Programs and Ministries
The Church of the Good Shepherd welcomes you! We invite you to join us in our journey of faith. We strive to be faithful to God's call to us, serving each other and the larger community in Christ's name. We hope that you will consider joining with us in ministry, worship, and community. This listing describes many of the ministries and opportunities for fellowship that we offer, and who acts as the contact person for that group.
Acolytes - Diane Zimmerman-Decker
Young people from 6th grade through high school who lead the processional and recessional and assist the clergy during services. Orientation and training provided.
Altar Guild - Blanche Stockbridge
Cares for the liturgical vessels and linens and prepares the sanctuary for all services.
Auction - Jennifer Brown Thornton
Save the date for our annual fund-raising event! If you have talent, services, or items that can be donated for auction, please call one of the co-chairs.
Baptisms - the Rector
Counseling and scheduling through the Rector. We try to do baptisms at the traditional times set aside for baptism throughout the year.
Choirs/Handbell Choirs - Casey Hannan
The Adult Choir meets Wednesday evening for rehearsal and sings every Sunday. The Boys Choir and The Girls Choir practice on weekday afternoons and sing several times a year. Handbell Choirs for both children and adults perform on major holidays and special occasions.
Christian Education/Adults - the Rector
Classes, seriousEncompasses a wide variety of spiritual topics, serious and not-too-serious book discussions encompassing a wide variety of spiritual topics offered at various times.
Christian Education/Children - Barbara Claire Kean
Church School is held for children in grades Pre K-8 each Sunday, mid-September through June at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. in the undercroft. The youth in Grades 9 - 12 meet during the 10:30am service. The children and youth join the adults in church for communion each Sunday following the sermon.
Christian Education/Youth - Bev Bryant
Jr. and Sr. High youth fellowship meetings held most weeks; outreach, social events, community projects, mutual support for each other.
Confirmation Classes/Communion Class/Membership Classes - The Rector
Confirmation classes for youth and adults are held annually for those who have never been confirmed, those who would like to reaffirm their faith, or those who would just like to know more about the Episcopal Church.
Cursillo - Karen Conley
Short course in Christianity for adults, offered as week-end retreats, several times per year. Individuals and couples welcome.
Environment Committee - The Rector
Creates innovative worship environment for seasonal themes and special worship events through various media: sculpture, fabric, banners, and other artistic exhibits.
Flowers - Diane Cooke
Flowers may be donated in honor of or in memory of loved ones. Dates are available on the flower chart on the wall outside the sanctuary.
Gardens Committee - Pat Kosciki
Beautifies and maintains the gardens and The Cemetery Garden. Coordinates annual parish-wide fall and spring clean-ups.
Greeters - Cindy Woodman
These volunteers welcome newcomers, visitors, and current parishioners each Sunday on a rotating schedule. Give newcomers a brief orientation and accompany them to coffee hour.
Hospitality Committee - Robin Peters & Amy Gothorpe
This team oversees weekly Coffee Hour and various other social occasions to nurture fellowship.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers - the Rector
LEMs serve at the altar as Chalice Bearers. Lead Morning and/or Evening Prayer seasonally. Some are licensed to take communion to sick and shut ins.
Lectors - the Rector
Parishioners who read the lessons during Sunday worship on a rotating basis.
Long-Range Planning - Norm Farris
In the process of developing long-range plans for building, grounds, facilities use, parking, and meeting space
Marriage - the Rector
Counseling and brochures are available to those contemplating a Christian marriage.
Men's Group - Elgin Summerfelt
Mission/Outreach Committee -
Provides leadership in ministry and contact with other groups who are serving the poor and disenfranchised. Concord Prison Outreach, local food pantries and shelters, annual fund-raising events, CRISPAZ (Christians for Peace in El Salvador), and a faith-based community in El Ocotillo, El Salvador, are just a few of our ministries.
Newcomers Committee - Amy Gothorpe & Robin Peters
Welcomes and plans events for newcomers; introduces newcomers to parishioners.
Nursery - Barbara Claire Kean
A nursery is available year round during the Sunday services for infant through pre-school ages. Greeters or ushers can direct you to the lower level.
Parish Life - Gina Cronin and Danielle Cohen
A team of parishioners organizes a variety of (almost) monthly social activities: dinners, outings, movie night, picnics, and more!
Pastoral Care Committee - Diane Cooke
Serves as a resource for practical care and support for parishioners in need through providing meals, transportation, visits, respite care, and house-sitting during funerals.
Prayer Chain- Binki Wright
Prays for those experiencing any type of loss, grief, concerns, or thanksgiving. Prayer requests are kept confidential.
Property/Building & Grounds Committee - Bob Christmas
Coordinates routine maintenance and repairs to Church building and grounds.
Publicity Committee - Debby Flint-Baum
Promotes our visibility in the larger community through advertising our activities in local newspapers, advertisements.
Rector's Aides - Binki Wright
Meet as needed to help with office tasks.
Shawl Ministry - Lorraine Summerfelt and Manise Hinds
Knitters (and crocheters) gather for a fun time of shawl-making, prayers, and stories. Completed shawls are blessed by the group and sent out to those in the community who need them.
Shepherd's Staff - Kathleen Hoch
The monthly Parish Newsletter. Writing, editing, publication, and distribution are done by parishioners.
Spiritual Parenting
A vibrant group of parents and grandparents who support each other in parenting joys and struggles. Topics explored have included self-nurture, marriage & relationships in context of parenting.
Taizé Team - Jane Lothian
Help to organize, coordinate, and participate in the Taizé, Prayer & Healing services.
Ushers -
Volunteers who welcome worshippers into the sanctuary each Sunday. Distribute bulletins, guide communicants to the communion rail, and help Sunday service run smoothly.
Vestry - Norm Farris
Elected governing body of the Parish.