Update from Good Shepherd (November 20, 2025)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is Sundays at 9:00 AM.

Adult Bible Class is Sundays at 9:00 AM.  We are studying the book of Revelation.  A schedule can be found here.

Bible Matters will resume on Wednesday, January 7 at 6:30 PM. 

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

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS

Our Open Forum on November 23 will present a recommended budget for the 2026 year, as well as present some plans we hope to implement in the next year or so.  

On December 7, we will present a long-term plan for various improvements or maintenance projects which may need to be done in the next ten years or so.  Some projects are necessary; others would be nice.  We welcome feedback to see what the congregation would support or what alternatives we might consider.

THANKSGIVING WORSHIP

Our annual Thanksgiving service will be on Wednesday, November 26 at 7:00 PM.

NEW PASTOR AT PALABRA DE VIDA

         Rev. Martin Loescher who had previously served in Neenah, Wisconsin has accepted the call to serve at Palabra de Vida Lutheran Church in Detroit. We look forward to having him, his wife, and his family come to southeast Michigan as he begins his service to God’s people at Palabra de Vida.  The date of his installation will be Sunday, December 7.
          When a new pastor moves to the congregation which has called him to serve him, it is customary for that congregation to welcome him with a food shower, gift cards, or some other expression of gratitude. While Palabra de Vida is certainly grateful for a new pastor, their resources are limited to express it with material gifts. We would like the congregations in the metro-Detroit area to share that expression of gratitude.
          If you would be willing to supply gift cards or gifts of money as part of the welcome for the Loescher family, please submit them to Good Shepherd so that they can be delivered to the Loescher family upon Pastor Loescher’s installation.

175^th Anniversary of the WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)

            The WELS was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1850 by five Lutheran pastors.  Since then, it has grown to about 1,200 congregations throughout the USA and does mission work in about 50 countries.  We thank God for preserving a synod in which the Bible is upheld as God’s inerrant, inspired word.  We should not take this blessing for granted, as many denominations have chosen to ignore or reject parts of God’s word, leaving people to wonder what in the Bible is still true and what is not.

            In order to express our gratitude to the Lord for preserving our synod, and in hopes to see our synod expand its ministry to the USA and to the world, we will be participating in a thank offering throughout the month of November.  There will be a collection plate by the ushers’ station.  You may also designate an offering (mark it as “WELS 175”, but payable to Good Shepherd) and put it in the collection plate with your usual offering.

WELS NIGHT AT THE PISTONS
          The Detroit Pistons are sponsoring a WELS Night at the Pistons on Saturday, December 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tip-off is 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased through a QR code (posted on the bulletin board in the hallway of church). The cheapest seats are $40.65 plus fees. You can spend up to $230.80 plus fees if you want to.

STOCKINGS FOR VETERANS
          We are collecting items for stockings for veterans again this year. We will be putting together 36 stockings. This year our stockings will be distributed to veterans at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor.
          The items to be purchased, as well as to NOT purchase, are listed here. If you are contributing to this effort, please plan accordingly. Items will need to be at church by Sunday, November 30. We will be assembling them after church on November 30. The stockings and hats will be provided.
          It is understandable if you don’t wish to donate enough items to cover all 36 stockings. If you would like to make a donation to cover part of the stockings, you can indicate that on a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall, indicating the item and the quantity you will be donating. Your generosity is appreciated!

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (November)

>  Our projector has not been consistent in projecting.  Since it is better than ten years old, we are considering a replacement.  We are looking into getting a smart TV with interactive capabilities which allows HDMI input as well as ability to draw with a special, electronic pen.  

>  We have added to our Servant Keeper office management system which allows for texting to large groups.  It will be similar to the email blasts, but with texting.  It will also be used more sparingly than the weekly email blasts.  When it is ready to go, we will do a test run after church some Sunday.  

NOTE: If you end up receiving neither email blasts nor any texts by the end of the year, it means we either don’t have your information or we recorded it incorrectly.  Please contact the church if you are not receiving any notices. 

>  We approved two policies, one new and one updated.  They are policies regarding pastoral counseling and anti-harassment / misconduct.  These policies have been posted on a bulletin board and church.  They are also available upon request.

>  We discussed ideas about improving security at church.  These ideas will be presented for further discussion at our Open Forum.

GROWING TOGETHER IN GOD’S WORD
          Starting in January, we are going to approach Bible Matters with a different format. We will be reading through a book as a group and meeting to discuss the chapter which was read the previous week. The book we will be working with is entitled, “Your Life Has Meaning: Discovering Your Role in an Epic Story.” This can be purchased in bulk for a discount ($20 each), but we will need to have people let us know if they will be purchasing the book so that we do not overspend on unused books. You can sign up for a book at church. They will be ordered so that you can have a copy by Christmas. Bible Matters will begin our discussion of the book on Wednesday, January 7.

