Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

09/06/2026

Using Romans 13:8-14, today’s second reading, Pastor James emphasizes that Christian love lies at the heart of genuine faith and fulfills God’s law. Stories of unexpected compassion toward people in need, especially those experiencing homelessness, remind us that Christ is met among “the least of these.”

Paul’s command to “owe no one anything, except to love one another” clearly establishes that love does not cancel God’s law but reveals its purpose. The commandments against adultery, murder, stealing, and coveting are fulfilled as believers seek their neighbors’ good. Drawing on Luther’s Small Catechism, the sermon teaches that love both avoids harm and actively protects, supports, and serves others.

In closing the message contrasts self-centered “Need-love” with self-giving “Gift-love,” revealed most fully in Christ’s death on the cross. Such love reflects God’s grace and transforms lives. Echoing Paul’s urgency, Pastor James calls on believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” now by loving ordinary neighbors in ordinary moments as a living witness to God’s love.

Link to the September 6 bulletin:
https://www.tinyurl.com/2rfsfxpn

Link to September 6 worship page:
https://gslcva.org/livestream-worship-service-links/christian-love/
Link to welcome card:
https://gslcva.org/welcome-to-good-shepherd/

Are you interested in learning more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church? Check out our Virtual Tour: https://gslcva.org/about/virtual-tour/
Are you interested in learning more about our Preschool at Good Shepherd? For more information to: https://gslcva.org/preschool/

Don’t forget to subscribe or follow our channel so that you don’t miss a video! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram by searching or clicking the links below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodshepherdva
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gslcva

09/05/2026

Join us tomorrow morning for Pastor James’ sermon, Christian Love

08/30/2026

In today’s gospel, Matthew 16:21–28, Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up the cross, and follow Him. Pastor James asserts that the cross must remain at the heart of the Christian faith because it reveals God’s sacrificial love, redemption, humility, service, and forgiveness. Pastor James goes on to explain that “losing life” for Christ doesn’t mean self-hatred or needless suffering, but surrendering self-centeredness, worldly ideas of success, and the desire for control. True life is found not in possessions, power, or status, but in relationship with God, love for others, trust, and sacrificial service.

Additionally, the message details three key marks of discipleship. First, denying oneself means removing the self from the center and giving God His rightful place. That follows with taking up the cross by choosing obedience to God, as Jesus did, when He prayed, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” Finally, following Jesus requires daily Christ-like commitment, remaining near to God and allowing Him to shape one’s life. Though discipleship is demanding, Christ’s cross gives believers the strength to bear their burdens, serve faithfully, and discover true life in Him.

Link to the August 30 bulletin:
https://www.tinyurl.com/5adex3a4
Link to August 30 worship page:
https://gslcva.org/livestream-worship-service-links/the-crux-of-the-cross/
Link to welcome card:
https://gslcva.org/welcome-to-good-shepherd/

Are you interested in learning more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church? Check out our Virtual Tour: https://gslcva.org/about/virtual-tour/
Are you interested in learning more about our Preschool at Good Shepherd? For more information to: https://gslcva.org/preschool/

Don’t forget to subscribe or follow our channel so that you don’t miss a video! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram by searching or clicking the links below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodshepherdva​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gslcva​

08/29/2026

Join us tomorrow morning for Pastor James’ sermon, The Crux of the Cross

08/28/2026

With just a couple of weeks left in our summer schedule we remember all of the volunteers who helped make Rainforest Falls VBS a success! Thank you for showing God’s love in action.

08/27/2026

Celebrating the baptism of our friend, Ryan.

“For all of you who are baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27

08/23/2026

Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery exposes humanity’s enduring tendency to cling to rituals of fear, blame, and scapegoating, reminding us how easily communities can sacrifice compassion in the name of tradition. Read through a theological lens, the story highlights the human impulse to seek atonement through victims, yet Scripture steadily points away from violence and toward God’s desire for love, mercy, and transformed hearts. The sermon contrasts such false sacrifices with the Gospel proclamation that Christ’s self-offering is the final and perfect sacrifice, freeing believers from the cycle of appeasement and condemnation. Drawing on Romans 12, it calls Christians not to conform to the patterns of a fallen world but to become living sacrifices, offering their lives through faithful service, generosity, and Christlike character. Ultimately, the message is a gracious invitation to respond to God’s abundance with gratitude, dedicating our time, talents, and treasure to God’s mission and the flourishing of others.

Link to welcome card:
https://gslcva.org/welcome-to-good-shepherd/

Are you interested in learning more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church? Check out our Virtual Tour: https://gslcva.org/about/virtual-tour/
Are you interested in learning more about our Preschool at Good Shepherd? For more information to: https://gslcva.org/preschool/

Don’t forget to subscribe or follow our channel so that you don’t miss a video! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram by searching or clicking the links below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodshepherdva​
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gslcva

08/22/2026

08/22/2026

Join us tomorrow morning for Pastor Johann’s sermon, A Living Sacrifice

08/19/2026

Join us this Sunday after service in the Fellowship Hall for the Voters’ Assembly. For more information visit https://gslcva.org/board-news/fiscal-year-2027-voters-assembly/