Episcopal Church
of the Good Shepherd
SERVICES
SUNDAY AT 8:00 AM (2nd & 3rd Sundays)
SUNDAY AT 10:30 AM (every Sunday)
WEDNESDAY AT 6:00 PM (in Chapel)
SUNDAY AT
GOOD SHEPHERD
What to Expect:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When are your Sunday services?
A: Our Sunday service begins at 10:30 am and usually lasts till about 11:45. On the second and third Sunday of every month, we also have an 8:00 am service. That service is simpler and shorter than our 10:30 service, and it does not have music or singing. If it's your first time, then you would probably get more out of our main service at 10:30.
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Q: What exactly goes on during an Episcopal service?
A: The Episcopal church is a liturgical church, which means that we follow an order of worship passed down from the ancient church through the Anglican tradition. If you have ever attended a Catholic service, then ours will be familiar to you, since we follow the same basic pattern. The order of worship is laid out in the service bulletin you receive when you are greeted by the ushers, and it will give you all the information you need.
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Q: Do I have to move around and do all the stuff that everybody else is doing?
A: In the Episcopal church, worship often involves movement of the body – we stand at the Gospel, we kneel for prayer, we cross ourselves, we genuflect. You will sometimes see directions in the bulletin that say, “the people stand” or “the people kneel.” These actions can help us remember the majesty and sovereignty of God, but they are always optional, and none of these movements are required. If for any reason you are unable to kneel or stand, or if you would simply prefer not to, please pray in whatever position is most comfortable for you, because “the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Sam. 16:7) Our services include music, Bible reading, praying, preaching, general confession and Holy Communion among other things. The bulletin will guide you, but it's also okay just to set the bulletin aside and sit there quietly. Feel free to relax and let yourself take it all in!
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Q: Who can receive Communion in an Episcopal Church?
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A: All baptized Christians are invited to come to the altar to receive Holy Communion. You do not have to be a member of the Episcopal Church! As long as you were baptized, then you are welcome to receive at this altar.
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Q: Do I have to take Communion if I don't want to?
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A: Absolutely not. If you wish, you may come to the altar with everyone else and receive a blessing instead of Holy Communion. In that case you would simply cross your arms over your chest to indicate to the priest that you would prefer a simple blessing. If you would rather not come forward to the altar at all, you are also welcome to stay in your pew at Communion time. Whatever your choice and comfort level, you are our honored guest and we are delighted that you are with us!
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Q: I was never baptized but I am curious about receiving baptism at some point. What should I do?
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A: Talk to Mother Mary Grace after the service, or send her an e-mail, and she can guide you on your next steps.
Q: Some churches make visitors stand up and be recognized. Are you going to do that?
A: We promise we will not! We love visitors at Good Shepherd, but we also try to respect your space, and you will not be singled out during a service.
Q: Can my child be at the service?
A: Children of all ages are welcome at all services, and we are never bothered by some joyful noise! If you feel the need for it, there is dedicated nursery space in the first floor of the Parish Hall next door to the church, but you would need to stay there with your child since there is no nursery staff.
Q: How do I let somebody know that I am a visitor?
A: There is a visitor card in the pew, so please fill it out and give to an usher or place in the alms basin - we would love a chance to connect with you and answer any questions if we can.
Q: Any snacks?
A: You bet! After church we have coffee hour in the Parish Hall, so please come join us for coffee and some light refreshments afterward.
Becoming a Member
While everyone is welcome at Good Shepherd and invited to participate, becoming a member is an outward sign of commitment that formally joins you with the congregation. Being a member is the path to follow if you are interested in spiritual leadership in the church and full participation in the Body of Christ.
Becoming a member can happen in several ways.
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Baptism
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Transfer of membership from another Episcopal Church
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Reception from another Christian denomination into which you were baptized or confirmed
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Confirmation (an adult affirmation of baptismal vows)
Baptism and confirmation classes are regularly scheduled during the year. Those classes are led by the priest of the parish, who can also baptize you if you feel called by the Spirit to receive baptism.
Those who have already been baptized might feel called to the fulfillment of their baptismal vows in the sacrament of confirmation. This sacrament can only be administered by the bishop. Confirmations are usually held twice a year at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, one during the Easter season (May/June) and one during Advent (December).
At the service of confirmation, the bishop will also receive those individuals who are coming from Christian denominations where they have already been confirmed. Those who do not yet feel ready to take the step of confirmation but nonetheless would like membership in the Episcopal Church might find the option of being received a comfortable fit.
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If you are interested in taking one of these pathways to membership, make an appointment to come see Mother Mary Grace. Together you can talk about your religious background and figure out which of these avenues of membership is right for you. Be assured that wherever you find yourself in your faith journey, you will be warmly welcomed at Good Shepherd.