Update from Good Shepherd (May 29, 2025)

Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE 

Divine Service is Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School & Adult Bible Classes resume in September.

          The summer schedule will run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. There will be no Sunday School or Adult Bible Class. Divine Services will be at 10:00 AM.
          If you will be away for the weekend, alternative local options include St. Paul's (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia) which offers a service on Thursdays at 6:30 PM; St. Peter's (1343 Penniman Ave., Plymouth) which offers a service on Mondays at 7:00 PM; and Peace (9415 Merriman Ave., Livonia) which offers a service on Mondays at 7:00 PM.
          If you are traveling, consult the WELS Church Locator to find a WELS church near your destination. You may want to call to confirm the worship time(s) as their schedule may change for the summer months.

CALENDAR: For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

          The Ascension of our Lord occurred forty days after his resurrection. The festival always lands on a Thursday (TODAY!). Good Shepherd chooses to transfer this festival to the Sunday that follows. This year, we will celebrate the ascension of our Lord on Sunday, June 1.
          If you would like to attend a church on the actual day of Ascension (Thursday, May 29), you can find a service offered at St. Paul’s (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia) at 6:30 PM or at St. Peter’s (1343 Penniman Avenue, Plymouth) at 7:00 PM.

OPEN FORUM / VOTERS' MEETING

          On Sunday, June 8, we will have an Open Forum after church to discuss plans for our congregation. There are a number of potential building projects coming up. Some are more pressing than others, but we want to present what could be possible. We will also highlight the progress for the pictorial directory. We will present some plans and welcome suggestions and questions to work to improve how we serve each other and our community.
          The Voters will meet following the Open Forum to ratify any plans that the congregation deems worthy. All confirmed men 18 and older are encouraged to attend and be leaders of the congregation.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

          The first step in getting our pictorial directory going is collecting information from all our members 18 and older.  You will find a form in your church mailbox which is to be completed and returned to Carol Casmer, our secretary.  You are encouraged to fill it out at church and turn it in right away so that it does not get lost.  If you need to take it home to look up some information, that is understandable.  But please try to return it as soon as possible to limit the number of follow-up phone calls that will need to be made.

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.

CHURCH COUCNIL HIGHLIGHTS (May)

>    The renovation of the kitchen at the church has enjoyed much progress.  Appliances should be showing up soon.  Many thanks to Bob W., Ken. D., and Jim D, and probably others.

> Our Evangelism & Stewardship Committees met to set up some tentative dates of interest:
               Family Fun Night with a Food Truck – August 7 (6:00 – 8:00 PM)
              BBQ Thursdays – We are looking for some people to host an evening in your backyard with members of Good Shepherd. It is a relaxing evening among friends.
          We welcome members to join us and to help plan these various events. Even if you take charge of one event, that will benefit us all.

>  Options to replace the windows in the chapel will get one final look at our Open Forum on June 8.  The windows, original since 1991, are single-paned and should be replaced with double-paned windows.  Regardless of any replacement for the windows, they will need to be re-caulked.  Inquiries can be made to Bob Wozniak.    

>  The parking lot has had some restriping to add some handicapped spaces. 

>  We plan to replace the existing water fountain with a filling station.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from May 25, 2025: Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, May 25, 2025

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

The pastor will be a little looser in observing formal office hours in the summer (usually, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon).  During the summer months, it is more enjoyable to read outside than in the office, weather permitting.  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

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

SUMMER SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com 

Worship Notes: The Paschal Candle on Ascension Day

            The Paschal Candle is lit for all Divine Services during the forty days from Easter Sunday to Ascension Day.  It reminds us how the Risen Savior, the Light of the World, dwelled with his apostles for forty days following his resurrection. 

            As we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord (transferred from Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1), we note Jesus’ departure from this world.  He has ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

            Jesus’ departure is symbolized by the departure of the Paschal Candle from the nave as the gospel lesson is read.  Although it is carried out of our sight, its light is not extinguished.  For, though Jesus is no longer visible to his Church, the Light of the word has not been extinguished.  He is with us whenever we gather in his name to give us blessing and salvation.

YouTube -- 6th Sunday of Easter (May 25, 2025)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Sermon -- For the Wedding of Tim Glodek and Amber Kirvan (May 25, 2025)

This sermon was preached at St. John's Inn in Plymouth, Michigan.

For the wedding of Tim Glodek and Amber Kirvan

COLOSSIANS 3:14-15

YOU ARE BOUND TOGETHER IN CHRIST.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Our Lord established marriage as the final act of creation.  While all things in creation were deemed to be good, the Lord had said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18).  While it isn’t evil to be single, it is better for a man to be united to a woman.  And so our Lord decreed, “A man will leave his father and his mother and will remain united with his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).  In becoming one flesh, you will be bound together in Christ.

     Tim and Amber, you both left your father and mother some time ago.  You have been living independently, and you have become quite accustomed to doing things your way.  You’ve only had to care about your own schedule.  That is about to change.  Now you have to consider the schedule and the habits of someone else.  You have probably learned a few of each other’s quirks, but those quirks are going to become more pronounced when you are bound together as one.  What was once amusing might become annoying.  No matter how much you love each other, you will also prove to each other that you are sinners.

