Over 45 years ago...

there was a response to a community in need. In August 1960, the Board of American Missions of the Lutheran Church in America (a predecessor of the ELCA) sponsored a mission developer who undertook a door-to-door religious survey in the Loudonville area. As a result of the interest shown by residents of the area, the first worship service was held at the American Legion Hall on Osborne Road on October 9, 1960. Sunday School started a few weeks later. The church charter was opened to interested members on December 12, 1960, with membership growing steadily. A congregational meeting for the incorporation of the church was held on April 14, 1961. Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church was officially organized on April 16, 1961 with 113 adult and 62 youth members. The membership continued to grow so the congregation moved its meetings to the Community Hall, where we stayed until the first church building was constructed in 1965 at its current site. In 1986, the congregation – even larger! -- realized that its building size was insufficient for its desired programs. After careful demographic and program studies, a decision was made to expand. In 1988 our new sanctuary and entry were built, along with extensive renovations to the original building. The new spaces are enabling us to better serve the congregation and our community.

 

Today Good Shepherd is still responding...

to the needs of the community, locally and globally. We know that “being church” does not depend on the size of the church building, or even the number of members. The people of Good Shepherd have a spiritual connection with God and strong, supportive relationships with each other. This allows us to reach out and be a “church for others”: welcoming and supporting each person’s faith journey, encouraging the discovery, growth and use of each person’s strengths and talents, inviting participation in service and mission activities providing gestures of grace, compassion, community and hope. You’ll always find a variety of missionand learning opportunities underway … such as: The Black Sheep Cocoa House - a unique social experience for young children to enjoy a movie, creative play and, of course, hot cocoa Faith Matters – provocative and lively adult discussions exploring how faith shows up in our daily lives Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (HATAS) – providing supplies to help area homeless and mentally ill people transition to independent living Orphan Grain Train – helping sort and pack clothing and medical supplies for needy people in Russia and Central America Read Good Shepherd’s latest newsletter to get a glimpse of how we are “being church” today. Do you have a special need? Contact Good Shepherd We are a congregation who reaches out to serve. Stop by and see what we are up to!