Update from Good Shepherd (January 31, 2019)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE

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

Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

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

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 Daniel Tulkki, brother of David Tulkki, who has cancer and has been given 3-6 months to live

– For Jim Tulkki, brother of David Tulkki, receiving treatments for cancer

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  JESUS – Legend or Lord?

      Jesus is one of the most written about and debated figures in the world.  In this eight-part series, Dr. Maier explores a three-lane highway to the past through the disciplines of Archaeology, History, and Geography.  Along the journey, we look back to the world that Jesus himself saw as he moved toward the cross.  The remaining schedule is:    

                  February 3 –  Jesus' Public Ministry

                  February 10 –  The Week That Changed the World

                  February 17 –  The Resurrection Revisited

                  February 24 –  The Explosion of Christianity 

In order to give ourselves enough time to discuss the materials presented, the DVD will begin promptly at 8:55 AM.  

SCHOOL OF STRATEGIC PLANNING

The WELS offers a School of Strategic Planning to aid congregations in assessing, prioritizing, and implementing plans to make the most of opportunities to preach the Gospel to as many as possible.  The dates for the School of Strategic Planning, to be held at Good Shepherd, will be Saturday, February 16 – Sunday, February 17.  The tentative schedule will include sessions on Saturday (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) and Sunday (1:00 – 4:00 PM).

Other congregations who will join us are St. John's, Battle Creek and Palabra de Vida, Detroit.  If you are interested in attending these sessions as an interested member of Good Shepherd, please speak with Dan Rauchholz or Pastor Schroeder.

 In order to be good hosts to all participants, we will need to organize meals, snacks, and beverages, as well as any other extras which will make our guests welcome and comfortable.  Details regarding contributions will be posted soon (likely, a SignUp Genius page).  We will also need people who will be willing to serve to prep the snacks, meals, and possibly other needed items.

        The link to the WELS page for School of Strategic Planning is here:  https://ccc.welsrc.net/school-of-strategic-planning/

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

JESUS CARES MINISTRIES: Worship at the Cross

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

WELS YOUTH RALLY

Join Us for the 2019 WELS Regional Youth Rally in West Virginia!

This year's regional Youth Rally will take place at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from July 15-18th. The Michigan District and North Atlantic District will again be partnering on this project.

The event will be similar to the rallies held at Villanova in 2015 and at Xavier in 2017. Students and chaperones will have the chance to join fellow WELS members from around the country for worship, Bible study, games, exploring the West Virginia countryside, a trip to an amusement park, and much more!

Earlybird online registration is already open! Save now by registering before March 16th. You can find Rally information at welsyouth.net or simply click the link below.

https://mailchi.mp/16009c75a633/register-for-the-2019-wels-regional-youth-rally-in-west-virginia

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

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

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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

DIVINE SERVICES

     Sundays at 10:00 AM

     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

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

Today's Earworm: I Am Cow by the Arrogant Worms

Yesterday, we had asked Peter if he had ever heard this song.  And when he said, "No," we felt like we had failed as a family.  Nathanael instantly fired it up and we all sang along.  And now it keeps spinning in my head.

Apparently, back in her high school days, Faith would get the entire Concert Choir from Michigan Lutheran Seminary singing "I Am Cow" on the bus to and from churches.  And now, you can enjoy it here:

Sermon -- 3rd Sunday after Epiphany (January 27, 2019)