     This is why St. Paul’s words to you are so important.  The reading you have chosen begins, “In addition to all these things, put on love, which ties things together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14).  It is worth taking a peak back to see what all these additional things are.  St. Paul refers to “heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience” (Colossians 3:12) and forgiveness.  Marriage will give you a special opportunity to put these into practice.  You are being bound together today.  You will need to work together with schedules and household chores.  You will adjust to who gets to put what in bathroom drawers and to learn “the right way” to load the dishwasher.  You will learn to be patient, kind, and compassionate to each other.  But when you lose patience, when kindness turns into sarcasm, and when gentleness becomes harshness, you will learn to forgive each other. 

     Perhaps forgiveness sounds easy when you are standing here all lovey-dovey and googly-eyed.  “He’s so handsome.  How could I not overlook his faults?”  “She’s so beautiful.  How could I refuse to forgive her?”  But sins are ugly, and you will see and feel it.  But here is your hope, and it is a hope that you have had for years.  You are bound together to Christ.  Jesus Christ has demonstrated what love is. 

     Not all the sins you commit will be against each other.  But all the sins you commit are against God.  Even though he created you, provides all you need to live, protects you with is holy angels, and has brought you together for each other’s good, you still have sinned against him.  This earns God’s wrath.  But instead of sending his wrath, he sent a Savior.  Jesus demonstrated perfect love for you by taking up all your sins and paying the price for them.  Jesus’ love means he was committed to saving you.  That meant a cursed death in which he absorbed the hellish wrath of God the Father for you.  He did that so that you would be pardoned for all your sins.  In your baptism, Jesus washed you clean of all sin.  He presents you to his Father as pure and innocent—as a bride wearing a garment of white.

     You are bound together in Christ, and he has vowed faithful devotion to you.  Jesus is a heavenly groom, and the Church is his holy bride.  He does all things for your good.  He provides, protects, and preserves you in the kingdom of God.  He has given you his name.  All his benefits are yours.  He did not do this because he owed it.  He did it because he loves you.  And that love is not a lovey-dovey, googly-eyed feeling; it is his commitment.  Jesus is committed to you—so much so that he has bound himself to you.  That is the love that binds you together.

     Tim, Scripture urges you to love your wife “in the same way as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).  You love your wife by your commitment to protect her, preserve her, and provide for her.  You give her your name.  All that is yours is hers and for her benefit.  Amber, Scripture urges you to submit to such love.  “Submit to your own [husband] as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he himself is the Savior” (Ephesians 5:22-23).  The Church is not degraded by submitting to Christ.  On the contrary, by submitting to Christ, the Church is exalted and receives good things.  So also, by submitting to Tim who is committed to seeking your good, Amber, you are exalted and blessed.  This is why God binds a man and a woman together as husband and wife.  It is a blessing for both of you.

     “Love … ties things together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14).  If you are bound together in Christ, you benefit yourself by seeking the good of each other.  For you are no longer individuals who are living independently.  Now you are one, living for the good of each other, striving to be a blessing for each other.  You get to rejoice together in good days.  You get to support one another in difficult days.  You are bound together through it all.  And through it all, Jesus Christ remains bound to you—seeking your eternal good so that you will have a place at the heavenly wedding banquet.

     So, “Let the peace of Christ control your hearts … and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).  The peace of Christ is what will sustain the peace in your life, your faith, and your marriage.  It is knowing that Jesus is committed to you no matter what is going on in your life.  The one who died to save you is risen and lives to assure you that God’s favor rests upon you.  That is a promise you can depend upon.  He has sworn by it.  That is the peace of Christ which controls and soothes your hearts.

     Tim and Amber, today you are taking your marriage vows.  You are swearing to love and faithfulness to each other.  Just as Jesus’ love is a commitment rather than a feeling, so is the love you have for each other.  You are vowing to seek each other’s good.  You are committed to serving one another.  You are bound together in Christ—intimately, exclusively, permanently devoted and united to each other.  Be thankful for it.  For, it is not good that the man should be alone.  And now you aren’t.  You are bound together in Christ.  And Christ has bound himself to you.

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

Sermon -- 6th Sunday of Easter (May 25, 2025)

JOHN 16:16-24

NO ONE CAN TAKE YOUR JOY AWAY.

In the name + of Jesus.

M: Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

C:  He is risen indeed.  Alleluia!

     Americans have become sloppy with their words.  Words get misused and can even end up with their opposite definition.  A perfect example is the word, “peruse.”  If I asked you to peruse something quickly, you would think that I mean you should skim it.  The actual definition of “peruse” is to concentrate on the words and to soak them in.  It cannot be done quickly.  When someone tells you to peruse something quickly, it is meant to be humorous.  But our misuse of it is changing its definition.

