Happy New Year or Joyous New Life - December 29, 2011 - audio sermon

As the year 2011 comes to a close and the world says "Happy New Year," Pastor Randy suggests instead that God wants to give us a "Joyous New Life." May his message entitled "Happy New Year or Joyous New Life" (from Philippians 4:4-13) be a blessing to you!

A Christmas Story - December 15, 2011 - audio sermon

What would A Christmas Story be without a manger, animals, a star, Magi, shepherds and angels?  It would be A Christmas Story the way the first chapter of the Gospel of John tells it.

John gives of a story of the power of God's Light--the Light of the World that is Christ Jesus.  Enjoy Pastor Randy's message of A Christmas Story as John explains it to us.

You Are Here - December 8, 2011 - audio sermon

Malls seem to be popular places to be this time of the year and all malls seem to have signage to help you find your way around.  At tonight's Worship Village, Pastor Randy delivered a message based on a shopping mall sign and entitled "You Are Here."

How are YOU doing this time of year?  Is it possible that God is trying to do something NEW with you, for you or through you?  Want to learn more?  Enjoy "You Are Here."

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - December 1, 2011 - audio sermon

'Tis the season!  Tonight at Good Shepherd's Worship Village, Pastor Bobby stepped in for Pastor Randy.  We continue to hold Pastor Randy in prayer and are happy to report that he is no longer on IVs and that his condition is improving.  He sends his love and appreciates your prayers.

Pastor Bobby's message was entitled "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." May it be a blessing to you.

God's Overflowing Cornucopia of Goodness - November 24, 2011 - audio sermon

Happy Thanksgiving!  Although Worship Village took the evening off, Pastor Randy delivered a homily entitled "God's Overflowing Cornucopia of Goodness" at Good Shepherd's morning service of Thanksgiving and Holy Communion.

Worship Village returns next week and will celebrate the start of Advent.  Join us each Thursday at 6:35 PM!

Living In An Attitude of Gratitude - November 17, 2011 - audio sermon

Because Worship Village will not meet on Thanksgiving Evening, we celebrated THANKSGIVING tonight at Good Shepherd's Midweek Service of Worship, Word and Holy Communion. 

Enjoy Pastor Randy's message entitled "Living In An Attitude of Gratitude" from tonight's service.

Worship Village will resume in two weeks on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 6:35 PM.

Hearts For Service - November 10, 2011 - audio sermon

Tonight's Worship Village at Good Shepherd UCC featured a patriotic-themed service as we honored our veterans, prayed for our country and her people, and sang patriotic hymns.  Pastor Randy's sermon was entitled "Hearts For Service" and was based on Luke 17:5-10.

Do We Have It Too Easy? - November 3, 2011 - audio sermon

Tonight, Pastor Randy preached a messaged entitled "Do We Have It Too Easy?" which used the story of Saint Stephen from the Book of Acts as a launching point to historically explore Christian martyrdom.

Reformed or Reforming; United or Uniting - October 27, 2011 - audio sermon

Good Shepherd United Church of Christ has it's heritage in the old German Evangelical and Reformed church.  Tonight at Good Shepherd's Worship Village, we celebrated Reformation Day by going "old school" and singing some good old fashion German hymns!  Pastor Randy's message "Reformed or Reforming; United or Uniting" speaks to the Protestant Reformation and how Christians should pray the prayer that Jesus prays for all believers in John 17:23 when he prays "that they may all be one."

The Biggest Liar - October 20, 2011 - audio sermon

Who is The Biggest Liar?  You probably already know the answer to the question, but in his Worship Village message tonight entitled "The Biggest Liar", Pastor Randy gives us Satan's Top 5 lies.

Our High Priest Is THE High Priest - October 13, 2011 - audio sermon

As Christians, we have a direct line to God the Father in Heaven through the second person of the Holy Trinity, Christ Jesus.  As our Jewish friends celebrated Yom Kippur last week, tonight at Worship Village, Pastor Randy preached from Hebrews 9 and explored how "Our High Priest Is THE High Priest" and his name is Jesus!

Happy First Birthday Worship Village! - October 6, 2011 - audio message

What a GREAT celebration held on the evening of October 6, 2011!  We marked the FIRST BIRTHDAY of Good Sheperd UCC's Midweek Service of Worship, Word and Holy Communion with a Service of Celebration.  As always, we started with some GREAT worship music and remembered our Lord's Last Supper by celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

After Holy Communion, our Service of Celebration included some reflections on worship by Pastor Randy Graf, Pastor Bobby Malbrough, Brother Troy Dancer and Brother Barry Triche.

