Issues Etc. -- The First Christmas

We had some discussions at church about the place of Jesus' birth (cave? stable? barn? house?), as well as how old Jesus was when the Magi arrived to worship him.

We often put Jesus in a modern context, which usually distorts the reality of 1st century Palestine.  Artists turned Jesus into a European.  We have gone one step worse and made him an American.

Although it may not match up to some of our hymns, our Nativity scenes, or our romanticized mental images, it does us well to consider what the birth of Jesus would have looked like in a Middle Eastern context.

Dr. Kenneth Bailey, who lived for a number of decades in the Middle East, offers some fascinating insight as to the details of the first Christmas.  Spoiler alert: There were no villains on the night Jesus was born (a.k.a., no evil inn keeper who expelled the betrothed couple from his hotel).

For more, click this link:  https://issuesetc.org/2013/12/24/the-first-christmas-dr-ken-bailey-1314/

NOTE:  This interview takes about an hour, but it is well worth your time.

Lutheran Satire: Horus Ruins Christmas

As surely as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Savior who is Christ the Lord, just as surely people will be arguing that Christians have usurped pagan myths and attribute them to Jesus.  In short, they argue that Christmas is a pagan holiday.

While this re-tread argument gets tiresome when you see it year after year, many Christians really have no idea how to respond to this (although simply holding to the Biblical record serves as a safeguard in all matters of faith).  As a result, and as a desire to not be thought of as brain-dead, brain-washed fools, Christians are tempted to throw away the faith.

Lutheran Satire to the rescue!  Here is a brief, entertaining explanation of all those pagan myths supposedly worked into the Christmas story.  Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Sermon -- Christmas Day (December 25, 2018)

o logos is Greek for "The Word,"
which is the name St. John ascribes
to the second person of the Holy Trinity.

JOHN 1:1-14

FOR US MEN, HE BECAME MAN.

In the name + of Jesus.

     In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)  God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31)  God loves what he has created, and he poured out his love upon it. 
     The highlight of God's creation are the people he had put into it.  They were to be the chief object of God's affection.  Rather than summoning them into being as he did with all other creatures, the Lord personally invested in himself into the man and the woman by forming them.  He made them unique and distinct from the rest of creation.  God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27)  To be created in God's image is not to look like him, but to live for him.  Adam and Eve knew what God wanted.  They desired to do what God wanted.  And they could do what God wanted.  They were in perfect harmony with God's will.  They loved God perfectly, and God loved them perfectly.
     When Satan tempted Adam and Eve to find wisdom, joy, and glory by rebelling against God's will, they did.  They thought that they had to steal what God wanted to give them freely.  Instead, they lost it all.  Instead of wisdom, mankind is now darkened in his knowledge of God.  We often create a god of our own liking, which usually means we believe that God is like us.  He likes what we like and hates what we hate.  Instead of joy, we are dejected, dissatisfied, and even depressed.  Joy and contentment are never found in greed, lust, pride or selfishness.  These always demand more.  They are never satisfied.  Instead of glory, mankind suffers shame and regret.  We are destined for death and hell.  All the world's glory finally ends up in ashes.  Even if we find pleasure for a moment, our shame and death endure forever.
     Even though humanity remained the highlight of God's creation, the image of God in mankind was lost.  Even if man thinks he knows what God wants, he neither wants to do it, nor can he.  Humanity is not what God had created it to be.  We are not obedient to God.  We are not kind to one another.  Often, we do not even like ourselves.  No one is perfect.  No one lives forever.  This is now the nature of mankind, and we cannot fix it.
     And yet, God still loves his creation.  All mankind is destined for death, but God still wants us to live.  Our hearts have become corrupt, discontent, and bitter, but God still wants to bless us with good gifts and great joy.  Even though we turn our backs on God, God has not turned his back on us.  On the contrary, the Lord turns his face toward us, and we see that his face shines upon us.  It shines in this way: God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)  When God sent his Son into the world, he did not come in the appearance of God.  Contrary to many artists' renderings, he did not come with a halo above his head or have any kind of glow.  And contrary to one beloved hymn, it is safe to bet that Jesus made plenty of crying when he grew hungry or soiled his diaper.  The point of Christmas is not the cuteness of baby Jesus; it is the divinity and the humanity of baby Jesus.  God is a man.  This man is God.  For us men, he became man.
