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Christian Education
In 2005 the Rector, in cooperation with our
Christian education committee, declared Christian education our number
one priority. This has not changed but has expanded through Bible study,
discipleship groups, and foyer fellowships. There is something for
everyone on Sunday morning beginning with story time in the nursery for
little ones under the age of four.
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The nursery is supervised by
a caring, experienced mom and grandmother who has received appropriate training and gone
through our diocesan "Safe
Church”
program.
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Elementary school-aged children meet together for a
lesson, crafts, and music in a multi-age setting that seems to benefit
all, including the instructors. Children ages 4-7 are welcome to
remain past the 9:30 AM Sunday school hour for Children’s Praise
& Worship. They are then led into the nave near Offertory time
to enable them to take communion with their families. Parents and
older siblings are welcome to accompany young children to this special
mini-service.
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Middle-school youth are currently meeting in a room
off the parish hall with two energetic dads providing leadership, and
young adults in high school and college meet in their own room for
challenging discussion and Bible study with two capable parent/teachers
who have their own teens at home.
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All adults are encouraged to meet
in the church library for Adult Christian ed. class with Dr. Dave
Barnett, or occasionally with Fr. Todd in the parish hall (near the fireplace) for a
pastor’s forum. (Click on the "Sunday Bible Class" link for more information on Dr. Dave's class.)
Small Group Fellowships
All members
have the opportunity to be involved in small group ministry.
Currently we have five home fellowships that meet monthly for prayer,
Bible study, fellowship around a meal or dessert, and to discuss our
covenant together. Additionally, we have a Friday evening prayer and praise ministry which meets every other week. Please contact the parish office if you are
regularly attending on Sunday morning and would like to be included.
Bible Study
All women are invited to a topical Bible study and time
of discussion on Thursday mornings at 10:30 AM. This group meets in
the library and several of the women take turns teaching or leading the
study. If you would like to participate and need the services of a
nursery, please contact the parish office.
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The Shepherd’s Hands
Interested in putting feet to your faith? Newly-formed at
the end of 2006, this is a local ministry in-the-works! Plans are
being made to work in conjunction with
Mission: Cedar Hill as it gets off the
ground, as well as with our local pastoral care team. Parishioners
with various skills including carpentry, plumbing, painting, tutoring,
clerical, and more are welcome to sign up by contacting Rebecca Hutchens
or Steve Clark.
MissionsWe
From our humble beginnings we have been blessed by the presence of Wycliff missionaries among us. Whether on sabbatical or working at SIL Duncanville these individuals have been an asset to our congregation. Finally the rest of us are realizing that we are all on a mission field! In July of 2006 fourteen adults from Good Shepherd went to
Guatemala
to serve and learn about missions. Last summer a group of seven, including three young people,
visited the Ladakh region of
India
on
a medical mission. (Follow the
above link to read about this latest project.) Where will short term missionaries go this year? Stay tuned!
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Ushers & Greeters
This combined
ministry provides a friendly welcome to visitors and new members as well
as long-time parishioners. Everyone is greeted at the door with a
smile and handed a bulletin. Ushers/Greeters are also able to
answer questions about the church and its ministries and direct those
with young children to the Nursery. Ushers and Greeters
volunteer on a rotating schedule, serving in pairs at both Sunday
services. For more information on becoming a part of this important
ministry, contact the parish office.
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Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Lay Eucharist Ministers are part of a uniquely rewarding ministry
that is open to both men and women of Good Shepherd. LEMs serve as lectors (read the lessons), lead
intercessory prayer, and administer the chalice during Holy
Communion. Prospective LEMs must meet
with the rector and undergo training to be licensed in the diocese.
For more information contact the rector
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Men's Softball
Good Shepherd sponsors a men's softball team, the “Killer
Sheep,” in the Cedar Hill Monday Night League during the local
softball season. The team offers men in our parish an opportunity to
gather together for Christian fellowship, fun, and exercise. For more
information contact Phil Head or Marc Hutchens
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Altar Guild
The Altar Guild serves by preparing the altar for
all services and occasions, polishing and maintaining the brass and
silver, cleaning and ironing the linens and vestments, and preparing the
elements. This calls for a unique frame of mind and a sense of the
way in which the trivial meshes with the divine. The Altar Guild is
a ministry of faithful men and women who serve with reverence, devotion, and
attention to detail. Membership in the Altar Guild is open to any
confirmed communicant in good standing who is willing to be trained in
the proper procedure and wishes to serve our Lord in this quiet, but
meaningful way. Please contact Anne Dearborn.
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Acolytes
The Acolyte Ministry, one of the oldest ministries in the church,
is open to those in the 5th grade and up. Acolytes are responsible
for lighting and extinguishing the candles, carrying the ornaments of the
church in procession, serving the elements to the Celebrant at the
Eucharist, and serving the clergy in whatever way may be required. The Acolyte Ministry is a prime opportunity to enable young people to
take the first step in a lifetime of active participation and ministry
within the church. Training is conducted annually, but can be
scheduled at any time by contacting the rector.
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Kitchen Teams
Kitchen volunteers
oversee the operation, use, cleanliness, and maintenance of the church
kitchen. The teams depend on people dedicated to the kitchen's upkeep to
ensure that the church has a facility that can meet church needs. If you
are interested in assisting with this practical ministry please contact
Beverly Edwards.
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Shepherd's
Psalmists and Shepherd's Bells
At Good Shepherd the congregation is the primary choir.
Congregational singing is strongly encouraged as we are instructed,
beginning in Psalms, to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord!"
However there are opportunities for instrumentalists and vocalists to
share their gifts and assist the congregation in praise and worship. The
Shepherd's Psalmists is a small group of singers who, throughout the year,
prepare and offer an anthem at offertory or teach a new song during the
10:30 service. The Shepherd's Bells is open to anyone who'd like to learn
to play the handbells on a smaller scale --
primarily as an instrumental descant to a hymn. Both groups are reforming
in August. For more information and to arrange an audition, please see
Cherie Wetzel.
I want to know You, Lord.
I want to follow You.
I want to know you, Lord.
I want to serve You.
Oh to know my Shepherd King!
Serving Him my heart will sing!
Jesus' gifts are not
denied!
All my soul is satisfied!
(c)2006 Tom Avery
For more
information on these, as well as other programs and ministries at Good
Shepherd, please call or e-mail the church. |
© 2006 goodshepherdcedarhill.org |
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