Join us each Thursday @ 6:35 PM for Good Shepherd's Worship Village!

The Healing Ministry of Christ Jesus - September 29, 2011 - audio sermon

Tonight at Worship Village, over 50 people stepped forward to our altar at Good Shepherd to receive prayer and anointing with healing oil at our Service of Health and Healing.  Pastor Randy and Pastor Bobby thank Troy Dancer for his Spirit-filled worship leading and Pastor Greg Finch from Origins Church for his assistance in prayer and anointing.

Enjoy Pastor Randy's message entitled "The Healing Ministry of Christ Jesus".

Nothing Is Impossible For Jesus - September 22, 2011 - audio sermon

This evening at Worship Village, Pastor Randy turned to pulpit over to Pastor Bobby who preached a sermon entitled "Nothing Is Impossible For Jesus" based on John 5:1-15.

Enjoy!

The Power of God's Word - September 15, 2011 - audio sermon

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus and in verses 29-31 Jesus tells us that there is something more powerful than even the miracles he performs.  What is it?  It's God's Word.

Enjoy Pastor Randy's message entitled "The Power of God's Word" recorded at Good Shepherd UCC's Worship Village on September 15, 2011.

Join us each week @ 6:35 PM for Worship Village, Good Shepherd UCC's Midweek Service of Worship, Word and Holy Communion.  Come as  you are-leave a new creation in Christ!

Are You Ready For Some Football? - September 8, 2011 - audio sermon

One hour prior to the start of the Saints 2011 season, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ did what they do every Thursday evening--they held Worship Village!

Enjoy Pastor Randy's message entitled "Are You Ready For Some Football?" based on Revelation 19:11-21.

Let's Talk About the Weather - September 1, 2011 - audio sermon

With a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico threatening to strengthen into Tropical Storm Lee, Good Shepherd met as they do every Thursday @ 6:35 PM for Worship Village.

This week, Pastor Randy preached a message entitled "Let's Talk About the Weather" based on Matthew 16:1-12.

Join us Thursdays @ 6:35 PM for Worship Village at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ.  It's our midweek service of Worship, Word and Holy Communion and it's been described as "the fastest hour you'll ever spend in church."

Finding Peace In Conflict - August 25, 2011 - audio sermon

Recorded at Good Shepherd UCC's Worship Village on August 25, 2011, this message by Pastor Randy is entitled "Finding Peace In Conflict" and is based on John 14:23-27. Enjoy!

On Being Called - August 18, 2011 - audio sermon

Enjoy the "studio" version of Pastor Randy's message entitled "On Being Called" preached at Good Shepherd UCC's Worship Village on August 18, 2011.  The message is based on Romans 12:1-8.

The Power of Words - August 11, 2011 - audio sermon

In Matthew 15:10-20, Jesus makes the point that what comes out of our mouths--words--are extremely powerful.  But where do words come from?  In that same Gospel text, Jesus tells us that our words originate in our hearts.

Tonight at Worship Village, Pastor Randy delivered a message entitled "The Power of Words" which explores how our words and how the thoughts that become our words can have a tremendous influence on the quality of our lives.

Join us each Thursday @ 6:35 PM for Worship Village at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ!

Wisdom - August 4, 2011 - audio sermon

At tonight's Worship Village, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ honored worship team musician Seth Jones as we wished him well as he leaves for college.  Seth is a young man who is blessed with so many gifts and talents and most impressively gifted with WISDOM that only God can give.

Tonight, with the help of Seth, Pastor Randy preached on Wisdom.  Enjoy!

The Greatest News - July 28, 2011 - audio sermon

We're probably all familiar with the so-called Prosperity Gospel of Christianity.  In tonight's sermon at Worship Village, Pastor Randy examined the One True Gospel in a message entitled "The Greatest News".

The Village Goes to VBS - July 21, 2011 - audio sermon

Tonight's Worship Village coincided with Day 4 our Vacation Bible School (VBS).  Our praise band took the night off and let the VBS kids lead worship before heading off to their classes.  Pastor Randy's message "The Village Goes to VBS" explored the five key bible verses that our VBS kids have been studying all week.  Enjoy!

Can You Handle the Truth? - July 14, 2011 - audio sermon

Remember that GREAT movie A Few Good Men and that GREAT line "You can't handle the truth!"?

At tonight's Worship Village, Pastor Randy preached a sermon entitled "Can You Handle the Truth?" based on John 14:1-6.

