For information on our COVID service procedures, please click here.
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What should I expect on my first visit?
When you arrive for worship you will be warmly welcomed by an usher who will give you a bulletin and help you find a seat. They will be able to answer any questions you may have before and after the service. Do I need to become a member to participate in worship and other groups and events?
Nope! You are welcome at everything. However, as you grow into our community we encourage you to think and pray about becoming a member. Watch the schedule for "What it means to be an Episcopalian" classes or speak with one of the clergy if you are interested in starting the membership process right away. If you come from another Episcopal church, we are happy to transfer your membership to our parish! |
Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 10am-4pm
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What are the services like?
Worship services at Good Shepherd range from traditional, to contemporary. Our 8 AM service is from Rite I, the traditional order of the service in the Episcopal Church. This service is more contemplative, features minimal music, and focuses predominantly on corporate prayer. Our 10:15 AM service comes from Rite II. This is the more modern version of Episcopal liturgy. This service features a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary worship anthems.
Worship services at Good Shepherd range from traditional, to contemporary. Our 8 AM service is from Rite I, the traditional order of the service in the Episcopal Church. This service is more contemplative, features minimal music, and focuses predominantly on corporate prayer. Our 10:15 AM service comes from Rite II. This is the more modern version of Episcopal liturgy. This service features a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary worship anthems.
Does Good Shepherd have a dress code?
Not at all. Some parishioners may choose to dress up for holidays, but ultimately, whatever you wear, you are welcome!
Not at all. Some parishioners may choose to dress up for holidays, but ultimately, whatever you wear, you are welcome!
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How do I get to Good Shepherd?
We are located on the eastern side of Wilson Pike/252, between Concord Road and Crockett Road. Where do I park?
We have two parking lots: an upper lot to the right, and a lower lot to the left. The upper lot features guest-specific space just for you. From there you may walk to the north entrance where an usher will be ready to greet you! Is the church handicap accessible?
Yes. Our upper parking lot has designated handicap parking with easy access to the church building. The building itself is one floor. |
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Where will my children be?
Children are encouraged to attend with their families! Prior to services there are child and youth formation programs which begin at 9:00 AM. Check our children and youth ministries directors, and they will direct you to the appropriate classrooms. You can also pre-register them by going to our Children's Ministry and Youth Ministry pages!
Please note: During this time of pandemic, our Sunday morning children’s and youth programs are temporarily suspended. Please see the Children’s and Youth Ministry pages, as well as the calendar, to find out about all the other activities and formation programs we have set up to keep everyone engaged and connected.
Children are encouraged to attend with their families! Prior to services there are child and youth formation programs which begin at 9:00 AM. Check our children and youth ministries directors, and they will direct you to the appropriate classrooms. You can also pre-register them by going to our Children's Ministry and Youth Ministry pages!
Please note: During this time of pandemic, our Sunday morning children’s and youth programs are temporarily suspended. Please see the Children’s and Youth Ministry pages, as well as the calendar, to find out about all the other activities and formation programs we have set up to keep everyone engaged and connected.
How will I know what to do in the service?
We get it! It's a lot! In the Episcopal Church, all of our worship is taken from The Book of Common Prayer. There are BCPs in every pew in church, along with The Hymnal 1982. Your worship bulletin will contain the entire service and direct you to the page and hymn numbers. Please feel free to ask our clergy if you have questions.
We get it! It's a lot! In the Episcopal Church, all of our worship is taken from The Book of Common Prayer. There are BCPs in every pew in church, along with The Hymnal 1982. Your worship bulletin will contain the entire service and direct you to the page and hymn numbers. Please feel free to ask our clergy if you have questions.
Am I required to give money at worship?
Absolutely not. However, most people find that as they move into a deeper relationship with God and become more involved in ministry, giving becomes a very natural step in their Christian lives. We welcome you to discern that at your own pace, and in what increments are wise for your budget. If you find this is something you would like to begin, you can find instructions here.
Absolutely not. However, most people find that as they move into a deeper relationship with God and become more involved in ministry, giving becomes a very natural step in their Christian lives. We welcome you to discern that at your own pace, and in what increments are wise for your budget. If you find this is something you would like to begin, you can find instructions here.
Can I take communion? How does it work?
All baptized Christians of any denomination or tradition are welcome to receive Holy Communion at Good Shepherd, children included! When your pew is released by the usher, walk forward to the altar. You will be directed to come forward to receive the elements. To receive the bread, place your right hand over your left, palms up, so that the priest may put a portion of bread in your palm. If you are going to drink from the chalice, you may consume the bread immediately. If you do not wish to drink from the chalice, the chalice bearer will intinct (dip) your bread in the wine and place it on your tongue, or you may intinct it yourself. It is helpful if you place your hand on the bottom of the chalice and help the chalice bearer guide it to your mouth. If you do not wish to receive wine at all, simply consume your bread, cross your arms over your chest, and return to your seat.
