Well, the people at Gottesdienst.org have beaten me to it.
Rather than repeat what they have already done, I will just link to it.
Here you go: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/2018/10/31/luthers-seal
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Reformation Day!
Well, the people at Gottesdienst.org have beaten me to it.
Rather than repeat what they have already done, I will just link to it.
Here you go: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/2018/10/31/luthers-seal
Sunday, October 28, 2018
75,000!!!
I have not really made too many efforts to promote my own blog. Members are aware that it is there, and once in a while I link to it on Facebook. But for the most part, it serves to catalog my sermons.
This blog was hatched back in 2012, and it has managed to have 75,000 hits since that time. I know that is small potatoes in the blogosphere, and maybe I shouldn't be too impressed by it either.
The #1 blog post of all time is a Local Tourist post from Campus Martius Park in Detroit at the new year on 2017. Other highly viewed posts are from Advent in 2016. For a reason unknown to me, this blog received a great deal of attention from roughly November 2016 to April 2017. Then, it came back to earth again to the regular numbers. I don't know what triggered the popularity for that brief while, but I hope whoever was checking in found it worth their time.
Nevertheless, I am grateful to anyone who has found my blog, and I hope that you have found something worth while on it.
If you would be so inclined, please introduce yourself and where you are from. I am always curious who is among the 75,000.
Thank you, and God bless you.
This blog was hatched back in 2012, and it has managed to have 75,000 hits since that time. I know that is small potatoes in the blogosphere, and maybe I shouldn't be too impressed by it either.
The #1 blog post of all time is a Local Tourist post from Campus Martius Park in Detroit at the new year on 2017. Other highly viewed posts are from Advent in 2016. For a reason unknown to me, this blog received a great deal of attention from roughly November 2016 to April 2017. Then, it came back to earth again to the regular numbers. I don't know what triggered the popularity for that brief while, but I hope whoever was checking in found it worth their time.
Nevertheless, I am grateful to anyone who has found my blog, and I hope that you have found something worth while on it.
If you would be so inclined, please introduce yourself and where you are from. I am always curious who is among the 75,000.
Thank you, and God bless you.
Sermon -- Festival of St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles (October 28, 2018)
JOHN 14:21-27
BE ZEALOUS FOR THE WORD OF CHRIST.
In the name + of Jesus.
Today, we commemorate two apostles of Jesus, St. Simon and St. Jude. Both apostles have precious little mentioned of them in the Gospels. Jude only utters a word once, which is recorded in the Gospel for today. Simon says nothing at all. It is possible that the epistle of Jude was written by the apostle we commemorate today. But some debate that. Jude was a common name, and it is equally possible that the epistle was written by another man named Jude who was listed not among the apostles, but among the brothers of Jesus. Other than that, we must rely on traditions about both Simon and Jude, and even there the traditions differ. Regarding Simon, the only thing we actually know about him is that he was a Zealot. In other words, he was a political activist and a revolutionary, zealous for the expulsion of the Romans from Palestine, and eager to see the kingdom of David restored.
I sometimes wonder what conversations the apostles had amongst themselves, knowing that they were from different backgrounds and came with different ideas. One the one hand, you had Simon the Zealot whose hatred for the Roman occupation was well known. On the other hand, you had Matthew who had been employed by the Roman government to collect taxes from his fellow Jews. It would be like having a church picnic where one member is sporting her “I'm with Her” button sitting across a man wearing his “Make America Great Again” hat. You expect fireworks, each one wondering what place the other has in the church. But Jesus never spoke to his apostles about whose side he would take. Rather, he summoned all of them, “Follow me.” Forsaking their egos and their agendas, they did. Jesus showed that there was a place in Christ's Church, even a place among the apostles, for both. They followed Jesus, and they became zealous for the word of Christ.
In his zeal for Jesus to establish the kingdom of God, Jude asked Jesus a question: “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” (John 14:22) It seemed sensible to Jude that Jesus would broadcast his glory to the world. Simon would have agreed. It was the goal of every Zealot to see a great kingdom erected and gloriously reigning over all things. They are not alone. We all want the kingdom of God to radiate with glory. We want the Church filled with angelic visions and miraculous signs. We want our Lord to demonstrate his power and to watch his enemies submit in fear. But that is not how Jesus establishes his kingdom, and it is not how he makes himself manifest to the world. If that is not how Jesus works, why do we crave such visions of glory and grandeur? Because our desire to see the Church glorious and dominant is not really about Jesus; it is about us. We want people to be envious of our glory, to think we are cool, and to long to be like us. Repent. Jesus never brought you into the kingdom because you are cool or because people should be zealous for your opinions and ideas.
Jesus is zealous for the salvation of sinners. And in his zeal, Jesus became a lowly human being. He submitted himself to the Commandments of God in order to fulfill them. He submitted himself to the cruel schemes of vicious men so that he could be nailed to a cross by them. He did not radiate in glory, but he appeared on that cross betrayed, beaten, bleeding, and dying. He did not dress himself in majesty. Rather, he hung naked in shame, wearing only a crown of thorns to mock his claim as king. To the world, Jesus was just some poor shlup who was a victim of injustice, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, God has manifested to you that Jesus came to the right place in the fullness of time. What appears hideous and heinous to the eyes is most beautiful and glorious to faith. For, we know that Jesus is the Son of God who endured all this pain, suffering, injury, and injustice for us. Jesus died for us and our sin in order to secure forgiveness and salvation for us. How was this manifested to us? Jesus told Jude.
Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.” (John 14:22-24)
Be zealous for the word of Christ. It is only through that word that anyone would believe in him, know him, and be saved by him. So do not be zealous for miracles or angelic visions or world dominance. Granted, Jesus' miracles brought healing and relief to many people; but those miracles did not bring forgiveness to anyone. That is why we are zealous for the word of Christ. That is how Christ is manifested to us as our Savior. That is how we recognize that his crucifixion is the payment for all sin and that his resurrection from the dead opens heaven to us all. That word is how Jesus assures us that God is merciful to us, that we are guaranteed a place in his kingdom, how we are to order our lives and are encouraged to keep on doing good, and how we are consoled when anything goes bad. Our Lord was zealous for our salvation; so, be zealous to hear his word which manifests his zeal for us.
