Advent wreath-making workshop
A beloved Good Shepherd tradition returns
On the First Sunday of Advent, November 30th, after each service, we'll be making our own Advent wreaths after each service. This is a perfect event for families, and our members, friends and visitors of all ages. The wreaths will be tabletop style, and centerpiece sized, around 12-15" when complete. They’re not difficult to make, and we will have parish wreath pros on hand to help if needed. They don't take long to make, so they'll fit right into Coffee Hour. We will have the candles, oasis wreath rings, and fresh greens here for you, all ready to turn into the Advent wreaths you'll take home with you or the season.
We need to know as soon as possible who will attend so that we can order supplies, as the wreaths will take a while to arrive, so I will be ordering it soon. There will be a free will offering to cover supply costs. That in mind, contact Margaret if you want to decorate a wreath. Please include your name and contact info. If it happens that you can’t participate after signing up, no worries - there will likely be people who hadn't signed up to make a wreath and then want to make one that day.
Also, since it will be the tail end of Thanksgiving week, any family and friends you have visiting will be welcome to participate. Lastly, if you are or know of any shut-ins who would like an Advent wreath, please let Diane Cooke know. We are hoping that anyone who loves wreath-making will be willing to make a wreath for one of the shut-ins. This will be a lot of fun, and we’re excited to see you there. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email or talk with me.
Rev. Eleanor Terry
What if resurrection isn’t just a promise for the afterlife, but a way to live right now? Rev. Ellie reveals how ordinary acts of kindness, courage, and love can become moments of resurrection—signs of God’s transforming hope breaking into our world.
2025-11-09 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Eleanor Terry, Rector
Stewardship Reflection
In 2006 Barb Magee joined Good Shepherd’s delegation to El Salvador. It was her first personal experience with the impoverishment and reality of life in a third world country. She channeled that experience into broadening Good Shepherd’s assistance and outreach efforts. Today our church offers many opportunities for individuals, families or groups to do something tangible and helpful for our neighbors - whether here in Acton, or for our far-flung neighbors around the world.
2025-11-02 Stewardship Reflection, Barb Magee
Rev. Eleanor Terry
Rev. Ellie suggests, “It is a human thing, love; a holy thing, to love what death has touched.” We all know that death is part of every life. But with Jesus’ death and resurrection we also know that in death life is changed, not ended.
2025-11-02 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Eleanor Terry, Rector
Stewardship Reflection
In the midst of our 2026 Pledge Drive Toni Berryman reflects on the ways the Good Shepherd community has found a home in her heart.
Stewardship reflection - Toni Berryman
Rev. Ken Schmidt
Deacon Ken asks, “What does Jesus command us do?” Jesus’ second Great Commandment instructs us to love God, and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Do we truly love and accept ourselves with all our faults and imperfections?
2025-10-26 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Ken Schmidt
Rev. Eleanor Terry
The Episcopal church calls us to follow Jesus through prayer, worship, proclamation of the Gospel, and by promoting justice, peace, and love. Rev. Ellie notes that prayer comes first in that list. What exactly is prayer? Why is it foundational to being a Christian?
2025-10-19 Gospel & Sermon
Rev. Eleanor Terry
Rev. Ellie challenges us: do we know Jesus in a way which saves us? In a way that makes us truly whole?
2025-10-12 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Eleanor Terry, Rector
Blessing of the Animals
Stuffies are welcome, too!
Join us on Sunday, October 5 at 12:00 PM for an annual Good Shepherd tradition. Bring your pet (or a photo if they don't travel well) to church for a special blessing and celebration of all God's beloved creatures in the parking lot.
Please leash or crate your pet. Stuffed animals are welcome, too!
This is what FAITH looks like
A growing team of Good Shepherd parishioners is bearing witness at peaceful protests at the ICE building in Burlington.
A growing team of Good Shepherd parishioners is bearing witness at peaceful protests at the ICE building in Burlington. This unsigned building at 1000 District Ave, behind the Burlington Mall, is the primary Field Office for New England which means it is the center for Removal and Enforcement Operations.
At 7:00 AM on Tuesday, September 16, a group from Good Shepherd joined hundreds of others from across the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts in support of Blanca, a Honduran refugee and Salem parishioner. Blanca was ordered to the ICE office for the second time in a month where she faced the risk of being detained on the spot or given a 2-week notice to self-deport. She is one of thousands of rule-following immigrants who have been kidnapped by ICE or are at risk of detention and deportation.
The rally for Blanca was organized by Episcopal City Missions along with other human rights organizations. It was in addition to the Wednesday rallies that have been going on for more than 20 consecutive weeks and have grown to 600 people. By peacefully rallying we were able to accompany Blanca, demonstrate moral and political solidarity, and make it much harder for federal agents to detain or deport her without cause.
This video, taken by Rev. Ellie, documents Blanca walking on crutches into her hearing surrounded by Bishop Julia, her rector, her attorney, as well as political and community leaders. In a powerful embrace of emotional support, the crowd sang and prayed her into the building, and rejoiced when she came out later with good news: Blanca may remain in the US for a year and can resume her path to permanent citizenship.
It matters when we show up in the name of faith.