Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

The readings for Sunday, August 9:

• 1 Kings 19:4-8
• Psalm 34:1-8
• Ephesians 4:25-5:2
• John 6:35, 41-51

In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus continues to explain that he is “the living bread that came down from heaven”. The reflection on the text comes from Alyce McKenzie, a professor of preaching and worship at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University:

• You Just Don’t Get It, Do You?

For further contemplation, here is a visual art piece relating to the reading from Ephesians—relationships broken in the Fall are being redeemed through Christ. It is an image by James Nesbitt called “Hath God Truly Said”.

For more on James Nesbitt and his art, see http://www.pbase.com/jamesnesbitt.

The readings for Sunday, August 2:

• Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15
• Psalm 78:23-29
• Ephesians 4:1-16
• John 6:24-35

In this week’s Gospel lesson, and for the next few weeks, Jesus tells his followers about the true bread from heaven: “I am the bread of life.” The reflection on this week’s text comes from Alan Brehm, a pastor of the Presbyterian church in Nebraska:

• Perishable Things

For further contemplation, here is a visual art piece relating to today’s readings and reflection.  It is an image by Johannes Vermeer called “The Milkmaid”.

Vermeer is a Dutch painter from the 17th century.  Dutch art of this era explored the beauty of the simple things in life as well as human fragility and mortality.  For more on this artwork see ArtWay.eu.

The readings for Sunday, July 26:

• 2 Kings 4:42-44
• Psalm 145:10-18
• Ephesians 3:14-21
• John 6:1-21

In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus feeds the five thousand. The reflection on this familiar story comes from the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt:

• On Barbeque Grills and a Boy’s Lunch

Pastor Janet Hunt has served as a Lutheran pastor in a variety of contexts in Northern Illinois, and is a long-time partner and Associated Trainer for Church Innovations, a research and consulting non-profit institute that innovates capacities of churches to be renewed in God’s mission.

For further contemplation, here is a visual art piece relating to Ephesians 3:14-21. This image by Makoto Fujimura is called “Soliloquies-Joy”.

The paint is made from precious metals. Gold leaf is also used in the art work. You can learn more about the artist and the technique of nihonga painting that he uses by visiting makotofujimura.com.

The readings for Sunday, July 19:

• Jeremiah 23:1-6
• Psalm 23
• Ephesians 2:11-22
• Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus bids us, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” The reflection on this reading comes from Rick Morley:

• Jesus’ man-cave

Land art by photographer and environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy

The readings for Sunday, July 12:

• Amos 7:7-15
• Psalm 85:8-13
• Ephesians 1:3-14
• Mark 6:14-29

In this week’s Gospel lesson, we hear of the death of John the Baptist. Here are some thoughts on the reading, again from David Lose:

• Reflection on Mark 6:14-29

The readings for this Sunday, July 5:

• Ezekiel 2:1-5
• Psalm 123
• 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
• Mark 6:1-13

In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus finds he can do no deed of power in his hometown. The reflection on this text comes from David Lose:

• Something To Do

The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose is currently the president of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Before that, he held the Marbury E. Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the author of several books, including Making Sense of the Christian Faith, which we used in our Adult Faith Study earlier this year.

Let us know your thoughts on this reflection, and on our blog in general!

Every week this summer, we will be posting a link to the lessons for the upcoming Sunday, along with a link to a reflection for the week from one of our favourite sites. If you are unable to join us on Sunday (or even if you can!), use this link for your devotions throughout the week.