We do not know where St. Simon and St. Jude went after Jesus ascended into heaven, but we do know what they did. Jesus had commissioned them to preach the word to all creation. They were apostles, witnesses of Jesus' words and works, and especially of his resurrection. They went out and preached. And though neither St. Simon nor St. Jude penned a Gospel account of Jesus' life, they faithfully proclaimed the testimony we have. They were not victims of faulty memories. They did not embellish for the sake of theatrics. They proclaimed the word they were given. Jesus had promised them: “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
This is why St. Simon could still be a zealot and why Jude could share that zeal. They were zealous for the word of Christ and preached it fearlessly. For, their testimony about Jesus was not guess work, and it certainly was not false. We are zealous for the word of Christ because it is the true, unfailing testimony about God's love and about man's salvation. It proclaims the will of God for our lives and the glory which will come in our future. It is the only message which relieves burdened consciences of guilt, which enables us to face death without fear, and which provides an enduring peace to get us through life when it is uncertain, or unfair, or cruel.
St. Simon and St. Jude were zealous for the word of Christ. The one tradition about them St. Jude that is consistent is that they were martyred for the Christian faith. Their zeal for Jesus Christ was greater than their desire for this world. Though they were zealous even to the point of death, they now live with Jesus in glory. Now, they see Jesus manifested in his full glory, and Jesus has granted them the crown of life.
St. Simon and St. Jude are not known in the world, and they are barely remembered even in the Church. If St. Simon and St. Jude are practically anonymous to you, they are not anonymous to Jesus. And neither are you. Most of the world does not know you exist. And whatever good you do for others will likely not be recognized or remembered. But like St. Simon and St. Jude, Jesus knows you and loves you. He sees the works you do to honor him and to serve your neighbor, and he delights in them. He accepts them as praise and even manifests his love and compassion through them—even though the world will still not see these works as glorious.
The glory of the Church will not be manifested to the world until the Last Day. Until then, the glory remains hidden in Christ, who comes only through his word. When the Last Day comes, the whole world will see Jesus in his glory. And he will manifest you for who you are—a redeemed child of God and a saint in his kingdom. So, until then, be zealous for the word of Christ. This is where Jesus is revealed and how Jesus comes to you. It is the only thing that saves, for it manifests how Jesus Christ is zealous for you.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Minor Festival -- St. Simon and St. Jude (October 28)
Worship Note for the Festival of St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles (October 28)
Lutheran worship is liturgical. While that often refers to an order of worship, it can also refer to the calendar of the Church Year. The Church Year includes major festivals, such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, etc... On Sunday, October 28, we recognize a minor festival: The Festival of St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles.
St. Simon is better known as Simon the Zealot. The Zealots were more political than religious, eager to get the Romans out of Israel’s land. By choosing Simon as an apostle, Jesus teaches us that one is not excluded from salvation because of his politics. Rather, the Lord calls all to be part of a greater Kingdom. Jude was also known as Judas (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot) or Thaddaeus. The only mention of either of these two apostles, other than being mentioned in the listing of apostles, is Jude asking Jesus a question (John 14:22).
Although each served the Lord almost in anonymity (the epistle of Jude was likely written by a different Jude), tradition says that each served and preached the gospel around the world. Tradition also says that each was finally martyred – Simon by crucifixion, Jude not specified.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Update from Good Shepherd (October 25, 2018)
Greetings!
REGULAR SCHEDULE
REGULAR SCHEDULE
Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218). If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.
SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.
SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.
JESUS CARES MINISTRIES -- Worship at the Cross
IT IS A “GO!” Good Shepherd will be offering worship services and a Sunday School class for people with developmental disabilities. It is designed to serve people with the Gospel who are mostly neglected in our area. We also have an official date and time. This service will be offered on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM. Our start date will be Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30 PM. Subsequent dates will be January 8 and February 12. The service is called "Worship at the Cross," since the word "worship" describes what we are doing better than Jesus Cares Ministries. (NOTE: Jesus Cares Ministries and Worship at the Cross may be used interchangeably. While Jesus Cares Ministries offers other programs, for our purposes, they refer to the same thing.)
In order to assure that we are prepare for our first Worship at the Cross service, we will have a organizational/dry-run meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 PM. If you are interested or simply would like more information, please join us. If you are interested but will be unavailable for the meeting, please speak to Pastor Schroeder
Finally, in order for this ministry to truly be of service to those who need it, we need to publicize this. If you know of anyone with developmental disabilities (e.g., Down Syndrome, Autism, et al.), please inform them of our Worship at the Cross efforts. Word of mouth is usually best received, but you can help us get the word out in other ways, too. Once again—we begin on Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30 PM.
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
BLOOD DRIVE: St. Peter's is exploring hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive in November. We need a commitment of 45 potential donors. The date will be publicized when the Red Cross receives our commitment. It is hoped the donation time will run from afternoon into the evening to afford the greatest opportunity for participation. If any member of your congregation is interested, please contact our church office to let us know. N.B. This is not an ironclad commitment at this point. We need at least 45 possible donors to receive a Red Cross date and time slot.
Thanks Pastor Paul Schaefer
RSVP: stpeterlutheran@hotmail.com or 734-453-3393
CHORAL FEST AT HVL
On the weekend of November 9-11, Huron Valley Lutheran High School will be hosting Choral Fest. It is a gathering of choirs from area Lutheran high schools around the country resulting in a choir of perhaps 200 voices, joining to unite their voices in praise to God. There will be two concerts given by these choirs. On Friday, November 9 at 7:00 PM, each high school's swing choir will perform for a Pops Concert. On Sunday, November 11, there will be a mass choir presenting a sacred concert at 2:00 PM.
