WHAT IS THE WORK OF THE CHURCH?
We gather to worship because the Church’s primary function is first and foremost the adoration of God who loves us. Out of that adoration for our Creator flows an adoration for that which He loves – our fellow men and women. This is why we share the gospel and tend to those in need. We exist to pray. We pray with voices that have cracked at hospital beds. We pray with hands that have held tiny fingers as new life comes to be. We pray that we can be evangelists, priests, prophets, stewards, and heralds. We pray that we can be a sign, a symbol, and a living Sacrament. We pray that we can be the Church.
WORSHIP/EVANGELISM/PASTORAL CARE:
The word liturgy comes from the Greek Leitourgia. This can be best translated as “work for the people.” The word originally described building projects critical to a community’s ongoing life and might refer to a temple or bridge or aqueducts. These works were the things that brought life and made community happen – which is what worship is to us.
In a year, we have over 100 public worship services on Sundays and weekdays in addition to numerous funerals, weddings, and more. In 2020 we moved our worship online and have had to quickly adapt to offering these worship opportunities. After learning about online worship, we are considering other online opportunities. These tools have stayed with us since the pandemic as we have found them to be a wonderful way for people to stay connected when they cannot physically be here with us.
FORMATION:
Christian Formation is the lifelong process of discipleship, directed by the Spirit, whereby we fall more keenly in love with Jesus Christ and learn to pattern our lives after Christ’s Way of Love. Through practices aimed at deepening commitment to this Way, we grow into the full stature of Christ and become a people of faith, hope, and love. This work includes classes, Brown Bag Theology, and the catechism. We have shared information about fraudulent practices and other life skills.
OUTREACH:
With gifts of time and treasure, we advocate for human rights, justice, and peace, support relief, and development programs, strive to alleviate hunger, and create economic opportunities, because we are called to serve Christ in our neighbors locally and farther afield. Your pledge enables us to develop programs and new partnerships to reimagine the ways we can meet the changing needs of a changing community.
ADMINISTRATION:
Administration is not an end, but rather it is a means for serving people effectively, providing the systems to support the life of the parish in a manner that glorifies God. Whether it involves ensuring the church’s bills and staff are paid, the insurance in place, providing information for decision making, or contributions acknowledged, it is all meant to protect and support the ministry of the parish and to care for what we have inherited and to be faithful stewards for the next generation.
DIOCESAN ASSESSMENT:
Our contribution to the mission and program work of the greater church. One example of a unique ministry is supporting St. Crispin’s Camp which provides a safe, loving, and nurturing camp experience for children. Our share, as a congregation, helps to ensure that an Episcopal presence is maintained in cities and towns all across Oklahoma. Just as parishioners give to support the work of the congregation, each congregation gives to support the broader work of the whole Church as members of the Diocese of Oklahoma.
FACILITIES:
Our buildings and grounds provide space to make all of the above possible and allow Good Shepherd to serve as a resource in the general community. We offer needed space to non-profit organizations, the government, and the important work being done by 12-step groups. To quote a personal conversation from an AA group member, “Because of your generosity, this meeting saved my life.”