Church of the Good Shepherd, United Church of Christ

I was looking for a new home church in the area where we're moving, but although it seems like a nice church, the words "open" and "affirming" kept popping up. Now that caught my attention. Turns out that the church's mission statement matches the ACLU more than the ACLJ, if you get my meaning.While Jesus reaches out to each individual, regardless of that person's sin, He doesn't celebrate and encourage said sin. If that's what they're teaching, as it's popped up like crabgrass all over their website, best to stay away. You won't meet the real Jesus there.

My husband and I tried multiple other churches in an effort to find one that satisfied our varied religious backgrounds (Southern Baptist and Roman Catholic) but our shared values. It was with some trepidation that we ventured to COGS for yet one more try at finding "the right" church.We are so incredibly happy that we took the chance... Pastor Sarah and Pastor Bill are amazing...they preach with conviction and humor, sensitivity and thoughtfulness. The congregation is warm and friendly, and there are so many ways that you can be a part of the church community from study classes to choir to the many "extra" activities we do outside the church including volunteering, baseball games and even camping!Our 11-year old daughter loves the opportunity to be a part of the Children's Message each week, children's bible study classes run throughout the school year, and there are opportunities to be a part of the Children's Choir as well!Most importantly, the message of this church is one of tolerance, inclusiveness, and thought-provoking Progressive Christian beliefs. "Heaven-sent" for those of us who had lost faith in the institutions of religion! Worth taking a chance!

Woo hoo! Pastor Sarah came on board in January as our brand new Pastor of Christian Education and Community Life, and she's a keeper! Already the Sunday School programs for all ages, from kinders to adults, has a new energy and enthusiasm (and the kids' classes don't even start until September!). The youth of our church are reveling in the meaningful, fun, and community-building programs designed for them, including cooking lunches for the homeless guests whom we host in our church each quarter. A crew of youth and adults recently returned a week-long service pilgrimage to a financially-impoverished but spiritually-abundant sister church in El Paso, where they served in whatever ways were needed, from fixing doors and hanging shelves to assisting with art projects for Vacation Bible School. This experience received rave reviews from all participants, including my own 13-year-old boy. The young and young-at-heart are also getting to know each other through inter-generational activities ranging from neighborhood bike rides to a week of evening Vacation Bible School classes where we explored a variety of social issues. Pastor Sarah, her husband, and their two children are already treasured members of our congregation, and I am looking forward to seeing what Sarah will come up with next for our church!

This church welcomed me and my family with open arms. Inspiring worship, strong youth program, active community, great music. Service- and action-oriented--they clearly value giving to the community. This is also a church where you don't have to leave your brain at the door. We'll be back!

Several years ago, I was new to Albuquerque, spending part-time here, and looking for a church. My criteria was close to home, open and affirming, and an active music program. I was raised in the UCC (United Church of Christ) congregation so wanted that as well. Church of the Good Shepherd met all those needs, and more. From day 1, I was welcomed and included. I sang with the choir the minute I asked to join them, even if I wasn't available year 'round. Everyone is super friendly and the church is small enough to make you feel like family. As the church is growing, that feeling remains and expands as there are more people to say hello! I think this is a great church for those looking for a new church experience or never having been at church before. You'll love the pastors, the music, the education programs, and the outreach programs in which you can participate. Come see what we're all about.