CHORAL FEST HOST FAMILIES NEEDED
In order to accommodate all the choirs who will be coming to HVL, associate congregations will need families to host the teens from these choirs. Families who are willing will be asked to host at least two choir members (you can request more if you have the room) from Thursday night (November 8) through Sunday morning (November 11). They will mainly need lodging and transportation to and from HVL. (Some car-pooling to and from Good Shepherd may be arranged.) Good Shepherd will be hosting Manitowoc Lutheran High School who is coming with 24 people.
As a “thank you” for hosting, it is customary for the choir whom Good Shepherd hosts to sing for our service on the Sunday morning of Choral Fest.
If you are willing to host some choir members or have questions, you may speak to Dan & Mary LeFevre.
CALL FOR NAMES – SAINTS TRIUMPHANT
Every year, we remember the names of loved ones who have died in the Christian faith, praising God for the mercy he has had upon them and thanking God for preserving them in that saving faith throughout their life. Normally, the names of these departed souls are recalled in a prayer on All Saints' Day, which is November 1. Since Good Shepherd does not have a specific All Saints' Day service, we transfer this prayer and these remembrances to the 3rd Sunday of End Times which focuses on Saints Triumphant.
In addition to members of Good Shepherd who have been called to eternal rest, you may submit the names of your own loved ones who have died in the Christian faith between November 19, 2017 and November 18, 2018. When submitting these names, please included
1. the name of the deceased
2. your name
3. how he/she was related to you
4. the dates of his/her birth and death, if known
All names given by to Thursday, November 15 will be submitted in the bulletin. Names may still be submitted as late as Sunday morning, but will not be printed in the bulletin.
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
If you were not able to get your photograph included for our upcoming pictorial directory, please speak with Dan Rauchholz about how your photo can still be included. But please note: Time is running short to be included!
DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook. Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.
God bless you.
In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
==============================
DIVINE SERVICES
Sundays at 10:00 AM
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
In Case You Ever Wondered: Anatomy of a Sermon
Every week, the pastor prepares a sermon to preach. The congregation hears only the finished product. (The pastor's wife may also be privy to the pastor's groans and laments as he wrestles with the sermon.) What goes into the sermon?
Some of the work is done for the pastor long before Sunday approaches. Those who follow the western rite (usually we use "liturgy" for shorthand) follow a selected set of lessons which are already assigned to each Sunday of the Church Year. Currently, Good Shepherd is using a 3-year lectionary, and we are currently in Year B. In Year B, the Gospel lesson is mainly from the Gospel according to St. Mark. The lessons for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost have been set for years. The Gospel was Mark 10:35-45 (although I preached on the epistle which was Hebrews 4:9-16.)
I choose from one of the three readings, usually the Gospel. I may choose the Old Testament lesson or the Epistle, although the Gospel is what sets the theme for the day. Once I do that, I read it in English, and then go to the original language for text study. It has been my practice to actually write out the text in the original Greek (Hebrew for the Old Testament) and translate the lesson. Thankfully, I have kept old text studies, so I am usually able to pull out a previously done text study and look through it again. It is not unusual to add notes to a text study that was already done.
Often, I read through a commentary or two to see what insights I did not gain from my own text study. If I have the time, it is nice to read through a sermon from years gone by. Luther is my preferred preacher, but there are others that are worth looking at, such as John Gerhard. Their sermons are usually WAY longer than I preach. And, while I gain personally from them, they often touch on topics that will not make it into my sermon. I feel like I collect a five-gallon bucket of water only to serve the congregation a drinking glass worth of material. This is one of the perks of the pastoral office. Nevertheless, the time which should be given to the sermons of old is short and, sadly, often scratched off the task list. As a result, I think the congregation is short-changed.
Once these things are done (mostly on a Monday, God-willing), it is time to let the Scripture lesson, the text study, and other resources simmer. So, I try to take a walk somewhere--either one of the neighborhoods, at Marybury State Park, or if necessary at Planet Fitness (looking at nature is better than the same view from a Nordictrack for 45 minutes). This serves as quiet time to ruminate on the lesson. It is a time to ask questions about the lesson: "Why did St. Mark use that particular word? Why does St. Mark record this when St. Luke does not? What makes this lesson unique to St. Mark? What in this lesson calls me to repent? What in this lesson proclaims the Gospel? How does this reveal Jesus as our gracious Redeemer?" The answers are not always that obvious.
Throughout that week, the reading is used with shut-ins and for nursing home chapels. This forces me to preach on the Scripture reading, and to say something about the text. Much of what comes from these devotions makes it into the sermon, but the simmering is not done, either. Occasionally, what is preached at the nursing homes is dramatically changed before Sunday morning hits. Sometimes it even changes from the Wednesday chapels to the Thursday chapel. Actually preaching to people may bring some insight that I had not thought of before. And actually talking about the lesson to people forces me to consider: "Why does this lesson matter for you?"
Throughout the week, I type of a sermon manuscript in bits and pieces. Some of the best advice came from Rev. David Peterson on his blog. Although I had done this in the past, he put is most vividly: "Vomit on the page." I have done a text study. I have read commentaries and sermons. The lesson has been on simmer in my head for days. There has to be something to say by now. It will not be perfect, and it will not be the final product, but type something. Say what the text says. It can be cleaned up later. New insights can be added. Paragraphs can be re-written ... or stricken. Not every insight will make it into the final draft. They may be saved for a future sermon. Even if the insight is brilliant, it may just not make the point that the text is making.
