Thank you for checking out our church website, and for looking deep enough to find my page. I hope what you've seen will pique your interests in our congregation. We'd love for you to come worship with us in one of our two weekly worship services, or to join us for fellowship, or to work along side us in one of our service projects.

I arrived in New Mexico a few days before Thanksgiving last fall, and I continue to be thankful for being called to live and serve here. As Pastor and Teacher of Church of the Good Shepherd UCC in Albuquerque, I have found the life and ministry of this church both vital and exciting. But don't just take my word for it. Come and see for yourself!

Ours is a welcoming church. We seek to be friendly and caring about everyone who joins us, be it for the very first time or for a countless number of times over the decades. We are intentionally affirming of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people, their families and their friends, and celebrate their participation across the full life and ministry of our church. We also strive to be multi-cultural, intentionally celebrating the great diversity of ethnic and cultural identities that comprise God's good creation. Diversity is really important to us. It is ever before us as a high goal.

Ours is a progressive church. We take the Bible seriously, but not literally. We study scripture and try to learn its implications for our lives, here and now. And we don't all agree on each and every thing! In fact, we hold many different opinions and perspectives among us. That's one of the things we cherish about our church - that in the midst of our many differences, we are united in our choice to be together, in our seeking of heavenly love and mercy, and by the call for justice and peace. We share a desire to be a beacon of hope in a world so often marked by division, prejudice, struggle and strife. Here, at the foot of the Sandia Mountains, we seek to make a difference in the world. In this community, as individuals and as a whole, we seek to be different - to become who God is calling us to be and to live as Christ inspires us to live.

Ours is a church filled with music. We have a good number of choral groups, ranging from the Chancel Choir to the Praise Band, from our children's choir to mens and women's ensembles, and more. We also have concert quality musicians serving as our pianist and organist, and a bell choir that's really worth listening to. I'm constantly impressed and inspired by the music here. I hope you will be, too. And if you're a musician, know that we'd love for you to share your gifts with us.

Ours is a learning church. We have a strong Sunday School program with classes for children of all ages. There are also two weekly adult Sunday School classes, one discussing contemporary theology and the other studying the Bible. We have a book group, a spirituality group, and two contemplative prayer groups. There's a lot going on around here! Which reflects our commitment to the idea that every person of faith can learn and grow in each and every stage of life, and that we can (and should!) put what we learn into practice in our daily living.

Ours is a lay-led church. As pastor, I'm not in charge of everything. Far from it! It is the congregation itself that is in charge, charting a course for our ministry as we seek to be true to the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. I am one leader among many. I work along side both elected and volunteer church leaders to facilitate effective ministry on God's behalf, both here and globally.

As you no doubt have gathered, ours is a diverse church. Diversity is not always easy! But we are committed to unity, not despite our differences, but in the midst of our differences. Though we are many, in Christ, we are one body. Or as our national United Church of Christ has taught us to say, in this church,

    "No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here."

Please come and give our church a try. We'll sure be glad you came. And we hope and pray that you will be, too.

Blessings!
Bill Ingraham

Rev. William D. Ingraham Pastor and Teacher