Schedule of Services

Holy Eucharist, Rite II is offered every Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

 Healing Ministry: The first Sunday of each month, as part of the Holy Eucharist, the sacrament of unction (healing) and laying on of hands is offered to all at the altar.

Breakfast:  The second Sunday of every month after the 10:00 a.m. service.  Our visitors are welcome to attend.

 Outreach Offering:  The second Sunday of every month we collect a special offering for one of our designated charities, such as the Thermal Belt Outreach Ministries, Thompson Children’s Home or the American Red Cross.

 Birthday Blessings:  The fourth Sunday of every month, we offer a blessing and pray for those who celebrated a birthday during the month.

 Coffee Hour:  Every Sunday after the 10:00 a.m. service we meet in the parish hall for refreshments and fellowship.  This is a wonderful time to met and greet friends, and our visitors are encouraged to attend.

 Holy Days:  as announced.

A Personal Description of the Service

If you are looking for a traditional Episcopal service in a church that has a casual and warm atmosphere, this is it.  

The service follows The Book of Common Prayer and typically lasts an hour and a half, give or take 10 minutes.  It includes music throughout.   The service starts with an opening hymn, readings (including a Psalm), and then is followed by the sermon.   After the sermon, the Nicene Creed, which proclaims our belief and faith in Christ Jesus as our Savior, is read by the congregation.  Then everyone participates in the Prayers of the People where prayers are offered for individuals, governments and nations.  This is followed by confession.

The Peace is held after confession, which is where everyone wishes for God’s peace for their friends and neighbors.  We’d be surprised if you have experienced a Peace that is as joyful and friendly as the one you’ll find here at Good Shepherd!  People pour into the aisles to greet one another and it isn’t unusual to see hugs and kisses for familiar faces.  

Once Father Bryan can rein in the crowd (!), the offering plate is passed and Holy Communion is offered to any baptized Christian, no matter your denomination.  You have your choice as to how to take Holy Communion:  You can have Father Bryan administer the wafer and the wine, or you can take the wafer yourself and either sip from the communal cup or dip the wafer into the cup.  

After Holy Communion, we thank God for allowing us to participate in that Sacrament, and then the closing hymn is sung.  

One of the nicest things about this church is that people accept you unconditionally.  Come as you are – people don’t care what you wear.  If you want to wear tennis shoes, jeans or shorts (in the summer, anyway!), do so!  We’re just happy that you decide to join us and celebrate the glory of God with us!

                                                            Joy Fisher, January 2005

A Visitor's Perspective on Good Shepherd

I remember well my first service at Good Shepherd.  It was a beautiful Sunday morning and I was hoping I wouldn’t be late as I followed the signs to the church.  I was new to the area and wasn’t sure where I was going, but I kept following the signs and arrived in time for the service, in part thanks to the “Visitor Parking” spots at the entrance to the parking lot! 

As I knelt entering the pew I was aware of faces turning to greet me with broad smiles and I thought to myself that perhaps I had “hit pay dirt”.  During the “peace” part of the service I was sure I had, as it seemed as though everyone in attendance came to greet me.  Afterwards during the coffee hour everyone couldn’t have been nicer. It was this total acceptance and kind welcome that I felt during my first visit that drew me back to this little church.  Everyone was keen to make sure I felt welcome.   I find this church to be a  comfortable spiritual home.

                                                          Ellen Hansen, January 2005