PLEASE NOTE: Events related to the ministry/mission projects shown below may not be currently meeting due to Covid-19 Pandemic limitations. Virtual events may be offered as interim alternatives. Please refer to the Announcements section of the EVENTS page for updated information.
We are a Bread for the World Covenant Church
Covenant Churches make an annual commitment to:
observe Bread for the World Sunday annually and integrate hunger concerns in prayer, worship, and stewardship and...
participate in Bread for the World’s annual Offering of Letters and engage in advocacy on other legislation in Congress.
make an annual financial contribution to Bread for the World, support local anti-hunger.
We support More Light Presbyterians.
Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society.
We support Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter (BLM) is an international human rights movement, originating in the African-American community, that campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people.
We Are a Matthew 25 Church
The circular shape represents unity and equality. Like God, a circle has no beginning and no end, and it symbolizes our continuing effort to help one another. The shape also suggests a globe that points to our engagement with the world.
The three interlocking figures represent the equality of all people without gender or race bias. They have their arms around each other, symbolizing friendship, protection and service. The number three suggests the three focus areas of congregational vitality, structural racism and systemic poverty, as well as the Trinity.
Midway Community Choir
The Midway Community Choir (MCC) is a performing arts and cultural project that provides an opportunity for residents of the Midway Airport area to sing together in an affirmative, non-sectarian setting while raising funds for area charitable organizations.  The choir meets nine months of the year in preparation for three themed concerts: Spring, Fall, and Holiday. New members are welcome during any rehearsal period. The ability to read music is not required, anyone who loves to sing is welcome! For more information, please contact Julee Phillips, Music Director, at the church office phone or e-mail.
SPIRIT OF LOVE YOUTH GROUP
Christian Leadership Youth Ministry
Be a Christian Leader in our community and in the world.
Grounded in our Christian faith, we pray, we study the Bible, we worship Jesus. We participate in field trips, fundraisers, community work, movie nights, camp, game nights and other fun activities. We participate in Walk-A-Thons to raise awareness of various social justice issues such as youth mental health and hunger. We meet Wednesday evenings. For more information, please contact Youth Director & Deacon, Claudia Fuentes-Peña at the church office phone or e-mail.
Grace Seeds Ministry
& Share the Harvest
Planting.  Tending. Twining.
Watering.  Watching. Waiting. 
Praying and paying attention…
to what God is breathing, speaking, growing in the world.
Share the Harvest is a network of partners committed to direct, hands-on action to alleviate hunger in our communities.    We are grateful for each partner’s commitment to care for the earth, love their neighbor,  and share God’s grace and compassion through gifts from their gardens. For more information, please contact Grace Seeds Ministry, Rev. Linda Wygant.
By Phone: 773-495-7865
By E-mail: graceseedsministry@gmail.com
Good Shepherd is a Share the Harvest contributor, donating to St. Blase Food Pantry in Summit IL.
Adult Bible Study
All are welcome to learn the Word of God together in an informal group setting through lively discussions from the scripture and current lessons from worship services. Bible Study is on Thursdays from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM. For more information and to learn of the current study subject, please contact Pastor Rev. Julio Peña at the church office phone or e-mail.
Church / Community Picnic
Each Summer, Good Shepherd sponsors an opportunity for our church family and members of our Garfield-Ridge community to gather for good food, pleasant conversation and backyard games. We have a large open space where we set up chairs, tents and yard games. A good old fashioned backyard BBQ provides food and beverage for all. For more information please contact the church office by phone or e-mail.
Blessing of the Animals
During the Fall season Good Shepherd offers an opportunity for members of our Garfield-Ridge community to gather with us in celebration of the life and the love we receive from our animal friends. We provide a safe space for pets to play, rest, meet and greet new friends (animal and human), to partake of snacks (for animals and humans) and to receive a blessing from our Pastor for the lives of our most unconditionally loving family members. A free will offering is taken with all proceeds donated to the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago. For more information please contact the church office by phone or e-mail.
Labyrinth
Good Shepherd is please to provide this safe space for community members to come to pray, reflect, or just for peaceful meditation. During the warm weather months benches surround the Labyrinth and at the center a fountain with the soothing sounds of flowing water will greet you. Come check out our Labyrinth located in the church’s backyard. All are welcome!
Vacation Bible School
“Gear Up! Get Ready! Game On! Each August Good Shepherd presents Vacation Bible School for the youth of our church and the surrounding Garfield-Ridge community. Activities include games, arts and crafts, mini-worship, Bible lessons and an evening meal. VBS is offered for one week in August, Monday through Friday, 6:30PM to 8:30PM. We end the week with a special event for the children and their families, celebrating their accomplishments and honoring the leaders and volunteers. VBS students are pre-school through 8th grade. Volunteers are High School youth and adult members of Good Shepherd, led by Deacon Claudia Fuentes - Peña and Pastor Julio Peña.
