St. Jacob’s sends Pastor Angel Jackson on sabbatical

On Sunday, May 10, St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church held its final worship service before Pastor Angel Jackson departed for her sabbatical. She will return to the office Monday, Aug. 24, and conduct her first worship service following her return on Aug. 30.

Pastor Herb Garnes, who served as pastor at St. Jacob’s from 1970-2007, will lead worship services while Pastor Angel is away. Numerous lay members of the congregation also will contribute by sharing their faith stories in support of St. Jacob’s 2026 theme, “Telling Our Own Stories.”

Near the end of the May 10 service, following communion and before the benediction, Karen Drake, Chyme Burnham and the congregation conducted a “Liturgy of Sending and Blessing” for Pastor Angel.

Following that, Garnes was surprised by being named pastor emeritus of St. Jacob’s. Tom Dwenger, president of the St. Jacob’s Church Council, presented Garnes with a plaque reading: “Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Herbert J. Garnes III, Pastor from 1970-2007. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.”

The gospel lesson came from the 14th chapter of St. John. Pastor Angel said, “This passage reminds us that no matter where we journey, Jesus promised to be with us. Indeed, the love of God dwells in us and connects us, through any goodbye. Thank you so much for this gift of time and all the well wishes and the love to carry with me!”

Earlier in the service during the children’s sermon, Pastor Angel used a large ball of yarn as the children rolled it throughout the sanctuary so every parishioner could hold onto the yarn as a symbol of being connected together through Jesus.

Following the service, attendees enjoyed cake and refreshments.

St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church, located at 1460 State St. NE in North Canton, holds worship services Sundays at 10 a.m. with coffee time from 9:30-9:50 a.m. in Garnes Hall. Holy Communion is celebrated at each service, and all are welcome.