Empowering Each Other To Spread God’s Word
God charges Christians with the task to spread his word. At Good Shepherd UMC, we focus on creating a community that empowers our members to fulfill their roles as Jesus’ disciples.
Looking at churches in Waldorf, MD? Let us introduce ourselves!
Welcome to the internet home of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. We have been serving the community of St. Charles, Waldorf, and the surrounding communities for over 50 years and we are still singing and praising God every day of the week.
We are home to Good Shepherd Education Center, a center of caring and excellence for children ages 2 through Pre-K. Good Shepherd is a church that is committed to making a difference in the community and world around us.
If you have been looking at churches in Waldorf, Md to call your new church home, or are simply visiting the area, we’d love to have you worship with us. In-person services are currently being held at 10AM on Sunday.
Classes for youth are offered before the service at 9AM and elementary and pre-k children will be invited to attend class during the service. A Sunday School class for adults meets at 11:30AM.
If you are not ready to attend in person yet, we invite you to check out our most recent online service. Services are also available on Facebook and YouTube every Sunday. If you would like to connect with a member of our ministry team, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you into our community at Good Shepherd.
Services
Virtual Worship 10:00 AM
You can find our weekly services here on our website under “Watch Us Here” . You can also find us on YouTube at 7AM and Facebook at 10AM on Sundays. Please be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and Facebook page so that you don’t miss any of our Sunday services.
In-person Worship 10:00 AM
We are now offering the opportunity for in person worship to those who feel ready to participate. Masks are no longer required but we encourage everyone to take the safety precautions they feel the most comfortable with. We will continue to provide free masks and hand sanitizer at the door.
Our Pastor: Laurie Gates-Ward
Rev. Laurie Gates-Ward has been serving Good Shepherd UMC for over eight years, and has remained committed to the church’s mission of engaging and empowering everyone to be living disciples of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Laurie has a Master of Arts in School Psychology from Towson State University and a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C..
“We are pleased that you found your way to our site, and we encourage all that feel called to attend worship with us Sunday mornings at either our 9:15 or 11 a.m. service.” See Rev. Laurie’s welcome message and full bio here.
Our Mission
Through God's love we will engage and empower everyone to be living disciples. Good Shepherd UMC is a place of learning and engagement where members empower each other to live as Jesus asks of us.
Our Education Center
The education center at Good Shepherd UMC is licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education and has been proudly operating for over 40 years!
Our philosophy is to meet the educational and childcare needs of the community by providing a safe and nurturing Christian environment. We create a "home away from home," where age appropriate opportunities are offered for each child to grow spiritually, intellectually, aesthetically, physically, and socially.
If you are looking to enroll your child in an accredited education center that provides a safe and Christian environment, click the button below to learn more!
Get Involved
If you are thinking about becoming a member at the church, or if you are already a member and looking for more ways to get involved in the community, we have outlined below some of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Good Shepherd community.
Learn About Our Ministries
Whether you want to join a ministry at the church or serve people outside of our walls, there are plenty of groups to join up with. Check out our doc with a list of ministries and find the right place for you.
Offer Your Gifts
If you have a special gift or talent that you’d like to use we have opportunities for you to serve and lead at GSUMC. Whether you feel called to serve on the church council or assist with services, we have a way for you to be involved.
Sunday School and Bible Studies
We have Sunday school classes for all ages. If you are looking for opportunities for growth for you or your children, you can find them here. Also, don’t forget to check out our list of bible studies.
Calendar of Events
Want To Learn More About Our Church?
When choosing a new church to call home, we know that’s a big decision. Choosing your church home in Waldorf, Maryland is no easy task, as we have many friends throughout the area that have beautiful churches with excellent leadership.
However, we know that there’s a lot more to a good fit for your church home than good music or a handful of enticing ministries. We know that a good church is made up of people that are committed to walking in their faith with each other, among other things.
If you are new to attending church, or if you’ve been raised in the church your whole life, there is a place at Good Shepherd for you. From our various ministries such as our small groups, to our many community events like our Christmas Cantata, we know you won’t have a hard time finding your place in our Maryland church family.
If you would like to learn more about where you may fit in to our church, please reach out through our contact page or new visitors page, and we will be in touch to answer any questions you may have.
We look forward to meeting you!
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”