ECUMENICAL ACTIVITIES
One of the important hallmarks of the ministry of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church is its ecumenical consciousness. Good Shepherd fosters relationships with people of differing Christian traditions and other religions who also value such relationships.

Good Shepherd is an active leader in the ecumenical/interfaith community in a number of ways. As a regular financial contributor to the Thermal Belt Outreach Ministries, Good Shepherd members serve as volunteers and board members. We are also active in Habitat for Humanity, an organization designed to assist the housing needs of low-income families. 

The rector is an active member of the Thermal Belt Ministerial Alliance. In addition to meeting the needs of people of different faith groups, the Alliance presents two interfaith worship services to the community.

Good Shepherd also participates in the annual Crop Walk, designed to help feed the hungry internationally and locally. The rector is in constant contact with the churches in the east side of Tryon as we seek ways to better serve all of God’s people.

Altar Guild 
The altar guild is made up of a small group of dedicated person's who tirelessly prepare the altar for Sunday services. Often flowers for the altar come from their own gardens. In addition to the weekly altar preparation, the altar guild is responsible for maintaining the furnishings in the sanctuary, including polishing the brass and waxing the wood. Special collections are taken for Christmas and Easter flowers that are also used to maintain the linens and bread and wine supplies for communion. Their other fundraiser is an annual fish fry. Altar guild meetings are held once every liturgical season. To assist with the altar guild or for more information, contact Dawn or Michael Davis, who can be reached via email at msmcdoc@alltel.net, leave a message at 859-9961 or use the contact us feature on this site.

Healing Ministry 
Healing prayer is offered on the first Sunday of each month right after communion. Anyone who wants healing prayer is welcome to come to the altar during this part of the service. Or, if illness keeps you from attending church, members of the healing ministry will come to your home. For more information, contact Fr. Bryan at 828-859-9961 or e-mail at goodshepherdtryon@alltel.net

Coffee Hour/Breakfast
Following each Sunday morning worship service, all who have attended are invited to share in our coffee/fellowship hour in the parish hall. Members of the congregation volunteer for a designated Sunday to serve as hosts. A full breakfast is served on the second Sunday of each month in addition to coffee. On all remaining Sundays, coffee and refreshments are offered. It’s a wonderful way to talk with and learn about the members of the church. To volunteer, there is a sign-up sheet in the parish hall.

Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers 

Pairs of lay people participate in the service each week, reading the lessons, Psalms and leading the prayers of the people. A special ministry is chalice bearer or lay Eucharistic minister, assisting the rector in the preparation and administration of the Lords Supper. This ministry requires specific training. For more information or to volunteer, contact Fr. Bryan at 828-859-9961 or e-mail at goodshepherdtryon@alltel.net 

Information Technology
This is our newest ministry, and the first action of this team was to create this website. New content is being developed and is continuously being improved. Future plans are to upgrade the church computers, provide Internet access to students and eventually provide Internet access to the community. For more information, contact Mike Davis at 828-859-9961 or e-mail at goodshepherdtryon@alltel.net

Cemetery
The Good Shepherd Cemetery was founded in 1965 by church members. It is located on Jackson Street just up the hill from the church and is a community cemetery serving Polk County and Landrum, SC. The cemetery is owned by the Diocese of Western North Carolina and is maintained and governed by a Board of Directors from the local community. The Board keeps all burial records using a surveyed map with numbered plots, maintains the property and enforces the regulations concerning appearance and grave markers. There is also a Memorial Garden for those who choose cremation.