Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church
What do we teach?
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is an affirming ELCA Church, meaning we are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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.
Sola Scriptura, Sola fide, Sola gratia, Solus Christus
Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone!
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 Four 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, Eucharist, or Communion, Lutherans believe Jesus Christ is truly present with, in, and under the bread and wine. This is a mystery through which God offers us grace.
Christ died for all, so everyone is invited to receive the bread and wine and the forgiveness of sins. Those not communing may come forward for a blessing or remain seated. Children of any age may commune at their parents’ discretion or receive a blessing.
We receive communion in a few different ways:
-
Traditional Service: Come forward and kneel at the altar if able. The pastor serves the host, followed by an assistant with individual cups of wine.
-
Sing & Rejoice Service: Form two lines for intinction (dipping the host into the chalice).
-
Accommodations: Grape juice and gluten-free wafers are available at both services. If you prefer to commune in your seat or have mobility needs, let an usher or the pastor know, and a communion kit or the elements will be brought to you.
-
Distance Worshipers: If you are joining a service online via YouTube or Facebook, you are welcome to join in communion using bread and wine or grape juice. The Pastor will take a moment during communion to provide instruction for those communing at home.
Communion is deeply personal! This is a sacred activity that invites us to take a quiet moment with God and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Speak with the pastor anytime to learn more!
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
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.
For those who need assistance with the text, there are large print bulletins and hymnals available!
For parishioners with mobility issues, we offer handicapped accessible pews and our pastor will bring Communion!
We are diverse! We welcome you to worship with us, no matter where you come from or what you are working through!
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)
At Good Shepherd we are committed to living out our faith through service.
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)
