Thursday, February 28, 2019

Update from Good Shepherd (February 28, 2019)

Greetings!


REGULAR SCHEDULE
Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  Galatians
        The next Adult Bible Class series will begin on Sunday, March 3.
We will read through St. Paul's letter to the Galatians. The main purpose
of this letter was to offer correction and encouragement to a congregation
which was convinced that human effort must be added to the Gospel
promises to be assured of one's place in the kingdom of God. This is a
constant struggle that we face, convinced that our salvation is somehow
based on our performance or worthiness. This epistle, perhaps more
than any other, teaches us what it means that we are saved “by faith
alone.” Class begins on Sundays at 8:45 AM.

Mid-Week Lenten Vespers The Lenten season begins on Wednesday, March 6. As a penitential
season, we offer additional services to ponder the sufferings and death of
our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lenten series, based on the theme, “Three Words
of Truth,” is below. Lenten Vespers (an evening prayer service) begins at 7:00 PM;
a supper is served at 6:00 PM. If you are interested in helping provide food for
the supper, please speak to Pastor Schroeder, Dan Rauchholz, or Brian Wilder. March 6 ASH WEDNESDAY -- Divine Service with the Imposition of Ashes March 13   “Is it I?”         Matthew 26:20-25 March 20         “Watch and pray.” Matthew 26:35-41 March 27  “Take him away!” John 19:14-18 April 3 “I am he.” John 18:3-9 April 10 “What is truth?” John 18:33-40

Mid-Week Lenten Suppers The schedule for our Lenten suppers is as follows: March 6         Ladies of Good Shepherd March 13 Church Council March 20 Church Council March 27 Church Council April 3 Church Council April 10 Ladies of Good Shepherd

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
A next session of our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, March 10 at 6:00 PM.  This series, entitled “Eating God's Sacrifice,” explores the Lord's Supper portrayal in the Old Testament sacrifices.  While the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper flows from the Passover, its roots and forgiveness come from all the Old Testament sacrifices.  After viewing each DVD segment, Pastor Purdue and Pastor Schroeder will lead a discussion about the material which is in the DVD.  All sessions will begin at 6:00 PM.  These are intended to be interactive discussions as well as informational.  Desserts and snacks will be served.  All are welcome.

WELS YOUTH RALLY
        Join Us for the 2019 WELS Regional Youth Rally in West Virginia!
This year's regional Youth Rally will take place at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from July 15-18th. The Michigan District and North Atlantic District will again be partnering on this project.
The event will be similar to the rallies held at Villanova in 2015 and at Xavier in 2017. Students and chaperones will have the chance to join fellow WELS members from around the country for worship, Bible study, games, exploring the West Virginia countryside, a trip to an amusement park, and much more!
Earlybird online registration is already open! Save now by registering before March 16th. You can find Rally information at welsyouth.net or simply click the link below.

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE (MLC) CHOIR CONCERT
        The MLC college choir will give a partial concert at Huron Valley Lutheran High School on Tuesday, March 5.  Pastor David Starr (admissions counselor at MLC) will open with a brief chapel service at 10 am, which will then be followed by the concert.  The concert will finish around 11:00.  Anyone who is interested is welcome to join us for the concert.  

DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook.  Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.

BAD WEATHER POLICY FOR SERVICES AT GOOD SHEPHERD
For future reference (or a reminder) here is the bad weather policy for Good Shepherd services:
We will always have services as scheduled at Good Shepherd.  Since I live across the parking lot, I can get to the church no matter how bad the weather gets.  Even if the service is just me and my family, we will be here.  For everyone else, please use your God-given common sense to determine whether or not you will get on the road to attend any service when the weather is bad.  We don't want anyone to risk his or her life to be here.  But if you do venture out, the scheduled service will take place.  It may be only a handful with a capella singing and/or spoken liturgy, but we will be here.
Bible Classes and meetings may be cancelled due to weather.  Check your email regarding announcements to see if any of those scheduled events is cancelled.  If there is no email about it, it is not cancelled.  But again, use common sense to determine if you can make it, and call the pastor to let him know if you will not be coming.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

==============================

DIVINE SERVICES
     Sundays at 10:00 AM
     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG


Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
41415 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, Michigan  48375-4306
+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Sermon -- Festival of St. Matthias, Apostle (February 24, 2019)