          NOTE: If you will be bringing any friends to this study (and we encourage you to do so!), this book will be our gift to them.  Please indicate if we will need to order a book for any guests.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from November 16, 2025. Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, November 16, 2025

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
          For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).

INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
          Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.

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

Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Bible Matters will resume on Wednesday, January 7 at 6:30 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG

www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com  

YouTube -- 23rd Sunday after Pentecost (November 16, 2025)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Thanksgiving Vespers -- Wednesday, November 26

Thanksgiving Vespers will be Wed., November 26 at 7 PM.  

God has so freely and supplied all our needs—both physical and spiritual.  We recognize his goodness to us in this annual Thanksgiving service.

Give thanks to the LORD for he is good; his mercy endures forever. (Psalm 118:1)

Sermon -- 23rd Sunday after Pentecost (November 16, 2025)

MALACHI 4:1-6

A FINAL WORD ABOUT THE FINAL DAY.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Throughout the Old Testament, the Lord raised up prophets for his people.  They proclaimed messages of repentance, messages of encouragement, and even revelation of future events.  The final prophet of the Old Testament was Malachi.  After Malachi, God was silent until John the Baptist came to preach. 

     Malachi gives a final word; he looks forward to the final day, and it sounds terrifying.  Malachi proclaimed, “Look! The day is coming, burning like a blast furnace.  All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble.  The day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord of Armies, a day that will not leave behind a root or branch for them” (Malachi 4:1-2).  The judgment will be harsh, and it will be thorough.  Maybe that doesn’t seem so bad to you based on who will be cast into the fire.  Malachi said it will be “all the arrogant and every evildoer” (Malachi 4:1).  Perhaps a few people come to mind for you—people who are unbearably smug, unapologetically self-important, or unceasingly cruel.  You might even delight in the idea that some people will be damned because they deserve it.

     We all have an idea about the way God should judge the world because we all make judgments.  Now, not all judgments are bad.  They can’t be.  You are right to call sins wicked.  You cannot call anything wicked just because you disagree with it; wickedness is determined by what God says about it.  When our Lord Jesus Christ returns to judge the living and the dead, he will not come to negotiate about what is right and wrong.  Jesus will simply issue a sentence upon every person—whether they are good or evil.  All the wicked will be condemned; and it will be a righteous judgment.

     A lot of people don’t fear God’s judgment.  They are quite comfortable with the way they live and see no problem with their behavior.  That’s why they behave the way they do.  The man who spews out profanities has no problem with his vulgar speech.  The woman who slanders other people to make herself look better is quite comfortable doing so.  People who sleep around have no shame and boast about their body count (which is the number of partners they have had).  Even criminals are comfortable with their behavior.  They will defend it as necessary to provide for themselves or their family.  The sinful mind is very comfortable with sins.  That’s why a call to repentance often produces rage rather than remorse.

     Malachi has a final word about the final day.  He tells us how the Lord will judge the living and the dead.  Malachi declares, “Remember the law of my servant Moses, which I commanded to him at Horeb to serve as statutes and judgments over all Israel” (Malachi 4:4).  God’s Law is the standard by which he will judge all people.  Now, there are a lot of specifics in God’s Law about what is good and evil, but the overarching principle is this: “You shall be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2).  Some might hope that Jesus would have softened God’s demands.  He did not.  He reinforced them.  Jesus declared, “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).  That is why God’s Law must be proclaimed.  God warns that all who are comfortable with their sins will not stand at the final judgment—and are, in fact, under God’s wrath now. 

     Malachi gives a final word about the final judgment.  He foretold, “Look!  I am going to send Elijah the prophet to you before the great and fearful day of the LORD comes” (Malachi 4:5)!  Just as Elijah had called comfortable sinners to repent, so God’s Law arouses our consciences so that we do not trust in any goodness we think we have.  God’s Law uncovers and exposes us for what we are.  All our excuses, defenses, and reasons will not make us holy as the Lord, our God, is holy. 

     But for you, Malachi says, “for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise, and there will be healing in its wings” (Malachi 4:2).  To fear the Lord, at the very least, is to take his word seriously.  It is to recognize the Lord’s holy standard and his righteous judgment.  We all have a proper fear of many things in this world.  If you are someone who handles firearms, you work with the motto, “Every gun is a loaded gun,” because you know the disaster that can come from being careless.  If you are doing electrical work, you handle circuits and wires with a proper respect, knowing that being careless can mean electrocution.  These may send you to an early grave, but the Lord can send people to a fiery eternity.