LUKE 4:14-21

JESUS SECURES GOD'S FAVOR UPON YOU.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Epiphany means “appearing or revealing,” and the Epiphany season is when Jesus of Nazareth is revealed to us as the Christ, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world.  Critics of the Bible, however, insist that Jesus never claimed to be the Son of God.  They argue that disciples later worked those claims into the Bible long after Jesus' life.  When first confronted by this, Christians will roll their eyes, dismiss it, and walk away.  You know the claim is not true.  But it may gnaw at you a little bit.  And it may result in searching through the Bible for a concrete, undeniable claim by Jesus.  You may look for something as explicit as Jesus saying, “Make no mistake: I am God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father.”  That is the Nicene Creed which confesses the Christian faith.  Critics will argue: “But Jesus never used those very words to identify himself, so he never called himself the Son of God.  You Christians invented that.  So there!”
     While it would be a worthy exercise to go through the Gospels and highlight all the places where Jesus did make claims that only God could make, let's focus on the one from our Gospel this morning. 
     Shortly after his baptism, Jesus returned to Galilee and went to his hometown of Nazareth.  He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was his custom.  Now that in itself deserves more attention.  Jesus is the Son of God.  He is the Word made flesh, and so he is the source of the words which were read in the synagogue, just as he is the source of the word read in church week after week.  Jesus really had no need to go and hear the word since he IS the Word.  And yet, Jesus' custom was to be in the synagogue Sabbath after Sabbath.  You and I have need of this word each week.  We need to be admonished so that we do not get lazy and become content with sins.  We need to be encouraged so that we will remain faithful to our Lord.  After all, our attitudes and behavior are influenced and shaped by something.  If God's word does not direct our attitude and actions, then society will.  When the world accuses Christians of being judgmental, they are being hypocrites.  You don't think the world is judgmental?!  Ask the Catholic teens from Covington, Kentucky if the world makes judgments!  Society has no problem shaming people into saying the right words and doing the right things—at least as the world defines right and wrong.  And the world cannot make up its mind, either.  Its truth keeps on shifting from year to year.  There seems to be a continual contest about who is more socially righteous and which cause is most important.  The world will most certainly judge you according to its standards and try to shape your attitude and behavior. 
     Our attitude and behavior will be influenced and shaped by something.  That is why it needs to be our custom to be in God's house each week and in God's word each day.  We must let our Lord influence and shape us.  His truth does not change from year to year.  He is the judge who sets the standard of right and wrong for all people.  Your conscience proves that you are answerable to him for your attitude and your actions.  Since our Lord is the judge, and since he holds our eternal judgment in his hands, we ought to be consumed with knowing his word so that we do not bask in the world's praise for a moment only to be condemned by God forever.  Therefore, it is good, right, and salutary that our custom is to be in God's house to hear his word.
     The Lord Jesus was a rabbi, which gave him the right to read the Scriptures and to deliver the sermon in that synagogue in Nazareth.  The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.  He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”  And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down.  And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.  And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:17-21) 
     The Lord Jesus said it very clearly: He fulfills the promises.  He is the one to whom the Scriptures point.  He is the Messiah who comes to bring salvation.  When Jesus spoke these words, he did not tell them to give attention and to devotion to God, but to him.  Jesus declared: I am the fulfillment of the Scriptures.  By seeing, hearing, and believing in me, you have light, and life, and salvation.
     We certainly do well to heed God's word for encouragement, for admonition, and for direction in godly living.  These influence and shape us.  God's word tells you what is good, and God's word tells you want is evil and to be avoided.  But we also recognize that we still fail.  Our attitude is not pure, and our actions are not perfect.  When we seek comfort and acceptance, we are quicker to listen to our friends than to God.  Now if the opinions of your friends are enough for you, then Jesus will not be of much value to you.  But if you recognize that you are a prisoner of your sinful condition, and if you are oppressed by the guilt of your sins and the fear of God's judgment, then Jesus brings great relief.  Jesus secures God's favor upon you.
     Jesus read from the prophet: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18)  You and I have nothing to boast of before God.  We have nothing that God should honor or reward in us.  We are bankrupt.  But Jesus has enriched us.  He has done the good God demands, and he has avoided every evil path.  His delight was in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditated day and night. (Psalm 1:1, paraphrase)  So his attitude was pure, and it produced perfect works.  Jesus has credited you with these.  He has rewarded you for his works.  He enriches you with his gracious words.  Jesus secures God's favor upon you.
     Jesus read from the prophet: “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18)  Jesus delivers you from your captivity to sin, death, and the devil.  He has exchanged himself for you.  Jesus handed himself over to let death and the devil do what it pleased to him so that you would be spared of the judgment and the torment.  He subjected himself to everything which is due the guilty.  In turn, you are set free.  You are like Barabbas.  He was guilty on all counts.  But when Pilate offered to set a prisoner free, Barabbas was let go.  The innocent one, Jesus, took his place and suffered what he deserved.  This is precisely what Jesus has done for you.  No longer do you have to hide your shame, pretend your guilt is not there, or live in fear and dread of God's wrath.  Jesus Christ has set you free.  You have received a full pardon.  Jesus secures God's favor upon you.
     In speaking of God's promises of forgiveness, salvation, and divine favor, Jesus declared, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21)  Jesus is God who backs up God's promises and fulfills them.  If Jesus is not really God, then all of his talk about forgiveness, relief, enlightenment, enrichment, and divine favor are just talk.  If Jesus cannot give you want he proclaims, he only utters pretty words.  Those who insist that Jesus is not God and never claimed to be God end up with a Jesus has never really done anything for you.
     But this is what Jesus says after reading God's promise of salvation and peace: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21)  And how wonderful for us that he does this!  Sin and guilt are real.  Death and the grave are real.  And your conscience confirms that your accountability before God is real.  Therefore, we do not need pretty words or empty promises.  And we don't have it.  God's forgiveness, salvation, and favor are real.  We have God in the flesh who secures everything he has promised.  Jesus has fulfilled all of this for you.  Jesus relieves you from oppressive guilt.  Jesus frees you from the captivity of death and the devil.  Jesus enriches your life with his gracious words and divine wisdom.  Jesus secures God's favor upon you, because he is God who has come for you.

