Frequently Asked Questions
The Place
How will I find It?
We are on Main Street in Oxford, which also is known as Route 12. This section of Main Street is "mixed use" residential and business. We are the stone church tucked between two big white houses, across from the Coonan Insurance Agency. Look for the "Grace Preschool" sign in the front yard.
Where should I park?
We have limited off-street parking, though there is plenty of free parking along both sides of Main Street. If you have difficulties walking, please feel free to park in the driveway to the right of the church. We share this with our neighbors, so please park on the side near the ramp. On weekends additional off-street parking is available at Coonan Insurance and Aspire Dance Studio, thanks to the generosity of our neighbors.
Will I know where to enter?
There are two entrances on Main Street: one is through the big brown doors in the center of the building. The other is through the glass doors to the right of the front. Using either entrance is fine. The nave (church-speak for the worship space) is on the left as you are facing the building, a matter of a several feet from either entrance.
Is Good Shepherd handicap accessible?
If you are unable to navigate a couple of stairs, please use the ramp on the right of the building. That will bring you into the fellowship hall. If you look opposite the kitchen, you will see the doors to the front foyer, which will take you to the nave. Once inside, there are no stairs.
Are there restrooms? How about a changing table?
We have two restrooms, both of them off the fellowship hall. You can find them on the hallway that is directly ahead of you if you enter the fellowship hall through the double (and only) doors. There is a changing table in the restroom at the end of the hallway. The restrooms are accessible.
The Worship
What's the first thing I do?
When you enter the nave (the worship space), you will be greeted by one or two parishioners, who will give you a copy of the worship bulletin. This bulletin explains the order of the service and the hymns that we will sing (on Sundays and some other special occasions). They can also answer any questions you may have.
Where should I sit?
Please sit wherever you feel most comfortable. We don't have "assigned" seating, so don't worry about that. On some special occasions, such as Christmas Eve and Easter, the choir sometimes has a few reserved pews, but we'll post signs if that's the case.
Are kids welcome?
We love kids! We love them in worship and we want them to be as involved as they can and want to be. Most Sundays, we have children helping bring the bread and wine to the altar, with the collection plates, and, sometimes, with special blessings. In the back of the church, on the side near the door, we have a special children's area, with stuffed animals, coloring supplies, and books. Kids are welcome to sit there or in the pewwith you.
We know it can be hard to sit still and be perfectly quiet, and we don't expect that of anyone, young or not-so-young. If your child prefers to see and hear better, please sit closer to the front. Know, too, that it is okay to leave for a few minutes to take a toddler or young child to the restroom, or to take some time to settle down if needed.
We know it can be hard to sit still and be perfectly quiet, and we don't expect that of anyone, young or not-so-young. If your child prefers to see and hear better, please sit closer to the front. Know, too, that it is okay to leave for a few minutes to take a toddler or young child to the restroom, or to take some time to settle down if needed.
What if I'm not sure what to do?
No one is sure 100% of the time, which is one of the reasons we use books and a bulletin. You'll have the bulletin, which will tell you where to look in the two books we use: The Book of Common Prayer and The Hymnal 1982. Both books are in the book rack in the pew.
You may notice people making the sign of the cross, bowing their heads, perhaps genuflecting (bending down on one knee) as they enter the church. All of these are ways of showing our reverence for God. You are invited to show your reverence in the ways that are comfortable and meaningful to you, as a way of bringing you deeper into the heart of God.
You may notice people making the sign of the cross, bowing their heads, perhaps genuflecting (bending down on one knee) as they enter the church. All of these are ways of showing our reverence for God. You are invited to show your reverence in the ways that are comfortable and meaningful to you, as a way of bringing you deeper into the heart of God.
Am I expected to give money? What if I don't have an envelope?
No one is required to make an offering, though everyone is welcome to do so, with or without an envelope. Anything you give helps to fund the ministries of the parish. It is okay to give cash or with a check. You can also give electronically through tithe.ly.
Who receives communion?
At Good Shepherd ALL are welcome to God's Table. We offer Communion in two forms: bread and wine. We have gluten-free bread available for those who need or prefer it. You simply let us know when you are at the altar rail. It is okay to take just the bread.
At Good Shepherd, most people kneel to receive Communion but is is fine to stand. We receive the bread in our cupped hands and then either dip the bread into the wine, or gently help guide the chalice to your lips for a sip of the wine. You can refuse the wine by crossing your arms over your chest.
If you are unable to walk to the altar rail, please let us know and we will bring it to you. You can tell the greeter at the start of the service or any parishioner who will let the priest know.
We know that parents often wonder if their child is old enough to receive Communion. Although we defer to the parents' decision, the answer to the question: "Is my child old enough or ready to receive Communion?" is a resounding, "Yes!" We are happy to talk to your child (or anyone) about Communion, but it isn't necessary to take a class to learn to do it. Communion is grace - a gift from God, freely given.
At Good Shepherd, most people kneel to receive Communion but is is fine to stand. We receive the bread in our cupped hands and then either dip the bread into the wine, or gently help guide the chalice to your lips for a sip of the wine. You can refuse the wine by crossing your arms over your chest.
If you are unable to walk to the altar rail, please let us know and we will bring it to you. You can tell the greeter at the start of the service or any parishioner who will let the priest know.
We know that parents often wonder if their child is old enough to receive Communion. Although we defer to the parents' decision, the answer to the question: "Is my child old enough or ready to receive Communion?" is a resounding, "Yes!" We are happy to talk to your child (or anyone) about Communion, but it isn't necessary to take a class to learn to do it. Communion is grace - a gift from God, freely given.
What is Sharing the Peace of Christ?
Following the Prayers of the People, we are invited to share the peace of Christ with others in the congregation. At Good Shepherd, this can appear slightly chaotic, as members of the congregation move into the aisle to share the peace with others who aren't sitting near them. There is no "right" way to share the peace. Some shake hands, some hug, some offer a gesture. There is no requirement to move into the aisle or share peace in any particular way. You should do whatever feels right for you.
Following the Peace, we share announcements - we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions with personal blessings. We offer personal prayers for healing and challenging times. Even if you are visiting, you are welcome to come forward for a special blessing.
Following the Peace, we share announcements - we celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions with personal blessings. We offer personal prayers for healing and challenging times. Even if you are visiting, you are welcome to come forward for a special blessing.
Are guests welcome at Coffee Hour?
Absolutely! We have Coffee Hour on Sundays after the 10:30 service. It's not fancy. Coffee, juice, snacks. ALL are welcome. This is a great time for us to begin to get to know each other.