At Good Shepherd we know a “style” or “feel” of worship can be a significant part of finding your ideal church home. We are pleased to offer a traditional and a contemporary worship service.
Traditional
Good Shepherd’s traditional worship service follows the liturgy provided in the Lutheran hymnals (Christian Worship Hymnal 1993 and/or 2020 and the Christian Worship Supplement.) The Preservice is quiet and reverent. The pastor, who wears the formal gown and stoles in the appropriate color for the liturgical season, greets worshippers and introduces the week’s sermon theme. The traditional services have more structure, use traditional hymns, and have a contemplative, reserved atmosphere. The main instrument used is the pipe organ, but services may include instrumentalists playing brass or woodwinds. From the choir loft, an adult or children’s choir may be featured, as well as an occasional vocal soloist.
A Confession of Faith is always recited; most often the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed. Prayers are written or scripted in liturgy. The Lord’s Prayer is recited weekly.
Contemporary
Good Shepherd’s contemporary worship service follows an abriged verstion of the traditional Common Service liturgy; a confession, readings, the message, a creed and prayers, and the Lord’s Supper. The preservice is upbeat and features the praise band singing selections to be sung with the congregation during the service. This helps familiarize guests with tune and tempo. The pastor, who wears casual clothing, greets worshippers and intruduces the week’s sermon theme. The contemporary services are still praise focused and worshipful, but are more casual, and relational. The praise band, usually comprised of two to three vocalists, a keyboardist, a guitarist and a durnner, leads the congregation in contemporary praise songs from behind the altar. From the choir loft, an adult or children’s choir may be featured, as well as an occasional vocal soloist.
A Confession of Faith is always recited; most often the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed. Prayers are unscripted. The Lord’s Prayer is recited weekly.
Communion
Communion is provided at Good Shepherd on the first and third Sundays. The traditional service distribution is served by common cup and and individual cup to groups who kneel at the communion rail of the altar. The contemporary service distribution is served by individual cup to family units who stand at the communion rail of the altar.