Worship
When to Arrive
If you're a morning person, the first Sunday worship service begins at 8:00 am. If you like to sleep a little later, the second worship service begins at 10:30 am (9:30 am June through August). The two worship services are very similar, generally using the same songs and hymns, but the early service is a little calmer and the second service is a little livelier and has more children present. From 9:10-10:20 am (September through May), we offer Sunday school for children, Breakfast Club for high-school youth, and Bible study and discussion groups for adults. Ask us if you need help finding any of these. September through May, following the late service you're invited to join us for coffee, snacks and conversation downstairs in our Fellowship Hall if you'd like to.
September through May
8:00 a.m. Worship
9:10 a.m. Sunday School for age 3 through adult (September after Labor Day through May before Memorial Day)
10:30 a.m. Worship (attended nursery available)
11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour
June through August (summertime worship schedule)
8:00 a.m. Worship
9:00 a.m. Mini-Coffee Hour
9:30 a.m. Worship (attended nursery available)
Worship Content
The two worship services are very similar. At either one you'll experience most of the same music and hear the same sermon. Both share a tone of reverent informality. The 8:00 service tends to be a bit quieter and more meditative, the 10:30 service livelier (9:30 in summer). Children are welcome at both services, but you'll find more children at the later service.
Communion is offered every Sunday at both worship services. Every baptized Christian, from young children to adults, is welcome to receive communion.
In our worship, we seek to glorify God and inspire people. As we worship, we speak to God and about God using a variety of Biblical metaphors: father, mother, shepherd, rock, light, guide, and many more. Such language expands and deepens our relationship with God. And we speak of people using language that we hope includes and honors all human beings as equally beloved children of God.
Music in worship
Good Shepherd enjoys music! For leading congregational singing and providing special music we have two choirs - a senior choir and a gospel choir. There's also a contemporary worship band, Circle of Friends, that includes vocalists, keyboard, guitar, drums, tambourine, flute, harp, and even washboard to play jazz, rock, pop, rhythm and blues, country, swing, and more. In addition, members and friends of the congregation often volunteer as soloists and instrumentalists.
Celebrations in worship
From time to time, worship experiences might include a drama, dance, an opportunity for individual healing prayers, the celebration of a ministry, a baptism, reception of new members, farewell for someone leaving, or a special blessing extended to a person or group.
For some practical details about what to expect at worship, read our Visitor Information.
