What to Expect

We understand that coming to a new church – or just plain coming to church – can seem like a scary proposition. If the thought is crossing your mind, then that’s a good thing – r one of the angels is giving you a little nudge. But what will it be like? What do they do at this church? Will I understand what’s going on? Will they ignore me or try to convert me or what?

Yikes!

Well, we want to put your mind at rest. Here at Good Shepherd we think you will find us to be pretty friendly and laid back. We won’t ignore you but we won’t “pounce” on you either!

First things first: Sunday worship starts at 10:30am, so we suggest you come a few minutes early, to get settled in. Enter through the big front doors facing Margaret Avenue and inside you’ll find our ushers waiting to greet you. They will give you a service folder and invite you to sit wherever you like in the sanctuary. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have and they’ll do their best to help.

If you have a baby with you, we have a fully-equipped nursery downstairs to meet your needs. If you have a restless or squirmy toddler, ask for one of our “Totes for Tots”, a bag of crayons, crafts and other goodies to keep small hands busy.

If you have children (ages 4 to 11), you will find two resources available for them. The first is “Kidspace”, an area in our sanctuary reserved for the younger children to sit and colour and play before the start of the service. Then, early in the service itself, children come up to the front for a time with the pastor and then go downstairs with their teacher for Sunday School. They will then be returning just before the end of the service for “show & tell” and to sit with you again.

The service itself is pretty easy to understand and follow – at least, that’s what everyone’s been telling us so far! There’s a time for prayer and for singing, for hearing the Bible lessons and a message for the week to come. (For those interested in the “ancient spiritual practices” such as meditation, chant, sacred dance, labyrinth-walking, Bible study and others, see Our Programs and especially Inner Sanctuary).

You will find that we love music. The first Sunday of every month is a “guitar service” with a live band. We have a choir, soloists and guest musicians, too

After the service, everyone goes downstairs for Coffee Hour, a time for coffee, tea or juice, some delicious snacks and a chance to meet old friends or make new ones. Join the buzz or have a chat with one of our pastors.

That’s about it – just come, be welcome and enjoy!

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116 Queen Street North. Kitchener, Ontario N2H 2H7. 519-743-3845.