Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Minor Festival -- The Festival of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
On Sunday, September 21, we will recognize a
minor festival, the Festival of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.
Matthew, also called Levi (Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32),
was a tax collector before Jesus called him to be a disciple and later
appointed him to be an apostle. We know
little of Matthew other than his seedy background (tax collectors were often
thieves). Yet, the Lord, who redeemed
this wretched sinner, had a special purpose for him. As an apostle, Matthew devoted his life to
proclaiming the good news of forgiveness through Jesus to others. He was also inspired by the Holy Spirit to
record the words and works of Jesus in the gospel that bears his name. Even tradition is vague on Matthew’s ministry
and death, except that he was martyred in some way. Just as the Lord redeemed this sinner and
called him to service, so the Lord does for us sinners as well.
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Sermon -- 14th Sunday after Pentecost (September 14, 2025)
A SPURNED LOVER REDEEMS HIS UNFAITHFUL BRIDE.
In the name + of Jesus.
Even if you are unfamiliar with them, you probably
have great respect for the prophets.
There have been many preachers throughout the history of the world. Very few have had their words inspired by our
Lord and preserved for God’s people until Judgment Day. You may know next to nothing about the
prophet Hosea. Maybe you have never read
the book of the Bible which bears his name.
Nevertheless, it is right to have respect for Hosea, but you probably
would not envy him.
Consider what Hosea recorded: “When
the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea,
“Go. Take for yourself an immoral wife
and children produced by sexual immorality, because the land has been
committing flagrant immorality, turning away from the Lord.’ So he went and took Gomer daughter of Diblaim”
(Hosea 1:2-3). How would you like
that? “Go and find a floozy. Marry her.
She will continually cheat on you.
She will have children, but they will not be yours. They will be children of infidelity. Love her anyway.” That is what God commanded Hosea to do.
It is not the only time our Lord gave his
prophets bizarre commands. While the
prophets spoke for the Lord, the Lord occasionally had the prophets’ lives be
the sermon. This was the case with
Hosea. He was the faithful and loving
husband whose wife was unfaithful to him.
Hosea was an image of the Lord.
Gomer was an image of the northern tribes of Israel who turned away from
the Lord, again and again, to chase after other sources of truth and
pleasure. Israel fell in love with
whatever promised prosperity, pleasure, and power. They pursued other lovers and spurned the
Lord.
What should a spurned lover do? How should a faithful husband respond to a
bride who cheats on him repeatedly? I
can’t think of anyone who would argue, “Well, he should put up with that and
accept that this is who she is.” No, we
would expect the husband to divorce his wife and to send her away, perhaps with
a few choice words.
At first, the Lord’s words were calls to return. The Lord sent prophets like Hosea to his
beloved again and again. Again and
again, he called them back to him, wooing them and pleading with them to turn
away from their false gods and their perverse worship. Again and again, Israel spurned the Lord’s
overtures. The Lord cannot be faulted
for his efforts. He was, indeed, slow to
anger. He was most patient for a
favorable response. He did not get it;
and finally, judgment came upon Israel in harsh and cruel ways.
The nation of Assyria came and ravaged
God’s people. Those who survived the
sword, starvation, and disease were carried off into captivity where they died. It happened just as the Lord had warned
through Hosea: “The people of Israel will live many days without king or
prince, without sacrifice or sacred memorial stones, and without the special
vest or family idols.” (Hosea 3:4).
The kingdom and the worship ceased during years of captivity. The Lord had warned such judgment would come
upon those who spurned him. Perhaps the
people did not think the Lord would follow through. Many still don’t. Don’t dismiss God’s warnings, and don’t
confuse God’s patience with indifference.
The judgment he had warned about came at last—with crushing violence and
banishment. And it was deserved.
There are many today who reject the notion
that the Lord would send people to hell despite all his warnings. They argue that a loving God would never do
that. Or if he would, they argue that he
is not a loving God. Perhaps you have
kicked around those thoughts yourself. “What
kind of God is this who demands love and obedience under the threat of eternal
damnation if he doesn’t get it?” When
the argument is set up that way, it surely makes our Lord look petty. Do not be deceived by people who present God
this way. It is like the people who ask,
“So, have you stopped beating your wife?”
