What to Expect ...
... About How We Worship
Each church has its own style of worship and we think you'll enjoy our services at Good Shepherd. We combine words, music and prayer in praise to the Lord. Our worship services focus on readings from God's Word - the Bible. We combine ancient worship formats, or liturgies, with modern words and both traditional and modern music. Such a "blended" style of worship harmonizes the traditional and the modern to highlight the best of each. We truly hope you will enjoy both as we worship our gracious Lord together!
Our worship services usually include the following parts, in a variety of forms or arangements:
- The Invocation - We call on the name of our Savior Lord as we praise him with song.
- Admitting Sins and Receiving Forgiveness - We acknowledge that we have not been or done what God asks. Then we are assured of forgiveness in Jesus.
- Bible Readings - We read selections from God's Old Testament prophets, Jesus' apostles, and from Jesus himself. Our pastor also gives a brief explanation of each reading.
- Sermon - Our pastor offers instruction and encouragement in a Bible-based sermon for children and adults alike. Young or old, you can expect God's guidance and grace through his Word for dealing with life's problems, as well as the promise of eternal life in heaven through our only Savior Jesus.
- Response to the Word - We respond with offerings and prayers for the things he has promised to us and for strength to do what he has asked.
- Parting blessing - Before we return home for the week, we hear one last assurance of the Lord's gracious care.
... About How We Dress
At some point, most, if not all, of us have been to a church we've never visited before. Wanting to know how you're expected to dress is a common question. The Bible presents no dress code and, aside from simple decency and Christian humility, we at Good Shepherd make no rules either.
On any Sunday, our members and guests range from formal dress reflecting an awe and reverence for our Savior King to casual attire matching a rejoicing in our gracious Lord accepting us as we are. We will range from suits and dresses to sneakers and jeans. How a person dresses is a personal matter of worship before God. When a person dresses out of love for his or her Lord, their choice of dress, be it casual or more formal, is acceptable to God . . . and us.
... When the Offering is Collected
The members of Good Shepherd rejoice in our ability to present offerings to our Lord. God's Word teaches that our offerings to God should reflect our belief that all we have is his gift to us. It teaches us that with our offerings we worship and honor God. As such, it is our privilege and honor to give in support of the Lord's work through the ministry of our congregation.
We do not expect visitors to contribute during this act of worship; nor do we wish to pressure anyone into doing so. You may desire to learn more about our ministry before bringing your offerings to God through our church and you are welcome to particiapte as your heart leads you to give.
During each service our ushers pass an offering plate so that our time of worship may include bringing gifts to God. Our members may contribute with cash or check in offering envelopes to keep our gifts a private matter known only to the Lord. A young one may offer a dollar or the change her parents gave her to contriubte. The point is our offerings are personal and each given in their own way. As the offering plate reaches you, if do not wish to give, simply pass the plate along.