Snapshots of Good Shepherd
Welcome! These snapshots offer a glimpse into the life, ministry, and fellowship of Church of the Good Shepherd in Galax. From worship and celebration to service and outreach, we invite you to see who we are — and to know that you are always welcome here.
Worship & Celebration
Octoberfest in the sanctuary — a joyful time of food, music, and fellowship.
Celebrating twenty years in this building.
Christmas Eve celebration.
Welcoming new members to our church family.
Santa Dennis visits children in the sanctuary.
Supply Clergy, Rev. Dr. Jan Fuller, on Pentecost Sunday.
Supply Clergy, Rev. Terrie Sternberg, preaching, accompanied by her dog, Theo.
Meeting Our Bishops
As a shared Lutheran and Episcopal congregation, we cherish moments of connection with our wider church family. We were grateful to welcome Bishop Milton, Bishop of the Virginia Synod of the ELCA, and to meet Bishop Karin MacPhail, Episcopal Bishop of Southwestern Virginia, at the New River Convocation Gathering.
Bishop Milton — Virginia Synod, ELCA.
A memorable visit with Bishop Milton.
Bishop Karin MacPhail — Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia.
Wilma Williams having a conversation with Bishop MacPhail.
Serving Our Neighbors
Serving others is at the heart of who we are. Whether we’re delivering snacks to first responders, packing food for local schoolchildren, or reaching around the world, we believe in putting faith into action.
Thanking Our Law Enforcement
Providing snacks and encouragement for the law enforcement officers who serve our county.
God’s Work, Our Hands
Each year we join Lutherans across the country in a day of service — because faith is something we live out together, with our hands and our hearts.
Feeding Our First Responders
A fish fry hosted for our local rescue squad and their families — a small thank-you for their tireless service to our community.
Backpack Program
Volunteers fill backpacks with food that is distributed to local schools, helping make sure no child in our community goes hungry over the weekend.
Adopt-a-Highway
Our crew picked up trash along our stretch of highway — caring for creation, one bag at a time.
Outreach Near and Far
Some of the outreach projects we’re proud to support.
Places we reach around the world.
Delivering contributions and backpack supplies to Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM).
Global Connections
The Dunor Family in Liberia — one of the meaningful connections that reminds us how big and beautiful God’s family truly is.
Welcoming Visitors from the Boys Home
We were honored to welcome visitors from the Boys Home and share a time of worship and fellowship together.
Prison Pup Program at Bland Correctional Center
One of the ministries closest to our hearts is the Prison Pup Program. Inmates at Bland Correctional Center train service dogs for one year before the dogs move on to St. Francis Service Dogs for advanced training. Once fully trained, these dogs are placed with individuals who need them as assistance dogs.
The toys pictured here were purchased with donations from Church of the Good Shepherd for the dogs in the Prison Pup Program. It’s a joy to play a small part in a program that transforms so many lives — inmates, dogs, and future handlers alike.
The Director of St. Francis Service Dogs shared a wonderful presentation with our congregation about the life-changing work of these amazing animals and their trainers.
A Dog-Friendly Church
Yes, really! Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Good Shepherd. We have hosted pet adoption events, wellness checks, and an annual Blessing of the Animals — because every member of the family matters.
Some Dogs Who Have Attended Worship
Toby
Lizzie
Pepper
Charlie
Lilah
Sidney Sue
Theo
Fellowship, Fun & Learning
Holy Play Time
Creativity and faith come together at Holy Play Time — a favorite for our younger members and the young at heart.
Good Food, Great Company
Fellowship and food in the forum room — because breaking bread together is one of the sweetest parts of church life.
A cookout with our friends from the Permaculture Garden.
We share lots of good food — and there’s always a seat at the table for you.
Health Fair
A community Health Fair hosted at our church — one of the many ways we love our neighbors.
White Elephant Auction
Bidding, laughter, and a few surprises — the White Elephant Auction was always a highlight of the year.
Yoga in the Sanctuary
Yoga class in the sanctuary — a time for stillness, breath, and community.
Recognizing Servant Hearts
We were so proud to see Kisha Johnson receive the Serving Boldly Award — a wonderful recognition of a life lived in loving service.
Behind the Scenes: Building Our Sound Booth
A heartfelt thank-you to Rob Meinecke and Mary Schwalenberg, who did a wonderful job building the sound wall for our church.
Tenson and Kevin operating the finished sound booth in our sanctuary — helping every voice, word, and note be heard.
Another look at our sound booth in action during worship.
A Temporary Prayer Labyrinth
Constructing a temporary labyrinth inside the church for a season of prayer and reflection. We also have an outdoor labyrinth in the grass in front of the downstairs door — open to anyone seeking a quiet moment of walking prayer.
Our Story in Buildings
Our former building on Center Street in Galax.
Sanctuary of the Center Street church.
The site dedicated for the new church building we call home today.
Our congregation and friends march together to the new site for groundbreaking.
Work begins on the new building we now occupy.
Our new building opened as Church of the Good Shepherd in 2005. A cross was added to the building in 2026.
Come see us in person!
These snapshots tell only part of the story. We’d love to meet you, share a meal, and welcome you into the life of our congregation.