Once a draft of the sermon is complete (or close enough to complete), it is time to edit. I print a hard copy and mark it up with a pen. The simmering is not quite done either. Edit, edit, edit. There is always a better way to say something, or an insight that should not be overlooked. On Sunday morning, I get over to church by 6:00 AM, and I edit the manuscript more as I memorize the sermon. Since I have already preached some version of it at least four times already, memorization is not that hard--unless the manuscript has gone through some major changes. Editing continues until about 8:30 AM, because that is when people start walking in the door for Adult Bible Class and I have to stop. I would probably edit my sermon until Judgment Day if I did not have a deadline to preach it. (And later in the day, I always think of things I could have said better.)
Then there is the actual preaching of the sermon. During the final verse of the Hymn of the Day, I pray that God will bless the sermon and those who hear it. Occasionally, a thought comes during the sermon and, once more, on-the-spot editing happens. I usually try to avoid this. Tangents are addictive (to me, anyway), but distracting. I do not vary much from the manuscript, although it is not a word-for-word reproduction. All of this prep work results in a sermon of about 15-17 minutes (always 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 pages of single space type). This kind of brevity means that there is no time for cute stories, no filler, and nothing about me. If I have your attention for 15-17 minutes, then I want to show you Jesus is the most pointed, succinct, and vivid way possible.
After church, about Noon on Sunday, I post the sermon to my blog for posterity. It is available to whomever finds it, to use however they wish. It belongs to the Church.
Finally -- I am rarely satisfied with my sermons because I know it can always be said better. But if people can find suitable nutrition from fast food restaurants, I would like to think that God's word, delivered through me, is able to strengthen and sustain the faith of those who hear. That is always my prayer. And since it is God's word, I leave it to him to do what he wills with it.
Some of the work is done for the pastor long before Sunday approaches. Those who follow the western rite (usually we use "liturgy" for shorthand) follow a selected set of lessons which are already assigned to each Sunday of the Church Year. Currently, Good Shepherd is using a 3-year lectionary, and we are currently in Year B. In Year B, the Gospel lesson is mainly from the Gospel according to St. Mark. The lessons for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost have been set for years. The Gospel was Mark 10:35-45 (although I preached on the epistle which was Hebrews 4:9-16.)
I choose from one of the three readings, usually the Gospel. I may choose the Old Testament lesson or the Epistle, although the Gospel is what sets the theme for the day. Once I do that, I read it in English, and then go to the original language for text study. It has been my practice to actually write out the text in the original Greek (Hebrew for the Old Testament) and translate the lesson. Thankfully, I have kept old text studies, so I am usually able to pull out a previously done text study and look through it again. It is not unusual to add notes to a text study that was already done.
Often, I read through a commentary or two to see what insights I did not gain from my own text study. If I have the time, it is nice to read through a sermon from years gone by. Luther is my preferred preacher, but there are others that are worth looking at, such as John Gerhard. Their sermons are usually WAY longer than I preach. And, while I gain personally from them, they often touch on topics that will not make it into my sermon. I feel like I collect a five-gallon bucket of water only to serve the congregation a drinking glass worth of material. This is one of the perks of the pastoral office. Nevertheless, the time which should be given to the sermons of old is short and, sadly, often scratched off the task list. As a result, I think the congregation is short-changed.
Once these things are done (mostly on a Monday, God-willing), it is time to let the Scripture lesson, the text study, and other resources simmer. So, I try to take a walk somewhere--either one of the neighborhoods, at Marybury State Park, or if necessary at Planet Fitness (looking at nature is better than the same view from a Nordictrack for 45 minutes). This serves as quiet time to ruminate on the lesson. It is a time to ask questions about the lesson: "Why did St. Mark use that particular word? Why does St. Mark record this when St. Luke does not? What makes this lesson unique to St. Mark? What in this lesson calls me to repent? What in this lesson proclaims the Gospel? How does this reveal Jesus as our gracious Redeemer?" The answers are not always that obvious.Throughout that week, the reading is used with shut-ins and for nursing home chapels. This forces me to preach on the Scripture reading, and to say something about the text. Much of what comes from these devotions makes it into the sermon, but the simmering is not done, either. Occasionally, what is preached at the nursing homes is dramatically changed before Sunday morning hits. Sometimes it even changes from the Wednesday chapels to the Thursday chapel. Actually preaching to people may bring some insight that I had not thought of before. And actually talking about the lesson to people forces me to consider: "Why does this lesson matter for you?"
Throughout the week, I type of a sermon manuscript in bits and pieces. Some of the best advice came from Rev. David Peterson on his blog. Although I had done this in the past, he put is most vividly: "Vomit on the page." I have done a text study. I have read commentaries and sermons. The lesson has been on simmer in my head for days. There has to be something to say by now. It will not be perfect, and it will not be the final product, but type something. Say what the text says. It can be cleaned up later. New insights can be added. Paragraphs can be re-written ... or stricken. Not every insight will make it into the final draft. They may be saved for a future sermon. Even if the insight is brilliant, it may just not make the point that the text is making.
 |
| Farmington Hills in, where I conduct chapel every Wednesday at 1:30 PM. |
 |
| American House in West Bloomfield, where I conduct chapel every Wednesday at 3:00 PM. |
Once a draft of the sermon is complete (or close enough to complete), it is time to edit. I print a hard copy and mark it up with a pen. The simmering is not quite done either. Edit, edit, edit. There is always a better way to say something, or an insight that should not be overlooked. On Sunday morning, I get over to church by 6:00 AM, and I edit the manuscript more as I memorize the sermon. Since I have already preached some version of it at least four times already, memorization is not that hard--unless the manuscript has gone through some major changes. Editing continues until about 8:30 AM, because that is when people start walking in the door for Adult Bible Class and I have to stop. I would probably edit my sermon until Judgment Day if I did not have a deadline to preach it. (And later in the day, I always think of things I could have said better.)
After church, about Noon on Sunday, I post the sermon to my blog for posterity. It is available to whomever finds it, to use however they wish. It belongs to the Church.
Finally -- I am rarely satisfied with my sermons because I know it can always be said better. But if people can find suitable nutrition from fast food restaurants, I would like to think that God's word, delivered through me, is able to strengthen and sustain the faith of those who hear. That is always my prayer. And since it is God's word, I leave it to him to do what he wills with it.