Some Significant Sevens - 7/7/11 - audio sermon

At tonight's Worship Village, since the date was July 7 (7-7) Pastor Randy decided to preach a message entitled "Some Significant Sevens" which explained the meaning of the number 7 in Holy Scripture and explored some interesting scriptural verses that include the number 7.  Enjoy!

God Bless America - June 30, 2011 - audio sermon

At tonight's Worship Village, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ held a very special Prayer Service for America.  May Pastor Randy's message, entitled God Bless America, be a blessing to you.

Accidental By Design - June 23, 2011 - audio sermon

Have you ever realized that what seem to be setbacks may actually be set ups for future victories in your life compliments of God?

May Pastor Randy's message "Accidental By Design" by a blessing to you!

Our Father - June 16, 2011 - audio sermon

Father's Day is THIS Sunday.  Tonight at Worship Village, Pastor Randy preached a message entitled "Our Father" and examined what God's Word tells us about our Father God and we, His children. 

Join us every Thursday @ 6:35 PM at Good Shepherd UCC's contemporary midweek service of Worship, Word and Holy Communion at Worship Village!

The REAL Power of Knowledge - June 9, 2011 - audio sermon

Tonight at Worship Village, Pastor Randy preached a message entitled "The REAL Power of Knowledge" based on Matthew 5:14-16. 

Join us every Thursday evening @ 6:35 PM for Worship Village, Good Shepherd UCC's contemporary midweek service of Worship, Word and Holy Communion. 

God's Healing Power - May 26, 2011 - audio sermon

Pastor Randy's message entitled from tonight's Healing Service at Worship Village. May this message, entitled "God's Healing Power" be a blessing to you!

Join us every Thursday evening @ 6:35 PM for our Service of Worship, Word and Holy Communion at Good Shepherd UCC's Worship Village!

Stormy Waters - May 18, 2011 - audio sermon

Tonight at Worship Village, we had the privilege of having one of our teens deliver the message.  Enjoy Prasad Akula's message entitled "Stormy Waters" based on Mark 4:35-41.

Next week we will feature a very special Health & Healing Service at Worship Village on Thursday, May 26 @ 6:35 PM!

How We See God - May 12, 2011 - audio sermon

Pastor Randy's message entitled "How We See God" from tonight's Worship Village at Good Shepherd UCC based on John 20:19-31. Enjoy listening to it!

REMINDER: Next week, Worship Village will meet on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 @ 6:35PM and the following week, we'll return to our typical Thursday evening meeting on May 26, 2011 @ 6:35 PM as we hold our Health & Healing service!

How We See Communion - May 4, 2011 - audio sermon

This week, Worship Village met on Wednesday rather than Thursday.  We'll move back to Thursday next week before having one more Wednesday meeting on May 18.

Pastor Randy's message this week was entitled "How We See Communion".  Enjoy!

Eye Opening Communion - April 28, 2011 - audio sermon

May Pastor Randy's sermon entitled "Eye Opening Communion" be blessing to you.  It was preached at Good Shepherd's Worship Village on Thursday, April 29, 2011.

NOTICE: Next week, Worship Village will meet on WEDNESDAY (May 4) at 6:35 PM.  Please adjust your schedule as we will meet one day earlier than normal!

Which Disciple Are You? - April 21, 2011 - Maundy Thursday - Audio Sermon

Tonight's sermon entitled "Which Disciple Are You?" from Good Shepherd's Maundy Thursday service.

Blessings!

Where Your Treasure Is - April 14, 2011 - Audio Sermon

May Pastor Randy's message from Worship Village (April 14, 2011) be a blessing to you. It's entitled "Where Your Treasure Is" and is based on Mark 12:13-17. Join us each Thursday @ 6:35 PM for Worship Village at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ.

Not My Will, But Yours Be Done - April 7, 2011 - Audio Sermon

Based on Luke 22:39-46, this is Pastor Randy's sermon entitled "Not My Will, But Yours Be Done" from the April 7, 2011 Worship Village at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ.

Enjoy listening!

Transformation - March 31, 2011 - audio

Tonight at Worship Village, Pastor Randy preached on the Lenten theme of "Transformation" based on Luke 4:1-13, the story of Jesus in the desert.  Enjoy this audio sermon!

Worship Village meets every Thursday @ 6:35 PM at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Metairie, LA.

The Rest of the Story - March 17, 2011 - audio

Happy St. Patrick's Day!   Enjoy Pastor Randy's message entitle "The Rest of the Story" from the March 17, 2011 Worship Village based on 1 Peter 4:7-11.