     In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us... (John 1:1,14)  God became man in order to dwell with mankind, and ultimately to save mankind.  God veiled his glory under frail flesh and blood so that we would not be terrified of him.  But it is more than that.
     For us men, he became man.  That means he became flesh and blood, body and soul—not to be like us, but to be one of us.  It means he was conceived, born, grew, and studied and learned.  It means he endured hunger, thirst, weakness, sorrow, pain, and even temptation.  God has become man in every way.  I suppose we might think, “He became man in every way with one exception—he was without sin.”  It is true that Jesus is without sin.  Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Jesus did not inherit the sin of Adam.  And he lived his whole life obedient to the Commandments.  But the fact that he was without sin does not mean there was something missing from his humanity.  Adam was a man without sin (although that did not last long), but he did not become more human by sinning.  In the same way, Jesus was a man without sin.  He had a sinless nature and lived a sinless life.  And this did not deprive him in any way of being man.
     For us men, he became man.  God the Son made himself one with with mankind.  And this was done for the sake of restoring mankind to what God has always intended us to be.  In order for God to elevate mankind, God had to humble himself.   God humbled himself by subjecting his divinity to the limits of humanity.  He subjected himself to the laws of nature that bind us—time, space, and matter.  His miracles give a glimpse of his divinity, but the miracles were not the norm.  For the majority of his life, Jesus did not do miraculous signs.  If the goal of Jesus were to dazzle us, he would have chosen a different way than being born in Bethlehem.  But he comes as one of us.  He entered the world as one of us, grew up as one of us, and lived as one of us.  He also submitted to God's Commandments as is required of all mankind.  But unlike Adam, this man did not violate the commands of God.  Unlike us, this man overcame all temptation.  He knew no guilt.  He had no regrets.  There was nothing to hide.  This is what God wants all mankind to be, and this is what Jesus was.
     For us men and for our salvation, he became man.  That's because he also has come to suffer what all men deserve for their sins.  He does not want us to be damned, so he came to die and be damned for all mankind.  The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.  He went into death for us.  The tender flesh which laid in the manger would later be ripped by a scourge, pierced by nails and thorns, and run through with a spear.  His body would bear our sin, absorb the curse of God, and die our death.  But the flesh and blood, body and soul man could not be contained by his grave.  Jesus rose from the grave, victorious over death, to live forever.  Through Jesus, man conquers death and is free from hell.  Then, he ascended into heaven to show that mankind will dwell in the presence of God forever. 
     For us men and for our salvation, he became man.  For us men, he became man to elevate humanity and restore it to what God had created it to be.  No longer do you have to live with regret, or to hide your shame, or to fear God's wrath, or to dread death or hell or judgment.  For, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)  The wisdom, the joy, and the glory which we crave do not need to be seized through sinful choices.  They do not need to be stolen; they are freely given by our Savior.  Just as this man lives in glory, in everlasting peace and joy, forever free from sorrow, pain, weakness, and death, so shall you.  For us men and for our salvation, he became man.
     God loves what he has created, and he pours out his love upon it.  In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)  He created mankind to be the focus of his love and blessing.  God loves what he has created, and Jesus proves it.  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us... (John 1:1,14)  For us men and for our salvation, God became man.  He redeemed mankind from sin and death in order to give them glory and life.  He restores in you the image of God.  Therefore, you are eager to honor God and do his will.  You know what God wants.  Having been freed from sin, you desire to do what God wants.  Having been made a new creation, you are able to do what God wants, at least in some respect.  You and I are still sinners, so our humanity has not been completely elevated and the image of God has not been perfectly restored.  But once our flesh has been raised from the dead, just as Jesus' was, everything will be perfected.  We will be the glorious creatures God had intended us to be.  And the God who dwelt with man will raise up man to dwell with God forever.
     For us men, he became man.  He is our Immanuel, and we are his people—redeemed from sin, destined for everlasting glory, and truly beloved by God.

