Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
Good Shepherd began as a Mission on October 22, 1988, at the Venice YMCA when seventy-six dedicated people committed themselves - in partnership with the Diocese of Southwest Florida - to extend the ministry of Christ in the Venice area.
At the Diocesan Convention of 2005, eleven years after the first construction project, the church made the official transition from mission to parish status, fully self-supportive. Over twenty five years, Good Shepherd has been served by three bishops, twelve priests, five deacons, and many lay people. Good Shepherd is a growing church that is currently home to over 175 families. We reach out and welcome all who find their way to us.
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Priests
The Rev. Hoyt Massey (Vicar 1988-90)
The Rev. James Younger (Supply 1988-1990)
The Rev. Calvin L. Davis (Supply Emeritus 1988-2018)
The Rev. David Klein (Vicar 1991-99)
The Rev. Michael Harris (Interim 1999-2001)
The Rev. Richard “Dick” Lampert (Vicar/Rector 2001-2006)
The Rev. Fred Scharf (Interim 2006)
The Rev. Len Brusso (Interim 2007) (Assisting Priest 2007 to 2015)
The Rev. Jon Roberts (Priest in Charge 2007-2009) (Rector 2009-2011)
The Rev. Bob Miller (Assisting Priest 2008- present)
The Rev. Canon John E. Lawrence (Interim Rector 2011 to 2012)
The Rev. Gary Wilde (Rector 2012-2019)
The Rev. Joe Hudson (Rector 2019 - present)
The Rev. John Warfel (Assistant Priest 2024 - present)
Deacons
The Rev. Dan Cole (1992)
The Rev. Fran McKinney, Deacon in Training (2005)
The Rev. Jack O’Reilley (2006)
Keith Backhaus, Deacon in Training (2011)
The Venerable Michael Kitt, Archdeacon of the Diocese (2018-present)
The Rev. Rich Wilson (2022-present)
The Rev. John Riherd (2023-present)