This Is The Day! - March 10, 2011 - audio

As we enter the Lenten Season, Pastor Randy examined the temporary nature of physical life and in his message "This Is The Day" he reminded us of how David prays "God, teach us to number our days!"  In this message, he also reminds us that there are no ordinary days--only extraordinary days which are all gifts from God!  Enjoy!

Join us each Thursday @ 6:35PM for Worship Village at Good Shepherd UCC.

Reflections On Lent - March 3, 2011 - Audio

As we prepare to enter the last weekend of Mardi Gras 2011, we also prepare to enter the Lenten Season.  In tonight's Worship Village message, Pastor Randy shares some "Reflections On Lent" as we await the official start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

Join us each Thursday @ 6:35 PM for Worship Village at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ!

Walking By Faith - February 24, 2011 - [Audio]

In this message, Pastor Randy teaches on the concept of "Walking By Faith".  As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Join us every Thursday @ 6:35 PM for Worship Village at Good Shepherd UCC!

More Love - [Audio] - February 17, 2011

In his messaged entitled "More Love", Pastor Randy continues his teaching on love that he began last week.  This week's message, based on Mark 12:28-34, was recorded live at Good Shepherd's Worship Village. 

Join us at Good Shepherd UCC every Thursday at 6:35 PM for a casual, comfortable, contemporary, Christ-centered worship experience.

The Three "U"s of God's Love - [Audio] - February 10, 2011

In a few days we'll celebrate Valentines Day, but tonight at Worship Village we explored LOVE, not from the chocolate candy and greeting card perspective, but rather from The Three "U"s of God's Love.

Join us each Thursday at 6:35PM for Worship Village at Good Shepherd UCC.  Come as you are; leave transformed!

TONIGHT, February 10 @ 6:35PM at Worship Village

This Monday is Valentine’s Day, but TONIGHT AT WORSHIP VILLAGE we’ll examine the attributes of God’s love!  Join us at 6:35 PM for some GREAT worship music and a positive, uplifting Christian message from Pastor Randy.  As always, we’ll conclude our mid-week service with Holy Communion.

This week’s worship set:

1. Come, Now Is The Time To Worship

2. All Of You

3. I Can Sing Of Your Love Forever

4. Amazing Love (You Are My King)
 

Question: Notice anything about those songs?  They’re all love songs to God!  Join us for a LOVELY evening of worship tonight at Worship Village!  Come as you are; leave transformed!

 

Worship Village - Good Shepherd UCC - 5122 West Esplanade in Metairie, LA 70006

www.gsucc.com/ministries/worship-village

Health And Healing - [audio] - February 3, 2011

What a great night it was to re-launch Worship Village with a Health and Healing theme.  Enjoy this audio recording of tonight's sermon on Health & Healing based on the ninth chapter of Matthew!

"HEALTH & HEALING" Service to Re-Launch Worship Village Feb. 3

This Thursday, February 3, 2011, @ 6:35 PM, Good Shepherd UCC will re-launch its weekly midweek service Worship Village.  Originally launched in October 2010 by Dr. Randall M. Graf, Associate Pastor, Worship Village met weekly through December on Thursday evenings at 6:35 PM offering a casual, comfortable, contemporary, Christ-centered worship experience.  

Pastor Randy states that he is “extremely excited” about bringing the mid-week service out of its temporary hiatus and re-launching it on Thursday, February 3, 2011 @ 6:35 PM with the first week’s service designed to have a HEALTH & HEALING theme.

“Worship Village is designed to be ‘a no dress code, come as you are service’ for anyone looking to experience uplifting worship music, an encouraging message and Holy Communion” says Graf.  He adds “the 6:35 PM start time for worship & communion allows for most people to attend after work or school and was chosen as a tribute to John 6:35 whereby Jesus states: ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.’” 

Worship Village, which became known for its rocking praise band and contemporary flare, was well received by Good Shepherd since its inception in October 2010.  It boasts a simple order of worship: Worship Music; Scripture Reading; Uplifting Message;  culminating with Holy Communion and has been described by some as “the quickest 55 minutes you’ll ever spend in church!”

Pastor Randy Graf, who is also trained as a psychologist, says that the Thursday, February 3 restart of the service “will revolve around the theme of God’s desire to offer His children health and healing, including physical, emotional and spiritual healing and will offer those in attendance an incredible opportunity to not only hear about and learn about healing, but to be active participants in a healing service.”

Graf states the February 10 service will follow a LOVE theme.