Good Shepherd United Methodist Church

Children and Media Influence

Parenting in a Media Saturated World

In recent years, media has become an extremely powerful influence on our children. For example, phones aren't simply for making phone calls anymore. Children use cell phones for listening to music, sending texts, filming videos, sharing photos, and accessing the Internet. Our children use computers to do their homework, socialize, stream video, and create movies/songs. And they can communicate or connect 24/7 from just about any location.

All parents want their children to make great decisions so they can take advantage of the powerful technology that fills their lives. But in order to make good choices, children must know how the digital world works. The stakes are high because our children' technological abilities can eclipse their maturity and judgment. Unrestricted access to information and people can mean age-inappropriate contact/content or it can mean a wealth of information and experience. The difference between a great experience and an iffy one lies in the decisions children make. Just as children acquire the skills necessary to become safe swimmer or driver, they need to know how to live in the digital world responsibly and respectfully.

For ideas on how to parent in a media saturated world, click here: Children_and_Media_Influence.pdf

Monthly Labyrinth Prayer Walk

The labyrinth is a metaphor for our journey with God.The walk inward symbolizes letting go of the barriers and busyness that stand between ourselves and God. The middle of the labyrinth is where we center on God, reflect on God’s truth and love, contemplate in quietness and relax in God’s presence. The outward journey helps us process how our encounter with God affects our relationships with ourselves, others and the planet. The labyrinth is open to the public and is available the first Tuesday of each month from 6-9 p.m. The labyrinth will also be available every Tuesday evening in December (except December 28). Each walk takes 45 minutes to an hour. To complete the walk by 9 p.m., arrive no later than 8:30 p.m. There will be a brief introduction to the history of the labyrinth before you walk. Guides will be available to assist you. Children ages 7-11 are invited to walk the labyrinth with an adult. The walk will be in the main church building or outside weather permitting. Please enter from the front glass doors.

For more information about the labyrinth visit the Labyrinth Society

Contact , Minister of Adult Discipleship, (804) 400-6171 or (804) 270-7613.

Sunday School for Children, Youth, and Adults

Children's Sunday School
Sunday School is from 9:30-10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Nursery through 5th grades we also have a special needs class currently serving our autistic members and their families.You may enter from the parking lot the doors marked "Nursery" or through the main entrance doors. Ushers at main entrance doors will take you to the Education Hall. For information about Sunday School for Children, contact , Minister of Child Discipleship.

Youth Sunday School
For more information about Youth Sunday School, contact , Minister of Youth Discipleship and Missions
Middle School - 6-8th grades and Senior High 9-12th grades

Adult Sunday School
For more information about Adult Sunday School, contact , Minister of Adult Discipleship.

Small Groups

Small groups are one way Good Shepherd helps you grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Being a disciple, is a lifelong commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to become like him in thought, word, and deed. As you walk this commitment, you need people along the way to connect with outside our worship services, who will nurture, encourage, challenge and support you on your journey. Small groups provide these relationships.

What happens in a small group? Groups come together for Bible study, to serve in missions, to pray for each other, and to gather for fellowship. You may be nervous about joining a Small Group for the first time, that’s understandable. We’d like to encourage you in that, many have found once they have experienced this form of community life, they can’t go back to life without being a part of a Small Group. Good Shepherd will not assign you to a group. We believe the best place for you to grow is with people who have similar passions. We have many different ways that you can be involved in a small group. Some of the groups are listed below with more forming every day. You’re encouraged to visit two or three groups to find the one that works best for you. There’s nothing to lose and a lot to gain by trying a Small Group. If you don’t see a group listed here or on our website, would love to help you find your connection point at Good Shepherd.

Women’s Intergenerational Morning Group
Meets the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesdays in room 118. Previous studies include the Sisters Series, Strong Was Her Faith and Bad Girls of the Bible.

Ministry Discovery
Did you know you have a gift waiting to be opened? It is a gift from God and it was made just for you. This gift is your spiritual gift, a gift God has given you to equip you for ministry. This gift, combined with your passions, enable you to uniquely serve the kingdom of God here on earth. Would you like to know more? If so, visit the United Methodist Church website to learn more and to complete an on-line survey. Afterward, please contact to discern how and where God is calling you to serve — in the church, in your home and in the world.

Women’s Book Clubs
Meet the first week of each month. If you enjoy reading fiction a book club may be an excellent entry point for you to join a small group.
Groups meet:
The first Wednesday of each month (except June and September) at 10:00 a.m. at the church
The first Thursday of each month (except June and September) at 7:00 p.m. at the church
Here you can find the book list for July 2009-May 2010 by clicking here 2009_Book_Group_Reading_List.pdf

Contact or 270-7613 for more information.

Senior Adult Ministry

Our 55+ Senior Adult Ministry includes some of our most active volunteers and can be found teaching children’s Sunday School classes, helping to get out the newsletter, folding bulletins as well as enjoying fellowship opportunities such as luncheons, dinners and trips. Contact Jean Deal at 270-3520 for a schedule of events.