Worship
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
Good Shepherd Lutheran church follows the basic pattern for worship among Lutherans. We gather at 11:00am on Sunday mornings using the liturgies found in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW). We encounter God’s word through the read word of scripture and preaching. We share a meal at the Lord’s table and having been fed in word and meal we are sent into the world where we live the word of God in our daily lives.
Hike and a Prayer
We gather once a month for a Hike and a Prayer at one of the nearby parks that has easy to hike trails. We stop at a couple of locations during the hike to perform opening prayers, lessons, observations, and Holy Communion. Some of the parks we have used are Freylinghausen Arboretum, various sections of Patriots Path, and Branch Brook Park. Check calendar for this months hike.
Saturday Stewards
This monthly worship and service project event occurs every second Saturday. It is open to all ages. There is a reading from a children’s story book at each session and service projects always have something kid friendly to do. During the pizza break everyone is encouraged to write a prayer intercession An abbreviated service includes prayers, readings, reflection, and communion. Pizza is served.
WE GATHER AT OTHER TIMES TO WORSHIP
On Ash Wednesday of each year we share in worship with our neighbor Calvary Presbyterian. At noon we gather at Good Shepherd, in the evening at 7:30 pm we gather down the block at Calvary. We share in the Imposition of Ashes and in Holy Communion as we celebrate being one body in Christ.
Wednesdays in Lent we worship at noon and 8:00 pm. Folks are encouraged to bring a sandwich at noon and continue the fellowship of gathering around a meal. At 7:oo pm we gather for soup and bread prior to worship.
We begin Holy Week with the reading of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and a procession of palms often led by the children of the congregation. On Maundy Thursday, we celebrate the four movements of the evening – individual absolution, foot washing, Holy Communion, and the stripping of the altar. Good Friday contains the reading of the passion, bidding prayers and adoration of the cross and the Solemn Reproaches.
An Armed Forces Day Prayer Service is observed annually on the third Saturday of May. We honor the men and women who serve in the United States military.
In conjunction with the Florham Park churches and the synagogue we celebrate Thanksgiving. Each year will find us in a different host congregation with a community choir made up of members from each of the congregations.
SACRAMENTS
Communion
All who believe and are baptized are invited to the table of our Lord.
The sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated every time that we gather in worship except for Good Friday. Christ’s body is often bread which is baked by members of Good Shepherd. On occasion gluten free wafers are used, and yet always available for those with gluten allergies. Christ’s blood is taken as either wine or grape juice. It may be received in an individual cup, by common cup or intinction.
Baptism
The sacrament of Baptism is practiced as parents are moved by faith to do so or as a person of any age is moved by faith to do so.
OUR MUSIC
Our music program is led by Mr. Arnold Osmundson affectionately known as Arnie.
Musical praise to God is offered through our Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Praise Band and Shepherd Sisters. Their repertoire covers classical Bach and Mozart to the more modern music of this time. The Bell Choir is welcome to people of all ages and does not require the prior ability to read music. It rehearses at present on Thursdays at 7:00pm. The Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 8:00pm.