About Us, Our History
Each congregation of Christian people contains a history. In a time when focus is most often placed on what is exciting and new, we sometimes forget that looking at the past can help clarify who we are called to be today.
Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lindy began as a community church in 1928 with the understanding that pastors from different Christian backgrounds would share the responsibility for preaching. Only the Lutheran and Methodist pastors from nearby Bloomfield accepted this invitation. After a time, the Methodist pastor withdrew from the arrangement, and the congregation became officially Lutheran, a member of the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA), at the time the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. Denominational mergers in 1962 and 1988 brought Good Shepherd into new and larger denominational bodies. Today, Good Shepherd is a member of two smaller-sized Lutheran groups: Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) and the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). Back in 1928, someone recognized the need for the people in and near Lindy, Nebraska to hear of and be brought into the fold of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10), who is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. People back then gathered in a very modest dwelling in order to worship our Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) until a more permanent church building could be constructed. They were baptized into the name of the Triune God (Matthew 28, Romans 6) and brought their children for baptism as well, teaching them about the God's love for them. In spite of the changes and transitions that have occurred over the years, the need for people to be brought into the fold of the Good Shepherd still exists in Lindy and the rest of the world. Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lindy still stands as a place where people can hear the voice of Jesus Christ and receive his redeeming grace and love. We hear from that voice about our rebellion against the will of God, our sin and and the resulting spiritual death. But we also hear of the good news (evangel) that we are made alive through our faith in God's promises, redeemed by God's grace through His Son Jesus Christ. We come to hear God's Word for us, and we come with empty and open hands to our Lord's table for his Holy Supper, trusting not in our own goodness for salvation, but only in the infinite goodness of Jesus Christ, who so graciously has given himself for us. In the words of Martin Luther shortly before his death, we also confess before God that "we are beggars; this is true." |
What to Expect |
At Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, you will find a friendly group of people who come together in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving to hear God's Word. The style of worship is what many people call "traditional," with hymns and liturgy from the ReClaim: Lutheran Hymnal for Church and Home.
Worship is held throughout the year on Sundays at 10:30 AM. Additionally, worship is held on Wednesday evenings during the season of Lent as well as on special occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Currently, Sunday school is not being held due to lack of teachers. Confirmation instruction for youth is held on Wednesdays during the school year from 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM. Good Shepherd also maintains an active youth organization, with events held throughout the year. The Women of Good Shepherd often meet at 10:00 AM on the third Wednesday of the month. |
The Lord's Supper
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The Lord's Supper (Holy Communion), which was instituted by Jesus Christ for us to eat and drink, is typically offered on the first and third Sundays of the month, received by kneeling on the first Sunday and in a continuous line on the third Sunday. Through this gift, we Christians receive the "last will and testament" of Christ, through which we are given the gift of forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. All are welcome to receive the Lord's Body and Blood who are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and believe that Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is truly present in, with and under the forms of bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Young children who have not received instruction in preparation for Holy Communion are invited to come forward and receive a goldfish cracker. Please indicate your desire to receive Communion by holding out your empty palm so that the pastor may place the bread in your hand. If you do not wish to receive the Lord’s Supper, you are invited to come forward for a prayer and word of blessing. Please indicate this by crossing your arms over your chest.
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