What are Sunday Services like?
Each Sunday at 9:00 AM, we come into God’s presence to receive His gifts and to return thanks for His blessings. As we go through the service the pastor will guide the congregation to where we are in the service and a member can also help you along the way.
The Divine Service is liturgical, which means that we follow a set order each week (making it easier to follow with every attendance). The service focuses on God’s Word and Sacraments because they are the only means by which God has promised to offer us the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. We pray that through the Divine Service God will create and strengthen your trust in Him and His forgiveness.
Communion
At our church, we follow the Biblical practice of communing with those we are in fellowship with. We want all people to join us for this heavenly banquet. We ask that you talk to the Pastor so we have a chance to explain what the Bible has to say about it more fully.
What about an offering?
The members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Congregation have joined together to do the Lord’s work in this community and around the world. Visitors need not feel obligated to participate in this offering which supports our ministry.
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (II Corinthians 9:8)
What is a liturgy?
The Liturgy is the order of service that we follow during our worship time together. It includes:
- The Confession of Sins: We confess to God that we have sinned and ask for His mercy.
- Absolution: The forgiveness of sins won for us by the perfect life and innocent sufferings and death of Jesus, our Savior.
- A Hymn of Praise: These songs of praise remind us of the wonderful things God has done for us.
- Prayer of the Day: The Church brings concerns and prayers to a loving Father in Heaven, who has shown great mercy and promised to hear our cries for help.
- Scripture Readings From the Bible: They usually include one selection from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament epistles, and one from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John).
- Sermon: Usually based on one of the three readings. We hear God’s guidance for dealing with the problems of life, along with the promises of forgiveness and eternal life in heaven through Jesus. Law and Gospel.
- Response to the Word: We respond with offerings and prayers for the things God has promised us and for strength to do what He has asked.
- Holy Communion: God comes to us in His Holy Body and Blood which was sacrificed for our sins on the cross at Calvary and was raised three days later on Easter morning. In eating and drinking this precious Sacrament, we receive the forgiveness won for us on the cross as well as the new life given to us in the resurrection. (We celebrate Holy Communion on every first, third, and fifth Sunday of the month. We ask our guests to please speak with the pastor before communing with us the first time.
- Final Blessing: We hear one last assurance of God’s guidance and love.