Life of the Flock: Winter 2015

Our Vision: Invite all people to experience the welcome, transformation, and sending of Jesus Christ |

2 | WINTER 2015 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church | Main office: (952) 432-6351 | www.sotv.org

On the cover Owen Saintey (parents Richard and

Chelsie) received a visit from Jesus

last winter. Jesus visited many

other children, including some of

our friends in Tanzania (above).

You can read more about his

travels on page 8.

Meet Your 2014-15

Church Council If you have questions for council,

please e-mail [email protected]

Top row: Jenny Buckley, President;

Paul Keller, Vice President; Troy

Nelson, Treasurer; Arlen Wilson,

Secretary; Steve Mueller, Past

President. Bottom row: Ann

Boekhoff, LaVon Dennistoun,

Shalom Ewald, Julianne Fries,

Ken Syverson, Angela Zielinski

Welcome

FEATURES

8 When Jesus Came to Visit Me

9 Retiring with a Purpose

12 Celebrating Children Preschool

18 Exploring England

DEPARTMENTS

4 Financial Summary

13 Upcoming Events

17 Serving Others

20 Global Missions

22 Milestones

I t is a joy and a privilege

to share these stories of

people in our community

experiencing Jesus. I invite

you to share your faith

stories with us as well.

The deadline for the spring

Life of the Flock is

Tuesday, January 13.

Trip Sullivan, Editor [email protected]

(952) 985-7311

mailto:[email protected]

Our Vision: Invite all people to experience the welcome, transformation, and sending of Jesus Christ | 3

Pastor’s Devotion

Connect with us!

Admin Office: (952) 432-6351

Children, Youth & Family (CYF):

(952) 432-6385

All other numbers:

(952) 985 (+ ext)

Pastors

Christopher Smith - 7305

Randy Brandt - 7302

Duane Paetznick - 7304

Mary Lund - 7303

Diane Sponheim - 7307

Parish Nurses - 7365

Baptisms

Merilu Narum - 7326

Finance

Beth Karlson - 7314

Dawn Della Paolera - 7315

Funerals

Jill Johnson - 7381

Preschool

Linda Nelson - 7370

Weddings

Jill Johnson - 7381

E-mail addresses

[email protected]

Full staff directory online

sotv.org/staff

“Teach us to number our days that we

may gain a heart of wisdom.”

—Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

W hat is wisdom? How do we obtain it? The verse from Psalm 90

suggests an answer to the second question: we obtain wisdom by

becoming deeply aware of how short life is. When we become truly

aware of how limited our time on earth really is, we will prioritize our lives to

focus on what is really important.

That is the very idea at the heart of a sermon that Pastor Duane and I shared at

the end of October. We preached about Solomon, who became the best king of

God’s people for a thousand years precisely for his wisdom.

In our sermon we proposed this definition: wisdom is knowing what really

matters. Better still, wisdom is knowing what really matters and living your life

accordingly. Solomon has traditionally been considered the author of Psalm 90

and that makes sense. He knew he would live wisely, when he was fully aware

of life’s brevity.

I was talking to a member of SOTV recently. He has a friend who worked very

hard her entire career. She seldom used vacation time and almost never missed a

day of work. She was invariably the first in the office in the morning and the last

to leave. Soon after retirement, she was diagnosed with cancer, and now faces the

end of her life at a relatively young age. Now in hospice care, she is reconsidering

the way she lived her life. Now she enjoys getting to know her caregivers and

reacquainting herself with old friends. Now she values her family more than ever

before. Now she knows what really matters and is living her life accordingly. She

has discovered true wisdom.

Over the years I have listened to many people facing the end of their days and

have discovered this definition of wisdom: people matter more than things. Love

matters more than money. As you receive this Life of the Flock newsletter, the

holidays are upon us. Christmas is coming soon and then a new year will be here.

My prayer for us all is that we may discover that the greatest gift of all is the Lord

Jesus who came to give us abundant life. That life is defined by godly wisdom:

Knowing what really matters. Jesus reshaped that definition this way: “Love one

another as I have loved you.” God sent his Son because you matter more than

anything to God. Let’s prioritize our lives so that the people in them know the

same thing: they matter to us more than the stuff and the demands of life. This

holiday season, let’s shop less and love more. It’s a wise choice.

See You in Church,

Pastor Chris Smith

Chris Smith Senior Pastor


Financial Summary

A look at the opposite page reveals two things: how much money the people

of SOTV generously provided for the church to do its ministry and how that

money was spent.

But that spreadsheet won’t tell you the whole story.

Like the story of walking into the food shelf on Tuesdays and Thursdays and

seeing dozens of bags carefully packed with groceries and a bunch of very

enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. SOTV’s food shelf gives away about

10,000 pounds of food per month.

Like the anticipation on the faces of hundreds of parents as they begin the

confirmation year with their 9th grade students. They are there because time is

flying, their kids are growing up, and they want faith to matter. We confirmed

more than 141 students this past fall.

Like the smiles of hundreds of children who are receiving an education at the

Idodi Secondary School in Tanzania because of the generosity of SOTV families.

The students speak of a future when they will be nurses, doctors, and commu-

nity leaders in their developing country. More than two dozen people traveled

from SOTV to Tanzania this past summer to continue building relationships

and monitor projects.

Like the wonderful energy of the sanctuary on Sunday morning, full and

vibrant, as you worship and praise God and receive a Word for your week of

faithful living. The Holy Spirit is at work!

Like the laughter and tears at a funeral luncheon supported by dozens of

SOTV volunteers so that family members and friends discover hope and

healing. This happened more than 30 times during the year.

I’m just getting started! There are so many more great stories.

A big part of the 2013-2014 fiscal year was the story of how SOTV experienced a

drop in giving and how you all have responded.

The council noted a reduction in giving beginning in late winter and into the

spring. Your church’s finance leadership team responded responsibly, reducing

current expenses and adjusting the budget for the coming fiscal year. At the same

time, church leaders communicated in detail about the shortfall with all of you.

The response from the people of SOTV has been wonderful. Giving began to

rebound immediately and your generosity has continued. For the first two

months of the current fiscal year giving has been ahead of budget. Giving at

SOTV is stabilizing and gaining strength. It is never too late to add your support.

THANK YOU! That is the continuing refrain of the bigger story. Thank you for

your generous giving. Thank you for volunteering tens of thousands of hours of

your time and skills and talents. Thank you for your prayers and your enthusiasm.

Thank you for helping our vision take action, as we continue to be the church that

invites all to experience the welcome, the transformation, and the sending of Jesus

Christ.

A Note

About

Giving

By Pastor Chris Smith

2015 Capital Campaign

Thank you to those who attended

the Campaign Dialogues or partici-

pated in the online survey! We

have received a very positive

response overall to the campaign

with great feedback to help priori-

tize our needs as we move forward

in the process.

Next steps will include individual/

family visits and continued work

with leaders in the campaign

process. More information will

be available in January 2015!

The Together We Can Do More

Campaign Kick Off Weekend is

scheduled for Jan. 31 - Feb. 1!

Please plan to attend worship and

learn of our progress at that point.