ACTS 1:15-26

GOD GRANTS BLESSING, 
EVEN THROUGH FLAWED PEOPLE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. (James 1:17)  That means everything God the Father gives us is good.  It may not always seem like it because God's gifts get messed up.  But the problem is never with the giver of the gift or with the gift.  It is with the sinners to whom the gifts are given.  For example, marriage is a gift of God, and it is good.  I am sure you can think of some marriages that are not good.  But the problem is not with God or with marriage; it is with the sinners who are in the marriage.  Likewise, government is a gift of God.  It serves our good by keeping society orderly and peaceful.  But politicians can be crooked scoundrels, and governments can become corrupt, oppressive, or even tyrannical.  Once again, God is good and his gift is good.  The people in those positions of government may not be good; nevertheless, God still grants blessings, even through flawed people.
     Jesus Christ is our good and merciful Savior.  He established the Christian Church for our good, and he gave the holy ministry for the good of the Christians in the church.  However, horrible stories of clergy abuse have become all too common these days.  Many claim the Church is wicked and that the ministry is an abomination.  But Jesus Christ is good.  The Church is good, and the office of the holy ministry is good.  Sadly, the office has been occupied by some wicked people.  Just as married people and politicians are accountable for their sins, so are the clergy who are guilty of their scandalous actions.  Nevertheless, God is still good, and his gifts are still good.
     The Christian Church was in its infancy when the first clergy scandal hit.  Judas Iscariot had betrayed Jesus, showing himself to be a traitor.  Although Judas tried to return the money and stop Jesus' trial, the priests had no interest in letting Jesus go.  In his grief and despair, Judas went and hanged himself.  His suicide became well known throughout Jerusalem because of the grotesque nature of his death.  Meanwhile, the apostles with whom he had served for three years were coping with all that Judas did.  I imagine their emotions ran the full gamut—disbelief, sadness, anger, bitterness, and even guilt from thinking that they should have seen it coming.
     Judas proved to be a tremendous disappointment.  His betraying of Jesus and his suicide were a great scandal.  But the office of apostle was still good.  The other apostles, even with their own faults, were still beneficial to the Church.  And so, based on the Psalm which said, “Let another take his office,” (Acts 1:20; Psalm 109:8) Peter led the effort to replace Judas, restoring the number of apostles again to twelve.
     Peter noted the qualifications for apostleship.  “One of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22)  The choice came down to Justus and Matthias.  They invoked Lord in prayer.  They cast lots.  And Matthias was chosen to fulfill the place of apostleship.
     From this point on, the Bible says nothing of Matthias.  We assume that he served the Lord faithfully, that he bore witness to Jesus' resurrection, that he declared salvation in Jesus' name, and that he served the Church as a pastor.  Where he went, what he did, and what he suffered for Jesus and for the Gospel remains unknown.  We don't remember Matthias because he perfected the apostolic ministry.  We remember him because the Lord chose to work through him.  God grants blessings, even through flawed people.
     Now, the Lord has not called you or me to be an apostle.  But he has given us our various vocations.  These vocations are where God has called you to honor him and to serve your neighbor.  These vocations are good, but we are not always good in fulfilling them.  Just as the other apostles regarded Judas, so people have been disappointed or saddened or even angry with you.  You and I have not been flawless in our service.  We have failed.  Whether we forgot to do what we were supposed to or intentionally didn't do it, we have sinned against others.  We have not glorified God with our vocations, even considering them to be a punishment or a curse rather than the blessing and the gift they are.  As Judas' failure grieved our Lord, so do our faults and failures.  Repent.
     We do not know where Matthias went to preach, but we can be sure of what he did preach.  Matthias did what Peter said he was appointed to do: “One of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” (Acts 1:22)  Matthias, a sinner himself, preached to burdened and broken sinners the comfort that comes from a good and merciful Savior.  He bore witness to Jesus' flawless love and faultless service to sinners.  Jesus never loved people because they proved themselves worthy.  Jesus loves people because they need his love and compassion.  He reached out his hands to heal the sick.  He lent his ears to cries for mercy.  He opened his mouth to soothe frightened souls and to encourage struggling believers.  And then he offered his ears to hold up a crown of thorns.  He kept his mouth silent when vicious accusations were leveled against him, accepting the guilt of every charge.  He stretched out his hands to be nailed to a cross so that he could pay for the sins of everyone who has failed him, who has fled from him, and who has fought against him.  Matthias had witnessed it all.  And then Matthias got to declare that he saw Jesus, after his death for sinners, alive again—risen from the grave.  Jesus did not come breathing fire against those who sinned against him.  Instead, he proclaimed peace.  Jesus lives to credit you with his innocence.  Jesus lives to grant forgiveness to flawed people.  Jesus lives.  His love endures.  He calls you to honor him with a life of service, and he blesses it.  God grants blessing, even through flawed people. 
     When St. Peter added Matthias to the number of the apostles, it seems to me (this is opinion; take it for what it is worth) that he acted rashly.  He quoted Psalm 109: “Let another take his office.” (Acts 1:20), but it seems to me that our Lord had another man in mind to fulfill that prophecy.  Later, the risen and ascended Lord Jesus personally did add another man to be among the apostles—St. Paul.  So, Peter may have overstepped his bounds in adding Matthias.  But even if Peter's actions were presumptuous and flawed, God still blessed the Church through them.  The office of apostle is good, and God did good things through the addition of Matthias to the apostles.  Matthias served as a witness of the resurrection and proclaimed salvation through Jesus. 
     You and I serve our Lord as best as we can.  As children of God, that is our duty.  As those who are loved by God, it is our joy.  But none of us serves perfectly; and God still blesses it.  Even if our efforts are less than perfect or our motives are less than pure, God still grants blessing through flawed people.  Riddle: What do you call someone who graduates from medical school last in his class?  Answer: Doctor.  Not everyone can graduate at the top of the class.  Yet God still blesses people through the work of those doctors, too.  In the same way, our works are not perfect.  Not every meal prepared will be gourmet.  Not every word of advice will be life-altering.  Not every sermon will be an award-winner.  But God will still work through these things to feed people, to encourage people, to help people, and to bless people.  For, God is good, and the gifts he gives us are good.  God works good through them, and God is even pleased with them because Jesus Christ has made you pleasing to him.
     God grants blessings, even through flawed people.  They cast lots....  The lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26)  We don't know what became of Matthias after that.  You might not even remember his name after today.  That's okay.  The Lord knows him and was pleased to work through him.  Likewise, the Lord gives you ways to serve him.  The world may not remember your name or your service.  That's okay, too.  The Lord knows.  He loves you.  He delights in your works, and he blesses people through them.  You may recognize your flaws, beat yourself up over them, and strive to correct them.  Know that the Lord has handled them differently: He forgives them.  He covers them in Jesus' innocence.  Therefore, he delights in you.  He is proud to call you his own.  For, God is good.  His gifts are good.  And his love and his blessings are flawless.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

