Blog

With all the tragic news in the press this week, we may all wonder, “What is going on?” “Is God in control?”  The answer is a resounding YES!This week the Christian church will celebrate Ascension Day. We recall Jesus’ ascension into heaven 40 days after Easter. So what’s Jesus been up to lately? Paul writes: “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who …
Read more »

How is your eyesight? I had to get a new pair of eyeglasses last week. My vision was not as “sharp” as I would have liked it to be. I caught myself squinting to try and see things better. I went for an eye exam and sure enough, the eye doctor told me that I needed a new prescription. When I picked up my new glasses everything looked crystal clear again! It was awesome! The …
Read more »

Dear Good Shepherd Family,Last week Good Shepherd received a special Mother's Day door offering to support the new Redeeming Life Maternity Home in East Dundee. Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries is a Christ-centered maternity home offering love, hope, and a future to single pregnant women in crisis. Redeeming Life is a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and also a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Redeeming Life provides a safe, family home with one-on-one mentoring …
Read more »

This weekend we are observing "Good Shepherd Sunday" as we continue to celebrate the joyous season of Easter! The Gospel for the weekend comes from John chapter 10. We have a special relationship with this portion of God's Word because this is where we receive our church’s name! Jesus says, “I AM The Good Shepherd!” For some of us, the Van Street window perhaps comes to mind. Jesus, the "Good Shepherd" is a treasured phrase …
Read more »

“It was a dark and stormy night… in Cleveland!” The Cubs were playing the Indians in a baseball game. The score was tied after nine innings but before the game could go into extra innings, there was a rain delay. The team was a little discouraged. During the rain delay one of the Cub’s players, Jason Heyward, called the team together and had a pep talk. He encouraged his teammates and said that they were …
Read more »

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, joy and peace to you all!   We’ve been through a rough journey over the last few years. For Good Shepherd congregation our Easter 2020 was “online.” For Easter 2021 we ALL wore face coverings and practiced “social distancing.” This year we are taking steps to get things a little more back to normal with masks being optional for Easter worship. And during the entire journey, Jesus our Good Shepherd has …
Read more »

During Holy Week we focus on the fact that Jesus payed the price for our sins by dying on the cross.  As the week begins on Palm Sunday we join in the joyful shouts of “Hosanna! Save us!” By the end of the week, we recall how Jesus did "save us" as we hear the angry shout of “Crucify!”On Good Friday as Jesus hung on the cross, He showed the full devotion of His love …
Read more »

Are you rich or are you poor? That’s a question that we all think about from time to time. Actually that’s a very subjective question. The fact is, that if you live in the United States, you are already living in one of the richest countries in the world! You may look at your neighbor who has a bigger house or a newer car and think that you are “poor,” but if you make $50,000/year your …
Read more »

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)Jesus’ ministry on earth was radically humble. His teachings were contrary to the ways of this world. Jesus lived to serve! As we read through the Gospels, we see Jesus continually offering His love and grace to sinners. Wherever Jesus went, He brought hope. His ultimate act …
Read more »