 2022

Welcome Fall! I can’t believe that October is here, and the year is quickly drawing to a close. The daylight is shorter, and the nights are growing cooler and longer. I welcome cooler days, changing leaves, pumpkins and all things Fall. I am excited to say that we have a very busy October at Lutheran Chapel. Please take note of all
the events happening this month.

We have a Paint Fund for renovations to our Sanctuary. Bids are still be collected at this time but with the age of our age it will probably be costly. We appreciate all that have given generously and are looking for ways to fund this project.

Changing seasons means changing many things: Sweaters and long pants will replace t-shirts and shorts. Our gardens are slowly waning as soon frost will be on the pumpkins. We will be raking leaves instead of mowing grass. Hot soups will be replacing salads. Sweet iced tea is a staple for me year-round. Football games have become a Thursday and Sunday must watch on TV. How do we change ourselves?

Our Gospel Readings for the month is from Luke 17 & 18, and John 8. Each reading involves faith, our treatment of others, and how we perceive ourselves. We need to take a hard look inward and ask, “Am I doing all that I can to help others?”, “Am I putting others down to make myself look better?”, “Am I treating others as I would like to be treated?” We should be reaching out to those that are less fortunate than ourselves and letting them know that we are available to help.

We have many opportunities to help through our Social Ministry, Main Street Mission, Rowan Helping Ministries, Food Lion Feeds, and Lutheran World Relief. These organizations need our support in ways that don’t always involve money. Prayer is a huge support for any need. Volunteering to check on someone that may not have family, sometimes it’s just a phone call to someone. You can purchase a $5.00 meal kit at Food Lion for a local food bank. Donate food to our Social Ministry for the local food pantry at First United Methodist Church in Landis. One person can change the world – one action at a time.

Consider visiting someone you haven’t seen in some time. Get to know your neighbors. Consider volunteering at our Lifeline event on October 17. Engage in charity. Be a good listener. Give someone a compliment. It doesn’t cost anything to SMILE at someone.

Faith must be center stage in our lives – every second of every day.
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”  And the Lord
said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to
this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. Luke 17:5-6 ESV

What size is your Faith?

Jackie