Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - Cincinnati: Recent Episodes
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation in Cincinnati, OH where we Share God's grace, Grow in faith, and Serve others. Visit us at www.goodshepherd.com
This week, Pastor Alex reminds us that Jesus meets us in our storms and calls us to have courage, trust, and faith.
This week, Pastor Lorne explores how scarcity becomes abundance and compassion becomes provision in the hands of Jesus.
This week, Pastor Alex encourages each of us to take part in God’s work in the world by compassionately responding to those who are hurting, hungry, and vulnerable through everyday acts of love and mercy.
This week, Pastor Melinda uses the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23) to remind us that God’s grace and mercy is not reserved for only some, but freely shared with everyone regardless of where they are in their journey of faith.
This week, Pastor Lorne uses the story of Matthew, the tax collector, to remind us that Jesus calls ordinary, broken people into discipleship without asking us to clean up our act first—that regardless of where you are in life, you can play in role in God’s mission on earth.
This week, Pastor Lorne encourages us to explore the types of burdens that we may carry in our lives and we might be able to set those down to more fully follow Jesus.
This week, Pastor Alex explores how we are a people called to offer welcome and hospitality to all those around us. He offers examples of what hospitality looks like in everyday life and how welcoming people with grace, love, and kindness are moments where God’s Kingdom is breaking into our world.
This week, Pastor Melinda reminds us that Jesus does not promise a life absent of fear, worry, and suffering. What He does offer is a life rooted in God’s story for the world and a promise that we’ll never face our fears alone.
Everyone experiences doubt—even after the disciples saw the risen Lord, they doubted. This week, Pastor Melinda reminds us that we should expect times of confusion and doubt. She explains that experiencing doubt is normal, that doubt doesn’t mean we can’t practice our faith, and that Christ is always with us—even when we doubt.
Pastor Lorne explores the significance of Pentecost and how it reminds us that we all have a part to play in building God’s Kingdom on earth.
This week, Pastor Alex explores what it looks like to live out Jesus’ hope for the world, that all people would be united into one community, living out God’s mission in the world.
This week, Pastor Lorne explores how our culture and society can leave us feeling isolated and alone. He reminds us that Jesus promises never to abandon us – and that through the Holy Spirit and the community of believers, we will discover that Christ is always there.
This week, Pastor Alex reminds us that buildings and rooms are meant for more than programs and events – they are places where we live out our calling to welcome the stranger, serve our neighbors, and share God’s true abundance with the world.
This week, Pastor Lorne reminds us there is nothing we can do to earn our place in God’s flock. We follow a Shepherd in Jesus who freely shares love, grace, and forgiveness with all people – no strings attached.
Sometimes it’s hard to see God working in our lives. Pastor Melinda explores this with the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). She reminds us that making room for Jesus in our lives can, in time, bring discernment and clarity – helping us see that God has been there all along.
What’s the first step in boldly following God’s call? You begin by rooting yourself in God’s peace. Only after we are rooted in peace can we remember our place in God’s story, that it’s not all up to us, and that no matter where we are – God is with us.
Have you ever felt stuck by loss or grief? Pastor Melinda uses the story of Mary at the empty tomb to remind us that God shows up before we climb out of the darkness, meets us where we are, and calls us by our name: Beloved.
Where do you see yourself in the Good Friday story? We have all played parts similar to those Jesus’ encounters of his journey to the cross. We have all sat by and justified our inaction in the face of the hurt of the world. Pastor Alex reminds us that Jesus is different – he sees the pain of the world and walks right into the middle of it, letting us see that God’s love for each of us has no bounds.
in less than a week and how we are not all that different. He challenges us to consider what it means to leave our assumptions behind and truly follow the King of Kings.
When have you come together with other people to build something greater than you could have created on your own? This week, Pastor Melinda uses the story of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:17-3) to explore how God brings people together in community to build His Kingdom on earth.
How do you respond to people around you who are going through a difficult time, such as an illness, loss of a job, or the death of a loved one? This week, Pastor Lorne uses the story of Ruth (Ruth 1:1-18) to explore what it looks like to journey with loved ones who are hurting. How often our mere presence and love – and trust that God is working through all of it – is all that is required.
Sarai (Genesis 12:1-9) to explore what it looks like to say “yes” to God’s plan, even when we don’t know how it will all work out.
“Mountaintop moments are not meant to be an escape from the world—they are meant to prepare us for the work that is in the valley.” – Pastor MelindaWhat are your mountaintop moments—those times when you felt uniquely close to God? Pastor Melinda reminds us how these moments show us whose we are—beloved children of God—and how they prepare us to share a different kind of love that moves toward the world, even when the world pushes back.
light (Matthew 5:13-16), explains why those two descriptions are actually quite similar, and how living into these two qualities helps bring God’s peace, love, and grace into a world that needs it.
“The church doesn't exist to escape the chaos and the cruelty and despair of the world. The church exists to show the world that while it's falling apart, blessing still is relevant. Hope is still accessible. Love is still possible.” – Pastor LorneHow can you respond to the hurt, injustice, and suffering of this world? Pastor Lorne encourages to answer the pain of the world as Jesus did—with blessings, love, grace, and compassion so that our actions will help write a different story in the world.
“I want to invite you to do something very Jesus-shaped: rest, retreat, renew your spirit. Sit in the quiet. Let the snow fall. Let the world be hushed.” – Pastor LorneThere is always something to do. As many of us are hunkered down during this large snowstorm, Pastor Lorne encourages to take advantage of this time—not to clean the house or try to tackle the never-ending “To Do” list—but to enjoy the break and experience the quiet. It’s in these moments of retreat where the light of Christ often breaks through.
“Do we seek to, like Jesus, point out the absurdity of violence for peace?” – Pastor AlexThere is no shortage of injustice in the world. And while it’s important to respond that each of us respond to this suffering, the way by which we do is just as important. Join Pastor Alex for an exploration into how we can follow Jesus’ example and not respond with violence, but rather with compassion, grace, mercy, and love.
- Pastor Lorne HladIn this week's sermon, Pastor Lorne explores how many of us are motivated by things like anxiety, fear, or proving ourselves and encourages us to reorient our drive from our identity in Christ.
“As we walk into this new year, we are not asked to banish out the darkness. But we are asked to trust the light remains - the one true light that has been there since the beginning of time.” – Pastor MelindaRegardless of where you find yourself at the beginning of this new year, Pastor Melinda encourages us to remember that Jesus, the true light of the world, was here before us, is already ahead of us, and is with us now.
“Be soft. Be weak. Be humble. This is how Christ comes – not just into a manger, but into our hearts.” – Pastor LorneA medical diagnosis, the loss of a job, a strained relationship - the world gives no shortage of reasons to want to protect our hearts from hurt and pain. On this Christmas Eve, Pastor Lorne encourages to navigate the seasons of life as Christ did – with humility, openness, and love.
“Sometimes there is power in just showing up - just being present. And I have to wonder if that's not the ministry Joseph provided for Jesus.” – Pastor LorneDo you bring a lot of expectations into the season of Christmas? Pastor Lorne encourages us to leave the expectations of perfection behind and focus our efforts on showing up and being present to whatever the season brings.
“The good news is that in the roller coaster of our lives, when we don't feel as steady, we have a God who is.” – Pastor Lorne HladAre you in a season of uncertainty? There are times when each of us grapples with uncertainty – even doubt! During those seasons, Pastor Lorne encourages us to remember that this is a normal part of the faith experience and that we worship a God that is always with us, shining His light, so that we can get to the other side.
“Wilderness is a place of testing and revelation - a place where distractions stand out, where pretenses fall away, and where people often become more open to God’s guidance.” – Pastor MelindaAre you wandering in the wilderness? Feeling lost or uncertain can be a signal you are in a “wilderness season” of life. In today’s sermon, Pastor Melinda explores the Biblical concept of wilderness, what being in the wilderness might mean for you, and how you can find hope when you feel lost or uncertain.
God's Gifts Fill Us with Gratitude | Pastor Melinda Garza Moran by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
“We are called to be caretakers of what has been given to us. And when we begin to see our lives in this way, everything changes.” – Pastor LornePastor Lorne explores what role money, wealth, possessions play in our lives, how we can right-size our relationship with these resources, and how we can use our gifts so in service of something greater.
“Grace is decidedly, unapologetically, definitively…by definition, free.” – Pastor AlexPastor Alex explores the amazing truth that God’s gift of grace is freely given to all people, not just a select few.
“Jesus comes to show us that the God of the universe is a God of grace, of love, of blessing, of healing.” – Pastor LornePastor Lorne reminds us that God’s love and grace is a gift freely given to all people, regardless of what we do or achieve.
“When we come together and we work as one body with Jesus at the center, we become part of something that is greater than ourselves.” – Pastor MelindaPastor Melinda explores how God’s impact is multiplied when we do our part and serve together.
“God has not called some perfect, wise version of yourself – God is calling you now”. – Pastor AlexPastor Alex reminds us that no matter how prepared we feel, God has already given us everything we need to serve people today.
“The church is a community of people, broken and redeemed, that together orient their life around the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus for the sake of healing the world.” – Pastor LorneThis week, Pastor Lorne reminds us that God’s call to serve is inclusive of all people, regardless of age or ability.
“God is searching for you. Not to blame, but to bring you home – to bring you into a community of grace.” – Pastor MelindaThis week, Pastor Melinda reminds us that even though we may feel lost, God is constantly seeking to bring us back to a place filled with His abundant love and grace.
"We are called to take our faith outside these walls - every one of us, every day of the week." - Pastor LorneThis week, Pastor Lorne reminds us that the true power of the Good News lies in how it equips each of us to share hope, love, and grace with the world around us.
“The Gospel sets us free in a way that orienting our lives around being better people never can.” – Pastor LorneThis week, Pastor Lorne reminds us that we are set free not through our own doing, but through God’s vision of a world where all are seen, all are fed, and all are blessed.
“There are many things in this world that we can put ahead of our compassion. – Pastor Alex.This week, Pastor Alex encourages us to choose compassion in all we do, even if the world says it’s okay to do otherwise.
“It's a disruptive love that asks us to let go of control and to place our hope in God's promise for the world and for ourselves." – Pastor MelindaThis week, Pastor Melinda explores the ways Christ’s love disrupts the status quo by calling us to protect the vulnerable, feed the hungry, care for creation, and welcome the stranger.
“Readiness is a reorienting of our priorities.” – Pastor AlexThis week, Pastor Alex reminds us Jesus calls us into a readiness that is always seeking to serve our neighbor today.
“There is a way to live and a way to love that is wholly different than how society packages happiness and success.” – Pastor LorneThis week, Pastor Lorne explores what it means to live generously towards God and God’s people.
“Prayer is a conversation with God. It can be formal. It can be intimate. It can be spontaneous.” – Pastor MelindaThis week, Pastor Melinda reminds us that persistent prayer deepens our relationship with Christ and brings us closer to God.
“In the stillness, in the quiet, Jesus speaks.” – Pastor LorneThis week, Pastor Lorne invites us to put down the “to do list” and see where we experience God in the stillness of our lives.
