Update from Good Shepherd (March 17, 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.” 

Lenten Vespers continue on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM through April 6.
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:
          Mar 20      Colossians 3               – Put on the New Self
          Mar 27      John 17                        – The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus
          April 3       1 Peter 3:8 – 4:19      – Suffering for Being a Christian
          April 10     2 Thessalonians 2     – The Antichrist
          April 17     Easter Breakfast

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. A schedule has been posted at church.  You can also sign up through the links below.  Time slots are first come, first served.  The visits will be available throughout 2022.

          The link to schedule visits in March is here:

https://www.signupgenius.com-March

LENTEN SEASON

          A Lenten series will be conducted throughout the Wednesdays in Lent under the theme: The Crucial Hours.  Pastor Schroeder will be in a Lenten Rotation with Pastor James Frey of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Belleville and Pastor Paul Schaefer of St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Plymouth.  The schedule for Lenten Vespers services and the focus of each week can be found here.  All mid-week Lenten services are at 7:00 PM.  A supper will be served each Wednesday at 6:00 PM.

          A brief overview of the Lenten season and its various ceremonies can be found here.

Life Challenges Podcast
          Suicide. Suffering. Science and Ethics. Keeping your children in the faith. Parenthood’s burdens and blessings.
          Chances are one or more of these topics may have touched your life, yet how often are they approached from a distinctly Lutheran perspective? These are also all modern-day issues discussed recently on the Life Challenges Podcast from Christian Life Resources. Check it out, give a listen, and perhaps you’ll find yourself better prepared the next time you face tough issues like these. Find it at lifechallenges.us or on your favorite podcast platform.

WELS LUTHERAN FOR LIFE ANNUAL MEETING
           On Sunday, March 27 at 3:00 PM, the WELS Lutherans for Life will have their annual meeting at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia). In addition to updates regarding our work at the Redford Pregnancy Care Center, Pastor Jeff Samelson, Director of Ministry Advancement for Christian Life Resources, will speak on the topic, “Love in the Time of COVID-19”. A great deal has happened in the last two years, and there is much that believers should understand and be ready to adapt to, all while remembering the great commandment to love our neighbor.
          The Redford Pregnancy Care Center would also welcome some men who would be willing to serve on our board. This involves meeting six times a year to discuss the mission and the maintenance of the Redford Pregnancy Care Center. If you should be interested, join us for the annual meeting on Sunday, March 27 or contact Jay Kempf (kempfj1@icloud.com).

LONG-RANGE PLANNING MEETING
          On Sunday, March 20 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.

EVANGELISM & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS
          In order to make the most of opportunities to proclaim the Gospel in our community, we need to budget our expenses and our time. We will be meeting to determine our plans and to pray that God will bless them. Our efforts are both to tighten the bonds of fellowship among us and to gather others into our fellowship. For this reason, we are combining the efforts of the Evangelism & Stewardship Committees. We will meet on Sunday, March 27 after church to discuss the best ways to do that.
          The immediate issues we will discuss: Easter for Kids (April 9); Easter Breakfast (April 17); Meals for Pastors’ Conference hosted by Good Shepherd (April 26-27); Summer activities.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, March 13: (2) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, March 13, 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.

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In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Lenten Vespers are on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM through April 6.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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