About Our Church
Come and See!810 West Florida Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
Our Mission
Good Shepherd is a Christ-centered warm and caring church family, called to grow as disciples, share Christ’s love and nurture God’s children.
Plan a Visit
If you would like to be a part of this family, would like to grow intellectually, spiritually, and morally, would like to share Christ’s love, and help nurture God’s children, plan a visit to Good Shepherd. All are welcome! Come as you are! You have been invited by Jesus himself, “Come and you will see” (John 1:39) and “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).
Beyond Sunday morning worship, after we can safely gather in social groups, we will again offer many opportunities for families to get to know each other and enjoy time together at special dinner gatherings, movie nights, choir and bell practices, mission projects to help those in need, and numerous other events. We hope to see you soon!
Mission & Purpose
A Shepherd leads, cares for, and loves his sheep. The sheep knows the voice of their shepherd, they follow him, and him alone. Even the lost lamb is found and carried in the loving arms of his caregiver. At the Presbyterian Church of the Good Shepherd we listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ; we follow the will of our creator God; we are empowered to be obedient sheep through the Holy Spirit. Jesus commanded us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love one another as he has loved us. That’s our challenge – lead, care for, love, and bring home God’s children. We invite you to join us as we journey and grow in our community of obedient and loving sheep under the care of the Good Shepherd.
Our members say:
Good Shepherd is:
- A church that teaches and instructs us to be better Christians and serve others.
- A loving church family of God’s imperfect people.
- A Christ centered, warm, loving family environment.
- A welcoming congregation of people who are friendly and outgoing to others.
I attend Good Shepherd because:
- I feel welcomed and included and it encourages me to learn, grow, and spread my spiritual wings.
- I feel the presence of God as I worship here in the praise songs and hymns. It reminds me of the small caring church that knows everyone by name.
- I see a need that I can fulfill at this church, and I believe the Lord still wants me here.
- I enjoy the fellowship and friendliness of the members.
- The pastor is the greatest!
Our Staff
Our Beliefs
Worship Times
Got Kids?
Our Beliefs & Values
We believe in God and his only Son, Jesus Christ.
We believe in the Holy Spirit and the universal church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
We believe we are meant to share God’s word with others and use its word to serve as an “authoritative guide” for what to believe.
We celebrate two holy sacraments, communion, and baptism.
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month during the 10:55 am service. It is celebrated every Sunday in the CAYA service at 9:05 am.
Presbyterians baptize infants as well as unbaptized adults by sprinkling or pouring water. If an individual wishes to join the church, his or her baptism from another Christian tradition is acknowledged at Good Shepherd.
We believe we should reflect the inclusive love of Christ, have theological integrity, participate in outreach and service, and hold deep concern for social justice. We do this through our involvement in Daily Bread, BIRP, ECHO, Habitat for Humanity, South Brevard Sharing Center, and 5 cents a meal donations. We believe we are to be the hands and feet of Christ, doing what he asked his disciples to do: Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Effective and engaging leadership is vital if a community of faith is expected to thrive. Here at Good Shepherd, we have teams of leaders who inspire our members and visitors to keep coming back to worship together. Each team with its
mission statement is listed on the right. For further information about each of these teams go to Ministry Teams in the menu above.
Praise
Connecting
Organizing
Growing
Serving & Sharing
“Praising God through weekly worship and special occasions”
“Connecting our community, as one, through Christ’s love”
“Organizing and facilitating the stewardship of our property, talents and work together”
“Growing with each other in the stories of our faith and its implications for life together”
“Serving God and His church with our time, talents and treasure”
Got Kids? We Welcome Them
Every child has a story. God is dealing with every kid, regardless of how many times they come to church. Treat every Sunday like it is the only Sunday that some kid has. Did they hear about Jesus? Did they feel loved? Did someone ask about them? Nurture these precious children! Whether they are wee little ones or teenagers, we have programs for them all!
Nursery provided for all services.
When we teach children that their worship matters, we teach them that they are enough, right here and right now, as members of the church community. They do not need to wait until they can believe, pray, or worship a certain way to be welcome here. We must always remember that children are people, too! They are just shorter!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
When you go to a site on the Internet like pcgoodshep.org, you might just be “surfing” to find out further information, or you might be interested in having a specific question answered, i.e., “Will Good Shepherd be holding a Christmas Eve Service?” As a contributor to our new website format, I thought that I would include this question in FAQ. So, I did, and added a few other questions that might make your search more productive.
Where is Good Shepherd located?
Good Shepherd is located at 810 W. Florida Avenue, Melbourne, Florida 32901. The church is about one block east of the Dairy Road/Florida Avenue intersection.
Parking at Good Shepherd?
Parking is available on both the east and west sides of the church building. Also, people park in the grass just off Florida Avenue in front of the church.
WHAT TIME ARE WORSHIP SERVICES?
COME AND SEE!
We have two Sunday Service format: CAYA (Come As You Are) at 9:05 am in Fellowship Hall and a Traditional Service at 10:55 am in the Sanctuary.
Nursey provided for all services.
We live stream on Facebook at 10:55 am and broadcast on YouTube and website by 1:00 pm or sooner.
DO YOU HAVE A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE AND OTHER LITURGICAL HOLIDAY SERVICES?
Yes! Besides Christmas Eve, we celebrate Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, a Good Friday Walk, Easter Sunrise Service. Check the calendar for specifics.
IS CHILDCARE PROVIDED DURING WORSHIP?
Yes. Nursery care is provided by an experienced staff for children from infancy through grade 5. However, children may attend church with their parents
WHO MAY RECEIVE COMMUNION AT GOOD SHEPHERD?
When Presbyterians celebrate the Lord’s Supper, all baptized Christians present, of whatever denomination, are invited to partake, along with children of any age who have been baptized.
HOW ARE CHILDREN INCLUDED IN WORSHIP?
Children are always welcome in the worship service. Throughout the year, worship includes children through the children’s moments and our special liturgical celebrations, i.e., Christmas Eve Service. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ~ Matthew 19:14
WHAT TO WEAR?
Our church does not have a dress code. Dress ranges from casual to “Sunday Best.”
WHAT ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY?
Our church sanctuary is wheelchair-accessible from the Florida Av U-shaped drive through and the west side entrance.
HOW CAN I MEET PEOPLE?
When you come for a visit and approach the front doors of the church, you will be met by greeters. Tell them you are visiting and would love to meet others. A greeter will be happy to escort you to the sanctuary and introduce you to others. We have become very apt at using “elbow bumps,” waves, and smiling eyes to share our joy since Covid struck us. We have remained safe behind our masks, observing social distancing, while we make new friends!
WHAT IF I NEED HELP?
Just ask a greeter, an usher, a pastor, a staff member, or anyone you see. We all strive to be helpful!