You’re visiting our website, and now you’re thinking about visiting in person; great! We understand that coming to a new place for the first time can be a little intimidating, so let us help by addressing some of the questions that a first-time visitor might have.

Will I feel welcome?

Guaranteed! And to get off on the right foot, we encourage members and guests alike to make a nametag for themselves upon entering the building. We want you to get to know us in a way that’s comfortable, and that’s always easier when you know a name!

Where do my kids go? (Is there children’s church?)

We are a multi-generational congregation and enjoy having family units worship together, despite the occasional squeak or squawk. Even so, you are welcome to take children either to the Cry Room where you can still be part of the worship but separated by glass partitions, or we have a staffed nursery at your disposal for children through age 4.

Is Good Shepherd affiliated with any denomination?

Yes, we are a member of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), a national organization with nearly 6,000 congregations in all fifty states, and missionaries in about 90 other countries around the globe. We are a biblical, confessional Christian denomination that focuses on the Gospel message that we are saved by God’s grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ.

How do you view the Bible?

We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. It is the final authority for everything we believe and do.

What do you believe about Baptism?

We believe that Baptism is commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19) and that He desires it for all His followers. We believe Baptism is a miraculous means of grace through which God offers the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We baptize people of all ages, including infants, because God’s promise is for everyone. If you are interested in learning more about Baptism for yourself of your children, by all means let us know; we’d love to have that discussion with you!

Do you offer Holy Communion (Lord’s Supper)?

Yes, Communion is so important to us that we celebrate the Lord's Supper each Sunday. We believe that Jesus means what He says about this sacrament and that His body and blood are miraculously present in the bread and wine for the complete forgiveness of our sins. We would love for you to be part of the awesome joy of experiencing it with us. But you also need to know that receiving the Lord’s Supper is a public confession of unity in faith and doctrine. The Bible warns against taking Holy Communion in an “unworthy manner” (1 Corinthians 11:27) and we would hate that to happen for you. So if you are not yet a member of this or one of our sister congregations of the LCMS, we kindly ask that you refrain from Communing until you’ve had a chance to speak with the Pastor.

But if I come to church but don’t take Communion, won’t I stick out?

No, not at all. One option is to use the opportunity to have a personal blessing from the pastor. Simply join the line as people come forward, but keep your arms across your shoulders as a silent indicator as communion is served. It’s also perfectly fine to remain in your seat and use the time in personal prayer and enjoying the music.

Can I bring my kids up for a blessing also?

Absolutely! Just be sure you are clearly indicating your intentions. Ask an usher if you are unsure how to do that.

What should I wear?

Uh, clothing! You’ll see everything from suits and dresses to jeans and t-shirts. We’re more interested in having you with us than in what’s in your closet.

What is the worship service like?

Our two services, 8:45 and 11:15, have slightly different worship styles. The first is more contemporary while still maintaining a certain amount of order and decorum. The second is a bit more formal and with more liturgies involved. But for both services, the objective is the same: to connect you to Jesus so that you leave refreshed in faith. To get a better feel for this, take a look at one or more of our recorded services on our YouTube channel.

Is there Sunday School?

Yes indeed, there is Sunday School and Bible Study for all ages between services (after a short fellowship and refreshments break in the Social

Hall), 10:15-11:00. Please ask the Pastor or an usher to help you identify someone on the Sunday School staff for your child’s age group. Adults are encouraged to be part of the Adult Bible Study that meets in the Library.

Do you have small group Bible Studies?

Yes, we offer various small groups that meet throughout the week—some at the church and others at off-campus locations. These are a great way to build friendships and dive deeper into the Bible at a level comfortable to you. Often these are specially geared for age level, gender, etc. Ask us about small group opportunities currently offered.

What about other ministry activities during the week?

There are a range of other ministry activities during that week that vary according to the time of year. For example, there is Kingdom Quest for children on Wednesday evenings most weeks of the school year, Vacation Bible School in the summer, plus youth and college-aged activities, and much more.

Do I need to bring an offering?

No, while everyone is encouraged to make giving part of their worship life (not just money but also time and abilities), your presence in worship is offering enough. No offering is taken up during the worship, and instead financial gifts can be made electronically or left in designated places in the sanctuary.

Where are the bathrooms?

Men’s and Women’s bathrooms are both clearly marked just outside the sanctuary and both also include changing tables.

What about parking?

We have a modest parking lot on the north side of the facility that includes handicap parking, accessible from Lyons Street. There is also street parking on Minaret as well as other streets within a block or two.

I have a question (or two) that I don’t see addressed here.

We’d love to hear it! Please use the “Contact Us” link near the top of this page.