Our Ministries

Good Shepherd is active at home, in our community and throughout the world with a variety of ministries programs:

  • Home Depot Breakfast Ministry – Good Shepherd provides Sunday meals and support for day laborers who gather at a Home Depot in Passaic. 
  • Shop and Stop Hunger Ministry – Good Shepherd’s members donate food and financial support weekly to St. Paul’s Community Development Corporation Food Pantry in Paterson. 
  • Habitat For Humanity – Good Shepherd is a supporter and participant in Habitat for Humanity constructing new homes in New Jersey for families in need.
  • Care Ministries - Good Shepherd supports members in need by delivering meals, flowers and rides for those experiencing loss, illness and other difficulties. 
  • Employment and Growth - The Job Search Work Team helps those currently out of work and looking to get back into the workforce. 
  • Well Baby Clinic - Good Shepherd provides space and support for a Well Baby Clinic which provides care to children in need through the auspices of Valley Community Health.
  • Nursing Home  Ministries – Pastor Jay leads monthly worship services for residents of Crane's Mill Retirement Community.
  • Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat Center – The Good Shepherd congregation assists with the purchase and distribution of Christmas gifts for residents who face ongoing developmental challenges.
  • Camp Ministries - Good Shepherd is an active supporter of Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center which hosts a Women of the Woods retreat, Summer Camp and a variety of retreat offerings.

    Mission Trips - Good Shepherd participates in mission trips to help those in need throughout the United States.
  • Seafarer’s International - Good Shepherd supports the work of Seafarer’s International by making satchels for distribution to the seafarers at sea on Christmas.
  • The Sheep Project - Good Shepherd provides sheep to help families living in extreme poverty around the world. 
  • Community Thrift Shop in Midland Park - The WELCA group works at the thrift shop each month to raise funds for their many projects and ministries.
  • The WELCA Knitters knit prayer shawls, baptism shawls, newborn hats, bed socks and lap robes for distribution in the community.
  • The WELCA Quilters sew quilts for a variety of  local organizations serving the community. 
  • Eyeglass collection for people in need.

ADult education

All are invited to participate, regardless of your particular knowledge base.

Friday Bible Study - In Search of Wisdom

A Bible Study and faith journey led by Pastor Jay through the Books of Wisdom: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job.
Every Friday at 12:30PM

Women's Bible Study

Resource book: Women of the Bible  by Jean E. Syswerda (Note the single author of the book we are using. There is a different edition with two authors.)
Led by Lillian Ostrander and Carol Voss
Meets every other Monday at 7:30PM via Zoom

Thursday Prayer Meeting

Prayer, fellowship, and faith-based conversation via conference call - contact the church office to receive the dial-in number and access code
Every Thursday at 10AM

Youth MInistries

Beginning at age 3, your child can begin to attend Sunday School! PreK 3 & 4, Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade meet together in our one-room Sunday School classroom (the "Noah's Ark" room). We utilize "SPARK" curriculum from the Lutheran publisher Augsburg Fortress Publishers.

Your child will begin in the sanctuary with you at 10am. When it's time during the service, the Sunday School teachers will bring the children to the Noah's Ark Sunday School classroom. Then at 10:45, the teachers will bring the children back to the sanctuary to finish the Worship Service with you.

Students in 7th and 8th grades are welcomed into Confirmation Class. They meet every other Monday with Pastor Jay from 4:30PM to 6:00PM, and periodically go on special outings as well. Once a youth is confirmed, they are invited to take a more active role in the congregation by volunteer to be an acolyte, lector, greeter, usher, or communion assistant.