Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd |

WORSHIP TIMES
Sunday 10:00 AM – Holy Eucharist
Wednesday 6:00 PM - Holy Eucharist

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Take a virtual tour of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and learn about the things that matter to us.

We're serious when we say 'All Are Welcome' on our sign at the corner of Pitney and Greenfield Roads. Our church is founded in God's Grace and we are excited to welcome anyone who wishes to join us in worship.

We at Good Shepherd take pride in our spiritual home. Take a moment to admire the carefully manicured landscaping and statue of the Good Shepherd as you make your way to the front door.

Visitors are warmly greeted by a volunteer at the entry. They'll make sure you get acquainted with the space and ready for worship.

Don't forget to sign the guestbook — we love to have visitors and will connect with a note of thanks and more information, if desired, after your stopover with us.

The Narthex is the 'hallway' on your way to the Nave where worship occurs. This is a place for meeting and even more greeting as you make your way to worship. At the center and both ends of the Narthex, there are doors to enter the Nave. Volunteers are posted there to make sure that you get a bulletin that contains your guide to the service.

Our church creates a reverent space of reflection and devotion — this all starts with the acolyte bringing light to the altar and ambo in the worship space.

Before service begins, the presiding minister, assisting ministers and acolyte bearing a cross gather for the procession to begin service. Be ready — you'll have some movement at the beginning of the service too!

At the beginning of the service, the congregation stands and faces the rear of the Nave for the confessional led by the presiding minister. The pastor will ask for the congregation to stand and face the font where he is standing. When he concludes, the ministers and acolyte will start their processional into the worship space. You will notice that the congregation turns and bows with the cross as it enters. When the processional is complete, the entire group is facing the front of the Nave to continue worship.

Music is central to our life at Good Shepherd with an array of fantastic tunes drifting down from the loft. Whether they are from voices, organ, piano, harp, trumpet or bells, the supplemental music is crafted to lift your spirit in devotion to Christ.

The Good Shepherd Choir performs throughout the service and at special times to create an atmosphere of joy and reflection.

The presiding minister is assisted by lay people from the Good Shepherd congregation to administer the worship service and make all who come feel welcomed into our space. Each person will have a role in the liturgy to lead the congregants through their time in worship.

Our service is based on the Word of God found in the Bible. The assisting minister will read two passages and the third, read by the Pastor, will usher in the Gospel reading for the week.

Good Shepherd's Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark Russell, provides a sermon that is based on the teachings of Christ and meant to uplift and teach about God's Grace. The sermon is a key element of service and is intended to speak with relevance to our everyday lives.

There are also opportunities for children to learn about God.

As a celebration of the happiness we share as Christians, we take time to 'Share the Peace' during the service. Attendees are encouraged to safely wave to one another. This is a chance to share in the love of Christ acknowledging everyone present in our church family.

Waving is a way we greet our neighbors while safely wishing them the peace of Christ.

Good Shepherd reserves time for people to make an offering during the service. We encourage you to give, as able, to support the ministries in our church as we seek to live out the radical hospitality of Christ. <i>Envelopes are provided in the pew if needed.</i>

Holy Communion is administered at every Good Shepherd service. Everyone is invited to join us in communion at the altar as we rejoice in the salvation of Christ and remember His sacrifice for us. Ushers will invite each pew to come forward and receive the Eucharist. After the invitation to come forward, you will proceed to the communion rail around the altar. On your way, you'll pass an usher holding a tray of glasses. You can choose to take one for wine, or to not take a glass and drink from the common chalice. Either way, the assisting ministers will be prepared to serve you. When you approach the rail, you will be invited to stand or kneel (stand if unable) by the presiding minister to receive the Eucharist.

The presiding minister will place the bread in your hand to consume representing the 'Body of Christ'.

An assisting minister will follow the bread with wine representing the 'Blood of Christ'. If you took a glass on your way to the altar, the wine will be poured. If not, an assisting minister will be ready with the 'Common Chalice' for you to drink from directly.

At the conclusion of the service, the ministers and acolyte will recess out of the nave in reverse of how they entered. Much like the procession, the congregation follows the Cross, bowing as it passes, to face the rear of the nave as the final hymn is sung.

Adult Faith Formation, takes place just after the 10:00 a.m. service, around 11:15 a.m. The adults of Good Shepherd gather to grow our understanding of the faith as a family in Christ. Church staff, volunteers and visiting speakers fill the calendar with engaging topics to deepen Christian faith and make relevant life connections.

We value the opportunity to form faith in our youngest members. Children’s Sunday School meets the third Sunday of the month from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Children & youth will learn the stories of the Bible in a safe and affirming environment. <a href=../childrenandfamilies target==_blank>Learn more here</a>.

Folks are invited to gather before, between and after services to meet someone new and chat with friends. The Martin Luther room is adjacent to the Narthex and a popular gathering spot.

Don't forget to stop by the Shepherd's Crook Café before or after the 10:00 a.m. service to grab a hot or cold brew! The Café is a cozy spot where members and guests can share a beverage and a great time connecting with one another.