Update from Good Shepherd (November 28, 2019)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE

        Divine Services are Sundays at 10:00 AM.

        Sunday School is on Sundays at 8:45 AM.

        Adult Bible Class is on Sundays at 8:45 AM

        Adult Bible Class will be working our way through the books of 1 & 2 Samuel.  We will consider how God worked in the life of David who foreshadows the Son of David.  NOTE: Wednesday classes are suspended until January 8.

PRIVATE CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION
On Monday, December 2, 7:00-9:00 PM, Pastor Schroeder will be in his office and available for Private Confession & Absolution.  No appointment will be necessary.  If you are grieved or haunted by particular sins and desire to hear your Savior's word of forgiveness, this is for you.  Pastor Schroeder will walk through the rite since it is unfamiliar to most.  As the name suggests, the confession remains private.  It is made to Christ.  Likewise, the forgiveness is Christ's through the mouth of his minister.

Private Confession & Absolution is always available by appointment.

ADVENT VESPERS
We prepare for the coming of the Savior with repentance as we prayerfully, quietly, and eagerly await our Savior.  Our Advent Vespers services focus on the promises made by God which have been fulfilled in the coming of our Savior.  This year's Advent theme is: Advent Messages from Isaiah.
     December 4 – Advent reminds us of a promised blessing.  (Isaiah 40:1-2)
     December 11 – Advent brings a call to repentance.  (Isaiah 40:3-8)
     December 18 – Advent points to a person.  (Isaiah 40:9-11)
A supper will be served at 6:00 PM (free will offering).  Vespers begins at 7:00 PM.

MICHIGAN RIGHT TO LIFE PETITION

Through Sunday, December 1, you will have an opportunity to sign a petition, if you choose, to support a ballot measure which would outlaw the dismemberment of unborn children.  This is different than the heartbeat bill which several states have already passed.  (Michigan, in fact, has a stricter law on the books which is sadly not really enforced.)  This bill, if it should become law, would outlaw the dismembering of unborn children in the process of aborting them.  If you don't know what that really entails, I am sure you can find a description online—viewer beware.  There are several petitions which will be available to sign; be sure you find one which is designated for the county in which you live.

While Good Shepherd, the WELS, and your pastor make no official endorsement of a particular political party or candidate, we will take a stand on moral issues since God's word deals directly with those.  We believe, teach, and confess that murder is wrong (5th Commandment), even if that is the murder of a person yet unborn.  This petition encourages a law which upholds that belief.  Nevertheless, each individual is free to act (that is, to sign the petition or not) as you choose.

Christmas cookie exchange 

On Sunday, December 15, members who are interested should bring 2 - 4 dozen Christmas cookies or baked goods. We will have plates available to choose a few dozen cookies so That you have a nice cookie assortment to take home and enjoy.

NOTES from Huron Valley Lutheran High School (HVL)

Join HVL’s Mailing List - Go to www.HVLHS.org and click on “Sign up for Newsletter” or call or email the school office at mail@hvlhs.org to be added.

HVL Giving Tuesday, December 3
          All friends and supporters of HVL are invited to participate in a special day of giving!  Last year over $100,000 was raised in this campaign to support the ongoing ministry at HVL of “Preparing Students for Life”.  A few generous donors have already stepped forward and offered to match a portion of the gifts given for “Giving Tuesday”. Our prayer is that through the generosity of HVL supporters we will be able to meet our goal of raising $100,000, which would keep us on track with our budgeted needs. To participate in this special event, go to our website between November 11 and December 3, at www.HVLHS.org and click on “Giving Tuesday”. If you are interested in being a matching donor for this event, please call 734-525-0160.  Thank you for all your support!

DECEMBER SCHEDULE
        There will be a lot going on in December, so here is a glance at what the schedule is.  If any times or dates should change, you will be notified.  If you have any questions, call the church office.
December 2         Private Confession & Absolution – 7:00-9:00 PM
December 4         Mid-Week Advent (Supper – 6:00 PM; Vespers – 7:00 PM)
December 7         Church Decoration for Christmas – 9:00 AM
December 7         Christmas for Kids – 9:00-11:00 AM
December 7         Sunday School Christmas rehearsal  (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM; lunch provided)
December 11        Mid-Week Advent (Supper – 6:00 PM; Vespers – 7:00 PM)
December 15 Sunday School Christmas rehearsal  (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM; lunch provided)
December 18 Mid-Week Advent (Supper – 6:00 PM; Vespers – 7:00 PM)
December 21 Sunday School Christmas dress rehearsal  (9:00 - 10:30  AM)
December 22 Children's Christmas pageant – 10:00 AM
December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – 7:00 PM
December 25 Christmas Day Festival Service – 10:00 AM

OFFICE HOURS
        Regular office hours at Good Shepherd will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. While there may be some flexibility to this schedule, we will try to keep it as regular as possible. 

BAD WEATHER POLICY FOR SERVICES AT GOOD SHEPHERD
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 cappella singing and/or spoken liturgy, but we will be here.
Bible Classes and meetings may be canceled due to weather.  Check your email regarding announcements to see if any of those scheduled events is canceled.  If there is no email about it, it is not canceled.  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.

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

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL -- Sundays at 8:45 AM.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS -- Sundays at 8:45 AM

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 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

Sermon -- Thanksgiving Eve (November 27, 2019)

PSALM 145:15-21

O LORD, YOU SATISFY OUR DESIRES.

In the name + of Jesus.

     O Lord, you satisfy our desires.  You have created us and given us life.  You made us to be creatures of emotion and reason.  You enable us to think and to desire, to be happy and to laugh, to have sympathy and compassion.  You have given us eyes to enjoy the beauty of the world you have put us in—to see the colors of sunsets, the grandeur of mountains and valleys, the cinematography of movies, and the smiles of loved ones.  You have given us ears to enjoy the skill of composers and musicians, to be encouraged by conversations with friends, and to be soothed by lullabies.  You have given us hands to reach out and help others, legs to run and to kick and to dance, and abilities that fill our lives with purpose and interest.
     O Lord, you satisfy our desires.  You not only have given us life, but you continue to sustain us day after day, year after year.  We have never known famine.  Our grocery stores do not even know seasons.  Even in the dead of winter, we enjoy all sorts of fruits and vegetables.  “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:16)  You have blessed us with variety and abundance, with pantries, refrigerators, and freezers that enable us to stockpile food for daily bread and for weekly planning.
     O Lord, you satisfy our desires, and it is not even limited to mankind.  “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.” (Psalm 145:15)  The birds and fish, the wild animals and house pets do not plan menus or say meal prayers, yet they know that you will care for them.  You do not play favorites among mankind either.  Our Lord Jesus Christ affirmed it: “Your Father who is in heaven...makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-45)  Whether a man acknowledges you as the true God or perverts his worship by serving a man-made god or refuses to acknowledge any god at all, you do not refrain from giving what we need to live.  “The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.” (Psalm 145:17)  Your goodness does not depend on our goodness.  Your faithfulness is not determined by our obedience.  “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:16)  Your kindness and faithfulness are shown to every living thing every year.  Your faithfulness is so consistent that we do not even think about our next meal or next year's crop.  And sadly, even we who confess your name do not thank you as we ought.
     O Lord, you satisfy our desires.  Our taste buds enjoy your delicacies and our bellies are well nourished, but our spirits are not at rest.  We all have fears that haunt us—fear that people will learn our inner thoughts, fear that they will recognize that we are as nice as we show them, fear that we have to answer to you, O Lord, for deeds that we regret and want buried forever, fear of knowing that death can come to us or our loved ones without warning and without apology.  And so, our spirits are not at rest.  We desire comfort and peace.  We crave the assurance that all is well and will be well.  We desire to have our guilt removed from our record and our memory.  We desire to have death done away with so that the grave cannot threaten us any longer.  We desire to know that you, O Lord, are not angry with us, and that your interest in us is not because you are spying on us to catch us in a bad moment, but rather that your interest in us is for our good and that your intentions for us are motivated by mercy.
     O Lord, you satisfy our desires.  “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)  And so, Lord, we come before you in humble honesty.  We acknowledge that we have been greedy for blessings, selfish with our goods, and ungrateful for your faithful kindness.  We admit that we are turned in on ourselves.  We are more concerned about what our friends think of us than what you think of us.  And while we can often hide our sin from our friends, our hearts are completely exposed before you.  We have no excuse.  We can only plead for your mercy.
     And Lord, you satisfy our desires.  King David reminds us, “He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” (Psalm 145:19)  O Lord, you have heard our cry for mercy, and you have revealed your mercy to us in your Son, Jesus.  It is he who satisfies all our desires.  For we desire that our sins be put away from our record.  And you have assured us, “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)  Jesus has removed every charge from our record.  His his holy, innocent blood was shed for us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  We desire that death and the grave no longer threaten us.  Lord, you have sanctified the grave by the burial of your Son Jesus, and you have rendered it powerless by his resurrection.  As surely as you did not abandon Jesus to the grave, neither will you abandon us.  For a while, our bodies will lie at rest.  Then we will be raised up to live forevermore.
     O Lord, you satisfy our desires.  And we desire to know that you, O Lord, are not angry with us or hoping to get even with us.  We long to know that you do not regret suffering for our sins or dying the death that deserve.  We may know your word that we are forgiven, but neither the devil nor our conscience lets us forget our past.  Therefore, when we suffer evil, we feel that you are trying to settle some score.  When we face hardships, we wonder why you are withholding your love from us.
     O Lord, you satisfy our desires.  For, you reveal that your love is not measured by our feelings or by our funds or even by what our friends tell us.  You have given us promises that do not change.  The seasons change, and our circumstances go back and forth between good and bad.  But you are faithful.  Your word stands.  Therefore, King David declares this word: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.  He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.  The LORD preserves all who love him...” (Psalm 145:18-20)  
     O Lord, you satisfy our desires; for, you declare that your mercy endures forever and that you are faithful to your promises.  Your love does not grow cold, and you do not grow bored or frustrated with us.  Rather, you preserve us in your kingdom with words of forgiveness, with the loving discipline of a father, and with sacred nourishment that consoles fearful hearts and strengthens weak faith.
     O Lord, you satisfy our desires.  While it is true that you will destroy the wicked, it is also true that you have taken away our wickedness.  Even as you cleanse our record of every sin, you will also cleanse our memory of every regret and all shame when we enter your heavenly glory.  Until then, you will remain faithful to us all our days.  You will sustain us for all that we need for body and life, and you will also sustain us for all that we need for faith and salvation.  Our desire is to dwell in peace and joy and comfort, and you open your hand and satisfy our desires with every good thing.  Therefore, we join with King David in praise: “My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:21)

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

Thanksgiving Service

Good Shepherd Novi will have its Thanksgiving service on Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM. 

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

Join us!

Sermon -- 4th Sunday of End Time: Christ the King (November 24, 2019)

COLOSSIANS 1:13-20

JESUS REIGNS OVER AN EVERLASTING KINGDOM.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Late in the reign of King Hezekiah, envoys from Babylon came to visit.  Babylon was not yet a super power nation, but they were on the rise.  “Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses.  There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.” (2 Kings 20:13)  Hezekiah wanted to impress them with his wealth and power.  Those are the kinds of things that impress other kingdoms.  But Hezekiah may have failed to make a good confession to these foreign diplomats. 
     Did Hezekiah bring these Babylonian officials to the temple to show them the sacrifices which made atonement for sins?  Did Hezekiah introduce them to the high priest and have him explain how he delivered God's blessing and salvation to the people?  Did Hezekiah confess that God chose Israel to be the people through whom God would bring the Messiah into the world, and that the Messiah was for all the world?  Based on the Lord's response to this visit, it seems that Hezekiah failed to confess Israel's true glory.  Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord said, “Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the LORD.” (2 Kings 20:17)  If Hezekiah was convinced that his glory was to be found in wealth, power, and influence, the Lord assured that it would all be swept away.  It was not to be trusted.
     But we fall into the same trap that ensnared King Hezekiah.  We live in a super power nation, and we reap the benefits of its wealth, power, and influence.  We also get wrapped up in the politics of the day, convinced that the right candidate will make us even better, richer, stronger, and more impressive.  The world is impressed with such things, and politicians play dirty trying to wield as much of that power and wealth as they can.  But those who trust in these things have their faith sorely misplaced.  The kingdoms of this world do not endure.  Hezekiah's kingdom did not last much longer.  All its power proved useless.  All its wealth was carried to Babylon.  But the Babylonian Empire did not last either.  Nor the Greeks.  Nor the Romans.  And if history has taught us anything, the power and prestige of the United States will fade too.  Kingdoms rise and fall.  Therefore, heed the word of the Lord: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3)
     You have been given a kingdom which is far greater than the good ol' USA.  And you have a King who is far more righteous, loving, and glorious than anyone who has ever been elected to office here.  Jesus reigns over an everlasting kingdom, which is far superior to any nation or kingdom this world has ever known. 
     Jesus is sovereign over all creation.  St. Paul tells us why: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15-17)  “The firstborn of creation” does not mean that Jesus is the first one created or the most important creature.  It means that he is the source of creation.  God created all things by his Word: “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)  Jesus is the Word, the Logos, God the Son.  He is the Word by whom all things were made, and he is the Word by which all things are held together.  Jesus is king of all creation.
     In the days of King Xerxes of Persia, a couple of Xerxes' guards plotted to assassinate him.  Their plot was revealed to King Xerxes by Mordecai, the uncle of Esther.  They had not publicly acted to murder the king.  They had not proclaimed their plans to the world.  Nevertheless, the intentions of their hearts were exposed.  That was enough to have them executed.  King Xerxes allowed for no rebellion or even rebellious thoughts.  They did not have the freedom to agree to disagree.  If earthly kings have the authority to act this way, what about he who is “the image of the invisible God,” (Colossians 1:15)?  Does not the author of life have authority to decree what is good and evil?  Does not the Word have something to say about the way his creatures live?  And is not the King of creation due the obedience of all he created and which he holds together?
     The wind and the waves may obey him, but the people he has created do not.  He is not loved for the life he gives and sustains.  We all chafe under his commandments.  God tells us what is good and right, but we are drawn to what is wicked.  What dark hearts we have!  We think through scenarios that bring shame to other people.  We envision them suffering embarrassment, poverty, harm, or even death—and it makes us smile.  We want to see others brought to ruin and we call it justice because we actually believe we know all the facts and that our sense of judgment is pure.  This puts us on par with God, which is blasphemy.  Repent.
     When King Hezekiah was visited by Babylonian officials, he wanted to show off how important he was.  He showed them the splendor of his riches and power.  When King Xerxes learned of rebels in his kingdom, he wanted to show the severity of his power and wrath.  He killed his foes.  When the King of heaven and earth wants to show you what he is like, he acts with neither tyranny nor terror.  This is what he has done: (God) has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)  
     Jesus reigns over an everlasting kingdom.  But he does not reign like other kings.  Though he is the image of the invisible God, Jesus did not flaunt his divine power.  He did not destroy the rebels, but was put to death for them.  Jesus suffered all things to deliver his creation from its corruption.  Just as all things were created through him, so also all things are redeemed through him. 
     If he redeemed you, that means there was a price to pay to rescue you from the domain of darkness.  That price is Jesus' holy, innocent blood.  He became a man in order to shed his blood for all mankind.  He entered our world in order to recover our world for his purposes.  For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:19-20)  He created all things so that he could pour out his love and blessing upon them.  Then he poured out his blood to redeem and to reconcile all things to himself.  He graciously gave himself into death to deliver you from death.  He graciously bore the curse of your sin so that you are forgiven.  He did all this to bring all things back into his gracious reign. 
     As you know, Jesus did more than just die for you.  St. Paul reminds you, “He is the head of the body, the church.  He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18)  Just as being “the firstborn of creation” means he is the source of creation, so also being “the firstborn from the dead” means that he is the source of the resurrection.  Jesus has risen from the dead—the firstborn from the dead.  Therefore, he lives and reigns forever victorious over sin, death, and the devil.  Jesus reigns over an everlasting kingdom.
     And now Jesus has made you a part of this kingdom.  By the blood of Jesus, you are redeemed and reconciled.  By the blood of Jesus, you are marked as a child of the resurrection and an heir of the heavenly kingdom.  By that blood, you already live under his reign of grace and blessing and innocence.  By that blood, you remain connected to Jesus.  And Jesus does not merely give you this blood to think about.  He gives you his body and blood which have conquered sin, death, and the devil in the holy supper.  By his body and blood, he strengthens and keeps you in the true faith unto life everlasting.
     Jesus reigns over an everlasting kingdom.  Do not be impressed with money or military might.  Do not fear oppressive or tyrannical powers.  They will all turn to dust, and they must all stand before the throne of the King of kings to answer for their lives.  But your gracious King is head of the body, the Church.  He has answered for your life by his own.  And nothing will overrule his verdict or overthrow his salvation.  For, Jesus reigns over an everlasting kingdom.  He lives and reigns for you; and so, you will live and reign with him.

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

Advent Vespers 2019

Advent Vespers

We prepare for the coming of the Savior with repentance as we prayerfully, quietly, and eagerly await our Savior.  The theme for this year's Advent Vespers is:

Advent Messages from Isaiah.

December 4

Advent reminds us of a promised blessing.  

(Isaiah 40:1-2)

December 11

Advent brings a call to repentance.  

(Isaiah 40:3-8)

December 18

Advent points to a person.  

(Isaiah 40:9-11)

< < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < <     +     > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 

Join us on Wednesdays for Advent.

Supper 6:00 PM

Vespers 7:00 PM

< < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < <     +     > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 

Update from Good Shepherd (November 21, 2019)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE

        Divine Services are Sundays at 10:00 AM.

        Sunday School is on Sundays at 8:45 AM.

        Adult Bible Class is on Sundays at 8:45 AM

        Adult Bible Class will be working our way through the books of 1 & 2 Samuel.  We will consider how God worked in the life of David who foreshadows the Son of David.  NOTE: Wednesday classes are suspended until January 8.

