Children's Ministries

"Remember who you are….Discover who you’re becoming…”

Welcome to Children’s Ministries at the Church of the Good Shepherd!  We are delighted that you have inquired about our programs and our beliefs for the wonderful children God has entrusted to us in this loving church family.  We are committed to receiving and nurturing the spirits of children and preparing them to meet and know Jesus Christ.  We believe that we are called to treasure each child as a gift from God and that what we do with them is our gift back to God.

Further we believe that children should have full participation in our liturgy and sacraments and are therefore welcome at our altar for communion.  We baptize children as a sign of our confidence in the love of God and in celebration of that love.  It is our great joy to have children experience our common life of prayer, witness, service, and worship.

The first and most important component of our program is Christian Education.  Each Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. we have Sunday school on the second floor of our parish life center.  This program runs from September to May of each year and is available for children ages two through fifth grade.  We have other events to interest children that include a Pet Blessing in October, an Advent Festival in November, a large children’s Christmas pageant in December, a parish retreat to Kanuga in March, an “Eggstravagana” in April, a “Grapes and Grains” communion class for first graders and Vacation Bible School in June.  There are also several stewardship projects each year geared toward children. In all of these events, the growth and development of the next generation of adult believers is prioritized.

We also welcome you to a large, light nursery available for children age four and under.  The nursery and its contents are frequently monitored for safety and cleanliness. Two paid staff and two volunteer parents are always in attendance.  The nursery is conveniently located near the sanctuary for parents who wish to retrieve their children for Eucharist.

Again, we are so happy that you have chosen to visit our church and would feel privileged to include your children in our programs.  If we can do anything to make your transition to Good Shepherd easier, please call Janet Gilliam, Director of Children’s Ministries, at (919) 831-2003, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Once again, welcome to our wonderful church family!