Sunday Service Times
- Eucharist begins at 10 am
- Nursery care available 9-11 am
Congregational worship is the heart and soul of the Church of the Good Shepherd. We are proud to be members of the world-wide Anglican community. Our Sunday Eucharist service begins at 10:00 am and usually lasts about an hour. Attire varies for each individual and each occasion, and you’ll soon discover we’re all about the worship and not about clothes! Upon one’s arrival to the sanctuary, ushers warmly greet everyone and distribute the church bulletin. The service is printed in its entirety in the bulletin, making the liturgy quite easy to follow. A “welcome visitors” card is located at each pew. Feel free to fill out the back and place it in the offering plate for future communication. We want to get to know you. The sanctuary remains peacefully quiet for reflection and meditation between 9:40 and the start of the service.
Can you tell me about the service?
Many of our parishioners play an active role in the worship service as greeters, ushers, acolytes, choir members, bell ringers, lay readers, altar guild, Sunday school teachers, even hostesses for light refreshments at coffee hour following the service. Our worship includes readings from the Old and New testaments, a Psalm, a memorable sermon based on the day’s scriptures, an affirmation of faith using one of the Creeds, congregational prayers, and hymns and a celebration of communion (Holy Eucharist).
How do Episcopalians worship?
Episcopal worship is participatory. We generally stand to sing, sit during readings and the sermon, and stand or kneel during prayer. Led by the very talented organist,pianist and choirmaster, Mark Scholtz, our parish choir may be small in number but are commanding in voice. Traditional hymns, ranging from tender to triumphant, fill our world with thanksgiving and often we are delighted with the beautiful melodies and harmony of the bell ringers tucked away in the choir loft. We also share in the ancient practice of passing the peace of the Lord with one another, bridging any walls and promoting good will. Communion is taken as you wish. You may approach God’s table and receive the bread and the wine, the bread only or simply cross your arms over your chest for a blessing. If it is physically too difficult to approach the altar, an usher will have the Pastor and chalice bearer bring the bread and wine to you. Children are always encouraged to come forward for a blessing. The service closes with an uplifting hymn as the community stands. Our Pastor then triumphantly sends us forth into the world charging us to bear the peace and love of Christ to all whom we meet. We all respond whole heartedly “Thanks be to God!”
Join us for Sunday worship and allow your hearts to be filled with the grace and inspiration that we have come to know so well. Come home to the Church of the Good Shepherd.
“Seek and you will find”