What We Do - Church of the Good Shepherd

We are creative beings

Let’s create a better world!

Church is not just for its members. As people of faith, we want to make a difference in the lives of the people we encounter every day—in our families, our neighborhoods, our workplaces, our city, our world.

As a church, our primary ongoing relationships are with the organizations below.

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Sewell’s Point Elementary School

Through the Norfolk Public Schools Faith-Based Partnership Program, Good Shepherd is growing relationships with the students and families of Sewell’s Point Elementary School. The school’s student body is over 90% military. Children often have one or more parents on deployment; families often relocate or are transferred within a year or two of enrollment. Good Shepherd volunteers visit classrooms regularly to read aloud to students and to help individuals with reading and math skills. They serve as “lunch buddies” for kids who need mentoring; they help with Field Day and Science Fair and Read Across America. Good Shepherd provides food and gift card thank yous to teachers and staff and adds to the principal’s discretionary fund.

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H.O.P.E. Foundation Feeding Ministry

Working with HOPE Foundation Ministries, we feed the homeless hungry at least 1x/month from May through November. We cook up a meal in our church kitchen, package it individually, and deliver it to 2-3 pickup stations throughout Norfolk. Throughout the year we collect needed items, such as shoes and coats, for distribution at Thanksgiving. We dedicate 100% of the monies we raise at our annual Gingerbread & Jazz Christmas event to HOPE Foundation. We have developed a strong relationship with HOPE’s founder, who has preached at Good Shepherd and visits periodically.

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Five Talents

Through the generous bequest of a member, we have been able to fund significant educational and relief efforts in South Sudan though Five Talents. The funds provide literacy and numeracy training, as well as coaching in basic business skills and microenterprise opportunities. In a part of the world that suffers from tremendous violence and poverty, with an estimated 90% illiteracy rate, Good Shepherd seeks to bring hope.

All God’s Children

Good Shepherd partners with the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church to help provide a summer camp opportunity for children of incarcerated parents. Good Shepherd adopts a cabin each year, providing necessary gear and decorating the cabin for arrival.

Chanco Scholarships

Good Shepherd sponsors two campers each year at Camp Chanco in Spring Grove, VA.

American Red Cross

Good Shepherd hosts and participates in quarterly blood drives in cooperation with neighboring churches and the American Red Cross.

Open Doors, Open Hearts

Our building is part of our mission! We host AA meetings, two Girl Scout troops, Families to Families (a social network of families with deaf children), theater groups, especially UPAC (Underground Performing Arts Collective, a group for performing artists and designers from underrepresented, diverse populations), local civic groups…. We rent our spaces for events and fundraisers hosted by local interest groups and non-profits, such as CHKD, garden clubs, Junior League, etc. Our tenants include Loch-Meadow Kindergarten, Lee’s Friends (a cancer support non-profit), The Chas Foundation (a suicide awareness and prevention non-profit).

To find out more about our ministries or to get involved, please contact the church office. office@goodshepherdnorfolk.org

Our original artwork

Live Creatively!

New Window Display Prompts Us to Reframe Lent

In the beginning was the Word. The Word was good, and it brought forth good. But something went wrong. New words began to mar the world with deception, hurt, pain, and strife. Church of the Good Shepherd’s Lenten windows feature words from the Book of Common Prayer’s...

Good Shepherd in Norfolk Rejoices for Epiphany with New Window Display

The magi have arrived! Just like the wise men, we are drawn to the light, searching for what it might promise. May your Epiphany Season be filled with light and hope-- and the joy of discovering new ways of seeing the world....

New Window Display Entitled “Anticipation”

This year December 1 begins our Advent season, when our new window will be unveiled. Join us each Sunday as we prepare our hearts and souls for Christmas. – Rev. Dr. Jacqueline R. Soltys+ To learn more, be sure to stop by our Narthex window display and watch the video...

New Window Installation Honors All Saints

Each year at our All-Saints service we remember those who have gone before us, those who have made a difference in our lives. Recalling those who have died is a simple and holy act, a form of prayer. Each year we gather as a community to remember those who have gone...

New Window Display Entitled “Create”

Life is a creative project. We grow and change. We move; we shift direction. From the moment we are born we begin exploring who we are and what we are capable of. The hard-won moments along the way when we solve a problem, innovate, make something beautiful, fix...

New Window Display: Wind. Breath. Spirit.

Wind. Breath. Spirit. There is a side to God that is wild and unpredictable, a side to God that is always beyond the predictable routines and rules we call religion. Every year at Pentecost, we remind ourselves that God is a creative Creator. God’s goal is not to keep...

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Check Out Our Upcoming Events

We are excited to offer a variety of opportunities to connect, worship, serve, and enjoy life together. Take a look at the calendar and come join us when you can!

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