THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD - RALEIGH, NC

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  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Clergy & Staff
    • Vestry
    • The History of Good Shepherd
    • Diocese of North Carolina
    • About Episcopalians
  • Worship
    • Worship Schedule
    • Bulletins >
      • Archived Bulletins
    • Livestream
  • Ministries
    • Adult Formation
    • Family Ministry
    • Music Ministry
    • Youth Programs (EYC)
  • Serve
    • Serve Our Parish
    • Serve Our Neighbors
  • Connect
    • Fellowship >
      • Annual Events >
        • Family Weekend
        • Mission Trip
        • Pancake Supper 2025
        • Rally Day
        • VBS
    • New Here
    • Newsletter
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Community Resources
    • Parish Calendar
    • Parish Documents >
      • Documents Archive
    • Parish Archives
    • Gallery >
      • Stained Glass Windows
  • Giving
    • Annual Giving 2026

Advent and Christmas 2025 

A Beautiful Advent Journey

Thank you to everyone who worshiped with us this December! It was a beautiful our Advent journey as we gathered to celebrate the birth of our Savior across all our services.

The photos shared below were taken during the 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist, the Christmas Pageant, and other services. From the soaring music to the candlelit sanctuary, the "joy and wonder" of the season was felt by all. We are so grateful to have shared this sacred season with our parish family and neighbors alike, and we hope these images serve as a heartwarming reminder of the light and hope we share in Christ.

The Sacred Season of Advent​

We extend a warm welcome to all, both parishioners and visitors, as we embark upon the journey of Advent and prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord. We embrace you as a beloved part of our community. We invite you to join us as we observe the liturgies of this holy season, reflecting upon the miracle of Christ's birth, and rejoicing in the promise fulfilled on Christmas Day.

Special Advent Updates:

11/28: Message from the Rector || Finding Your Way Through Advent
12/2: ​Be a Light This Advent—Give or Volunteer for Our Neighbors in Need
12/9: 
Give or Volunteer for Our Neighbors in Need
12/16: 
Be a Light This Advent
12/23: Join us for Christmas Services

2025 Schedule:

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Past events:

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Alternative Gift Giving

Feeling like you, your family, or your friends already have too much abundance? Do you need a gift idea that transcends clutter?
Here is a thoughtful solution for the season: Alternative Gift Giving (AGG)!

Donating to a non-profit which upholds your loved ones’ values is a perfect way to honor, remember, or celebrate someone by making a real difference in the lives of people with very high levels of need.

This year, the Outreach Committee is focused on Loving Our Neighbors, supporting proven charities with either a direct CGS connection or those dedicated to serving disadvantaged children and families.

Visit our Alternative Gift Giving tables which will be set up in the Commons after both the 8:00 and 10:15 services on the first, second, and third Sundays of December:
  • December 7 (After Both Services)
  • December 14 (After Both Services)
  • December 21 (After Both Services)

For more information and to see the list of charities your generosity will support, or to donate online, please read our blog article: Alternative Gift Giving


Advent Formation Series: Making Room to Encounter Christ

​Join us at 9 AM each Sunday during Advent to explore how Christ is encountered through service to others. Each week, community leaders from Good Shepherd and beyond will share stories from their own experiences and ministry as to how compassion, justice, and discipleship show up in responding to the real and often urgent needs of our neighbors. The series encourages reflection on how we, too, can serve Christ in the presence of our neighbors during this season of preparation and hope.  


Nov 30, The 1st Sunday of Advent
  • 8:00 am & 10:15 am – Holy Eucharist
  • Following 10:15 am Service – Advent Wreath Workshop

On Sunday, November 30 we’ll kickoff Advent! Immediately following the 10:15 worship service you’ll be able to make your Advent wreath (supplies provided), help decorate our beautiful Chrismon Tree, and enjoy fellowship and snacks. 

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Dec 6- Advent Quiet Day

A Quiet Day is a day set aside for prayer, listening, and honest reflection, allowing for new clarity on life and a widening connection to God.

Learn more and RSVP here. 

