Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Malden, MA

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Malden, MA


Pillars & Foundations documents an exploration of communities, as well as faith through religious institutions. My intent is to share experiences, and spread the positivity that I observe. The hope is to provide a window into these organizations allowing those who might not other wise venture in to appreciate these thoughtful, often intimate groups in our midst. Faith centers embody a drive to make a difference which they deliver upon, regardless if it is with one person looking for hope & community, or a recipient of their expansive charitable work.


History/Building


Historically there have been at least two Methodist churches in Malden Massachusetts prior to Good Shepherd United. Centre Methodist Episcopal church is one, and another Maplewood Methodist Church was the direct predecessor of Good Shepherd United, which was constructed on or near the same location in the late 1960s. Today Malden's Methodist community has consolidated to this location which has a sizable sanctuary, as well as a community space adjacent to it called Bayrd Hall. The building contains a unique looking organ which has thin sets of pipes mounted to the wall. I found this youtube video of it being played. In addition to hearing the music, it also showcases more of the sanctuary and chancel than I capture in my pictures. The décor is minimalist, but the wooden eaves and pastel windows create the perfect contemplative space, and the building is angled such that the morning sun brightens the nave.

The Congregation


Rev. Nizzi Santos Digan warmly greeted us when we arrived along with several other congregants some of who were assisting with passing out the bulletin, others who were just being inviting. If you are an introvert, Good Shepherd will draw you out as their service is very interactive, from the universal passing of the peace, to various activities that have you participating. Rev Digan also took time during the start of the service to welcome the visitors to the church. The bulletin had smiley faces printed throughout it which was very amusing and welcoming. A search online turned up some older bulletins revealing that it is a reoccurring feature, which I like. It seems like a group of people that share a lot of happiness each Sunday, so the smiling emoticon is a very appropriate choice.

Chancel area of the church, note the unusual components of the organ, there are more as well to the right of this area.

The Service

A large group of children who are part of the Good Shepherd congregation, played an integral role in the service. It was a special children's service, and a gospel reading on the front of the bulletin summarized "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these," (Matthew 19:14).

It was fun to see the congregation's children sing and perform all of the hymns including Glory Glory Halleluja, This Little Light of Mine, and Father Abraham. Father Abraham brought back memories of singing this song in my Catholic elementary school when I was in Kindergarten or first grade, complete with the arm gestures that the children were acting out. 

There was a special interactive activity, where Rev. Digan had the congregation bless all of the children in the center aisle, tying their value in with the overall them of the service, and the promise they hold for the future. Symbolically one could touch a large cloth/tapestry held above the children by parents and loved ones, or raise a hand in the air.

Readings were Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, and Luke 18:15-17 which are variations of the same gospel passage that is shared earlier. The children also in turn, read portions of some separate passages.

Especially unique was the closing of the service which was an activity called "Draw the Circle," where the entire congregation made a ring around the sanctuary, linked hand to hand while singing a hymn.

Outreach

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church may be an intimate congregation in the Maplewood neighborhood of Malden, but their impact is surely felt throughout the area. Good Shepherd's Missions page speaks to the generosity of the congregation. This includes supporting a Christmas "Angel Project," where they buy gifts for children in need, participation in the Bread of Life program to help provide food to people, care packages for the armed services in affiliation with Anysoldier.com, as well as many other specific programs done through the United Methodist Church network.

The church has social and educational ministries such as several youth ministries which meet throughout a given month. Their social activities include coffee after church as well as dinners and picnics throughout the year.

During this week's service they were participating in a clothing drive for children from Africa as an example of how they reach beyond the immediate community.

Clearly Good Shepherd Methodist Church dedicates itself to making a difference and they succeed in their goal.



 Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links

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