Posts by Eric Holmer
This Sunday | January 19, 2020
Who is God to us? God’s forgiveness is sure, God is faithful to us with grace. What does that mean for how we live our lives?
Read MoreThis Sunday | January 12, 2020
Join us as we start 2020 with a new sermon series exploring what the Vision and Mission statements of Good Shepherd mean when put into action in our everyday lives!
Read MoreThis Sunday | January 5, 2020
Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.
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 MoreThanksgiving 2019 Highlights
This 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 MoreCalled BEYOND
This Sunday: October 27, 2019
It is human nature to worry about scarcity. However, we must move beyond our human concerns, and believe God will provide for us as promised! We should follow the example of Abraham and so many others throughout the Bible, and trust in God. There is abundance in the world and we will find joy sharing that with others.
Read MoreThis Sunday: October 6, 2019
A little faith goes a long way is our Lord’s point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of faith are the blessings received in water and the word (holy baptism), bread and wine (holy communion), the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them. Receive them with thanksgiving.
Read MoreThis Sunday: September 8th, 2019
Called to contemplate the cost of discipleship today, we might be helped by translating Paul’s request to Philemon into our prayer of the day: Refresh my heart in Christ. Strengthened by the company and forgiveness of the Christ in the blessed sacrament and recalling God’s grace in remembrance of baptism, we can be strengthened in this hour to “choose life”—to choose life in God as our own.
Read MoreExplore Christianity at Animate:Faith this Fall
Animate is a 7-week interactive and multimedia-based small group bible study series starting Tuesday nights on October 1st. Whether you are new to the faith or looking to deepen your…
Read MoreThis Sunday | September 1, 2019
Invited and inviting—that is the nature of the church. By God’s grace in holy baptism we have a place at the banquet table of the Lord. When, by the power of that same Spirit, humility and mutual love continue among us, the church can be more inviting still.
Read MoreThis Sunday | August 18, 2019
The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today, in the assembly, we are surrounded by “so great a cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in the holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Read MoreGood Shepherd Board President Transition
Dear Siblings in Christ, Gerry Born, our Church Board President, has resigned from the Church Board as of August 1. Gerry has served on our Board for nearly 6 years…
Read MoreChildren Youth and Family | Meeting Notes | May 7, 2019
May 7, 2019: Children, Youth and Family Ministry Committee Meeting Attendance: Sarah Iverson, Becca Mortensen, Pam Ziemlewicz, Jessica McCarty, Katie Wagner, Rich Johnson, Noelle LoConte, Steve Johnson Devotion: Confirmation Faith…
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