Posts by Eric Holmer
Thanksgiving 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…
Read MoreAdult Faith Formation | Meeting Notes | July 18, 2019
FAITH FORMATION COMMITTEE Meeting Notes July 18, 2019 Devotionals: “Hear, Oh Israel, the Lord our God, The Lord is one; you shall the Lort with all your heart, soul, mind…
Read MoreThis Sunday: August 4th 2019
Today’s texts offer instruction and encouragement for all who are occasionally overwhelmed by the “unhappy business” of life. Jesus urges us to take care and be on guard against all kinds of greed. We who have died with Christ in holy baptism have also been raised with him and are encouraged to elevate our thinking, seeking the “things that are above.” To that end we seek the sustenance of the Lord’s supper and the encouragement of God’s word.
Read MoreThis Sunday: June 30, 2019
We have no good apart from God. That makes our Lord’s call to follow him an invitation to freedom. This is freedom to revel in the Spirit’s fruits: love, joy, peace, patience, and the like. This is the path of life.
Read MorePastor Dara Leaves for Sabbatical
Work & Rest
In late June, Pastor Dara Schuller-Hanson embarked on her first sabbatical, a time where she’ll be able to rest and enrich her relationship with God. Sabbatical is a response to God’s creation, taking a pause, and taking time to be with God. During her six weeks of rest, Pastor Dara will be spending time with her family, studying, and traveling to California for a week-long continuing education workshop at California Lutheran University and the Upper Peninsula for a solo camping trip, where she’ll be able to commune with nature and be in God’s beautiful creation.