Welcome to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church!
We are part of the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, founded in Vancouver, WA, in 1992.
Whether you're reading this at home in the comfort of your living room OR sitting in our sanctuary waiting for worship to begin, we’re so glad that you’ve decided to visit our website and find out more about who we are, what we believe, and what we do!
You've landed on our page for those who are NEW HERE - a place where you can get some questions answered and find out how to get involved.
(If you were looking for our home page, click here or the home button above.)
-->The most important thing to keep in mind as you read this: we invite you to come as you are!
A NOTE ABOUT NAVIGATING OUR SITE:
Across the menu bar, you'll find categories that will help you understand more about Good Shepherd's mission statement to "Be Won. Be One. Be Wanting More."
Getting Started: "BE WON" to Christ through Jesus. In this category, you'll learn about what we believe, our mission and vision and about our worship services.
Getting Connected: "BE ONE" in the body of believers of Christ. In this category, you'll find out about opportunities for all ages to be engaged with one another (including intergenerational activities) and grow in faith and relationships!
Serve God: "BE WANTING MORE" through service to others. In this category, you'll learn about existing opportunities to serve our congregational neighbors, community neighbors and global neighbors by living out the "Great Commission" to "Go and make disciples." (Matthew 28:19)
As you make your way through the categories, you'll find information about "our why." This "why" provides insight into the reasons these activities and ministries support the mission statement. Within those categories, you'll find "the what," or practically what that ministry looks like at Good Shepherd.
Who SHOULD I EXPECT TO SEE?
We are men, women, children, plumbers, electricians, businessmen and women, students, teachers, athletes, artists, young, and old, but most of all we are family. You'll see people in suits and dresses, but also shorts and t-shirts. Come as you are.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I SHOW UP?
On Sunday mornings, we have a blended as well as a contemporary worship service with "Connection Time" in between.
Our blended service begins at 9:00 AM and includes piano and occasional special music from our bells or other talented musicians. Bulletins are provided to follow the service as well as large screens during hymns and scripture readings. Communion is served every week.
In between services, we transition to Connection Time. This is a time meant to build and foster relationships, increase awareness, and encourage spiritual growth. So please grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us! Kindergarten through fifth graders head down the hall to the education wing for Sunday School at 10:00 AM. Adults and all youth are welcome to participate in the day's Connection Time events. Depending on the day, there may be a Bible study, a service project, a cooking project or someone sharing their hobby. Anyone is welcome to host a connection time.
Our Sunday morning contemporary worship service that begins at 11:00 AM. An order of service flyer is provided along with the announcements for the week. Our worship team plays a blend of newer songs as well as older praise and worship songs using piano, guitar, drums and other hand-held instruments. Words are displayed on two large screens to follow along. Communion is served at every contemporary service.
We encourage children to join us in worship! A children's area is available on the left side of the sanctuary for younger families, complete with books, soft toys, and other items. Kid's activity bags for younger students are available near the soundboard.
I WANT TO GET TO KNOW SOME PEOPLE/A GROUP/OTHERS WITH LIKE INTERESTS. WHO SHOULD I START WITH?
We would love to get to know you! We realize it can be hard to find out "who's who" in a new place. For this reason, we have "Navigators" that are available before and after each service. The "Navigators" are volunteers who will be at the front doors, or the welcome center in the entryway, wearing white nametags. Their job is to help welcome you, introduce you to new people and help you learn more about Good Shepherd and get connected as you become ready to do so!
I'd LIKE TO GET INVOLVED. BUT HOW?
Great! God calls us to serve in the ways He has gifted each one of us. There are many ways to get involved! Check the headings at the top of this page under "Get Connected" and "Serve God" to learn about what's happening that you can get involved with. Got a new idea? Reach out to the Navigator group with your idea. They can help connect you with the right people to implement new ideas!
I LOVE IT HERE! WHAT'S NEXT?
If you are interested in taking the next steps to become a partner at Good Shepherd, we encourage you to speak with Pastor Ted. He can help you through the process of attending "Flock Talk," our new partners class, baptisms, Holy Communion and more!
I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS!
Please contact us! Be sure to check out the about us page, which also links you to more about our staff, board of directors and information about our facility. Also be sure to read our blog posts which are highlighted on the home page. You can also connect with us on Facebook. (Link to our page at the bottom of each page) Don't forget to see what activities are coming up by viewing the calendar!
Need directions? See below!