Welcome to
​The Episcopal Church
​of the Good Shepherd


​A joy-filled inclusive parish ​and mission congregation
of The Episcopal Church and
​The Episcopal Church in SC


​​All are welcome + All are valued + All are loved.

  We are delighted you are visiting Good Shepherd's website and we offer you a sincere welcome.
Enjoy exploring these pages which include in depth information about our parish.
We look forward to greeting you in person soon at Good Shepherd.

Good Shepherd will worship today, September 16th

Thankfully it seems that the worst of Florence will bypass our area. We continue to pray for those who have received the brunt of the rain, wind and flooding. At this time Good Shepherd plans to offer a basic Eucharist this Sunday (tomorrow) at 10:30 AM for any who would like to attend and CAN SAFELY TRAVEL. This will be a simple recited Rite 2 Eucharist—no music. If you were scheduled to participate in the service, but are not able to travel safely, please don’t worry — we will utilize whoever is there.

*Note to altar guild: church remains “battened down” —  Father Dow will help set things up in this morning. No flowers, music, bulletins, etc. - this will be a "no-frills" service!  Please note that all other activities set for today at Good Shepherd (Christian Ed classes, town hall meeting, etc.) remain CANCELLED.

Good Shepherd's Mission Statement

The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd,
Summerville, SC
seeks to be
a Christ-centered church,
inspired by the Holy Spirit,
that reaches out in joyful community
to welcome, value, and love
all of God's children.

Introducing ECGS
​

​Good Shepherd, Summerville is a joy-filled inclusive congregation, a mission  of The Episcopal Church and ​The Episcopal Church in SC.  Good Shepherd seeks to be a community where all are welcome, all are valued, and all are loved.  Come and see!

Good Shepherd, originally a worshiping community of The Episcopal Church in SC, formed in October 2012 as a result of the schism in The Episcopal Diocese of SC.  In 2014, Good Shepherd's congregation was welcomed as a mission church of The Episcopal Church in SC. 

Seek and you shall find
We invite you to learn more about us by exploring this website.  Our history evolves from South Carolina's colonial era.  Our worship is traditional and joyful.  Our ministries focus on community outreach and pastoral care within the parish.  Christian formation for all ages is available.  We enjoy ample opportunities for fellowship through the year.  Our photograph albums beautifully record Good Shepherd in action on Sundays and special occasions.  Faithful giving of our time, talent, and treasure sustains our work in the world, the region, and the parish.  Yes, come and see!

More Info
  • Listen to Fr. Dow's sermons here.
  • Read a recent Shepherd's Voice here.
  • ​Subscribe to the Shepherd's Voice here.
  • Find Map & Directions to Good Shepherd here.​
  • ​Other questions? Contact Good Shepherd here. 

The Rev. M. Dow Sanderson, Priest-in-Charge


​Good Shepherd’s Priest-in-Charge, Father Dow Sanderson served in full-time ordained ministry for more than 31 years, retiring as Rector of Church of the Holy Communion in Charleston in June of 2017.
 
Still eager to be helpful in ministry, Dow made his desires known to continue serving beyond retirement to Bishop Adams, and a few weeks later, began his work here.  His general schedule is three mornings a week in office, and evening meetings and pastoral calls as needed. He celebrates and preaches every Sunday and has expressed that he is delighted to be here.
 
Dow and his wife Fiona have two grown sons, Noah (and his wife Sarah) and Nick, all of Charleston.  Dow's mom Julia has also joined them in the Good Shepherd family.  Dow enjoys reading, music, and being on and in the water.  He is a private pilot, and he and Fiona love flying and sightseeing over the beautiful South Carolina coast.

​Leadership @ ECGS


​Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Gladstone B. “Skip” Adams III
Provisional Bishop
​The Episcopal Church in South Carolina

Priest
The Rev. M. Dow Sanderson
Priest-in-Charge

Mission Council Wardens
​Senior Warden (2020) - John Kwist                 
Junior Warden (2019) - Darryl Bullock


Officers
Clerks -Tricia Riley & Emily Gibbons
Treasurer - George Tupper

​
Staff
Parish Administrator - Mary Comer
​2018 Mission Council Members 
Jo Bonnette (2020) - Home of Hope Link
Cornelia Castleman (2021) - Hospitality Chair & Link
Sandy Harvey (2021) - Liturgy and Music Link
Jane Orenstein (2021) - Pastoral Care Link
Virginia Pennington (2020) - Christian Formation Link
Janet Sachs (2019) - Administration Link
Mark Thomas (2020) - Advocacy and Justice Chair & Link
Ginga Wilder (2019) -  Webmaster & Communications Link
Jeff Wolcott (2019) - Outreach Committee Chair & Link