An Irish Celtic cross headstone with intricate knotwork engraved on it in a cemetery, blurred background of trees and other graves.

our mission

To provide a democratic Christian fellowship of faith and acceptance, whereby through worship, education, programmed ministries, and welcoming facilities, members and the larger community find nurturing and growth.

Close-up of a stone wall with the number '1792' carved into one of the stones.

our vision

To be a community routed in spiritual consciousness, guided by Christ’s spirit of compassion, called into service, and committed to encourage each members journey into God and community.

Our Grounds

  • Decorated interior with wooden beams, a wooden table, floral arrangements, and a large tree branch with lights and flowers forming an arch.

    The Church

    A historic sanctuary where faith and love unite in timeless grace.

  • A two-story house with a stone and wooden exterior, situated on a grassy lawn with large trees and stone walls in the yard. Overcast sky.

    The Barn

    Rustic elegance with sunlight beams—perfect for gatherings or quiet reflection.

  • A park with trees and a winding gravel path, with shadow patterns from tree branches on the grass.

    The Labyrinth

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Serene park scene at dusk with a small flowing creek, green grass, and tall, leafy trees, some with blossoms, under a purple and blue sky.

    The Pond

    Tranquil waters mirror the Light, ideal for serene ceremonies or contemplation.

  • Small chapel with white chairs arranged facing an altar with a floral arrangement, candles, and cross, lit by warm yellow lighting with a window showing trees outside.

    Meditation Room

    A peaceful retreat for centering prayer or private moments.

  • Close-up of a stone wall with various-sized rocks and green moss growing between the stones.

    Stone Grotto

    A sacred nook carved in stone, offering solitude or intimate events.

  • Waltie Room

    A lofted multi-purpose space for meetings, workshops, or intimate gatherings, warm and versatile.

rent our sacred spaces

Our Staff

Our Staff

Close-up of a green ginkgo leaf with yellow spots.

Pastor
Jill Laufenberg

EMAIL JILL

Jill came to Chester County in 1998 after taking a position as the Youth & Young Adult Pastor at West Chester United Methodist Church. She also served on the pastoral staff at Paoli Presbyterian Church while starting a faith-based startup for urban youth in metro Philadelphia. She has held executive positions at two national non-profits, and was the Executive Director of the local nonprofit Wings for Success (now known as The Wardrobe).

Jill is a member of the West Chester Sunrise Rotary, serves on the PFAC Board at Chester County Hospital, is a featured speaker at Chester County’s annual Women’s March and speaker for two of the No Kings Rally’s, was on the BluePrint Committee for The Fund for Women & Girls, and led the social media campaign for Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste.

In addition to her local involvement, she is a contributing author to the best-selling Bible curriculum for students, The Complete New Testament Resource for Youth Workers, Volumes 1 and 2. Creating comprehensive, practical, and relevant lessons for teenagers also helped shape Jill’s unique approach to teaching/preaching.

While studying studio art in New York City in 1994, Jill wanted to make a difference in students' lives and decided to enter ministry. She was the first female to go through Pastoral Studies/Youth Ministry at Philadelphia College of the Bible (now known as Cairn University), was ordained in 2005, was a presenter for Real World Parent Seminars, a graduate of the first cohort of The Executive Leadership Forum for Youth for Christ USA, received her certificate in Organizational Development from the Wharton School of Business, and served on the Philadelphia School Board’s Executive Council for Social Change for eleven years. She is passionate about the more significant fight for marginalized individuals and providing opportunities for them to be empowered. Jill is the Founder and Executive Strategist for Future Driven Strategies, a consulting firm that partners with churches, nonprofits and mission-driven businesses that are in a season of challenge or transition. Jill helps them move from surviving to thriving by clarifying purpose, strategy and structure for meaningful impact.

This broad background of experience is possible because of a strong support system of family, friends, and mentors. Jill and her husband live in West Chester. They have an adult son currently living in San Diego, California. In addition to living in the borough of West Chester, Jill enjoys traveling, attending concerts, snowboarding, boxing, yoga, and has recently taken up pickleball!

  • Smiling woman with curly hair, glasses, and gold jewelry in a casual striped top.

    Amos Kohne

    Church Administrator

    Amos received a degree in Communications from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania before finding his way to his current position at CLS. Amos is also an avid musician and sings in both his home church and the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus.

    EMAIL AMOS
  • A man with curly dark hair, a beard, wearing clear glasses, and a nose ring. He's dressed in a dark green knit sweater and appears to be looking off to the side with a thoughtful expression in a room with light-colored walls and a plant in the background.

    Carol Metzker

    Interim Music Director

    Carol’s calling to use music as a source of healing runs deep. She is a certified sound therapist and community advocate, passionate about supporting survivors of trauma—including victims of human trafficking and homelessness—and those seeking peace and well-being in a noisy world. Her community work includes consulting for The Salvation Army’s New Day to Stop Trafficking Program, serving as a liaison with the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, and earning Rotary International’s "Service Above Self" award! As Interim Music Director, Carol will not only lead our worship music each Sunday, but will also help plan special guest musicians and coordinate concerts and musical offerings throughout her tenure.

    Email Carol
  • Smiling young Asian woman with short black hair in a blue top, outdoors with green foliage in the background.

    D. John Woodcock

    Pastor Emeritus

    John Woodcock had served Loving Shepherd for over 40 years and served the community through involvement in The Religious Council of Greater West Chester, on committees such as the Multi-Cultural Task Force of the West Chester Area School District, and most recently on Chester County’s Allocations Committee for the federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program.  He was a cofounder of Bournelyf Special Camp.  John holds graduate degrees from the Philadelphia Divinity School of the Protestant Episcopal Church and from Temple University, and was ordained by The Rt. Reverend Herbert Spaugh of the Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum).