Update from Good Shepherd (February 3, 2022)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
           Our Adult Bible Class is studying “Great Chapters of the Bible.” 

           The  full schedule can be found here.
Bible Matters, a discussion group, meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.
For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS – GREAT CHAPTERS OF THE BIBLE
           While the various teachings of God are scattered throughout the Bible, the Bible sometimes documents a particular teaching in an extended portion of Scripture. They give us a great deal to ponder for our understanding, comfort, and guidance. A greater knowledge of these chapters provides a greater defense against false doctrine and a greater appreciation of God’s promises and instruction. Classes are Sundays at 8:45 AM. 

           A complete schedule of “Great Chapters of the Bible” can be found here.
Upcoming lesson include:
            Feb 6          John 10  --  The Good Shepherd
            Feb 13        Ezekiel 33  --  The Office of the Ministry
            Feb 20        Acts 2  --  Pentecost
            Feb 27        Ephesians 1  --  Chosen from Eternity in Christ

BIBLE MATTERS – A discussion group
          Bible Matters is a topical discussion group that enables God’s people to become more comfortable in discussing matters of the Christian faith and more confident in defending the Bible’s teachings. We encourage open dialogue and welcome bold questions. All are welcome to consider how God’s word addresses various topics. Topics will be select portions of our Sunday morning Bible Class. 
The full schedule of our winter sessions can be found here. The short list for upcoming discussion is here:
            February 9           Galatians 3  --  Saved by Faith Alone
            February 16         1 Peter 3:8 – 4:19  --  Suffering for Being a Christian
            February 23         1 Corinthians 15  --  The Resurrection of the Body
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

AXE THROWING

          On Saturday, February 5, members and friends of Good Shepherd are invited to engage in an afternoon of axe throwing at BATL Axe in Novi.  The plan is to be there from 3:00-4:00 PM, with the option to go out to eat at a local restaurant following the event.  If we get groups of 6, the cost for an hour will be about $25 per person.  Smaller groups will result in dividing up a flat rate with a higher cost.  For now, we need to know how many people we would need to make reservations for.  You can RSVP through this link. 

          The event is for everyone age 12 and older (under 18 will need to have a guardian sign a waiver).  All are welcome!  You can bring friends, too!

LONG-RANGE PLANNING MEETING
          On Sunday, February 13 after church, we will have our monthly Long-Range Planning meeting. The main focus is to determine a vision for what we want our congregation to look like in three years, five years, and/or ten years. Once we have a goal in mind, we can take the steps necessary to get there. The steps will be delegated to the committees we have. All are welcomed and encouraged to be a part of the Long-Range Planning meeting and the committees that will follow up to see that our plans are put to work. Planning great things only goes so far. We need our members committed to doing them and praying that God will bless them. If you have question about the Long-Range Planning committee, please speak to Rob Skrycki.

EVERY MEMBER VISITS – 2022
          Every 3-4 years, the pastor desires to meet with all members in their homes. (COVID has extended this time to more than five years.) It is an opportunity to speak with each other in a less-than-formal setting. The pastor gets to know the people he serves better. It also allows for members to ask about matters that might be personal, to offer suggestions and ideas, to inquire about matters of the Bible that have them confused, or just general chit-chat. Visits would be about 45-60 minutes but can last longer if you want them to. Look for a schedule to be presented some time in February. The visits will be available throughout 2022.

OPEN FORUM (VOTERS’ MEETING TO FOLLOW)
          On Sunday, February 20, Good Shepherd will be having an Open Forum to discuss the future plans of our congregation. In order to accomplish as much as possible, we all get to play a role and to participate in the working of the congregation. The Open Forum provides a way for you to see how and where you can be active in the work we do together. It also allows you to ask questions about Church Council discussions and to offer input and suggestions for the benefit of our congregation. All confirmed members are welcome to participate.
          The Voters’ Meeting will meet immediately following the Open Forum. All men who are members in good standing and over the age of 18 are encouraged to attend.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, January 30: Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, January 30, 2022 - YouTube

OFFICE HOURS
          Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon. The pastor will be in his office unless a meeting has been scheduled elsewhere (consult the weekly schedule). The pastor is also available by appointment. Call or text (248-719-5218). You may also email (welsnovi@aol.com), but the response may be slower.

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.

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In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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REGULAR SCHEDULE

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are on Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com