     Bible translators have a difficult task in trying to convey the Greek and Hebrew words into different languages.  Some word choices are poor.  For example, a proper translation of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is, “Blessed are the merciful…  Blessed are the pure in heart…” (Matthew 5:7-8).  Some translate the word “blessed” as “happy.”  Now, a person who is blessed probably is happy.  But the translation becomes nonsense if it is: “Happy are those who mourn…  Happy are those who are persecuted…  Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matthew 5:4,10,11).  I would not be happy if I were mourning, or persecuted, or insulted, or falsely accused.

     “Happy” and “blessed” are different things.  Likewise, “happy” and “joy” are different things.  Happiness centers in me.  How I am being treated determines if I am happy or not.  If circumstances change, happiness instantly becomes sorrow or anger.  Happiness comes and goes.  But your status as God’s blessed child is constant because the blessing comes from God, not from your circumstances.  So also, joy is based on God’s promises.  Since God’s promises do not change and cannot be undone, joy remains no matter what circumstances you face.  That is why no one can take your joy away.

     On the night he was betrayed, Jesus was preparing his disciples for life without him physically being with them.  He alerted them, “In a little while you are not going to see me anymore, and again in a little while you will see me” (John 16:16).  This refers immediately to Jesus’ death and resurrection.  The death of Jesus would result in the apostles’ sorrow and grief.  Jesus told them that would happen.  “Amen, Amen, I tell you: You will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice.  You will become sorrowful” (John 16:20).  They trusted that Jesus was the Messiah and that he would usher in a kingdom which is eternal and glorious.  They were kind of right.  The apostles had thought in terms of an earthly kingdom.  So, when Jesus was put to death, all their hopes and dreams died with him.  But Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual kingdom.  It is established in people’s hearts.  So, it is not a kingdom that can be seen.  The glory of this kingdom will not be seen by us until we depart from this world. 

     But the apostles would see Jesus again.  When Jesus rose from the dead, they would see him, speak with him, touch him, and eat with him.  Jesus would prove his victory over the grave which assures you that your sins are forgiven.  His resurrection means that the payment for all sins is sufficient.  Jesus would prove his authority over the grave.  Death does not get the last word; Jesus does.  He will raise all people from the dead, and all who believe in him will be raised up to everlasting life and endless glory.  When the apostles saw that, their sorrow turned to joy; and no one could take that joy away from them.  Christ is risen.  Therefore, his kingdom has been established.  It is a kingdom of grace and glory in which sinners are forgiven and eternal life is secured.  This promise is yours.  Therefore, this joy is yours, and no one can take your joy away.

     Jesus also had said, “because I am going away to the Father” (John 16:16).  This is included in the “In a little while you are not going to see me anymore, and again in a little while you will see me” (John 16:16).  The apostles saw Jesus for forty days; then he ascended into heaven.  They have given their testimony, and we rejoice in it.  We have not seen Jesus, but in a little while, we will see him.  Life is short.  Even people who live to 100 will tell you so.  Our “little while” will give way to the everlasting kingdom Jesus has prepared for us.  When we close our eyes in death, we will open them to see Jesus.  And no one can take that joy away.

     But for now, we have our moments of sorrow.  Life is short, and it is often hard.  Sin produces grief and pain.  Sometimes that grief and pain are self-inflicted, as we sin against God’s word and despise ourselves for giving into temptations yet again.  Sometimes the grief and pain come from enduring the scorn of a world that embraces the sins we strive to flee from.  St. Peter warned that worldly people are “surprised that you do not plunge into the same overflowing river of filth with them, and they slander you” (1 Peter 4:4).  It is hard to live and work with people who mock the Christian faith.

     But such sorrows will happen.  St. Paul told the Christian churches, “We must go through many troubles on our way to the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).  The apostles certainly learned this.  For preaching about Jesus, they were slandered, attacked, and died gruesome deaths.  Their lives were cut short on this earth, but not in the kingdom of God.  They endured the hardships, but no one could take away their joy. 

     It is no different for you, no matter what kind of grief or sadness you might endure.  Remember, we are not talking about happiness.  Happiness depends on how you feel.  And if your focus is on being happy, then you might devote yourself to your sins.  After all, you commit sins because they make you happy.  But sins do not produce any confidence or hope.  And the “happiness” that sins bring does not last.  That is why people keep on sinning.  We keep on chasing happiness which never lasts.  Repent, and do not be deceived.  Those who strive for such happiness will be sentenced to eternal sorrow and suffering.

     But no one can take your joy away.  Joy depends upon Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.  This is where we find an enduring hope and complete confidence.  And since joy depends upon Jesus, no one can take your joy away.  There is nothing in the world that can change the perfect life Jesus lived for you.  There is no threat or problem that can nullify the death of Jesus which has paid for all your sins.  There is nothing—not death or the devil himself—which can undo Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.  It is Jesus who has established a kingdom that cannot be overthrown.  It is Jesus who has made promises which cannot be nullified.  It is Jesus who has made your salvation secure.  No trouble, no struggle, no enemy, no threat, not even death—no one can take your joy away.

