Our Parish Community

Rooted in Tradition, Oriented Towards Grace…

The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Allegan, is a welcoming and active parish rooted in the Anglican tradition within the Episcopal Church. We are dedicated to providing a warm and inviting environment for all members of the community. Our mission is to spread the Gospel of Christ while living our faith through community service. We invite you to join us in our journey of spiritual growth.

First organized in 1858 our parish has endured through times of war and peace, economic hardships and good times, illnesses and pandemics, and much more. Sometimes people wonder why some churches survive and flourish while others falter then fail. We are still here: providing the Episcopal tradition in Allegan and surrounding areas by welcoming all people, observing the Sacraments and worshiping God, while serving people.

We remain convinced that Good Shepherd has endured because of its lay leadership among our parishioners and our dedication to the community. Our members initiate many of the projects and drive the programming, liturgy, and community service we offer.

A Community where Faith, hope, and charity abide…

More About Us:

  • At Good Shepherd, we bring together the richness of the Anglican tradition, the beauty of worship, and the warmth of a welcoming parish community. We believe faith is nurtured through worship, prayer, fellowship, and caring for one another. Rooted in the life of the Church and the Sacraments, we seek to grow together in faith, serve our neighbors in charity, and offer a place where people can encounter Christ, ask questions, and find a spiritual home. Whether you are steeped in the traditions of the Church or just beginning to explore the Christian faith, you are welcome here.

  • Of course! We believe that growing in faith is something that a family can do together however they are structured, be it a family at home, grandparents, or your adopted church family. Children can join in the above mentioned youth programs or may feel more comfortable in the “soft space” at the back of the church.

  • Yes! We have a Sunday School & Faith Formation program oriented for Children grades K-6 offered three Sunday’s a month beginning at 10:00am and running for roughly a half hour. After which the youth return to the Church to sit with their friends or families to partake in Holy Communion. Youth above this age are encouraged to begin participating in Parish life, and begin Catechism Class (offered on a rotating annual basis to all Baptized persons above the age of 14) ahead of Confirmation. There is also a wider High School oriented Youth-Group co-hosted by a number of other Episcopal parishes in the area for youth the grow in faith and fellowship.

  • Yes, there is a growing 20s & 30s group that meets after church and gathers for coffee at one of our local shops. There is also a wider young adult and campus ministry network throughout the whole of Michigan encompassing people from three different Episcopal Dioceses which gather for retreats, prayer groups, and much more!

  • If you would like to take the step of becoming one with Christ’s Church through the Sacrament of Baptism, or would like to have your child(ren) Baptized at Good Shepherd we invite you to speak to one of our Clergy. Information on upcoming Confirmation classes may be found under the formation tab.