Saying farewell: Retiring Oswego pastor to celebrate final worship

After 39 years of serving five United Methodist churches, the Rev. Steve Good will conclude his pastoral ministry on Sunday, Sept. 27.

Rev. Good will preach on “Precious Memories” at 9 a.m. worship at Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist in Oswego where he has served for 10 years. A reception in his honor will follow the worship service. Retiring Oct. 1, he is Good Shepherd's 61st pastor since the church was founded in 1861.

“So much has happened in 10 years: births and deaths, illnesses and miraculous comebacks. So many of you have shared your stories with me and allowed me and the church to be part of that story. For that I am so grateful,” the Rev. Good said in a message to the congregation. “I know you will continue to thrive as a church, partnered with your new shepherd, Pastor Eunbae Doh. He will work with our other church leaders to continue to create a beloved community of faith where you already call home.

Rev. Good grew up in Downers Grove. He earned his undergraduate degree at Goshen College in Indiana and his Master of Divinity degree at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. After a two-year student ministry experience assisting at Broadway UMC in Chicago, he was ordained in the Northern Illinois Conference in 1987. Since then he has served full time at Geneva UMC, First UMC Elgin, Sugar Grove UMC, Channahon UMC and Church of the Good Shepherd, Oswego.

Good was honored at a retirement luncheon by Good Shepherd's United Methodist Men on July 15 and at an all-church ice cream social on Aug. 23.