Good Shepherd Lutheran

 December 31, 2023

At 9 a.m. I decided to hike over to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for their 9 o’clock service. So I arrived late but still felt a warm welcome and found a seat near the back of the half-full sanctuary. This was billed as a “Service of Lessons and Carols,” and so it was. “Through Bethlehem’s manger God comes into the chaos, messiness, and vulnerability of the world.” Indeed.

After a time of silent confession, forgiveness, and reflection, we sang the first carol, Angels from the Realms of Glory. There followed various scripture readings related to the birth of Christ, alternating with classic songs marking those events. I arrived somewhere in the middle of the series. Scripture, song; scripture, song. It was lovely.

The congregation was invited to speak out prayer requests. “Go Illini!” was one. :-] A group included in the pastoral petition was the neurodivergent. “Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.”

During an offering time, a large basket was carried to the baby’s manger on the stage. I smiled seeing that it overflowed with toilet paper and Cheerios—necessities collected for people in need. (Besides a Little Library on the premises, Good Shepherd has a mini food pantry out front. A gentleman I talked to after the serviced told me he often stocks it twice a day.)

After the Lord’s Prayer, I was surprised to be invited to the communion table along with congregational regulars. “All are welcome to  communion at Good Shepherd. Come forward to receive the bread and the wine.” And indeed it was bread and wine (although grape juice and gluten-free wafers were available as well).

Announcements followed and then more singing before we were blessed in conclusion.

I enjoyed talking with a friendly woman on the way out. She explained that this division of Lutherans, yes, has an open communion table. She invited me to the church’s monthly coffee shop next weekend. I might just go.