Good Shepherd and Buen Pastor of Lilburn, Georgia:
Celebrating More Ways to Glorify God and Enjoy God Forever
Over the years, this unique and evolving relationship has magnified the worship and lives of both bodies. Iglesia El Buen Pastor has expanded into a missionary effort that encompasses the entire county, under the leadership of the Tri-Presbytery New Church Development Commission, while remaining in the Good Shepherd facility. It continues to be a safe haven for immigrants, and a comforting place to worship in Spanish amidst familiar traditions and customs that nurture its members spiritually and socially. Over many years of shared ministry, these two congregations have learned to embrace their differences to their mutual benefit and enjoyment.
Our opportunities to share in mission have grown:
- When Good Shepherd baptized a baby whose paternal family spoke Spanish, Buen Pastor’s pastor, Marlucia Damaceno, participated and translated.
- Pentecost Sunday has become an opportunity to celebrate a joint multi-lingual worship service.
- Beyond worship, we have learned to help each other through English language classes and Spanish language tutoring, joint work days on the campus grounds and mission projects, and a Mother’s Day ice cream social sponsored by Iglesia El Buen Pastor.
- Children of both congregations share fellowship through Sunday School classes, Easter egg hunts, Vacation Bible School and other church life activities. We have found that language barriers don’t last long between children!
- The campus soccer field has been improved by the members of Buen Pastor and Saturdays are lively now with soccer tournaments for the immigrant community.
- A recently acquired house on adjacent church property has become a joint project to provide a manse for Iglesia El Buen Pastor, with Good Shepherd benefiting from home improvement projects and increased on-site presence throughout the week.
But most of all, joy has come through friendships and relationships formed as we continue to work together for the purpose of God in this time and place. Even our struggles with overcoming prejudice, language barriers, shared space conflicts, and the usual challenges that come from living and working together have led us into deeper relationship with each other and with God.
We continue to embrace and celebrate both our differences and commonalities, both of which are a source of joy, and lift up with thanksgiving our sister congregations who are partners with us in this mission.