     To aid us through the griefs and sorrows of life and to increase our joy, the Lord Jesus gives us another promise.  He said, “Amen, Amen, I tell you: Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.  Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be made complete” (John 16:23-24).  This is a marvelous promise, but we need to understand it properly so that we don’t accuse Jesus of lying to us or think that the Lord has failed us.

     Jesus told us to pray “in my name.”  There are two truths to understand with those words.  The first is what it means to pray in Jesus’ name.  This is to believe in Jesus as your Savior and as the one who has reconciled you to God the Father.  God does not automatically hear the prayers of everyone.  The prophet Isaiah tells us why: “It is your guilt that has separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden God’s face from you, so that he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).  But Jesus has taken your sins away.  Nothing separates you from your heavenly Father.  He not only will hear your prayers, he wants you to pray to him and to cast all your cares upon him.

     You are children of the heavenly Father.  That means you are able to approach him with all the boldness of children who ask their parents for things.  Children are not shy about asking for anything, even for things that they know the answer will be, “No.”  “Can we have dessert before we eat dinner?”  Who knows?  Maybe Mom and Dad will say, “Yes!”  So, you can ask your heavenly Father for anything, from the grandiose to the trivial.  From remission of cancer to a safe trip to seeing more butterflies in your backyard. 

     That brings us to the other part of praying in Jesus’ name.  It is to pray according to his will.  God will always say, “Yes,” to his will.  In some cases, we know exactly what God’s will is because he tells us.  He directs us in his word so that we know what to do and what to desire.  If you pray for the Holy Spirit to lead you to desire those good things, God will answer and bless because that is his will.  In other cases, we don’t know what God’s will is.  Will he alleviate my suffering?  Will he silence those who mock me?  Will he provide me with a godly spouse?  We pray to our Father, and we trust that he will do what is best for us.  Your prayer might be that God would make you happy.  But God’s goal for you may not be to make you happy, but to draw you closer to himself and to strengthen your faith by testing it.  This is one of the ways he increases your joy—he shows you that the things that bring you momentary happiness are not as good as the things that teach you to long for everlasting joy.

     Even if you weep and wail for a little while, your future is unending joy.  Jesus said, “A woman giving birth has pain, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, because of her joy that a person has been born into the world” (John 16:21).  So also, the grief that we experience now is nothing compared to the joys that await us in the heavenly kingdom.  That is our ultimate goal.  That is what we long for and pray for.  And our Lord will certainly answer those prayers because that is what he desires, too.

     When the day comes that we close our eyes in death, we will open our eyes and see Jesus.  Then, our joy will be complete.  You will be perfected in your thoughts and desires, and delivered from all sorrows and strife.  Although your joy is not complete now, it is still sure.  Then, in Christ’s eternal kingdom of grace and glory, you will not only have joy.  You will be eternally happy.  For, your circumstance will never change.  You will see Jesus.   You will dwell with the Father.  And no one can or will take your joy away.

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

Update from Good Shepherd (May 22, 2025)

Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE 

Divine Service is Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Bible Matters is on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, through May 28.

CALENDAR: For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

SUMMER SCHEDULE
          The summer schedule will run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. There will be no Sunday School or Adult Bible Class. Divine Services will be at 10:00 AM.
          If you will be away for the weekend, alternative local options include St. Paul's (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia) which offers a service on Thursdays at 6:30 PM; St. Peter's (1343 Penniman Ave., Plymouth) which offers a service on Mondays at 7:00 PM; and Peace (9415 Merriman Ave., Livonia) which offers a service on Mondays at 7:00 PM.
          If you are traveling, consult the WELS Church Locator to find a WELS church near your destination. You may want to call to confirm the worship time(s) as their schedule may change for the summer months.

ASCENSION OF OUR LORD

          The Ascension of our Lord occurred forty days after his resurrection. The festival always lands on a Thursday. Good Shepherd chooses to transfer this festival to the Sunday that follows. This year, we will celebrate the ascension of our Lord on Sunday, June 1.
          If you would like to attend a church on the actual day of Ascension (Thursday, May 29), you can find a service offered at St. Paul’s (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia) at 6:30 PM or at St. Peter’s (1343 Penniman Avenue, Plymouth) at 7:00 PM.

BIBLE MATTERS

          Bible Matters is a topical discussion group that enables God’s people to become more comfortable in discussing matters of the Christian faith and more confident in defending the Bible’s teachings. We encourage open dialogue and welcome bold questions. All are welcome to consider how God’s word addresses various topics.
          Sessions will focus on the topic: The Resurrection Accounts in the Gospels. The resurrection of our Lord is recorded in each of the four Gospels. Each one gives an account with different details, as each account focuses on different emphases and had different initial audiences. Each deserves to be considered in its own context. The schedule can be found here.