     The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  If you take God’s word seriously and recognize that you do not possess the holiness you need to stand in the Lord’s judgment, you will seek that holiness from outside of you.  That is the beginning of wisdom.  To be wise for salvation is to trust in Jesus and put all your hope in him.  This is what the Lord says: “God made him, who did not know sin, to become sin for us…” (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Jesus is the one who knew no sin.  He is the perfectly obedient Son of his Father.  He did achieve the holy life God demands.  But he did not get the credit for it.  Rather, he who knew no sin became sin for us.  He took our guilt away from us and suffered the consequences—a death in which he endured the torments of hell, burning like a blast furnace.

     The verse goes on.  “God made him, who did not know sin, to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Jesus got the credit for our sin, but he gave us the credit for his righteousness.  Through baptism, he washed you clean of all iniquity.  Through baptism, you were clothed with Christ.  Therefore, God sees you as one who is pure and innocent.  This holiness comes from outside of you.  Jesus Christ has supplied the very holiness you need before God.  “How blessed is the person whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is covered.  How blessed is the person whose guilt the Lord does not charge against him” (Psalm 32:1-2).  Jesus Christ has covered you in his innocence.  Jesus has taken away all the charges against you.  Your verdict of righteousness has been earned by Jesus.  It is delivered to you now.  And it will be declared to all on the Last Day.

     Malachi gives a final word about the final day: “For you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise, and there will be healing in its wings.  You will go out and jump around like calves from the stall” (Malachi 4:2).  In Malachi’s day, the average home in Israel was a one room house.  The roof could serve as a guest room or a work place.  Off the main room, there was a lower level where the family’s animals would be brought in for the night.  Each family typically had a few sheep and a cow or a bull.  They came into the house for two reasons.  One, so that they would not be stolen.  The other reason is that the additional bodies in the house produced more heat for the family.  In the morning, the first thing you would do is open the gate to lead the animals out to get water.  The animals, after being cooped up all night, would burst forth from the stall.  They were finally free!  They would run and leap in excitement.  Malachi says that you will react similarly on the Last Day.

     Why?  Because you will finally be free from all the problems and struggles that sin produces in your life.  The Lord assures you that you are children of God.  St. John wrote in his first epistle, “Dear friends, we are children of God now, but what we will be has not yet been revealed.  We know that when he is revealed we will be like him, and we will see him as he really is.  Everyone who has this hope purifies himself just as Jesus is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).  So, you are children of God right now.  This is something that you take on faith because you don’t see it yet.  We still see and feel and know our sins.  This is why we continue to flee to our Lord for mercy and forgiveness.

     But the day is coming when you will be completely free from this sinful condition.  It is not just that you will be raised with a body that is free from disease, disability, distress, and death.  You will also be free from the continuous battle of putting off your sins.  You will not struggle to do the right thing or to say the right words.  You will think, act, and behave like the children of God, and you will find great joy in it.  Your personality will be cleansed of everything that offends God and others.  Your mind will be freed from thinking evil of others.  You will have no need to think evil of others because all who will be gathered into God’s eternal kingdom will be pure in body, mind, and spirit.  Mankind always hopes to create this kind of utopia.  With sinners, it is an impossible dream.  With our Lord, it is a definite future.

     Malachi delivers a final word about the final day.  Those who remain comfortable in their sins and prefer their own way over God’s way will earn the judgment they get.  If they want no part of Jesus now, Jesus will grant them what they want.  But they will learn, sadly too late, what this means.  Malachi says, “You will trample the wicked. They will surely be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I take action, says the Lord of Armies” (Malachi 4:3).  Does this means we will participate in the Lord’s judgment upon the wicked?  I don’t know.  If it does, it will not be in a spirit of revenge; for the spirit of revenge comes from a sinful heart.  Perhaps it is best understood as part of calves leaping from the stall: We will be overjoyed that the Lord has vindicated his people and that he has upheld his glory.  If it bothers you that you might trample on those who will perish—and I can’t blame you—then turn your focus to imploring your family and friends to seek refuge in Jesus Christ.  Urge them to come to church with you so they will not be consumed in God’s fiery judgment.  Once the Last Day comes, those opportunities are lost.  The day of salvation is now.

     Malachi gives a final word about the final day.  But THE final word comes from Jesus Christ.  He will say to you, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).  This is the kingdom Jesus prepares for you.  He will come again in glory to deliver you to it.  Having heard the final word of the Old Testament, we also cling to the final word of the New Testament: “The one who testifies about these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints” (Revelation 22:20-21).

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

Update from Good Shepherd (November 13, 2025)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is Sundays at 9:00 AM.

Adult Bible Class is Sundays at 9:00 AM.  We are studying the book of Revelation.  A schedule can be found here.

Bible Matters meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM through November 19.  We are having an overview of the Minor Prophets.  A schedule can be found here.  

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

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY -- FINAL NOTICE
         If you were not able to make it in to have your photo taken for the directory, photos can be submitted for inclusion in the upcoming directory. Please speak to Terry Barber about these submissions.

