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Worship with us . . .

Schedule of Services 

What is the "Holy Eucharist"?  Eucharist is a Greek word meaning "thanksgiving," and is used to name this central act of Christian worship that expresses the lives of gratitude and thanksgiving that Christians are called to live.  The Church of the Good Shepherd is a parish community gathered around a table.  All who have been baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and who have been admitted to communion in this or another church, are welcome to share in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and to receive the bread and wine of this special meal.  We are all called to repent of our sins, to be in love and charity with God and all people, and to approach Holy Communion as an expression of the real presence of Jesus Christ.

How do I take Holy Communion?  All baptized Christians are invited to share in the Holy Communion.  The ushers will guide you to to the altar, when it is your turn, if you wish to receive.  You may stand or kneel to receive the bread and the wine when it is offered to you.  If you do not wish to receive wine directly from the chalice (cup), you may dip your wafer into the wine or have the chalice bearer do this for you.  If you do not wish to receive wine at all, you may simply cross your arms across your chest when you are approached by the chalice bearer.  Young children who do not yet receive communion may come to the altar for a blessing.

Finding your way . . .

Where is the church located?  The Church of the Good Shepherd is located at 2230 Walton Way, situated between Episcopal Day School and Woodlawn United Methodist Church.  For more detailed directions, visit the Directions page. 
   
Finding a parking place.  Three entrances to the church allow for convenient parking on Sunday mornings:

      •    Enter at the church's main drive on Walton Way.  You will see designated visitor's parking immediately on your right.  A walkway will lead you directly to the front entrance of the sanctuary.  Or, continue driving around the parish house and park in either the spaces behind the parish house (Bell Tower lot), the spaces between the church and the middle school (Middle Lot), or in the spaces directly in front of Episcopal Day School.

      •   You may also park at the Appleby Library (Sunday mornings only!), which can be accessed at its Johns Road entrance, or by driving through Episcopal Day School parking lot.

      •   Finally, you may also enter the church from Milledge Road, by driving through the driveway of Woodlawn United Methodist Church.  Woodlawn permits us the use of the last 20 lined spaces along the back, or south side of their own parking lot (Sunday morning only!).  These spaces can only be accessed from the Milledge Road entrance.

Finding a seat.  Though our church building is small, there is always a seat for you!  Ushers are available to assist you in getting seated.  Our church can accommodate up to 300 people.  We also have a closed circuit TV system that allows us to seat another 200 people in our parish house.  This feature is used mostly on special occasions.  Those who have worshiped in that space have found it to be satisfactory and enjoyable.

Becoming a member . . .

The first and most important level of membership is the one that you create when you decide in your head and heart that Good Shepherd is the place for you.  Beyond that first step, membership can be expressed in a number of ways:

      •    Transfer from another Episcopal Church.  Call the parish office to initiate a Letter of Transfer.

      •    Transfer from another denomination.  If you were baptized in another denomination, your baptism is accepted and recognized here.  If you were confirmed in another denomination, you may also be received by the Bishop when you decide to join the Episcopal church.  If you have not yet been confirmed, or made an adult profession of faith, you are urged to be confirmed by the Bishop during his/her visit in the fall.  Those who wish to be confirmed or received should contact a member of the clergy for more information.

      •    By baptism.  If you have never been baptized into the Christian faith, you are urged to contact a member of the clergy to schedule a service for this purpose.

Members in good standing at Good Shepherd are those who are in regular corporate worship and who are working, praying, and giving for the growth of the kingdom of God. 

Discovering Good Shepherd - A Newcomers Class.  Persons interested in membership at the Church of the Good Shepherd, or who just would like to learn more about the life and ministry here, are invited to attend this class, which is offered twice a year, usually in the fall and in the winter/spring.  This class is offered on Sundays during the Sunday School hour.  Please contact Ginger Flanagin, Membership Ministries, for more information about this class.