Please note: Until the health restrictions and physical distancing requirements of the pandemic are a thing of the past Holy Communion will be distributed in a slightly different way. When you come forward for Holy Communion, please use a squirt of the hand sanitizer on the stand at the top of the aisle. Then, after you have shaken them dry, place your right hand over your left and come forward. The priest with the host (wafers) will bless your hands by making the sign of the cross over them with a host. Then, if you wish to have your wafer intincted (dipped) into the wine please nod, and the priest who has the wine will dip the wafer and place it into your hand. If you do not wish to have the host intincted, simply shake your head and the priest will put it into your hands. We do it this way to minimize the number of hands that touch the elements (bread and wine) so that we may maintain as safe an environment as possible. You may remove your mask and consume the host when you have returned to your seat.
All baptized Christians of any denomination or tradition are welcome to receive Holy Communion at Good Shepherd, children included! When your pew is released by the usher, walk forward to the altar. You will be directed to come forward to receive the elements. To receive the bread, place your right hand over your left, palms up, so that the priest may put a portion of bread in your palm. If you are going to drink from the chalice, you may consume the bread immediately. If you do not wish to drink from the chalice, the chalice bearer will intinct (dip) your bread in the wine and place it on your tongue, or you may intinct it yourself. It is helpful if you place your hand on the bottom of the chalice and help the chalice bearer guide it to your mouth. If you do not wish to receive wine at all, simply consume your bread, cross your arms over your chest, and return to your seat.
Please note: Until the health restrictions and physical distancing requirements of the pandemic are a thing of the past Holy Communion will be distributed in a slightly different way. When you come forward for Holy Communion, please use a squirt of the hand sanitizer on the stand at the top of the aisle. Then, after you have shaken them dry, place your right hand over your left and come forward. The priest with the host (wafers) will bless your hands by making the sign of the cross over them with a host. Then, if you wish to have your wafer intincted (dipped) into the wine please nod, and the priest who has the wine will dip the wafer and place it into your hand. If you do not wish to have the host intincted, simply shake your head and the priest will put it into your hands. We do it this way to minimize the number of hands that touch the elements (bread and wine) so that we may maintain as safe an environment as possible. You may remove your mask and consume the host when you have returned to your seat.
What else happens on Sunday?
Sundays are exciting and busy at Good Shepherd. You may choose to attend Adult Formation, which starts at 9:15 AM. Children and youth go to their formation programs at 9:00 AM. Good Shepherd has many parish and volunteer groups that hold meetings on Sundays. Sometimes we'll have a luncheon or a reception for a special occasion. There are always various events and service opportunities shared on our Facebook page and in the Shepherd's Voice newsletter should you be interested in participating!
Sundays are exciting and busy at Good Shepherd. You may choose to attend Adult Formation, which starts at 9:15 AM. Children and youth go to their formation programs at 9:00 AM. Good Shepherd has many parish and volunteer groups that hold meetings on Sundays. Sometimes we'll have a luncheon or a reception for a special occasion. There are always various events and service opportunities shared on our Facebook page and in the Shepherd's Voice newsletter should you be interested in participating!
Are the clergy considered ministers, pastors, or priests? How should I address them? Reverend? Father? Mr/Ms?
I'm so confused!
There are three orders of clergy in the Episcopal Church: deacons, priests, and bishops. Many address deacons as Deacon, followed by their first name. At Good Shepherd, some parishioners use "Father" to address male priests and "Mother" to address female priests on staff. The best way to know how to address the clergy here is to ask them. (They're both really nice! We promise!)
I'm so confused!
There are three orders of clergy in the Episcopal Church: deacons, priests, and bishops. Many address deacons as Deacon, followed by their first name. At Good Shepherd, some parishioners use "Father" to address male priests and "Mother" to address female priests on staff. The best way to know how to address the clergy here is to ask them. (They're both really nice! We promise!)
Can I meet with a priest?
Please do! All clergy are listed on this website with their contact information. Our rector, Mthr. Natalie Van Kirk, and vice rector, Fthr. Fred Schmidt, are available by appointment. Please contact the office to schedule one today!
Please do! All clergy are listed on this website with their contact information. Our rector, Mthr. Natalie Van Kirk, and vice rector, Fthr. Fred Schmidt, are available by appointment. Please contact the office to schedule one today!