Monday, October 22, 2018
Sermon -- 22nd Sunday after Pentecost (October 21, 2018)
HEBREWS 4:9-16
THERE REMAINS A SABBATH REST
FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.
In the name + of Jesus.
The Lord is omniscient. That means he knows everything and sees everything. King Solomon wrote: “Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!” (Proverbs 15:11; NIV (c) 1984) So, there are no secrets before the Lord. You and I can keep our dirty little secrets from each other. No one has to know what thoughts lurk in your heart or what plans you scheme in your mind. If you are smart enough to keep your mouth shut, you are able to hide your darkest character from just about anyone. But not from God. His word cuts through everything, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)
I remember being confronted by my parents when I was a kid, and they would ask me, “What did you do?” Naturally, I was considering carefully what I should confess to. I did not want to confess to everything, because I might have admitted to something they did not know, which would have only landed me in more trouble. But there is no point in such games before God, for all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:13). God will not be mocked by our pretense that we are innocent or worthy of better things from him. Before God there are no secrets. The Lord is omniscient. He knows all, and he sees all. That is why it is good and right to heed the call to confession: “Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father.” (The Common Service) A true heart will not try to pretend that we can hide anything from our Lord. Therefore, we rest from pretending. We come in honesty, admitting everything, repenting completely.
While it may be petrifying to recognize that God knows every thought, word, and deed, we need not hide from the Lord in terror. The summons to confession gives us every reason to flee to the Lord, not from him. “Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us forgiveness.” (The Common Service) For, Jesus is our Great High Priest who reveals that, even though our Father in heaven is holy, he is also merciful.
God the Father has sent his Son, Jesus, to become one of us and to take up our cause. Jesus Christ became a man to deliver mankind from sin, from guilt, from shame, and from death. As our Great High Priest, Jesus made the atoning sacrifice which covers all sins. And since he knows all things and sees all things, he did not miss any sin which needed to be covered. The sacrifice Jesus made for us was himself—his own precious blood for every shameful thought; his own innocent life for every guilty deed.
All the work that needs to be done to save us has been done. Jesus is the one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. He has done all the work to meet God's Commandments; for he is without sin. And he has done all the work to deliver us from God's wrath; for his perfect life was given to atone for sinners. Therefore, you get to rest from trying to win God's favor. God's favor rests upon you. God's mercy withdraws the punishment from you since Jesus has taken it. God's grace opens heaven up to you, since Jesus provides his innocence upon you.
There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. And Jesus continues to supply rest for your souls. For you and I still do not live as well as we ought, and we still find vicious and vile thoughts lurking in our minds. The Lord Jesus knows all this, too. And even though he is without sin, he is not without sympathy. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16) Jesus knows our every weakness, and he knows what it is to have Satan plague him with temptations. So, even when we come back to him with our burdens or with blame attached to us, Jesus is not disgusted with us, and he does not disown us. Instead, he continues to serve as the one who atones for all sins. His mercy endures forever, and his grace covers all guilt.
And so, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. It is rest from being phony. We get to be honest and confess our sins rather than pretend we are better than we are. Rather than bargain with Christ, we are forgiven by him. It is rest from having to do enough to get on God's good side. God IS on your side. Jesus has taken up your cause and delivered you from the curse of sin to the grace of God. It is a mind that is at rest from all doubt and fear. We have God's promises which have marked us as God's people in baptism, which are fed to us in Holy Communion to sustain us on our journey heavenward, which console us in every moment of sorrow, which encourage us to persist in good works, and which give us the confidence that our place in God's kingdom is secure.
While we honor the Lord with good works and with serving our neighbor all week long, here, we gather together to rest. For here, we have a great High Priest who serves us. Here, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. And here, you are strengthened and sustain in the one, true, Christian faith until you enter the heavenly rest in the eternal Sabbath.
In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Liturgy Sunday -- October 21
While we all may be accustomed to the Lutheran liturgy, we may not appreciate or even be aware of the rationale behind each part of it. In order to foster a greater appreciation for the Lutheran liturgy, we will observe a Liturgy Sunday on October 21 at our 10:00 AM service. An elder will introduce each portion of the service and explain its background, followed by the pastor and congregation conducting each respective portion of the service.
If you have ever wondered about this, or if you have a friend who might be curious about why we worship the way we do, join us for Liturgy Sunday on October 21. The pastor is always available to explain further any questions you have about or Divine Service as well.
Update from Good Shepherd (October 18, 2018)
NOTE: This is usually sent as an email blast to members and friends of Good Shepherd. Recently, this email blast has refused to send, so it has been relegated to my blog.
Greetings!
REGULAR SCHEDULE
Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218). If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.
SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.
SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
The next session of our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, November 18. The 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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.
JESUS CARES MINISTRIES -- Worship at the Cross
IT IS A “GO!” Good Shepherd will be offering worship services and a Sunday School class for people with developmental disabilities. It is designed to serve people with the Gospel who are mostly neglected in our area. We also have an official date and time. This service will be offered on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM. Our start date will be Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30 PM. Subsequent dates will be January 8 and February 12. The service is called "Worship at the Cross," since the word "worship" describes what we are doing better than Jesus Cares Ministries. (NOTE: Jesus Cares Ministries and Worship at the Cross may be used interchangeably. While Jesus Cares Ministries offers other programs, for our purposes, they refer to the same thing.)
In order to assure that we are prepare for our first Worship at the Cross service, we will have a organizational/dry-run meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 PM. If you are interested or simply would like more information, please join us. If you are interested but will be unavailable for the meeting, please speak to Pastor Schroeder
Finally, in order for this ministry to truly be of service to those who need it, we need to publicize this. If you know of anyone with developmental disabilities (e.g., Down Syndrome, Autism, et al.), please inform them of our Worship at the Cross efforts. Word of mouth is usually best received, but you can help us get the word out in other ways, too. Once again—we begin on Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30 PM.