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

Sermon -- For the Christian Funeral of Peggy Joan Black (January 26, 2019)

For the Christian Funeral of 

+ Peggy Joan Black +

(January 11, 1956 - January 4, 2019)

JOHN 12:20-24

IN JESUS, WE SHALL SPRING FORTH IN GLORIOUS LIFE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Of all the things I had heard about Peggy, her love for the garden was a common theme.  Peggy enjoyed planting seeds and making things grow.  Our Lord liked gardens, too.  When he created heaven and earth, he planted a garden in Eden.  It was lush, green, and fruitful.  It supplied Adam and Eve with everything they needed to live, both in abundance and in variety.  However, it was also in that garden that everything went wrong.
     God gave Adam and Eve free reign over everything in the garden, but he gave them one commandment.  He told them not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the middle of the garden,  He warned them that if they ate from it, they would surely die.  By obeying this one commandment, Adam and Eve could demonstrate their love and trust in God.  Instead, they did not obey God's command.  By eating from that tree, Adam and Eve brought sin and death into the world.  God's curse fell upon mankind for failing to obey God's commands.  The entire world was corrupted by their sin so that gardens produce thorns and thistles, and so that life is filled with pain and toil and sorrow.  And finally, all things die.
     This is the world we live in today, and it is at times like these—at the death of a loved one—that we feel the effects of sin most painfully.  The affects of sin were seen in Peggy's body in her final year on this earth.  She is not the person she had been, as her abilities, her speech, her mind, and even her personality were taken from her.  Finally, her life slipped away.  The cause?  The doctors can give you medical reasons.  But all people die, and all die for the same reason: We are sinners.  The Bible reminds us: “Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned...” (Romans 5:12)  Where there is no sin, there is no death.  But because of Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden, we are all sinful, and we will all die.  You and I can't fix this, any more than a doctor was able to fix Peggy's ailment, or any more than any one of us could have prevented her death.  Sin brings death.
     In Jesus, however, we shall spring forth in glorious life.  This happens because Jesus takes away sin, and because Jesus overcomes death.  Everything that went wrong in a garden was rectified in a garden.  Jesus explained this when some Greeks had come to see him.  They said, “We wish to see Jesus.” (John 12:21)  In response, Jesus told them just what they should be looking for if they truly want to see him.  He declared: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.  Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:23-24)
     The seed Jesus referred to is his own body.  He had come to take into his body the sins of the world.  If Jesus takes all our sin and guilt from us, then he must suffer the consequences—death.  Jesus has taken into himself every crooked thought, every careless word, and every selfish deed of every one of us.  Now, as friends of Peggy, you don't remember her as a bad person.  You all have fond memories and can tell endearing stories about her.  And that is good.  Those memories are the reason you will miss her.  But no one is saved because you are fond of them, just as no one goes to hell just because you wish they would.  All judgment lies in the hands of Jesus.  But Jesus' glory is seen in this: He has taken away the sins of the world, including Peggy's.  He has suffered the curse of sin and its condemnation in place of her.  Jesus' cursed death was died for her and for you.  Jesus' body, like a seed, was placed in a grave.  It was planted in a garden near the place where his cross was.
     Just as Jesus had declared, so it is.  “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:23-24)  Jesus died for sinners, but he also rose again from the dead. Jesus sprang forth to glorious life in Easter in the garden tomb.  Now risen from the grave, Jesus can never die again.  He is Lord of Life and over death.  Since Peggy was baptized into the name of Jesus, she will follow the same path that Jesus has set.  In Jesus, she will spring forth in glorious life.  She is like a seed which will spring up on the Last Day to new life.
     Right now, Peggy's soul has gone to be with Jesus.  She is free from the thorns and thistles of this life.  She no longer suffers the pain and sorrows of this world.  But God does not create us to be mere souls.  Our Lord Jesus came to this earth in a human body in order to redeem us, body and soul, to live forever.  Jesus' body was slain for our sins, but is now risen to show you that the payment for sins is complete and that the grave has been overcome.  Jesus did not rise from the dead as a spirit, but as a body-and-soul man.  That is what we will look forward to as well. 
     St. Paul referred to that, as we heard in our reading from before: So is it with the resurrection of the dead.  What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.  It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory.  It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. (1 Corinthians 15:42-43)  The Lord Jesus, who redeemed Peggy by his sufferings and death, will raise up Peggy on the Last Day.  In Jesus, she will spring forth in glorious life.  And it will be far better than what she had.  She will be raised up with a body that will not be affected by disease, sickness, frailty, or weakness.  She will be freed from sin and its effects forevermore.  For, in God's presence, there is no medication, no hospice care, and no death.  Everything will be flawless, and it will be so forever.
     In Jesus, Peggy will spring forth in glorious life.  Death has not won the victory; Jesus has.  He is the seed which died and has sprung forth in life to produce much fruit.  Peggy is one of the fruits of Jesus' saving work.  The garden on Easter Sunday revealed that the grave has been robbed of its power.  For, where there is no sin, there is no death.  More than that, it shows us that Paradise, the Garden of God, has been opened to receive people who have been redeemed by and baptized into Jesus.  Jesus lives, and so will those who are his.  Peggy is his, for she was baptized into his name.  Good news: Peggy is back in the Garden.  She lives with Jesus now.  And on the Last Day, the grave will give her back.  In Jesus, she will spring forth to glorious life, and will live in glory forever.

