Frumentum-- or Communion at Home-- will be available beginning Sunday, September 20th, for parishioners who cannot attend public gatherings for the foreseeable future. Please scroll down for more information about how we are reviving this ancient practice in order to include all of our parish in the worship life of Good Shepherd.
Blessing of the Masks
Sunday, September 13 at 10:30
OUTSIDE, during our Worship on the Good Shepherd Green
This will replace our annual Blessing of the Backpacks, but children will receive a special back-to-school gift as we do each year. Children will also receive information about Christian Ed offerings in the coming weeks.
Welcome Lurie Kimmerle
Lurie Kimmerle is joining Good Shepherd to work in Christian Ed. She has a background in education as well as theology, having recently earned an MTS from Boston College's School of Theology and Ministry.
Lurie will join us Sunday for the Blessing of the Masks so we can introduce her to families in advance of the start of the Christian Ed year.
Frumentum-- Communion at Home for older and at-risk parishioners
Frumentum, from the Latin word meaning wheat, is an ancient practice of the church, bringing items of Holy Communion to those separated from the life of the church, so that all can receive bread and wine on Sundays simultaneously.
With the blessing of our Bishop, Good Shepherd will offer Frumentum to members of our parish who cannot attend public gatherings for the foreseeable future. Volunteers from Good Shepherd will deliver consecrated bread and wine to you, or you can pick up items at the church, keep them in your home, and receive them on Sunday mornings while taking part in our online worship.
Please contact the Rector directly to request Frumentum, by calling the parish office or via e-mail at rector@goodshepherdnewton.org. Initially we will consecrate bread and wine for delivery on Sunday, September 13, so that Communion will be available beginning Sunday, September 20. Please specify the number of people who will receive so that we can deliver enough consecrated bread and wine for approximately four Sundays. Subsequent deliveries will occur next month.
Additional information about keeping the sacrament in your home and how to receive items will be provided to those who request Frumentum.
Upcoming Worship
Wednesday, September 9th -- 7:00pm-- Evensong
Sunday, September 13th -- Holy Eucharist, Rite I
9:00 am in the church and online
10:30 am on the Good Shepherd Green
with the Blessing of the Masks
Wednesday, September 16th -- 7:00pm-- Evensong
Please sign up in advance to attend worship in person.
We are limiting the number of attendees at each worship service, far beyond the guidance issued by the Commonwealth and Diocese of Massachusetts. We can only accommodate those not registered as space and distancing allow.
Additional information about Sunday's worship plan
9:00 am— Holy Eucharist in the church*
Two singers will lead our worship
Attendance limited to 30 people
Universal masking except when serving a role in the liturgy
No congregational singing
Service will last approx. 40 minutes
This service will be broadcasted on our website and YouTube channel Sign up in advance to attend. Those not registered can only be accommodated if space is available.
10:00 am— rebroadcast the 9:00amEucharist at 10:00 am for those accustomed to 10:00 am. This is 90% likely at this time.
10:30 am— Worship on the Good Shepherd Green**
Mixed service offerings of Eucharist and Morning Prayer Two singers will lead our worship Attendance is limited to 60 people outside, reduced to 40 if inside due to inclement weather
Universal masking except when serving a role in the liturgy
Congregational singing suppressed outside and not allowed inside
Service will last one hour outside and approx. 40 minutes if inside
This service will not be broadcasted on our website and YouTube channel Sign up in advance to attend. Those not registered can only be accommodated if space is available.
*In the church, we will have four (4) HEPA filters— two on the chancel and two in the front of the nave— three of which measure air quality. We have increased the number of stained glass windows that open, and doors in the back of the church will remain open during any indoor service.
**Current guidance allows 120 people on the Good Shepherd Green and 65 in the church. The regathering committee decided that these be lowered to ensure additional distance and safety.
Angels Ascending and Descending:
Handicapped Accessibility at Good Shepherd
Left-- the foundation for the outside entry portico is poured
Right- the elevator shaft upstairs and higher flooring is framed
Click here to view Angels Ascending and Descending, a plan to achieve 100% accessibility at Good Shepherd. At a total cost of $500,000 and with a beautiful, compassionate proposal secured, your Vestry asks you to consider prayerfully your support of this plan.
We continue to receive support and pledges while construction is underway.