Financial Summary

August 2013- August 2012-

General Fund July 2014 July 2013 Variance

Income:

Tithes, Offerings and Interest $ 2,479,205 $ 2,651,243 $ (172,038)

Tuition & Preschool Income 193,480 203,277 (9,797)

Total Income 2,672,685 2,854,520 (181,835)

Expenses:

Adult Ministries 11,831 10,479 (1,352)

Benevolences - Tithed 97,695 103,422 5,726

Building & Grounds 221,439 234,265 12,826

Capital 154,050 235,030 80,980

Children's Ministries 46,813 53,669 6,856

Confirmation 18,452 21,880 3,428

Fellowship 12,118 6,670 (5,447)

Outreach 14,329 15,235 907

Personnel 2,126,863 1,995,766 (131,098)

Preschool 84,374 84,320 (54)

Stewardship & Administration 161,354 159,141 (2,213)

Unbudgeted - 9,824 9,824

Worship/Music/Arts 16,963 20,540 3,576

Youth 12,902 10,869 (2,033)

Total Expenses 2,979,182 2,961,109 (18,073)

Net Change $ (306,497) $ (106,590) $ (199,908)

Building Fund

Income $ 382,903 $ 401,338 $ (18,435)

Expenses 525,552 452,115 (73,437)

Net Change $ (142,649) $ (50,776) $ (91,873)

Campership & Endowment Funds

Income $ 11,526 $ 20,090 $ (8,564)

Expenses 150 150 -

Net Change $ 11,376 $ 19,940 $ (8,564)

Cash Balances

Balance August 1 $ 1,680,944 $ 1,793,200 $ (112,256)

FY Net Change (437,770) (137,426) (300,344)

FY Donor Designated Funds Net Change (32,551) 25,170 (57,721)

Balance July 31 $ 1,210,623 $ 1,680,944 $ (470,321)

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church Financial Recap


Financial Summary

360 Communities $ 4,928

363 Days Ministries 739

Armful of Love 1,003

Birthday Bags 282

Bright Stars of Bethlehem 3,156

Bundles of Love 2,400

Camp Noah 3,780

Camp Wapogasset 3,000

Coffee Project 2,831

Congolese Refugee Project

(CEEDS) 1,000

Dakota Woodlands 330

Easter Dinner Baskets 1,029

ELCA Disaster Relief 5,440

ELCA Global Missions 2,000

Faith Lutheran Church,

Rosemount 200

Feed My Starving Children 690

Gas Vouchers 4,907

Habitat for Humanity 5,669

Haiti Outreach 1,104

Heifer International 1,075

Hug Bags 98

Just Faith Ministries 325

Kaleidoscope 300

Kids 'n Kinship 1,000

Lewis House 600

Local/Individual Needs 405

Lutheran Campus Ministries 6,500

Lutheran Social Services 13,981

Lutheran World Relief 1,530

M.O.M.S. 300

Metro Lutheran 150

Metropolitan Interfaith Council

on Affordable Housing (MICAH) 500

MN Adult & Teen Challenge 3,583

Mothers of Preschoolers

(MOPS) 2,819

Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church -

Community Meals Ministry 900

Northern Champaign & Vermillion Counties L.T.

Recovery Committee 2,025

Our Daily Bread Food Shelf 47,585

People Inc. 300

Pine Ridge Reservation 2,331

Prayer Shawls 301

Preschool Scholarships 4,745

Prince of Peace -

Dental Ministry 1,000

Prison Congregations

of America 1,000

Quilters 759

Rosemount Elementary School 300

School Supplies 9,680

Seminary Support 1,000

Senior Adults Learning Together

(SALT) 150

Serve Together

(various projects) 210

Shepherd Sale 8,696

Shepherd Sale

College Scholarships 3,000

Showing All Individuals Love

(SAIL) 416

Social Concerns 145

St. Mary's Health Clinic 10,000

St. Paul Area Synod - General 42,500

St. Paul Area Synod - Hunger 15,000

Tanzania 88,788

Think & Wear Pink 200

Urban Ventures 1,000

Wingspan 1,117

Payment Made to: Amount Payment Made to: Amount Payment Made to: Amount

Outreach & Mission Benevolence

Total: $320,799 Paid Out: August 2013 - July 2014

At Shepherd of the Valley, the word “benevolence” refers to monetary donations given to

charitable organizations outside our church walls. Just as we ask our members to give a

portion of their gifts to the church, SOTV tithes a portion of our budget, based on the

offerings we receive. The Benevolence Committee meets monthly to discern what causes

to support on behalf of the congregation. Take a look at the list of benevolence giving.

Isn’t it amazing? Thank you for enabling us to be benevolent!


Financial Summary

23 volunteers committed to serving as Homework Help

mentors at Greenleaf Elementary.

135 Birthday Bags assembled and delivered to various

locations in the metro area.

208 units of blood collected at two blood drives for the

American Red Cross.

39 Easter dinners and 66 cookie/beverage baskets

donated to All Nations Church, Pueblo de

Fe, and SOTV families.

824 combined hours worked by 40 adult volunteers on

Habitat for Humanity homes in August

2013 and July 2014.

34 HUG Bags distributed to uplift various women

during times of sorrow and joy.

6 Community Meals prepared and served at Mt. Calvary.

41 middle schoolers prepared meals at Feed My Starving

Children.

176 volunteers served at SOTV making sandwiches,

ornaments, Easter baskets, and toiletry kits

while others headed out into the community to serve at Ebenezer Ridges, Lutheran Social Services, and the Salvation Army.

93 Prayer Shawls distributed to people in need of comfort.

1,108 families received 8,572 bags of groceries

from Our Daily Bread Food Shelf.

64 twin quilts, 63 kids quilts, 81 small quilts, 3 lap quilts,

14 receiving blankets, and 7 pillows

created by the Golden Stitchers and

donated to the Burnsville Senior Center,

Camp Noah, Golf & Gears, Lewis House, Lutheran Social Services, and several special people.

154 quilts made by the Shepherd Quilters for Target

House (83), Lewis House (41), Camp Noah

(30), and 19 receiving blankets to a neo-natal

care unit and 2 for SOTV children in need.

131 youth and 47 adults sent out around the country on mission

service trips this past summer.

21 suitcases were sent with travelers to Tanzania in July

& August, including soccer balls, textbooks,

medical supplies, solar calculators and

many SOTV logo t-shirts.

1,160 items of winter outerwear collected in the

narthex were donated to nine nonprofit

agencies, SOTV Food Shelf families, and

many local schools.

133 care packages were sent out to SOTV college kids

104 youth “stretched” themselves through various

service projects over the year to help clean

up yards for the elderly, serve at Eagan

Open Door, Feed My Starving Children,

Global Health Ministries, Second Harvest

Heartland, and the Shepherd Sale.

Senior High Youth served at the LSS Holiday Store assisting and shopping as well as creating gingerbread houses for congregational care visits.

Middle Schoolers helped make blankets, caring cards, play

dough, laundry detergent, baby diaper

cakes, and did cleaning and organizing

projects in the church which benefited

Camp Noah, Children's Hospital, Meals

on Wheels, Family Partnership, Tapestry,

and SOTV.

GodZone’s Gifts Projects in GodZone this year included

collecting items for The Sandwich Project

Minnesota, Our Daily Bread Food Shelf, Meals

on Wheels, Birthday Bags, Books for Gillette

Children’s Hospital, School Supplies, Ronald

McDonald Breakfast Bags, Bandages for

Global Health Ministries,

Over 400 Christmas Gifts given to families in need, disabled adults,

and homeless youth through five nonprofit

local agencies.

Gas Vouchers Donated to CAP Agency, The Link, People

Inc., Rosemount Elementary, Salvation

Army, and members in need.

Furniture Trinity Lutheran in Owatonna, Eagle Lake

Lutheran in Willmar, and Kaposia, Inc. were

gifted multiple tables, choral, folding and

sanctuary chairs that were no longer being

used.

1,300 students were supplied with backpacks and supplies

distributed to Dakota Woodlands, Lewis

House, Lincoln Place, LSS, M.O.M.S.,

People Incorporated, Rosemount Family

Resource Center, MRD/363 Days

and several local schools.

Following the Shepherd’s Sale,

numerous items went to 22 nonprofit

agencies, 4 local schools, several SOTV

ministries and many local families in need.

