Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - Cincinnati

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.

God Finds Us | Pastor Lorne Hlad by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

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 boun...

Who is the real you – the person you don’t share with the world? On this Maundy Thursday, Pastor Lorne reminds us that Jesus know exactly who we are – and despite our shortcomings & faults, He loves us just the same.

Do you ever wish for something to work out a certain way? The people of Jerusalem certainly did. They wished a person would show up to save them from their circumstances and oppression. A person that would conquer & punish their enemies. Instead, they got the Prince of Peace, Jesus. Pastor Alex explores how these unmet expectations led the crowd from shouts of "Hosanna" to "Crucify him" in less th...

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.

Leaving what is comfortable can be scary. This week, Pastor Alex uses the story of Abram & 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 Melinda What 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...

“The world is desperately in need of people who want to promote peace, of people who will refrain from judgment, hold back wrath and violence, and instead bring out something good in the midst of challenging times.” – Pastor Alex Jesus calls us to be like both salt & light, but what does that mean? In today’s sermon, Pastor Alex explore what Jesus is telling us when He says we are like salt & ligh...

“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 Lorne How 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 bles...

“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 Lorne There 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...

“Do we seek to, like Jesus, point out the absurdity of violence for peace?” – Pastor Alex There 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...