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The St. Nicholas Tree - Nov. 23-Dec. 7

Starting on Sunday, November 23, the St. Nicholas/Angel Tree will be in the foyer of the PLC. The Episcopal Farmworkers' Ministry folks graciously made angels for the 80 children that we are providing for this year which will be hanging on the tree. Just choose an angel (or more if you wish - up to 4 per family), sign the registration book with your name and contact information under the correct angel number and start shopping! Please return all WRAPPED gifts to the church by Sunday December 7th at the latest - there are instruction sheets available for you to take as well which remind you to LABEL each gift with the child's #. If you would like to participate but do not have the time or desire to shop, donations will be accepted and used to provide gifts to angels not chosen. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jennifer Tlusty.
​

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Dec 7, The 2nd Sunday of Advent
  • 8:00 am & 10:15 am – Holy Eucharist
  • 4:00 pm – Advent Lessons and Carols
    New for 2025! Join us for a Service of Advent Lessons and Carols in the Anglican tradition. This festive liturgy alternates scripture readings (“lessons”) telling the story of salvation with seasonal anthems and hymns (“carols”) sung by the choir and congregation. Led by diverse voices throughout our parish family, this special service invites reflection and anticipation of the coming of Christ at his Nativity. The service will be followed by a reception in Shepherd's Hall. 

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Dec 14, The 3rd Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
  • 8:00 am & 10:15 am – Holy Eucharist
  • 4:00 pm – Service of Hope and Healing 
    This year's Service of Hope and Healing at Christmas provides a holy space of stillness and comfort for all those for whom this holiday season carries a sense of grief, loss, or heaviness. Join us for a contemplative liturgy of music, prayer, scripture, and candlelight, as together we lift up the prayers of our hearts to a God who is ever present and ever with us, whatever we may be facing.
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Dec 21, The 4th Sunday of Advent
  • 8:00 - Holy Eucharist
  • 10:15 am – Holy Eucharist with Christmas Pageant
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Worship with us on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

We hope you can join us in person on Christmas Eve. The 5:00 service will also be livestreamed.

On Christmas Day we will celebrate the birth of Christ with Holy Eucharist at 9am. 


Wednesday, December 24th
Christmas Eve at The Church of the Good Shepherd
  • 2:00 PM Interactive Kids and Family Service
  • 4:30 PM Christmas Music
  • 5:00 PM Festival Eucharist
    • Christmas Eve Bulletin
    • Christmas Eve Livestream
  • 9:00 PM Holy Eucharist

Parking Options Christmas Eve:
  • 200 W Morgan Street (former Diocesan lot) all services
  • Municipal Lot at 201 W Morgan Street
  • State Lot at Salisbury & Hillsborough (beside First Baptist's sanctuary)


Thursday, December 25th
Christmas Day Eucharist at 9:00 AM


​Parking Options Christmas Day:
  • 200 W Morgan Street (former Diocesan lot)
  • Municipal Lot at 201 W Morgan Street
  • State Lot at Salisbury & Hillsborough (beside First Baptist's sanctuary)
Dec 28, The First Sunday after Christmas
​

8 AM
  • Holy Eucharist, Rite I

8:30 AM - 12 Noon
  • Nursery Care Available (infant-4 yo)

10:15 AM
  • Christmas Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist, Rite II and the Committal of Mary Harrison Cooke Best
  • Service Livestream
  • Service Bulletin

​11:30 AM

Fellowship Time on Sunday, December 28, will be hosted by the parish in appreciation for all staff and volunteers who make White Flag Nights possible. Please join us in the Ennis Suite after the 10:15 service to express your thanks.

Parking 

The Church of the Good Shepherd is conveniently located on Hillsborough Street, just one block from the North Carolina State Capitol. Here's a guide to parking options in the area:
​
  • Handicapped Parking:
    • There are handicapped parking spots directly behind the church in the small lot off of Morgan Street. A ramp from this lot provides access to the Parish Life Center.
    • A few additional handicapped parking spots are located in front of the church off of Hillsborough Street, also providing access to the Parish Life Center.
  • On-Street Parking:
    • There is ample on-street parking available on the streets surrounding the church.
    • Please note that meter fees are waived on Sundays, making this a convenient and cost-free option.  During the week, meters are waived after 6:00 PM.
  • 200 West Morgan Street Parking Lot:
    • This parking lot is located directly across McDowell Street from the church, offering easy access. Parking is available at 200 W. Morgan Street (Former Diocesan House lot) on Sundays.  Permission pending for other times. 
  • Municipal Lot, 201 West Morgan Street:
    • This is another convenient parking lot located very close to the church.

We look forward to welcoming you!

The Church of the Good Shepherd
121 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC  27603
919-831-2000
[email protected]

​
Pastoral Care Support Line 
919.831.2008

Sunday Schedule
Holy Eucharist - 8:00 am, 10:15 am
Christian Formation - 9:00 am
Fellowship - after 10:15 am service

Parish Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: by appointment

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