Gifts in Kind refer to non-monetary donations given by Shepherd of the Valley members

to individuals, the church itself, and charitable organizations outside our church walls.

These gifts can include service time, food, clothes, and more. It is a wonder to behold how

our members give selflessly for the well-being of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank

you to all who serve!

Gifts in Kind

August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014


Faith Formation

I n this day and age, you go to an expert for almost every-

thing. You take your car to a mechanic, you take your

taxes to an accountant, and you take yourself to a doctor if

you’re sick. So where do you take children to grow in faith?

“To GodZone at Shepherd of the Valley!” you might say.

We are blessed to have GodZone, a fun and creative

curriculum for age 3 – Grade 5 that meets weekly during

the school year, and is powered by amazing and dedicated

volunteers who nurture children’s faith through close

relationships. (See info on p. 12)

But there’s more. “One hour in GodZone is not enough,”

says Pam Tschida, Program Coordinator for Pre-K and

Kindergarten, “If you want your child to grow into a

lifelong Christian, you have to practice in the home too.”

Making faith an intentional part of the daily life of young

children implants an important seed for faith in God and

something bigger then themselves. Starting faith practices

at home might sound intimidating, but families with

children enrolled in GodZone have many there resources

available to them over the program year.

A favorite “take home” resource over recent years is Jesus

himself. What better way to bring faith into the home then

to have Jesus (in doll form) come and visit? Pre-K and

Kindergarten children can take turns hosting Jesus during

the year. Families also receive copies of the book If Jesus

Came to Visit Me by Jill Roman Lord and an invitation to

record highlights from Jesus’ visit in a journal. At the end

of the visit, families learn that although we can’t see him,

Jesus is always with us.

Simple, everyday faith practices in the home can include

mixing in a Spark Bible story at bedtime, saying a prayer

before a meal together, and pointing out God’s hand in

creation. Parents can get creative. The important thing is

to remember to stop and thank God every day, says Pam.

“Whenever kids see something cool, like a sun rise,” she

says, “I want them to say, ‘Wow, look what God made!’”

-T.S.

When Jesus Came to Visit Me...

Tanner Kurth

Parents: Shawn & Shann

Jesus and I had a great time

working on our hockey

skills and the fellowship

with teammates and parents

was enjoyed by all.

Lexie Mathews

Parents: Brian & Amy

When Jesus came to visit, he

bowled with me on the Wii.

I also played the piano for

him.

Owen Saintey

Parents: Richard & Chelsie

We went to my cousin’s

house and I showed him all

the snow!

Abby Scott

Parents: Zack & Tamara

Abby loved having Jesus

here at our house for

Halloween. He helped

Abby’s dad pass out candy

and even dressed up to take

a picture with Abby.


W hile much is said

about financial

planning for

retirement, little is often

said about what to do during

retirement. Many retirees

will have freedom and lon-

gevity unlike generations of

the past and be able to do

things they want to do, not

just what they have to do.

Purposeful Retirement is a new minis-

try at Shepherd of the Valley designed

to provide guidance to retirees as they

enter their second half of life. All

events are free and open to the public.

Monthly meetings have varied in for-

mat and have included guest speak-

ers, roundtable discussions, and book

reviews. Topics have ranged from

strengthening family relationships to

seeking out volunteer opportunities.

Launched in early spring, Purposeful

Retirement is already a runaway suc-

cess, drawing large crowds of church

and community members at each

gathering. Participants are gaining

valuable advice on how to best live

their golden years. They have also

shaped a new community that has

begun to grow together in faith,

health, and ability.

(Continued on page 10)

By Robert (Chap) Milis

Ten retirees biked the Dakota Rail

Regional Trail (with a stop for lunch)

on Friday, October 10.

Joh

n E

ide

m


Purposeful Retirement

The concept of retirement is chang-

ing for the baby boomer generation.

Today’s retirees are healthier, have

more energy, and are driven by

different values than previous gener-

ations. Many see retirement not as

an escape, but an opportunity to

connect more deeply with friends,

family and their neighborhoods.

Jim Winslow, already an active

volunteer, put it this way. “For those

of us fortunate enough to be able to

retire, I believe that retirement is a

gift from God. It is a special time to

serve others and enrich ourselves

and our families.”

The sheer number of retirees in the

south metro suburbs has surprised

many participants. At Shepherd of

the Valley alone, over 1,500 members

are age 55 and older. “Every meeting

of this group amazes me!” Jane

Stubblefield declared. “We are so

blessed to have a large group of

retired (or almost retired) people

eager to contribute their talents and

energy to the church, and also will-

ing to grow and take some risks at

this stage of their lives.”

Linda Prince, who has helped plan

the Purposeful Retirement meetings,

has been impressed with people

in attendance and the great

conversations. “People are living

vital, purposeful lives already in

retirement,” she said, “I am

learning a lot from them."

Kristi Kuhnau, an energetic retiree

who has taken a lead role in getting

Purposeful Retirement off to a fast

start, noticed how hungry retirees

are for connections and a sense

of community. “Replacing one’s

social career network is one of the

hardest things about retirement,”

she reflected. “Our hope is that

Purposeful Retirement events give

us a way to create that very needed

community.”

The programs have produced some

real results. Carol Guse attended a

“Volunteering 101” program in

October where panelists from five

different charitable organizations

told about their volunteer opportuni-

ties. Our own Lisa Hegerman was

one of those panelists and described,

among other opportunities, the

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

program hosted by SOTV. It hit

home with Carol, who decided to

become a MOPS mentor.

Another great result has been

retirees getting to make new friends

and connect with one another in the

community. Jean Radke acknowl-

edged how Purposeful Retirement


Make your retirement purposeful! Learn something new, start a

hobby or begin a new routine. Here are just a few new groups

that have started recently and are waiting for YOU to join them:

Affinity Groups

Soul Steppers (Walking Group): Judy Hartfiel, [email protected]

Biking: Ardell Bengtson

[email protected]

Gardening: Dave Kuhnau

[email protected]

Cross Country Skiing: Cindy & Jim Winslow

[email protected]

Lunch or Dinner: Joanne Smith

[email protected]

Wellness: Karen Schraan

[email protected]

Travel: Mary Ann Brown

[email protected]

Spanish Class: Linda Prince

[email protected]

Spring 2014 Meeting

Na

ncy

No

nin

i


Purposeful Retirement

has given her the opportunity to meet people who share a commitment to

SOTV and are also making the transition from a busy work life.

Participants have also bonded over shared interests. Over the summer,

several “affinity groups” began meeting for social outings and activities

based on many of these common interests (see sidebar on p. 10).

Judy Hartfiel is helping coordinate the Soul Steppers (pun intended!). This

walking group began meeting mid-summer to get exercise while building

relationships with new friends. It has gone so well, that the group plans to

continue through the winter months.

The programs have generated such positive feedback that four January

meetings will be held during hours convenient for pre-retirees (those who

still have to deal with a work schedule). Unlike our earlier programs, these

January sessions will discuss issues with more of a financial and legal focus.

The hope for the coming year is to reach more people who have yet to

attend Purposeful Retirement. A full slate of monthly events is already in

the works including a book discussion (February), a volunteer activity

(March), presentations on end of life (April) and relationships (May).

What makes Purposeful Retirement so valuable is best summed up by a

recent attendee: “It helps us realize the great potential for making a

contribution in our retirement and what our contribution could be. I hope

it motivates us to go out and accomplish these contributions and that it

opens up our eyes to a whole new bright and beautiful retirement.”

PRE-RETIREE SEMINARS

JANUARY 2015 AT SOTV

Are you retired or thinking about

retiring? Come and learn and share ideas

about what retirement can be. These

sessions are geared toward those who

are retired or thinking about retirement.