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

Sermon -- Christmas Eve (December 24, 2018)

LUKE 2:1-20

GOD'S GLORY IS REVEALED BY GOD'S GRACE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14)  I am certain that this was the greatest choral performance in the history of the world, as angelic choirs sang God's praise.  The angel choir itself was glorious, but they sang of a greater glory—God's glory which has been revealed to mankind.
     When we think of the glory of God, we think in terms of power and holiness.  And to be sure, those are glorious.  They are glorious in the way that a nuclear explosion would be glorious.  It is a power beyond anything we have every seen; and, God willing, we will never actually see one.  We also think of the grandeur of creation.  We are awed by the splendor of mountains or the beauty of tropical beaches.  Those are glorious.  Photographers and artists devote their lives to capturing these on canvass or in print.  The angel choir was glorious—for they are powerful, holy beings.  God is even more glorious; for he is the Maker of the angels.  He is most holy and all powerful.  But when God revealed his glory at Christmas, there was really little about it that was powerful or awesome or even pretty.
     In a tiny town in Judea, a young woman gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  It was hardly the first birth in Bethlehem.  Other than people's usual interest in the birth of a child, there was nothing noteworthy about the event from casual appearances.  The peasant woman wrapped up her peasant baby in strips of cloth.  She put him in a manger because the hay was softer than the ground.  She rested after the work of delivery, while her husband did what he could to care for the needs of his bride and the baby.
     We have made the scene quiet romantic, but life is seldom as romantic as our imaginations make it.  Life is gritty and hard.  Life is filled with sinners who say regrettable things and act selfishly toward others.  We do not even love our loved ones the way we are supposed to.  We try to make our Christmas as wonderful and festive as possible, but it usually results in anger toward other people who happen to have that same goal.  We all get in each other's way.  We snap at each other.  We are overcome with stress because nothing measures up to our imagination.  We want glorious; we get gritty and hard.  In a season which is supposed to highlight the best of mankind, we see plenty of greed, impatience, sarcasm, disappointment, tears, and bitterness.  We prove that we are sinners.  You can try to put a pretty wrapping on that if you want, but you can't hide what you are.  Certainly God knows better.  And knowing that God is most holy and almighty makes him glorious, but it does nothing to comfort us.  It means that his justice is fair and accurate, and his judgment will be crushing.
     That is why the birth of Jesus did not appear glorious.  No one fled from the house in fear when Jesus was born.  There was nothing about him that looked glorious or godly.  Therefore, the angel appeared to the shepherds.  The angel had to reveal the glory of God concerning the one who was born in Bethlehem.  No shepherd would have left his flock for a boy in a manger.  But this was no ordinary boy. 
     The angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)  The Savior has come for sinners.  He has come to deliver us from the righteous judgment of a holy, almighty God.  In order for God's righteous judgment not to condemn us, we have to have our sins removed from us.  Jesus has come to do that—to take away your sins so that you can stand before the Lord without fault and, therefore, without fear.  Jesus made your sin his own and suffered and died in your place for you.  For this reason, you are pardoned on all counts and cleared of all charges.  The judgment has already been issued: You have a Savior, and you are forgiven.
     God's glory is revealed by God's grace.  The boy born in Bethlehem is the Christ.  He was anointed by God to serve as your substitute—both in life and in death.  He does what no man has done or can do: He obeys God's commandments with a perfect life.  He does for all mankind what we cannot do: He atones for all of our sin with a perfect sacrifice.  High Priests were anointed into their office to stand before the Lord to make sacrifices for sins.  So also, Jesus is the Lord's anointed.  He not only represents you before the Lord to make the atoning sacrifice for your sins, he himself IS the perfect sacrifice which atones for all your sins.  Jesus is the Christ, the Lord's anointed—sent to make the sacrifice—to BE the sacrifice—which saves sinners.
     God's glory is revealed by God's grace.  Jesus is the Lord.  He is God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God; begotten, not made; of one being with the Father, through whom all things were made. (Nicene Creed)  Since he is God, he is most holy and almighty.  But he does not come in bare glory to strike us with fear and cause us to flee from him.  He comes in weakness.  In fact, he could not have come in a more helpless form—relying completely on Mary to nurse him, relying completely on Joseph to protect him, and needing swaddling cloths to keep him warm.  God Almighty comes in frail flesh and blood.  The Most Holy God comes to show that he is gracious to sinners.  The Maker of heaven and earth loves his creation and desires to redeem all people in it.  Therefore the Lord himself comes to earth—not in glory, but in infancy.  He was born for you to give you a new birth into God's family.  Through him, you are the Lord's; and, therefore, heirs of his glorious kingdom.
     The angels marvel at the love God has for you—such love that God himself became one of us in order to redeem us.  Therefore, the angels revealed God's glory and God's grace in song: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)  He is pleased with you, thanks to Jesus' saving work.  His peace is upon you, thanks to Jesus' saving work.  God's glory is revealed by God's grace—that he works to save sinners and to give us the heaven we do not deserve.  But God graciously gives it all the same.
     If the angels had reason to declare the praises of God, we have even more.  For, the Lord did not need to save the angels.  They have not received the grace that you and I have.  The angels glorified God because he is gracious to us!  We have all the more reason to glorify God.  That is what the shepherds did.  After they came to see the Lord, they went forth and declared this glory to all others.  Likewise, we gather here to have God's glory and God's grace proclaimed to us again and again.  We sinners continue to need it; and God graciously gives it.  Then, we get to go forth and declare God's glory and God's grace to others.  For, this is good news of great joy.  It is meant for all the people, because Jesus comes to be the Savior of all people. 
     Glory to God in the highest!  For, the Savior, who is Christ the Lord, is born.  He comes for you—to live for you, to die for you, and to save you.  This is the glory of God, that he is gracious to sinners and saves them.  God's grace for you is on display in Jesus.  Jesus is God's grace in the flesh.  Your Savior has come.  God's peace is yours.  God's glory is revealed.  Glory to God in the highest!

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

Lutheran Satire -- Angels

The angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus and to sing God's praises.

We are often enamored with the angels, thinking how cool it would be to see them and hear them.  Rev. Hans Fiene of Lutheran Satire gives us something to think about when we consider seeing the angels.  It even has a Christmas reference. 

Enjoy!  Merry Christmas!

Sermon -- 4th Sunday in Advent (December 23, 2018)

MICAH 5:2-5a

THE ETERNAL ONE ENTERS OUR TIME.

In the name + of Jesus.