OPEN FORUM / VOTERS' MEETING
        THIS SUNDAY (November 24) after church, Good Shepherd will have an Open Forum to present the proposed budget for 2020 and to discuss plans for various committees, in hopes to involve more people in the ministry at Good Shepherd.  All confirmed members are invited and encouraged to participate.  A continental breakfast will be available.  The voters of Good Shepherd will meet after church to formally adopt our plans based on our discussions at the Open Forum, and to elect Church Council officers.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE
          Our Thanksgiving Vespers will be on Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM.  God has so freely and generously given us all of our needs – both physical and spiritual.  We recognize his goodness to us in this annual Thanksgiving service.

MICHIGAN RIGHT TO LIFE PETITION

Through Sunday, December 1, you will have an opportunity to sign a petition, if you choose, to support a ballot measure which would outlaw the dismemberment of unborn children.  This is different than the heartbeat bill which several states have already passed.  (Michigan, in fact, has a stricter law on the books which is sadly not really enforced.)  This bill, if it should become law, would outlaw the dismembering of unborn children in the process of aborting them.  If you don't know what that really entails, I am sure you can find a description online—viewer beware.  There are several petitions which will be available to sign; be sure you find one which is designated for the county in which you live.

While Good Shepherd, the WELS, and your pastor make no official endorsement of a particular political party or candidate, we will take a stand on moral issues since God's word deals directly with those.  We believe, teach, and confess that murder is wrong (5th Commandment), even if that is the murder of a person yet unborn.  This petition encourages a law which upholds that belief.  Nevertheless, each individual is free to act (that is, to sign the petition or not) as you choose.

NOTES from Huron Valley Lutheran High School (HVL)

Join HVL’s Mailing List - Go to www.HVLHS.org and click on “Sign up for Newsletter” or call or email the school office at mail@hvlhs.org to be added.

HVL Giving Tuesday, December 3
          All friends and supporters of HVL are invited to participate in a special day of giving!  Last year over $100,000 was raised in this campaign to support the ongoing ministry at HVL of “Preparing Students for Life”.  A few generous donors have already stepped forward and offered to match a portion of the gifts given for “Giving Tuesday”. Our prayer is that through the generosity of HVL supporters we will be able to meet our goal of raising $100,000, which would keep us on track with our budgeted needs. To participate in this special event, go to our website between November 11 and December 3, at www.HVLHS.org and click on “Giving Tuesday”. If you are interested in being a matching donor for this event, please call 734-525-0160.  Thank you for all your support!

DECEMBER SCHEDULE
        There will be a lot going on in December, so here is a glance at what the schedule is.  If any times or dates should change, you will be notified.  If you have any questions, call the church office.
December 2         Private Confession & Absolution – 7:00-9:00 PM
December 4         Mid-Week Advent (Supper – 6:00 PM; Vespers – 7:00 PM)
December 7         Church Decoration for Christmas – 9:00 AM
December 7         Christmas for Kids – 9:00-11:00 AM
December 7         Sunday School Christmas rehearsal  (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM; lunch provided)
December 11         Mid-Week Advent (Supper – 6:00 PM; Vespers – 7:00 PM)
December 15 Sunday School Christmas rehearsal  (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM; lunch provided)
December 18 Mid-Week Advent (Supper – 6:00 PM; Vespers – 7:00 PM)
December 21 Sunday School Christmas dress rehearsal  (9:00 - 10:30  AM)
December 22 Children's Christmas pageant – 10:00 AM
December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – 7:00 PM

December 25 Christmas Day Festival Service – 10:00 AM

OFFICE HOURS
        Regular office hours at Good Shepherd will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. While there may be some flexibility to this schedule, we will try to keep it as regular as possible. 

BAD WEATHER POLICY FOR SERVICES AT GOOD SHEPHERD
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 cappella singing and/or spoken liturgy, but we will be here.

Bible Classes and meetings may be canceled due to weather.  Check your email regarding announcements to see if any of those scheduled events is canceled.  If there is no email about it, it is not canceled.  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.

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

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL -- Sundays at 8:45 AM.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS -- Sundays at 8:45 AM

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 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

Local Tourist -- Historic Trinity Lutheran Church (LC-MS), Detroit

On Saturday, November 16, the Local Tourist took his lovely wife, Laura, and joined Pastor Gregory & Susan Gibbons and Pastor Geoff & Becky Kieta to tour Historic Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (LC-MS) in Detroit.  Our tour was graciously led by Pastor James Rolf and his wife Cheryl.  By coincidence, Pastor Rolf and Pastor Gibbons knew each other as children when they were both growing up in Saginaw.

