Acolytes

There is a very active acolyte group that operates under the direction of an acolyte master. Training is thorough and standards are high. The group is composed of young men and women ranging in age from 8-18 with three to six acolytes present at each service. The program is designed for young people to commit their time and talent to the church. The liturgy is emphasized and the rich significance that encompasses it, and how it aids in developing a personal relationship with Christ and with fellow Christians.  We have adult acolytes who also serve.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild works behind the scenes throughout the year preparing the church for worship and special services. They set up and clean up after each service; take care of the priest’s vestments; polish the silver and brass; wash and iron the linens; clean the candles and add oil to them as needed; and change the altar, lectern, and pulpit hangings according to the season. This group prepares the church for baptisms, weddings, funerals and other special services. This year, the Altar Guild hopes to purchase altar linens. All parishioners are encouraged to remember their loved ones with memorial flowers and to mark special occasions and events with flowers of thanksgiving. The Guild consists of  members chosen by the rector. The overall purpose of the Good Shepherd Altar Guild is to serve God with joy and to be a right hand to the rector.

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is an international ministry of men within the Anglican Communion with corporate offices in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. The Brotherhood was incorporated by an Act of the U. S. Congress signed May 30, 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. That Act states, "the sole object of said corporation shall be the spread of Christ's Kingdom among men."  The Good Shepherd Chapter was installed in September of 2003. When and where men are able to come together with other men to share in discussions of their Christian Faith and study the Holy Bible, they become more active in and supportive of the parish ministry in that community.

Meetings are held bimonthly on the first Wednesday at 7pm and third Sunday at 11:30am. All baptized men are welcome.

The organization's national website is located at: http://www.brotherhoodstandrew.org

Choir

There are currently two choirs in the church: youth and adult. The members of the youth choir rehearse each Sunday after church and perform approximately once a month during the school year. The adult choir is responsible for leading the music September through June. In addition, both the adult and children's choir participate in special services throughout the church year. The adult choir rehearses on Thursday evenings, the children's choir rehearses after the 10AM Sunday service. The choirs are open to any interested singers.

Bell Choir

We have recently acquired a 3-octave set of bells.  Rehearsals for the adult bell choir is at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings.  All are welcome to join.

Holly Fair

Holly Fair is an annual craft fair sponsored by the parish.  It has evolved from a church bazaar, where all items were made by the parishioners, to an arts and craft fair with booths offering the wares of a variety of quality craftsmen.  A kitchen is staffed to provide lunch and homemade desserts.  Handmade Christmas ornaments and gifts are available at the Good Shepherd booth.  Additionally, the Holly Fair has live musical entertainment and Christmas carolers throughout the day. 

Parish Life Committee

The objective of the Parish Life committee is to care for our own.  They are responsible for organizing parish breakfasts and other occasional social activities.  

Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM)

There are eight lay eucharistic ministers in our parish who are persons licensed by the bishop at the request of the rector to assist in leading worship and to serve the chalice at communion. Working closely with the priest, they become familiar with the liturgies of the church so that they can lead the congregation in the responses and the actions of our worship. Lay eucharistic ministers typically read the lessons and lead the recitation of the Psalm and the Prayers of the People. They assist the priest at the altar, and in her absence may officiate at morning prayer. Lay ministers receive periodic training.

Outreach Committee

"Outreach" to date is accomplished by groups of individuals participating in specific events.  Notable achievements include annual Thanksgiving baskets for the needy, an adopt-a-family Christmas program to provide Christmas gifts, participation in the annual CROP walk for hunger, and a program of collecting new blankets for distribution where needed.  We also take part in the United Thank Offering ingathering in May, and help stock and work at the ecumenical food pantry in Pitman. 

The Prayer Chain

Interested members of the church maintain a prayer chain.  We know that by the lifting up of our minds and hearts in prayer we can affect change through the will of God.  With faith and trust in the Lord's goodness, we cannot be separated from his love for us.  We pray, upon request, for the special needs, problems or circumstances confronting members of our parish family.  New members are welcome.

Trinity Guild or E.C.W.

The Episcopal Church Women, or Trinity Guild as it is known in Good Shepherd, provides a time and place for women of the church to meet together, share experiences, augment programs of the parish, and further the goals of the entire church. According to E.C.W. bylaws, "All women by virtue of their baptism are automatically members of the E.C.W." Meetings are the fourth Wednesday of the month from September to June at 12:30 in the parish hall. Activities include soliciting baked items and manning the table at the annual Holly Fair supplying needed items for the church.

Ushers

There are about 30 parishioners who are ushers. At the church service a vestry member serves as a "greeter" of the congregation as well as a counter and recorder of the offering. The other ushers also greet worshippers, distribute bulletins, collect the offering, control the flow of the congregation going to communion, count attendance and reset the pews. Since ushers are the first contacts to newcomers, they are encouraged to be friendly to all worshippers that walk through the door. The final responsibility is to make certain that all the lights are turned off, all windows are closed, and the building is secure after the service.