THANKSGIVING WORSHIP

Our annual Thanksgiving service will be on Wednesday, November 26 at 7:00 PM.

NEW PASTOR AT PALABRA DE VIDA

         Rev. Martin Loescher who had previously served in Neenah, Wisconsin has accepted the call to serve at Palabra de Vida Lutheran Church in Detroit. We look forward to having him, his wife, and his family come to southeast Michigan as he begins his service to God’s people at Palabra de Vida.  The likely date of his installation will be Sunday, December 7.
          When a new pastor moves to the congregation which has called him to serve him, it is customary for that congregation to welcome him with a food shower, gift cards, or some other expression of gratitude. While Palabra de Vida is certainly grateful for a new pastor, their resources are limited to express it with material gifts. We would like the congregations in the metro-Detroit area to share that expression of gratitude.
          If you would be willing to supply gift cards or gifts of money as part of the welcome for the Loescher family, please submit them to Good Shepherd so that they can be delivered to the Loescher family upon Pastor Loescher’s installation.

175^th Anniversary of the WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)

            The WELS was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1850 by five Lutheran pastors.  Since then, it has grown to about 1,200 congregations throughout the USA and does mission work in about 50 countries.  We thank God for preserving a synod in which the Bible is upheld as God’s inerrant, inspired word.  We should not take this blessing for granted, as many denominations have chosen to ignore or reject parts of God’s word, leaving people to wonder what in the Bible is still true and what is not.

            In order to express our gratitude to the Lord for preserving our synod, and in hopes to see our synod expand its ministry to the USA and to the world, we will be participating in a thank offering throughout the month of November.  There will be a collection plate by the ushers’ station.  You may also designate an offering (mark it as “WELS 175”, but payable to Good Shepherd) and put it in the collection plate with your usual offering.

WELS NIGHT AT THE PISTONS
          The Detroit Pistons are sponsoring a WELS Night at the Pistons on Saturday, December 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tip-off is 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased through a QR code (posted on the bulletin board in the hallway of church). The cheapest seats are $40.65 plus fees. You can spend up to $230.80 plus fees if you want to.

STOCKINGS FOR VETERANS
          We are collecting items for stockings for veterans again this year. We will be putting together 36 stockings. This year our stockings will be distributed to veterans at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor.
          The items to be purchased, as well as to NOT purchase, are listed here. If you are contributing to this effort, please plan accordingly. Items will need to be at church by Sunday, November 30. We will be assembling them after church on November 30. The stockings and hats will be provided.
          It is understandable if you don’t wish to donate enough items to cover all 36 stockings. If you would like to make a donation to cover part of the stockings, you can indicate that on a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall, indicating the item and the quantity you will be donating. Your generosity is appreciated!

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (October)

>  Our projector has not been consistent in projecting.  Since it is better than ten years old, we are considering a replacement.  We are looking into getting a smart TV with interactive capabilities which allows HDMI input as well as ability to draw with a special, electronic pen. 

>  We have added to our Servant Keeper office management system, allowing for texting to large groups. It will be similar to the email blasts, but with texting.  It will also be used more sparingly than the weekly email blasts.  When it is ready to go, we will do a test run after church some Sunday.  

>  A gift was graciously given toward the purchase of a moveable coffee bar.  That coffee bar will be purchased soon.  We thank the donor for their generosity.

>  We are planning on two congregational meetings in late November and early December.  Our Open Forum on November 23 will present a recommended budget for the 2026 year, as well as present some plans we hope to implement in the next year or so.  On December 7, we will present a long-term plan for various improvements or maintenance projects which may need to be done in the next ten years or so.  Some projects are necessary; others would be nice.  We welcome feedback to see what the congregation would support or what alternatives we might consider.

GROWING TOGETHER IN GOD’S WORD
          Starting in January, we are going to approach Bible Matters with a different format. We will be reading through a book as a group and meeting to discuss the chapter which was read the previous week. The book we will be working with is entitled, “Your Life Has Meaning: Discovering Your Role in an Epic Story.” This can be purchased in bulk for a discount ($20 each), but we will need to have people let us know if they will be purchasing the book so that we do not overspend on unused books. You can sign up for a book at church. They will be ordered so that you can have a copy by Christmas. Bible Matters will begin our discussion of the book on Wednesday, January 7.

          NOTE: If you will be bringing any friends to this study (and we encourage you to do so!), this book will be our gift to them.  Please indicate if we will need to order a book for any guests.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from November 2, 2025. Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, November 2, 2025

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
          For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).

INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
          Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.