     In what is perhaps the most sordid event of Israel's history, the tribe of Benjamin was practically wiped out.  You can read about it in the final chapters of Judges.  It was due to an incident in one city which rivaled the immorality of Sodom and Gomorrah.  When all the Israelites were called out to purge the evil from Israel, the people of Benjamin stood in solidarity with their immoral kinsman.  The other eleven tribes of Israel were bent more on a spirit of vengeance than anything.  They sought to wipe out not only the wicked city, but the entire tribe of Benjamin.  The result is that a tribe which had numbered 45,600 battle-ready men was reduced to a sum total of 600 men.  All others—the soldiers, the elderly, the women and children—were slaughtered by their fellow Israelites.  The Israelites managed to find wives for the surviving Benjamites, but the tribe of Benjamin was reduced to almost nothing.
     It was from that little, insignificant tribe that the Lord called the first king of Israel.  Things did not work out well with King Saul, however, who proved himself disobedient to God's word.  Therefore, the Lord sought another king, and once again, he looked for someone insignificant.  The Lord sent Samuel to Bethlehem.  It does not appear that Jesse had the prestige of being an elder even in the tiny town of Bethlehem, but it was from this family that the Lord's anointed would come.  And when Jesse's sons were presented to Samuel, the Lord chose the runt of the litter—a shepherd named David. 
     This pattern continued even when it came to bringing a Savior into the world.  Through the prophet Micah, the Lord had promised: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2)  
     In the list of the cities of Judah, Bethlehem did not even make the cut.  It was too small to be listed.  Nevertheless, the Lord had big plans for this little town.  The eternal one would enter our time in Bethlehem.  Though he would come about seven centuries after Micah foretold him, he existed long before Micah was even around.  That is because he is eternally begotten of the Father.  Now, in eternity, there is no clock or calendar.  There is no “When.”  Therefore, when we speak of the Son being eternally begotten of the Father, our focus is on “What,” not “When.”  It is the relationship that we focus on.  He is God the Son, of one being with the Father—God from God, Light from Light, true God of true God.  This is the one, the eternal one, who enters our time.
     So, what would move the eternal God to limit himself to our time?  What would move the Creator of heaven and earth to limit himself to being a creature in his own creation, subjecting himself to the laws of gravity, to pangs of hunger, to callouses, pain, and exhaustion?  And more than that, what would compel the God who is worthy of praise and honor to submit himself to the scorn, slander, and false accusations of sinful men?  What would compel the immortal God to allow himself to suffer and die?  The innocent one to endure a wretched, cursed death?  For, surely something must compel him if he is going to subject himself willingly to a station that is far beneath his very nature!  And, yes, something does compel him—your salvation.  This is what causes the eternal one to enter our time.
     The eternal one enters our time because our time is so limited.  We do not get to dwell long on the earth because our sin produces death in us.  It is not only that we are headed to the grave, it is also the spiritually dead condition that we entered this world in.  This is the condition which robs us of any peace between us and God.
     Adam and Eve were warned by God, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:16-17)  Obviously, Adam and Eve did not keel over dead as soon as they ate from the forbidden tree.  In fact, Adam lived to an astounding age of 930 years old.  But the moment they ate the forbidden fruit, they died spiritually.  The evidence is that they covered their nakedness with fig leaves, fled from God when they heard him, and blamed others for their sins.  The peace between God and man had been severed—not because God had changed, but because man was covered in guilt, shame, and fear.
     To this day, peace eludes us as we consider our standing before God.  The devil reminds us of our sins.  Our consciences concurs: We are guilty.  We can lie to ourselves about it.  But when you are in a hospital bed or have to face your impending death, peace is shattered by the reality of your sin.  Even devout Christians are overwhelmed with fear and doubt at these moments.  Like Adam and Eve, we want to cover up our shame with excuses or the appearance that we are better than we are.  Like Adam and Eve, we blame our guilt on others, even on God.  We claim his Commandments are too harsh or too outdated.  We reject God's word so that we can adopt worldly behavior, thinking that we avoid guilt by welcoming different standards.  Like Adam and Eve, we still hide from God, as if that also hides our shame and guilt.
     But the eternal one entered our time so that we do not have to spend eternity cut off from our Lord, or even to fear him.  The eternal one entered our time to win for us peace in our time and a blessed eternity.  Micah foretold that he would do just that.  “And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.  And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.  And he shall be their peace.” (Micah 5:4-5a)  
     The eternal one entered our time to secure your peace with God.  He is the good and faithful shepherd who comes to tend to your needs.  He takes his stand between you and the devil.  The devil wants to torment you over your sins.  He wants the guilt to stick to you so that you will quit on God's promises, despair of comfort and hope, and be destined for hell.  He does not lie about the sins you have committed.  Those are true.  His lie is that those sins and their guilt still stick to you.  But Jesus Christ takes his stand between you and the devil.  He takes the blows the devil would inflict upon you.  Jesus has taken all your sin and guilt into himself.  He has borne the punishment for you.  The eternal one entered our time so that the devil would forever lose his claim on you.  You are forever free from his grasp because you are forgiven of all sin.
     The eternal one entered our time to grant you a blessed eternity.  Jesus has taken his stand between you and death.  He has taken the blows of death for you.  The eternal one entered our time to give his life for all sinners of all time.  The everlasting one died for you.  He went into death in order to conquer it.  And now that you are his, you are also going to be delivered from the grave so that you will live forever with him.
     The eternal one has entered our time to be your peace.  Peace is not found in excuses, or in blaming others, or in rejecting the Commandments.  Jesus is your peace.  Thanks to Jesus, you no longer need to fear the Lord.  His favor rests upon you.  He has taken pains to save you from sin, death, and the devil.  You do not need to flee from him.  Rather, you and I flee to him because he is our Savior.  He continually speaks to us with words of peace, encouragement, and comfort. 
     Bethlehem may have been insignificant among the cities of Judah, but is forever known by us as the place where God chose to enter our world.  If the world thinks you are insignificant, don't fret; the Lord knows you.  From eternity, the Lord chose you for eternity.  Then, the eternal one entered our time in order to save you.  And in our time, this very day, he comes to you in word and sacrament to strengthen and keep you in the true faith until he brings you into eternity.  You are not insignificant to him.  He came to save you so that you would be his.  His peace is yours now.  And you are his forever.

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

Christmas Schedule

Christmas Schedule for Good Shepherd

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Monday, December 24, 7:00 PM 

Christmas Day Festival Service

Tuesday, December 25, 10:00 AM

Update from Good Shepherd (December 20, 2018)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE

Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.  After today (December 13), the Thursday afternoon worship option will be suspended until 2019.

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

CHRISTMAS AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Christmas Candlelight Service – Monday, December 24, 7:00 PM

Christmas Day Festival Service – Tuesday, December 25, 10:00 AM

Invite your family and friends!

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  — St. Paul's Epistles to Timothy
What does God expect of his church?  What does God desire for worship?  What are the qualifications and responsibilities of a pastor?  These are the questions St. Paul addresses in his letter to protegee, Timothy.  Having trained Timothy for years, St. Paul entrusted Timothy to serve as the pastor of the church at Ephesus.  Paul's instructions teach us what the ministry is supposed to look like.  These instructions still apply to Christ's Church today. December 23 2 Timothy 3-4 (Faithfulness in a faithless world)

In our prayers....
While we offer up prayers for specific requests in our services, petitions and intercessions can be offered up throughout the week for continued concerns.  Please continue to remember these in your prayers:
-- For Dale Peterson, father of Jeanette Schneider, who is still recovering from a second stroke
– For Jon Rumics, son of David & Diane Rumics, who is being treated for cancer.