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

Something from ... Eusebius: On what it means that Jesus is the Christ

Jesus is the Christ.  He is anointed by the Spirit to serve as our prophet, high priest, and king.  He is the fulfillment of every prophet, high priest, and king.  The magnificence of Jesus as the Christ is highlighted by Eusebius (ca. 260 - ca. 340), who also notes that the effects of the Christ surpass any prophet, high priest, or king who has ever been.

From Eusebius:

Eusebius of Caesarea

"Proof of this is the fact that none of those symbolically anointed of old, whether priest, king, or prophet, ever obtained the sort of divine power our Savior and Lord, Jesus--the only real Christ--demonstrated.  None of them, however honored among their own people for so many generations, ever conferred the name Christian on their subjects from their symbolic title of Christ.  None was worshiped by his subjects or held in such esteem after his death as to be ready to die for the person honored.  None caused such a stir in all nations throughout the world, since the power of the symbol could not produce such an effect as the reality of our Savior.  He did not receive the symbols of high priesthood from anyone or trace his physical descent from priests.  Armed forces did not promote his rule, nor did he become a prophet like those of old.  Jews accorded him no rank or precedence whatever.  Yet he had been adorned with all these by the Father, not in symbols but in truth.  Although he did not obtain the honors cited, he is called Christ more than all of them, for he is himself the one true Christ of God who has filled the entire world with his Christians.  He no longer provides patterns or images for his followers but fully revealed truths, and he has received not material chrism but divine anointing by the Spirit of God through sharing in the unbegotten divinity of the Father." (pp 28-29, emphasis original, The Church History.  Eusebius.  Translated by Paul L. Maier.  Kregel Publications.  Grand Rapids, MI  (c) 2007)

Update from Good Shepherd (January 24, 2019)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE

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

Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

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

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 Daniel Tulkki, brother of David Tulkki, who has cancer and has been given 3-6 months to live

– For Jim Tulkki, brother of David Tulkki, receiving treatments for cancer

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  JESUS – Legend or Lord?

      Jesus is one of the most written about and debated figures in the world.  In this eight-part series, Dr. Maier explores a three-lane highway to the past through the disciplines of Archaeology, History, and Geography.  Along the journey, we look back to the world that Jesus himself saw as he moved toward the cross.  The remaining schedule is:    

                  January 27 –  The Infancy Narratives

                  February 3 –  Jesus' Public Ministry

                  February 10 –  The Week That Changed the World

                  February 17 –  The Resurrection Revisited

                  February 24 –  The Explosion of Christianity 

In order to give ourselves enough time to discuss the materials presented, the DVD will begin promptly at 8:55 AM.  

SCHOOL OF STRATEGIC PLANNING

The WELS offers a School of Strategic Planning to aid congregations in assessing, prioritizing, and implementing plans to make the most of opportunities to preach the Gospel to as many as possible.  The dates for the School of Strategic Planning, to be held at Good Shepherd, will be Saturday, February 16 – Sunday, February 17.  The tentative schedule will include sessions on Saturday (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) and Sunday (1:00 – 4:00 PM).

Other congregations who will join us are St. John's, Battle Creek and Palabra de Vida, Detroit.  If you are interested in attending these sessions as an interested member of Good Shepherd, please speak with Dan Rauchholz or Pastor Schroeder.

 In order to be good hosts to all participants, we will need to organize meals, snacks, and beverages, as well as any other extras which will make our guests welcome and comfortable.  Details regarding contributions will be posted soon (likely, a SignUp Genius page).  We will also need people who will be willing to serve to prep the snacks, meals, and possibly other needed items.

        The link to the WELS page for School of Strategic Planning is here:  https://ccc.welsrc.net/school-of-strategic-planning/

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

JESUS CARES MINISTRIES: Worship at the Cross

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

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

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

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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

DIVINE SERVICES

     Sundays at 10:00 AM

     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

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

Prayer -- For Life & the Unborn

This prayer was spoken this past Sunday in recognition of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade (January 22, 1973).

A Litany for the Gift of Life and for the Protection of the Unborn

P: Almighty and eternal God, you have created this world and all of us in it.  We praise you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Lead all people everywhere to see that you are our Maker and that we are the work of your hands so that all would consider human life to be sacred.  Protect and defend all to whom you give life, whether born or unborn, until that day when you take our life from us again.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Heavenly Father, you do not delight in the death of the wicked, but that all would turn from their evil ways and live.  Keep us from evil, and forgive us our sins.  Strengthen us to proclaim your Law and to warn those who would continue in their sins.  At this time, we especially pray that you would help us to warn those who continue in the sin of abortion.  Work mightily through your word to bring to repentance all who seek, provide, or support these willful acts of murder.  Change the hearts of people who see this wrong and dare to call it a right, and who are so blind to call good what is evil.  We ask not only that our nation may be cleansed of this heinous sin, but also that you turn all people from their evil ways so that they would live.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Lord of the nations, you have given authority to the governments of this world to bring order and protection and to punish the wrongdoer.  We pray for our rulers that they would act responsibly in their positions over us.  Cause the leaders of our nation to restore justice for the unborn, who are being oppressed and killed.  Grant our President wisdom and courage to speak out against abortion.  Guide our legislators to propose, support, and pass laws that would protect the life of all people, whether unborn, elderly, frail, defenseless, or handicapped.  Move our judges to do your will in all cases which decide life and death.  Teach all rulers to despise what is evil and to cling to what is good.  Lord, in your mercy, 
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Heavenly Father, you have commanded us to live chaste and decent lives.  Bring all people to recognize the virtue of chastity, to exercise self-control over their sexual impulses, to honor marriage, and to keep the marriage bed pure so that every pregnancy is a cause for joy rather than regret.  Teach husbands and wives to regard children as a reward to be cherished and not a burden to be avoided.  Grant to all pregnant women, according to your mercy, a happy result in their childbearing.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P:  Merciful Father, we thank you for the mercies you have bestowed upon us through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Many still bear the guilt, the shame, and the scars from sins they have committed against you.  Reveal to fearful sinners your mercies through the sufferings and death of your Son, Jesus Christ – whose body was cut, abused, and pierced to pay for sin, whose life was given up for the benefit of all, and whose blood was shed to cover over our guilt and shame.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be the salt of the earth that this world might be preserved from greater wickedness.  Grant that more people will take your word to heart so that they will not sin by killing their children.  Bless those who work in our Pregnancy Care Centers so that they may faithfully speak your word to those who come to them.  Let the fear of your wrath crush those who plot wickedness, and let your forgiveness deliver the penitent from damnation and despair.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be lights to the world.  Embolden us to bring your word to those around us.  Strengthen each of us so that, by our words, deeds, and prayers, we may truly be little christs to this world – doing your will, defending the helpless, aiding the needy, standing by the lonely, comforting the fearful, holding on to your truth, upholding your glory, and demonstrating your love.  Lord, in your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

Other intercessions may be offered.

P: Heavenly Father, we bring all of our petitions and intercessions to you, trusting that you will hear and act for our good, according to the promises of your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we join to pray….

LORD’S PRAYER

Sermon -- 2nd Sunday after Epiphany (January 20, 2019)

JOHN 2:1-11

THE LORD JESUS SUPPLIES 

WHAT IS LACKING.

In the name + of Jesus.