You can find out more about Jesus Cares Ministries and Worship at the Cross at: http://www.tlha.org/jesus-cares-ministries .
TRUNK OR TREAT
THIS SATURDAY (October 20), Good Shepherd will be hosting a community event—Trunk or Treat—from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. We will welcome our community to join us to visit our decorated cars for candy and treats. In addition, we will be serving cider and donuts and have lawn games for people to play. We will also have a pumpkin patch; pumpkins, however, are in limited quantities. The weather forecast suggests a very windy day, so some activities will be held in the fellowship hall.
While this is an effort to make ourselves more acquainted with our community, and vice versa, it will also be a good time for our own members to join together for an enjoyable Fall morning.
SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
The next session of our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, November 18. The 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.
COLLEGIATE CARE PACKAGES
Good Shepherd has a number of members who are attending college, many of whom live away from home. We want to assure them that they are still an important part of this congregation and that we have not forgotten them while they are away. In order to show our support, we are putting together Collegiate Care Packages which will be delivered to all our college students.
If you are able to give a few moments of your time after church this Sunday (October 14), Georgene Kinsman will direct you with the preparation for these packages which will be delivered shortly thereafter.
TRUNK OR TREAT
On Saturday, October 20, Good Shepherd will be hosting a community event—Trunk or Treat—from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. We will welcome our community to join us to visit our decorated cars for candy and treats. In addition, we will be serving cider and donuts and have lawn games for people to play. (Pray for good weather.)
In order to make this even worth while for our community to come to, we will need at least ten cars which will be decorated and hosted by our members. We will also need to coordinate to assure there is variety in the decoration themes. (We probably don't need eight Detroit Tigers themed cars.)
While this is an effort to make ourselves more acquainted with our community, and vice versa, it will also be a good time for our own members to join together for an enjoyable Fall morning.
LITURGY SUNDAY IS THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
Why do Lutherans worship the way they do? What does each part of the liturgy mean? Where did those songs come from? And what's with all the standing and sitting?
While we all may be accustomed to the Lutheran liturgy, we may not appreciate or even be aware of the rationale behind each part of it. In order to foster a greater appreciation for the Lutheran liturgy, we will observe a Liturgy Sunday on October 21. An elder will introduce each portion of the service and explain its background, followed by the pastor and congregation conducting each respective portion of the service.
If you have ever wondered about this, or if you have a friend who might be curious about why we worship the way we do, join us for Liturgy Sunday THIS SUNDAY (October 21). The pastor is always available to explain further any questions you have about or Divine Service as well.
TRUNK OR TREAT
On Saturday, October 20, Good Shepherd will be hosting a community event—Trunk or Treat—from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. We will welcome our community to join us to visit our decorated cars for candy and treats. In addition, we will be serving cider and donuts and have lawn games for people to play. (Pray for good weather.)
In order to make this even worth while for our community to come to, we will need at least ten cars which will be decorated and hosted by our members. We will also need to coordinate to assure there is variety in the decoration themes. (We probably don't need eight Detroit Tigers themed cars.)
While this is an effort to make ourselves more acquainted with our community, and vice versa, it will also be a good time for our own members to join together for an enjoyable Fall morning.
LITURGY SUNDAY IS THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
Why do Lutherans worship the way they do? What does each part of the liturgy mean? Where did those songs come from? And what's with all the standing and sitting?
While we all may be accustomed to the Lutheran liturgy, we may not appreciate or even be aware of the rationale behind each part of it. In order to foster a greater appreciation for the Lutheran liturgy, we will observe a Liturgy Sunday on October 21. An elder will introduce each portion of the service and explain its background, followed by the pastor and congregation conducting each respective portion of the service.
If you have ever wondered about this, or if you have a friend who might be curious about why we worship the way we do, join us for Liturgy Sunday THIS SUNDAY (October 21). The pastor is always available to explain further any questions you have about or Divine Service as well.
CHORAL FEST AT HVL
On the weekend of November 9-11, Huron Valley Lutheran High School will be hosting Choral Fest. It is a gathering of choirs from area Lutheran high schools around the country resulting in a choir of perhaps 200 voices, joining to unite their voices in praise to God. There will be two concerts given by these choirs. On Friday, November 9 at 7:00 PM, each high school's swing choir will perform for a Pops Concert. On Sunday, November 11, there will be a mass choir presenting a sacred concert at 2:00 PM.
CHORAL FEST HOST FAMILIES NEEDED
In order to accommodate all the choirs who will be coming to HVL, associate congregations will need families to host the teens from these choirs. Families who are willing will be asked to host at least two choir members (you can request more if you have the room) from Thursday night (November 8) through Sunday morning (November 11). They will mainly need lodging and transportation to and from HVL. (Some car-pooling to and from Good Shepherd may be arranged.) Good Shepherd will be hosting Manitowoc Lutheran High School who is coming with 24 people.
As a “thank you” for hosting, it is customary for the choir whom Good Shepherd hosts to sing for our service on the Sunday morning of Choral Fest.
If you are willing to host some choir members or have questions, you may speak to Dan & Mary LeFevre.
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
If you were not able to get your photograph included for our upcoming pictorial directory, please speak with Dan Rauchholz about how your photo can still be included. But please note: Time is running short to be included!
DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook. Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.
God bless you.
In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
==============================
DIVINE SERVICES
Sundays at 10:00 AM
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
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
A Pastoral Concern about Legalized Marijuana
This November 6, there is an issue on the ballot for legalizing recreational use of marijuana. Full disclosure: I will be voting against it. I am aware of the various arguments to legalize it, but I remain unconvinced. Tax revenues should hardly be the trump card in this--unless money is the greatest good. It is not. I do not believe that the recreational use of a drug which serves the sole purpose of getting people intoxicated from the first hit is beneficial to society as a whole. In fact, I think it will prove to be destructive, as it has been shown to be in Colorado. But I guess if everyone is stoned, no one will care too badly. (Okay, that was snarky.) Nonetheless, I believe that Prop 1 is going to pass by a wide margin. In fact, some are banking on it, already announcing plans to get people all the weed they can handle. See here, and here, and here.
