Visitor Information

About membership

Do I have to join to be involved?
You are welcome to attend worship, take communion, and engage in ministry without official membership, except serving in elected positions or voting at congregational meetings.

How do I join?
Membership classes are planned throughout the year. The main goals of our new member gatherings are to build a stronger sense of community and to help you know more about us. Classes will answer any questions you might have and help you find a place in ministry. Childcare can be provided.

When to arrive

Most people arrive only a few minutes before worship. Pastor Kathy is found in the lobby 15 minutes before worship with a warm smile to great you.

We have two worship services, one at 8:00am and the other at 10:30am from September through May. From Memorial Day through Labor day we worship at 9:30am only. A time for fellowship is found after the second worship service.

The two worship services are very similar, generally using the same songs and hymns. Although special music and the choir generally sing at the 10:30 am service. Childcare is available at the 10:30am worship.

From 9:10-10:20 am (September through May), we offer Sunday school for children and Bible study and discussion groups for youth and adults. Ask us if you need help finding any of these.

How to find us

Good Shepherd is on the southwest corner of East Avenue and Randolph Street in Oak Park (map), one block north of Washington Boulevard. There is plenty of on-street parking on both East and Randolph. On Sundays, please enter through the front doors on East Avenue. For non-worship events on other days, the back door on Randolph Street is best. Just ring the bell!

For those with disabilities

We strive to be an inclusive church. Those with mobility issues can access our lift through the side entrance near the alley on Randolph Street. Just ring the doorbell. Several pews accommodate wheelchairs and communion can be served at your seat. Large-print bulletins and headsets available at the ushers station.

For those with children

Good Shepherd is a kid-friendly congregation. Your children are welcome to attend worship with you and you're welcome to sit near the front so they can see better - or to sit anywhere you like. As you come in, you'll find bags with books, crayons and toys for quiet play in the pew. Pick one up if you think it would be helpful. For parents who prefer a nursery, we offer nursery care for pre-schoolers during the 10:30 service. Please ask an usher for help if you're interested in this service.

What to expect

We are a diverse, lively, informal and friendly community filled with children. Our welcome continues until you leave. We use many different kinds of music, from classical to contemporary, so the flavor of our worship changes frequently. The service is liturgical, filled with music, and easy to follow in the bulletin.

Weekly communion is open to all who are moved by the Holy Spirit. We offer wine and grape juice, bread and gluten free wafers.

What to wear

This is easy. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Good Shepherd is an informal church. You can expect to see people wearing jeans (or shorts in the summer) and other casual wear. Festival Sundays, such as Easter and Christmas, you might find people in suits and dresses. Whatever you wear will fit in at Good Shepherd.

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