     When God created heaven and earth, he also put man and woman into that world.  He brought them to one another and blessed them as husband and wife, establishing marriage for the good of each other, for the benefit of children, and for the stability of society.  Just as God blessed Adam and Eve with a perfect creation, so he also blessed them with the gift of marriage.
     However, God's creation did not remain perfect for very long.  Sin entered the world and corrupted everything.  Most personally, it corrupted mankind.  Now we are familiar with selfishness, ingratitude, and bitterness.  Nevertheless, God remains good.  He still blesses mankind with his creation.  And he still calls marriage good.  By it, he intends to bless husbands and wives who are given as gifts to one another.
     But marriage is hard.  Two sinners bind themselves to one another, and each has to put in the work if they want to have a good marriage.  If God blesses them with children, the parents discover that raising children is hard.  Children are a blessing and a joy, but they take work.  And if God has chosen not to bless you with a spouse or with children, you still discover that life is hard.  No matter what stage of life you are in, life is hard.  We are sinners, living among other sinners, in a sinful world.  God still continues to bless us in this world, but we struggle to be grateful or content.  We face problems, stress, and disappointment.  We are lacking the perfection that God had first created people with.  And because we are lacking righteousness, we are also short on patience, gratitude, and a love that only seeks the good of others.  The problem is neither with God nor with marriage, but with us.  For, we are sinners.
     Our Lord Jesus Christ attended a wedding at Cana because marriage is good.  Unfortunately, the wedding had hit a snag.  They ran out of wine.  Wedding feasts back in Jesus' day could run for up to a week, and during that week the groom was supposed to provide for his guests.  If the wine ran out, the joyous occasion was over and the feast came to an embarrassing, disappointing halt.  When Jesus' mother recognized the problem, she gave Jesus a less than subtle nudge.  She said to him, “They have no wine.”  And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me?  My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:3,4)  Jesus' response was polite, but stern.  His kingdom would come and his glory would be revealed at the right hour.  This was not it.
     Nevertheless, Jesus did demonstrate compassion for the wedding couple.  He revealed his divine power by supplying what was lacking.  He told the servants to fill the stone water jars with water.  Then, by his command (although St. John does not quote Jesus' words here), the water became wine.  This was hardly a sleight of hand trick.  Each of the six stone jars held 20-30 gallons.  The miracle was undeniable.  God was at work, and our Lord supplied what was lacking so that the feast and the joy of the day could continue.
     St. John noted, “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory.” (John 2:11)  It was not only the first miracle Jesus performed, showing himself to be God; it was also the primary sign to show us what kind of Lord Jesus is.  He takes the ceremonies for outward purification and changes them into something better.  Jesus brings a new and better kingdom than the old one.  It is not based on the waters which scrub dirt or germs from the body, but it is based on the new wine which makes glad the hearts of men.  The Lord Jesus supplies what is lacking. 
     Jesus is the bridegroom, and the Church is his bride.  He has come to betroth himself to us—not because we are worthy, or pure, or even pretty.  He does not pretend that we are perfect.  He does not flatter us with lies or ignore what we have been.  Instead, the Lord Jesus supplies what is lacking in us.  As our loving bridegroom, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27)  Through baptism, Jesus has removed from you every blotch of shame and wiped away every spot of sin.  He has covered you in his own righteousness so that you now stand before him pure and blameless.  Now, you are robed in beauty; for the Groom has dressed his Bride with his own innocence.  The Lord Jesus supplies what is lacking.
     When Jesus betrothed himself to you, he not only gave to you all that is his, he also took from you all is yours.  He assumed your debt, all that is lacking before God, and took the responsibility for it.  He made your guilt his own.  And then, when his hour had come for establishing his kingdom and revealing his glory, Jesus did not perform a miraculous sign.  Rather, he died in humble weakness.  Jesus subjected himself to God's curse on behalf of sinners when he hung from the cross.  And there, Jesus made the full payment for your sins.  A debt that you and I could not even begin to repay, Jesus paid in full.  The Lord Jesus supplies all that is lacking.
     On a joyous wedding day at Cana, Jesus provided all that was lacking at the wedding feast.  He was not stingy with his blessing.  It did not matter that the groom had been careless or negligent in his planning.  It did not even matter that the guests had abused the wine that had already been supplied.  Jesus acted to make sure that the joyous feast would continue.  He supplied what was lacking in quality and in quantity.  Jesus did not do a guest count and crunch numbers so that no a drop would go to waste.  He supplied the best wine in great abundance for the benefit of the wedding couple and for the joy of their celebration.
     In the same way, Jesus is not stingy with you, either.  You and I have been baptized into Jesus' name, which means that we have been cleansed of all sin, made pure before the Lord, and now bear the name of our Triune God.  We even remind ourselves of our precious status when we make the sign of the cross upon ourselves.  And yet, we do not live up to the honor of the name we bear.  Whether it is because we are careless or lazy, or because we are worn down by difficulties, disappointments, or the deception of our sins, we do not keep ourselves as pure as we ought. 
     But the Bridegroom still loves his Bride.  He continues to supply what is lacking.  He does not put a quota on his forgiveness or warn you that you are about to exceed your limit.  He pours out his mercies by the gallon.  He continues to present you with his sacred feast.  He serves you the better wine under which he gives you his holy blood for the forgiveness of your sins.  And the feast does not run out.  It is offered every week so that your joy will continue, and it will even endure through all eternity.  Jesus supplies what is lacking because your salvation is not based on how pure you have been or on how pure you can keep yourself.  It is based on Jesus' holy innocence with which he covers you.  And it is based on the righteous blood which he shed as the payment to pay off your debts.  He is not cheap with his grace or stingy with his mercy.  Rather, his mercy endures forever.  His grace supplies everything.
     The Lord Jesus continues to pour out his blessings upon you.  You will find peace and joy and contentment only in him.  And he will never fail you.  Even in a world of sin among a world of sinners, Jesus continues to bless you.  The Bridegroom loves his Bride and speaks tenderly to her.  The Church, who desires her Groom, is eager to listen to him and receive his good things. 
     The Lord Jesus supplies all that is lacking.  He and his blessings are yours.  Having been redeemed, you are his.  And he will finally bring you into the eternal wedding banquet where the peace will never be interrupted, where the joy will never run out, and where the feast will never end. 