“When tragedy strikes... love, compassion and action should be our only response.” – Pastor MelindaThis week, Pastor Melinda explores how Christ compels us to move across tribal boundaries to share compassionate with all people.
“I don't think Jesus was sending them to do anything for him... I think Jesus was sending them to teach them a more important lesson.” – Pastor LorneThis week, Pastor Lorne explores how Jesus’ call to share our faith out in the world is less about what we do and more about how we do it.
“If you have a feeling that something is absolutely right…I would ask: have you scrutinized it in the light of who we know Jesus to be?” – Pastor AlexThis week, Pastor Alex challenges us to examine the beliefs that we hold and examine whether they are rooted in the teachings of Christ.
"The spirit of Truth reminds us that when we look beyond the smoke and the mirrors, that God is still in control." – Pastor MelindaThis week, Pastor Melinda reminds us that even when life feels aimless or challenging, we are not alone because God’s Holy Spirit walks with us, revealing God’s presence and purpose in our journey.
"The question for us is: do we heed that call to pursue something that we don’t know where it’s going?"– Pastor AlexThis week, Pastor Alex encourages us to follow the places where we feel the Holy Spirit calling, recognizing that the Spirit calls us to new paths in partnership with God.
"It’s Jesus’ prayer coming to life that we may all be one in dignity, hope, and love."–Danette MillerThis week we are joined by Danette Miller, Executive Director for the Haitian Timoun Foundation, who shares how the CLM program in Haiti transforms shame into dignity, showing us all what resurrection hope truly looks like.
"The peace of Christ is there even when we can’t see it or feel it."– Pastor MelindaThis week, Pastor Melinda reminds us of our calling to share God’s divine peace with the world through our service, love, and compassion.
Pastor Alex explores Jesus' command to "love one another" immediately after Judas leaves to betray him, highlighting how this timing reveals the core of Christian discipleship. While we often view Judas as uniquely sinful, we are all capable of betrayal and sin, making us more like Judas than we care to admit. Through this realization, we're challenged to consider who our personal "Judas" might be and how we might practice Christ-like love and forgiveness, even toward those who have deeply hurt us.
In this Mother's Day sermon, Pastor Melinda explores Jesus' promise that no one can take believers from his hands. Through her story of losing her mother unexpectedly, she addresses how doubt is part of faith. Drawing from John's Gospel, she reminds us that salvation remains secure amid questioning, and that eternal life begins now through our relationship with Christ.
Pastor Lorne reminds us that forgiveness is not the end of our spiritual journey, but rather the beginning of renewed calling to share the Good News in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
"If the church is defined by [its] love, then forgiveness is our main export. That's our business." - Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week's sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us of Christ's call to share forgiveness with those around us.
"Even the coldest, darkest grave – God turns into a garden.” - Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne encourages us to look towards the resurrection of Jesus as a hopeful reminder that God will not let the darkest moments of our lives have the final word.
"When Jesus was faced with his impending demise, he chose to spend it talking about what he spent his whole ministry talking about. Love." - Pastor Alex HoopsIn today's sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that we are a people who are called to share love in response to the world around us.(Note that a video was shown in worship that was removed from this audio clip due to copyright restrictions on social media).
"The Empire questioned [Jesus'] intentions because His power was not built on intimidation, cruelty and oppression, but rather on love, forgiveness and inclusion.." - Pastor Melinda Garza MoranPastor Melinda reminds us of the radical nature of Jesus' vision for the world - one that is rooted in mercy, acceptance, and extravagent love.
Pastor Lorne reminds us that true relevancy is not chasing preferences or trends, but rather getting back to the heart of what Jesus calls us to do: responding to the needs to people in the world.
"We value everyone in this place, from young to old." - Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week's sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that the Body of Christ is strengthened when people of all ages are gathered in worship, community, and service.
"When we are guided by grace, we extend the same love that Jesus does through our actions and our conversations." - Pastor Melinda Garza MoranIn this week's sermon, Pastor Melinda reminds us that God's unconditional grace frees us from shame and judgement, allowing us to meet others where they are with compassion.
"In a world that wants to divide people based off their backgrounds, neighborhoods, ideologies... Jesus calls us to a higher plane that sees the inherent dignity, value, and worth in every human life." – Pastor Lorne HladIn this first week of “We Believe”, Pastor Lorne explores the value of “Every One, Every Day”. He reminds us of how Jesus modeled community and inclusion, where every person was invited to use their gifts to do God’s work every day.
"Yes, we're dust and God makes beautiful things out of dust" - Pastor Alex HoopsOn this Ash Wednesday, Pastor Alex reminds us that God uses dust to do extraordinary things.
“Listening to Jesus is feeding the poor, caring for the vulnerable, welcoming the stranger, turning the other cheek, [and] loving God, our neighbors, our enemies and ourselves.” - Pastor Melinda Garza MoranPastor Melinda reminds us that God changes us through powerful encounters so that we may better hear Christ’s call in a world full of competing voices.
Pastor Alex reminds us that by practicing love in everyday actions, even toward strangers and those who oppose us, we can transform words into a lasting way of life that reflects Christ's radical love.
“Are you stuck? Do you have one foot in your promised future and one foot that is just holding steady into the life you’ve always known?”– Pastor LornePastor Lorne encourages us to move beyond the failures and insecurities of our lives that keep us stuck and trust and follow Jesus into new abundant life.
“Jesus revealed that God’s love is not bound by borders, it is not exclusive to one group of people – it is given to and for all..”– Pastor MelindaPastor Melinda reminds us that God’s love is a gift that is freely given to all.
“You do have a job and your job is to be growers – growers of goodness, mercy, and healing.”– Pastor Alex HoopsPastor Alex reminds us that we are people who are called to grow goodness, mercy, and healing in God’s creation.
“We can never lose sight that – as people who follow Jesus – the ethic and predominant position we should have is one first of grace.” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us of the amazing power that is provided through God’s gift of grace.
“But if you’ve ever had an experience like mine and wondering if the God of the universe loves you, the one name Jesus died for you, if the Holy Spirit can dwell in you – I say, welcome, beloved.” – Pastor Melinda Garza Moran.In her first sermon at Good Shepherd, Pastor Melinda reminds us that no matter where we are on our faith journeys we are truly beloved.
“Are our eyes open to God showing up in ways that we cannot and do not expect?” – Pastor Alex HoopsPastor Alex reminds us that a spirit of curiosity keeps our eyes open to the ways in which God is calling us to bring more love and grace into the world.
“But it’s the children that understand intuitively that there is a beauty and gift found in being present.” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us of the importance of being present to the moment we are in and to linger just a little longer in the season of Christmas.
“Nobody needs to do this thing alone.” – Pastor Alex HoopsOn this Christmas Eve, Pastor Alex reminds us of the importance of relationships in our lives and how God provides the example when he came to live among us.
“When God sees you, God sees a child who is loved.’” – Pastor Lorne HladIn a culture where we hear so many things about ourselves that simply aren’t true, Pastor Lorne reminds us to listen for the voice of God which declares in no uncertain terms that we are loved.
"Hope always comes when we open ourselves up to the support and partnership and love of other people." - Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us of the joy that God provides when we open ourselves up to living life in community, surrounded by people who will walk with us through the good and the bad.
“We’re lighting a candle that’s talking about a different kind of peace.’” – Pastor Alex HoopsPastor Alex explores how the true peace offered through Christ is not to be confused with “quiet”, but rather is a peace that comes from trusting that God will always guide us.
"This Advent, brothers and sisters, don't just prepare your homes. Prepare yourselves to remember that God has given us more gifts than we could ever hope for that have the capacity to transform and change us." - Pastor Alex HoopsIn this first week of Advent, Pastor Alex explores God's gift of hope and how it help us endure the good and bad times of our lives.
“Empires are temporary. God’s kingdom is not.’” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us that God’s Kingdom is not like the kingdoms of the earth. It’s a kingdom that’s built on love and mercy with open doors welcoming all people inside.
"The cycle of life for people who follow Jesus is that we experience a thousand deaths. And on the other end of them we experience a thousand rebirths." - Pastor Lorne HladIn this week's sermon, Pastor Lorne reminds us that God is always working in our lives, even during our lowest moments.
“Our hope is not in political parties, it’s in and always has been in Christ.’” – Pastor Alex HoopsPastor Alex reminds us that regardless of our views on politics, we are people who are called to love God and love our neighbor.
"Big steps is the [phrase] we use, but it has nothing to do with physical distance. Big steps are intentional steps...it has everything to do with our hopes connected to them." - Pastor Alex HoopsPastor Alex asks us to consider how God is calling us all into taking the next big step in our lives.
“I want you to think of those people in your life that have modeled a heart of serving and giving, of love and sharing for you.’” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us that bold generosity is a lifelong commitment to serving and giving so that others may know God’s love in their life.
“True abundance is found in a beautiful hope that exists in the midst of challenges and says, ‘The worst thing is not the last thing.’” – Pastor Alex HoopsPastor Alex reminds us that even in our darkest moments we can trust in Jesus and that the worst thing is not the last thing.
“We have to learn to get past the walls we build if we want to experience true, authentic community.” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne explores how all people are invited into the life-giving, authentic community that Christ offers as they are.
“True abundance is not the absence of pain…it’s never about what we earn, accomplish or achieve. It is about living a life marked by faith, by hope, having community, living a generous life, and taking risks.” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne shares Good Shepherd’s reclarified mission, “Connecting People to True Abundance in Christ”, and begins to explore how we can live a life marked by the abundance Christ offers.
“We have an amazing, unbelievably gracious God who is going to walk with us, lead us, show us the path forward. And when we fail and stumble in fear – feel overwhelmed – God is going to pick us up again and say, rejoice brothers and sisters, rejoice, my children, because your names are written in the book of life.” – Pastor Lorne HladIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne explores the gifts that God provides each of us to get us through the difficult and challenging moments of our lives.
“There is someone in your midst who is likely being overlooked, spoken over, and is never even considered to be in the conversation of who’s the greatest – that’s where your attention should be.” – Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex explores what it means to stop focusing on ourselves and instead put that focus on those who are overlooked in lives.
“Do you know who you were created to be?” – Pastor Lorne HladIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne reminds us that when we live our lives as a reflection of Jeus, we are showing the world who Christ really is.
“There's just a statement of truth - that crumbs would be more than enough - an honest declaration of God's infinite, boundless, and amazing love.” – Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex explores what it means to humbly respond to Christ’s calling in our lives and how God’s provision is enough.
“What’s being offered by Jesus in this life of faith is not a list. It’s no less than life in all its fullness.” – Pastor Alex HoopsOn his return from sabbatical, Pastor Alex reminds us our faith is more than a “to do” list, but an invitation to live a life transformed so that all may see God’s love and grace in their lives.
“Today is an invitation to quit running, to quite striving, to quite trying to fill yourself with things that only leave you more hungry.” – Pastor Lorne Hlad This week, Pastor Lorne reminds us that the hunger we have for meaning and purpose in our lives can only truly be satisfied by accepting the love and peace Jesus offers and leaving the things the world offers.
“I will continue to affirm that…I was created perfectly and that I shouldn’t have to feel like I need to change any part of me to feel accepted and appreciated – especially not for God.” - Good Shepherd Flock StudentThis week, we welcomed Good Shepherd’s High School Youth Group, The Flock, to share their Spirit moments from their recent trip to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA.
“We acknowledge when we are afraid. Fear is real. We acknowledge that fear. And then we look for Jesus walking right with us. That is resurrection. That is hope, not fear. Hope that is sure and certain.” – Pastor Michael OakleyThis week, we welcome Pastor Michael Oakley to Good Shepherd. He reminds us that while we may have fear about the future, Jesus promises to walk with us through the storm and provide us hope and life.
“It’s when we rest, it’s when we pause, that we can actually see what’s happening in our world and in our lives” - Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us of the power that rest has in giving us the necessary space we need to make sense of the world around us during times of struggle or uncertainty.
“Even though we keep perpetuating the old narrative, the new story of God’s love, of God’s grace, of God’s forgiveness needs to be proclaimed louder and more boldly.” - Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us that we are a people who are called to share a different kind of story with the world through our words and actions: one that is rooted in God’s love, grace, and forgiveness.
“The invitation today…is to loosen our grip on needing to control everything in our lives so that we can see that we go further and we go faster when we are together. – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us that our journey of faith is not done alone, but rather with other people in community.
“You will feel afraid, but do not build your life because of it. Rather, build a life around faith. Build a life around trust. Build a life around hope.” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us that God is always walking with us, even during the scary and fearful times in our lives.
“Change is rarely without its challenges.” – Pastor Patricia BadkeyPastor Pat reminds us that although our boat may be in rough and stormy seas to have faith that Jesus is in the boat as well, helping us get to the other side.
“I don’t want any of us to lose sight that the greatest gifts we can ever give…is ourselves. It’s our time.” – Pastor Lorne HladMuch like the mustard seed that blossoms into the greatest of shrubs, Pastor Lorne reminds us that the little acts of daily love we share likely mean more to the people around us than the grandest of gestures.
"As we live through our values, guided by grace, rooted in relationship, serving the world, we show the world that there's hope." - Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us that living out our calling as disciples of Jesus is more than just something good for ourselves but rather a way that God's Kingdom can break through into a world that is in desperate need of God's love and grace.
“The true heart of the Sabbath, of God’s vision for creation, is that we would find rhythms, patterns, and practices that fill us with wonder, with awe, with beauty, so that we can be an overflow of God’s goodness into the lives of other people.” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne explores the gift of Sabbath and how it refuels us so that we may do the work God is calling us into.
“Jesus was very interested in more than a conceptual faith, more than a faith in our heads, but one in our hands, our heart, our feet – one that’s lived out every day.” – Pastor Alex HoopsPastor Alex reminds us that sometimes the best testimony we can share of the Good News of Jesus is through how we live our daily lives.
Pastor Alex reminds us that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God that sustains us each day as we navigate the ups and downs of our lives.
“I want to encourage all of us to use our natural language – our everyday, ordinary language – to talk to God.” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us that God invites all prayers, even the ones that don’t feel polished or rehearsed.
“But let us never forget that real love is made manifest in the ordinary. Let’s not lose sight that this is the type of love that Jesus invites us into.” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne reminds us this week that God uses ordinary acts of love to do extraordinary things.
“We are not alone. We’re not doing this by ourselves. We are given the connection from the very beginning and the good news is we don’t have to manufacture goodness or manufacture energy. That goodness and that energy comes from the source of all creation.” – Pastor Alex HoopsThis week, Pastor Alex reminds us to spend time in the practices that feed our souls and that help us better see the ways God is inviting into His greater vision for the world.
“If we’re the loudest person in the room…sometimes we can’t hear the quiet voice of the Good Shepherd leading us, guiding us, [and] challenging us to listen.” – Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that God provides a voice to lead us as long as we are willing to take the time to truly listen.
“We are called just like Jesus to go into the world to find hurting, wounded people that feel alone, afraid, scared, rejected, and to show them that we have felt those same things.” – Pastor Lorne HladThis week, Pastor Lorne explores the ways that God provides peace in the midst of the challenging and painful moments of our lives.
“There’s no story of resurrection that doesn’t involve community” – Pastor Alex HoopsThis first week of “Life Lines: Finding Hope When Life Feels Hopeless”, Pastor Alex explores how God provides community to journey with us when we have doubts and struggles.
“I hope we leave this place having heard the story of death becoming a story of life and love winning.” – Pastor Alex HoopsOn this Easter Sunday, Pastor Alex encourages us to remember that the story of Christ’s power & love changing this world is still being written.
“Glory looks like humble, never seen, often overlooked service.” – Pastor Lorne HladIn this Maundy Thursday sermon, Pastor Lorne explores how the example of Jesus challenges our idea of what true glory looks like.
“The cross should make us tremble in our very hearts because it’s God’s definitive sign that God with go to any length to prove to the world that God is with us, that God is for us, that God loves us.” – Pastor Lorne HladIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne explores the power of what it means that Christ died on the cross not just for us, but also with us.
“I don’t wish for wake up calls in my life and I don’t wish for them in your life. And yet, they have the power to transform us into a deeper, more obedient space where we actually learn to trust God.” – Pastor Lorne HladAs we conclude our Lenten Journey, The Shift, Pastor Lorne explores how wake-up calls in our lives can help us shift our faith from something that we experience in our heads to something that is lived out through our hearts.
“Our mission as a people of God is not motivate by fear, but by a freedom that we are called to alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters.” – Pastor Alex HoopsAs we continue our Lenten Worship Series, The Shift, Pastor Alex explores how we called to shift our perspective away from being fearful of God and instead to a freedom in Christ that calls us to love & serve our neighbors.
“We aren’t here just for rituals – we’re here for a relationship with God and one another.” – Pastor Alex HoopsAs we continue our Lenten Worship Series, The Shift, Pastor Alex asks us to look beyond the rituals of our faith lives and see the places God is inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him and those around us.
“You see, the life of following Jesus is always a pathway of losing our life, so that we can find it – dying the self and arising anew with God.” – Pastor Lorne HladAs we continue our Lenten Worship Series, The Shift, Pastor Lorne explores how Jesus invites us to shift our perspective from living a life that is safe, to one that purses God’s mission to restore the world with love & grace.
“I believe God wants us to show up present today as if we believed today matters – because we know that it does.” – Pastor Lorne HladDuring our first weekend of Lent, Pastor Lorne explores how Jesus calls us to shift our perspective from living life for someday to living life today.
“Who or what are the treasures that hold your heart? What are the hopes, the dreams, the values that are worth living for in your life?" – Pastor Lorne HladIn his Ash Wednesday sermon, Pastor Lorne encourages us to look the uncertainty of life and certainty of death in its face by remembering that God cares deeply about each and everyone of us. And that we may be encouraged to know that we do not walk this life alone and how we bring God’s love into the world matters.
Go Tell the Story | Back to Basics Week 5“Jesus didn’t say “go convince everybody of what I said”. He said, “go tell the story”. That’s our job: to tell the story. [To] witness to the Gospel." – Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex encourages us to remember our mission to be a witness to the resurrection so that others may know God’s amazing grace & love in their lives.
“Think about all of those things that you’ve suffered – maybe some of which nobody else knows about. And here you are. And yet you show up. You see, when we open ourselves up to others and tell them our stories of death and in the ways God has made us with new life, we bring healing into the world”. – Pastor Lorne HladIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne reminds us that there is a power in telling our story so that others may hear our witness to how God has made us new during the darker times of our lives.
“The challenge for us is to face all situations and ask: how does my character reflect that same spirit of generosity; that God’s love is beyond our understanding, beyond measure.” – Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex asks us how we are being called to adopt a generosity of spirit so that we are more fully open to the ways God is calling us to work in the world.
“We have a story of God who so loved the world that he would draw close to humanity, walk alongside humanity, speak into people’s lives and tell them you are not alone.” – Pastor Lorne HladIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne encourages us to go back to the basics of the early church so that others may live transformed lives through God’s amazing grace, forgiveness, welcome, and love for all people.
“We are better as a church together.” – Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that gathering together is fundamental to our identity as a church.
“You have been given this love – this mark, this identify as a person of God – and God is going to use you to change the world for good, in love and mercy and forgiveness.” – Pastor Alex HoopsIn this past week’s sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that our baptisms are not the destination of our journey, but rather a starting point as we seek to better live into how God is calling us to share the Good News and change the world.
“You see, our calling is to be like Mary. It’s to be like Joseph. We are not the Christ, but we a have role to play in bringing that love, that life, that hope into maturity.” – Pastor Lorne HladIn this past week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne invites us to sit with the Christmas story a little longer and examine how Mary and Joseph’s answer to God’s call can inspire us to live out our own unique calling in our lives.
“So, people of God, people of good courage, this Christmas…my prayer is that your heart would be wrapped in God’s love and that the wrapping would be so beautiful, so pure, so full of light, that you couldn’t help but share that promise with somebody in need.” – Pastor Lorne HladOn Christmas Eve, Pastor Lorne encourages to share the gift of Jesus – and his love, hope, and compassion - with the people in our lives.
"God doesn’t call the equipped, God equips the called.” – Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that regardless of our fears and worries about what God is calling into, God is with us and will equip us for the journey ahead.
"Darkness is part of the journey – God is with you.” - Pastor Lorne HladIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that we are called to follow God’s light in the darkness and to help point towards it when others cannot yet see.
"We are blessed to be a blessing.” - Pastor Lorne HladIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne invites us to see the ways God is with us as we are called to use His gifts to bless and feed those around us.
"Are we aware that now is important and that now includes the holy act of waiting?" - Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex reflects on what it means to use this time of waiting to better connect with God’s presence in our lives.
“Let me say it one last time: let us always love one another, for that is what our Good Shepherd has called us to do” – Pastor Patricia BadkeyIn her final sermon at Good Shepherd on this Christ the King Sunday, Pastor Pat reminds us of our call to continually be faithful through our words and actions so that people can see God’s kingdom breaking through the world.
“We’re invited, like the leper, to have eyes wide open looking for the things that we can be grateful for. Gratitude and reasons to be grateful are all throughout our lives – but I think sometimes we just don’t have the perspective to see them.” – Pastor Lorne Hlad.In this special Thanksgiving worship, Pastor Lorne encourages us to take time this Thanksgiving to consider what it means to practice gratitude in our lives.
“We are called to do what [Pastor] Pat has taught us to do: to walk alongside, to bring our oil, to share God’s blessings, so that all the world might know that the God you worship, the Lord you’ve served, is magnified right in this world.” – Pastor Lorne HladIn this week’s sermon, as our community prepares to wish Godspeed to Pastor Pat and celebrate her 34 years of ministry at Good Shepherd, Pastor Lorne thanks Pastor Pat on behalf of a grateful congregation.
“But you are the living saints and the Light of Jesus shines through each of you.” – Pastor Patricia BadkeyIn her penultimate sermon before she retires from Good Shepherd, Pastor Pat reminds us that we are beloved children and saints of God.
“The doorway to our freedom has to be opened by somebody else.” – Pastor Lorne HaldIn this final week of the Reforming Life series, Pastor Lorne explores how true freedom can only be found by letting go of what captivates us and living into God’s abundant grace and love.
“Money is not something to be cared for and protected, but rather something that can be used.” - Pastor Alex Hoops.In this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex challenges us to examine the ways we are being called to use the gifts we’ve been given to further God’s Kingdom.
“Do we see what Jesus sees?” – Pastor Alex HoopsIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that Jesus reforms our sight so that we may see the people who God is calling us to share His love & grace with.
"Notice that our cultural definition of success is rarely what we create, what we produce, how we share, how we bless...but following Jesus - it refines our definition of success" - Pastor Lorne Hlad.This week, Pastor Lorne challenges us to reform our definition of success towards one of generosity, grace, and love.#gslc #elca #lutheran #cincinnati #sermon #goodshepherd
“I want you to think about how your life – unique to you – needs to be reformed”. – Pastor Lorne HladIn this first sermon of the “Reforming Life” series, Pastor Lorne explores how following Jesus reforms our minds towards a posture of love, peace, and humility.
“We have all probably stood at the end of the line - being the last person to be hired - dependent on God’s grace, kindness, and generosity in our lives” – Pastor Patricia Badkey.In this week’s sermon, Pastor Pat reminds us that God’s love & grace is something that is for all people, no matter how much work we do or when we come to know God in our lives.
“We should forgive – not just to be like God – but because God is about…ending all this suffering & harm that we can exhibit on others” – Pastor Alex Hoops.In this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that we have the capacity to reduce suffering & pain through our practice of forgiveness.
“I have come to learn, that what actually changes people’s lives is, when instead of punishment, they receive grace.” – Pastor Lorne HladIn this week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne reminds us that we are a people that are called to share forgiveness, love, and grace with the people in our lives.
“When we get off course, we screw-up, we mess-up - all that we need to do is put a hand forward and once again be fed” – Senior Pastor Lorne Hlad
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne reminds us that God’s abundant love is not conditional based on our successes or failures.
“God means to change the world” – Pastor Alex Hoops
Reconnect with this past weekend’s sermon where Pastor Alex asks us where we are being called to follow Jesus and share the light of God with the world.
Listen to this and past sermons at https://goodshepherd.com/sermons
“It’s not fun feeling like an outsider” – Pastor Patricia Badkey
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Pat reminds us that Jesus’ message and healing power is for all people – including you.
“Pray with your arms!” – Pastor Lorne Hlad
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Lorne reflects on what it means to weather life’s storms by remembering that Jesus is never far away.
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
“How are we going to take what God has given us to do something miraculous?” – Pastor Alex Hoops
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex reflects on how God takes our gifts of food, money, and abundance and does miraculous things with it.
Do you know what God loves about you? Everything.
Pastor Lorne Hlad preaches on what it means to know God loves everything about you – even with all of your faults, failings, and mistakes.
Worship with Good Shepherd each week on Saturdays at 5 pm, Sundays at 9 am (Contemporary), and Sundays at 11 am. Sundays live streamed at https://goodshepherd.com/worship.
“If God is letting weeds growing amongst the wheat, it must be good news” – Pastor Alex Hoops.
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex shares how Jesus invites us to be more concerned with growing wheat and less concerned with removing weeds.
Hear the full sermon at https://goodshepherd.com/sermons.
"There is a call in this parable for us to mimic God and be lavish sowers with our lives too." – Pastor Pat Badkey.
In this past week’s sermon, Pastor Pat reflects on the “Parable of the Sower” and encourages us to lavishly share God’s grace & love with the people we encounter in our lives.
“This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t have goals and dreams and destinations to achieve. But it’s to say in order to get “there”, we need to figure out how to rest here.” – Pastor Lorne Hlad
As we continue "On the Way" with Jesus this summer, Pastor Lorne reminds us that it is just as important to find rest as it is to discern where God is calling us to work in the world.
“The Kingdom of God looks like a race volunteer handing a thirsty runner a cold cup of water” – Pastor Lorne Hlad
In this week’s sermon Pastor Lorne explores how Jesus calls us to share hospitality with those around us – even if that’s just a cold cup of water.
“We do not need to fear as we follow Jesus in a bold and brave way” – Pastor Patricia Badkey
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Patricia Badkey preaches on how following Jesus may cause tension in our friendships & relationships. And in those moments, she encourages us to remember that all of us are beloved children of God, we should respect all people, and we do not need to fear for God is with us.
“If God defines God’s self as compassionate, we as God’s people should be compassionate as well” – Pastor Alex Hoops.
This week Pastor Alex explores the how the emotion of compassion spurs Jesus to help people and how we are called to model that compassion in our own lives.
"Every day, we get lost & Jesus finds us. Every day we are made new." - Pastor Lorne Hlad.
Hear this week's sermon where Pastor Lorne reflects on how every day is a new opportunity to live out our calling as disciples of Christ and share love, grace, and mercy to those that we encounter when we are "On the Way" with Jesus.
“[The trinity] isn’t an equation…what it is - the Trinity - is a relationship” – Pastor Alex HoopsPastor Alex invites us to move past the explanation for how the Trinity works and instead consider the ways the Trinity is inviting us into a relationship with Him and those around us.
“We remember we are called by name. We are empowered by the Spirit…and all of these things happen so we can share the News.” – Pastor Pat BadkeyHear Pastor Pat talk about how God calls us by name to share the Good News through our words and deeds with those around us.
"The mission of the church that was handed over to the disciples...is the same mission that we have: to make Christ known." - Pastor Lorne HladAs we wrap up our Forward in Faith series, Pastor Lorne reminds us of our mission and how we are called to make Christ known to the world.
“It is through our weakness that God’s Holy Spirit is made evident to the world” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne preaches on how the Holy Spirit walks with us throughout are lives, especially during the times when we fill inadequate or ill-equipped to do what God is asking of us.
“Hope is not about wisdom…wisdom is about things you know. And I worry, that our faith – although it’s supposed to be defined by hope – is not defined by hope. I worry its practical…about what we see”. – Pastor Alex Hoops. Pastor Alex talks about what hope is in this week’s sermon.Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
“As we move forward in faith, may we move forward committed, passionate, excited about building up the ministry of Jesus” – Pastor Lorne HladSenior Pastor Lorne Hlad asks the question: how will you embody the characteristics of our congregation’s namesake, the Good Shepherd, as you move forward in faith?
"Our calling as Christians...is to reveal [Jesus] to a world that doesn't know Him" - Pastor Bob Abrams.Pastor Bob Abrams from the Southern Ohio Synod joined Good Shepherd last weekend to install Pastor Lorne Hlad as our Senior Pastor and to preach a message that reminds us we are a people called to love & serve our neighbors near and far.
"All of us, no matter how messed up we think we are, are made to be people of peace." - Pastor Alex Hoops.In this week's sermon, Pastor Alex reflects on how God sends us out into the world to do His work scars and all.Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com
“Let us not forget that our true calling is to live as a witness to the resurrection.” – Pastor Lorne HladPastor Lorne preaches a powerful sermon on loosing faith, encountering God, and living a life as a witness to the resurrection.Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
When have you wanted to ask God "why"?There are many moments that we'd like to ask God "why" in our lives. An illness, the unexpected loss of a loved one, a tough financial situations. Pastor Patricia Badkey reminds us that even in these situations, God is there holding us in the palm of His hand.Join us for Easter Worship on April 7-8! Sunday worship services also live streamed on our YouTube channel or via links at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship. Services on Saturday at 5 pm & Sunday at 9 & 11 am.
On this Maundy Thursday, Pastor Alice Connor reminds us that God is always with us - even in the moments where it feels like we are alone.Worship with Good Shepherd online or in-person at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
“You get to hear those stories throughout Maundy Thursday – on Good Friday. I will encourage all of you…really hear this story because then you will understand who we are really waving these palms for” – Pastor Alex Hoops.Pastor Alex preaches about how Jesus is not the hero we may have expected in this week’s sermon.Continue walking with Good Shepherd this Holy Week at Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Worship services this week at 12 pm (30-minutes) and 7 pm. All Holy Week worship services also live streamed at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.Learn more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at https://goodshepherd.com/
“Though the grief is real, though the pain is real, how God in little ways springs up new life in the midst of our graveyards” – Pastor Lorne Hlad.This week, Senior Pastor Lorne Hlad preaches on how the life cycle of Christians is from death to new life.Learn more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at https://goodshepherd.com/
Do you sometimes have a hard time seeing the path forward?Pastor Lorne Hlad reminds us that oftentimes those seasons where we lack vision are actually an invitation to hear God’s voice more clearly in our lives.Learn more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and how we are helping folks like you share God’s grace, grow in faith, and serve others at https://goodshepherd.com/.
Pastor Alex Hoops preaches on the John Chapter 4 and the Samaritan woman at the well. Pastor Alex reflects on what it means to see others with open eyes – not as a problem or different than us – but as beloved, children of God.Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/You can worship with Good Shepherd each week in-person or online. Learn more about worshiping with GSLC at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Alex reflects on how all people are invited and welcome to God's table.Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
What is your wilderness and who are the angels that God provides to comfort you?In this week’s sermon, Pastor Patricia Badkey reflects on Jesus’ journey into the wilderness after his baptism and how we can learn from His example in those rough moments in our own lives.Learn more about Good Shepherd at our website: https://goodshepherd.com/.All are invited to worship with Good Shepherd each week! In-person services are available on Saturday & Sunday; online worship services are available on Sunday mornings. Learn more at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
As we begin the season of Lent, Pastor Alice Connor reflects on what it means that God created us from the dirt that grows our vegetables and that we try to sweep from our homes.Learn more about Good Shepherd and how you can be a part of our ministry at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship with Good Shepherd each weekend, online or in-person. Sunday worship services streamed online at 9 and 11 am. Learn more at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Sometimes you need to slow down. Pastor Alex Hoops talks about how a recent medical issue has forced him to slow down and listen to what God is trying to tell him.Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/.
What does it mean to live a life abundant? What does it mean to live for life, not for death?Preacher: Pastor Alice ConnorYou are invited to worship with Good Shepherd, online or in-person. Live streamed worship services happen each Sunday at 9 and 11 am on YouTube. Learn more about in-person and online worship options at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
Don't cover your light under a basket. Let you light shine to the world!Preacher: Pastor Patricia BadkeyLearn more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at https://goodshepherd.com/
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” – Matthew 5:9Simple actions like saying you are sorry, practicing forgiveness, and sharing grace can help break the endless cycle of violence, retribution, and revenge we see around us. This week, find ways you are being called to be a peacemaker to those around you.You are invited to worship with Good Shepherd online or in-person each weekend. Online worship live streams each Sunday at 9 am and 11 am or on-demand anytime after. You can find out more about online or in-person worship options at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
God calls all of us in different ways. He calls ordinary people to do ordinary things that help build His extraordinary Kingdom hear on earth.Preacher: Pastor Pat BadkeyConnect with your faith each weekend by worshiping with Good Shepherd. Online worship services available each Sunday at 9 and 11 am. Learn more about ways you can worship at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
How does your baptism inspire you to live out your faith each and every day? Preacher: Pastor Patricia BadkeyExperience worship with Good Shepherd, online or in-person, each week. You can learn more about worship options at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship. Worship services are live streamed on Sundays at 9 and 11 am and available on-demand at any time.
Epiphany, the season of light, give us the opportunity to share the Light of God with those around us through our comfort, care, love, and service.Preacher: Pastor Alice ConnorExperience worship with Good Shepherd. Learn more about our worship options and schedule at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship. Streaming online on YouTube each Sunday at 9 and 11 am.
How are you moved to share your faith with those around you? Who are you being called to love and serve?Preacher: Pastor Alex HoopsLearn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/You can learn more about worship options at Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship. Online worship available each Sunday at 9 and 11 am.
It’s hard to receive gifts, especially unexpected ones from unexpected people.Preacher: Pastor Pat BadkeyWorship with Good Shepherd each weekend, streaming online on Sundays at 9 and 11 am. Learn more about in-person and online worship options at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
Imperfections and all you are loved by God.Preacher: Pastor Alex HoopsWorship with Good Shepherd each weekend, streaming online on Sundays at 9 and 11 am. Learn more about in-person and online worship options at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.#gslc #elca #sermon #message #christmas #cincinnati #lutheran
Jesus came into this world not as a king or warrior, but as a little baby boy born into a family.Preacher: Pastor Alex HoopsWorship with Good Shepherd each weekend, streaming online on Sundays at 9 and 11 am. Learn more about in-person and online worship options at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
Like an angel in a dream, a baby in your arms, or an unexpected friend on a rough day - the people who show up in our lives can reveal God's love and care for us.Preacher: Pastor Alice ConnorWorship with Good Shepherd each weekend. Live streamed and in-person on Sundays at 9 and 11 am. In-person only on Saturdays at 5 pm. Find out more at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.#elca #sermon #lutheran #gslc #cincinnati
Where are the places you are being called to change in your life? Those spots in your life that you feel you should do more, do less, or do something different?Preacher: Pastor Patricia BadkeyJoin Good Shepherd for worship online this Sunday at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Keeping your eyes open to where God is working in your life helps you live the life Christ wants for you.
Preacher: Pastor Alice Connor
Worship with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church online each Sunday at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Pastor Alex and crew break out the action figures for this special Thanksgiving Day sermon. For the video, head on over to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd_6XyTTAAY.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
Regardless of your sin, all are forgiven through Christ's death and resurrection.
allmeansall
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
Oftentimes something new comes from something ending. Death can be scary, but resurrection only happens to dead things.
Preacher: Pastor Alex Hoops
Learn more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at https://goodshepherd.com/
How are you being called to improve the lives of others with the gifts you’ve been given?
Preacher: Pastor Alex Hoops
Worship with Good Shepherd online each Sunday at 9 and 11 am (Eastern Standard Time) at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
The gift of grace is freely given by God. You do not have to earn it. You are free to live! How does that freedom inspire you to love and serve your neighbor?
Preacher: Pastor Patricia Badkey
You can worship online with Good Shepherd each Sunday at 9 or 11 am (EST) or on-demand at any time at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
How can you support people when they are hurt, ill, or suffering? You can stand with them.
Preacher: Pastor Alice Connor
You can worship online with Good Shepherd each Sunday at 9 or 11 am (EST) or on-demand at any time at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
It's not just about what's in your heart and mind, but also what you do with your hands and feet. Where are the places God is calling you to act this week? Keep your eyes and ears open for the opportunities you are given to love your neighbor in both big and small ways.
Preacher: Pastor Alex Hoops
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/ Worship with us online each Sunday at 9 and 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Pastor Alex reflects on what it means to truly be thankful for the gifts, experiences, and blessings we are given.
Preacher: Pastor Alex Hoops
Learn more about Good Shepherd a https://goodshepherd.com/
Worship with us online each Sunday at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
If you are someone that often wonders how your faith is calling you to act, consider you might be thinking too hard about it. Just do what God is calling you to do right in front of you. Maybe that’s volunteering at a soup kitchen, helping kids learn to read, or cleaning trails at your local park. Faith is about listening to where God is calling us to go and heading in that direction. In other words – keep it simple and do your job!
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
Worship with us online on Sundays at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
What is your experience of God? Is God vengeful, loving, scary, or comforting? Consider the way(s) you encounter God and how that perception is acted out in your relationship with others and the greater world.
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
Worship with us online on Sundays at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Learn moHow we look at a situation, isn't the only or right way to look at a situation. Jesus reminds us that what we think is good and bad is likely not so cut and dry.
Preacher: Pastor Alex Hoops
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/re about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
The lost, the found, the rich, the poor, and everyone in between – all of us are welcome in God’s flock.
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
Preacher: Pastor Patricia Badkey
Do you find it hard to know how to best live your life?
Use Jesus as your example. By doing that, you won’t be guided down the path seeking what the world says is important and instead fill your life with what Christ is calling you into: loving and serving your neighbor and being generous with your blessings and gifts.
Worship online with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Sunday at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
The work of Jesus is in the world. Go and find those that are hurt, suffering, and marginalized and invite them into a life full of God’s abundant love.
Preacher: Pastor Alice Connor
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/
It is important to take time each week to “water” our spiritual gardens, to make sure that they don’t run dry. Worship, sabbath, meditation, and prayer are just some of the ways that we can make sure we are providing adequate water to grow the fruit that God is calling us to share with the world.
Preacher: Pastor Alice Connor
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com/ Worship with us online each Sunday at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship/
Pastor Alex asks how we handle divisive readings in the Bible and helps us see the Good News in readings that are tough to hear.
Preacher: Pastor Alex Hoops
Learn more about Good Shepherd: https://goodshepherd.com/ Worship online with Good Shepherd each Sunday at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
Pastor Pat encourages us to remember that we are always in God’s hands, even in the moments of fear, anxiety, and suffering.
Preacher: Pastor Patricia Badkey
Learn more about our ministry at https://goodshepherd.com/
Worship with us each Sunday online at either 9 am or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
No amount of money or stuff secures your future. Instead, look at your possessions and wealth as gifts, meant to be freely shared with those around you. Donate to non-profits that are healing our Earth and its people, spend time in relationship with family and neighbors, and serve those that need help. Whether it’s big or small, use the gifts and time you’ve been granted to be a blessing to your neighbor.
Join Good Shepherd for worship online each Sunday at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Preacher: Pastor Patricia Badkey
Pastor Alex examines how we can use the Lord’s Prayer to shift our focus to God’s will for us and His creation. He further explores how prayer is the practice we use to be ready to answer the door when God comes knocking.
Gospel Reading: Luke 11:1-13 (Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer) Preacher: Pastor Alex Hoops
Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherd.com Worship with Good Shepherd online each Sunday at 9 am or 11 am (and on-demand at anytime): https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
What does it look like to take a sabbath?
Are you so overscheduled you feel you are barely treading water? It’s common for many of us to feel busy, parents in particular.
Of course, it is important to be productive, but it’s equally important to find and take rest. Each day and each week. Find your sabbath and devote some time just sitting at the feet of God.
Preacher: Pastor Alex Hoops
Worship with Good Shepherd online each Sunday at 9 or 11 am: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Love God. Love neighbor. Done. Is it really just that simple?
Worship with Good Shepherd online each Sunday at 9 or 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
Preacher: Pastor Alex Hoops
Practicing your faith with a community of believers provides you support when you need it – others can help you when you have doubts, when you need strength, or when you need guidance.
Worship with GSLC each Sunday at 9 am and 11 am at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
You are part of God’s plan to heal our world. Where is God calling you to help?
Preacher: Pastor Alice Connor
Listen to the full sermon here: https://youtu.be/m440tv12wek
Are you a person of peace?
Or are you a person that contributes to the divisiveness and division we regularly see on the news, on social media, in our communities, and even sometimes in our homes?
Likely, you are a bit of both.
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Alex encourages you not to create scapegoats out of those you find difficult or disagree with. Instead, he asks you consider how God is calling you to be a person of peace, even in the places that you find uncomfortable.
Connect (or re-listen) to the full sermon: https://youtu.be/DbqrXxHbe5E.
Have you ever felt something so deep in your heart, but were unable to explain it?
Sometimes words fail us when we are talking about subjects that are bigger than we are. While we all encounter God in a variety of ways - as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - explaining to someone (or ourselves) how these three are also one can be difficult.
On this Holy Trinity Sunday, Pastor Alice encourages us to focus less on understanding how it all works and instead asks us to discern what God is inviting us into through the theology of the Trinity.
Listen to the entire sermon: https://youtu.be/PE9tnsX88sM
Worship online with Good Shepherd Sundays at 9 or 11 am: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
The everydayness of violence can cause us to check out when it happens. But it doesn't have to be that way - listen to Pastor Alice tell us what can be done to overcome the hurt that our world experiences everyday.
Pastor Pat reminds us that even during times of change and transition, the God’s work still needs to be done.
Connect (or reconnect) with our worship services at: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Pastor Alice Connor reminds us that stewardship is not a chore that is to be completed, but our response to what God has already done. It's a way that we can participate in God's work in the world with the gifts we've been given.
Connect with the full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Hello and welcome to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s weekly gospel reading and sermon podcast. This sermon was originally recorded on May 15th, 2022 and starts off with our gospel reading for the week, which is from the book of John Chapter 13, verses 31-35.
In the sermon, you’ll hear Pastor Alex Hoops talk about how Love is an integral part of who we are and how that same love lets others know that we are part of the body of Christ.
You are claimed as part of Jesus’ flock.
Even if you think you are not good enough. Even if you think you’ve not done enough. You are still claimed by the Good Shepherd because you are known by Him.
What does it mean to be on a mission from God?
Sharing our wealth and time. Forgiving others. Acting out of love. These simple, everyday actions are signs we are participants in God’s mission in our world.
Re-connect with last weekend’s sermon: https://youtu.be/VaxYNRKPSGQ?t=1741.
Does the presence of doubt mean the absence of faith?
Thankfully, no. Similar to how Thomas needed to see Jesus’ wounds to overcome his doubts, we need look for how God is blessing and working in our lives to do the same for us.
It's more than ancient history.
Jesus continues to shape and influence our lives, even to this day. When we give generously of ourselves, advocate for those on the margins, care for the sick, and forgive those that have wronged us we are living a life inspired by the resurrected Christ.
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross affects us all in different ways.
Don’t skip ahead to Easter this Holy Week; walk with Christ as He journeys to the cross. Bear witness to the ways that His sacrifice stirs within you.
Reconnect with Sundays sermon (https://youtu.be/7rUrku9DCMo?t=2198).
Worship services for both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday will be held at 12 pm and 7 pm in-person or online (https://goodshepherd.com/Worship).
All means all.
No matter what you have or have not done. No matter how good or bad you think you are. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is for you, the person across the street, the person on the other side of the world, and everyone in between. All means all.
Where have you seen someone exhibit care that could only be described as “prodigious?” Pastor Alice shares the story of the prodigal son and challenged our understanding of the word “prodigal.” “Prodigal also means giving profusely, lavish generosity, wild wasteful abundance…” Where have you seen wild, wasteful, and lavish generosity? Not just financial genrosity, but lavish in generosity of spirit? Lavish in their kindness or encouragement? Truly impressive in their expressions of mercy or grace? Watch the entire service here: https://youtu.be/SLz3D9dT3tM
With all the suffering and hurt in the world, what can we possibly do that will actually make a difference?
Sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what you can do to tackle problems that are so big. Rest in the fact that it is not all on you – but that reassurance doesn’t mean that we aren’t called to act. Reconnect with this past week’s sermon (https://youtu.be/q5AnWd6A018?t=1808) and hear Pastor Heidi talk about simple things we can do to bear the fruit of God’s love for those that are hungry.
What does the fox say?
Foxes may say a lot of different things, but the intent is always clear: to divide us and prey on the weak and vulnerable. Find those instances in your life where someone or something is promoting division or discord and you tell that fox that you are going to keep doing what God has called you to do: to share the Good News with anyone who will listen.
Reconnect with last weekend’s message: https://youtu.be/8_wvCem1NSI?t=2054.
How many times have you gone into Lent without a Lenten discipline already picked out? Are you going to give up chocolate again this year? Maybe it’s back to not watching YouTube on your phone…
OR MAYBE, think about doing something just a little bit different this year. Write a note to a friend. Give a neighbor a helping hand. Give generously of your time and resources. We never know how the seeds we plant in our daily lives will bear fruit, but we know that intentional acts of love can help ease the burdens of those around us.
How many times have you been cut off in traffic? Probably happened a few times in your life. And then, you responded by driving more aggressively around that car, yelling at the person, honking your horn, or done something else to escalate the situation?
Pastor Alex reminds us that Jesus’ message of loving our enemy is about us taking control of ourselves in a situation and ending the conflict.
If you have trouble hearing God’s talk to you it might be because His voice is being crowded out by the many distractions and noises of our modern lives. In the final episode of Pastor Alex’s three-part series on improving our discernment of God’s call for us, we talk about how and when to listen for when God may be talking with us.
Listen to the entire series: https://soundcloud.com/goodshepherdlutheran/sets/stop-look-listen-better?si=5b3b38e5d05d45539361ef6400bc2305&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing.
How can you develop a faith that is deeply rooted in a trust of the Lord?
Pastor Heidi talks about the importance of how practicing faithful living each day and how it strongly roots our trust in God’s plan even in the difficult times.
How can you better improve your discernment God’s voice in your life?
Pastor Alex give us some advice on how to look for the things that are weighing on our soul that we can lift up to God during our time with Him.
Listen to last Episode 14 to hear Pastor Alex talk about STOP.
Do you find that you avoid getting involved with something because you don’t think it’s one of your spiritual gifts?
Pastor Alex tackled this question on Sunday and gave us some simple ways that we can live out our faith in everyday life, regardless of if we feel ill-equipped for what God is calling us to do.
How many times in your life have you heard God’s voice come booming down from Heaven to tell you what to do? Many of us have never had that experience. Instead, maybe you just hear whispers that leave you wondering where God is leading you.
Over the next three weeks, Pastor Alex will provide ways to help us hear these whispers more clearly. This week is all about stopping.
Pastor Heidi invites us to “look for ways to follow Paul and his beautiful words on how to put love into action – to make love a verb in your life”.
To connect with our full online worship services: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
Pastor Alice walks us through icon gazing, a type of contemplative prayer that utilizes images to bring one closer to God.
Note that you will need a visual picture pulled up on your phone of Jesus (or a different icon) in order to do this contemplative prayer.
You cannot solve all the world’s problems: the hunger, the poverty, the brokenness.
But you can address it when YOU see it. You can forgive the debts of those in your life – monetary or otherwise. You can feed the hungry in your community. You can share of your gifts where you have abundance. You can help set people free from whatever is holding them down.
And we can do those things today.
Don’t wait.
A centering prayer is a silent form of prayer similar to a traditional mindfulness meditation but with a focus on God’s presence in our lives. Join Pastor Alice for this brief prayer practice and see how it helps deepen your connection with your faith.
How have others been a sign of Jesus’ love to you? What is one way this week you are called to be a sign of Jesus’ love to your neighbor? Give yesterday’s sermon another listen and ponder those questions this week and share your experiences with others in the comments below!
Take a walk and slow down with a meditation practice facilitated by Pastor Alice Connor that you can take on the move.
Grow your faith online with Good Shepherd on Wednesdays with the weekly Good Shepherd Refresh video & podcast series. Available on-the-go via all of your favorite podcast apps.
Be who you are and do what you are called to do knowing that you are called into God’s family through your baptism.
Worship with Good Shepherd on-demand anytime at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
Pastor Alex and Scott talk about how God taking on flesh helps us understand the nature of who God is in this week’s sermon refresh. To hear the full sermon: https://youtu.be/XvM-zCQcFSg.
Take this weekly online spiritual practice with you on the go by subscribing on to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on your favorite podcast app (https://goodshepherd.com/Worship/Sermon-Podcast.
We’d love to hear from you as well! What did you hear in Pastor Heidi’s sermon on Sunday? Let us know in the comments down below.
"The Word became flesh and moved into your neighborhood" - Pastor Heidi Johns.
To connect with our online worship resources, visit us at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Scott takes you for a hike and talks about making change from a place of loving who you already are. Connect with the Good Shepherd Refresh on the go by subscribing to us on your favorite podcast app!
Pastor Pat invites us to ponder the babe that was born in Bethlehem and how we encounter him in our lives.
For our online worship resources, visit us at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
We light the candle of “Love” this week as Dr Kevin Seal talks about the unconditional love God feels towards us.
Connect with the Good Shepherd Refresh each week here or take us on the go with your favorite podcast app.
“This baby who has come to change everything is for you” – Pastor Heidi.
To worship on-demand anytime: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Dr Kevin Seal lights the third candle of Advent this week and encourages us to be mindful of the ways the Joy of God permeates our lives.
Connect with the Good Shepherd Refresh each week here or take us on the go on your favorite podcast app.
In yesterday’s sermon, Pastor Alex dares us to look for the places in our lives where we are rich and give our excess away.
Visit us at https://goodshepherd.com/Worship to connect with our online worship resources.
As we light the candle of peace for Advent, Dr Kevin Seal asks us to reflect on the ways Christ brings peace into our lives.
Pastor Heidi reminds us that we don’t have to complete the project all in a day; that each day we chip away at becoming disciples of Jesus.
To connect with our full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship.
Take our sermon messages on the go: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship/sermon-podcast
For the next 4 weeks of Advent, Dr Kevin Seal will walk us through the Advent Wreath and the meaning of each candle.
This week, Dr Seal talks about how the early church was intentional about when they decided to celebrate Christ's birth and the Lutheran roots of the Advent Wreath.
Are you afraid of the dark? In this week’s sermon, Pastor Alice reminds us to trust in the Lord and that the Light of God will overcome all things.
To worship with us online anytime: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
In this week's GSLC Refresh, Pastor Alice teachs us a meditation called "Box Meditation" or "Box Breathing". It's only a five minute video, so find a quiet space to connect with your breath and God's presence. Come back to this video throughout the week to find rest and rejuventation.
Take the Good Shepherd Refresh on the go each week by listening to us on your favorite podcast app. For a list of where you can find us, visit us at https://goodshepherd.com/worship/sermon-podcast.
Pastor Heidi encourages us to live according to the values of the Kingdom of God as opposed to the kingdom of this world.
To connect with our full online worship services, available on-demand anytime: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Pastors Heidi and Pat sit down for a conversation about how God is always working in our lives - even those moments when it feels the walls are crumbling all around us.
Join us each week for the Good Shepherd Refresh, where we re-examine a previous week's sermon, explore a spiritual practice, or connect with our faith.
The Good Shepherd Refresh can also be taken on the go by subscribing to our podcast on your favorite podcast apps (https://goodshepherd.com/Worship/sermon-podcast).
gslcrefresh #gsrefresh #faithformation #spiritualgrowth
Pastor Pat reminds us that sometimes the old must die for the new to be born in this weeks sermon.
For the full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/worship. You can worship with us live on Sundays at 9 and 11 am OR on-demand anytime.
On All Saints Sunday, Pastor Heidi reminded us that that we come closer to God and those that we have lost when we come to the Table on Sunday.
To worship online with GSLC: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
Interested in mindfulness? Need a break from the day? Want to recenter yourself?
Meditation is a great way to find space in our hectic lives. Join Pastor Alice for a 10-minute meditation that will help bring mindfulness to your daily life.
Good Shepherd Refresh is a new weekly online series that will give you a midweek refresh by looking back at a sermon or providing a spiritual practice to help you connect with your faith.
In this week's Refresh, Pastors Heidi and Alex talk about the past weeks sermon and how you can take a pause in difficult times to remember what it is that we are for.
On this Reformation Day, Pastor Alex encourages to celebrate the ways that we are free to serve and help others.
To worship online with Good Shepherd: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
In this past week's sermon, Pastor Alice talks about how the Psalms are reminders that God is with us in the ups and downs.
To worship on-demand anytime: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
To learn more about our ministry: https://goodshepherd.com
Pastor Heidi reminds us that Jesus is teaching a masterclass on how to be a disciple each and every week.
To worship on-demand anytime: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi asks us what we are going to do with our inheritance.
To worship with us online: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Pat reminds us that God's Grace is a gift that is freely given, regardless of what is going on in our lives.
Worship on-demand anytime at https://goodshepherd.com/worship
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi asks us to look for what parts of our lives that can be left behind.
For our full worship services: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
In this week's worship service, Pastor Alex asks us to look at the ways we are welcoming people into our lives.
For the full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Heidi reminds us that being a disciple of Jesus is a life-long opportunity for transformation.
For our full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
In this week's sermon, Pastor Alice asks us to look for the places in our lives that we enact the faith that we have. To look for those places where we apply Jesus.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that although the yoke is easy, the challenge of being a disciple of Jesus can be hard. That doesn't mean we aren't called to walk with Him.
For the full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
In yesterday's sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that getting angry is OK, but it's not OK to let that anger fuel our lives.
To connect with our full online worship services: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
To subscribe to our weekly sermon podcasts: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship/sermon-podcast
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi reminds us that even small gifts are multiplied to great effect when Jesus gets involved.
For the full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi reminds us that we connect through Christ's mission by taking part in a regular practice of rest.
For the full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
To connect with our mission: https://goodshepherd.com
In this past weekend's sermon, Pastor Alice reminds us that in conflict there is also possiblity.
For the full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/worship
Sometimes we are called by Jesus to do things that don't feel comfortable - that don't feel easy. We want to hold up our hands and say, "That's not my thing".
In this week's sermon, Pastor Alex reminds us that bringing the Good News to others is always our thing and that we should look for ways that our unique spiritual gifts can show the Love of God to others.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi reminds us that life is what happens when you are making other plans.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Subscribe to our weekly sermon podcast on your favorite podcast provider: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship/Sermon-Podcast.
sermon #gospel #elca #gslc
In this week's sermon, Pastor Pat reminds us that the act of faith is getting into the boat with Jesus and going.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Alice reminds us that we sow seeds of love oftentimes without even knowing. Share those seeds of love and bring the Kingdom of God to others this and every day!
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Heidi encourages us all to be a little crazy like Jesus in this past weekend's sermon.
To connect with the full worship service, visit us at www.goodshepherd.com/worship.
Did you miss last week's sermon or would like to hear again? Pastor Alex talks about how we are all God's family through our baptism in this week's sermon.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Heidi reminds us that when we support the mission of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church we are being agents of hope to those in need.
For the full worship sermon: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Heidi talks about the friendships we make at Good Shepherd are more than just connections, but Christ-centered relationships that are based in how Jesus tells us to care for each other in the world.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Heidi talks about how we are spirit charged by our relationship with God.
For the full worship service, visit us at www.goodshepherd.com/worship.
Pastor Alex reminds us that much of our faith is grounded in connectedness.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com
Pastor Alice reminds us that with all that is going on in the world, we can still help shape the story of what the world is to become.
For the full sermon: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi reminds us that the story is not over when Jesus is resurrected and we are invited to keep looking for the places the Jesus shows up in our lives.
For the full sermon: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Copyright: New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Do you have doubts or a rock-solid faith? Pastor Pat reminds us that where we are on that spectrum, God accepts us where we are.
Pastor Pat reminds us on this Good Friday that Jesus on the cross means His work is finished and that He has succeeded.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Copyright Info: New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Pastor Alice talks about how endings lead to new beginnings. That what is lost in those endings is sad nonetheless and in that sadness God is with us.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Heidi reminds us that we are filled with abundant life through the death of Jesus.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Copyright information:
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Pastor Alex talks this week about how Jesus is here to challenge who we are and how we operate. He takes the assumptions we have and turns them on their head.
For he full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Can you take a break from your Lenten fast on Sundays? Do Sundays count? Pastor Heidi reflects on why we fast and how grace plays a part.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
While us Lutherans are all about grace, Pastor Pat reminds us that keeping the 10 Commandments serves as a reminder of what God is calling us to do in the world.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi challenges us to not think about fasting as giving up chocolate or not looking at Facebook on our phones, but to rather think of the ways that we are called to give up part of who we are so that we may more fully live as disciples of Jesus.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Alex encourages to use this time of Lent to fast from indifference and to connect with the mission of GSLC: to share God's grace, Grow our faith, and Serve others.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Matthew Petersen talks about how the last year felt like a year of Ash Wednesdays with no Easter celebration to follow. He reminds us that even in the darkness the light of God still finds its way into our lives.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Alice asks us to look for the places and people in which we see the face of God.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Heidi reminds us that taking time for prayer during our busiest times will help us find connection and rejuvenation.
For the full worship service: www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Heidi talks about how the good news of God's kingdom coming near is that it is still coming near - even now!
www.goodshepherd.com/worship
Pastor Alex talks about what it means to fish for people. Fishing for people is not the same as fishing for fish. It's not about tricking people into joining, or luring them in - it's about being authentic, it's about being a disciple of Jesus and showing the world the love of God.
For the full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship
Put on your adventuring shoes and go for a walk with Pastor Heidi down the path of become disciples of Jesus in this week's sermon.
Pastor Pat considers what our baptism means on this Baptism of Our Lord Sunday.
For the full worship service: https://goodshepherd.com/Worship/Worship-Resources
Pastor Heidi reflects on how we are called to share the light of Jesus with others in this week's sermon message.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi reminds us that we are the light of the world. There is no debating this, nothing we need to do or improve upon - no matter what work we are doing, the light is already in us. How is your light shining in your life?
In this past week's sermon, we have been served by God to appear in court. Pastor Alice presents the case and asks us - do we not see all the ways that God blesses us? And what do we do with those blessings? Do we use them for our own gain or to help others? God does not want repayment or a feeling of guilt for our blessings, only to walk with each other in kindness and love. We are called to open our eyes and see the pain in the world and remember to do justice, do kindness, and walk humbly with the Lord.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi reflects on Jesus calling his disciples. Jesus tells the fishermen to put down their nets to be fishers of men. Pastor Heidi reminds us that sometimes we aren't able to up and leave everything, but that we are called to be disciples none the less. She likens our lives to our own fishing spot - how do we model grace, compassion, and a posture of servant leadership when we are going about our day-to-day activities?
In today's Gospel, Pastor Heidi reflects on his this is a "Jesus moment" or an important moment in the life of others that is marked with Jesus. She asks the congregation - what are your God/Jesus moments? Weddings, the birth of a child, baptism, or even finishing a difficult task can all be moments when we see God revealing His nature to us.
On this Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, Pastor Pat reflects on what our baptisms mean to us. He reminds us that water is central to who we are as a people of faith. And that in it, we come out reborn in new life.
Who do you think you are? Pastor Heidi isn't accusing of anything, just asking where do we come from; who are we from; what makes us who we are? She reminds us that if we look back in our history we'll find we have an inheritance in our faith that there to be shared with the world.
Pastor Alice reflects on the violence of this week's sermon passage and how that violence seems to keep happening all throughout human history. But she also reminds us there is hope in God continuing to write the book on our history - that he brought Jesus into the world for us and continues to work in the world through us to share the light of God with the world.
Do you work tirelessly towards having an "ideal" holiday? Pastor Alex reminds us that these fanciful hopes are just that - a fantasy. Life comes up - people get sick, people fight, people pass away. Instead, Pastor Alex invites us to meet the world as it is with love, mercy, and grace and just maybe we will experience the holidays in a whole new way.
On this third Sunday of Advent, Pastor Alice invites us to light the pink candle and talk about joy!
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi is reminded of directions on a recent vacation which referenced a giant Titanic replica. What landmarks do you see during this Advent season that are helping you act like Jesus? Or, what are the things that distract you?
Pastor Pat reminds us that practice makes perfect in preparation of a big event in our lives. When it comes to the preparation of the arrival of Jesus this Advent - things like doing a devotional, participating in service projects to others, or a daily prayer practice are all things that can be done.
On this Christ the King Sunday, Pastor Alex reflects on what the Kingdom of Heaven is. It's not a fancy building, but an idea or better yet - a way of living. But how do we do it like we are commanded to in the Lord's Prayer?
The Kingdom is all around us, we just need to look for it and amplify its signal; where do you glimpse the Kingdom of Heaven in your lives?
It's a dark gospel reading for this week, full of images of dark and gloom. Pastor Heidi reminds us that reading is not meant to fill us with an overwhelming sense of despair, but to let us know that even when our world ends - whether it is the death of a loved one, personal illness, or addiction - that Jesus is with us in those moments. That the best thing we can do in the face of the worst is to keep living faithfully and proclaim the love of Christ.
Pastor Alice explores the reasons why our worlds can seem upside down and how that brings us closer to God.
On this All Saints Weekend, Pastor Heidi reflects on the ups and downs of people's path through life and how Jesus tries to level the ground for all of us.
On this Reformation Sunday, Pastor Pat reflects on the passages of Scripture that formed Martin Luther's faith and how those passages set us free through God's grace.
What's in a name? Actually a lot! We all have a lot of labels given to us in our lives - some good, some bad, some that give us shame. But Pastor Heidi reminds us that through our baptism and faith there is a name more powerful than all - "Beloved Child of God".
In this week's readings, we hear a story of a person that is made whole again, not just physically, but also spiritually through his faith. Pastor Heidi reminds us that gratitude is similar to a muscle - in order to build it, you need to practice it.
Pastor Alice reminds us that confession is about being caught, but about being honest with ourselves. It's an opportunity to turn back to God and be held gently in our shortcomings.
This week's Gospel reading is all about death and what happens afterwards, but Pastor Heidi reminds the lesson is for the living - how do we live so that we have fewer regrets?
Pastor Alex reminds us that the Kingdom Jesus talks about isn't devoid of money, but it's a people first economy. We shouldn't let our relationships serve money, but rather remember that relationships are the most important things in our lives.
Pastor Heidi reminds us that there is nothing you have to do to earn you way into the Kingdom of God - that it is by the GRACE of God alone that grants us eternal life.
Pastor Heidi wonders what the grace of God looks like in our hands? What gives us breath? Listen to the sermon that reveals the mystery surrounded by God's Work - Our Hands!
Pastor Alice builds an alter and explores what it means to entertain angels in our lives. What does hospitality look like?
Pastor Heidi wonders who are the forgotten people that don't get noticed in our lives and how we are called to care for them.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Alex asks us who the "us" and "them" is in our lives? Where do you find divisiveness in your life? Is it because of a sports team, political views, or something else? Pastor Alex reminds us that Jesus' ministry is not about God changing "them" but about Him changing YOU.
With all of the violence and sadness going on, it can some times be hard to see God's Kingdom in our lives. Pastor Heidi reminds us that it does exist and that we can continue to bring the kingdom to others by caring for others and minding the gap!
In this week's message, Pastor Pat reflects on the rich farmer described in Luke 12:13-21. The rich farmer decided to keep his abundance to himself, but died before he was able to enjoy it. Pastor Pat reminds us that the farmer is not a fool because of his possessions, but because he failed to realize that true security is only found in God. That are possessions are a gift from God to be shared with others.
Pastor Heidi reflects on what prayer looks like in our lives. In the end, Pastor Heidi reminds us that God wants to be in relationship with us and that we can rest assured that God is listening.
Our Diaconal intern, Matthew, preaches on this week's Gospel reading. Having been a chef, Matthew related to Martha in this week's sermon - always being too busy to relate to the homeless men that he served in Chicago. He also challenges us to not be caught up in "doing", but rather be caught up in being with Jesus.
This week's sermon reading is the story of the Good Samaritan. Pastor Alex examines what it means to be the Samaritan, complete with a Mr Roger's Neighborhood reference. Some times it's not convenient to help the person on the side of the road, but Jesus doesn't call us to do what is convenient. Whatever meets you on your road, Jesus is by your side.
Have you ever been sent out on an adventure, but told to leave the packing list behind and only take a few things with you while hoping for the generosity of others to help you along the way? That's what Jesus commanded his disciples to do this week, as he sent them out into the surrounding area. Pastor Heidi reflects back on her pilgrimage in light of this reading and thinks of a sign she saw: If you want to go fast, walk alone. If you want to go far, walk with others.
Lighten your load as you walk through life and let Jesus take some things off your shoulders. Remember that our community is there to help carry your burden as well!
"Just one little minute!" Pastor Alex reminds us in this week's sermon that the gospel-train of Jesus is not stopping for anyone of us. That Jesus' ministry might be inconvenient for those of us with plans, but that sometimes we have to drop what we are doing to follow Him.
In this week's Gospel reading, Jesus heals a man who calls himself Legion. Pastor Heidi asks us how we identify ourselves - is it by our perceived shortcomings or by the ways we excel? She reminds us that no matter how bad we view ourselves, that is the place that Jesus will always meet us - that there is no place and no person that is Godforsaken.
On this Trinity Sunday, Pastor Alex examines how our identity is linked to God's identity. That the easiest way to think about the Holy Trinity what the means to God's identity is to remember that God is LOVE.
As we celebrate Pentecost today, Pastor Alice examines the idea that many times we may be using the same words, but we are not speaking the same language. What are the ways that God calls us to hear different languages in our own lives?
Is it good or bad, or a little bit of both? Pastor Heidi examines the idea of regardless if the news is good or bad, the faithfulness of God is a constant throughout.
We are all on the road of life. Pastor Pat reminds us that we are not on the road by ourselves, but also with the Holy Spirit. That while an instruction manual (Bible) was left for us to read, the Holy Spirit is always there to listen and walk with us on the road we are on.
When people look at an old home or building, they may wonder if it is work revitalizing or should it just be torn down all together. Pastor Heidi reminds us today that when it comes to redevelopment of us or the world - God has a plan to take what is there and make it new again!
Do you find walking the path with Jesus difficult? Pastor Alex reminds us that it can be difficult to do what is required of us, but that doesn't mean we can hide behind fear or wealth. We know how we are supposed to respond to the pain in the world. In the words of Pastor Alex's doctor - "Do you need a note or something?".
First - sorry about the quality of this podcast (you may want to turn down the volume...).
Pastor Heidi reminds us that we don't necessarily need glasses to see with new eyes, just have faith in God and look to where He leads us.
In light of recent losses in our church and violence in our greater community, Pastor Alice is left to ponder where God is in all of this. She reflects on today's sermon reading where Thomas doubted Jesus being with them - and Jesus shows Thomas his wounds to prove he has risen from the dead. God's love for us is stubborn and will always be with us, even when we doubt His presence when life is at a low point.
Pastor Heidi fights through laryngitis to preach on this Easter Sunday. Don't let her voice take away from the message: that the death of one man has given us new life! And she asks us, what do we do with that life?
Pastor Alex uses the story of Jesus' death and resurrection to examine modern-day resurrection stories for some people in Haiti.
What does God's love smell like? This is the topic that Pastor Heidi dives into, when thinking about the fact that Lazarus had been dead for 4 days before he was raised.
Pastor Heidi preaches on the story of the Prodigal Son this week. While many look at this story as a testament of God's love for us when we mess up, it really is a story about the fact that the Father loves all of His children equally - regardless of what we do.
How many years would you let an apple (or fig) tree grow fruitless before you cut it down? 1, 2, 3, or more years? Pastor Pat reminds us that our ability to bear fruit is always present and that God will give us as many chances as needed to realize our potential. There is always time to change as long as we live.
Pastor Heidi examines what it looks like to prepare for death and what a "good death" is.
What do you carry with you every day? Pastor Alice examines what she is carrying on her up-and-coming trek on el Camino de Santiago - and it's not just Icy Hot and a spare set of socks. All of us pack around heavy loads on our backs and minds every day.
On this Transfiguration Sunday, Pastor Heidi encourages us to quiet our minds and listen. To be present in the moment and listen for God's voice in our lives.
Pastor Erin guest preaches this week and gives us an update on the situation in Haiti and how the Haitian Timoun Foundation is supporting our partners across the country. She also reminds us that we are called by Jesus to be there with our neighbors and bare witness to what matters in the face of despair.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi invites us to examine the things that clutter our lives. To take the time to declutter and examine how we can listen to the ways that we are called to act in this world.
Pastor Alice examines the concept of failure in this week's sermon. We fail at life, we fail at healing, we fail at being friends and family members - but that's okay. Without the failures, we wouldn't see forgiveness. Without the failures, we wouldn't learn, grow, and find success.
The all-time most read Bible passage at weddings showed up on the liturgical calendar this week and Pastor Heidi reflects on what St Paul is trying to tell us about love.
Where it is easy to seek vengeance when we are angered, to cast judgement on those that do not agree or act like us - Pastor Alex reflects on how Jesus cuts the message of vengeance out of his teachings in this week's Bible reading. That Jesus doesn't judge the poor or outcasts - but actually invites them into the Kingdom of God...which is kinda like the chili submitted by the pastors of GSLC at this year's Chili Cook-Off. Odd you may say...have a listen!
While good wine may be lost on Pastor Heidi, she reflects on the fact that it wasn't lost one of the people in this week's gospel story. However, we can develop a discerning palette when it comes to seeing God's good wine in our lives each day.
This is a two-fold podcast: Our Impact story and the sermon. For our Impact story, you'll hear Beth tell us about our ministry/service at Taft Elementary. For the sermon, you'll hear Pastor Heidi reflects on the Baptism of Our Lord and our own baptisms. Our baptisms show that we are loved, chosen, and beloved.
The Magi arrive and it's time for you to take down your Christmas decorations! Pastor Pat reflects on what it means to finally have God with us on Earth in this week's sermon.
Ever lost track of your child, even if just for a minute? Well you are in good company because Pastor Heidi reminds us that the Holy Family lost track of Jesus for 3 DAYS in Jerusalem. But this story is not to make us all feel better when our kids slip our gaze from time to time, but is about setting the stage for the ministry of Jesus and helps us ponder the question of how our lives are about God's work.
Mary as a prophet? Pastor Alice talks about who Mary and God are talking to in this week's sermon (spoiler alert: it's all of us).
On this Third Sunday of Advent, Pastor Alex reminds us that we all have a little chaff to loose. To not point out the sins of others to justify our own sins, but to ask ourselves what the right thing to do is.
Pastor Heidi likens repentance to road construction - we need to fill our potholes, smooth out the rough patches, and deal with the crooked spots. Regardless of the orange barrels in our lives, God does come! And when God comes, God will tell us "I love you".
This week Pastor Heidi asks us how we respond to calamity in our lives. Do you duck and cover? Or do you stand up as Jesus encourages us to. We are reminded to have faith in the fact that the ending of our stories are not yet written.
Pastor Alex is reminded of westerns when thinking about this week's sermon when Pilate and Jesus are discussing the concept of kingdom and truth. As in any western, there's a showdown. Only in this western, the hero doesn't walk in and save the day with a shootout, but by selflessly giving His life so that we may be free.
How can we provoke others with love? Pastor Heidi ponders how we can use our power of provocation for good in this week's sermon.
Pastor Alex struggles with how we respond to the widow that gave away what little she had to help others. He asks how do we see all the people in our community - the poor, the sick, the people in need?
On this All Saint's Day, Pastor Heidi reflects on Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in this week's sermon. She reminds us that our lives are connected to God's bigger story and that in Jesus, death does not have the final word.
As part of confirmation, we renounce the devil - and not the pitchfork and horns version - but the one that we always have within us. In this week's sermon, Pastor Alex challenges our Confirmands and the rest of us to seek freedom from our own devil - sin and fear. Many of us live in bondage to that fear - how would our actions look different if we were truly free? Pastor Alex reminds us all we can have that freedom through Jesus.
Pastor Alice asks us how we are called to act in this world. Is it as simple as seeking forgiveness or are you called to help establish a new ministry. God calls each of us in big and small ways - and it's important to listen for when the call comes.
Pastor Heidi asks us this week what is holding us back from following Jesus? Is our backpack too heavy? Sometimes we surround ourselves with things and people that get in the way of hearing how we are being called to act in this world.
Pastor Heidi tackles the tough subject of divorce in this week's sermon. How the death of a marriage can bring pain and grief, but that can see each other's humanity through the process. To be broken is to be human and to be human is to be loved by God. God has gifted us with each other, and while we may be broken, we are also blessed with the relationships and community that supports us in the dark moments of our lives.
In a time when politics and opinions are so divisive - enough to have friends and family cease talking to one another - Jesus' teachings continue to light the way for how we should respond. Pastor Alex reminds us that sometimes the problem with our anger at others is our own anger and that we are called to remove those parts of us which cause sin, sadness, and hatred in the world.
Pastor Heidi talks about how Cincinnati is ranked number 2 in the country with the most number of children in poverty. And how when confronted with these hard-to-hear facts, we are called by Jesus not to bury our heads in the sand - but to confidently act with Him by our side.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Alice ponders the difference between sin and Sin. It's the difference between the little things we do every day and the impact that all of our sin has on the world. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be like this - we need to open our hearts and arms to all and accept that freedom and joy that comes with it.
While Lutherans believe that it is the grace of God that save us, faith without works is also not enough. Pastor Heidi reminds us that it is not enough to simply share the peace, but we also are called to share our gifts, time, and talents with others and to help those in need.
Pastor Pat reminds us that faith is difficult and delicate all at the same time. That it's okay to get muddy in this thing called life, because God has our backs.
Pastor Alex explores how when we are trying to keep up with all the ways society is telling us to be success, we may be ignoring the ways that Jesus invites us to imitate him.
What would you do with another minute, hour, day, or week in your life? We are all work with such a small amount of time in this life and Pastor Heidi reminds us to look for the ways we are being call by God to use that time.
As Pastor Alice returns from her sabbatical, she reminds us that a little weeding in our lives is not the worst thing in the world.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Heidi reminds us that following Jesus is not about filling our bellies with fish and bread, but about relationships and the spiritual nourishment that are provided by Jesus.
This week, as we examine the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes, Pastor Heidi reminds us that there is joy in sharing our abundance with others; that there are many that are hungry for not only food, but grace, love, and forgiveness.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Pat reminds us that we are called to rest with Jesus. Our lives can be filled with meetings and tasks, but that we are commanded to take time every week to honor the sabbath and restore ourselves.
Pastor Heidi speaks to us this week about how being introspective shows that we aren't always measuring up to the standards God calls us towards. The truth can hurt, but our inaction to ignore the places that we can improve and help our community can hurt ourselves and many others more.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Alex reflects on the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering and how the only thing we need to do to see God's Kingdom is look around and listen to the prophets among us.
Pastor Heidi tackles the tough subject of loss of a child in this week's sermon and reminds all of us that God's plan is not death, but resurrection and life.
"What are you so afraid of? You've got Jesus on the boat!" As our students prepare for their trip down to the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, TX, Pastor Alex reflects on how new experiences can bring fear into our lives. But also that we should not be afraid, for God is with us.
This week, Pastor Heidi explores the ways that we are called to interact with the Kingdom of God - how we are supposed to plant the seeds throughout Creation.
How can a criminal be doing good in the world? In this week's sermon, Pastor Alex explores the idea that Jesus broke the law to set us free.
Pastor Heidi illuminates the importance of "Sabbath" & shares one of her favorite rhythms at Summer Camp..."F.O.B. Time" When God's hope for us is healing, renewal, and restoration, Sabbath is a much needed gift.
Cat fails and faith? Hear how Pastor Heidi takes a viral video of a cat failing to make its jump and relates it back to our faith journeys.
Pastor Heidi talks about when all of Jesus' teachings were done, He prays for the disciples and us, so that we may launch into the greater community to be His disciples.
As Pastor Alice prepares for her sabbatical over the next 3 months, she reminds us all that rest is vital not just for our health, but our spiritual lives.
Pastor Heidi encourages us to look for the ways that God is moving in our lives and how the Spirit is calling us to model and reflect the love of Jesus.
Pastor Alex talks about the difficulties of loving others and how God shows us that love every day.
Pastor Heidi speaks with us about how we are all God's children in all of the ways that we interact with the world.
Pastor Alice reminds us that doubt is normal; that we all have a little Thomas in us. And, that Jesus answers those doubts by showing up to us in a multitude ways.
On this Easter Sunday (and April Fool's Day), Pastor Heidi talks about how Pastor Alex stole the thunder from her 2017 April Fool's Day prank and also reminds us that the Good News of the resurrection is no joke!