Friday, February 22, 2019

Minor Festival -- St. Matthias, Apostle (February 24, 2019)

Worship Note for the Festival of St. Matthias, Apostle

Lutheran worship is liturgical.  While that often refers to an order of worship, it can also refer to the calendar of the Church Year.  The Church Year includes major festivals, such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, etc...  Today we recognize a minor festival, the Festival of St. Matthias, Apostle.

St. Matthias received his apostleship after the original Twelve.  After Judas Iscariot had betrayed Jesus, despaired of hope, and committed suicide, the remaining apostles replaced Judas with Matthias.  We are told nothing else of Matthias.  What is most noteworthy in Matthias’ filling in the twelfth position among the apostles was the apostles’ desire for this to be a divine appointment (Acts 1:24-26).  Even today, we recognize that it is God who calls pastors and teachers to serve his people – a comfort for the pastor or teacher who knows that this is where God wants him to serve; and a comfort for God’s people who know that this is the servant God has chosen just for them.

        We will observe the Festival of St. Matthias, Apostle this Sunday, February 24.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Update from Good Shepherd -- February 21, 2019

Greetings!


REGULAR SCHEDULE
Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.

OPEN FORUM & VOTERS' MEETING
On Sunday, February 24 after the service,we will have an Open Forum which will present the various plans which we hope to implement in the coming year and beyond.  This offers all of our members information on how they can serve and become more active in our congregation.  It also allows you to ask questions and offer input to help us with future planning.  While there may not be much to report so quickly after the School of Strategic Planning, we should be able to mention some highlights we gleaned from that.  All confirmed members of Good Shepherd are welcome and encouraged to join us.
The Voters' Meeting will take place immediately following the Open Forum.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  JESUS – Legend or Lord?
      The final segment, "The Explosion of Christianity" is this Sunday.  In order to give ourselves enough time to discuss the materials presented, the DVD will begin promptly at 8:55 AM.  


ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  Galatians
        The next Adult Bible Class series will begin on Sunday, March 3.
We will read through St. Paul's letter to the Galatians. The main purpose
of this letter was to offer correction and encouragement to a congregation
which was convinced that human effort must be added to the Gospel
promises to be assured of one's place in the kingdom of God. This is a
constant struggle that we face, convinced that our salvation is somehow
based on our performance or worthiness. This epistle, perhaps more
than any other, teaches us what it means that we are saved “by faith
alone.” Class begins on Sundays at 8:45 AM.

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
A next session of our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, March
 10 at 6:00 PM.  This series, entitled “Eating God's Sacrifice,” explores the Lord's Supper portrayal in the Old Testament sacrifices.  While the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper flows from the Passover, its roots and forgiveness come from all the Old Testament sacrifices.  After viewing each DVD segment, Pastor Purdue and Pastor Schroeder will lead a discussion about the material which is in the DVD.  All sessions will begin at 6:00 PM.  These are intended to be interactive discussions as well as informational.  Desserts and snacks will be served.  All are welcome.