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

Update from Good Shepherd (January 17, 2019)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE

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

Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

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

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 Daniel Tulkki, brother of David Tulkki, who has cancer and has been given 3-6 months to live

– For Jim Tulkki, brother of David Tulkki, who is receiving treatment for cancer

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  JESUS – Legend or Lord?

      Jesus is one of the most written about and debated figures in the world.  In this eight-part series, Dr. Maier explores a three-lane highway to the past through the disciplines of Archaeology, History, and Geography.  Along the journey, we look back to the world that Jesus himself saw as he moved toward the cross.  The remaining schedule is:

                  January 20 –  The Works of Josephus

                  January 27 –  The Infancy Narratives

                  February 3 –  Jesus' Public Ministry

                  February 10 –  The Week That Changed the World

                  February 17 –  The Resurrection Revisited

                  February 24 –  The Explosion of Christianity 

In order to give ourselves enough time to discuss the materials presented, the DVD will begin promptly at 8:55 AM.  

SCHOOL OF STRATEGIC PLANNING

The WELS offers a School of Strategic Planning to aid congregations in assessing, prioritizing, and implementing plans to make the most of opportunities to preach the Gospel to as many as possible.  The dates for the School of Strategic Planning, to be held at Good Shepherd, will be Saturday, February 16 – Sunday, February 17.  The tentative schedule will include sessions on Saturday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and Sunday (1:00 – 4:00 PM).

Other congregations who will join us are St. John's, Battle Creek and Palabra de Vida, Detroit.  If you are interested in attending these sessions as an interested member of Good Shepherd, please speak with Dan Rauchholz or Pastor Schroeder.

In order to be good hosts to all participants, we will need to organize meals, snacks, and beverages, as well as any other extras which will make our guests welcome and comfortable.  Details regarding contributions will be posted soon (likely, a SignUp Genius page).  We will also need people who will be willing to serve to prep the snacks, meals, and possibly other needed items.

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

JESUS CARES MINISTRIES: Worship at the Cross

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

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 .

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

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

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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

DIVINE SERVICES

     Sundays at 10:00 AM

     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

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 -- 1st Sunday after Epiphany (Baptism of our Lord)

LUKE 3:15-17,21-22

JESUS IS THE LORD'S ANOINTED 

WHO SERVES YOU.

In the name + of Jesus.