OPEN FORUM / VOTERS' MEETING
          On Sunday, June 8, we will have an Open Forum after church to discuss plans for our congregation. There are a number of potential building projects coming up. Some are more pressing than others, but we want to present what could be possible. We will also highlight the progress for the pictorial directory. We will present some plans and welcome suggestions and questions to work to improve how we serve each other and our community.
          The Voters will meet following the Open Forum to ratify any plans that the congregation deems worthy. All confirmed men 18 and older are encouraged to attend and be leaders of the congregation.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

          The first step in getting our pictorial directory going is collecting information from all our members 18 and older.  You will find a form in your church mailbox which is to be completed and returned to Carol Casmer, our secretary.  You are encouraged to fill it out at church and turn it in right away so that it does not get lost.  If you need to take it home to look up some information, that is understandable.  But please try to return it as soon as possible to limit the number of follow-up phone calls that will need to be made.

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.

CHURCH COUCNIL HIGHLIGHTS (May)

>    The renovation of the kitchen at the church has enjoyed much progress.  Appliances should be showing up soon.  Many thanks to Bob W., Ken. D., and Jim D, and probably others.

> Our Evangelism & Stewardship Committees met to set up some tentative dates of interest:
               Family Fun Night with a Food Truck – August 7 (6:00 – 8:00 PM)
              BBQ Thursdays – We are looking for some people to host an evening in your backyard with members of Good Shepherd. It is a relaxing evening among friends.
          We welcome members to join us and to help plan these various events. Even if you take charge of one event, that will benefit us all.

>  Options to replace the windows in the chapel will get one final look at our Open Forum on June 8.  The windows, original since 1991, are single-paned and should be replaced with double-paned windows.  Regardless of any replacement for the windows, they will need to be re-caulked.  Inquiries can be made to Bob Wozniak.    

>  The parking lot has had some restriping to add some handicapped spaces. 

>  We plan to replace the existing water fountain with a filling station.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from May 18, 2025: Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, May 18, 2025

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

The pastor will be a little looser in observing formal office hours in the summer (usually, Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon).  During the summer months, it is more enjoyable to read outside than in the office, weather permitting.  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

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

SUMMER SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.
BIBLE MATTERS -- Wednesday at 6:30 PM (through May 28).

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com 

YouTube -- 5th Sunday after Easter (May 18, 2025)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Kitchen Renovation -- progress!

Here are some photos to show the progress on the church kitchen renovations.  Many thanks go to Bob W., Ken D., and Jim D. (among others, I'm sure) for the work they have contributed to this project.

Sermon -- 5th Sunday of Easter (May 18, 2025)

1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-13

WITHOUT LOVE, IT’S ALL FOR NOTHING.

In the name + of Jesus.

M: Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

C:  He is risen indeed.  Alleluia!

      The early church experienced many miraculous gifts.  Through the laying on of hands by the apostles, people received such gifts as “healing gifts, …miracles, …prophecy, …evaluating of spirits, …different kinds of tongues, and …the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).  St. Mark concluded his Gospel by stating the purpose of these gifts: “Those who went out preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it” (Mark 16:20).  The early church had not yet received the New Testament Scriptures in their entirety, so the miraculous gifts confirmed the message.  We do have the full New Testament, so we point to chapters and verses to teach and to defend the Christian faith.

     The congregation in Corinth was exceptionally gifted.  The Holy Spirit had supplied them with all sorts of abilities.  You would think that this congregation would have been a model of peace, joy, and love.  Unfortunately, the gifts the Holy Spirit had given to be a blessing for the whole congregation became a cause for pride, jealousy, and division.  They knew what the love of God was, but they were not good at putting it into practice.  St. Paul told them, without love, it’s all for nothing.

     St. Paul referred to those spiritual gifts and ramped them up to extreme levels.  “If I speak in the tongues … of angels….  If I have the gift of prophecy and know all the mysteries….  If I give away everything I own, and if I give up my body that I may be burned but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).  In other words, if my life blazes with astounding signs of faith but I do not have love, what good is it?  What good is it if God is not honored?  What good is it if my neighbor is ignored or belittled?  Without love, it’s all for nothing.

     Jesus commanded us, “Love one another” (John 13:34).  I could preach that anywhere in the world and no one would disagree with me.  But ask people to define what that means, you will get many different answers.  So, let me ask you: What do you love, and why?  What probably comes to mind are things that make you happy or give you pleasure.  “I love pizza.”  Why?  Because it’s tasty.  I like it.  It brings me pleasure.  But if that is how I measure love, then it is all about me.  It is utterly self-centered.  If my focus is on what I can get out of people and things, that is not love at all.  Love looks outward, not inward.

     If you want to know what love is, then turn to the Lord.  St. John declared, “God is love” (1 John 4:16).  Not, “God is loving,” which he is.  But “God is love.”  God=love.  God’s love is demonstrated in giving gifts and working for the good of others.  Love is God’s policy, his commitment, his conviction. 

     This love is confessed by us in the Apostles’ Creed.  There we acknowledge what God does for his creation.  Regarding God the Father: “I believe that God has made me and all that exists, that he gave me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my mind and all my abilities.  And I believe that God still preserves me by richly and daily providing clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land cattle and all that I own, and all that I need for body and life.  And God preserves me by defending me from all danger and guarding and protecting me from all evil.  All this God does because he is my good and merciful Father in heaven, and not because I have earned or deserved it.  For all this I ought to thank and praise, serve and obey him” (Luther’s Small Catechism; Apostles’ Creed: First Article).  Our Lord does this for all people, including those who despise him and deny him.  Such generous love is God’s policy, his commitment, his conviction.