So, where does the Church stand on this? How will our message change?
It won't. God's word does not change, so why should our counsel change?
Now, it is true that the Bible nowhere uses the word "marijuana." There are a whole assortment of drugs which go unnamed in the Scriptures. This is not a proof of God acceptance of marijuana, any more than God is okee-dokee with randomly mowing people down with an AK-47 since AK-47's are not specifically condemned by name in the Bible either.
So, what does the Bible say? I refer you to the following passages.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat....Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. "They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.” (Proverbs 23:20,29-35)
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. (Romans 13:13)
For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3)
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
I suppose I could hunt down more verses, but if four do not suffice, I doubt even forty would be enough.
The point in these verses is that God forbids and condemns drunkenness, inebriation, intoxication, or any other similar term. Anyone who contends that drunkenness is an alcohol issue and not a marijuana issue is working too hard to avoid what Scripture plainly teaches. Regardless of what substance gets you drunk, high, intoxicated, inebriated, et al., God forbids and condemns such drunkenness. (NOTE: Some drugs are used for medicinal purposes. They are not taken for the sole purpose of getting high, although that sometimes is the result. Still, even these can sometimes become addictive and can destroy people, too. And if your goal in taking Nyquil is just to get drunk off of it, God condemns your use of Nyquil.)
If Proposition 1 is voted upon favorably by voters and recreational use of marijuana becomes legal in Michigan (which I think will happen), that does not mean God suddenly gives the thumbs up to getting high. Just because something is legal does not mean it is good or moral. Abortion is also legal. Abortion is evil since it is the murder of a child in its mother's womb. Even though smoking marijuana will likely become legal, it does not mean Christians have to join in or change our testimony. The verses above still stand, even if the voters reject them.
More and more, the unbelieving world is acting like unbelievers, and the Church more and more looks different than the world it is in. That's okay. Jesus said it would be that way. Jesus has not called us to blend in or to play along with the world. Our task is to be faithful to the word of God, even when the world votes against it.
When people end up discovering that their high, their buzz, their daze, or their addiction does not give them the peace or relief they have longed for, the Church will still be here to point them to the peace which surpasses all understanding--namely, that Jesus Christ loves sinners and redeems them. Guilt, shame, doubts, and fears are not taken away by drunkenness. Only Jesus' promises can do that. His word endures forever, no matter what the world votes on.
So, where does the Church stand on this? How will our message change?
It won't. God's word does not change, so why should our counsel change?
Now, it is true that the Bible nowhere uses the word "marijuana." There are a whole assortment of drugs which go unnamed in the Scriptures. This is not a proof of God acceptance of marijuana, any more than God is okee-dokee with randomly mowing people down with an AK-47 since AK-47's are not specifically condemned by name in the Bible either.
So, what does the Bible say? I refer you to the following passages.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat....Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. "They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.” (Proverbs 23:20,29-35)
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. (Romans 13:13)
For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. (1 Peter 4:3)
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
I suppose I could hunt down more verses, but if four do not suffice, I doubt even forty would be enough.
The point in these verses is that God forbids and condemns drunkenness, inebriation, intoxication, or any other similar term. Anyone who contends that drunkenness is an alcohol issue and not a marijuana issue is working too hard to avoid what Scripture plainly teaches. Regardless of what substance gets you drunk, high, intoxicated, inebriated, et al., God forbids and condemns such drunkenness. (NOTE: Some drugs are used for medicinal purposes. They are not taken for the sole purpose of getting high, although that sometimes is the result. Still, even these can sometimes become addictive and can destroy people, too. And if your goal in taking Nyquil is just to get drunk off of it, God condemns your use of Nyquil.)
If Proposition 1 is voted upon favorably by voters and recreational use of marijuana becomes legal in Michigan (which I think will happen), that does not mean God suddenly gives the thumbs up to getting high. Just because something is legal does not mean it is good or moral. Abortion is also legal. Abortion is evil since it is the murder of a child in its mother's womb. Even though smoking marijuana will likely become legal, it does not mean Christians have to join in or change our testimony. The verses above still stand, even if the voters reject them.
More and more, the unbelieving world is acting like unbelievers, and the Church more and more looks different than the world it is in. That's okay. Jesus said it would be that way. Jesus has not called us to blend in or to play along with the world. Our task is to be faithful to the word of God, even when the world votes against it.
When people end up discovering that their high, their buzz, their daze, or their addiction does not give them the peace or relief they have longed for, the Church will still be here to point them to the peace which surpasses all understanding--namely, that Jesus Christ loves sinners and redeems them. Guilt, shame, doubts, and fears are not taken away by drunkenness. Only Jesus' promises can do that. His word endures forever, no matter what the world votes on.
Today's Earworm -- Feelin' Alright by Joe Cocker
Once again, it is nice to have as an earworm a song that you like. In my opinion, this is the best Joe Cocker song there is. So, this has been going on in my head for a few days. I thank God for YouTube which allows me to listen to it repeatedly. I don't know if that is supposed to put an end to the earworm, or if it just exacerbates it. Anyway, here is Joe Cocker singing, "Feelin' Alright."
As a bonus, I have also included a cover by Huey Lewis, although it is not the whole song. I think Huey Lewis does a great job and has a great voice to cover this song. Enjoy!
As a bonus, I have also included a cover by Huey Lewis, although it is not the whole song. I think Huey Lewis does a great job and has a great voice to cover this song. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Update from Good Shepherd (October 11, 2018)
NOTE: This is usually sent as an email blast to members and friends of Good Shepherd. Recently, this email blast has refused to send, so it has been relegated to my blog.