All sessions are free and open to all.

The Next Frontier Saturday, Jan. 10 // 9:00 AM - Noon

Calling all newly retired or want-to-be

retirees! This is an encore presentation

of our very first meeting from Spring

2014—a great jumping on point if you

are new to retirement or planning a

retirement.

Social Security

and Medicare Thursday, Jan. 15 // 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Resources for 55 & older. Representa-

tives from Thrivent Financial will be

on hand to answer questions.

Legal Issues Thursday, Jan. 22 // 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Wills, health care directives, power of

attorney and trusts, long term care

issues, charitable giving and wealth

transfer strategies resources for 55 &

older.

Investing Thursday, Jan. 29 // 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Conservative vs. growth strategies,

required minimum distributions,

IRAs, reverse mortgages and tax

efficiency planning resources for

55 & older.

See our February event on p. 15.

To learn about future meetings at

www.sotv.org/adults or subscribe to

our e-mails at www.sotv.org/email

Soul Steppers (Walking Group)


Celebrating Children

Preschool

is 20 Years Old!

S ince 1994, Shepherd of the Valley has been proud

to host a preschool for children ages 3-5. For twenty

years Celebrating Children Preschool (CCP) has

been a partner with parents and the community to nurture

the total child: emotionally, intellectually, physically and

spiritually. Over 980 children have expe-

rienced the welcome and transformation

of nurturing at SOTV’s preschool!

CCP started with 34 students split into

two classes using one classroom and has

grown to 86 students split into five

classes using three classrooms. In the

beginning CCP classroom spaces were

shared with other church programs, but

now there are three dedicated spaces

designed specifically for preschoolers

and their needs.

The three grade levels actively engage children for devel-

opmentally appropriate growth: among other things,

three year olds learn shapes and colors, four year olds

learn letters and sounds along with sign language phrases,

and five year olds focus on pre-reading, site words and

kindergarten readiness. Music, snack time prayers, play,

crafts, story time and monthly chapel worship lead by

SOTV pastors all enrich children’s experiences at CCP.

Families of our preschoolers

participate in CCP through-

out the year at events like the

Fall Open House, cooking

and enjoying Stone Soup, a

Halloween parade, field trips,

end-of-the-year celebrations

and family Advent parties.

CCP recognizes the importance

of sharing the school experience with the whole family.

The 20th Anniversary of SOTV’s Celebrating Children

Preschool will be observed in early January at weekend

worship. Registration for the 2015-2016 school year begins

January 5, 2015. Pass the word so others can benefit from

this exceptional preschool experience right here at SOTV!

Linda Haugen, Sandy Glessing and Margaret Harrington, 1999/2000

Grandma Sylvia,1995/96

Pastor Duane at the 2010 Family Advent Party telling the Nativity Story.

Mrs. Stenbom and Mrs. Baxter End of Year, 2005/06 High Fives Class meeting real sled dogs, Jan. 2014 Miss Andrea playing with the 3/4 year old class, 2013

Rick Hanson loved to read to the students

By Linda Nelson, CCP Director

[email protected]


Upcoming Events

Scholarships are available for our programs.

Register for all programs with cash or a check at

the Welcome Center, CYF office, or online with a

credit or debit card at www.sotv.org/events.

= No registration needed, come as you are!

= Registration required

= Free childcare available

4 = Webcast from Luther Seminary in St.

Paul; class meets at Shepherd of the Valley

New Member Class Sunday, Jan. 11 // 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Invite a friend or come yourself to learn

about the history and vision of SOTV,

and what membership means. Please

register online so we can plan for

enough food. Childcare provided in our

nursery. In order to be received into

membership, please plan to attend the

New Member Reception in worship,

Sunday, January 18.

Baptism Classes 1st Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Cost: Free

Required for families before their first

baptism at SOTV. Children must be at

least 6 weeks old to attend childcare, and

are welcome in class. Baptism is celebrated

in worship every 2nd weekend of the

month and, as needed, on 3rd weekends

as a separate service at 12:30 pm. To

schedule a baptism, complete the form

(at the Welcome Center or at sotv.org/

baptism) and contact Merilu Narum at

(952) 985-7326 at least one month in

advance.

GodZone Age 3 - Gr. 3: Sat. 4:00 or 5:30 PM;

Sun. 8:30, 9:45 or 11:00 AM

Gr. 4 & 5: Wed. 4:30, 5:45 or 7:00 PM

GodZone is a fun and engaging

Christian education program for age 3

(by 9/1/14) through Gr. 5. It utilizes a

highly relational large and small group

model to nurture children in faith and

community.

For information on mid-year

registration, please call (952) 985-7357

or e-mail [email protected].

GodZone Christmas Program Saturday, December 13

11:00 AM (Sun. 9:45 or Wed. 4:30

sessions)

1:00 PM (Sat. 4:00/5:30, Sun.

8:30/11:00, and Wed. 5:45/7:00

sessions)

The final GodZone sessions of 2014 will

be December 6, 7 & 10. Classes will then

be on break until the first week of 2015:

January 3, 4 & 7. Children are welcome

in worship each week with their family,

especially on Christmas Eve!

GodZone Family Movie Night Sunday, January 25 // 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Cost: TBD

Children, Preschool – Grade 5, and their

families are invited to SOTV to enjoy

popcorn, movies and family time.

Several different films will be shown.

Wear your snuggly jammies and bring a

blanket!

First Communion Classes

Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 7:00 PM

First Communion: Any worship service,

Jan. 31 or Feb. 1.

Tuesday, Mar. 31 at 7:00 PM

First Communion: Maundy Thursday,

Apr. 2 at 7:00 pm.

Children and at least one parent or

guardian must attend this one-night

to support readiness for this holy

sacrament. During class will be

discussion, role-playing, bread and

wine tasting, prayer, and time to ask

questions.

The Gathering Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Cost: Free; No registration required

Make space in life to worship, pray, and

play! We gather each week to experience

Jesus in music, connections with other

teenagers, and renewal of body, mind,

and soul. Student-led, the Gathering is a

place where EVERYONE is welcome.

Come and see for yourself!

Panera Before School (PBS) Mondays, 6:30 - 7:00 AM

While school is in session

Two locations:

Apple Valley Panera (Cedar & CR 42)

Eagan Panera (Promenade Place)

Cost: Free (bring money for breakfast)

Kick off your week with a treat:

breakfast, faith friends, scripture and

prayer. Youth staff and volunteers will

meet you early at Panera and guarantee

you will be at school on time, wide

awake, and ready for anything!

Confirmation Wednesdays during the school year.

Gr. 6-8: 4:30, 5:45, or 7:00 PM

Gr. 9: various times

Students experience Jesus through

trusting relationships with peers and

adults, digging into scripture, and

conversations about life and faith.

For information on mid-year

registration, please call (952) 985-7351

or e-mail [email protected].

Special dates to note:

Dec. 24 and Dec. 31: Christmas Break

Jan. 14: 9th Grade Parent Night, 7:00 pm

February 11: 6th-8th Grade Parent Night

(4:30, 5:45 or 7:00 pm)

Feb. 18: Ash Wednesday Soup Supper

(5:00 - 7:30 pm) & Worship (4:30, 5:45,

7:00 pm). Small Groups resume Feb. 25

Mar. 25: Spring Break


Children

Youth

http://my.serviceu.com/public/openRegistrations.asp?orgID=4091&bShowCalendar=True&strColumnsToShow=OccStartDate,NumberAvailable,RegEndTime



http://www.sotv.org

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Baptism


Upcoming Events

Confirmation Christmas

Celebration Wednesday, December 17

4:30, 5:45 & 7:00 PM

A special night of Confirmation

celebrating Christmas. It's a regular

Confirmation night, but the theme will

be Christmas and you are invited to

bring friends!