POINSETTIAS
          The Ladies of Good Shepherd has set out a sign-up sheet for Christmas poinsettias.  A donation for the poinsettia, if you want to take one home after Christmas, is appreciated.  Checks can be made out to Good Shepherd Worship Committee.  Cash can be left in the collection plate but needs to be designated “poinsettias.”  You are welcome to take yours home after the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service.

JESUS CARES MINISTRIES: Worship at the Cross

Our first effort for Worship at the Cross did not have any attendees. We are being optimistic, suggesting that the hectic schedule of December left people not wanting to add another event to their month.  We will try again on Tuesday, January 8 at 6:30 PM.

Worship at the Cross is a  service and a Sunday School class for people with special needs.  These people, precious to Jesus, are often neglected.

Please continue to  publicize this.  If you know of anyone with special needs (e.g., Down Syndrome, Autism, et al.), please inform them of our Worship at the Cross efforts.  Registration forms for Worship at the Cross can be found here: http://goodshepherdnovi.org/worship_at_the_cross/registration 

You can find out more about Jesus Cares Ministries and Worship at the Cross at: http://www.tlha.org/jesus-cares-ministries .

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
A next session of our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, January 13 at 6:00 PM.  This series, entitled “Eating God's Sacrifice,” explores the Lord's Supper portrayal in the Old Testament sacrifices.  While the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper flows from the Passover, its roots and forgiveness come from all the Old Testament sacrifices.  After viewing each DVD segment, Pastor Purdue and Pastor Schroeder will lead a discussion about the material which is in the DVD.  All sessions will begin at 6:00 PM.  These are intended to be interactive discussions as well as informational.  Desserts and snacks will be served.  All are welcome.

MICHIGAN LUTHERAN SEMINARY Christmas Concert

This year’s MLS Christmas Concert will be held on Friday, December 21, beginning at 7:00 pm.  There will be pre-concert music beginning as early as 6:00 PM.  If you plan to attend, also plan to get your seats early (6:40 PM) to be assured of a comfortable spot. 

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

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

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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

DIVINE SERVICES

     Sundays at 10:00 AM

ADVENT VESPERS
     Wednesdays, December 12, & 19, 7:00 PM

SUNDAY SCHOOL

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG

www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com

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

Sermon -- Advent Vespers: Week 3 (December 19, 2018)

MATTHEW 1:18-25

GOD'S FAITHFUL PEOPLE AWAIT THE COMING OF THE LORD.

They Are Saved.

In the name + of Jesus.

