WHAT TO EXPECT
Whether you are a visitor from near or far, we are honored and excited to have you with us. Please join us in worship and feel the warmth and joy of “LCGS!” Here are answers to frequently asked questions about our congregation. Informational brochures about many of our ministries are available at the Welcome Counter in the Narthex. Please take copies of anything that interest you. When are services? Sunday services are at 8 and 11 a.m. (8:00 & 10:00 during the summer) Holiday Worship Times may vary from the normal schedule. Please check the announcements on the home page for Holiday worship times. Can I receive communion even though I'm not a member or Lutheran? Holy Communion is celebrated at every Sunday service. We welcome to the table all who proclaim with us that Jesus Christ is truly present in the bread and the wine. Children who have not yet received First Communion instruction are welcome to come to the front to receive a blessing. Pew communion is available if you are unable to come to the altar rail. Please ask an usher if you need assistance. I have young children. Is there any help during services? Yes! Good Shepherd has many families with young children, and children are always welcome in our services. "Busy Bags" or a children's bulletin (both located in the Narthex) may help our younger friends sit through worship. However, if you should feel the need to step out of the service to calm a little one, we have a Family Room off our sanctuary at the rear, where you can see and hear the service via a window and speakers. How can I meet people? One great way to meet new friends is to attend our Sunday FED Hour (Fellowship and Education hour) between services. There is a coffee social , adult education and discussion opportunities, and Sunday school for children ages 3 through grade 12. If you would like to have your children visit Sunday school, please check with an usher or a greeter and they will be happy to show you and your children our classrooms, and introduce you to our Sunday school leaders or one of our teachers. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues for an hour, from Rally Day in September through mid-June. The Disciple's Journey of Baptismal Living will be held on Sunday afternoons in the Fall and Spring, led by Pastor. Our understanding of who our God is and who we are as God's beloved children is rooted in Holy Baptism. The Disciple's Journey of Baptismal Living explores the sacrament, and you will experience the joy of the Good News for our lives. We will use the Rite of Baptism as our framework to explore all that God does for us and how we might intentionally live the baptismal life of discipleship in response. This group is for
What should I wear? Dress as you feel most comfortable, whether in jeans or business casual or suit and tie. Your dress is a personal matter before God. It’s up to you! Should I bring anything? No, but if you wish, you could bring a Bible and a pen and paper to take notes. Be sure to pick up a bulletin from one of our ushers so you can participate in the worship service. The announcement booklet contains our contact information and news about our ministries and activities. Will I have to stand up and introduce myself? No! You may notice people wearing name tags. Please make yourself one (blank ones are located in the coatroom and in the folders in the pews) so that we may greet you by name. If you would like a permanent name tag made for you, please fill out a yellow request form (also in the coatroom) and hand to an usher or drop in the offering plate. If you have a question, please ask someone for help. Don’t hesitate to say, “Hello, I’m visiting. What is this about?” Our congregation is friendly and happy to have the chance to welcome you! Where should I go once inside the building? The covered walkway on the right side of our Emmorton Road entrance leads you to our offices and sanctuary. The door on the left leads you to the Ministry Room and education wing, where Sunday school is located. The main walkway at the rear of our complex leads you to the sanctuary on the left or education wing on the right. If you’re not sure where to go, please ask one of the greeters or anyone for assistance. Our main complex is wheelchair accessible. Where should I park? You can park in any of our lots. The sanctuary and education wing are located at the rear of our complex. Our offices and Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool are located at the front. If our lots are full, you can park on the lawn at the direction of the ushers. Parking is not permitted along Emmorton Road. Can I get baptized, receive First Communion, or be confirmed or married at Good Shepherd? Please speak with Pastor if you have any questions about baptism, Holy Communion, confirmation, marriage, or any other special needs. Pastor will be happy to assist you. I don’t know much about the Bible or the Lutheran Church. We’re all on a journey of learning and faith, so don’t worry. Church and Bible study are opportunities to grow in our knowledge and faith in Jesus. You don’t have to know anything about the Bible or religion to attend our services. You don’t have to be a member to join in Bible study. I have children. Do you have any activities for them? Yes! There are many opportunities for youth at LCGS, including: • Junior youth group for children in grades 3-5 • Youth group for youth in grades 6-12 • And much more! Please see the Youth Tab for more information. |
