Worship with us in person or online!

Our first-ever outdoor worship service since the COVID 19 pandemic was held on Sunday, August 2nd. It was a traditional worship service with Holy Communion. We were delighted to gather together with over 40 of our sisters and brothers in Christ, in person, and countless others who participated virtually to share the word, the body and blood of Christ, beautiful music and some much needed fellowship! We were able to enjoy all of that while maintaining appropriate health and safety guidelines. Join us this Sunday and every Sunday thereafter for the foreseeable future at 10:30 Eastern Time. Please note that this is half an hour later than we have met in the past – this is to allow additional time for setup and to make sure the weather will permit outdoor worship. Thanks to Pastor Bob and all of the volunteers who made this possible!

Our services will also be offered live online. Whether you join us in person or online, we can’t wait to worship with you!

How to join us in person

Worship will be held at the gazebo in the front yard of the church, weather permitting. You are invited to bring lawn chairs and be seated around the gazebo, or to remain in your car. Ushers will help you to park and practice social distancing while at the church.

Masks must be worn at all times. If you do not have a mask, our ushers will be happy to provide you with one.

Restrooms will be available, but access will be controlled to allow for social distancing.

Although we will not be able to sing together at this time, our church musicians will have musical selections to inspire you each Sunday morning. We will continue to pray and speak the creed together.

Communion will be offered using safe methods of distribution.

You can visit our website, www.goodshepherdlife.org, to see the current status of Sunday’s service and check for any weather or COVID-19 related cancellations.

How to join us on online or by phone

If you’d like to join us online, please start by going to our website, www.goodshepherdlife.org. You’ll find easy instructions for:

• Joining our live Zoom service on any tablet, phone or computer.
• Calling in to listen to our worship from any telephone.

How to watch worship on YouTube

Sunday morning worship will be livestreamed straight to our YouTube channel. You can watch on your phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. You won’t be able to interact with other worship participants, but you’ll be able to see and hear everything that’s happening, as it happens – it’s like a live TV broadcast from the church.

Watch or listen to Daily Prayer, our daily online devotional

We’ll be with you every day throughout the COVID-19 emergency. Join Pastor Bob for a daily time of prayer, scripture and a bit of encouragement. You can watch Daily Prayer on our YouTube channel or listen to the Daily Prayer podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

However you join us, we can’t wait to be with you again!

Your council, worship committee and worship leaders have worked hard to get us to the point where we can worship together safely and meaningfully. We know how different all this is, but we’re grateful that no matter how we gather, no matter what means we use, we are the body of Christ together.

See you soon,

Pastor Bob

Join us this Holy Week from the comfort and safety of your own home!

(Video links may not be live until the day for which they are prepared.)

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is named for the “mandate” that Jesus gave his disciples: That we love each other as he loved us. It’s the night we remember how he washed their feet and shared one last meal before showing just how deep his love is.

• Worship: Watch Daily Prayer
• Live Out: Stripping of the Table
• Live Out: Family Footwashing

Good Friday

Good Friday is the day of crucifixion. It’s a time for humility, for discipline and fasting, and for devotion. But it is not a day of despair! It is “God’s Friday,” and the cross of Jesus is our Tree of Life, on which was hung the salvation of the world.

• Worship: Watch Daily Prayer
• Worship: Watch the special Good Friday service prepared by the Lutheran clergy of the East Hills.
• Worship: Watch the Tenebrae service prepared by the SWPA Synod.
• Live Out: Technological Darkness
• Live Out: Make a Paschal Candle

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is an in-between time of waiting – much like our current period of social distancing! Jesus’ followers isolated themselves behind closed doors and tried to make sense of a world that had turned upside down. We know how this story enEaster Worshipds… but now is a time to live in the already-but-not-yet tension of Saturday.

• Worship: Watch Daily Prayer
• Worship: Watch the Easter Vigil service prepared by the SWPA Synod.
• Live Out: Wax Crayon Eggs

Easter Sunday

It’s here! Alleluia! Not even the grave has power over Jesus. Because he lives we can face life with confidence and hope, knowing that absolutely nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ.

• Gather: Join us live at 10:00 am for our weekly Virtual Worship and Coffee Hour on Zoom
• Worship: Watch Daily Prayer
• Worship: Watch the Easter Worship service prepared by members of The Good Shepherd, featuring scripture, music, prayers, and a short homily.
• Live Out: If you’re feeling bold, why not step out from behind your closed door and say as loud as you dare: “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” Bonus points for teaming up with a friend in a call and response!

Other News

Server Maintenance

We’ve been conducting necessary maintenance on our web and email servers. If you’re having any trouble emailing us or accessing the website, please check our Facebook page for a status update. If the problem doesn’t resolve in a day, let us know by phone or a Facebook message. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.

New Virtual Worship and Coffee Hour Instructions

Since we first began our virtual Sunday mornings, participation has increased significantly. Unfortunately, we’ve needed to make changes to the meeting information and the links you use to join us. Please no longer use links from previous emails or that you have bookmarked – the links in this email, on our website and on Facebook are correct.

 

Sympathies

Our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Amy Elliott and Pat Fitzsimmons. You are in our prayers!
 

That’s all for now…

Wishing you joyful Eastertide!