Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church
What do we believe?
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is an affirming ELCA Church, meaning we are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
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Lutherans are Christians who are rooted in the Word of God, who are saved by faith and not by works, who trust in the Grace of God completely, who are saved by Jesus Christ, and to God alone is all glory and honor.
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Sola Scriptura, Sola fide, Sola gratia, Solus Christus, Soli Deo gloria
Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, To God Alone be the Glory!
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Lutherans have a long history that begins in the 16th century with a German monk named Martin Luther. The church has grown and changed throughout the centuries, but remains rooted in the Five Solae and in the work of Jesus Christ upon the cross.
Baptism
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Galatians 3:27 (NASB)
Some churches baptize only adults in large tubs of water. Other churches baptize infants. Lutherans believe that Baptism is a work of God and not a work we perform, so we invite adults and children to receive the gifts from God. At Good Shepherd, we tend to Baptize by pouring water from the Baptismal font over the head. If you have been baptized in another church, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, then you do not need to be baptized again.
If you would like to be baptized, or have your child baptized, please contact our pastor pastordave@goodshepherdmd.org
Communion
Also called The Meal, The Eucharist, or Communion. As Lutherans, we believe that Jesus Christ is present with the Bread and Wine in the Meal. It is a great mystery as to how, but Martin Luther described it as With, In, and Under the Bread and Wine. However we understand this great mystery, we can be confident that God comes to us during this time and offers us Grace.
Christ died for the whole world. Therefore, everyone without exception is invited to receive bread and wine; and along with those, the body and blood of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.Those who choose not to commune are invited forward to receive a blessing, or are welcome to remain in their seats.
Children of any age are welcome to commune at their parents’ discretion. Children who do not commune will receive a blessing. Parents can let the pastor know their preference when they come forward with their children.
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If you would like to better understand Communion, please talk to the pastor.
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We take Communion a few different ways. At the early, more traditional service, each communicant comes forward and kneels at the altar, so long as you are able. The pastor will come with the Bread saying, “This is the body of Christ, given for you.” A Communion Assistant will come with the cup saying, “This is my blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins, take and drink” and pour a small amount of wine into your individual cups. Grape juice is also available in a pre-filled cup. If you prefer to commune in your seat, an usher will provide you with a Communion kit. If you need a gluten free wafer, please ask. They are available.
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At the Sing and Rejoice Service, Communion is conducted intinction style. The pastor will break the bread and offer the words. All of those communing will form two lines and receive the Host (bread), then the communicant will dip the bread in the chalice with wine. Grape juice and gluten-free wafers are also available at this service.
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If you have mobility issues, make it known to the pastor and he will come to your seat with the elements of Communion.
Communion is deeply personal, and no one should feel pressured to partake or to refrain. Take a moment to be still with God and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Word
Listening to the Word of God, the Holy Bible, being read from the pulpit is a great gift. We humans are forgetful creatures and each week we are reminded of the great works of God. Lutherans follow a lectionary, which is a prescribed schedule of Biblical readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, Epistles and the Gospel. If you come to church every Sunday, you will have read the Bible every three years. This is a way that God’s word can become a part of us.
Children
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
Matthew 19:14 NRSV
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We believe that children are an integral part of the body of Christ and are welcome in all aspects of our worship. We delight in the sounds of children. For parents who wish to keep their squirmy, wiggly, distracted children in the sanctuary during Sunday Service, please do! There are activity bags in the Narthex (the Gathering space) for children to use during service.
We are Inclusive
If you need assistance with hearing, we have hearing devices. Please ask the usher.
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For those who need assistance with the text, there are large print bulletins and hymnals available.
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For parishioners with mobility issues, we offer handicapped accessible pews and our pastor will bring Communion.
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We are a queer-affirming congregation. Come, who you are. We’ve saved a seat at the table for you.
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We are diverse. We welcome you to worship with us, no matter where you come from.
Service
‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
The Word of the Lord, Matthew 25:35-40 (NRSV)
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At Good Shepherd we are committed to living out our faith through service.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (CEB)
Why do we go to church?
"And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:24-25 (CEB)
