What should I expect when I visit?
1. What should I wear?
Wear whatever you are comfortable wearing! People wear casual jeans and shirts or dresses and suits and ties.
2. Where do I park?
There is parking in front of the church when you turn in to the parking lot, and there is also parking around the back. There are guest spots in the first parking lot especially for you!
3. Where do I enter the church?
There is an overhang over the entrance. Go through one of the two sets of double glass doors to enter. The entry to the sanctuary is straight ahead when you come in, and the hallway on the right leads to the restrooms, Sunday School rooms, and Nursery (first door on the right). The entire facility is handicap-accessible.
4. What kind of children’s ministry do you have?
Children who can are invited to stay in the service. Sunday School for ages 3 - adult starts at 10:00am. We also have activity bags available for young children in the coat room that they can take into the service with them.
Nursery care is available to the right in the hallway. Our nursery volunteers have their state clearances and love children!
In addition to Sunday School, we also have a youth group for K-3rd graders called Kids Club and another group called Jr. Youth for 4 - 6th graders, which meet the first Friday of every month at 6:00pm. We enjoy field trips like bowling and skating throughout the year as well.
The middle through high school Sunday School is called CIA (Christ In Action) and is also the middle through high school youth group. Every three years, we have the opportunity to take our youth to the LCMS National Youth Gathering. We raise money for this trip, as well as for our other out of town trips.
5. What is the music like?
In our 9:00am service, we sing 3 modern praise songs interspersed throughout the service. Our praise team, which includes keyboard and drums, has several members, and welcomes you if you'd like to be part of the music ministry here.
In our 11:00am traditional service, we sing 3 hymns (played by our organist). We also sing a modern praise song every Sunday. If you like being part of the music ministry, you can join the choir..
6. How long do the services last?
Our Sunday services last about an hour. Our special services during Lent and Advent are approximately 45 minutes.
7. What is the service like?
You can find recordings of our services on our Youtube Channel, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, York, PA.
The 9:00am service includes 3 praise songs, a time of liturgical confession and forgiveness, Scripture readings, a time of prayer, a 10-15 minute sermon, a children's message, the Lord's Prayer, and Communion twice a month (2nd and 4th Sundays of the month).
The 11:00am service includes pre and post-service organ music, 3 hymns, a praise song, Scripture readings, spoken and sung liturgy (ie. the Lord's Prayer, the Nicene and Apostles' Creed, Sanctus, etc.), corporate prayer, a 10-15 minute sermon, and Communion twice a month (1st and 3rd Sundays of the month).
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8. What if I’m new to the Christian faith or to Lutheranism?
Pastor is very happy to speak with you and answer any questions! Call 717-764-4746 or email, yorkshepherd@verizon.net. You can also talk to him Sunday morning when you visit, or set up a time to meet.
9. What is your communion policy?
Baptized individuals who believe Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior, and that His presence is in the Sacrament (Christ’s body and blood ARE received along with the bread and wine); and who are willing with the help of the Holy Spirit to seek forgiveness and amend their lives in accordance with His will; we invite them to join us in the Lord’s Supper. Children are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing, or receive communion, provided they have received Lutheran instruction and communion in their home church. Communion in the contemporary service is the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, and in the traditional service it is the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.