     We have entered the Epiphany season.  Epiphany means “appearing, or revealing.”  If you have ever said, “I had an epiphany,” you meant that something had been revealed to you or that you finally got it.  During the Sundays of Epiphany season, the Gospel reveal that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world.
     On the night Jesus was born, the angel revealed to the shepherds, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ....” (Luke 2:11)  Jesus was called the Christ, but for the next thirty years Jesus did not act as the Christ.  He did not do miracles.  He did not preach sermons.  Even though Jesus is Lord and was sent to be the Christ, he did not usurp an office which would be bestowed upon him by the Father.  He did not act as the Messiah in his teen years because he felt called or because God had laid it upon his heart.  Jesus began his ministry only after he had been anointed to serve as the Lord's Anointed. 
     After Jesus' birth, the word “Christ” does not show up in Scripture until Jesus was about 30 years old.  When it did get brought up again, it was in connection with John.  The people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ... (Luke 3:15)  John is not the Christ.  John was appointed to be the Lord's prophet, but he was not the Anointed of the Lord.  John was the Baptizer; the Christ was to come soon. 
     When Jesus came to the Jordan, he was baptized by John and anointed to take up his office as the Christ.  St. Luke records it in two brief verses: Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)  Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to take up the work which he was sent to do.  Jesus is the Lord's anointed who serves you. 
     Throughout the Old Testament, men were anointed into a particular office.  Aaron was anointed by Moses to serve as the high priest.  David was anointed by Samuel to serve as king of Israel.  Elisha was anointed by Elijah to be the prophet of the Lord.  At each anointing, God designated that particular man and gave him a measure of his Holy Spirit to carry out the duties of his appointed office.  When Jesus was baptized, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit to be the Christ.  And as the Lord's anointed, Jesus serves you as the fulfillment of all three offices—prophet, high priest, and king.
     John the Baptist had described what Jesus would do as the Christ.  He said, “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, Jesus came to gather in a harvest.  The good will be brought in; but the bad will be delivered into unquenchable fire—that is, a fire that never goes out; eternal hellfire.  Of course, you and I want to consider ourselves among the good because the alternative is terrifying.
     Jesus has come as the Prophet to proclaim the word of the Lord to us.  He defines what is good and what is wicked.  Among the many things he teaches is, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31)  Now, we all tend to credit ourselves as being obedient to that.  But Jesus also teaches God's demand is greater than what we credit ourselves with.  He declared, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you...  If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them.  And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you?  For even sinners do the same. (Luke 6:27,32-33)  Jesus shows us that we are not as good as we like to think.  We are good at loving our friends, but our enemies?!  We don't like people who annoy us; why would we love people who hate us?  They are our enemies for a reason, right?  This shows that our love is limited, selective, and selfish.  We are not as good as we think.  Repent.
     Although Jesus shows us that we are not good, he proclaims a heavenly Father who is.  For God sent his Son to serve and to save sinners.  By being baptized, Jesus has taken up the cause of sinners.  That means he takes up your sin and guilt.  He suffered what sinners deserve.  He was consumed in God's fiery wrath when he hung from the cross so that you will be delivered from unquenchable fire.  Your holy prophet reveals the divine mercy which forgives sins, and he proclaims the grace that opens heaven.
     Jesus is the Lord's Anointed who serves you.  He fulfills the office of high priest.  As high priest, Aaron represented God before the people, and he represented the people before God.  Israel's high priest made sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people, and then he declared God's peace upon the people.  Jesus is your great high priest.  He comes in the name of the Lord to declare salvation to you.  But he also comes before the Lord for you to secure that salvation.  He serves not only as your high priest, he is also the sacrifice which was given up for you.  Jesus shed his innocent blood for the guilty.  And through your baptism, he has covered you with his innocence.  Through your baptism, you have been clothed with Christ.  This is how Jesus declares God's peace upon you; for God will not despise that which is holy.  His favor rests upon you.  And Jesus lives to intercede for you to assure you of God's favor and God's peace.
     Jesus is the Lord's Anointed who serves you.  Jesus was anointed as king, just as David was.  When Samuel anointed David as king, Saul was still on the throne.  David did not stage a coup.  He waited for the Lord to give him the throne as God's timing.  But what David did do immediately after he was made the Lord's Anointed was to go out and battle the giant, Goliath.  David single-handedly faced the enemy of God's people and slew him.  In the same way, Jesus single-handedly went forth and slew your enemies.  Your sins no longer condemn you;  you are forgiven.  Death and the grave do not own you.  Just as Jesus rose from the grave, so also you and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.  And Satan lies crushed under Jesus' feet.  The devil may try to dredge up the past and remind you of your sins.  But he is a liar.  He has no claim on you, no matter how convincing his arguments are.  Jesus has taken your sins from you.  Jesus has rescued you from the devil's grasp and has brought you into a kingdom of grace.  Jesus lives and continually reigns over you for your eternal good.
     Jesus is the Lord's Anointed who serves you.  Just as Jesus was baptized to unite himself to you, so you were baptized into Jesus to be united to him.  All that Jesus has won is now yours.  When Jesus was baptized, the Father was pleased to identify Jesus as his very own.  And so also, the Father is pleased to identify you as his beloved children.  When Jesus was baptized, the heavens were ripped open.  And when you were baptized into Jesus, heaven was opened up to you, too.  You are heirs of God's heavenly kingdom, just as you live under God's gracious rule now. 
     Jesus is the Lord's Anointed who serves you.  He was baptized to take up your cause, and so also you were baptized into Jesus to take up his cause.  The Holy Spirit was poured out upon Jesus at his baptism to anoint him for his office as the Christ.  The Holy Spirit was also given to you at your baptism.  He has made you a new creation—creating in you a clean heart and renewing in you a right spirit.  That is why you desire to continue in a pure and decent life.  The Lord Jesus has used his winnowing fork to deliver you out of the fiery judgment and to bring you into his kingdom. 
     How we long to remain under his grace and to enter his glory!  For, we have had an epiphany.  We see that all that God declares is good, and that God does all good for us.  Therefore, we strive to honor our Lord with our lives—loving our neighbor, and even our enemy.  For, we are the Lord's.  He continues to work in us and to work for us.  Jesus is the Christ; and we are his—baptized into his name, and beneficiaries of his grace.

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