A “Yes” means you admit that you have beaten your wife. A “No” means you still are beating your wife. The word of the Lord is most certainly not,
“Love me or I’ll damn you.”
Many people fail to understand this: No
one begins his life in the kingdom of God.
No one is even neutral, as if God decides to toss some aside because he
can. All are sinners. All stand outside of God’s love because of
this sinful condition. The Scriptures
testify: “The mind-set of the sinful flesh is hostile to God” (Romans 8:7). God is regarded as the enemy. So, if anyone enters in the kingdom of God, it
is because the Lord has brought him in. If
anyone loves God, it is God who has produced that love in him. The Bible teaches, “We love because he
first loved us” (1 John 4:19). He
demonstrates a love that is unexpected and unearned. He woos those who are unfaithful to be his
very own. He shows himself a faithful
lover, not plotting to take, but seeking to give.
If a woman has racked up some significant
debt—credit cards, school loans, car payments, what have you—the man who
marries her assumes those debts as his own.
Even though he did not accumulate them, he becomes responsible for
them. This is what Jesus has done for
his bride, the Church. In fact, for more
than the Church, but for the world. All
people are accountable to God for their lives.
Sins deserve to be judged. The
guilty are held accountable. They must
pay the price. But Jesus assumed the
guilt for all. He made himself accountable
for the sins of the world. He submitted
himself to divine judgment, and he paid the price. Although perfectly faithful to his heavenly
Father, Jesus died as an adulterer, a cheater, a manipulator, and a liar; for
the obscene, the impure, and the perverse.
Jesus
covers sinners with his own innocence.
He opens the kingdom of heaven to those who were destined for hell. If people go to hell, it is not because God
failed them. God has loved them with a
selfless love. The Lord does not
thunder, “Love me or go to hell.” He
pleads, “To escape hell, come to me.
Don’t love the things that result in death. Love me, for I will give you life and peace
and hope.” The spurned lover continues
to reach out to those who have been unfaithful to him.
Sadly, Israel did not listen or care. They spurned the Lord for other gods. They devoted their love to others. Like Gomer, Hosea’s wife, they prostituted
themselves to whoever made promises, even though those promises were
empty. They were willingly deceived, to
their own destruction.
Now, this is where God’s instructions to
Hosea are incredible. This is where
Hosea’s life became the second part of the sermon he was preaching. “The LORD said
to me, ‘Go again. Show love to a woman
who is loved by another man, a woman who keeps committing adultery. Show love just as the LORD loves
the people of Israel, even though they keep turning to other gods and loving
the raisin cakes.’ (Note: used in pagan
worship.) So I bought her for myself
for fifteen pieces of silver and nine bushels of barley. I said to her, ‘You will stay with me for
many days. You must not be
promiscuous. You must not be with any other man, and I will also be for
you’” (Hosea 3:1-3). The Lord sent
the spurned lover to redeem his unfaithful bride.
Hosea is an image of Jesus Christ. He is the Groom, and the Church is his
Bride. Even though each of us has been
unfaithful and have sinned against him, the spurned lover redeemed his
unfaithful bride. St. Paul wrote, “Christ
loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, by cleansing her
with the washing of water in connection with the Word. He did this so that he could present her to
himself as a glorious church, having no stain or wrinkle or any such thing, but
so that she would be holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27). The price Jesus paid to redeem us was
himself. He spared nothing, but gave
himself completely into a cursed death to rescue us from dying the death we
have earned. In love for us, Jesus
cleansed us of every blemish and stain from sin.
A bride on her wedding day wants to be as
beautiful as possible. But if a bride
wakes up on her wedding day to discover a blemish on her face, she panics. She fears that her groom will focus on her
blemish rather than her beauty. (News
flash, ladies: He won’t.) The Lord
Jesus, however, removes every blemish from us. Rather than leaving us in rags, he has clothed
us with garments of salvation. He
presents us to himself in radiance and beauty and purity. How great is his forgiveness! He does not scowl at us, reminding us again
and again of how we turned our wandering eyes to sin. He does not threaten or manipulate us. Rather, he speaks tenderly to his Bride,
continually professing his faithful love to his Church.
This is one reason why our Lord calls for
chastity among people and why he holds up marriage in such high regard. Those who are single are to reserve
themselves for the one person to whom he or she will be united in
marriage. Marital relations are to be
reserved for married couples. And
married couples are to be exclusive to one another. Each is to be devoted to the other, love each
other, and exalt each other. For every
marriage is the image of Jesus Christ to his Church. Everything outside of the union of one man
and one woman in a life-long union perverts the image of Christ and his Church. The Lord calls the perversion of his image an
abomination. On the other hand, the
union of Christ and his Church is glorious.
That is why God’s establishment of the union between one man and one
woman in marriage is glorious as well.
Even though Israel was unfaithful to the
Lord, the Lord remained faithful to his bride.
The Lord would not forget or forsake his covenant promise. The spurned lover redeemed his unfaithful
bride. The unfaithful bride repented and
was restored to him again. Hosea had
foretold it: “Afterward the people of Israel
will return and seek the LORD their
God and David their king. They will come
trembling to the LORD and to
his goodness in the latter days” (Hosea 3:5).
We come trembling before our God, not because he will damn us if we don’t. Rather, it is because we know that we are not worthy of his love. And yet, we marvel. For, the Son of David loves us faithfully and fervently. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to be his exclusively. For, he is the only one whose love is truly pure and selfless, and he is the only one who saves.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Update from Good Shepherd (September 11, 2025)
Greetings!
REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Adult Bible Class is Sundays at 9:00 AM. We will study the book of Revelation. A schedule can be found here.
Bible Matters meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. We will have an overview of the Minor Prophets. A schedule can be found here. (NOTE: We will NOT meet on September 17.)ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Be aware that west-bound traffic on 9 Mile Road is closed between Haggerty and Meadowbrook. There is no known date for the end of this project. Construction crews are doing landscaping on the shoulders of the road. It seems likely that 9 Mile will be open this Sunday, but please err on the side of caution.
Bible Matters meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. We will have an overview of the Minor Prophets. A schedule can be found here. (NOTE: We will NOT meet on September 17.)
CALENDAR: For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.
EVENTS THIS FALL
Church picnic will be held at Good Shepherd on Sunday, September 14 after church. The church will provide meat, buns, condiments, and water. Members are asked to bring a dish to round out the menu. This SignUpGenius form will indicate what you can bring to round out the meal -- salad, side dish, or dessert. Your generosity is appreciated.
Octoberfest, a celebration of the Lutheran Reformation, will be on Sunday, September 28. (Yes, I know, SEPTEMBER. But that’s when they do it in Munich, so there!) The schedule for our Octoberfest is:
5:00 PM -- Vespers
5:30 PM – A bratwurst dinner
6:30 PM – Luther Lecture (Frederick the Wise, elector of Saxony, protector of Luther)
In order to make sure we will have enough food on hand for this event, please RSVP to welsnovi@aol.com, indicating your name and how many will be coming to this event. If you would be so willing, please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to round out the meal.
Trunk or Treat will be Sunday, October 26 (3:00 - 5:00 PM).
6th Grade Bible History will begin on Wednesday, September 24 (5:00-6:00 PM).
Be aware that west-bound traffic on 9 Mile Road is closed between Haggerty and Meadowbrook. There is no known date for the end of this project. Construction crews are doing landscaping on the shoulders of the road. It seems likely that 9 Mile will be open this Sunday, but please err on the side of caution.
CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (August)
> We are still looking for more estimates to replace the windows in the chapel. With the seasons changing, so will the placement of the sun during our Divine Services. Soon, it will not be blinding on the north side of the church which gives us more time to get the window replacement we want instead of a hurried solution.
> Our projector has not been consistent in projecting. Since it is better than ten years old, we are considering a replacement. We are looking into getting a smart TV with interactive capabilities which allows HDMI input as well as ability to draw with a special, electronic pen. This will allow for the pastor to continue to draw his map of Israel for Bible Class. IYKYK. (If you don’t know, come to Bible Class!)
> Security cameras are being installed around the exterior of the church. Thanks to Mark Casmer and Jake Vega-Miranda for getting these set up.
GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from August 31, 2025. Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, August 31, 2025
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).
INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.
For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).
INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.
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In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
==================
REGULAR SCHEDULE
Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM
Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM
DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Bible Matters -- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org
PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Sermon -- 13th Sunday after Pentecost (September 7, 2025)
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RECOGNIZE THE COST OF BEING JESUS’ DISCIPLE.
In
the name + of Jesus.
Jesus told the crowds that there was a
cost to being his disciple. Jesus was no
huckster, conning people in order to get something out of them. Jesus had come to deliver people from their
sins. That, of course, meant that people
needed to recognize that their sins were a problem. It is not always a love of wickedness that is
a problem; it is often a love of blessings.
All our blessings are gifts from God, but they are not to be praised
higher than the God who gives them. The
First Commandment is the greatest commandment: “You shall have no other
gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above
all things” (Luther’s Small Catechism: First Commandment). All things. Even precious blessings.
Recognize the cost of being Jesus’
disciple. Jesus revealed that cost in
shocking terms. “If anyone comes to
me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and
sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). This is hyperbole. (St. Luke likes to do that.) Jesus does not forbid you to love your family. The 4th Commandment tells us to
honor father and mother. That is God’s
word, and it is good. But the 4th
Commandment is never higher than the 1st Commandment. So, Jesus intentionally used shocking
language to show that being his disciple demands a total commitment. If you would ever have to choose between Jesus
and your family and friends, you would forsake your family and friends before you
forsook Jesus. Recognize the cost for
being Jesus’ disciple.
Our Lord does not expect parents to
withhold love from their children. Even
if your child goes to jail, you will still love your child. You may be disappointed in him, but you will
still love him. However, parents who
love their children will also love them enough to tell them when they are
wrong. Discipline is not cruelty; it is
done out of love for the good of the child.
So, if your son or daughter is engaged in sinful living, love for your
child will compel you to admonish him. Love
for Jesus will compel you to uphold the truth of his word. Love will tell that child, “This is what the
Lord says,” and then hold firm to that truth.
You may be tempted to keep silent because you fear that you will lose your
children and grandchildren. And you may. But if your child persists in his sins, you
will lose him for eternity. It is important
to recognize that cost, too.
Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and
does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and
sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Jesus comes first. That is the first and greatest
commandment. It is non-negotiable. It does not forbid you to love your loved
ones, but it commands you to keep things in order. Recognize the cost of being Jesus’ disciple.
While Jesus is blunt in telling us that
there is a cost to being his disciple, recognize that there was a tremendous
cost for Jesus to be your Savior. God so
loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son. He not only gave him to the world, he gave
him to suffer and die for the world.
Recognize this cost! It would be one thing if all mankind had been
perfectly devoted to the Lord but were taken hostage by the devil. Then God would be acting to deliver innocent
victims. But this is what the Lord says:
“At the appointed time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for the
ungodly. It is rare indeed that someone
will die for a righteous person. Perhaps
someone might actually go so far as to die for a person who has been good to
him. But God shows his own love for us
in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8). God the Father gave up his Son for people who
naturally and willingly live in rebellion to his word. Nevertheless, the Father did not withhold his
love. He sent Jesus to rescue rebels and
to die for the guilty.
Recognize the cost our Lord paid to redeem
sinners. He did not even hedge his bets,
sending his Son to be slain for a select few who would eventually prove themselves
worthy. For, no one is worthy. No one is an innocent hostage. All are sinners, but God loves all. He cares for everyone, no matter what their
story is. God loves the world; so, he sent
his only begotten Son to be the ransom price for the world.
Jesus recognized the cost, too. Jesus
did not bask in his popularity. His ego
certainly could have blown up because of the multitudes around him. But Jesus never forgot his mission. He was not sent to be popular, but to be the
sin offering for the world. Just days before
he was crucified, Jesus told his apostles, “Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, this is the reason I came to this hour”
(John 12:27). Jesus recognized the
cost. He would be consumed in the fiery
wrath of his Father for sins he did not commit.
Jesus would suffer damnation even for sinners who would never
repent. But this is the love of God—covering
the cost for every sinner so that no one should have to perish. Jesus recognized the cost, and he willing
paid the price for you. While your
salvation was free, it was not cheap.
Now to you, Jesus gives salvation and
forgiveness without any cost. Your
baptism was free. You have God’s word
preached to you for free. (You do not
pay your pastor to preach. Preaching is
free. Your pastor is paid so he can give
his full time to the word of God and prayer.)
The Lord’s Supper is delivered to you for free. Your sins are absolved for free. It is like the jailer in Philippi who was
about to kill himself because he thought Paul and Silas had escaped. When Paul stopped him from killing himself,
he fell at the feet of Paul and Silas and begged, “Sirs, what must I do to
be saved” (Acts 16:30)? He was convinced
that there must be some grand sacrifice to make, some great deed to do, some condition
to be met. Paul gave him none of
that. Paul told him, “Believe in the Lord
Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Though it cost Jesus immensely to save you, he gives his salvation for free.
Still, you ought to recognize that there
is a cost to being Jesus’ disciple. Jesus
alerted the crowds that being his disciple would not be easy. There would be a cost, and people should
consider carefully if they would be willing to endure it. He told a parable about a man who wanted to
build a tower, laid the foundation, but failed to complete it. He had not really considered the cost. He told another parable about a king who was
preparing to go to war. Before he
mobilized his army, he calculated “if he (was) able with ten thousand to
oppose the one who (was coming) against him with twenty thousand” (Luke
14:31). Just as we are to consider
the cost in earthly endeavors, so also we should recognize there is a cost to
being Jesus’ disciple.
The cost of being Jesus’ disciple was
summed up in Jesus’ first proclamation recorded by St. Mark: “The kingdom of
God has come near! Repent, and believe
in the gospel” (Mark 1:15)! It is that
word “repent” that stands out. Being a
disciple of Jesus is much more than a mental exercise where we know some
facts. It is more than a sigh of relief where
we say, “Thank God there will be no punishment for my sins!” Being Jesus’ disciple means actions as well
as faith. It is a heart, a mind, and a
body devoted to Jesus. It is a life of
following his word above everything else.
Recognize the cost of being Jesus’
disciple. It means daily contrition and
repentance. Daily, we do battle against
our sins. Daily, we fight to overcome temptation. Jesus said, “Whoever does not carry his
own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). As long as we are in this flesh, we must daily
put to death the sinful nature and all its desires. That’s what the cross is for—to put our sin
to death. Just because your desires are
intense does not mean they are good.
Just because something brings you pleasure does not mean it pleases
God. Jesus’ disciples follow his words—more
than feelings, more than family, and more than friends.
On some days, your struggle will be fierce. But it is a struggle that needs to continue. If you do struggle, that is good. It shows you know the way of righteousness and
strive to stay on it. If you give up the
struggle, it means that you are letting sin sweep you away, and you will be
lost to the kingdom of God. The devil
will convince you that this way is easier.
Your friends may like you more.
Your family may commend you for choosing them over church. But recognize that your desire to belong and to
be praised comes with a cost, too. Jesus
said it: You “cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).
The Lord does not leave you hopeless or
helpless in your struggles. He continues
to forgive your sins. He continues to
strengthen you in the battle against your flesh. He continues to show you that the struggle is
worth it. He continues to remind you that
there is an eternal victory for all who struggle, battle, and endure; and he is
with you so that you will endure. If you
would remain Jesus’ disciple, then continue to hear his word, to confess your
sins, to come to the altar for his body and blood, and to pray.
Recognize the cost of being Jesus’ disciple. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Does that sound steep? Then recognize this: When you die, you lose all these things anyway. When you stand before the Lord in judgment, none of these things will be with you to help you, much less save you. Your loved ones will sing your praises at your funeral, but Jesus’ judgment is the only one that will matter. Good news: Jesus lived and died for you. He has paid the ransom. He will commend you at your judgment. In the end, he is all you need. In the end, he is all you will have. You can enjoy your blessings and your loved ones, but do not fear losing them. Forsake them if you must; for there is only one who saves. If your loved ones are Jesus’ disciples, praise God, because then you will get them all back. And together, you will rejoice with angels and archangels and all Jesus’ disciples forevermore.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Octoberfest at Good Shepherd -- September 28, 2025
Octoberfest will be Sunday, September 28. (Yes, I know, September. But that’s when they do it in Munich, so there!)
The schedule for our Octoberfest is:
5:30 PM – A bratwurst dinner
6:30 PM – Luther Lecture
This year's Luther Lecture will focus on someone whom our Lord used to protect Martin Luther, enabling the Lutheran Reformation to take hold. The theme is: "Frederick the Wise, elector of Saxony, protector of Luther."
Good Shepherd will provide the bratwurst, buns, condiments, bottled water, lemonade, and coffee. In order to make sure we will have enough food on hand for this event, please RSVP to welsnovi@aol.com, indicating your name and how many will be coming to this event. If you would be so willing, please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to round out the meal.
Good Shepherd will provide the bratwurst, buns, condiments, bottled water, lemonade, and coffee. In order to make sure we will have enough food on hand for this event, please RSVP to welsnovi@aol.com, indicating your name and how many will be coming to this event. If you would be so willing, please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to round out the meal.
We hope that all guests of our Octoberfest celebration will gain a greater appreciation for the confessors and the confession of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Update from Good Shepherd (September 4, 2025)
Greetings!
REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Adult Bible Class is Sundays at 9:00 AM. We will study the book of Revelation. A schedule can be found here.
Bible Matters meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. We will have an overview of the Minor Prophets. A schedule can be found here. (NOTE: We will NOT meet on September 17.)ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Be aware that west-bound traffic on 9 Mile Road is closed between Haggerty and Meadowbrook. There is no known date for the end of this project. Construction crews are close to completing the final topping of asphalt. It is possible that 9 Mile will be open this Sunday, but please err on the side of caution.
Bible Matters meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. We will have an overview of the Minor Prophets. A schedule can be found here. (NOTE: We will NOT meet on September 17.)
CALENDAR: For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.
EVENTS
THIS FALL
Church picnic will be held at Good Shepherd on Sunday, September 14 after
church. The church will provide meat,
buns, condiments, and water. Members are
asked to bring a dish to round out the menu.
A SignUpGenius form will be distributed via email to let people know
what salad, side dish, or dessert you will bring.
Octoberfest, a celebration of the Lutheran Reformation, will be on Sunday,
September 28. (Yes, I know, SEPTEMBER. But that’s when they do it in Munich, so there!) The schedule for our Octoberfest is:
5:00 PM -- Vespers
5:30 PM – A bratwurst dinner
6:30 PM – Luther Lecture (Frederick the Wise, elector of Saxony, protector of Luther)
In order to make sure we will have enough food on hand for this event, please RSVP to welsnovi@aol.com, indicating your name and how many will be coming to this event. If you would be so willing, please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to round out the meal.
Trunk or Treat will be Sunday, October 26 (3:00 - 5:00 PM).
6th Grade Bible History will begin on Wednesday, September 24 (5:00-6:00 PM).
Bible Information
Class will begin on Monday,
September 8 (7:00 - 8:30 PM). A schedule will be posted soon. You
are encouraged to invite friends to this class.
If you are interested, let the pastor know today so he knows if there
will be any attendees.
Be aware that west-bound traffic on 9 Mile Road is closed between Haggerty and Meadowbrook. There is no known date for the end of this project. Construction crews are close to completing the final topping of asphalt. It is possible that 9 Mile will be open this Sunday, but please err on the side of caution.
CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (August)
> We are still looking for more estimates to replace the windows in the chapel. With the seasons changing, so will the placement of the sun during our Divine Services. Soon, it will not be blinding on the north side of the church which gives us more time to get the window replacement we want instead of a hurried solution.
> Our projector has not been consistent in projecting. Since it is better than ten years old, we are considering a replacement. We are looking into getting a smart TV with interactive capabilities which allows HDMI input as well as ability to draw with a special, electronic pen. This will allow for the pastor to continue to draw his map of Israel for Bible Class. IYKYK. (If you don’t know, come to Bible Class!)
> Security cameras are being installed around the exterior of the church. Thanks to Mark Casmer and Jake Vega-Miranda for getting these set up.
GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from August 31, 2025. Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, August 31, 2025
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).
INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.
For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).
INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.
DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook. Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings. Be sure to share posts with friends.
SHARE THIS POST!
We desire as many as possible to rejoice in the Gospel which we proclaim and confess. Share the information from our weekly email blast, links to our web page, and even to the pastor's blog to let others know that we have a space in our congregation for them!
In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
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REGULAR SCHEDULE
Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM
Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM
DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Bible Matters -- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org
PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com
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