Historic Trinity is the mother church of Lutheranism in Detroit.  Many parishes (some no longer functioning) can trace their roots back to Historic Trinity.  The church was established in 1847, but the church building we toured was built during the Great Depression.  A great amount of planning and detail went into the construction of this church.  Besides being a magnificent structure, it is also highly decorated with wood work, stained glass, stone reliefs, and even floor tiles which include many pieces from Pewabic Pottery, another Detroit institution.

In addition to the ornate features in the church, Historic Trinity also boasts a 2nd edition Luther Bible and a sample of Martin Luther's own handwriting.  Besides the church itself, we also got to walk through the adjoining building which boasts the Luther Lounge.  A bonus for us is that they had just finished decorating for Christmas already, which included dozens of Christmas trees scattered throughout the facility and over 100 (I think) Nativity scenes from around the world.

Photos almost never do justice to the real thing, but here are a few for you to enjoy.

The Luther Lounge, decorated for Christmas.

Martin Luther's handwriting

(L to R) Pastor Geoff & Becky Kieta, Pastor Gregory & Susan Gibbons, Pastor Tom & Laura Schroeder

Prayer for All Saints / 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.  This year, that service was Sunday, November 17.

        Members of Good Shepherd who have been called to eternal rest this past year are automatically included.  Members of Good Shepherd have also submitted the names of loved ones who died in the Christian faith between November 18, 2018 and November 17, 2019. 

        The prayer which was spoken on the Sunday of Saints Triumphant is listed below.

PRAYER FOR SAINTS TRIUMPHANT

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

Peggy Black, served by Pastor Schroeder (date – January 11, 2019)
Steve Smith, brother-in-law of David Kirvan, (July 18, 1948 – January 25, 2019)
Michael Himm, brother-in-law of Bob DuBois (December 7, 1953 – February 7, 2019) 
Rosemarie Connell, aunt of David Kirvan, (February 2, 26, 1927 – March 1, 2019)
Daniel Richard Tulkki, brother of David Tulkki (December 16, 1961 – April 14, 2019)

Dale Peterson, father of Jeanette Schneider (February 20, 1940 – May 3, 2019)

Matthew T. Sass, cousin of Kendra Fecho (October 11, 1973 – June 1, 2019)
Hannah Kieta, daughter of Rev. Geoff and Becky Kieta of Peace Lutheran Church, Livonia (December 28, 1994 – August 7, 2019)
Joseph Kalesavich, brother-in-law of Bob DuBois (February 20, 1957 – October 10, 2019) 
Reinhardt Shier, served by Pastor Schroeder (May 29, 1937 – November 1, 2019)

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

Cong: Amen.

Sermon -- 3rd Sunday of End Times: Saints Triumphant (November 17, 2019)

ISAIAH 65:17-25

ALL THINGS WILL BE RENEWED, RESTORED, AND MADE RIGHT.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Genesis, chapter 1, verse 1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis, chapter 1, verse 31: “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”  We believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.  God made a physical world with water and stones and soil and bones and flesh.  And God made it perfect and flawless.  But it is not so anymore, and God is certainly not at fault.  The world was corrupted when man brought sin and death into the world.  The heaven and the earth no longer function as God created them to be. 
     God still loves his creation.  Even though it has been corrupted, it has not been stripped of God's love and blessing.  Rain still waters the earth.  The earth still produces crops and fruit.  Animals are amazing and beautiful.  People still retain some semblance of justice and compassion.  But it has all been corrupted.  While rain still waters the earth, we have to endure snow storms, droughts, and floods.  While the earth still produces food, we have concerns about rotting crops, e-coli, and listeria.  Animals may be amazing and beautiful, but they can also be deadly.  People may retain some semblance of justice and compassion, but they still lie, cheat, steal, exploit, and demand the rights to abort their babies.  It has all been corrupted, and we see it with every tear, every act of terror, every illness, and every death. 
     The heaven and the earth no longer function as God created them to be.  Isaiah referred to this when he said, “They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat.” (Isaiah 65:22)  Israel knew what it was to work hard only to be invade and oppressed and to have other people enjoy the fruits of their labors.  But even when we get to enjoy the fruits of our labors, sin makes us discontented with our lives.  How often does our daily routine seem futile?  We go to work and wonder if we really produce anything useful at all.  We buy nice homes, only to have to continually repair them.  We want to make a difference in the world, and are disappointed that we barely even get noticed.  Is that all there is to life—go to work, make money, and die?  We want our life to mean more than that.
     The heaven and earth no longer function as God created them to be.  Isaiah referred to this when he spoke of “the sound of weeping and the cry of distress,” and “an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days” and “[bearing] children for calamity.” (Isaiah 65:19-20,23)  God did not create people to taste the bitterness of tears and heartache.  It was not God's plan for people to die—whether in nursing homes or children's hospitals.  But the world is corrupt.  All people are sinners.  And the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)   
     The heaven and earth no longer function as God created them to be.  Isaiah referred to this when he spoke of the wolf and the lion being next to the sheep and the ox.  Unless you are planning on feeding the sheep and the ox to the wolf and the lion, you don't put them together.  Adam had a brief time when the animals were not divided into predator and prey.  They all came before him so that he could name them.  He did not fear fangs or claws or venom.  But not anymore.  Zoos have barriers and cages for a reason.  People don't treat predators as pets.  The world has become corrupt, and violence is seen not just among mankind, but even in the animal kingdom.
     The heaven and earth no longer function as God created them to be.  Isaiah referred to this when he talked about people being for joy and gladness.  But our hearts do not exult in other people.  We have been on one end or the other with rivalry and jealousy and annoyance and road rage.  But worse that dysfunctional families and bitter enemies among mankind is the ruined relationship between God and man.  The heaven and earth no longer function as God created them to be because of man's sin, but we fault God when we suffer the consequences of man's sin.  We treat God as our underling—criticizing his wisdom and demanding answers for what he does!  The creation mocks its Creator, and then is shocked and offended when God speaks words of judgment for our rebellion.  Repent.  We are sinners.  That is not God's doing.
     The heavens and the earth no longer function as God created them to be.  And yet, God still loves his creation.  He continues to supply all creatures with what they need to live.  The rains still fall.  The ground still produces.  The beauty of animals and flowers and mountains are still there.  But God has done much more than give us food to eat and pretty pictures to take.  He assures you that life is not boiled down to some futile trip to the grave.  God has acted to make all things renewed, restored, and right again.
     In love for his creation, God made himself one with mankind.  He became part of his creation in order to redeem his creation.  Jesus is the man who takes for mankind everything that has incurred God's wrath.  He bears all guilt, takes up all shame, and suffers for all wickedness.  The creation itself voiced its curse over Jesus as the sun stopped shining when he hung from the cross and when the earth quaked upon his death.  Jesus died on behalf of a dying world in order to bring its release from death and decay.  The Lord does not despise the physical world.  He acted to redeem it and all things in it.  Jesus has assured you that your life is no relentless march to the grave.  Thanks to Jesus, all things will be renewed, restored, and made right.
     This is what the Lord says: “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.  But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create...” (Isaiah 65:17-18)  Jesus not only delivers you from the guilt of sin and the power of death; Jesus also shall deliver you to a kingdom which abounds in glory, where heaven and earth will function as God created them to be.
     All things will be renewed, restored, and made right.  Isaiah declares it.  No more will anyone have his life cut short or even cut off.  No longer will anyone weep or cry out in distress.  No longer will God's blessings be snatched away, worn out, or lost.  No longer will anyone be destined for calamity.  No longer will God's creation have groups of predators and prey.  No more will we face any threat from an enemy, no jealousy from an acquaintance, and no disappointment from a friend.  No one will let us down or put us down.  No more will we suffer shame or regret.  In fact, we will not even remember the shame or regrets of the past.  For, as Isaiah declares it: “The former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” (Isaiah 65:17)  As surely as the Lord has removed all charges from your account, so also he will remove any memory of them from your mind.
     All things will be renewed, restored, and made right.  At the resurrection, the Lord Jesus will raise you up from the grave with renewed and restored bodies.  And all will be made right.  That means we will never suffer an aching back, an annoying itch, a seasonal allergy, or the frailty that comes with age.  All things will be made right—not only in regard to physical weakness, but also in regard to spiritual weakness.  You will delight in all that is good.  You will be treated perfectly by your fellow saints, and you will find great joy in doing good to them.  You will not only be free from the guilt of sin, you will be free from any temptations to sin.  For the Lord says, “Be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.  I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people...” (Isaiah 65:18-19)  
     “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)  In the end, God will make a new heavens and a new earth.  And it will be very good.  Best of all, we will dwell with the God who loved us enough to create us and bless us, to suffer and die for us, to come to dwell among us so that we could dwell forever with him.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have cleansed us and set us apart for everlasting glory and goodness.  We will forever get to marvel at God's glory and grace.  We will forever have all things renewed and restored.  It will forever be good and right.  The new heavens and the new earth will be exactly what God had designed them to be.  And God has designed our salvation so that we will be there—renewed, restored, and made right.

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

A Pastoral Concern -- Appreciating our Lutheran heritage even more and more-r

Here is the 3rd video from "The Ten Minute Bible Hour."  This "ten minutes" lasts about 38 minutes.  It is a very good confession made by Pastor Will Weedon concerning Lutheran doctrine and practice, especially in regards to why Lutherans are not American evangelicals.  Evangelicals might think that these differences are meaningless.  Lutherans say these differences are all about the gospel and how God delivers his grace to us.  The gulf between the two cannot be ignored or dismissed.

Here is the 3rd video.  Be sure to watch the others (#1) here and (#2) here.  And share these.

Update from Good Shepherd (November 14, 2019)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE

        Divine Services are Sundays at 10:00 AM.

        Sunday School is on Sundays at 8:45 AM.

        Adult Bible Class is on Sundays at 8:45 AM and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

        Adult Bible Class will be working our way through the books of 1 & 2 Samuel, seeing how God continued to preserve his plan of salvation.  We will give special attention to the prophet Samuel and to the kings, Saul and David.  NOTE: Sunday morning and Wednesday evening are the same class.

CALL FOR NAMES – SAINTS TRIUMPHANT (November 17)
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.
Members of Good Shepherd who have been called to eternal rest this past year are automatically included.  Members of Good Shepherd, you may also submit the names of your own loved ones who have died in the Christian faith between November 18, 2018 and November 17, 2019. 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 submitted by Thursday, November 14 will be listed in the bulletin.  Names may still be submitted as late as Sunday morning, but will not be printed in the bulletin.
The prayer which will be spoken on the Sunday of Saints Triumphant is listed below.

PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY
M: Almighty God, today we recall with thanksgiving those saints who were taken from us in the Church Militant and carried by the angels to you and the Church Triumphant.  Especially, we give you praise for our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith and all those who are in our hearts and minds this day: 
(The names of those who are to be remembered are read.)
To these, you have granted eternal rest this past year.  We thank you for giving them new life in Christ while on this earth and for sustaining them in true and saving faith throughout their life.  We praise you for finally giving them the fulfillment of your promises of salvation and eternal life.  Strengthen and sustain us in this saving faith so that we may also join with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in joyful praise, peace, and rest forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Cong: Amen.

OPEN FORUM / VOTERS' MEETING
        On Sunday, November 24, Good Shepherd will have an Open Forum to present the proposed budget for 2020 and to discuss plans for various committees, in hopes to involve more people in the ministry at Good Shepherd.  All confirmed members are invited and encouraged to participate.  A continental breakfast will be available after church.  The voters of Good Shepherd will meet after church to formally adopt our plans based on our discussions at the Open Forum, and to elect Church Council officers.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

          Our Thanksgiving Vespers will be on Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM.  God has so freely and generously given us all of our needs – both physical and spiritual.  We recognize his goodness to us in this annual Thanksgiving service.
Note:  Once we get to November 27, the Adult Bible Class which has been running on Wednesdays will be suspended until January. 

MICHIGAN RIGHT TO LIFE PETITION

For the month of November, you will have an opportunity to sign a petition, if you choose, to support a ballot measure which would outlaw the dismemberment of unborn children.  This is different than the heartbeat bill which several states have already passed.  (Michigan, in fact, has a stricter law on the books which is sadly not really enforced.)  This bill, if it should become law, would outlaw the dismembering of unborn children in the process of aborting them.  If you don't know what that really entails, I am sure you can find a description online—viewer beware.  There are several petitions which will be available to sign; be sure you find one which is designated for the county in which you live.

While Good Shepherd, the WELS, and your pastor makes no official endorsement of a particular political party or candidate, we will take a stand on moral issues since God's word deals directly with those.  We believe, teach, and confess that murder is wrong (5th Commandment), even if that is the murder of a person yet unborn.  This petition encourages a law which upholds that belief.  Nevertheless, each individual is free to act (that is, to sign the petition or not) as you choose.

NOTES from Huron Valley Lutheran High School (HVL)

Join HVL’s Mailing List - Go to www.HVLHS.org and click on “Sign up for Newsletter” or call or email the school office at mail@hvlhs.org to be added.

HVL Wreath & Poinsettia Sale
          The order deadline is November 15.  All orders will be delivered to HVL on November 26. HVL Boosters will receive $10 from every purchase. To purchase, or for more information go to our website at www.hvlhs.org or bit.ly/HVLWreathsale. 

OFFICE HOURS
        Regular office hours at Good Shepherd will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. While there may be some flexibility to this schedule, we will try to keep it as regular as possible. 

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God bless you.

In Christ,

Pastor Schroeder

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SUNDAY SCHOOL -- Sundays at 8:45 AM.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS -- Sundays at 8:45 AM and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 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