Registration is required, so please contact the church office by phone or e-mail for the latest information.
Feed My Starving Children
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) believes hope starts with food. As a Christian nonprofit, FMSC is dedicated to seeing every child whole in body and spirit. FMSC works with food distribution partners that stay with communities for the long haul, empowering them to move from relief to development.
FMSC meals are developed by food science and nutrition professionals to supplement nutritional needs and reduce problems with malnutrition. Nutrition allows children to grow, thrive and develop to their full potential.
Good Shepherd is pleased to support the excellent work of Feed My Starving Children through financial donations and hands on work sessions at the organization’s food packaging facility in Aurora IL. Contact the church office by phone or e-mail for more information about Good Shepherd’s future food packaging events. Contact Feed My Starving Children directly. By Phone: 763-504-2919. By E-mail: info@fmsc.org. On the Web: https://www.fmsc.org.
Southwest Chicago Homeless Services
Since its inception, Southwest Chicago Homeless Services has served homeless and housing insecure persons.
The agency operates in the Chicago Lawn community, across from Marquette Park, a Chicago Park District property where many homeless persons congregate and bed down at night, making it readily accessible to a sizable homeless population. We feed, bathe and clothe up to 35 of those indigent and needy individuals six nights per week. We offer case management services, and homeless prevention assistance. An experienced Housing Specialist is also part of our team.
Good Shepherd supports the outreach ministry of Southwest Chicago Homeless Services through direct monetary donations, serving meals to facility guests one night a week and by designating the freewill offering collection of one Midway Community Choir (MCC) concert annually. Contact the church office by phone or e-mail for more information about future MCC concert events. Contact Southwest Chicago Homeless Services directly. By Phone: 773-737-7070. By E-mail: Jackie@homelessservices.org.       On the Web: https://www.homelessservices.org.
Seraj Library Project
The Seraj Library Project is a non-profit 501(c)3 providing initiative and support in developing libraries in rural Palestinian villages.  Its mission is to assist in the education of Palestinian villagers of all ages and faiths through the development of high quality and accessible library programs.  The project is based on the belief that civic education is the best route to democracy, human rights and peace. 
For more information please contact the Seraj Library Project directly. By Phone: 630.606.5671. By e-mail: serajlibraryproject@gmail.com. On the Web: https://www.serajlibraries.org.
Cents-Ability – Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) Anti-Hunger Program
Cents-Ability is a small first step in the battle against hunger and poverty. Congregations invite every member — of all ages — to contribute a few cents at every meal. This simple act is an expression of thanks for what we have received. It is also a commitment to share with others in response to Jesus’ command “You give them something to eat.” When members bring their offerings to church on the appointed Sunday, all of those coins “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” as they are received and dedicated.
Good Shepherd participates in the Cents-Ability anti-hunger program by offering a freewill donation container in the church narthex for worship attendees to deposit whatever spare change they have available. Contact the church office by phone or e-mail for more information about how we work to end hunger in God’s world through this and other efforts. Contact the PCUSA directly to inquire about the Cents-Ability program. By Phone: 800-728-7228. On the Web: https://www.presbyterianmission.org.
Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS)
CAPS is a community driven policing strategy designed for the Chicago Police Department that aims to develop a partnership between the police force and the citizens of Chicago. Good Shepherd resides in Chicago Police Department Beat 811 and hosts the regularly scheduled CAPS meetings. For information about Beat 811 CAPS meetings please contact the church office by phone or E-mail or contact the 8th District CAPS Office at 312-747-8730.
Art Class at Good Shepherd
Our Elder Jessica Meyer enthusiastically mentors a beginner’s level art class on Saturdays between 11am and 1pm at Good Shepherd church. It is a beginner's class, but anyone may participate. Class starts with pencil and paper drawing and progresses from there. Students work at their own pace, but often excel beyond their expectations. This is a FREE class, but you will need to purchase basic supplies yourself. Supplies will range between $35-$50. Come learn drawing fundamentals, expand upon your hidden artistic talents, or share your established knowledge with others in the Good Shepherd community. For additional details please contact the church office by phone or e-mail.
Sunday School Class
Postponed Due to Covid-19.
Classes are held at 9:00 AM prior to Sunday worship service. We have enjoyed working with the youth in our Sunday School and anticipate growth in this ministry. While teachers and students are taking a break from classes in compliance with Good Shepherd’s Covid-19 policy, the Sunday school team is planning and training in preparation for the return of classes later in 2021. Watch this space for updates and details.
Good Shepherd is proud to support the following organizations.

Contact the Church office to get involved!