We love what we do
Meet the team
We are a joyful neighborhood church that loves to throw open the doors and invite the world in for a meal or a party. We are strongly rooted in Norfolk, but we’re not homebodies. Like the city itself, we are open and connected to the wider world.
We welcome newcomers and visitors from all walks of life and strive to be a community which nurtures and grows the lives of the faithful, wherever they may be on life’s journey
We care for one another in times of challenge and loss, and our prayer life is rooted in ancient traditions, yet alive with contemporary focus. Our worship services follow the patterns found in the Book of Common Prayer.

The Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Soltys
The priesthood was a mid-career change after time spent in academia. Soltys has a PhD in Russian Language and Literature from Yale University. She taught in a variety of academic settings and worked as a simultaneous translator for NBC during the Reagan-Gorbachev Summit. Soltys also worked as Prestigious Fellowships Coordinator at Cornell University, where she coached applicants through the application process for the Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships.
Rev. Soltys has two adult children: one studies at Washington and Lee Law School; the other is pursuing a degree in fashion design at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. Soltys’s husband, Stuart Henderson, is a physicist. He is Director of Jefferson National Laboratory in Newport News.

Ben Blanchard
Associate for Children & Youth Formation & acting Music Director

Mary Whitehouse
Parish Administrator
After Bob’s retirement from 30+ years of active duty service as a commissioned military officer in 2019, we made the decision to make Chesapeake our permanent home. In my spare time I love to quilt, craft and spend time with family and friends.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, taught preschool and first grade and have a passion for working with children, especially during Vacation Bible School. I’m an active member of our church in Chesapeake and served on the vestry as well as many other volunteer activities.
I’ve been at Good Shepherd for 3 years now!

Bob Suter
Facility Manager & Bookkeeper
In July 2020, Bob’s wife of 30 years, Lisa, accepted an elementary school principal position with the Virginia Beach schools, so they sold the house and moved 800 miles to the beach. Bob and Lisa have two sons: Riley, a medical student in Norfolk, and Ryan, who lives and works in Durham, NC. Lisa’s father – a retired Lutheran pastor – lives in Virginia Beach. Being so close to all three has made living and working in the area very rewarding.

Coming Soon
Music Director

Postion Available!
Church Events Assistant
Download the job description to view more details.
An Episcopal Parish
The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ, in 111 dioceses and regional areas in 17 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The mission of the church, as stated in the Book of Common Prayer’s catechism (p. 855), is “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.”