     When the priest, Zechariah, doubted the message of Gabriel that his barren, aged wife was going to give birth to a son, he suffered a stern rebuke.  The appearance of God's angel and the divine proclamation were not enough of a sign for Zechariah.  But what God had told Zechariah was not unprecedented.  Just as the Lord had blessed Abraham and Sarah long ago, so he was doing again through Zechariah and Elizabeth.  And God was true to his word.
     Neither Mary nor Joseph received a similar rebuke when our Lord was conceived in Mary's womb.  Mary was perplexed at how a virgin would become pregnant.  That was unprecedented.  There are no other virgin births in the Bible.  The angel revealed that God would work miraculously to bring it about, and Mary accepted God at his word.  Joseph was a righteous man, but he was not a gullible man.  Joseph knew of only one way that women become pregnant, which is also what the world has always known.  So, when Joseph learned that his betrothed was pregnant, he exercised common sense.  He deduced that Mary had been unfaithful to him, especially as she was accusing no one of raping her.  Mary was not devastated by her pregnancy; she accepted it as her vocation.  Joseph could not and would not be married to someone unfaithful.  And, while Jewish law permitted Joseph to publicly shame her and even stone her to death, he still had compassion for Mary.  He decided to divorce her quietly—which on Joseph's part was both honorable and merciful.
     Joseph had made some assumptions about Mary, and I don't think anyone would blame him for being unfair in his assumptions.  The only way Joseph could possibly have known the truth about Mary and the baby in her womb was by divine revelation.  And so, God revealed the truth to him.  “Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.'” (Matthew 1:20-21)  In this way, Joseph's actions were not based upon assumptions, but the truth.
     It is alarming how often we believe our assumptions.  Sometimes we are eager to believe our assumptions and don't care about the truth.  For example, if there is someone you do not get along with, you are eager to believe the worst about that person.  You accept the most unflattering and salacious gossip as Gospel, because by it, you validate your hatred of that person.  It is not based on truth at all, but you are ready to assume the worst and to believe the lie because the lie is much more appealing.
     You may assume that God's favor rests upon you because everything in your life is going so well.  God may bless you with wealth, success, accolades, and awards, but that does not prove how God feels about you.  If it did, what conclusion would you draw when you are enduring troubles, tribulations, and temptations?  What if you lose a job, a loved one, or your health?  God's favor is not proved by worldly blessings.  And God's wrath is not proved by suffering or loss.  These are gross assumptions, and they are not based on truth. 
     Likewise, you may assume that God is pleased with you because you are so pleased with yourself.  Or you may assume that God hates you because you don't like yourself.  These, too, are gross assumptions.  Your feelings prove nothing about God's judgment of you.  It is especially important to remember this if you are enduring any kind of spiritual, emotional, or mental anguish.  If you are truly suffering depression, then understand that is a medical condition and seek help.  If you are suffering from self-loathing because of secret shame, then you know the crushing weight of sin and guilt.  Do not assume that justifying your sins will take away the shame.  Worse, it can result in despair.  Rather than believe the assumptions, hear the word of the Lord: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9) 
     God's faithful people awaited the coming of the Lord because with the Lord there is forgiveness, there is hope, and there is peace—even for the most troubled soul.  This is the news that was revealed to Joseph, and this is the good news that is proclaimed to you.  It is not an assumption; it is the word and promise of God.
     God's faithful people await the coming of the Lord who saves them.  The angel Gabriel revealed to Joseph what Joseph could have never known for himself.  Mary was still faithful, still a virgin, and still meant for him to have as his wife.  The child in her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  He is the Lord become flesh.  And the name given by the angel to Joseph was to confess and reveal exactly that.  The angel declared, “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
     The name Jesus means, “The Lord who saves.”  It is who Jesus is.  It is what Jesus does.  Rather than assume what God's feelings are toward you, cling to Jesus who flat out tells you both with word and actions.  “The Lord who saves” delivers you out of all sin, covers over your shame with his righteousness, and overrules every guilty feeling with words of absolution, comfort, and peace.  Every word of Jesus has been backed up by his innocent life, by his sufferings and death, and by his resurrection.  His innocent life covers your sins.  His sufferings and death takes away your punishment.  His resurrection puts God's stamp of approval on his saving work.  Jesus is “The Lord saves you.”  It is who he is.  It is what he does.
     God's faithful people await the coming of the Lord.  And we come together in God's house to have God's words declared to us and repeated to us.  Since we are never able to overcome all the temptations that plague us, we always need to hear the word of the Lord.  It is not enough to assume that we are forgiven.  Assumptions do not save anyone.  The Lord applies his forgiveness and salvation to us through his word.  It is that word of absolution declared by his minister in his stead and by his command.  It is that word combined with the waters of baptism by which the Lord has put his name on you and makes a covenant of forgiveness with you.  It is that word which is added to bread and wine, declaring that we eat the body of our Lord and drink the blood of our Lord for the forgiveness of sins.  These are not assumptions about what we receive; they are the words and promises of God.  And therefore, God's favor is given through them, and we find our salvation in them.  God's faithful people rally to them to be saved.
     When Joseph heard the word of the Lord, he put aside all assumptions about Mary and all reasoning about the child in her womb.  It probably did not make much sense to him, and he spent the rest of his life pondering what the angel had said about the boy to be born.  But he did not put his faith in his assumptions.  He put his faith in God's word, and he acted accordingly.  He took Mary to be his wife.  He stood faithfully by her, and cared for the child who is “God with us.” 
     God's faithful people await the coming of the Lord.  Like Joseph, we do not put our faith in our feelings or our assumptions.  We trust the word of the Lord which declares: You are saved, you are forgiven, and you are loved—whether you feel like it or not.  For Jesus is the Lord who saves.  It is who he is.  It is what he does.  And he has done it for you. 

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

Lutheran vs. Catholic -- What's the difference?

One of the big lies that is so prevalent in America today is that all religions are the same.  Even Christians say that.  It is a lie.  They are not all the same.  

In the link here, https://www.facebook.com/DailyWire/videos/288785111777404/ ,  Charlie Kirk (a conservative commentator and a Jew) asks a Roman Catholic priest about salvation.  The priest gives an answer that is perfectly consistent with Roman Catholic theology.  It is appalling.

The most appalling claim is that you don't need Jesus to be saved.  You can renounce Jesus and even the very existence of God and can still be saved.  Really.  He says that, and backs it up with Vatican II proclamations.

Secondly, he says that the grace of Christ is not enough.  You need to follow up with that and cooperate with Christ to attain your salvation.  He says that Luther should have said "By grace first" rather than "By grace alone."  So, he highlights that Lutherans and Roman Catholics are still far, far apart on the matter of how one is saved and where one finds confidence in salvation.

If I need to add something to the grace of Christ, I am going to hell for sure.  The very problem from the start is that I am corrupt and cannot fulfill the Commandments of God.  Even now, as a Christian who desires to be godly and obedient, even now I cannot fulfill the Commandments of God.  The only thing I can add to the grace of Christ is my corrupt failures.  THAT is supposed to help save me?!?  That's the very reason I need to be saved!!!

According to the priest in the interview, atheists can be saved.  A vehement rejection of God and his word is, apparently, not enough to condemn anyone.  However, this is what the Roman Catholic Church says about Lutherans:  "If any one saith, that justifying faith is nothing else but confidence in the divine mercy which remits sins for Christ's sake; or, that this confidence alone is that whereby we are justified; let him be anathema." (Session IV, Canon XII)  NOTE: This has never been repudiated.  So, according to Roman Catholic theology, an atheist can be saved, but a confessional Lutheran is damned for sure.

So, the difference is massive.  It is tragic, but it dare not be ignored or glossed over.  Salvation and comfort for sinners is at stake.

Lutherans uphold what the Scriptures declare about salvation so that all may have the comfort and confidence of knowing God's favor rests upon you.  Scripture references abound, but I will highlight two.

