Church Services
During the summer, we hold a single worship service every Sunday at 9:00am.
Children are always welcome to attend the service. We have a children's sermon and "Busy Bags" (containing books, crayons, and creative activities) for children who attend the service. If you prefer, nursery care is available during worship for children ages 5 & under.
Worship Leaders
Worship unites the people of God with each other, through the Holy Spirit and a common bond of thankgiving and praise. The worship service is made up of many participants.
Rev. Ned J. McMillen became the Transitional Pastor at Good Shepherd on July 1, 2012. He is a graduate of Ohio State University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. He is Pastor Emeritus of St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church in Canton, OH, where he served for 31 years from 1968-1999. Pastor McMillen and his wife Pam moved to Bethel, CT in 2000 to be near family and he has served the New England Synod as part-time pastor and supply pastor since then. The McMillen’s have five children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Victor Johnson joined us in 2004. He is a gifted musician and the leader of Good Shepherd's vibrant musical community and our three choir groups. Vic is married to Nancy, and their son Matthew is also active in the church music program.
Our choir welcomes new members throughout the year. The choir currently has 22 members, and rehearses each Thursday evening at 7:30pm. Our bell choir performs on a routine basis, and rehearses on Thursday nights at 6:45pm. The children's choir is comprised of Sunday School students and sings routinely at Sunday worship services. Musical performances by our choir groups are an essential part of the worship service.
Church members may also take part in the worship service as part of our Lay Ministry program. This ranges from being an assistant minister, communion assistant, usher, acolyte, or lector during the service to welcoming guests as a greeter or assisting with financial matters as a counter.
Common Questions
What is Good Shepherd?
We are a friendly and diverse group of people who come together to worship God, and receive his blessing and inspiration. Good Shepherd is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and a part of the New England Synod. In addition, we try to practice God's love in our daily lives through service to others in our community and around the world.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in, whether that be jeans, shorts, or something more formal.
Will I be able to take communion?
If you are a baptized Christian of any tradition, we welcome you to Christ's communion table.
Can my kids come to the worship service?
Of course! Children are always welcome during worship services. During the service, we have a special children's sermon to include them. "Busy Bags" (containing books, crayons, and creative activities) are available for their amusement during the service. If you prefer, nursery care is available during worship for children ages 5 & under.
For those with disabilities...
We are committed to including everyone in our worship services and events. Our building is handicapped-accessibile. There are no stairs or steps entering the building, and we offer large-print worship guides for the visually-impaired. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.