A   U s e r ' s   G u i d e

We come to church for worship on Sundays and for fellowship and education throughout the week.

But what about those other times in our lives when we may need the guidance or compassion that our church family can offer?

What follows are some suggestions of times in our lives when the Church of the Good Shepherd and the clergy might be there to provide pastoral support. These are intended as a gentle reminder and an invitation to consider when to call upon the church in such times of need.

Before going to the hospital

It makes no difference whether you are going to the hospital for major surgery or for a routine check-up. Please let the rector know before you go. Ministry to those in the hospital is one of the clergy's major concerns. It is a time when the ministry of the Christian community is most needed by the members of the church. The clergy visit the local hospital as well as shut-ins daily. Please do not rely upon the clergy to discover that you have been ill or hospitalized.

When a baby is born or a child is adopted

Each new life is a gift from God and a reminder of the creative love of our heavenly Father. It is a time for the church to rejoice at the miracle of life and to celebrate with the new mother and father the change in their family. It is also a time for making preparations for the thanksgiving for the birth or adoption of a child and for making plans for the child's baptism into the life of the Christian community. It is the rector's responsibility to work with the family as these plans are made and to schedule and celebrate the baptism of members of our parish family.

When there is a death in the family

There is no more important time for the rector to be called than when a person is near death. It is the responsibility of a priest and pastor to be with the dying and to be available to the family of the departed. The 1979 Book of Common Prayer provides for ministry at the time of death and it is the responsibility and privilege of the rector to be present at that time. It is also important to contact the rector when there has been a death so that funeral arrangements may be organized and provisions made for the care of those who mourn.

When you plan to marry

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is for a man and woman who desire the blessing of the church as they begin their new relationship as husband and wife. The canons of our church require that a minimum of 30 days of notice be given to the rector before a marriage may be solemnized. In a parish church, the normal celebrant at a marriage will be the rector or his assistant. In special circumstances, another priest may be asked to share in the service. Please do not make any plans for a wedding without first contacting the rector.

In times of personal and relational crises

Although not providing professional counseling, a priest may offer pastoral care as well as referral to proper professionals. Those experiencing marital difficulties, for example, might consider calling a priest before an attorney. Too often, the decision to divorce is made before individuals have given themselves the opportunity for adequate counseling and the possibility of a richer, more rewarding relationship to develop. Those suffering from substance abuse — whether themselves or others around them — often find hope when a faith community is allowed to join with appropriate treatment programs for the person afflicted with the disease and for loved ones as well.    

When you would like to talk or pray through a difficult decision

Often our life choices are simple and straightforward, although there are occasions when we are met with trying times and difficult decisions. If you should find yourself in such a predicament, consider that a pastoral ear, another voice or simply the support of prayer might aid in care within this time of crossroads.

Before you leave the community

Going away to college? On armed services tour? Or simply up north during the hot summer months? Whether the move is permanent or temporary, close or far away, let the rector know so that the parish community might keep you in its thoughts and prayers.

When you need spiritual guidance   

Spiritual guidance is often offered for those who have reoccurring questions or are pondering a new insight in their life or are in search of regular spiritual direction. The priest of the parish can offer spiritual guidance in these situations and others.

When you wish to share your thanksgivings

We often overlook sharing the "good news" in our lives with our faith community. Our faith community longs to rejoice and join with us in giving thanks to our Creator for such blessings. Such thanksgivings can be placed among our intercessions prayed at Sunday and weekday liturgies.

Interested in finding out more about Good Shepherd? 
For more information, contact the church office.

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