Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Construction pictures of the new sanctuary.
The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd began in 1957 and built a church in West Mankato, dedicated in 1959. Under the leadership of Rev. Greggory S Coop, Good Shepherd moved to North Mankato and dedicated a new building in 2000. Little Lambs preschool was begun in 2001. A kindergarten program was initiated in 2005. Elementary grades 1-6 were added in 2006
The New Sanctuary
The sanctuary will seat 260 people in four sections, plus 35 in the choir loft. In our worship we join with all believers from the four comers of the world and in heavenly chorus. .
The six sided nave has six windows, looking out on God's creation, completed in six days.
Two larger windows in the chancel reflect on the greater light of our new creation tied to the "eighth day" of the resurrection.
The three steps of the chancel relate to the three persons of the Holy Trinity worshipped here.
The baptism font is placed at the base of the step up to the altar, along with the pulpit and lectern, signifying that it is through God's word and the Sacrament of Holy Baptism that we come into God's kingdom.
The stone walled niche behind the altar is a reminder of Jesus' empty tomb.
The cross is placed front and center as the focus of our faith.
The circular stained glass window behind the cross and the maroon panels radiating out from the cross reminds of the light of the Gospel which shines out from the cross and the redemption through Jesus' blood which is extended to all.
The symbols in the stone floor at the head of the three main aisles are signs of the way in which God brings us together into his presence: through the once-and-for-all death of Jesus on the cross, through one Baptism for the remission of sins, and through the one cup we share in Holy Communion. Behind the chancel are uncompleted sacristy and storage rooms.
The New Classrooms
The two elementary school classrooms were constructed in the area that was added to the fellowship hall for worship space when the sanctuary was eliminated from the original building project. These rooms are used for grades 1-6 of Good Shepherd Lutheran School - 10 in grades 1-3 and 11 in grades 4-6.
