Archive for 2019
This Sunday | December 29, 2019
As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the “holy innocents” of past generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around word and meal, God continues to redeem us, lift us up, and carry us as in days of old.
Read MoreConsider Good Shepherd in your year-end Giving
A Note from Pastor Chris I am thankful, grateful and amazed for each of you that is a part of this church. We have had an amazing year of wonderful…
Read MoreGood Shepherd Office Holiday Hours
Updated Hours for Christmas and New Year’s The office hours at both the Madison and Verona campus will be changing due to the holidays. In Madison, the office will be…
Read MoreLooking for a unique Holiday gift?
Consider a Columbarium Paver Honor a friend or family member or remember a loved one with an engraved paver at the Good Shepherd Columbarium at the Verona Campus. We are…
Read MoreThis Sunday | December 22, 2019
Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death.
Read MoreLet Us Walk in the Light of the Lord
Realism & Hope Expectations are powerful emotions that can serve to excite and defeat us. How many of you have lived with a set of expectations for yourself or others…
Read MoreThis Sunday | December 15, 2019
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.
Read MoreGod Gives Us Hope & Peace
What to make of a Stump Growing up, my parents spent a lot of time outside doing gardening and landscaping projects all around my childhood home. I dreaded the times…
Read MoreThis Sunday | December 8, 2019
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
Read MoreThanksgiving 2019 Highlights
Advent Tuesday Evenings
Looking for a way to deepen your experience of Advent? Join Sarah, Tuesday evenings (2nd, 10th, and 17th) from 6:30 – 8:00 at the Madison Campus. Using short writings from…
Read MoreAdvent 1: Come
A Word About Isaiah “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord”. This verse from (Isaiah 2:5) is our theme for Advent. Each week a phrase from this…
Read MoreRead the December 2019 Edition of The Messenger
The December 2019 issue of Good Shepherd’s monthly newsletter “The Messenger” is now available to read online. Print copies are available at both the Verona and Madison campuses. Have a…
Read MoreThis Sunday | December 1, 2019
The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.
Read MoreChrist our King
Who’s Really in Charge? A red cardigan and a simple question, won’t you be my neighbor, make believe stories alongside messages that each person, each child has value and is…
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