Reverend Doherty enhances community ties with North Shore Presbyterian Church initiatives

Reverend Janine Oakes Doherty, pastor of North Shore Presbyterian Church, presented an inspiring vision for community engagement during the Village of Shorewood Plan Commission meeting on April 22, 2025. Her remarks highlighted the church's commitment to becoming a vital neighborhood resource, emphasizing the importance of fostering connections within the community.

Since her arrival in January 2024, Reverend Doherty has focused on revitalizing the church's role in Shorewood. With a congregation of around 50 members, she noted the church's expansive facilities, built in the 1950s for a much larger community, and expressed a desire to utilize these resources more effectively. The church has already hosted various neighborhood events, including an Easter egg hunt, a Halloween trick-or-treat event, and a summer block party, which they plan to expand this year.

Recognizing a gap in summer camp opportunities in the area, the church organized an affordable week-long camp last August, attracting two dozen children. This initiative has led to the development of an after-school program and plans for additional summer camps.

Reverend Doherty also emphasized the church's potential to partner with local organizations and entrepreneurs. By joining the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, she aims to build relationships that will benefit the community. The church has already collaborated with groups like Kids Impact Community and Fath Finders, and they hope to share their facilities with a local theater group.

A key focus of her presentation was the church's underutilized commercial kitchen. Reverend Doherty expressed her frustration with the kitchen's limited use, primarily for reheating food. She proposed creating a shared kitchen space for local food entrepreneurs, allowing them to operate their businesses affordably while fostering community connections. This initiative would not only support local entrepreneurs but also enhance the church's outreach efforts, integrating these individuals into the church community.

Reverend Doherty concluded her remarks by highlighting the potential for these initiatives to breathe new life into both the church and the surrounding neighborhood. Her vision reflects a commitment to compassion and community, aiming to create a welcoming environment for all residents of Shorewood.