Discover Our Mission, Vision, and Community Values
“Good Shepherd UMC exists to make, grow and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ so that lives are transformed.”
Welcome to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church! We are located in Silver Spring, Maryland, at the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Oakview Drive, which is the 1st traffic signal “inside” (i.e., just south of) the Beltway interchange with I-495 and MD 650 (N H Ave).
“Moving Ever Godward” is Good Shepherd’s unofficial motto. Being Godward is not just being religious or spiritual, it’s not about obeying rules or living up to a high moral code. It’s so much more. It is, we believe, striving always towards the goal of Christ-like living, Christ-like loving, Christ-like forgiving, and Christ-like behavior. We press on: not upward, but Godward.
This fits with John Wesley’s concept of sanctifying grace; that is, the grace that makes us holy, the grace that makes us perfect in love. It is not something we can achieve on our own. “Sanctification,” wrote Wesley, “is ours only through the power of God’s sanctifying grace.” But to receive the grace, we have to accept it.
So our definition of Godward is staying focused on God and allowing God’s sanctifying grace to work in us and through us, enabling each of us as individuals and all of us collectively as the church, to reach the goal of perfect love and perfect obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit flooding us with sanctifying grace.
Discover Our Welcoming Community and Services
Learn about our congregation, our weekly services, and how you can get involved in upcoming gatherings.
Engaging Sunday Services
Join us each week for uplifting worship, meaningful messages, and a warm environment designed for all members and visitors.
Community Fellowship
Connect with fellow members through our regular gatherings, creating a supportive network to share life together.
Various Mission Ministries
For example, the Christmas in July and August Missions gladly accepts donations of school supplies (pencils, notebooks, glue sticks, backpacks, and more!)