You are welcome to join us for worship in person or online via a live stream on Sunday mornings or Thursday evenings. Another option is to view an archived service online.
A Worship Service:
A typical worship service lasts 60 minutes. You might notice we do a lot of singing throughout our services. The service includes a combination of traditional and contemporary songs. Typically singing is accompanied by an organ or a piano. The order of the service is found in a worship folder.
- For individuals attending in person, when the words to a song are not included in the worship folder, they can be seen on a screen in front of the church or in a song book located in the pews.
- If you are worshiping online you will find the words for songs and congregational responses overlaid your screen.
No two services are exactly the same, but they do follow a pattern and usually include the following in a variety of forms:
- The Invocation – We acknowledge that the focus of our worship is the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Confession and Absolution– We acknowledge that there is a wide gulf between God and His holiness and our sinfulness. The announcement of God’s forgiveness is freely offered to those who confess their sins. We are assured of forgiveness because of what Jesus Christ has done for us.
- Bible Readings– We hear selections from God’s Old Testament prophets, the Psalms, Jesus’ apostles, and from Jesus himself in one of the four the Gospels. The pastor also gives a brief explanation of each reading.
- Confession of Faith We state what we believe about God. Often this is done using one of the creeds.
- Sermon – The pastor offers instruction and encouragement based on a Biblical text, usually one of the readings of the day. It provides a clear presentation of sin (Law) and God’s promise of forgiveness (Gospel). Applications for everyday living personalize the message of Law and Gospel.
- Response to the Word – We respond with offerings, hymns, and prayers including the Lord’s Hymns and chanting occur throughout the worship service.
- Parting blessing – We hear one last assurance of God’s care through the Benediction. The Benediction is a blessing offered from God’s Word to his people and it dismisses us in the peace of Christ.
Children’s Devotion
Some services include a children’s devotion. Children are invited to the front of the church for a special message designed for them. Your child is welcome to come forward. If they are feeling shy, you are welcome to come to the front with them.
Ease of access
We want Good Shepherd to be accessible to all. These are some of the things we have available.
- For those with mobility issues: The building is on one level. You do not need to take stairs to access the sanctuary or fellowship hall. Wheelchairs are available at the main entrance for you to use. Pews in the middle of the church are short, allowing space for wheelchairs at the outer aisles. The Pastors are more than willing to bring Communion to our members in the Pew or wheelchair if they unable to come forward. Just let the Pastor or an Usher know of your situation.
- For those who are hard of hearing, we provide headphones. Ask an usher in the rear of the church to help you locate a set.
- For the visually impaired, we provide large print worship folders.
- For those with small children, there is a “Parent’s Room” with a one-way window allowing you to see the Pastor and the sanctuary. If your child becomes restless, you can take them to the Parent’s Room. You will find toys, books, a changing table, a love seat, and a rocking chair. Quiet Bags with books and coloring materials can be found as you come into the building in the Entry Space (narthex). Know, we love it when you bring your children to church.
What to Wear?
If you join us in person, you will find most people in casual dress. Although, some people will be in jeans or shorts and t-shirts. Others will be in suits or dresses. Wear what is comfortable.
Online Experience
If you join us during a live stream of a service, you will find a chatroom, a link to the worship folder, and a donation link. The donation link is for members and others interested in financially supporting our ministry. You are not obligated to make a donation. We freely share the Word of God.