Sundays
This Sunday | January 26, 2020
Jesus calls unlikely disciples to become fishers of people. We serve alongside Jesus in ministry when we serve others in his name.
Read MoreThis 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 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 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 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 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 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 MoreThis Sunday | November 24, 2019
Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears so utterly contradictory that the king should be crucified with the criminal. This victory appears for all the world as ignominious defeat. Yet through the gate of death our Lord opens the door to paradise.
Read MoreThis Sunday | November 10 2019
We worship on the first day of the week because our Savior was raised on that day. Every Sunday is a little Easter. This Sunday feels more like Easter than many as the appointed texts celebrate the reality of the resurrection. Live it up this Lord’s day. Our God is the God of the living.
Read MoreThis Sunday | November 3, 2019
In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In the assembly today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest,” who have fought the good fight, who have gained the crown. In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of the Lord Jesus in today’s gospel. Recalling that we have been sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we keep on keeping on as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.
Read MoreThis 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 20, 2019
It is common for people to give to the church from what is left over in their budget. Instead, we should give first to God. This enables us to fulfill God’s plans for us, and fully experience the joy of giving. When we place God first, we give from all the abundance that God has provided, not just the leftovers.
Read MoreThis Sunday: October 13, 2019
Jesus said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be yours as well.” (Matthew 6:33) It is common for people to give to the church from what is left over in their budget. Instead, we should give first to God. This enables us to fulfill God’s plans for us, and fully experience the joy of giving. When we place God first, we give from all the abundance that God has provided, not just the leftovers.
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