     The Lord has blessed us richly with all that we need.  He desires that we respond to him with thanks and praise, service and obedience, but we have not given it.  Not everything in God’s word gives us pleasure.  God’s word does not allow us to do whatever pleases us.  The Corinthians took pleasure in their spiritual gifts but not in the people who were supposed to benefit from them.  This was worship and love of themselves.  Likewise, the reason we return to our sins is because we like them.  We believe we stand something to gain in them.  They make us happy even if they hurt others and dishonor the Lord.  Repent.

     While we have earned God’s wrath for worship and love of ourselves, God did not send his wrath.  He sent his Son.  That’s because God’s policy, God’s conviction, God’s commitment is love.  That love is personified in Jesus Christ—“who has redeemed me a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with his holy, precious blood and by his innocent sufferings and death.  All this he did that I should be his own and live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness” (Luther’s Small Catechism; Apostles’ Creed: Second Article). 

     Without love, it’s all for nothing.  But God’s love has done everything to work salvation for you.  Jesus went to the cross for sinners and rebels.  He did not wait for us to improve before he suffered and died for us.  He found us in our sinful condition—ungrateful for his gifts, yearning for cheap thrills, willing to be seduced by Satan who promises to give us whatever we want.  Rather than let us get the judgment we deserve, Jesus rescued us from it.  He even did this for people who despise and deny him because his love does not hinge on how people respond to it.  Love is the policy, the conviction, and the commitment.  Those who prefer their sins over Jesus’ love will be judged according to their preference.  The penitent will receive pardon and peace from our Lord.  Without love, it’s all for nothing.

     God’s love has been manifested for you because he has delivered his gifts to you and thereby delivered you into his kingdom.  The Holy Spirit’s love accomplished this.  For “I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him.  But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.  In the same way, he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.  In this Christian Church, he daily and fully forgives all sins to me and all believers.  On the Last Day, he will raise up me and all the dead and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.  This is most certainly true” (Luther’s Small Catechism; Apostles’ Creed: Third Article).  And it is most certainly a pure and perfect love.  “It is not selfish.  It is not irritable.  It does not keep a record of wrongs.  It does not rejoice over unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:5-6).

     If we don’t have a love for God and his word, it doesn’t matter if the whole world tells us how nice we are.  Without love for God and his word, it’s all for nothing.  But the Lord pours this love upon us and into us.  This produces love for God, for his word, and for others.  God’s love and God’s gifts prove to us that he is good and merciful.  We recognize that his word is good and right. 

     Likewise, God’s love teaches us how to love our fellow man.  Just as God does not grant us permission to pursue any desire we have, so also love for our fellow man does not allow us to give blanket approval of every desire or idea they have.  After all, “(Love) does not behave indecently.  …(Love) does not rejoice over unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:5,6).  We cannot bless what God does not bless.  Love compels us to seek repentance from those who sin against God.  Although many will call this hate, it is not.  It is seeking their good which is what love does.  Now, you could judge and condemn people who have embraced sin.  While you would not be wrong, you need to be careful that your words are not haughty or self-righteous.  That’s because “Love is patient.  Love is kind.  …It is not arrogant” (1 Corinthians 13:4).  Without love, it’s all for nothing.  Our Lord does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked.  Neither do we.  The goal is not to flaunt how right we are; it is to seek the eternal good of others.  Love desires the salvation of all.

     The Corinthians proved that Christians struggle with these things.  We prove it, too.  We do not love purely.  Our faith has not been perfected yet.  That will not happen until we enter everlasting glory.  Then our love will be pure.  For, “when that which is complete has come, that which is partial will be done away with” (1 Corinthian 13:10).  Our longing for heaven is not just that our bodies will be made whole and our world will be made perfect, it is also that our minds and hearts and mouths will have and will show pure love for one another.  After all, without love, it’s all for nothing.

     The spiritual gifts among the Corinthian congregation did not make them a perfect congregation.  They still struggled to love one another.  Eventually, those spiritual passed away.  But do not think that we have been robbed of anything.  St. Paul had said that these gifts would fade out.  But the God who loves us still gives us what we need.  The miraculous gifts did not remain, but “these three remain: faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). 

     Faith is the trust in God and his word.  It is the commitment to live according to God’s word even when it is hard to do.  Faith will persist in godly living and trust that God knows what he is doing even when we don’t.  Hope is the confidence that we have a place awaiting us in the heavenly kingdom.  We have not received it yet, but we will.  When we are received into glory, even faith and hope will pass away.  In the heavenly kingdom, we will not live by faith, but by sight.  We will not hope for glory because we will have it.  But “Love never comes to an end” (1 Corinthians 13:8).  The God who is love is eternal.  His love is eternal.  And thanks be to God, we will dwell eternally with him—in his pure love for us, in our perfect love for him, and in peace and love for one another and all the people of God.

