GSLCVA Podcast

Does ministry need to be in person to be legitimate? Jesus healed a centurion’s servant “remotely” (Matthew 8:5-13), and Jesus is with us, now, even though he’s not among us in the flesh. In this devotion, Pastor Johann reminds us that even while many of us long for in person gatherings, we should also embrace the benefits of virtual ministry and look forward to the day when we proclaim the gospel in a hybrid way: in person, and by using the latest technology, whatever it might be.

These days, when we are battered by the challenges of life, we need to stay focused on Jesus, who comes to us in the middle of all our torment and grabs us by the hand to rescue us from life’s storms. Our focus on Jesus and his word is imperfect, but we give thanks that Jesus never loses focus. When we feel we are overwhelmed by troubles and uncertainties, we can remember that Jesus calmed his disciples before he calmed the storm, saying, “Take courage; don’t be afraid, I AM.”

Good Shepherd’s prayer warriors kept up a vigil recently while Michael, a brother in Christ, underwent a lung transplant. We praise God for medical miracles such as this one– and for the greatest miracle of all: that Jesus Christ, the source of life, gave up his life for us so that we might live in eternity with him. This Midweek Recharge recalls the vigil and the joy surrounding Michael’s successful surgery.

Jesus has just learned that John the Baptist – a man he loved dearly – has been killed, and he wants to get away. So Jesus gets in a boat and sails away. But on the other side of the lake, he sees a crowd. He doesn't flee. He gets out – then heals and feeds them. Jesus’ compassion and love shine, and we – as Christ's body today – must do the same.

Since our time together in person is limited and occasions for Pastor Johann leading meal prayers at church with us gathered are also limited, we have made a podcast with some meal prayers and daily bread prayers. They can be used interchangeably, and some of the prayers at the end of the podcast would be suitable for giving thanks right after dinner or for a meal or snack very late in the day.

The life of those who are church workers – whether called, staff, or volunteer – is   challenging during the best of times, and the conditions imposed by the pandemic  add layers of difficulties. In this Midweek Recharge, Pastor Johann talks about  some of those challenges and what we all can do to support those who work to  further the   mission and ministry of Good Shepherd: pray; encourage; when  tempted to complain, think of the greater good. And extend an extra measure of  grace and forgiven

These days, it is easy to feel alone and afraid, overwhelmed by the constant changes we are subjected to during the coronavirus pandemic. The church has weathered many catastrophes and tribulations throughout its history, so the uncertainty we experience during the “new normal” is nothing new for Christians. The worries and fears caused by these storms lead us to ask: Are we actually alone? Will God abandon us? In this sermon, Rev. Nils Niemeier reminds us that we are, in fact, never alone.

We’re still finding out how much patience it takes to get past the “new abnormal.” We’re weary of the present and wary of the future. But waiting is what Christians do. We’ve been faithfully anticipating the Second Coming of Jesus for almost 2000 years. And God, with everlasting love and patience, waits for us and with us, as well

In today’s gospel, Jesus uses agricultural language to talk wheat and weeds—just as he did in last week’s parable of planting seeds and soil. People who grew up with the farm as part of their life may not easily grasp why the farmer in Jesus’ parable would allow the weeds to continue to grow alongside his wheat.

The Parable of the Sower, also known as the Parable of the Soils, is one of the few for which we have Jesus’ own interpretation. Jesus tells of seed that is sown: some lands on a path, some on rocky soil, some among thorns and weeds. Some falls on good soil. In this “earthy” sermon, Pastor Johann helps us understand what happens in “good soil” people when the seed of God’s Word is sown in their hearts.