Good Shepherd Episcopal Church

What are services like?
Kneel, Stand or Sit? We Episcopalians do a lot of sitting, standing, and kneeling at various times during the worship service. Generally, we stand or kneel for prayer, sit to listen to teachings, and stand for singing and praise. As the service proceeds, you may see some people sitting while others stand or kneel. You may choose whichever you prefer. Holy Communion All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion. Come to the alter rail as directed by an usher. Stand or kneel at the rail and wait for the minister to come to you. Place your right hand over your left hand, palms up, and the minister will place the bread in your hands. If you do not which to drink the wine, you may return to your seat after eating the bread. If you need to receive Holy Communion at your pew, please tell an usher. Gluten-free bread is available at all services for anyone who needs or prefers it. Please let the clergy know if you would like gluten-free. If you are not baptized, we invite you to come to the alter rail for a blessing. Cross your arms over your chest to indicate that you want a blessing. Your children may also receive a blessing. Votive Candles The votive candles at the front of the church may be lit when returning to your pew after receiving Communion (or before the service), in thanksgiving or memory of a loved one. Healing Prayers As part of the ministry of our parish, healing prayer is offered at the alter after the 8:00 am and 10:45 services with out healing prayer ministers. No request is too small or too large to lift up in prayer. Special Aids Receivers for hearing assistance and large print bulletins are available from an usher. Children and Worship Nursery care is available for children up to age six during the 10:45 service. The nursery is located to the left as you enter the church. You may pick up your children from the nursery after the exchange of the Peace so that they can go to Communion with you. Right after the Children's Message, children age 6 to 10 are invited to attend Children's Church in the parish hall. Children's bulletins are available for ages 3 through 12. Ask an usher for these special bulletins. Please return the folders and colored pencils to the entryway. Worshiping With Us You will find four different books in the book rack of your pew: a Bible, a Book of Common Prayer (abbreviated as BCP in the bulletin), a Hymnal 1982, and a bright blue folder (referred to as "The Blue Book"). Page numbers are printed in the bulletin. If you are having difficulty finding the right book or page, don't hesitate to ask someone sitting nearby for help. Singing With Us Hymns from the Hymnal 1982 are identified in the bulletin by hymn number. If there is an "S" before the hymn number (for example S125), the music can be found at the front of the Hymnal. In addition, we use a supplemental collection of songs from "The Blue Book." Songs from this book are listed in your bulletin with "Blue Book" before the page number.