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

Things that make me go, HMMMMMMM

As the Apostle John was recording the events of Jesus' resurrection, he mentioned the Apostle Thomas and noted that he is also known as Didymus, or, "the Twin."  If John had done this once, it would be an interesting piece of trivia.  

But John doesn't write this once.  He writes it THREE TIMES -- John 11:16, John 20:24, and John 21:2.  This is hardly coincidental, and it goes beyond an interesting piece of trivia.

That being said, I don't know what John's point was in including this bit of information three times.  If someone has a compelling theory to offer, I would like to hear it.  But for now, it is one of those things that make me go, "HMMMMMMM...."

Update from Good Shepherd (May 15, 2025)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE 

Divine Service is Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Bible Class is on Sunday at 9:00 AM. 
Bible Matters is on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, through May 28.

CALENDAR: For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

SUMMER SCHEDULE
          The summer schedule will run from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. There will be no Sunday School or Adult Bible Class. Divine Services will be at 10:00 AM.
          If you will be away for the weekend, alternative local options include St. Paul's (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia) which offers a service on Thursdays at 6:30 PM; St. Peter's (1343 Penniman Ave., Plymouth) which offers a service on Mondays at 7:00 PM; and Peace (9415 Merriman Ave., Livonia) which offers a service on Mondays at 7:00 PM.
          If you are traveling, consult the WELS Church Locator to find a confessional Lutheran church near your destination. You may want to call to confirm the worship time(s) as their schedule may change for the summer months.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

          The prophet Malachi was the last prophet among the Old Testament writers. He prophesied about 400 BC. The next prophet from the Lord was John the Baptist, beginning his preaching about 29 AD. What was going on between these two prophets? Was God silent? Was he active? What was going on with God’s covenant and with God’s people?
          Our Bible study will consider “The Time Between the Testaments,” as the Lord was setting the stage for the coming of the Christ. The tentative schedule can be found here.  Our final class before the summer break is May 18. 

BIBLE MATTERS
          Bible Matters is a topical discussion group that enables God’s people to become more comfortable in discussing matters of the Christian faith and more confident in defending the Bible’s teachings. We encourage open dialogue and welcome bold questions. All are welcome to consider how God’s word addresses various topics.
          Sessions will focus on the topic: The Resurrection Accounts in the Gospels. The resurrection of our Lord is recorded in each of the four Gospels. Each one gives an account with different details, as each account focuses on different emphases and had different initial audiences. Each deserves to be considered in its own context. The schedule can be found here.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL
          On Sunday, May 18 after the service, we will have an ice cream social. We will also have a welcome to all who became members in the past few months. A cake will be served. If you would care to contribute toppings for the ice cream, you can find a Sign-Up Genius form here.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY

          The first step in getting our pictorial directory going is collecting information from all our members 18 and older.  You will find a form in your church mailbox which is to be completed and returned to Carol Casmer, our secretary.  You are encouraged to fill it out at church and turn it in right away so that it does not get lost.  If you need to take it home to look up some information, that is understandable.  But please try to return it as soon as possible to limit the number of follow-up phone calls that will need to be made.

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.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (April)

>    The new cabinets for the renovation of the kitchen at the church have arrived!  Renovations of the church kitchen will begin shortly after Easter to allow us to use our existing kitchen for Easter breakfast.

>   Our Evangelism & Stewardship Committees met to set up some tentative dates of interest:

               May 18 -- Ice Cream Social (after church)
We welcome members to join us and to help plan these various events. Even if you take charge of one event, that will benefit us all.

>  Options to replace the windows in the chapel will get one final look at our Open Forum in June.  Opinions are welcome prior to that.  Inquiries can be made to Bob Wozniak.    

>  The water fountain in the hallway will be replaced with a filling station. 

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from May 4, 2025: Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, May 5, 2025

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS

            The pastor will try to hold formal office hours Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon. It should be noted that some meetings are scheduled for those times. It is best 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

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

REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.
BIBLE CLASS -- Sundays at 9:00 AM.  

BIBLE MATTERS -- Wednesday at 6:30 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com 

Sermon -- Christian Funeral for Shirley Buchanan (May 10, 2025)

+ Shirley Ann Buchanan +

(December 28, 1938 – May 7, 2025)

PSALM 23

I WILL FEAR NO EVIL; FOR YOU ARE WITH ME.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Roger, you had mentioned that this Psalm brought special comfort to you and Shirley.  There is good reason for it.  And there is much to ponder in it.  I would like to highlight one particular line.  To do so, I need to mention a feature in Hebrew literature which differs from American literature.  In American literature, we save the most important point for the end.  We wait for the punchline.  But in Hebrew, the emphasis is in the center.  It is like climbing a mountain until we get to the peak and then come down from it.  The middle is the main point; and the center of Psalm 23 is this: “I will fear no evil; for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). 

