2024 Year in Review

This year we saw God work in incredible ways at Jacob’s Well. Here’s a look back at the highlights from 2024.

Message Schedule

Our teaching schedule this year guided us through powerful truths and practical faith. I Am in December revealed Jesus as the eternal "I Am," bringing light and hope to the world. In April, Things Too Wonderful helped us explore Job’s story of wonder in the midst of trials. The summer series Hope in a Hostile World unpacked 1 Thessalonians, offering hope and strength through life’s challenges.

Special Services

Special services drew us closer to God and one another. Easter Sunday celebrated Jesus’ resurrection and the hope we find in Him. On Father’s Day, we were inspired by Ben Berthiaume's interview in “A Grand Adventure,” celebrating fatherhood and faith. The 24 Hours of Prayer in April brought the congregation together for a time of focused prayer and seeking God.

Worship Nights & Baptisms

Worship Nights this year were filled with moments of both adoration and celebration. The May Worship Night with Baptisms celebrated many new lives beginning in Christ. The Fall Festival combined worship, family fun, and baptisms into one great day. The International Worship Night showcased the heart of God's people worldwide. December’s Worship Night and Baptisms closed the year with a powerful reflection on God’s faithfulness.

Stories of God at Work

This year, we saw stories of God’s provision and power right here among us. Perry Polnaszek’s missions brought life-changing eye care and training to Tanzania. Marsha Anderson's Prayer Journey, Kyla's Heart for Global Missions, and Linda's Relatable Story of collecting people inspired us and challenged us. Disaster Relief Volunteers served those in crisis, bringing hope and tangible help to people in need. And this year, our Care and Prayer Ministries were led by Amanda Brenden, who also shared with us her Story of Redemption.

Churchwide Initiatives

Churchwide efforts helped us grow in our faith, together. The Teach Us to Pray series in March encouraged us to go deeper in our relationship with God through prayer, starting with the Hours of Prayer Podcast and culminating in a first at Jacob's Well, the 24 Hours of Prayer event. The launch of Making Room in September inspired us to create space—both physically and spiritually—for new growth and connection in our church family, as we heard Stories of Others when they first came to Jacob's Well.

Devotions

Weekly devotions kept us engaged and focused on God’s Word throughout the year. The Advent Devotional in December guided us toward Christ during the Christmas season. Reflections from the "Close" series helped us experience the nearness of God. The Hope in a Hostile World devotions encouraged us to stay anchored in Christ during uncertain times.

Classes

Classes this year equipped us to grow, both spiritually and personally. Alpha created a space for asking big questions about faith. Emotionally Healthy Relationships taught us practical skills for healthier connections. Trauma Reboot helped us find healing and strength through God’s love. Browse and register for classes starting this January!

JW Kids Online Lessons

Our kids explored the Bible in fun new ways– through our brand new curriculum and with JW Kids Online, weekly online lessons written and produced just for our kids and families. Lessons like "Cheat Codes," "Love One Another," and "Forgiveness" brought God's love and Scripture to life. Not to mention all the crazy fun games with Whitney, Amanda, Anna, Michael, Mr. Nate, and others! These weekly videos after the online service created meaningful moments for families to gather together, have some fun, and grow in their faith together.

Greenhouse YTH Messages

For students, Greenhouse YTH provided real and relevant teaching. Messages like "Jehovah Rapha: The Lord Who Heals" revealed God’s healing power. "Jehovah Rohi: The Lord is My Shepherd" inspired students to trust in God’s guidance. And many more student-led messages blessed our ears and hearts.

The School of Unlearning Podcast

Our podcast with Pastor Paul and Shua tackled thought-provoking topics from the previous weeks' messages, challenging us to go deeper. Some memorable episodes included "Confirmation Bias", "Stories We Tell", "Family... It’s Complicated", and "The Need to Celebrate". This podcast on the Jacob's Well app and on Spotify offered practical insights and sparked meaningful conversations throughout the year.

Other Big Events

Big events brought our church and community together through acts of service. The Back-to-School Backpack Distribution in August helped local kids start the school year equipped and confident. In November, we collected Christmas Care Boxes, providing encouragement for foster families in the Chippewa Valley. The planning, staffing and launch of our close friends and Share Partner Venture Academy K-6 was a huge milestone, offering an innovative new Christ-centered education opportunity right here in our community.

Bumpers & Intros

Each week, custom-made bumper videos helped us engage with and relate to the truths being shared in our messages from the stage. Some favorite bumpers from the year included "I Am", "Things Too Wonderful", and Marsha Anderson’s intros during "The Place Was Shaken." These creative short stories brought the weekly messages to life and made each teaching series that much more meaningful.

Week-by-Week Highlights

Our weekly email updates kept thousands of us informed and connected. Each weekend issue featured updates about events, stories of God at work, and ways to get involved at Jacob's Well. From the Fall Serve Rallies in August to the Saturday Services launch in November, these regular notes in our inbox helped our church family stay engaged. Subscribe Now to stay up to date!

And that just scratches the surface! Browse below for many more links, videos, podcasts and resources from 2024. As we reflect on all we've walked through this past year, we are so grateful for how God worked through our church. We're excited to see what's next in 2025, taking even more steps together to know and become like Jesus!