In The COMMUNITY

The people of Good Shepherd are involved in a variety of Mission Projects through our schools, neighborhood groups, workplaces, and personal involvement in favorite mission causes. In addition, members and friends support many mission projects at Good Shepherd – projects that address health, education, hunger, emergency relief, housing, and a variety of other needs. Here are some of the ways we do that in our local area.

Shelter Dinners

On a monthly basis, volunteers from Good Shepherd make homemade dinners for up to 15 homeless men who utilize the Overflow Men’s Shelter at First Church of Albany located at 110 North Pearl Street

Outreach and Evangelism

Good Shepherd’s Outreach and Evangelism team helps spread the word about our church and our ministries by welcoming new and prospective members, leading several ministries and fund-raisers, and organizing community events, including the Annual Berry Festival, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Halloween party and Breakfast with the Wise Men.

Outreach and Evangelism manage many collections of donations and supports a variety of events, such as Red Cross blood drives and Fair Trade sales, and spearheads the involvement of our congregation in numerous charitable ministries within the Albany area. They collect food and needed items for the Overflow Men’s Shelter at First Church of Albany, Sister Maureen Joyce Center and Food Pantry, Equinox, and St. Paul’s Shelter. Throughout the year non-perishables are collected for a local food bank. Opportunities abound to give your time, energy, and financial resources!

Fisher House

is a “Home away from Home” for families and caregivers of Veterans and service members receiving treatment at major Military and VA medical facilities.

Blood Drives

Blood Drives are held twice a year in the Fellowship Room. They are sponsored by the American Red Cross and donors are by appointment or walk-in. Everyone is welcome: members, friends, or folks just seeing the sign and having the desire to help increase the blood supply for our area. Donors are age 16 (with parental permission) and up and in good health. Volunteers help with registration or by serving juice and snacks.

Endowment Fund

Established by generous members and sustained by contributions and good investments, each year the fund’s earnings are distributed to local charitable causes and missions of the Lutheran Church. It is administered by a committee of members chosen by the congregation.

Mitten Tree

Each year during Advent the Christmas Mitten Tree appears in the Narthex. Members decorate it with mittens, scarves, and hats which are then donated to the Sister Maureen Joyce Center.

Social Ministry

Manages many collections of donations and supports a variety of events, such as Red Cross blood drives and Fair Trade sales, and spearheads the involvement of our congregation in numerous charitable ministries within the Albany area. They collect food and needed items for the Overflow Men’s Shelter at First Church of Albany on 110 Pearl Street, Sister Maureen Joyce Center and Food Pantry, Equinox, and St. Paul’s Shelter. They’ve made Linus blankets for sick children, filled clean-up buckets for hurricane victims, and made and delivered meals for the Overflow Shelter. Throughout the year non-perishables are collected for a local food bank. Opportunities abound to give your time, energy, and financial resources!

Albany Maritime Ministry

Members at Good Shepherd act as “Captains” to solicit participation and donations for various local ministries and charitable fund-raisers.

Albany Lutherans Together (ALT)

We join forces with these local churches throughout the year to support one another in a variety of ways, from youth gatherings, special worship services, pastoral and administrative support, and ministries.