Romans 3:20-28
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.  
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Salvation is by grace alone -- God's gift, won by Jesus Christ, and given to sinners.  Salvation is by faith alone -- the works were done by Jesus Christ and are credited to sinners.  Ephesians even highlights that saving faith is given by God.  We have nothing in ourselves to boast about.  It is all God's doing for us.  And, since God did it, we can be certain that everything has been done completely and perfectly.

Sermon -- 3rd Sunday of Advent (December 16, 2018)

LUKE 3:7-18

REPENTANCE RECOGNIZES 

WHAT IS RIGHT.

In the name + of Jesus.

     A little while back, there was a sign outside a local business which said, “It is more important to be kind than to be right.”  While I am in favor of people being kind, I whole-heartedly disagree with that sentiment.  “It is more important to be kind than to be right”?  I sure hope my surgeon does not have that attitude, or my accountant, or my attorney, or even the person who cooks my food. 
     One person who did not share that sentiment was John the Baptist.  John was completely focused on one thing—that you would recognize your need for a Savior.  You can argue that John was not kind with his words, but you must understand that John was more concerned about your salvation than he was about your friendship. 
     John declared, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (Luke 3:16-17)  In other words, if you think the warning is harsh, wait until you face the judgment.  The Lord is very serious about his word.  Those who do not take it seriously will burn with unquenchable hell-fire.  Therefore, John says: “Repent!”
     Repentance recognizes what is right.  In some ways, repentance is very practical.  In general, John noted that the right thing to do is doing what is kind.  “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” (Luke 3:11)  Your fellow man may not always have need for your possessions, but he will always need your patience, kindness, and compassion.  You and I are absorbed by our own challenges, stress, deadlines, or problems, and we are unaware that our fellow man is grieving over a divorce, a suicide, or a lost job.  We only know that he is in our way, and we despise him for it.  You cannot credit yourself for being a good person when you are dismissive of others.  Repentance recognizes what is right.  Repent.
     John the Baptist also noted that repentance demonstrates itself very specifically in one's vocation.  Tax collectors ... said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”  And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.”  Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?”  And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:12-14)  We are disgusted by business magnates and politicians who make deals which enrich each other at the expense of regular people.  But regular people also scheme and lie to gain a few bucks were we can—fudging on a time card to get a few more dollars on a paycheck or figuring out how to get a free dessert out of a restaurant.  You cannot credit yourself for being a good person when you defraud others.  Repentance recognizes what is right.  Repent.
     Perhaps it is not nice to say things so bluntly.  But if being kind is important, being right matters even more.  No one enters eternal life because they are nice.  Only those who are righteous in God's sight and obedient to God's word may enter eternal life.  And even if you commit yourself to cleaning up your life and doing better, the very fact that you have improvements to make shows you are guilty.  We all are.  John the Baptist may not be kind in saying so, but he does have us all dead to rights.  And you would be right to listen to him; for, repentance recognizes what is right. 
     If John has your attention, then you pay close attention to the one John declares is your only hope—Jesus Christ.  While it is true that he comes to judge, it is also true that he came to save.  Jesus' kindness is not revealed in giving you a free pass for your sins.  If that were true, you could ignore every call to repent, figuring that if Jesus gave a free pass to previous sins, he will also give a free pass to the next ones.  Jesus knows what is right.  He knows that we are not.  And he enforces the Commandments against anyone who does not live according to them.
     The kindness of our God is revealed in this—that Jesus delivers you out of your sin and guilt.  Jesus, who did all things right, was put to death for every one of your wrongs.  Your way into eternal life was paid for with innocent blood.  The very God whom you have disobeyed so desired to have you in his everlasting kingdom that he became a man to take the curse in your place and to die a wretched death for you.  It was right for God to condemn Jesus because he bore your sins.  And it was the ultimate kindness, for he did not owe it to you.  Rather, he did it to save you.  In Christ, God is proved both right and kind.
     By baptism, you are washed clean of all your sin, covered in the righteousness of Jesus, and given a new heart which is eager to do the good God desires of you.  It is this kindness of God which makes you right and holy and pleasing in his sight.  This is what saves you.  And this is what we celebrate every Christmas, every Sunday, and every day.  The Lord Jesus has come to comfort all who are grieved by their sins with full and free forgiveness.  For, he does not want to judge you worthy of hell-fire, but covered in his righteousness.
     This is not only kind, but it is even right—for Jesus has taken away your sins.  Repentance recognizes what is right and strives for it.  But repentance also recognizes the kindness of Jesus who has mercy on sinners and saves them.  And even John the Baptist rejoices with you in that.

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

Something from ... Pope Leo on the Two Natures of Jesus (3rd entry)

Here is something more from Pope Leo the Great ( c. 400 – 10 November 461) on the two natures of Jesus -- that Jesus is both God and man.  (For a longer introduction on the significance of this teaching and the attack against Christianity which prompted Leo's letter, see this blog entry.)

Pope Leo the Great

After the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), Pope Leo wrote a letter to Flavian, bishop of Constantinople, regarding Eutyches who had been teaching that Jesus was not really a man, but bore only the form or appearance of a man.  What Pope Leo writes is the correct teaching of the Scripture and the faithful confession of the Church. 

It is a mystery worth pondering, especially as we are coming up on the celebration of the incarnation of our Lord, better known as Christmas.  

