Going anywhere for the first time can be an intimidating experience, especially when you don't know much about the place where you're going. The questions and answers below are designed to help first-time visitors feel more comfortable at Shepherd of the Hills by giving you information about what to expect.

Where do I park?
There are three parking areas. (1) If you're going to the Worship Center, church offices, or school offices, you can park in the front lot and walk up the stairs. (2) There also is a back parking lot past the baseball field and portable buildings. If stairs are a problem for you, the back lot would be best. Both lots have handicapped parking spaces.

(3) If you're going to the metal school building containing the gym, classrooms, or CrossWalk, the parking lot to the far left as you enter campus is closest to the entrances.

What should I wear?
Keeping in mind that you're coming to worship God, you're welcome to wear what you feel is appropriate for entering the Lord's house. You'll find people wearing anything from a shirt and tie to T-shirt and shorts at the various services at Shepherd of the Hills.

• The most people dressed up are at 8 a.m. Sundays.
• A greater blend of dressy and casual is at 10:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays
• The most casual attire is at contemporary services: Prime Time Praise at 6 p.m. Saturday evenings and CrossWalk at 11 a.m. the second Sunday of the month.

Is there child care available?
A staffed nursery is available for children 3 years old and younger during all worship services and Sunday school. The nursery is located to the right of the water fountain in the Lobby of the Worship Center.

 

In addition, although we encourage children to be present in worship, when children become noisy there is a cry room available at the rear of the Worship Center. Sound has been channeled to the cry room so that parents and children may continue to be involved in the worship service. 

Will there be people like me?
Shepherd of the Hills is a cross section of all kinds of people. Jesus said in John 12:32, "And I, when I am lifted up, will draw all people to myself." Jesus has indeed drawn all kinds of people to himself at Shepherd of the Hills. You'll people from every age group. Many different ethnicities are represented at Shepherd of the Hills. Sermons are designed to address people who are beginning in their faith as well as long-time believers.

It's possible to look around the church and see people like you. An even better way to get to know people like you is to join a small group at Shepherd of the Hills. Please contact Alice Klement, Director of Equipping Ministries, at aklement@shlutheran.org.

What style of service and kind of music should I expect?
Traditional services: 8 and 10:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. are all considered traditional worship services. The style of liturgy is similar to many Lutheran churches, containing elements of worship such as Confession and Absolution, three Scripture readings, and the Creed. Music is hymns led by organ or piano, many times accompanied by other instruments and choir. Worshippers participate by following the order of service in printed bulletins and the hymnal.

Contemporary services: Prime Time Praise at 6 p.m. Saturday evenings and CrossWalk at 11 a.m. the second Sunday of the month are considered contemporary worship services. Prime Time Praise is structured like a liturgical service, but music is led by a band comprised of guitars, drums, keyboard, and singers.  CrossWalk does not use liturgy but instead has a casual format of band-led singing, teachings, and prayer woven together. In both contemporary services, worshippers participate by following the order of service projected on screens.

How do I become a member?
Having a sense of belonging is important in life. God made not to live in isolation but to be in community and to share the joys of walking together in our Christian faith with other believers. But why would a person want to become a member of Shepherd of the Hills? What’s the difference between being a member and simply attending church without joining? Membership has these advantages:

• By having your contact information and a greater knowledge of who you are, the church will be able to more effectively minister to you during times of spiritual crisis, such as hospitalizations or the death of a loved one.
• You’ll be listed in the directory.
• You’ll be on the calling list of our elders and deaconesses, who work with Pastor Dan and Pastor Chris to provide for the spiritual well-being of the congregation.
• You’ll be committing to be a part of something larger than yourself.

The membership process at Shepherd of the Hills is two parts:
1. Complete an application and turn it in to a member of the church staff.
2. Attend our adult information class, The Next Step, offered quarterly on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Next Step allows you to meet other new members. In addition, through presentations by Pastor Dan, Pastor Chris, and Alice Klement, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Shepherd of the Hills, basic Lutheran beliefs, how to be involved in the church, and many other helpful things. The Next Step includes a spiritual gifts inventory and a free lunch. After completing step one, the application, you’ll receive an invitation in the mail letting you know when The Next Step is offered next.

For more information about membership at Shepherd of the Hills, please contact Pastor Chris or Alice Klement, Director of Equipping Ministries, at 210-614-3742, ckennedy@shlutheran.org, or aklement@shlutheran.org.