     King David does not tell you that there is no evil.  You know that’s not true.  Death is evil.  It takes without permission.  It breaks hearts and produces tears.  Worse, it comes because of another evil—sin.  The Bible reminds us, “The wages of sin is death” (Psalm 23:6).  We are all sinners.  That doesn’t mean we aren’t nice.  Most people are.  But nice people die, too.  No one is perfect, which means all people are sinful, which means all people die.  Every person on earth has ugly moments that they would like to forget.  These are evidence of hearts and minds corrupted by sin. 

     Evils abound.  Shirley’s body was affected by the evil of cancer and other problems.  That was not God punishing her for something.  It is more evidence that this is a sinful world.  Sin corrupts our minds, our hearts, our bodies, and the whole world.  The evils surround us.  And yet, the Lord enables us to say, “I will fear no evil; for you are with me” (Psalm 23).

     The reason we have such comfort is this: “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1).  That finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.  He told us, “I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11).  Then he tells us what makes him the good shepherd.  “The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).  As the Good Shepherd, Jesus defends, protects, and saves the flock from every evil and every enemy.  Jesus took his stand between us and sin, death, and the devil.  Jesus took up our sins, and he let sin do to him what it should have done to us.  He stood condemned before the Father, exchanging his innocence for our guilt.  Jesus went into death, and he let death do to him what it should have done to us.  Jesus not only died; he died a cursed, God-forsaken death and suffered hellish torment for sins.  Jesus faced Satan whose name means “accuser.”  Jesus accepted responsibility for every accusation Satan can make and let Satan do his worst.  That is why Jesus laid down his life.  He suffered and died for our sins. 

     Of course, a dead shepherd does not do us any good.  Jesus did not remain a dead shepherd.  Jesus declared, “I lay down my life so that I may take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.  I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again” (John 10:17-18).  Jesus let our enemies do to him what they should have done to us, but then Jesus rose from the grave and overpowered death.  The payment for sins was sufficient.  Death was robbed of its power.  And Satan spent all his efforts on Jesus who has left him crushed underfoot.  The evils have been undone.

     Shirley Buchanan was baptized into the name of Jesus when she was a little girl.  She received the benefits of Jesus’ work and became Jesus’ little lamb.  Jesus served her as her Good Shepherd throughout her whole life.  There was never a moment when Jesus neglected her or ignored her.  He was with her every day.  The evils may have surrounded her and harassed her, she could still confess, “I will fear no evil; for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4). 

     Shirley found joy despite all the evils around her.  I’m sure she enjoyed many of God’s blessings in all your travels.  After all, that’s why you traveled—to see the beauties of God’s creation.  There were many trips, and many memories.  You stood in wonder at God’s creative majesty.  But you got to see some of the ugliness of this world, too.  We are grateful for God’s goodness, but the evils do not go away.  Still, she could confess, “I will fear no evil; for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).  It is even better than that.  The Psalm doesn’t say that we merely endure amidst the evils.  It says, “You set a table for me in the presence of my foes” (Psalm 23:5).  Sin, death, and the devil are always out there.  But with Jesus, you get to feast with joy.  How many times did you and Shirley kneel before the Lord’s altar to feast on the living body and blood of Jesus?  The Lord granted her and you strength to live and to serve him faithfully as you both did for decades at Lola Park.  (I think the banner that hangs here this morning is her work.)

     Jesus guided Shirely in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  He strengthened and kept her in the true faith unto life everlasting.  He was faithful to her as her Good Shepherd because that is who he is, and that is what he does.  Ailing health prevented you from getting to church late in life, but Jesus was still with you.  There is no reason to fear.  Poor health, old age, and even death cannot nullify Jesus’ promises.  He remains your good, faithful, and living Shepherd.

     Today, it may seem as though the evils have won out over Shirley.  But the Good Shepherd has not failed her.  The Psalm reminds us, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).  Notice that we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  So, even in the face of death we declare, “I will fear no evil; for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).  The Lord Jesus has already passed through death.  He has paved the way to the resurrection and to eternal life.  To be more accurate, he IS the resurrection and the life.  For, Jesus has overcome all our enemies. 

     The last enemy to be destroyed is death, which Jesus will do when he comes again on the Last Day.  On that day, Jesus will raise up Shirley and you and all the dead for judgment.  And do you know what?  Shirley already knew her verdict.  Jesus guaranteed eternal life to all who believe and are baptized.  Shirley believed in Jesus as her Savior.  She was baptized into God’s family.  She is a child of the Most High God.  Therefore, she is robed in righteousness and glory.  There are no enemies and no evils which can change that.

     At the resurrection, Shirley will be raised up with a body that will never again know cancer or pain or frailty.  At the resurrection, Shirley will enjoy a body, a life, and a world without enemies, without evils, and without end.  There will be no fear and no foes.  The Good Shepherd has gone before her.  Goodness and mercy have followed after her.  Therefore, she will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Eternally, she has the comfort and the confession: “I will fear no evil; for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).  This is the hope of every Christian, and it is a hope that will not disappoint us.  The Lord is our Good Shepherd; therefore, we lack nothing.

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