At Good Shepherd, learning is a fundamental way in which we strive to grow, nurture, and make disciples in Christ. We see learning as a lifelong process: in every chapter of life, God reveals new aspects of Godself, and our understanding of what it means to be disciples evolves and grows! Click through the descriptions below to find out more about the learning opportunities available at Good Shepherd.

The littlest members of our community are learning a lot about what it means to be a disciple simply by being in church with us! We welcome children as worshipers in our congregation, and know that the praise they give to God includes lots of wiggles and whispers in the pews. 

We provide worship bags for kids with fresh content in it each week so that they can engage with their faith in age-appropriate ways while in worship with us. 

And if they (or their caregivers!) need a break from the sanctuary, the Nursery is located right next door to it. We are currently not providing childcare in the nursery on Sunday mornings, but it is always open for caregivers to use.  

GSLC Sunday School each week from September 18, 2022 to May 21, 2023 for three year olds through grade four at 9:15am. Children begin in worship with their families at 9am, then head upstairs with their teachers after the children’s message. At Sunday School, we begin with a Large Group introduction to the day’s lesson, then break into age-specific classrooms to read the bible story, play games, and make a craft.  

The Sunday School curriculum follows the lectionary, which means that the kids get to engage with the same bible stories their caregivers hear in worship. Our hope is that this fosters conversations about God’s word as a family. 

“Bible Adventures ” is a class designed for fifth and sixth graders to get a solid grounding in the Old Testament and New Testament before entering confirmation. The two grades are taught together, and the curriculum alternates from year to year between the two testaments. This is a fun, approachable class that not only gives an overview of the Bible, but also gives the kids an opportunity to process their faith lives with peers. This year, we will be exploring the New Testament.  

Bible Adventures meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am in the Kenneth O. Bean Library on the 2nd floor of our building (Bible Adventurers begin in 9am worship with their families, then head upstairs with their teachers following the children’s message). We will also gather on Wednesday evenings during Advent and Lent for additional classes to dive deeper into additional New Testament topics.  

Confirmation is a two-year program for seventh and eighth graders, and prepares them to take ownership of their baptismal promises by offering an overview of the Bible, of Christian doctrine, and or our Lutheran perspective. Upon completion of the class, students are eligible to be confirmed through a rite called the Affirmation of Baptism during a special Sunday morning service.

Opportunities for fellowship, service, and learning continue with TAGS, our program for teens at Good Shepherd. Monthly meetings from September through June are complemented by social gatherings (like escape rooms and corn mazes) and service opportunities (hosting a Halloween party for the littlest kids in the congregation, participating with a feeding ministry in Northampton). We also serve God and our neighbor through yearly mission trips during the summer. Email TAGS@goodshepherdcares.org for more information!

Good Shepherd provides financial support for campers attending Camp Calumet from Good Shepherd and Concordia Lutheran Church. This summer, we helped 19 campers, along with 10 counselors, CITs, youth and adult staff members, experience Calumet and grow in their faith in God and friendships with one another. Learn more about the Campership Fund and how to get involved here.  

Sunday Adult Forum 

Adult Forum gathers throughout the year in a series format from September – June. Our first Sunday morning series, the History of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, will gather at 10:15am on Sunday mornings from September 18 – October 23.

Weekly Bible Studies 

We have two groups that gather every Monday and Friday at 9:30am. Usually, we’re working through a devotional book together that deepens our understanding of scripture and the life of faith. 

Wednesday Evening Adult Study 

On Wednesday nights during Advent and Lent, there’s a learning opportunity for adults at 6:30pm. Topics range widely, and in the past have included a series on faith and science, the anatomy of worship, racial reconciliation, and Russian Icon painting. These Adult Studies are currently being held in a hybrid format, please contact Samantha Menapace, Director if Christian Education  at samantha.menapace@goodshepherdcares.org for more information about these classes. 

NEW THIS YEAR – We will be gathering for a four-week book study during the month of October. We plan to meet on Zoom on Wednesday evenings from 8:30-9:15pm. Book TBD – contact Samantha Menapace with your book suggestions if you’d like to participate!