On South Halsted Street in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood, Sheldon Heights Church of Christ has gathered generations of worshipers under one roof. The congregation is best known for two things that have grown up together over the decades: a Sunday worship service marked by thoughtful preaching and lively music, and a food pantry that has been a staple of the surrounding community for more than forty years.
Sunday Worship and Bible Classes
Visitors are invited to arrive early. Bible classes meet at 9:00 a.m. for every age group, from toddlers through adults, with classes for the Young Adult Class and the Marriage Class offered both in person and on Zoom. The Young Teen Class (grades 7-8), Junior Class (grades 4-6), Primary Class (grades 1-3), Teen Class (high school), and Ladies II Class round out the morning's offerings.
Worship follows at 10:00 a.m. The service blends hymns, choruses, and contemporary worship songs led by the Music Ministry, with preaching by Dr. Justin M. Carter, Minister, and his wife Brittany Carter, the congregation's First Lady. The Music Ministry, directed by Steven Thompson II, is described as a powerful medium for expressing devotion and uniting the diverse congregation through shared musical experiences.
The Food Pantry at the Heart of Roseland
The Sheldon Heights CoC Food Pantry has been a staple in the Roseland community for over forty years. Working in cooperation with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the pantry distributes healthy food options in a safe and respectful environment each Tuesday and Thursday. Volunteers carefully glean fresh produce donations so guests receive quality fruits and vegetables.
Eligible guests may visit the pantry once each month. Service boundaries cover zip codes 60628 and 60643, bordered by 138th Street to the south, Doty Road to the east, and Vincennes to the west. First-time guests are always provided with food regardless of where they live. Information cards, service boundaries, and pantry guidelines are available in both English and Spanish.
Bible Study Throughout the Week
Education is a defining emphasis at Sheldon Heights. In addition to Sunday morning classes, the church offers a Wednesday Night Adult Bible Class at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom and a Thursday morning class at 10:00 a.m. for senior adults, also via Zoom. A Ladies Bible Study Conference Call meets on the first and third Sundays at 1:30 p.m., studying Becoming a Woman of Excellence.
Each Wednesday at noon, a Zoom Prayer Connection gathers prayer requests from across the congregation. Advance requests may be emailed to shccprayerconnection@gmail.com or sent by text or voicemail. The Education Ministry also coordinates a fall Saturday seminar series each year, typically four to five weeks long, and provides training for those who wish to serve on the Educational Staff.
A Bereavement Ministry for Difficult Seasons
Led by Elder Carl Davis, the Bereavement Ministry walks alongside SHCC families through the loss of a loved one. A minister is always available to provide support, while Teresa Gilbert handles obituary support and Carl Davis coordinates homecoming arrangements. A Pray Line offers an additional channel for prayer during the grieving process, underscoring the church's commitment to caring for its people in every season.
Sister to Sister and the Women's Ministry
The Sister-to-Sister (S2S) Women's Ministry provides a safe, spiritual environment where women of all ages can connect with one another. Designed with the unique demands of wives, mothers, career women, and friends in mind, S2S offers monthly opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, fellowship, and encouragement.
Ministries for Every Stage of Life
The church's ministry list reflects a commitment to walk with people from cradle to senior adulthood. Community Outreach brings together leaders from Evangelism, Youth, Women, Men, Public Relations, and other areas, and includes the SHCC Safe Haven After School Program and Summer Camp. The Marriage Ministry strengthens couples through practical and spiritual workshops, while the Singles Ministry provides book clubs, retreats, and social activities for unmarried adults. Senior Citizens, Men, and Missionary ministries each address specific needs, and the Missionary Ministry works to fulfill the Great Commission on both national and international levels.
Youth Development begins with toddlers in a positive, nurturing Christian environment and continues through K-12 with a systematic program of workshops, retreats, and social outings designed to help young people grow up grounded in faith. The Media Ministry produces content for social channels and captures church events, funerals, and special programming on video.
Leadership at the Heights
Dr. Justin M. Carter serves as Minister alongside his wife Brittany Carter, the congregation's First Lady. Elder Leonardo D. Gilbert, Minister Emeritus, and his wife Brenda Gilbert, Emerita, are honored for their longtime service. Assistant Ministers are Elder John T. Thomas and Will Smith. The Eldership includes Charles Cathey Jr., Carl Davis, Phillip Hampton, and Richard Hart. Deacons serving the church are Reginald L. Gilbert, Lance S. Jones, DeWayne L. Mason, George Patton, Darrell Pendleton, John Sanders, and Theron J. Sherrod. Steven Thompson II directs the Music Ministry.
Plan a Visit
First-time visitors are welcomed warmly. Bible class begins at 9:00 a.m., with worship following at 10:00 a.m. The church is located at 11325-55 South Halsted Street in Chicago, and can be reached at 773-568-2929 or shcc60628@gmail.com. Online giving is available through Pushpay, and announcements, the weekly bulletin, and a calendar of events are kept current on the church's online pages.