WELS YOUTH RALLY
        Join Us for the 2019 WELS Regional Youth Rally in West Virginia!
This year's regional Youth Rally will take place at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from July 15-18th. The Michigan District and North Atlantic District will again be partnering on this project.
The event will be similar to the rallies held at Villanova in 2015 and at Xavier in 2017. Students and chaperones will have the chance to join fellow WELS members from around the country for worship, Bible study, games, exploring the West Virginia countryside, a trip to an amusement park, and much more!
Earlybird online registration is already open! Save now by registering before March 16th. You can find Rally information at welsyouth.net or simply click the link below.

MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE (MLC) CHOIR CONCERT

The MLC college choir will give a partial concert at Huron Valley Lutheran High School on Tuesday, March 5.  Pastor David Starr (admissions counselor at MLC) will open with a brief chapel service at 10 am, which will then be followed by the concert.  The concert will finish around 11:00.  Anyone who is interested is welcome to join us for the concert.  

DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook.  Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.

BAD WEATHER POLICY FOR SERVICES AT GOOD SHEPHERD
For future reference (or a reminder) here is the bad weather policy for Good Shepherd services:
We will always have services as scheduled at Good Shepherd.  Since I live across the parking lot, I can get to the church no matter how bad the weather gets.  Even if the service is just me and my family, we will be here.  For everyone else, please use your God-given common sense to determine whether or not you will get on the road to attend any service when the weather is bad.  We don't want anyone to risk his or her life to be here.  But if you do venture out, the scheduled service will take place.  It may be only a handful with a capella singing and/or spoken liturgy, but we will be here.
Bible Classes and meetings may be cancelled due to weather.  Check your email regarding announcements to see if any of those scheduled events is cancelled.  If there is no email about it, it is not cancelled.  But again, use common sense to determine if you can make it, and call the pastor to let him know if you will not be coming.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

==============================

DIVINE SERVICES
     Sundays at 10:00 AM
     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG


Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
41415 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, Michigan  48375-4306
+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM

Broadway in Detroit -- The Play That Goes Wrong

Last night, Laura and I went to the Fisher Theater in Detroit to see "The Play That Goes Wrong."  It is part of the Broadway in Detroit series.  I was hopeful for an entertaining, clever, funny play, and I was not disappointed.  A lot of thought went into the play -- writing, production, set design, and so on.  Even the program had biographies that were fabricated to match the characters who were in the play.  They were actors, portraying actors, who were acting in a play.  Well ... go see it.  You have until February 24 in Detroit.

Here's a preview:


Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Pastors' Conference at Cross of Glory Evangelical Lutheran Church, Washington Twp., MI

On Monday, February 18, the pastors and teachers of the Southeast Conference of the Michigan District met for the annual Pastor / Teacher Conference.  This year it was held at Cross of Glory Evangelical Lutheran Church in Washington Township, Michigan.  The pastors also met for Tuesday morning to complete the conference.

Here are some photos of Cross of Glory.




Sunday, February 17, 2019

Sermon -- 6th Sunday after Epiphany (February 17, 2019)

LUKE 6:17-26

ONLY IN CHRIST DO WE RECEIVE GOD'S BLESSING.

In the name + of Jesus.

     It has become popular to promote ideas and behavior so that people end up on “the right side of history.”  It is a manipulative ploy, thinking that we should base our attitudes and actions on what other people will think of us.  It often works.  We want people to think that we are good.  We want them to speak well of us.  No one likes to be despised or scorned for having an unpopular belief.  Especially if you feel that you are standing alone, you are likely to reformulate your opinion to gain the world's praise.  Just watch how fast people distance themselves from someone who tweets the wrong message on Twitter.  Everyone is trying to position themselves to be on “the right side of history.”
     The Lord is uninterested in popular opinion.  In fact, Jesus says this about people who crave worldly praise: “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” (Luke 6:26)  False prophets are loved because they often appeal to what is popular.  But to seek the praise of the world is to forfeit the praise of the Lord.
     As the Israelite nation entered the Promised Land and was about to displace the residents there, the Lord appeared to Joshua with a drawn sword.  Naturally, Joshua was concerned about this, so he asked, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” (Joshua 5:13)  The answer was surprising.  The Lord responded, “Neither.”  In other words, the Lord does not take sides.  The question is not whether or not God is on our side; the question is whether or not we are aligned with him.  God is the standard of holy; and anything that opposes him is wicked.  God is the definition of good; and anyone who disagrees with him is in rebellion.  Rather than wonder if God is for you or against you, you ought to ask, “Am I in agreement with the Lord, or am I opposing him?”  That determines whether you are under God's blessing or his curse.
     In today's Gospel, Jesus proclaims both blessings and woes.  A “woe” is not merely a warning, it is a curse.  By it, the Lord declares the status of someone who is outside the kingdom of God.  For those who are still alive, there is still time and still hope to be delivered from this curse.  For, Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save the world.  Only in Christ do we receive God's blessing.
     The term “blessed” has occasionally been translated as “happy.”  This is unfortunate and misleading.  In Jesus' sermon, it does not even make sense.  “Happy are you who weep now”?  If you are reduced to tears, you are clearly not happy.  Happy is an emotion which changes from moment to moment.  Good circumstances mean a good mood; bad circumstances result in a bad mood.  Just as “woe” is a pronouncement by our Lord, so is “blessed.”  When Jesus declares, “Blessed are you,” he is telling you that the Lord's favor rests upon you.  That does not change according to your circumstances.  Whether all is well or all is wrong, whether you are in pain or in mourning, despised or ostracized, heartbroken or clinically depressed, God's favor remains constant because our Lord remains faithful to his promises.
     Only in Christ do we receive God's blessing.  But his favor does not come in the way we would expect.  Jesus declared, “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” (Luke 6:22-23)  You might expect God's favor would be matched by people liking you and praising you.  Jesus states that just the opposite will happen. 
     Only in Christ do we receive God's blessing, but that does not mean the world will bless you as well.  For, if you are in Christ, if you believe his word, if you are convinced that God's word is the truth, then you will live according to it and confess it to be so.  The world will not mind if you hold to God's word as an opinion that you choose to live by.  They might consider your faith like a vegan diet or a yoga routine: “Hey, if that works for you, fine; but something else works for me.  That is equally as good.”
     But God's word is no mere opinion.  God has set a standard of right and wrong which is not open for debate.  We do not get any exemptions from it, either.  You do not get to insist, “If no one is getting hurt, what does it matter what I do?”  By our sins, we spurn God.  Does that matter?  By your sins, you encourage your fellow Christians to rebel against God, too.  Is that harmless?  Woe to you!  Repent.  God will judge all who fail to live up to his commandments. 
     When we say loving obedience to God's Commandments matters and when we live like it, do not be surprised when the world excludes you, reviles you, and spurns your name as evil on account of the Son of Man.  People insist on their freedom to live as they please.  They will try to convince you that asserting your freedom is the greatest good, greater than God's word.  Beware.
     It is not only God's Law which will get you scorn and mockery.  Even God's grace will do it.  Christ reveals himself as the only Savior of mankind.  There is no one else who takes away the sins of the world.  There is no one else who gives rescue from the grave.  There is no one else who will present you to God the Father as blameless.  There is no one else who opens heaven to you.  And he does not do this because you have done anything to win his affection or to earn his favor.  Jesus is your Savior because you need to be saved.  Jesus shows you that you are poor, totally devoid of anything God can praise.  God's word makes you hungry now, yearning for the innocence that is not in you.  The Holy Spirit causes you to weep now because you are truly frustrated by your inability to do the good that you should do.  But in Jesus Christ, you receive God's blessing.  You are saved by his grace, his gift, his work. 
     Once again, many will give you scorn and mockery because you insist that salvation is by grace and that heaven is secured only by Jesus.  Sinful hearts always insist, “We are good people.  We are not criminals.  We deserve heaven, and we deserve better now.”  You and I struggle with it too.  Why are we saved?  It is too easy to conclude that we have done something that others have not.  That we are better.  That we are more sorry, more sincere, more devout.  That God favors us because we are more favorable.  But that is not what God says.  For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  If you are saved, you have much to give thanks for, but nothing to boast about.  God's favor is not gained because you are good; you aren't.  You are sinners.  God's favor is given because he is good.  Only in Christ do we receive God's blessing.
     We insist on these things because this is what our Lord declares.  We stand firm in it because this is what saves us.  God's blessing comes through this word.  You may be called heartless for saying that there is no salvation outside of Jesus.  You may be called a hater for telling others that sins are harmful and therefore God calls us to repent of them.  Your name may be scorned, and you may be told that you are on the wrong side of history. 
     But if the world does not speak well of you, fear not.  Jesus speaks differently: “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!  Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.” (Luke 6:22-23)  Our concern is that we are on God's side, which is to say that we trust Jesus Christ and his word—in our minds, in our hearts, in our lives, and in our mouths.  If we are condemned by the world, in Christ we receive God's blessing.  If the world declares that we are on the wrong side of history, the Lord Jesus will put us on the right side of the judgment.  In Christ, the Lord God does speak well of you.  He satisfies you with good things.  You will laugh with God and the angels, and you will rejoice for all eternity. 

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Update from Good Shepherd (February 14, 2019)

Greetings!


REGULAR SCHEDULE
Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  JESUS – Legend or Lord?
      Jesus is one of the most written about and debated figures in the world.  In this eight-part series, Dr. Maier explores a three-lane highway to the past through the disciplines of Archaeology, History, and Geography.  Along the journey, we look back to the world that Jesus himself saw as he moved toward the cross.  The remaining schedule is:   
                  February 17 –  The Resurrection Revisited
                  February 24 –  The Explosion of Christianity 
In order to give ourselves enough time to discuss the materials presented, the DVD will begin promptly at 8:55 AM.  

SCHOOL OF STRATEGIC PLANNING
The School of Strategic Planning will be THIS SATURDAY (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM) and SUNDAY (1:00 – 4:00 PM).
We will be joined by St. John's, Battle Creek and Palabra de Vida, Detroit.  
 In order to be good hosts to all participants, we will need to organize meals, snacks, and beverages, as well as any other extras which will make our guests welcome and comfortable.  If you are willing and able to supply anything, check out this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44A8AB2DA1FA7-food
        Thanks in advance for your generosity.

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
A next session of our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, March
 10 at 6:00 PM.  This series, entitled “Eating God's Sacrifice,” explores the Lord's Supper portrayal in the Old Testament sacrifices.  While the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper flows from the Passover, its roots and forgiveness come from all the Old Testament sacrifices.  After viewing each DVD segment, Pastor Purdue and Pastor Schroeder will lead a discussion about the material which is in the DVD.  All sessions will begin at 6:00 PM.  These are intended to be interactive discussions as well as informational.  Desserts and snacks will be served.  All are welcome.

OPEN FORUM & VOTERS' MEETING
On Sunday, February 24 after the service,we will have an Open Forum which will present the various plans which we hope to implement in the coming year and beyond.  This offers all of our members information on how they can serve and become more active in our congregation.  It also allows you to ask questions and offer input to help us with future planning.  While there may not be much to report so quickly after the School of Strategic Planning, we should be able to mention some highlights we gleaned from that.  All confirmed members of Good Shepherd are welcome and encouraged to join us.
The Voters' Meeting will take place immediately following the Open Forum.

WELS YOUTH RALLY
        Join Us for the 2019 WELS Regional Youth Rally in West Virginia!
This year's regional Youth Rally will take place at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from July 15-18th. The Michigan District and North Atlantic District will again be partnering on this project.
The event will be similar to the rallies held at Villanova in 2015 and at Xavier in 2017. Students and chaperones will have the chance to join fellow WELS members from around the country for worship, Bible study, games, exploring the West Virginia countryside, a trip to an amusement park, and much more!
Earlybird online registration is already open! Save now by registering before March 16th. You can find Rally information at welsyouth.net or simply click the link below.

DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook.  Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.

BAD WEATHER POLICY FOR SERVICES AT GOOD SHEPHERD
For future reference (or a reminder) here is the bad weather policy for Good Shepherd services:
We will always have services as scheduled at Good Shepherd.  Since I live across the parking lot, I can get to the church no matter how bad the weather gets.  Even if the service is just me and my family, we will be here.  For everyone else, please use your God-given common sense to determine whether or not you will get on the road to attend any service when the weather is bad.  We don't want anyone to risk his or her life to be here.  But if you do venture out, the scheduled service will take place.  It may be only a handful with a capella singing and/or spoken liturgy, but we will be here.
Bible Classes and meetings may be cancelled due to weather.  Check your email regarding announcements to see if any of those scheduled events is cancelled.  If there is no email about it, it is not cancelled.  But again, use common sense to determine if you can make it, and call the pastor to let him know if you will not be coming.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

==============================

DIVINE SERVICES
     Sundays at 10:00 AM
     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG


Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
41415 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, Michigan  48375-4306
+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Sermon -- 5th Sunday after Epiphany (February 10, 2019)

LUKE 5:1-11

JESUS CATCHES A SINNER TO CATCH MORE SINNERS.

In the name + of Jesus.

     When Simon Peter got what he wanted, it almost killed him.  When Simon Peter did not get what he asked for, it saved him.  This is typical of sinners.  We are convinced that we know better than our Lord what we need and what makes life worth while.  And so our prayers are often focused on what serves us.  We pray for what will make us happy, prosperous, and comfortable in this world.  Because if we have these things, we believe, then we will have everything we really need.  That, we think, is the highest good.  And that is what Simon Peter and his business partners were laboring for as well.
     But it had not been a good night.  They labored all night for fish.  It was not a leisurely fishing trip with the guys, drinking beers and watching a bobber go up and down.  It was business.  It was their livelihood.  Whatever they caught was to be taken to market and sold so that they could support their families.  But at the end of a long night, they did not come home happy, prosperous, or comfortable.  They came home tired and disappointed, and perhaps even worried because they came to shore empty-handed. 
     Peter and his friends cleaned up their nets and prepped them for the next night out on the Sea of Galilee.  Meanwhile, the crowds had gathered around Jesus at the shore, and he wanted to preach to them.  So, he got into Peter's boat, drifted out a bit, and from the boat taught the crowds on the shore about the kingdom of God.  Peter listened as he tended to his nets.  And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4)  Jesus was not a fisherman.  Peter and the sons of Zebedee were.  They knew when to fish and where to find them—at night, in the shallow waters where the nets can be dragged.  So, you can almost imagine the condescension in Peter's voice as he replied to Jesus: “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!  But at your word I will let down the nets.”  And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.  They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them.  And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:5-7)
     Simon Peter had gotten what he wanted, and it almost killed him.  At Jesus' word, Peter pulled in the catch he had been dreaming of.  He hauled in a catch that would be legendary in the fishing industry.  This would be a banner day at the market.  Simon Peter got his prosperous catch.  Prosperity meant comfort, and comfort meant that he and his family would be happy!  But it was too much.  His partners came over to help.  They filled both boats, and both boats were so weighed down that they began to sink.  When Peter got what he wanted it almost killed him. 
     Peter and his companions were suddenly close to dying.  Actually, that isn't quite true.  They were always close to dying.  It is just that the boats sinking because of the great catch of fish had made it obvious how close to death they were.  Jesus had exposed the reality that death is imminent and unavoidable; and they were panicked.  It is no different for you and me.  We are all close to death.  We don't think much of it.  We go about our business, we make our plans, and we assume that we will not face any problems.  We usually don't.  So, we devote our time and energy to making ourselves at home in this world.  We pursue happiness, prosperity, and comfort.  We long to make this world our home, failing to recognize that our time in this world is temporary and that death can come at any moment.  It is always just a heartbeat away.  And after death comes eternity. 
     It has never been the goal of the Christian faith that people are to be prosperous, comfortable, and happy in this world.  That is what our sinful flesh craves, but it is not what God promises.  And it is not where God focuses your attention.  This world and all its wealth and glory is passing away because it has been corrupted by sin.  If you devote yourself to this world and its glory, you will perish with it.  Repent.
     Peter was in a full blown panic on the Sea of Galilee.  In part, it was because the boats were beginning to sink in the deep waters.  Another reason is because of the catch of fish.  It was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it was given according to Jesus' word.  Peter recognized that God was in his boat.  Overcome with the fear of death, with the burden of sin, with the reality of judgment, and with his Judge standing before him, Peter uttered an urgent prayer.  Simon Peter … fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” (Luke 5:8)  Peter dealt with sin and death the way most sinners do—he wanted to ignore it.  He wanted God to go away so that he did not have to face sin, death, and judgment.  Not even his prosperous catch or comfortable paycheck made a difference.
     When Simon Peter got what he wanted, it almost killed him.  When Simon Peter did not get what he asked for, it saved him.  Jesus loved him too much to let him deal with sin and death on his own.  Jesus instead stayed with Peter and then summoned him, “Follow me.”  Peter followed Jesus all the way to Calvary where Jesus dealt with sin and death for him.  Jesus does not ignore our sins.  He has taken them up from us in order to suffer the curse we have earned.  He went to the cross to give himself into death as the sacrifice which pays for the sins of the world.  He went into death for us so that could put an end to death for us.  His resurrection means that death has been put to death and that heaven is open.  So, Jesus saves you.  He takes your sin away.  He delivers you from the grave.  Jesus has snatched you up out of the depths of sin, death, despair, and damnation, and he has brought you into the nave—to the safety of the Holy Christian Church.  He also remains with you the strengthen and keep you in his Church until he returns to raise you up from the grave to live with him in glory forever.
     Nowhere does God promise that you will be prosperous, comfortable, and happy in this life.  If God chooses to bless you that way, thank him for it.  But his promises are for you to receive forgiveness of sins, new life, and salvation.  It does not matter if you are stinking rich or dirt poor, if your life is filled with laughter or tears, whether your day is marked with ease or hardship, whether you are strong or frail, whether you are healthy or dying.  What does matter is that you have a Savior who loves you, who takes away your sins, who marks you for a glorious resurrection, and who assures you of an eternity where the glories do not fade, where God's people are continually comforted, and where the joys do not end.
     The Lord Jesus called Peter and his partners, James and John, to a new vocation.  Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”  And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. (Luke 5:10-11)  Jesus called sinners to follow him and told them that they were going to catch men, pulling them out of the depths of sin and death into the nave—that is, into the kingdom of God.  It is a message so significant and special that we might expect God to entrust that to angels.  He does not.  He called sinners like Simon Peter, James, and John to do this.  He also calls you to proclaim the good news. 
     Why you?  Why sinners?  Because you know what it is to be bothered and burdened by sin and guilt.  You know what it is to fear death and to dread God's judgment.  You know what other sinners are enduring in their sins.  But more than that, you know what it is to be shown mercy.  You know that the answer is not to beg God to go away, but to flee to him and cling to him.  For, you know what it is to have a God who will not abandon you, but who loves you no matter what you've done.  You know what it is to have your sins washed away, to have God's favor proclaimed upon you, and to have the confidence that you will be welcomed into God's heavenly kingdom.  And since you know these things, who better than you to declare them to sinners who also need them?
     And now we finally get to the theme of the sermon: The Lord Jesus calls sinners to catch other sinners.  He calls his saved to proclaim salvation to others.  Your Savior has delivered you and has even taught you to change your prayers so that he does, indeed, give you what you want—forgiveness of sins, new life, and salvation.  Your prayer is also that God will also deliver these things to your loved ones.  Good news: You get to deliver them because you have them.  The Lord Jesus calls sinners to catch other sinners.  He saves us from the depths.  He brings us to the safety of the nave of his Church.  And he will finally bring us to the heights of heaven.  There, we will prosper.  We will be comforted.  And we will be happy in our Savior's presence forevermore.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

Thursday, February 7, 2019

Update from Good Shepherd (February 7, 2019)

Greetings!