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

Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Bible Matters -- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM through November 19

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG

www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com  

Edmund Fitzgerald -- 50-year anniversary of the wreck

I am curious to know how much this anniversary is getting notice outside Michigan and the Great Lakes area (Things that make me go HMMMMMMM, I guess).  The Detroit News has had an article in the last several newspapers about it.  Of course, Mariners' Church is downtown Detroit, right on the Detroit River.  The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is on Belle Isle in the Detroit River.  They have a memorial, including the anchor of the Edmund Fitzgerald which had fallen off its chain and was lodged on the floor of the Detroit River for many years.

50 years ago today, the Edmund Fitzgerald--the largest man-made item to be launched into the Great Lakes up to that time--was lost in Lake Superior, claiming the lives of all 29 men on board.  They remain entombed in the Edmund Fitzgerald to this day.

Theories abound as to exactly how the Edmund Fitzgerald ended up on the bottom of Lake Superior.  Based on communications with the Arthur M. Anderson which was trailing behind the Fitz, the captain of the Fitzgerald claimed, "We are holding our own"--that despite the numerous problems he had reported.  Was that willful denial?  Was it a stubborn streak?  Was Captain McSorley convinced that his vessel could withstand the worst Lake Superior could offer?  All previous encounters with horrendous weather said it could.  

In any case, it was mere minutes after the claim, "We are holding our own," that the Edmund Fitzgerald disappeared from sight and from radar.  It rests in two large pieces, over 500 feet deep on the bed of Lake Superior.

Here is a post from my 40th anniversary recollection, with a few additional photos which were not Googled.

In honor of those who were lost, give a listen to Gordon Lightfoot's song.  Interesting note about this recording: Gordon Lightfoot did not even have this song completed when it was recorded.  He worked with his fellow musicians and they discussed briefly what they would like it to sound like.  It was recorded, unrehearsed.  Several additional takes were recorded, but none were deemed as good as the first take.  That is amazing!  Here it is.  Enjoy.

Sermon -- 22nd Sunday after Pentecost (November 9, 2025)

LUKE 20:27-38

I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY.

In the name + of Jesus.

    “Some of the Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to him” (Luke 20:27).  I suppose we should start with an important question: Who were the Sadducees?  They were the priests.  They presided over the sacrifices at the temple.  They were rich and powerful.  When we hear the Bible mention the Sanhedrin which was the judicial body before whom Jesus stood trial, a good number of them were Sadducees.  Caiaphas, the high priest, was one of them. 

     The Sadducees were more politicians than priests.  Although they served at the temple and did what the books of Moses prescribed, their main interest was in retaining their prestige and their power.  When they perceived that Jesus was a threat, the Sadducees expressed their true concerns.  “The chief priests (that is, the Sadducees) and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.  They asked, ‘What are we going to do, because this man is doing many miraculous signs?  If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him.  Then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.’  But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all.  You do not even consider that it is better for us that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish’” (John 11:47-50).  The Sadducees wanted to protect and preserve their worldly glory.  Since they were so worldly, it should not surprise us that they did not believe in the resurrection of the body. 

     They came to Jesus to challenge him and to mock the idea of the resurrection of the body.  They presented their case of the man who died before fathering a child.  The Law of Moses decreed that a brother should take the wife.  He would father a child who would be reckoned as his brother’s.  This would keep the family line intact.  They presented a case in which this was attempted by seven brothers, each taking the woman as his wife and failing to produce an heir.  Then came their “gotcha” question: “So in the resurrection, whose wife will she be?  For the seven had her as a wife” (Luke 20:33).  Their question was not asked in good faith.  They were not interested in a real answer.  They were only interested in humiliating Jesus and propping up their own egos. 

     This is often how we have to deal with people in regard to the Christian faith.  Some ask questions about the Bible out of concern.  They genuinely wonder why God does what he does or doesn’t do.  Others ask, having already drawn the conclusion that God is indifferent, ignorant, or impotent.  Some wonder about things in the Bible that are confusing or seem like contradictions.  Others ask, already certain that the Bible is wrong.  Their goal is to mock the Bible and humiliate the Christians who believe it.  Sadly, some Christians choose to abandon the faith than to endure the mockery of unbelievers.  Beware!   There are always opportunities to confess the faith.  If someone is willing to have further conversations, invite them to church or to meet your pastor.  If they are only interested in confrontation, then don’t bother tossing more pearls to swine.

     You and I confess, “I believe in the resurrection of the body.”  The Sadducees did not, but they should have known better.  Jesus, ever patient with those who came to him—or in this case, came at him, responded.  “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage.  But those who are considered worthy to experience that age and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Luke 20:34-35).  Our Lord has established marriage in this world for the benefit and stability of society.  Where families are strong, society is strong.  Therefore, our Lord has, in his wisdom, established a godly order of events: Marriage, then sexual relations which leads to children.  Any deviation from God’s design is sinful, and it produces problems, such as men who are good at impregnating women but not at taking the responsibility for their actions.  Young ladies, if he is not willing to give you his name, you should not be willing to give him your body.  You will spare yourself much grief.