Chuck E. Cheese (Grades 9-12)

Monday, December 29

Noon - 2:00 PM

Meet at Chuck E Cheese at Burnsville

Center. Bring your own money for pizza

and games. Register online to let us

know that you are coming.

Feed My Starving Children (Grade 6-8 & families)

Saturday, January 31

5:00 - 9:30 PM

Cost: $10 per person for bus

transportation and pizza supper.

It is also recommended that each

person give a $10 donation to Feed

My Starving Children.

Meet at SOTV at 5:00 pm for pizza

dinner, worship at 5:30 pm, and then

board the bus to head to Feed My

Starving Children to package meals for

children who are hungry in body and

spirit. We will return to church around

9:30 pm. Parents and siblings are also

invited to register.

Youth Ski Retreat (Grades 6-12)

Friday-Monday, February 13-16

Whitecap Mountain, Montreal, WI

(transportation from SOTV included)

Cost: $295 ($100 deposit will hold

your spot - rentals $40 extra)

9th Graders can use their $75

"9th Grade Confirmation Discount"

In addition to great skiing or boarding, it

is a full weekend of worship, devotion

and prayer. Any skill level is welcome.

March Mystery Madness

(Grade 6-8 )

Friday, March 6 - Saturday, March 7

7:00 PM - 12:30 AM

Meet at SOTV // Cost: $35

Bring your friends to SOTV experience

the “mystery” before we load the buses

for the “madness:” Last year, we went to

Nickelodeon Universe. Where will we go

this year? It is a secret for now, but be

assured, it will be great.! We want you to

invite all of your friends to join us.

2015 Summer Immersion Trips

and Summer Camp (Grades 6-12) Registration forms can be picked up in the

CYF Office. The form and a $200 deposit

will hold a spot in a trip. Camp registration

begins January 15 at www.campwapo.org

Experience Jesus in a powerful way by

traveling and serving with other youth

and adult leaders! Registration for

immersion trips was in November;

please check with the youth staff for

current trip availability. Check out the

2015 Summer Immersion Ministry

booklet online or in the CYF office. If an

immersion trip is not your thing, try out

the camps at Luther Dell, Ox Lake or

Journey of the Cross!

College Brunch Monday, December 29

10:00 AM - Noon // Cost: Free

Reconnect with church friends and

youth staff while enjoying a delicious

brunch! Facebook message Erin Swenson

-Hatzung to let her know you are

coming.

Send Barb your contact info so we can

stay in touch: 952-985-7351 or

[email protected].

Men’s Bible Study Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 AM

Men’s Faith Discussion Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:00 AM

Sarah Circle Bible Study 2nd Saturdays, 8:30 - 9:30 AM

Shalom Circle Bible Study 3rd Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Women's Bible Study Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Beginning January 15 // Cost: Free

Study topic TBA

Sunday Adult Forum Sundays at 9:45 AM in the Chapel

Featured professors, teachers, and

members presenting topics connected to

our faith.

Dec. 7: Professor Philip Quanbeck, Jr.,

Augsburg College, “Bethlehem”

Jan. 18, 25 & Feb. 1: Professor Mark

Tranvik, Augsburg College, Topic TBA

Feb 8, 15, 22 & Mar. 1: Professor Matt

Skinner, Luther Seminary, “Where the

Bible Came From"

Financial Peace University Sundays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Jan. 11 - Mar. 15 (no class Feb 1)

Cost for a member kit: $93 (+shipping)

Free if you have materials already.

Register at www.sotv.org/FPU

At FPU, you’ll learn how to work a plan,

rewrite your story, and change your

future. This class meets for nine weeks,

one night a week. It incorporates small-

group discussions that help encourage

accountability and discipleship.

(Continued from page 13)

= No registration needed, come as you are! = Registration required = Free childcare, registration required 4= Webcast from Luther Seminary in St. Paul

College

Adult Ed


Upcoming Events

Boundaries with Kids Tuesday mornings or evenings:

9:45 - 11:15 AM or 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Jan. 13 - Mar. 10

Cost: $12/includes workbook

Led by Mim Campbell

Bible principles will help you recognize

the boundary issues underlying child

behavior problems while still being a

loving parent.

Practicing Prayer Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Jan 15 - Feb. 1 // Cost: Free

Led by Pastor Diane Sponheim

Join Pastor Diane Sponheim and guest

facilitators as we explore some prayer

practices together.

Corinthians Study 4 Luther Seminary Webcast

Mondays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Jan. 26 - Feb. 23 // Cost: $10

Led by Sarah Henrich, Professor

Emeritus of New Testament

How do ordinary folk (like us) discern

God's will for life in a complex society?

The Corinthians had lots of questions

and lots of possible answers. See how

Paul helps them frame their questions

and possibly our own as well.

Purposeful Retirement:

Passion and Happiness Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 10:00 AM

Cost: Free (Learn more on p. 9)

Discussion on the importance of finding

or having a passion and exploring ideas

on being filled with happiness. No books

to purchase or preparation needed to

attend this meeting.

Thursday Morning Bible Study:

Judges Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Feb. 12 – Mar. 26 // Cost: Free

Led by Pastor Mary Lund

The book of Judges tells the story of a

period of transition for the Israelite tribes.

God raised up judges, charismatic

leaders, to deliver the people from

oppression and lead them in faithful

obedience to the Lord.

Coffee for Men Wednesdays, 9:00 AM

Men who would like to get together to

visit over a cup of coffee or tea are

encouraged to join us. There's no agenda

other than connecting with other guys.

Woodworkers Group Wednesdays, 10:00 AM

Whether you are a beginner or more

advanced woodworker, join us to share

projects, ideas and conversation.

Shepherd Quilters

Mondays, 9:00 am - 4:00 PM

All skill levels welcome to help quilt, cut,

iron, and stitch. Quilts are donated

to charitable organizations. Contact Lois

Pedersen, (952) 236-8993.

The Golden Stitchers 1st & 3rd Thursdays // 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

All skill levels welcome to quilt, cut, iron,

and stitch. Contact: Shirley Blix at (952)

432-2083.

GIGGLES (Girls in God Growing Loving Eating Sharing)

1st Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Women of all ages are welcome to a

monthly evening of fun to talk, laugh,

play games, eat, and pray together.

Mothers of Preschoolers

(MOPS) Thursdays (bimonthly), 9:30 - 11:30 AM Connect with mothers of children ages birth

through kindergarten (and moms-to-be).

Meetings are September - May. Cost: $35/

semester plus a once a year fee of $23.95.

Scholarships available. sotv.org/mops

Moms Group Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11:15 AM

Fellowship and support for mothers of all

ages and stages in a relaxed social setting.

Newcomers are always welcome, and so

are new babies!

Men’s Breakfast Saturday, December 6

8:00 – 10:00 AM // Cost: $10

Tom Bengtson, author of the book The

Geo Principle, will speak on how God is

in every occupation.

Christmas Memories (Event for Seniors 55+) Monday, December 8

Noon - 2:00 PM // Cost: $10

Besides a wonderful meal, there will be

entertainment, Christmas carols, and

sharing of Christmas memories. Santa

and Mrs. Claus will also be there!

Women’s January Breakfast Saturday, January 24

9:00 – 11:00 AM // Cost: $12

Changing the paradigm of aging and

caregiving with Kari Berit, radio host,

speaker, caregiver expert and author.

Coffee House: Soul Sounds Saturday, January 17

6:30 - 9:00 PM // Cost: $12

Sara Renner, “soul singer,” and her band

“The Elements” are a collection of

professional touring musicians, energetic

worship leaders, music educators and

downright FUNKY & FUN people. Join

us for appetizers, desserts, and coffee.

Love & Laughter

on Valentine’s Day Saturday, February 14

7:00 – 9:00 PM // Cost: TBD

Bring your sweetheart to join with other

couples for sweet treats! We will laugh

“with” or perhaps “at” leaders in our

community who are the stars of our very

own Hollywood Squares Game Show.

O.K.’s Potlucks (Event for Seniors 55+)

Tuesday, Jan. 27 at noon

Potluck, please bring a dish to share

Cost: Free

Tuesday, Feb. 24 at noon

Belated Valentines Dinner

Cost: $12 per person


Fellowship


Upcoming Events

Women in New Konnections

(WINK) Join the WINK women each Sunday,

beginning at 10:30 am at the round tables

near the patio doors for coffee and fellowship.

All are welcome to join us!

Lunch & Christmas Gift Exchange Sunday, Dec. 7 at 12:15 PM

Meet at Fireside Restaurant in Rosemount

for lunch. Bring a $5 gift for a gift

exchange game.

Third Sunday Lunch @ Noon Sundays, Jan. 18 & Feb. 15 & Mar. 15

We will go out to eat together after the

11:00 am service.

Lunch & Movie at SOTV Saturday, Jan. 31 // Cost: $6

We will have a soup/sandwich lunch at

11:00 am, and watch the Helen Mirren

movie The Queen at 1:00 pm.

Tanzania Team Talk Saturday, Feb. 21 // 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Hear a presentation from a recent

traveler to Tanzania.

ADHD, Autism, & Other

Disabilities on the Spectrum Select Mondays, 6:45 – 9:00 PM

Cost: Free

Dec. 1: “Leaky Gut to Leaky Brain”

Richard Mayfield, DC, IFMCP, CCN,

Functional Medicine & Clinical Nutrition

Specialist

Jan. 26: “What's Next....and How Do I

Get There?” Marcia Mayo, M.A.,

Psychotherapist, ADHD Specialist, Educator

Feb. 23: “Controlling Your Emotions and

Behavior - Regardless of How

Disagreeably Others Treat You!”

Cindy Lea, MA, LMFT

Challenged by Cancer 2nd Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

An opportunity for women living with

cancer to gather and support each other.

Compassionate Friends

South of the River 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 PM

For all parents who are grieving the loss

of a child of any age from any cause. The

Remembrance Service will be on Dec. 14

at 7:00 pm. No Dec. meeting.

Depression Support

Coalition Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7:00 - 8:30 PM

Hosted by Mary, Mother of the Church

3333 Cliff Road, Burnsville

Cost: Free. All are welcome.

“The Healing Journey When Dreams

Don’t Come True” presented by Barbara

Rudnick, Jewish Family and Community

Services (JFCS) Program Manager of

Family Life Education.

A new monthly speaker series, presented

by MN Mental Health Clinic in Eagan,

begins in February. It will be hosted by St

Thomas Beckett Catholic Church, 4455 S.

Robert Trail, Eagan.

Down Syndrome

Parent Support Group 3rd Sundays, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

(no Dec. meeting)

For additional information, contact

Suzy Runkel at (952) 891-5082 or

[email protected].

DivorceCare Dates TBA, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Optional Cost: $20, includes workbook

Weekly videos with support group

discussion time.

Growing Through Loss Tuesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Registration at 6:30 // Apr. 7 - May 5

Hosted by Church of St. Joseph in

Rosemount // Freewill offering

Speakers TBA

GriefShare Dates TBA, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Optional Cost: $20, includes workbook

Led by Pastor Diane Sponheim

Weekly videos with support group

discussion time. Please consult a pastor

(see p. 3) for counseling resources and

wait at least six months after your loss

before attending GriefShare.

Job Connection Group Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:15 PM

Hosted by: Prince of Peace Christian

Life Center, Burnsville

For more information and to see titles of

upcoming classes: (952) 898-9388 or

popmn.org/gethelp/jobs

NAMI Parent

Resource Groups Thursday, Dec. 11; 2nd & 4th Tuesdays

starting Jan. 13, 2015.

6:00 - 8:00 PM // Cost: Free

The National Alliance on Mental Illness

presents an opportunity for parents

and caregivers of children with

challenging behaviors to get together to

share similar experiences, discover

resources and learn coping skills.

Suicide Survivor

Support Group 2nd Tuesdays & 4th Thursdays

7:00 – 8:30 PM

Mary Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff

Road, Burnsville, Park in West parking

lot, enter main door, and look for sign.

Questions on any Support Group?

Contact: Julie Opheim,

(952) 985-7331

[email protected].

Scholarships are available for our programs.

Register for all programs with cash or a check at

the Welcome Center, CYF office, or online with a

credit or debit card at www.sotv.org/events.

= No registration needed, come as you are!

= Registration required

= Free childcare available

4 = Webcast from Luther Seminary in St. Paul;

class meets at Shepherd of the Valley

(Continued from page 15)




http://www.sotv.org


Serving Others

Volunteer Profile: Niki Hebig Family stats: Adrian (husband), Austin (20), Rhett (19),

Katherine (15), Ellie (13)

Current role: Small Group Leader for Middle School Confirmation

Previous roles: Small Group Leader for GodZone & Vacation Bible

School

Why do you volunteer? It’s the easiest job I’ve ever had and the

rewards are immeasurable. It’s all about listening to kids, and

letting them know their group is a safe place to talk about their

faith.

Is it a lot of work? There’s very little prep work. The Children and

Youth staff set everything up for us. They give us everything we

need to teach and are always there if we need support.

Do you have to know the Bible inside-out to teach? No, and it’s

okay for leaders to not have all the answers. It lets your students

know that it’s okay to question your faith. You don’t need to be

afraid to question things, and it actually deepens your faith in

the end.

What’s the best part about leading a small group? Listening to

my group and seeing the light bulbs go on. I want my students to

think about God and faith in different ways, figuring out ways for

them to connect with God, and trust God in their daily lives. I get a

lot out of the conversations too. My students challenge me to see

things differently.

What is your one wish for SOTV’s ministry? I wish everyone knew

how easy it is to volunteer as a small group leader in GodZone or

Confirmation.

There are many ways to get involved in our ministry!

Check out sotv.org/volunteer for our most current

opportunities. Thank you to our many great volunteers

who are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

—T.S.

Outreach

Winter Outerwear & Mitten Tree Gently used winter outerwear donations can

be placed in the narthex collection box

throughout November and December.

The Mitten Tree accepts new hats, gloves/

mittens, scarves, etc. during December.

In the past 12 years, SOTV has distributed almost

8,000 winter outerwear clothing items and over

4,000 new mitten tree items, primarily to local

Dakota County families but also to families in the

Twin Cities area. The need in our community is

great and grows every year. Please remember

these families as you go through your winter

clothing and donate items you no longer use.

Christmas Gift Giving Monetary donations are being collected

throughout December for programs such as Heifer International, Tanzania Partnership,

Parish Nurse Program in Bethlehem, Pine Ridge

Indian Reservation, Ebola Outbreak Response,

MN Teen and Adult Challenge and SOTV’s choice

(depending on where it is needed the most). Full

details are available at the Welcome Center.

Deadlines for the shopping programs are coming

up quickly. For more information, please check

the weekly News for the Flock, or contact Lisa

Hegerman at [email protected] or (952) 985

-7329. Thank you for sharing God’s abundance!

Birthday Bag Supplies Donations can be placed in the narthex

collection box during the month of February.

Birthday Bag Outreach helps children in need by

providing birthday party supplies which parents

may not be able to afford. Donations needed

include: paper plates, napkins, invitations, cups,

party favors (these 5 items in packs of 8 when

possible), balloons and candles.

