Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd has a long history of outreach to the Ogden community. Before there was a church, Good Shepherd built a school to serve railroad workers because there were no public schools in this rapidly growing town yet. When there was a need for a cemetery, the Rev. James Gillogly, our first rector, pulled together resources to build one.
More recently, Good Shepherd in 1978 helped plant the seeds of Lantern House, Ogden's shelter for those experiencing homelessness, in partnership St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Members continue to support Lantern House through donations and volunteer work. Youth Impact, another Ogden institution, had its start in the basement of Good Shepherd in 1992. Youth Impact serves inner-city youth, pledging in its mission "to give each and every child who comes through our doors a safe place to learn, socialize and realize who they are and who they can become." Good Shepherd has also been a partner church with Family Promise, and our Deacon, the Rev. Dcn. Patti Sanchez, still serves on its board.
The current outreach efforts include:
Shepherd's Bowl
On Wednesdays, volunteers from throughout the community gather in Good Shepherd's basement to make sack lunches for those who might be hungry. This outreach originally provided a hot meal and place to visit for members of the community, but during the pandemic, it switched to sack lunches. That has continued while the church kitchen has been undergoing renovation. About 150 lunches are made and delivered throughout the community each week.
Shepherd's Fold
Good Shepherd keeps a linen pantry that provides new pillows, and new or nearly new sheets and blankets to people who are transitioning from homelessness. Clients are referred to Shepherd's Fold from Weber County Human Services.
More recently, Good Shepherd in 1978 helped plant the seeds of Lantern House, Ogden's shelter for those experiencing homelessness, in partnership St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Members continue to support Lantern House through donations and volunteer work. Youth Impact, another Ogden institution, had its start in the basement of Good Shepherd in 1992. Youth Impact serves inner-city youth, pledging in its mission "to give each and every child who comes through our doors a safe place to learn, socialize and realize who they are and who they can become." Good Shepherd has also been a partner church with Family Promise, and our Deacon, the Rev. Dcn. Patti Sanchez, still serves on its board.
The current outreach efforts include:
Shepherd's Bowl
On Wednesdays, volunteers from throughout the community gather in Good Shepherd's basement to make sack lunches for those who might be hungry. This outreach originally provided a hot meal and place to visit for members of the community, but during the pandemic, it switched to sack lunches. That has continued while the church kitchen has been undergoing renovation. About 150 lunches are made and delivered throughout the community each week.
Shepherd's Fold
Good Shepherd keeps a linen pantry that provides new pillows, and new or nearly new sheets and blankets to people who are transitioning from homelessness. Clients are referred to Shepherd's Fold from Weber County Human Services.