     Marriage is a blessing designed for this world.  Through marriage, a father and mother produce the generation which will follow them.  The world needs this as each generation needs to be replaced.  This is not needed in the heavenly kingdom, however.  Jesus explains why: “They cannot die any more, for they are like the angels” (Luke 20:36).  The number of angels is fixed.  They don’t need to foster future generations because they don’t die.  So it will be with all the saints in heaven.  There are no wedding chapels in heaven.  There are no maternity wards in heaven.  There are just the saints and angels of God who dwell with him and will never die.

     We should also pay attention to Jesus’ statement that the saints who enter the heavenly kingdom “are like the angels” (Luke 20:36).  We do not become angels when we die.  God created the angels to be angels, and God created people to be people.  God created you to be you on purpose.  You don’t change into something else.  You believe in the resurrection of the body, which means that you will be you for all eternity—although you will be glorified.  Your body will be raised incorruptible and immortal.  You will be like the angels, confirmed in holiness, which means that you won’t screw anything up in the heavenly kingdom. 

     Now we consider the next statement that Jesus made about the resurrection of the body.  “Even Moses showed in the account about the burning bush that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord: ‘The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’  He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him” (Luke 20:37-38).  Even the Pharisees were impressed by Jesus’ reply, saying “Teacher, you have spoken well” (Luke 20:39). 

     It is surprising that the Sadducees did not respond, “Wait a minute!  How can you say this proves the resurrection of the body?  The skeletal remains of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still here.”  Nevertheless, they did not argue.  Jesus’ argument was accepted by the Pharisees.  The Sadducees accepted it as a solid refutation.  Perhaps it is not as clear to you.  You might think, “Jesus proved that they have eternal life, but how did he prove the resurrection of the body?”

     When Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, it affected everything.  We are born in a sinful condition.  Our default position is to reject God’s word for our own.  Sin has also corrupted our bodies.  We suffer mentally and emotionally.  We experience high blood pressure, congenital heart failure, osteoporosis, and arthritis.  Our eyesight and our hearing fade.  We lose our balance and our memory.  Finally, our bodies give out.  Death leaves behind a body, but the spirit returns to the God who gave it.  The body without the spirit is dead.  The spirit without the body is incomplete.  For, God did not create us to be disembodied souls. 

     Right now, we live in time.  Our life began at conception.  Psalm 139 teaches us to confess, “You wove me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13).  The Psalmist teaches us that, even in the womb, it is a “me,” that is, a living person.  However, it is much easier to mark the day we are born than the day we are conceived.  So, we mark and celebrate the day of birth.  Then, God grants us years on earth for as long as he is pleased.  Psalm 139 also reminds us, “In your book all of them were written.  Days were determined, before any of them existed” (Psalm 139:16).  In other words, just as God has determined the day of your birth, so he has also set the day of your death.  On that day, you depart from this world and from time.  You enter eternity and stand before the Lord for judgment. 

     We can think of it this way: At your death, you enter a timeless existence.  You close your eyes to this life and open them to see Jesus.  It is as if you fast forward to the resurrection of the dead on the Last Day.  Since we are still living in time, that day is still a future event.  We continue to purchase calendars and turn the pages as time goes by.  But those who enter eternity are with the Lord.  People such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob live and worship the Lord in glorious bodies.  The saints in heaven are not disembodied spirits.  Just as Moses and Elijah stood before Jesus at his transfiguration as living people, so those who enter eternity are living people.  But since we have not seen it, we can only confess it: “I believe in the resurrection of the body.”

     The first holy man brought sin into the world.  With sin came death.  Since all are sinners, all are marked for death.  But the second holy man, the second Adam, Jesus of Nazareth, came to remove sin, and to reverse its curse and its consequences.  He removed sin by taking all sin into himself.  He exchanged his holiness for our guilt.  Through your baptism in Jesus’ name, he has washed away your guilt and covered you in his innocence.  In order to restore you to eternal life, Jesus had to endure a cursed death.  In order to open heaven to you, Jesus had to suffer your hell.  He did that at the cross.  Jesus’ lifeless body was then laid in a tomb because that is what the consequences of sin demand.

     But on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead.  It was no mere spirit that rose from the grave.  Jesus’ body has overcome death.  He showed the wounds he had received to his disciples to prove his identity and confirm the reality of the resurrection of the body.  A man has proven himself victorious over the grave, and he is the one who will deliver all mankind from the grave.  If you believe in Jesus, then you must also believe in the resurrection of the body.

     Just as the Lord created you to be a body-and-soul individual, so he will raise you up on the Last Day to be a body-and-soul individual.  Your body will be you, but you will be raised with a body that is free from the curse and consequences of sin.  It will never be corrupt.  It will never grow frail.  It will be free from ailments, anxiety, sorrows, struggles, regrets, and any remnant of evil.  All the curses from Eden will be removed, and Eden itself will be restored.

