Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church
Sunday Services
What can you expect when you worship at Good Shepherd?
At Good Shepherd we have two services each Sunday, the 8:45am traditional service and the 11am Sing and Rejoice service!
Also, between services, we offer Sunday School for all ages during the school year, as well as special events!
What is the same at both services?
Duration
Both services last approximately 1 hour.
Communion
Both services include communion!
Flow of Worship
Worship at both services follows the same general order.
Flow of Worship
Gathering
We begin by preparing our hearts for worship.
This portion of the service typically includes:
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Prelude
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Welcome
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Confession and Forgiveness
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Opening Hymn
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Greeting
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Prayer of the Day
You may notice people standing, sitting, or making the sign of the cross. Participation is always optional. The bulletin includes cues like "Please stand as you are able."
Word
We gather around Scripture to hear God's story and reflect on how it speaks into our lives today.
This section usually includes:
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Children's Message
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Old Testament Reading
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Psalm
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New Testament Reading
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Gospel Reading
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Sermon
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Hymn of the Day
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Apostles' Creed
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Prayers of the People
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Passing of the Peace
After the prayers, you'll have the opportunity to greet those around you with words such as "Peace be with you." A handshake or wave is common, but physical contact is only encouraged when it's welcome.
Meal
Every Sunday we celebrate Holy Communion.
All are welcome.
At Good Shepherd, everyone is invited to receive Communion. We believe that Christ is truly present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine, and that this meal is a gift of God's grace, not a reward for having everything figured out.
How Communion Works
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Ushers will invite each row forward.
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At the 8:45am service, you are invited to stand or kneel around the altar.​
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At the 11am service, communion is provided standing in front of the altar.
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Pick up an empty cup for wine, or select a prefilled cup of grape juice.
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Hold out your hands to receive the bread from the pastor. (Gluten-free wafers are available upon request!)
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You may consume the bread at that time.
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Lift the empty cup to receive the wine, or lift the prefilled cup to have it blessed by the attendant.
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If you would prefer not to receive communion, you are welcome to come forward and request a blessing.
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Children are communed or blessed at their guardian's discretion.
Sending
Worship concludes with:
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Prayer after Communion
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Blessing
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Closing Hymn
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Dismissal
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Postlude
The final dismissal reminds us that worship continues through the way we serve our neighbors throughout the week.
How will I know what to do when?
Don't worry! Everything you need is printed in the bulletin. The bulletin indicates when to sit, or stand as you are able.
Text that is in Bold is read out loud by the whole congregation.
Text that is not in bold is read by the pastor or a worship assistant.
Text in italics is informational.
Do I have to sing?
Nope! You are invited to make a joyful noise if you want! None of us are professional singers, and none of us are judging anyone's singing talent.
If you enjoy praising through song, sing along!
At the 8:45am service, songs are typically found in the bulletin or hymnal.
At the 11am service, lyrics are up on the screen to the left.
What should I wear?
Wear something comfortable! Some people enjoy dressing up in their "Sunday best," while others come in jeans, shorts, leggings, or a T-shirt. You'll see everything from sneakers and sandals to dress shoes.
Our only requirement is that your clothing provides appropriate coverage for a shared public space. Beyond that, come as you are!
Are children and infants welcome?
Absolutely! Children of all ages and ability are welcome and wanted in service. Crying? That's just a joyful noise! Fidgeting? No problem. Need to take a break? Go ahead! There's plenty of space just outside the worship space. We know children can be noisy and need attention. What we care about is that they get to be part of worship in whatever way works for you and your family.
What about accessibility?
We are blessed to have an accessible building - no stairs! .
If you'd prefer to take communion in the pew, you can pick up a communion kit from the ushers when you enter.
Large Print Bulletins are also available!
Service animals are welcome!
The pastor and worship assistants use microphones.
If you have special requirements, let us know! We are happy to help make sure you are as comfortable as possible.
What if I have doubts?
None of us has everything figured out. We all carry questions, doubts, joys, struggles, and hopes. Worship is where we gather to seek God together, encourage one another, and grow in faith.
You don't have to be perfect, have all the answers, or "have it together" before coming to church. Whoever you are and wherever you are on life's journey, you are a beloved child of God, and you are welcome here!