God, Sex, and Healing after Deconstruction

Saturday, March 21, 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Worship Space

Struggling with toxic religion? Learn how to break free from harmful beliefs and find freedom and healing within an affirming spirituality. Be encouraged to address harmful beliefs in evangelicalism or some other high-control religion. Speakers and topics include:

8 Reasons and Responses to Faith Deconstruction - Tom Oord

Why people deconstruct their faith and how “open and relational theology” helps rebuild a more rational, healthier spirituality that aligns with our intuitions about love and freedom.

The Joy of Sex After Deconstruction - Susan Cottrell

How to deconstruct the sexual shame put on us by religionists and find joy again (or for the first time). Step into a fully affirming safe space for the LGBTQ+ and straight community.

Heal from Toxic Religion and Flourish Spiritually - Michael Camp

Faith deconstruction is liberating but leaves scars of spiritual abuse and church hurt. Learn how to heal from toxic faith and thrive using lifegiving tools and love-based practices.

Space is limited, so registration is required at Eventbrite. Questions? Contact Pastor Josh.

HOLY WEEK and EASTER at Good Shepherd

We are Christians. This is our story. Help us tell the story!

PALM SUNDAY, March 29
8:00 or 10:30 a.m. On Palm Sunday we remember the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem ... on a donkey. Perhaps no other liturgy in the entire year contains as violent shift in mood as this one. At the end of the service, we participate in the great unraveling that propels us into Holy Week. Regular worship schedule. For 10:30 Eucharist: Please join us downstairs in Seaman Hall at the beginning for the palm procession into the church.

THE TRIDUUM: “Three Days”

Our annual participation in the death and resurrection of Christ is actually one liturgy, taking place over three consecutive evenings, as follows ...

Part 1: MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 2

7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Eucharist with Footwashing and the Stripping of the Altar. On the night of his arrest, Jesus gave us parting instructions. Tonight, we join the apostles to hear and carry out those instructions again.

Part 2: GOOD FRIDAY, April 3

12:00 noon or 7:00 p.m. The Good Friday Liturgy with the Veneration of the Cross. Our annual remembrance of the death of Jesus focuses on the Cross as an icon of redemptive suffering, tempered by our faith that even death is no obstacle to God. Our offering from this service will benefit the work of Anglican Churches in the Holy Land.

Part 3: THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER, April 4
8:00 p.m. Gather outside the church. (Bring a bell, drum, or noisemaker to use at the time of the proclamation of Easter.) This is the night. We light the new Paschal flame. By candlelight, we hear the ancient tales of God’s works of salvation. We come to the water to renew the vows of our baptism. We proclaim Easter! And then all are invited to the table, old and young, sinners and saints, to share in the eternal meal of the Risen Christ. Bring the whole family. Bring kids and little ones in pajamas. Bring parents. Bring friends. Bring anyone and everyone who is in need of Good News!

THE DAY OF EASTER, April 5

8:00 or 10:30 a.m. We celebrate the Resurrection again at our regular service times.

I Will, with God's Help: Promises of Baptism

Sundays: April 12, 19, 26 at 9:15-10:00 a.m.

Good Shepherd Gathering Room

Episcopalians view baptism not as an individual practice, but as a communal one. We all gather around the one to be baptized so that we are prepared to help him walk the way with Christ. Join us on Sunday mornings early in Easter season to help prepare Thomas Jowenson for baptism on the Day of Pentecost. How can you help raise Thomas in the Christian faith and life, and what might his baptism mean for your own baptismal journey?

Register here.

Every Sunday morning:

Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.

"Eucharist" is an ancient Greek word meaning "Thanksgiving." Every Sunday, Christians gather to share the feast of bread and wine that spiritually sustains us for our work in the world.

Good Shepherd's 8:00 service is spoken, with no music, and tends to be small and intimate.

Good Shepherd's 10:30 service includes music and tends to be larger, with all ages represented.

After the 10:30 service, all are invited to come downstairs to Seaman Hall for coffee, snacks, and conversation.

Questions? Contact the Rev. Josh Hosler.