     We live here in time, and so we await the resurrection of the body.  But Jesus said that “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob … is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Luke 20:37-38).  This suggests that our last day on earth will be THE Last Day when Jesus raises the dead and judges all.  Good news: He has already rendered your verdict.  “(You) are sons of God, because (you) are sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:36).  Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.  Since you are his, he makes you partakers of both. 

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

Update from Good Shepherd (November 6, 2025)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is Sundays at 9:00 AM.

Adult Bible Class is Sundays at 9:00 AM.  We will study the book of Revelation.  A schedule can be found here.

Bible Matters meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.  We will have an overview of the Minor Prophets.  A schedule can be found here.  

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

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY -- FINAL NOTICE
         If you were not able to make it in to have your photo taken for the directory, photos can be submitted for inclusion in the upcoming directory. Please speak to Terry Barber about these submissions.

NEW PASTOR AT PALABRA DE VIDA

         Rev. Martin Loescher who had previously served in Neenah, Wisconsin has accepted the call to serve at Palabra de Vida Lutheran Church in Detroit. We look forward to having him, his wife, and his family come to southeast Michigan as he begins his service to God’s people at Palabra de Vida.  The likely date of his installation will be Sunday, December 7.
          When a new pastor moves to the congregation which has called him to serve him, it is customary for that congregation to welcome him with a food shower, gift cards, or some other expression of gratitude. While Palabra de Vida is certainly grateful for a new pastor, their resources are limited to express it with material gifts. We would like the congregations in the metro-Detroit area to share that expression of gratitude.
          If you would be willing to supply gift cards or gifts of money as part of the welcome for the Loescher family, please submit them to Good Shepherd so that they can be delivered to the Loescher family upon Pastor Loescher’s installation.

175^th Anniversary of the WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)

            The WELS was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1850 by five Lutheran pastors.  Since then, it has grown to about 1,200 congregations throughout the USA and does mission work in about 50 countries.  We thank God for preserving a synod in which the Bible is upheld as God’s inerrant, inspired word.  We should not take this blessing for granted, as many denominations have chosen to ignore or reject parts of God’s word, leaving people to wonder what in the Bible is still true and what is not.

            In order to express our gratitude to the Lord for preserving our synod, and in hopes to see our synod expand its ministry to the USA and to the world, we will be participating in a thank offering throughout the month of November.  There will be a collection plate by the ushers’ station.  You may also designate an offering (mark it as “WELS 175”, but payable to Good Shepherd) and put it in the collection plate with your usual offering.

WELS NIGHT AT THE PISTONS
          The Detroit Pistons are sponsoring a WELS Night at the Pistons on Saturday, December 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tip-off is 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased through a QR code (posted on the bulletin board in the hallway of church). The cheapest seats are $40.65 plus fees. You can spend up to $230.80 plus fees if you want to.

STOCKINGS FOR VETERANS
          We are collecting items for stockings for veterans again this year. We will be putting together 36 stockings. This year our stockings will be distributed to veterans at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor.
          The items to be purchased, as well as to NOT purchase, are listed here. If you are contributing to this effort, please plan accordingly. Items will need to be at church by Sunday, November 30. We will be assembling them after church on November 30. The stockings and hats will be provided.
          It is understandable if you don’t wish to donate enough items to cover all 36 stockings. If you would like to make a donation to cover part of the stockings, you can indicate that on a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall, indicating the item and the quantity you will be donating. Your generosity is appreciated!

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (October)

>  Our projector has not been consistent in projecting.  Since it is better than ten years old, we are considering a replacement.  We are looking into getting a smart TV with interactive capabilities which allows HDMI input as well as ability to draw with a special, electronic pen.  

>  Our handicapped accessible entry via push-button has been installed!

>  We plan on adding to our Servant Keeper office management system to allow for texting to large groups, similar to the email blasts, but with texting.  When it is ready to go, we will do a test run after church some Sunday.  

>  We have hired a professional janitorial service.

>  A gift was graciously given toward the purchase of a moveable coffee bar.  That coffee bar will be purchased soon.  We thank the donor for their generosity.

>  We are planning on two congregational meetings in late November and early December.  Our Open Forum on November 23 will present a recommended budget for the 2026 year, as well as present some plans we hope to implement in the next year or so.  On December 7, we will present a long-term plan for various improvements or maintenance projects which may need to be done in the next ten years or so.  Some projects are necessary; others would be nice.  We welcome feedback to see what the congregation would support or what alternatives we might consider.

GROWING TOGETHER IN GOD’S WORD
          Starting in January, we are going to approach Bible Matters with a different format. We will be reading through a book as a group and meeting to discuss the chapter which was read the previous week. The book we will be working with is entitled, “Your Life Has Meaning: Discovering Your Role in an Epic Story.” This can be purchased in bulk for a discount ($20 each), but we will need to have people let us know if they will be purchasing the book so that we do not overspend on unused books. You can sign up for a book at church. They will be ordered so that you can have a copy by Christmas. Bible Matters will begin our discussion of the book on Wednesday, January 7.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from November 2, 2025. Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, November 2, 2025

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
          For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).

INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
          Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.

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

Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Bible Matters -- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM 

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG

www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com  

Bible Matters -- Your Life Has Meaning

At times, it can all feel empty and meaningless.

Is everything fleeting or is there something more with lasting meaning we can be a part of?

We might be tempted to think that there’s no way to answer this question, that people have been asking and not finding answers to this question for millennia and will continue to do so for many more millennia.

But what if three thousand years ago the question was already answered and it was answered in a way that continues to flip our world upside down today, that continues to charge our lives with epic purpose and beauty, that continues to give meaning and purpose—transcending culture, trends, and current philosophies?

In January, we will discuss these issues and learn that life has a beautiful purpose and a wonderful destination.  We will read a chapter each week of the book in the image and discuss it. 

There is a sign-up sheet at church to purchase a copy ($20, payable to Good Shepherd).  A bulk order will be placed on Monday, December 15 to ensure that orders will be received before Christmas, allowing all participants to read chapter 1 before Wednesday, January 7.  If you have discovered this on this blog and would like to join us, you can RSVP via email to welsnovi@aol.com.

January 7                   Everything is Meaningless.

January 14                 Wisdom is Meaningless.

January 21                 Pleasures are Meaningless.

January 28                Work is Meaningless.

February 4                 Human Life is Meaningless.

February 11               Everything is Meaningful.

February 18               Ash Wednesday

This is a great opportunity to invite friends to discuss these topics.

People are yearning for certainty, meaning, and purpose in life. 

Jesus delivers it!

Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.  All are welcome.

For your amusement -- Holderness family Hamilton parody

Here is an amusing little ditty from the Holderness family who produces a lot of content for YouTube.  This one should resonate with anyone who has passed over the 50-year threshold.  And if you have seen Hamilton, you will appreciate this all the more.  Enjoy!

YouTube -- All Saints' Day, transferred (November 2, 2025)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Prayer of Remembrance for All Saints' Day 2025

          Almighty God, today we recall with thanksgiving those saints who were taken from us in the Church Militant and carried by the angels to you and the Church Triumphant.  Especially, we give you praise for our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith and all those who are in our hearts and minds this day:

            Gloria Jean Smith, aunt of Colleen Fadool (July 2, 1932 - February 1, 2025)

            Mike DeSantis, brother of Ken DeSantis (July 18, 1971 - February 10, 2025)

Grace Schulz, mother of Susan Gibbons, grandmother of Matthew and Naomi Gibbons (March 17, 1934 - February 26, 2025)

Mary Lou Gorte, aunt of Colleen Fadool (April 23, 1950 - February 27, 2025)

Mitchell Weimer, brother of Mary Beth Corbeill (November 12, 1956 – March 21, 2025)

Marjorie Anne Usimaki, cousin of Mary LeFevre, (March 24, 1961 - March 23, 2024)

Marion “Pat” Weimer, aunt of Mary Beth Corbeill (February 19, 1934 – May 1, 2025)

Shirley Buchanan (December 28, 1938 – May 7, 2025)

            Marlene Diener, aunt of Jean Nabozny and Dan Rauchholz (January 9, 1946 - May 11, 2025)

Ronald Schmidt, father of Laura Schroeder (May 9, 1942 – June 14, 2025)

            David Rumics (May 12, 1946 – June 19, 2025)

            John Vogeli (July 3, 1949 – July 27, 2025)

Mary Bougdanos, mom of Bob DuBois’ college roommate (December 24, 1936 – August 28, 2025)

            Cheryl Crenshaw (November 6, 1948 – September 10, 2025)

Daniel Napolski, Jr., Bob DuBois’ sister's nephew (December 7, 1982 – September 10, 2025)

Pamela Mattison (February 25, 1959 – September 26, 2025)

            David Miller, brother of Elaine McClay (died October 1, 2025)

Anica Guiboux, mom of friend of Bob DuBois (September 27, 1935 – October 9, 2025)

Ruth Schmidt, aunt of Laura Schroeder (November 22, 1936 – October 16, 2025)

          To these, you have granted eternal rest this past year.  We thank you for giving them new life in Christ while on this earth and for sustaining them in true and saving faith throughout their life.  We praise you for finally giving them the fulfillment of your promises of salvation and eternal life.  Strengthen and sustain us in this saving faith so that we may also join with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in joyful praise, peace, and rest forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Cong:          Amen.