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. NOTE: There is no Thursday service today (Oct 11).
SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.
JESUS CARES MINISTRIES
IT IS A “GO!” Good Shepherd will be offering worship services and a Sunday School class for people with developmental disabilities. It is designed to serve people with the Gospel who are mostly neglected in our area. We also have an official date and time. This service will be offered on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM. Our start date will be Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30 PM. Subsequent dates will be January 8 and February 12.
In order to assure that we are prepare for our first Jesus Cares Ministries service, we will have a organizational/dry-run meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 PM. If you are interested or simply would like more information, please join us. If you are interested but will be unavailable for the meeting, please speak to Pastor Schroeder
Finally, in order for this ministry to truly be of service to those who need it, we need to publicize this. If you know of anyone with developmental disabilities (e.g., Down Syndrome, Autism, et al.), please inform them of our Jesus Cares Ministries efforts. Word of mouth is usually best received, but you can help us get the word out in other ways, too. Once again—we begin on Tuesday, December 11 at 6:30 PM.
You can find out more about Jesus Cares Ministries at: http://www.tlha.org/jesus-cares-ministries .
SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
A new series for our Sunday Night Bible Series will begin THIS SUNDAY, October 14. The next series is entitled, “Eating God's Sacrifice.” “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.
COLLEGIATE CARE PACKAGES
Good Shepherd has a number of members who are attending college, many of whom live away from home. We want to assure them that they are still an important part of this congregation and that we have not forgotten them while they are away. In order to show our support, we are putting together Collegiate Care Packages which will be delivered to all our college students.
If you are able to give a few moments of your time after church this Sunday (October 14), Georgene Kinsman will direct you with the preparation for these packages which will be delivered shortly thereafter.
TRUNK OR TREAT
On Saturday, October 20, Good Shepherd will be hosting a community event—Trunk or Treat—from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. We will welcome our community to join us to visit our decorated cars for candy and treats. In addition, we will be serving cider and donuts and have lawn games for people to play. (Pray for good weather.)
In order to make this even worth while for our community to come to, we will need at least ten cars which will be decorated and hosted by our members. We will also need to coordinate to assure there is variety in the decoration themes. (We probably don't need eight Detroit Tigers themed cars.)
While this is an effort to make ourselves more acquainted with our community, and vice versa, it will also be a good time for our own members to join together for an enjoyable Fall morning.
LITURGY SUNDAY – OCTOBER 21
Why do Lutherans worship the way they do? What does each part of the liturgy mean? Where did those songs come from? And what's with all the standing and sitting?
While we all may be accustomed to the Lutheran liturgy, we may not appreciate or even be aware of the rationale behind each part of it. In order to foster a greater appreciation for the Lutheran liturgy, we will observe a Liturgy Sunday on October 21. An elder will introduce each portion of the service and explain its background, followed by the pastor and congregation conducting each respective portion of the service.
If you have ever wondered about this, or if you have a friend who might be curious about why we worship the way we do, join us for Liturgy Sunday on October 21. The pastor is always available to explain further any questions you have about or Divine Service as well.
TRUNK OR TREAT
On Saturday, October 20, Good Shepherd will be hosting a community event—Trunk or Treat—from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. We will welcome our community to join us to visit our decorated cars for candy and treats. In addition, we will be serving cider and donuts and have lawn games for people to play. (Pray for good weather.)
In order to make this even worth while for our community to come to, we will need at least ten cars which will be decorated and hosted by our members. We will also need to coordinate to assure there is variety in the decoration themes. (We probably don't need eight Detroit Tigers themed cars.)
While this is an effort to make ourselves more acquainted with our community, and vice versa, it will also be a good time for our own members to join together for an enjoyable Fall morning.
LITURGY SUNDAY – OCTOBER 21
Why do Lutherans worship the way they do? What does each part of the liturgy mean? Where did those songs come from? And what's with all the standing and sitting?
While we all may be accustomed to the Lutheran liturgy, we may not appreciate or even be aware of the rationale behind each part of it. In order to foster a greater appreciation for the Lutheran liturgy, we will observe a Liturgy Sunday on October 21. An elder will introduce each portion of the service and explain its background, followed by the pastor and congregation conducting each respective portion of the service.
If you have ever wondered about this, or if you have a friend who might be curious about why we worship the way we do, join us for Liturgy Sunday on October 21. The pastor is always available to explain further any questions you have about or Divine Service as well.
CHORAL FEST AT HVL
On the weekend of November 9-11, Huron Valley Lutheran High School will be hosting Choral Fest. It is a gathering of choirs from area Lutheran high schools around the country resulting in a choir of perhaps 200 voices, joining to unite their voices in praise to God. There will be two concerts given by these choirs. On Friday, November 9 at 7:00 PM, each high school's swing choir will perform for a Pops Concert. On Sunday, November 11, there will be a mass choir presenting a sacred concert at 2:00 PM.
CHORAL FEST HOST FAMILIES NEEDED
In order to accommodate all the choirs who will be coming to HVL, associate congregations will need families to host the teens from these choirs. Families who are willing will be asked to host at least two choir members (you can request more if you have the room) from Thursday night (November 8) through Sunday morning (November 11). They will mainly need lodging and transportation to and from HVL. (Some car-pooling to and from Good Shepherd may be arranged.) Good Shepherd will be hosting Manitowoc Lutheran High School who is coming with 24 people.
As a “thank you” for hosting, it is customary for the choir whom Good Shepherd hosts to sing for our service on the Sunday morning of Choral Fest.
If you are willing to host some choir members or have questions, you may speak to Dan & Mary LeFevre.
PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
If you were not able to get your photograph included for our upcoming pictorial directory, please speak with Dan Rauchholz about how your photo can still be included. But please note: Time is running short to be included!
DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook. Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.
God bless you.
In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
==============================
DIVINE SERVICES
Sundays at 10:00 AM
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
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Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org
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