Our Approach
We prepare for worship each Sunday by entering reverently, praying thoughtfully, and enjoying the time prior to worship in spiritual meditation. As you join us, please fill out the Fellowship Book at the end of each pew. If you have special needs for which you want us to pray, please give these to an Usher or Elder.
Children of all ages are encouraged to participate in the worship service, but a nursery/lounge is also provided for the convenience of parents and their children.
Holy Communion
Our Lord shares with us His Precious Body and Blood in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We invite those who are baptized Christians who are able to examine themselves on the basis of these three points of Christian faith to join us for Holy Communion:
- I believe that Jesus is my Lord and Savior from all sin.
- I believe that the true body and blood of Christ is present in the Sacrament.
- I resolve, with the Holy Spirit’s help, to live for my Lord and witness through my actions that He is my Savior.
Our History
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church began as an idea led by Leonard and Amelia Sommers, members of the First Lutheran Church of Gainesville. They, along with other families, felt there was enough need for a Lutheran Church to establish a congregation further west to better serve Gilchrist, Levy and Dixie counties.
Follow our timeline below to witness our journey.
April 1, 1982
On April 1, 1982, an organizational meeting was held at the Women’s Club in Chiefland with 29 families in attendance and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was founded.
The fledgling congregation continued to meet at the Women’s Club to hold Sunday services as new members joined along the way.
June 1985
In June of 1985 the congregation had grown to the point that it was officially recognized by the Florida/Georgia District of the Missouri Synod.
February 2, 1986
But the growing congregation still needed a home of its own and in February 2, 1986 ground was broken to build a new church.
February – April, 1986
Progress moved swiftly thanks to the construction missionaries, Laborers for Christ who built the church from the ground up in two months.
Sunday, April 13, 1986
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was officially dedicated and held its first service.
Spring 1989
Lutherans love fellowship. They also love to eat when they gather in groups and so the Fellowship hall was a welcome addition!
March 2015
In loving memory of founding members Leonard and Amelia Sommers, a gazebo was donated by their grandchildren and the entrance was paved with donation bricks from additional congregation members.
February 2024
Pastor Larry Griffin is installed as the new pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran. His installation is presided over by the extraordinary support of 9 additional pastors throughout the Florida-Georgia district.