REGULAR SCHEDULE
Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  JESUS – Legend or Lord?
      Jesus is one of the most written about and debated figures in the world.  In this eight-part series, Dr. Maier explores a three-lane highway to the past through the disciplines of Archaeology, History, and Geography.  Along the journey, we look back to the world that Jesus himself saw as he moved toward the cross.  The remaining schedule is:    
                  February 10 –  The Week That Changed the World
                  February 17 –  The Resurrection Revisited
                  February 24 –  The Explosion of Christianity 
In order to give ourselves enough time to discuss the materials presented, the DVD will begin promptly at 8:55 AM.  

SCHOOL OF STRATEGIC PLANNING
The WELS offers a School of Strategic Planning to aid congregations in assessing, prioritizing, and implementing plans to make the most of opportunities to preach the Gospel to as many as possible.  The dates for the School of Strategic Planning, to be held at Good Shepherd, will be Saturday, February 16 – Sunday, February 17.  The tentative schedule will include sessions on Saturday (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) and Sunday (1:00 – 4:00 PM).
Other congregations who will join us are St. John's, Battle Creek and Palabra de Vida, Detroit.  If you are interested in attending these sessions as an interested member of Good Shepherd, please speak with Dan Rauchholz or Pastor Schroeder.
 In order to be good hosts to all participants, we will need to organize meals, snacks, and beverages, as well as any other extras which will make our guests welcome and comfortable.  Details regarding contributions will be posted soon (likely, a SignUp Genius page).  We will also need people who will be willing to serve to prep the snacks, meals, and possibly other needed items.
        The link to the WELS page for School of Strategic Planning is here:  https://ccc.welsrc.net/school-of-strategic-planning/

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
A next session of our Sunday Night Bible Series will be THIS SUNDAY (
February 10) at 6:00 PM.  This series, entitled “Eating God's Sacrifice,” explores the Lord's Supper portrayal in the Old Testament sacrifices.  While the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper flows from the Passover, its roots and forgiveness come from all the Old Testament sacrifices.  After viewing each DVD segment, Pastor Purdue and Pastor Schroeder will lead a discussion about the material which is in the DVD.  All sessions will begin at 6:00 PM.  These are intended to be interactive discussions as well as informational.  Desserts and snacks will be served.  All are welcome.

JESUS CARES MINISTRIES: Worship at the Cross
Our first effort for Worship at the Cross did not have any attendees. We are being optimistic, suggesting that the hectic schedule of December left people not wanting to add another event to their month.  We will try again on Tuesday, February 12 at 6:30 PM.

WELS YOUTH RALLY
        Join Us for the 2019 WELS Regional Youth Rally in West Virginia!
This year's regional Youth Rally will take place at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from July 15-18th. The Michigan District and North Atlantic District will again be partnering on this project.
The event will be similar to the rallies held at Villanova in 2015 and at Xavier in 2017. Students and chaperones will have the chance to join fellow WELS members from around the country for worship, Bible study, games, exploring the West Virginia countryside, a trip to an amusement park, and much more!
Earlybird online registration is already open! Save now by registering before March 16th. You can find Rally information at welsyouth.net or simply click the link below.

DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook.  Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.

BAD WEATHER POLICY FOR SERVICES AT GOOD SHEPHERD
For future reference (or a reminder) here is the bad weather policy for Good Shepherd services:
We will always have services as scheduled at Good Shepherd.  Since I live across the parking lot, I can get to the church no matter how bad the weather gets.  Even if the service is just me and my family, we will be here.  For everyone else, please use your God-given common sense to determine whether or not you will get on the road to attend any service when the weather is bad.  We don't want anyone to risk his or her life to be here.  But if you do venture out, the scheduled service will take place.  It may be only a handful with a capella singing and/or spoken liturgy, but we will be here.
Bible Classes and meetings may be cancelled due to weather.  Check your email regarding announcements to see if any of those scheduled events is cancelled.  If there is no email about it, it is not cancelled.  But again, use common sense to determine if you can make it, and call the pastor to let him know if you will not be coming.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

==============================

DIVINE SERVICES
     Sundays at 10:00 AM
     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG


Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
41415 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, Michigan  48375-4306
+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM