August 5, 2007
Vol. 1, no. 7
Grace and peace to you on this blessed Lord’s Day!
If there is one thing that has stuck with me from my seminary education, it is that the Church, both in Heaven and here at Good Shepherd, is governed by Word and Sacrament. I remember the first time I heard that and being blown away by what that means.
To be governed by something means: To make and administer the public policy and affairs of; exercise sovereign authority in. To control the actions or behavior of: Govern yourselves like civilized people. To keep under control; restrain: a student who could not govern his impulses. To exercise a deciding or determining influence on: Chance usually governs the outcome of the game.
So we see our guiding light, our motivation, our control and restraint are not in the programs we have, or by how friendly our congregation is, or even by how many people worship here. We are bound to and governed by the Word and Sacraments alone! This is a great blessing for the Church and a great blessing for us here at Good Shepherd, where we have the privilege every Sunday to hear God’s Word in the liturgy and preaching and to receive the gifts of the Sacrament. Let our prayer ever be to submit to the authority and control of God’s Word and Sacraments. Pray also that I would be strengthened as your pastor in the faithful preaching, teaching and administration of these holy gifts.
The Lord is with you in His Word and Sacraments!
Pastor Jim
Worship Practices
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What is worship?
A: Many people think worship is subjective, that is, it has different meanings for different people. Lutherans have a different perspective on what worship is. The following is from the excellent book Worshiping With Angels and Archangels: An Introduction to the Divine Service.
Although much about worship seems similar throughout Christianity, Lutherans have a unique perspective on the question “What is worship?” The Lutheran understanding of worship is expressed in the Divine Service.
The Athanasian Creed teaches us that true Christian worship can be recognized in two ways. First, we worship the God who is triune, that is, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The second way we recognize Christian worship is that it is centered on Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God. Our worship is “divine” because it is Christ-centered.
The Lutheran Confessions teach us about the “service” of the Divine Service: “So the worship and divine service of the Gospel is to receive gifts from God” (Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article V, paragraph 189). In the Divine Service, God, who calls, gathers, and enlightens the whole Christian Church on earth, comes to serve us with His gracious gifts of Word and Sacrament.
People often think that worship is about what we do for or toward God. The reality is quite different. In the Divine Service, God is providing His service for us. In the reading, the preaching, and the proclamation of His Word and in His Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, God comes to us. In worship, God gives His grace and then we respond with thanks and praise.*
*Worshiping with Angels and Archangels: An Introduction to the Divine Service, pg. 4
Upcoming Worship Opportunities
As we get closer and closer to the start of a new school year, we also look for new ways we can fix our eyes on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The gifts of the Church are the worship, prayers and praise of God’s saints and His loving service to us through His Word and Sacraments. Beginning on September 5 we will have a regular Wednesday evening Service of Prayer and Preaching at 7 pm. These services will be geared toward the teachings of the Small Catechism and themes throughout Scripture. The first six weeks will look at the use of water in Scripture as well as the Doctrine of Holy Baptism. Make it a priority to join us for this time gathered around the Word.
Also, I will be praying the Litany (LSB 288-289) Monday-Thursday at noon in the sanctuary. If you are ever around please join me for this beautiful prayer of the Church. It takes about 10 minutes and is a beautiful break in the middle of the day!
One more opportunity for worship will be offered beginning on September 5. On Wednesday mornings, at 7:30 am Matins will be offered. It is hoped that this could be a good opportunity to reach out to families taking their children to the elementary school behind us.
Meditations on the Cross
Author Unknown
Jesus, poor and abject, unknown and despised, have mercy upon me, and let me not be ashamed to follow Thee.
O Jesus, hated, calumniated, and persecuted, have mercy upon me, and make me content to be as my Master.
O Jesus, blasphemed, accused, and wrongfully condemned, have mercy upon me, and teach me to endure the contradiction of sinners.
O Jesus, clothed with a habit of reproach and shame, have mercy upon me, and let me not seek my own glory.
O Jesus, insulted, mocked, and spit upon, have mercy upon me, and let me not faint in the fiery trial.
O Jesus, crowned with thorns and hailed in derision;
O Jesus, burdened with our sins and the curses of the people;
O Jesus, affronted, outraged, buffeted, overwhelmed with injuries, griefs and humiliations;
O Jesus, hanging on the accursed tree, bowing the head, giving up the ghost, have mercy upon me, and conform my whole soul with Thy holy, humble, suffering Spirit.
Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up.
Next Week`s Readings
The Feast of St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord (observed)
Psalm 45:10-17
Isaiah 61:7-11
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 1:39-55
Next Week`s Hymns
For All the Faithful Women, verses 1, 2, 8, 3 & 4 - LSB 855
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came, LSB 356
We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God, LSB 941
Jesus Comes Today With Healing, LSB 620
My Soul Rejoices, LSB 933
The Lord be with you!
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 908 W. Main Middleville, MI 49333 +269-795-2391+ goodshepherdlcms@gmail.com