When are the worship services held?
What is Good Shepherd's like?
What does Good Shepherd's teach?
Do you really give away free books and DVDs?
What is the worship service like?
Where is Good Shepherd's located?
How will I know what to do during the service?
Can I remain anonymous (will I be pointed out to everyone as a visitor)?
I just want to come and watch. Is that OK?
How should I dress?
Where should I park?
What about my young children?
What about the offering?
What about Holy Communion?
Who are your pastors?
What if I use a wheelchair, use a service animal, or have special vision or hearing needs?
Are there refreshments after the service?
When are Bible studies held?
When are the worship services held?
Sundays at 8:00 & 10:30am
Mondays at 6:30pm
Saturdays (at
Woodlawn) at 5:00pm
Schedule Note: Easter Sunday Worship:
​7:00 or 10:30am
No Easter Monday Worship
Special Worship Services
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What is Good Shepherd's like?
Our visitors often comment that they like the small church feel of Good Shepherd's, and that its worshipers are friendly. Good Shepherd's provides many choices in times and styles of worship, and in Bible study times, topics, and leaders. The church building seats 200 people for worship. About 400 people attend one of the 4 worship services each weekend.
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What does Good Shepherd's teach?
By our very nature we are all rebels against God. God answered our rebellion (our sin) with love. Jesus Christ lived a perfect sinless life for you (as a substitute for you and all people). Jesus also died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins and for the sins of all people. This foundational truth is emphasized by Good Shepherd's in all of its programs. This is the central theme of our worship. We teach what God says in the Bible. You are encouraged to ask us, "Where is that taught in the Bible?" Every Christian pastor and teacher should welcome that question.
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Do you really give away free books and DVDs?
Yes. Any guest at worship can request a free book or DVD valued at $10 - $15 each. Topics include devotions, parenting, depression, Bible teachings, and more.
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What is the worship service like?
Both our traditional and contemporary worship services focus on what God has to tell us in the Bible. Each service has several readings from the Bible, a sermon, 5-6 songs, and several prayers. As you enter the church, an usher should hand you a bulletin and an Order Of Worship. The bulletin lists events happening that week at Good Shepherd's. The Order Of Worship helps you follow what is happening during the worship service. Several times the congregation (everyone) will stand to honor God, such as while the Gospel is read from the Bible. While a choir may sing at a service you attend, most songs are sung by the entire congregation. Sometimes the congregation reads out loud from the worship folder. You may choose to stand, sing, and read, or not to stand, sing, or read. It is your choice. The contemporary worship includes guitars, piano, drums, PowerPoint, and lead singers. Each service lasts about 1 hour.
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Where is Good Shepherd's located?
We are located near the zoo interchange, 0.5 to 1.5 miles from New Berlin, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, and Milwaukee, one block north of Greenfield Avenue on 100th Street in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Map
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How will I know what to do during the service?
If you wish to participate in the service, just follow what is printed in the Order Of Worship folder which is given to worshipers as they enter church. The Order Of Worship folder for the "Living Praise" service includes the words to the songs and readings. The overhead screen shows most of this also. During a traditional service, the hymn books (located at each seat) are used for most songs. Please feel free to ask any nearby person, "I'm new here. Can you help me?"
We really desire to help our guests including you.
See
What is the worship service like?
See
What are the service times?
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Can I remain anonymous (will I be pointed out to everyone as a visitor)?
Good Shepherd's does NOT ask visitors to stand up and be introduced as some churches do. Our ushers, greeters, and some regular worshipers will probably greet you as you enter and leave church. It is up to you whether you wish to have an extended conversation with us. Many visitors attend several times before they wish to have a conversation.
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I just want to come and watch. Is that OK?
It is entirely OK. Everyone is welcome to come and simply watch, or to participate in the worship service. Whether you are a Christian looking for a new church home, or someone of another faith who simply wishes to see what our worship is all about, please feel welcome.
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How should I dress?
Be yourself. Come casual or dress up. Many of our regular worshipers wear their best clothes in reverence to God, while many other regular worshipers wear what is comfortable, knowing that God accepts us as we are. Both can honor God with their choice.
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Where should I park?
There is ample space for parking. There are several of the many angled parking spaces on the street next to the driveway that have been designated as visitor parking. You may choose to use the parking lot on the south side of the church (between the church and school).
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What about my young children?
Families are encouraged to bring their young children to worship. Toddler pew chairs for use during worship are available from the ushers if you wish to use the chairs. These chairs securely attach to the church pews, allowing a toddler to see what is going on. Worship bags with items to involve young children in the service are available on hooks in the coat room, near the east entrance. A family room is located on the lower level, and a changing table equipped restroom is nearby. The family room features sound dampening for quieter environment, privacy curtain for nursing, automatic dimmable lights, air conditioned and optional heat, video of the service, and optional audio-only of the service. Please use the family room out of consideration of others if your child is disturbing other worshipers. Good Shepherd's encourages families to worship together.
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What about the offering?
The offering allows members of Good Shepherd’s an opportunity to give a monetary gift out of love for Jesus. As our guest you are not expected to contribute, but any gift you give is appreciated.
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What about Holy Communion?
We celebrate the Lord's Supper on the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month. In keeping with God's Word, and as a confession of faith, we ask that only members of Good Shepherd's, another WELS or ELS congregation, or visitors who have spoken about communion with the pastor before worship, come forward to the Lord's Table.
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Who are your pastors?
Pastor Timothy D. Wempner and Pastor Joshua M. Zarling serve the Lord at Good Shepherd's. You are invited to call and arrange to discuss spiritual matters with either of these thoroughly trained ministers.
Pastor Timothy D. Wempner
Pastor Joshua M. Zarling
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What if I use a wheelchair, use a service animal, or have special vision or hearing needs?
The street side front door of the church has no step access from the sidewalk and parking lot. Accessible reserved parking spaces are provided in the parking lot on the church's south side. Accessible restrooms are located on both floors near the full size accessible elevator. Wheelchairs are available from the ushers. Several spaces in the church's seating area are provided for worshipers using wheelchairs, allowing them to sit with their families. Service animals are welcome on our premises. Large print copies of the worship folder and hymns are available from the ushers. For those who require hearing assistance, our church has installed an
induction loop assistive listening system. Please switch your hearing aid to "T" or request assistance from the ushers.
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Are there refreshments after the service?
Light refreshments are served on selected Sundays. Watch for more information.
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When are Bible studies held?
Bible studies are held throughout the week on various topics and in several styles and formats. Come every week or just once in a while. While the content of most studies is aimed at adults, teens and children are also welcome to attend. It is up to the parent to decide if the adult topic is appropriate for their children. A complete list of dates, current and future topics, and leaders is at
Bible Studies.
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Worship FAQ
