Visitors
Welcome to the Good Shepherd. We invite you to join us!
Finding a spiritual home takes time and is different for each person. It is not an easy thing to walk into a church as a visitor, but we invite you to give us a try.At the Good Shepherd we want to welcome our guests and visitors while still allowing them the time and space to observe, and the freedom to participate when ready.
Our Worship Services
The Good Shepherd offers multiple worship opportunities throughout the year. Each service typically lasts between 60 and 70 minutes.
October through April
From the First Sunday of October through the last Sunday in April, we have two distinct worship experiences. Our Spirited Traditional Services begins at 9:00 am, and is followed by an Engaging Contemporary Service that begins at 11:15 am.
May through September
From May through September, we enjoy one Blended Worship Service each Sunday at 10:00 am.
Taize Service
At 6:00 pm on the second Wednesday of the month from October through May, we have Taize service.
Fellowship
And of course following each morning worship service, there is a time for casual conversation over coffee and lemonade and a variety of yummy treats.
Worship Service Styles
We enjoy powerful, thoughtful, and spirited worship. Some of it might be traditional, while sometimes it might be quite creative and modern. Our worship services reflect the variety of our backgrounds, drawing upon the music and sacramental life of Christian traditions throughout the ages and our lived experiences as people in the 21st century along the borderlands.
Hymns, prayers, a weekly message engaging the of world today, combined with the singing of our choir, musical ensemble and congregation makes worship a time for centering around God’s presence, connection with one another and preparing ourselves to go out into the world and live out God’s peace, love, joy and hope.
Communion
We celebrate Communion together on the first Sunday of every month. All are invited to participate in this celebration, because Jesus invited all, and turned no one away.
Select this link for more about our worship services
Directions to the Good Shepherd
From the North:
Take I-19 South, exit on Exit 75 Sahuarita Road, turn to the right(west). Proceed ¼ mile, then take a left onto La Canada and continue for 2 miles. The Good Shepherd is located on the right (west) side of La Canada.
From the South:
Take I-19 North, exit on Exit 69 Duval Mine Road, turn to the left (west). Proceed ¼ mile, then take a right onto La Canada and continue for 2 miles. The Good Shepherd is located on the left (west) side of La Canada.
View The Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in a larger map
Our Congregation
What types of people come to the Good Shepherd UCC?
The people in our church are a diverse bunch. You will find a wide variety of perspectives, professions, and looks on any given Sunday, including young and old, women and men, gay and straight, singles and families, a variety of colors, and everyone in between. God’s love is for all kinds of people and our community lives out that knowledge.
What should I wear?
Our church is located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert—so we long ago got rid of the stuffy choir robes and clergy vestments. At the Good Shepherd you will see a bit of everything: people in their “Sunday best,” folks in “business casual” and those in jeans and t-shirts. In addition, you will often see people wearing shorts and flip-flops all year round because we can. It’s completely up to you to dress to your level of comfort. We look forward to seeing you, not what you’re wearing.
Is childcare available?
Yes! We have experienced, compassionate childcare providers who wait to welcome your child to the infant and toddler room located just down the hall in the main building. This room offers age-appropriate toys, books, and music. There is always adequate supervision based on the number of children attending.
Christian Education
Do you offer Christian education and spiritual formation classes for children and adults?
On Sunday mornings we offer classes for children and youth.
From October through April, Church School is during the 11:15 service and from May through September at the 10:00 service. Children and youth attend the first 10 to 15 minutes of worship, and then are invited to go to their classes with their teachers.
Throughout the year, we also offer an Adult Forum on Sunday mornings, which usually consists of a conversation with guest speakers on contemporary spiritual and ethical issues relating to faith. The Adult forum is held between services from October through April, and before service from May through September.
We also offer a variety of adult reading and study groups, times for meditation, tai chi, Spanish classes and so much more, held at different times during the week and throughout the year. We encourage you to check them out.
What about handicap accommodations?
The church is fully handicap accessible.
Hearing Assistance
Our sanctuary is equipped with the Loop System that augments hearing for those with appropriate hearing aids. We have a number of headsets and listening devices.
How can I become a member of the Good Shepherd?
We receive new members into the Good Shepherd congregation about four times a year. In
order for people to learn more about the Good Shepherd and the United
Church of Christ we offer a one session “Inquirer’s Class” that occurs a
few weeks before the New Membership Sunday. This gathering which follows the worship service, typically lasts about one hour and 15 minutes. Light snacks and childcare are provided.
If you have any questions — or want to join the church and can’t attend the “Inquirer’s Class, please be sure to contact the Rev. Mayer at 625-1375.
