Health and Healing

Prayer

Prayer is at the heart of everything we do. But there might be times when you desire extra prayers. By placing your name or the name of a loved on the weekly prayer list you will be remembered by the congregation in prayer. For times of emergency, there is also the prayer chain, a group of people committed to prayer for those who have a special request. Pastor Chun is available for prayer after worship, at the office (by appointment), in your home, or at any other location, such as a hospital, courthouse, etc.

Prayer before surgery

Before going into surgery you might want to seek the prayers of the community during and after worship. Please let the pastor know that you are preparing for surgery. The pastor will also come to the hospital for prayer and support.

Forgiveness

Throughout the Sunday morning worship there are many occasions to receive a word of forgiveness. During certain seasons in the church year a more formal order of confession and forgiveness is incorporated in worship. Private confession and forgiveness is available by making an appointment with the pastor. In addition, two Christians can also minister the act of confession and forgiveness for each other.

Healing Services

Prayers for healing, along with a laying-on of hands, can be provided at the church or in your home. These can be simple or formal, depending on your needs.

Healing Chapel

We have a smaller, more intimate chapel located off the Great Hall. It is available anytime for personal prayer and devotions

Parish Nurse

If you would like a visit from a nurse please contact the church office. The nurse does not provide hands on nursing care, but does offer support, suggestions, and advice. This is especially helpful upon return home from surgery.

Visitation at home, work or other places

The pastor is always glad to come and visit with you, at your home, at your work, in the hospital or at any other locations. (Depending on the circumstances, the pastor might be accompanied by another church member.)
There are times and circumstances when you want to arrange a visit with the pastor for prayer and blessings especially for:

• Sickness
• Gratitude
• Before Childbirth
• After Childbirth
• Following Stillbirth
• Addiction

The Visitation group is also available to come and visit you for support, prayer, and spiritual uplifting. Contact the church office if you desire a visit.

Counseling and Spiritual Direction

The pastor is available for counseling and spiritual direction by appointment. The pastor can also assist you with referrals for other resources for pastoral, spiritual, and mental health care.

Ceremonies and Celebrations

Blessing of a home or dwelling

At any time the pastor is available to provide a blessing of your home or dwelling. This is especially meaningful when you move in, move out or have a significant life event.

Baptisms

This church baptizes both infants and adults. Baptisms usually take place during the regularly scheduled worship service. Occasionally, special baptismal services can be scheduled. Baptisms in the home are rarely done, but possible upon consultation. All baptisms require baptismal preparation. Ideally the person to be baptized seeks membership at CGS or is a member of a CGS family. Exceptions can be made upon consultation.

First Communion Instruction

At CGS children may participate in all aspects of church life, including communion. Young children may receive communion if this reflects the understanding of their parents. As they grow in understanding, more formal instructions should be offered. This can take place in the home with the help of the pastor or during small group instruction.

Confirmation

A two year program of formal instruction in the Christian faith and the Lutheran tradition is offered to youth and concludes with confirmation (the rite of Affirmation and Baptism). Please contact the church office if you want to enroll.

Weddings

This congregation supports all forms of families. The best way to start is by making an appointment with the pastor to discuss what kind of ceremony you have in mind.
If you already know what you want and just want to rent the facility, check with the office for dates available.

Anniversary of a Marriage

The anniversary of a marriage can be observed at home with a simply ceremony, or at church with a more formal ceremony. Contact the pastor for more details.

Funerals

The transition from this world to the next is a very sacred time which we want to surround with prayer and loving care. Please do not hesitate to contact the pastor day or night as death draws near. The staff of the church is available to assist you in all the stages of funeral planning. The CGS memorial shepherds provide refreshments or luncheons following a funeral service. Pre-funeral planning is a great gift to your loved ones and is highly recommended whenever possible. The church office has many resources to assist you.

Membership

A person becomes a member of Christ the Good Shepherd through baptism, or in the case of those who have already been baptized, through an affirmation of baptism. We do not re-baptize. If you are interested in membership, please contact the pastor. If several persons are interested, a group orientation will be offered; if not, an individual orientation will help you come on board. There are no membership fees, but it is expected that members support the ministry of CGS with their prayers, their presence, and their gifts of time and money as they are able.