Red Cross Blood Drive Tuesday, February 3 // 12:30 - 6:30 PM

To donate, register online at sotv.org/redcross or

sign up at the Welcome Center.

Volunteers are needed to make appointments,

greet and serve in the canteen. To volunteer, call

Lisa Loher at (651) 683-9127.


Faith Testimony

Y ou may see me at

church from time to

time. I’ve been attending

SOTV since I was five

years old.

After a short hiatus, I’m back as an

interim employee in Children,

Youth, and Family Ministry. I’ve

been enjoying my bike rides here

from my Eagan home, and I’m

blessed to have this support system

in the midst of life transitions.

My life a year ago was tremendously

different. After getting my degree in

Elementary Education from Concor-

dia College – Moorhead, God called

me to a year of service through the

ELCA’s Young Adults in Global

Mission Program (think Lutheran

Peace Corps.) In a concrete sense, I

was placed in London, England to

volunteer as a literacy intervention

specialist in the local schools. In a

more abstract sense, I’ve learned to

see, feel, smell, taste, and listen in

new ways. I have experienced God’s

presence in a city full of need as the

Spirit creates beauty in unexpected

ways.

It was a challenge to make London

my home for a year – the glamorous

tourist sites I had seen in the movies

contrasted with the realities I saw in

my London district of Peckham. Ac-

cording to my British friends, inner-

city Peckham has many of the nega-

tive stereotypes that we Americans

associate with our own “rough”

places like Detroit or the Bronx.

Poverty, crime, and broken families

were a norm. Some of my literacy

students were babysat by an iPad

and junk food instead of the atten-

tion of a caring adult. My feet often

dodged trash and fried chicken

bones that riddled our sidewalks.

Shop doorways contained people

with no place to sleep at night. So

much life has been sacrificed to the

idols of consumerism that London

has built in the last two thousand

years of its existence – souls get

trampled when we are kept out of

sync from the Love that created us.

Yet I saw these pains as merely the

beginning of a new creation - God

breathes healing, ancient stardust


Exploring England with the ELCA By Emily Kimball

This page, top: Babysitting my supervisor's

child.

Bottom: Singing Christmas carols with the

Peckham All Saints Anglican Church choir.

Next page, top: Eating cupcakes with

my flatmates.

Bottom: Hiking with Dorothea, my friend

from London.


Faith Testimony

into us every day. I experienced it in

Peckham when it moved through my

supervisors and colleagues to create

safe spaces in which children could

learn without fear. It moved through

my All Saints Church family who

made joyful music, initiated social

justice projects in the greater com-

munity, and brewed cups of tea for

us on chilly days. God breathed life

into the work of artists, social work-

ers, police officers, health care pro-

viders, musicians, Pilates instructors,

and librarians who healed the public

in their various spheres. Local gar-

deners shared God’s love by calling

forth Creation, connecting urban

dwellers back to food straight from

the earth. Love can look like a lot of

things, especially when God heals us

with joy from every angle.

My students continually showed me

what the face of Jesus looks like:

their families were from Nigeria,

Lithuania, Ireland, Cuba, Sierra

Leone, Ukraine, Jamaica, Spain,

China, Portugal, Angola, Somalia,

Bangladesh, and England. They were

raised on the resilience of adults who

have been refugees, single parents,

wise grandparents, survivors of

domestic abuse, as well as struggling

gang members and addicts who seek

a better way of living. These young

people spoke multiple languages,

played sports, went to choir practice,

hung out with their families at the

local fruit stands and hair salons,

looked after their younger siblings,

and would happily dance and belt

out “Let It Go” from Frozen on their

way back to class. If all the world’s

politicians had a fraction of the

knowledge and joy these young ones

and their families experience, we

could probably accomplish world

peace by tomorrow.

Nearly three hundred years ago, the

poet William Blake came to Peckham

and saw a vision of “a tree filled with

angels, bright angelic wings bespan-

gling every bough with stars.” Please

join me in prayer, that God may nur-

ture the tree that holds London and

the Twin Cities, continually creating

a place that nurtures the angels who

abide here. May we be fully present

as the children of God, part of the

Beloved Creation, exploring the

boughs of the home we’ve been

given. May Christ inspire us to

venture off to meet our Creator in

the angels who live on different

boughs…around the world and

down the street.

I’m looking forward to being back

with you angels in my SOTV family,

enjoying our lefse, snowy winters,

and Lutheran hymns and liturgy.

Thank you for being one of the

welcoming homes I’ve been blessed

to have in my life.

Much love,

Emily

To learn more about the Young Adults

in Global Mission Program of the

ELCA, visit www.elca.org/YAGM


Global Missions

D uring our recent visit, several of our travelers took time

to have a long conversation with Dr. Barnabas

Kahwage, asking how SOTV can support a long term

plan for healthcare in Tungamalenga. We also met a very special

boy named Frankie.

We have a unique

opportunity to make a

difference in our 2015

capital campaign, which

includes proposals for

projects onsite and pro-

jects that reach out to

trusted partners locally

and globally. In 2007, a

similar capital campaign

included $60,000 to fund

a new ward at the Tung-

amalenga Dispensary, an

investment in healthcare

for our partners that

benefitted a whole

community.

Dr. Barnabas Kahwage

has been in charge of the

clinic since 2002. Trained

both as a pastor and a

medical clinician, he

brings a unique set of

skills to the people

of this area. He is one of the best educated clinicians in the area,

having upgraded his degree in 2007, and has continued his edu-

cation with specialized training in screening for cervical cancer,

long term family planning methods, and care for people with

HIV/AIDS.

We've heard many

reports of patients

coming to this private

clinic after visiting

other local facilities

and not receiving the

help they needed.

In addition to his

advanced training, Dr. Barnabas offers a health care ethic of

treating the whole patient.

"We have personal relationships in a church dispensary," he

explained. "The ethics of a church dispensary is to love every

one, to care for them with love. If they go to a government

dispensary and are not

treated very well, they

come here even if it is

very far for them."

We saw that ethic in

action when we took a

boy named Frankie to the

clinic after his parents

asked us to pray for his

health in Mahove.

Frankie had been para-

lyzed in a fall six months

prior to our visit, and

had spent three months

in a hospital before being

sent home. His parents

did not understand or

had not been instructed

in how to care for him to

prevent bedsores. Frank-

ie's wounds were deep

and infected.

His parents were initially reluctant to accept our offer to take

Frankie to the clinic, saying that they had already sold all they

had to pay for his care. We offered to take care of the bill ($50 for

a month's stay). The care provided included instructions for

Frankie’s parents (keep on clean bedding, turn frequently,

cleaning the wounds, etc).

Dr. Barnabas and his staff provide this high level of care to

patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dr. Barnabas lives

next door to the clinic, and is routinely at work early mornings

until late evening, even after calls that bring him to the clinic in

the middle of the night.


A Long Term Plan for

Tanzania Healthcare By Kirsten Levorson, Tanzania Partnership Coordinator

tungamalenga.blogspot.com

Above: Alice, Dr. Barnabas's wife, arranged for local women to bring meals to Frankie and

to his Mama who stayed with him in the clinic. Below: Dr. Barnabas and patients.


Global Missions

What things are needed to support and

expand this level of care for our partners

in Tungamalenga?

Construction of another building to

house a separate Reproductive and

Child Health (RCH) center is one of

the top needs. This would be used to

provide outpatient services which are

subsidized by the government and

offered free of charge to clients.

An ambulance would be lifesaving.

In this area, most of the transportation

is by walking; some people have bikes

and a few have motorcycles. There is

one bus at 5 AM daily that can carry

patients four hours to the nearest

hospital. A Land Cruiser that doctors

could use to bring patients to the clinic,

or transport them to a city hospital

when necessary, would save so many

lives.

