Since
its inception over 50 years ago, the history of The Lutheran
Church of the Good Shepherd has evolved and changed. It has reflected,
year after year, the lives of all members who have entered into
worship, service, outreach, and fellowship through the church
as followers of Jesus Christ. The Lutheran Church of the Good
Shepherd was organized as a mission congregation of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in 1951. Property was purchased at 1615 Morse
Ave. (at Arden Way) and construction of the original Sanctuary/Parish
Hall was undertaken in this "rural" part of Sacramento
County throughout 1951. During this time, Pastor R. O. Aga organized
the church's charter membership rolls. While awaiting completion
of the sanctuary, first services were held at the Town and Country
Recreational Center.
The congregation was formally chartered on October 28, 1951 and construction of the sanctuary was nearly completed when the original Dedication Day was celebrated on December 9, 1951.
From a beginning of 122 members, Good Shepherd grew quickly. In the early 1950's Sacramento's Arden at Morse and surrounding "North Area" was the "edge of town." Good Shepherd found itself centered in a rural community undergoing a suburban evolution where new families were arriving in increasing numbers. Two educational wings were completed in 1954 and an expansion of the original sanctuary eventually undertaken and completed by 1960.
From that mission beginning in the 50's, Good Shepherd has continued to grow and expand its ministries and facilities. In October 1980, the congregation authorized construction of a new sanctuary and a relocation of the old sanctuary which would now become a multi-purpose fellowship hall. Construction was completed in March 1985 and the new worship center was dedicated in October of that year.
Today,
Good Shepherd has 1088 Baptized and 840 Confirmed
Members. Its ministry reaches into the now urban and suburban
community in which it serves and extends beyond into the far reaches
of the world through support of missionary work. Additionally,
many sons and daughters of Good Shepherd members attended and
currently attend Lutheran and other Christian colleges, universities,
and seminaries. Through them, Good Shepherd's outreach has and
will extend to countless others throughout the years.
Good Shepherd is only one church in thousands throughout the world perpetuating Christ's ministry on earth. But to each member within its bounds, the church shares something unique and special. For some it has been a center of learning and personal growth in the Christian faith; for many a refuge in times of loss, tragedy, or crisis; still others a base for Christian outreach and ministry. For all it is first and foremost a place of worship and love. Because it is made up of human beings, Good Shepherd is not a community of perfect people. But it is a congregation of men, women, and children with a common faith who continue to bring the Gospel to thousands through baptism, confirmation communion, and the simple sharing of love. From its beginnings as a small mission church, Good Shepherd has grown to become an essential part of the Sacramento area.
And you are welcome to become a part of our family in Christ.
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The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd is a part of the Sacramento Conference of the Sierra-Pacific Synod. We are in Region 2 of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. |
(Official
publication of the ELCA)