Here is another portion of Leo's letter:

"There is nothing unreal about this oneness, since both the lowliness of the man and the grandeur of the divinity are in mutual relation. As God is not changed by showing mercy, neither is humanity devoured by the dignity received. The activity of each form is what is proper to it in communion with the other: that is, the Word performs what belongs to the Word, and the flesh accomplishes what belongs to the flesh. One of these performs brilliant miracles the other sustains acts of violence. As the Word does not lose its glory which is equal to that of the Father, so neither does the flesh leave the nature of its kind behind. We must say this again and again: one and the same is truly Son of God and truly son of man. God, by the fact that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; man, by the fact that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. God, by the fact that all things were made through him, and nothing was made without him, man, by the fact that he was made of a woman, made under the law. The birth of flesh reveals human nature; birth from a virgin is a proof of divine power. A lowly cradle manifests the infancy of the child; angels’ voices announce the greatness of the most High. Herod evilly strives to kill one who was like a human being at the earliest stage the Magi rejoice to adore on bended knee one who is the Lord of all. And when he came to be baptised by his precursor John, the Father’s voice spoke thunder from heaven, to ensure that he did not go unnoticed because the divinity was concealed by the veil of flesh: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Accordingly, the same one whom the devil craftily tempts as a man, the angels dutifully wait on as God. Hunger, thirst, weariness, sleep are patently human. But to satisfy five thousand people with five loaves; to dispense living water to the Samaritan woman, a drink of which will stop her being thirsty ever again; to walk on the surface of the sea with feet that do not sink; to rebuke the storm and level the mounting waves; there can be no doubt these are divine."

Source: http://www.papalencyclicals.net/councils/ecum04.htm

Update from Good Shepherd (December 12, 2018)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE

Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.  After today (December 13), the Thursday afternoon worship option will be suspended until 2019.

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL REHEARSAL
       In order to prepare for our Sunday School Children's Christmas service (December 16), our final dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 15;  9:00 - 11:00 AM.  This includes our Christmas party.

        Children's Christmas service-- Sunday, December 16;  10:00 AM 

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  — St. Paul's Epistles to Timothy
What does God expect of his church?  What does God desire for worship?  What are the qualifications and responsibilities of a pastor?  These are the questions St. Paul addresses in his letter to protegee, Timothy.  Having trained Timothy for years, St. Paul entrusted Timothy to serve as the pastor of the church at Ephesus.  Paul's instructions teach us what the ministry is supposed to look like.  These instructions still apply to Christ's Church today. December 16 2 Timothy 1-2 (Guard your faith and your teaching) December 23 2 Timothy 3-4 (Faithfulness in a faithless world)

In our prayers....
While we offer up prayers for specific requests in our services, petitions and intercessions can be offered up throughout the week for continued concerns.  Please continue to remember these in your prayers:
-- For Dale Peterson, father of Jeanette Schneider, who is still recovering from a second stroke
– For Jon Rumics, son of David & Diane Rumics, who is being treated for cancer.
– For the family of Oliver Barber, father of Terry Barber, who was called to eternal rest (11/23/2018)

ADVENT VESPERS
We prepare for the coming of the Savior with repentance as we prayerfully, quietly, and eagerly await our Savior.  Our Advent Theme is: God's Faithful People Await the Coming of the Lord.
December 19 They Are Saved.  (Matthew 1:18-25)
Dinner                    Church Council

Join us on Wednesdays for Advent.  Supper begins at 6:00 PM; Vespers begins at 7:00 PM.

POINSETTIAS
          The Ladies of Good Shepherd has set out a sign-up sheet for Christmas poinsettias.  A donation for the poinsettia, if you want to take one home after Christmas, is appreciated.  Checks can be made out to Good Shepherd Worship Committee.  Cash can be left in the collection plate but needs to be designated “poinsettias.”  You are welcome to take yours home after the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service.

HVL CHRISTMAS CONCERT 

This year’s HVL Christmas Concert will be held on Sunday, December 16, beginning at 3:00 pm.  Come worship the Christ-child with the HVL Choir, and Hawk Singers as they perform music for the season.

CHRISTMAS AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Children's Christmas Service – Sunday, December 16, 10:00 AM

Christmas Candlelight Service – Monday, December 24, 7:00 PM

Christmas Day Festival Service – Tuesday, December 25, 10:00 AM

Invite your family and friends!

JESUS CARES MINISTRIES: Worship at the Cross

Our first effort for Worship at the Cross did not have any attendees. We are being optimistic, suggesting that the hectic schedule of December left people not wanting to add another event to their month.  We will try again on Tuesday, January 8 at 6:30 PM.

Worship at the Cross is a  service and a Sunday School class for people with special needs.  These people, precious to Jesus, are often neglected.

Please continue to  publicize this.  If you know of anyone with special needs (e.g., Down Syndrome, Autism, et al.), please inform them of our Worship at the Cross efforts.  Registration forms for Worship at the Cross can be found here: http://goodshepherdnovi.org/worship_at_the_cross/registration 

You can find out more about Jesus Cares Ministries and Worship at the Cross at: http://www.tlha.org/jesus-cares-ministries .

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
A next session of our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, January 13 at 6:00 PM.  This series, entitled “Eating God's Sacrifice,” explores the Lord's Supper portrayal in the Old Testament sacrifices.  While the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper flows from the Passover, its roots and forgiveness come from all the Old Testament sacrifices.  After viewing each DVD segment, Pastor Purdue and Pastor Schroeder will lead a discussion about the material which is in the DVD.  All sessions will begin at 6:00 PM.  These are intended to be interactive discussions as well as informational.  Desserts and snacks will be served.  All are welcome.

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

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

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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

DIVINE SERVICES

     Sundays at 10:00 AM

ADVENT VESPERS
     Wednesdays, December 12, & 19, 7:00 PM

SUNDAY SCHOOL

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG

www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com

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