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Thank You for Embracing the Bigger Table!


We’re thrilled to report, thanks to you, Good Shepherd raised $16,110 through the Embrace the Bigger Table campaign. With the generous $15,000 match, that’s $31,110 to support antiracism initiatives and building and online worship infrastructure.


This is an active investment in continuing to share God’s grace with one another and the wider community online and in our church building once we’re able to gather there again safely. It’s an active investment in possibility, in establishing a scholarship fund that supports post-secondary education and the opportunities it unlocks.


We’re deeply grateful to all who contributed and to the anonymous members who provided such a generous matching gift. Thanks be to God for the faithful stewardship of so many that undergirds Good Shepherd’s efforts to be God’s hands in this world.


For more information, please read the Embrace the Bigger Table introduction letter (pdf).

Join us to offer your time, talent and treasure to be God hands in this world by giving back to our local community, responding to needs across the globe, and supporting each other at and through Good Shepherd.

2019 Annual Report (pdf, 1,4 mb)

In 2020, your generous financial support will focus on:


Engaging Our World

We’re committed to sharing our gifts with the needs of our community and our world. Specifically, we will:

  • Support the food pantry & childcare center of ALIVE!
  • Support women rebuilding their lives after incarceration through Guest House.
  • Shelter those who are homeless through Carpenter's Shelter.
  • Support Lutheran camps and campus ministries, new mission starts, ELCA World Hunger, ELCA Disaster Response, Lutheran World Relief, Advocacy for Justice Work, seminarians, and sister synods in Namibia, El Salvador and Slovakia through our support of the Metropolitan DC Synod.

Inspiring Worship

Sunday worship with the gifts of word and sacrament is where faith is nurtured and discipleship is practiced. In 2019 we will:

  • Preach and celebrate weekly worship throughout the year.
  • Celebrate baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings and funerals.
  • Turn our hearts to God through song and prayer with organ, piano, choir and other musical gifts.
  • Explore additional worship styles/times such as waffle church and outdoor summer worship.


Growing Deeper in Faith

Education and discipleship ministries offer vital resources to enable people of all ages to grow in faith. In 2019 we will:

  • Provide quality Christian education including Sunday School, adult classes, summer camp/Vacation Bible School (VBS), book studies, small groups and online devotions.
  • Encourage deepening of faith in the midst of life in a multicultural society through with opportunities offered through our anti-racism team and conversations with our Muslim friends.
  • Participate in Mosaix, an intentional effort to build a multi-ethnic congregation. With leadership from the Metro DC ELCA Synod, we’ll share lessons learned, challenges and successes with five other churches also working to mirror the diversity of heaven here on earth. 

Connecting with New People

We commit to better communicating the gospel to a hurting world. We will:

  • Engage our community with an updated website and active social media presence.
  • Effectively publicize events using multiple communication tools.
  • Ensure that our welcome is genuine to all through the work of all members as well as the Reconciling in Christ team.
  • Provide opportunities for the community to take part in social (block party, Easter egg hunt) and learning (summer camp/Vacation Bible School, guest speakers) events and service projects (Community Food Packing Event, God’s Work Our Hands, ALIVE! walkathon).
  • Work with the New Connections engagement team to strategize and implement tools for growth.

Caring for Our People & Space

Our spending plan provides for fellowship activities and cares for our building and property. In 2019 we will:

  • Ensure our building is well-cared for and safe for our members, guests and groups we share our space with, including the Alexandria Choral Society and Guest House.
  • Provide opportunities for building relationships through fellowship activities such as potlucks, the chili cookoff and Shrove Tuesday pancake supper.
  • Provide visitation and prayer for those who are ill or unable to attend worship.

Administrative Support for Ministries

Ministries require administrative support. In 2019 that will include:

  • Provide bulletins and materials for worship and Christian education.
  • Provide for telephone and internet use.
  • Maintain database of pastoral acts and membership.
  • Create weekly e-newsletters and announcement pages.
  • Provide a welcoming presence by phone and in person for guests.