Staffing and training is another

important need. Dr. Barnabas plans

another two year course to upgrade

his certification from Clinical Officer

(roughly equivalent to our Physician

Assistant) to Assistant Medical Officer

(roughly equivalent to our Medical

Doctor).

These are just a few of the many healthcare

needs. We ask that you keep prayerfully

consider supporting Shepherd of the

Valley’s Capital Campaign which begins

in January 2015. Wouldn't it be wonderful

to have both the best healthcare provider

in the area, and the best facility to care for

our partners' health?

From Palestine

to Minnesota

is a graduate student at St. Cloud State University working to

use tolerance and understanding as avenues of coexistence in

the Middle East and throughout the world.

Walid was born in a refugee camp in Palestine where severe poverty, violence and

grief prevailed. He participated in programs offered by Christmas Lutheran ELCA

Church in Bethlehem and graduated from the high school run by the church.

After witnessing the killing of his teacher he was given the opportunity to come

to Minnesota to attend college and graduated from St. Cloud State with a degree

in economics.

In 2012 he was chosen as one of ten young people, 5 Israelis and 5 Palestinians, to

participate in the New Story Leadership for the Middle East, a peace-building initi-

ative. He said in an article in the Times of Israel, “I never had the chance to get to

know Israelis and the American Jewish community from the inside. By sharing an

office with them I was struck by how they’re trying to do good things for the new

generation in Israel and Palestine by working toward a two-state solution”. Since

then he has worked to co-found an organization that aims to develop a model for

empowering todays’ leaders from areas of political conflict with negotiation and

creative problem solving skills.

SOTV’s support of the programs of Christmas Lutheran Church and its affiliated

American charity Bright Stars of Bethlehem sustain young people such as Walid

in their efforts to bring hope and peace to their troubled region.

For more information, and to get involved, please contact [email protected].

Portions of this article originally appeared in "On the Road to Peace, Tolerance and

Understanding" by Marsha Shoemaker. St. Cloud State Outlook, Spring 2014.

Walid Issa

By Ann Boekhoff

Holy Land Shepherds

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God’s blessings to these families who

celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism

in August, September, and October, 2014.

Grace Harlow Monson, daughter of

Jenna and Nicholas Monson

Eliza Mary McNamara, daughter of

Marisa and Michael McNamara

Kate Marie Granberg, daughter of

Melissa and Derek Granberg

Kinsley Marie Kadow, daughter of

Brooke and Michael Kadow

Grant Ward Swanson, son of

Tara and Ryan Swanson

Cameron Sidney Cison, son of

Carly and Jacob Cison

Elizabeth Emerson Nicklay, daughter of

Ashley and Scott Nicklay

Madeline Irene Kearney, daughter of

Dannelle Bautista

Brennan Madeline Machacek, daughter

of Laura and Joseph Machacek

Kayla Kay Jaakola, daughter of

Jody and Curtis Jaakola

Nelson Jeffrey Whyte, son of

Annabelle and Matthew Whyte

Marta Alice Veliz, daughter of

Shelby and Joseph Veliz

Everleigh Paige Yang, daughter of

Lasa Som Yang

Maya Elise Anderson, daughter of

Ellvia and Ray Anderson

Natalie Ann Bremer Henry, daughter of

Sara and Brendan Henry

Audrey Claire Molitor, daughter of

Amanda Pederson and Jamey Molitor

Lilian Mae Giller, daughter of

Lindsey and Matthew Giller

Olivia Hayden Bates, daughter of

Kristin and Christopher Bates

Rosabelle Maria Realivasquez, daughter

of Rachel and Luis Realivasquez

Ezra John Olson, son of

Lara and Dan Olson

Joviana Loretta Hesselberg, daughter,

and Bradley Arthur Hesselberg, son, of

Genevieve and Brad Hesselberg

Luke Rodger Farrow, son of

Tiffany and James Farrow

Dylan Clay Cosgrove, son of

Julie and Dan Cosgrove

Isla Noelle DeNet, daughter of

Lindsey and Bill DeNet

Emily Clare Zielinski, daughter of

Angie and Brad Zielinski

Joseph Byron Severin, son of

Diane and Adam Severin

Mason Paul Peterson, son of

Katy and John Peterson

Jonah Lavern Smisek and

Judah Lawrence Smisek, sons of

Samantha Urban and Philip Smisek

Kaylie Coleen Luth, daughter of

Katie and Steve Luth

Emily Claudia Simser, daughter,

and Maxwell Oscar Simser, son,

of Lisa Simser and Jason Simser

To schedule a baptism, see p. 13.

Congratulations to the following couples

on their recent nuptials. To schedule a

wedding, please contact Jill Johnson at

(952) 985-7381 or

[email protected].

August 2, 2014

Nathan and Kelsey (Collins) Palm

August 15, 2014

Tom and Diane (Pottratz) Carter

August 30, 2014

Jeremy and Amanda (Nutzman)

Stankoski

September 6, 2014

Donald and Susan (Jamieson) Kiser

October 4, 2014

Milestones

Weddings

Welcome to our new members received

in worship on October 19, 2014.

Jose & Karen Alegria (Adrian, Avyanna)

Kent & Daneen Braaten (Jonah)

Chad & Schelle Dahlke (Keaton, Kenley)

Scott Devit

Justin & Jaymi Drogseth

Sarah & Mike Durfee (William)

Samuel Gonzalo-Vela & Jennifer Mullenix (Nicolas, Oliver)

Ann Goyette

Mark & Paula Hurt

Richard Rank & Mary Kanak

Luke & Allison King (Ella, Brody)

Christian & Andi Loger (Lucas, Grace, Caleb)

Bob & Carone Lyng

Aldrea Malo

Rita & Dale Meyer

Lyle & Pat Olson

Sara & Dave Peterson (Rebecca, Elizabeth, Oscar)

Mike & Brooke Schaeffer

Michael & Shannon Wakefield (Zachary, Allison)


Milestones

Maria Cooper upon the death of her father, Bob Wiggins

Phyllis Normand upon the death of her brother, Bill Beckendorf

Dave Brueshoff upon the death of his mother, Marie Brueshoff

Ellen Spurlock upon the death of her mother, Elvina Syltie

Ivan Janssen upon the death of his brother, Jody John Janssen

Greg Buck upon the death of his sister, Stephanie Buck

Carolyn Pedersen upon the death of her son-in-law, Larry

Steve Huff upon the death of his father, John Huff

Harlan Anderson upon the death of his brother, Rodney Anderson

Elisabeth Abernathy upon the death of her friend, Florence Hiniker

Gloria McMorran upon the death of her cousin, Tim Stelter

Dale Thuftedal upon the death of his sister, Cheryl Nelson

Pat Bartow upon the death of her husband, John Bartow

Edna Weisjahn upon the death of her sister, Delores Espeseth

Al Sprute upon the death of his cousin, Delores Espeseth

Kris Romsdal upon the death of her father, Francis Romsdal

Charlotte Peterson upon the death of her husband, John Peterson

Pam Geddes upon the death of her mother, Patricia Atkins

Bob Fredrickson upon the death of his mother, Hazel Fredrickson

Merilu Narum upon the death of her godmother, Edna Beers

Debra & Brianna Runke upon the death of their husband and father, Duane Runke

Bob Atwood upon the death of his mother, Edna Atwood

Daniel Messner upon the death of Everleigh Yang

Dave Bailey upon the death of his wife, Juli Bailey

Cliff Bailey upon the death of her mother, Juli Bailey

Lauree Smith upon the death of her mother, Juli Bailey

Lori Hertzberg upon the death of her cousin, Rock Lopour

Steve Mueller upon the death of his aunt, Betty Mueller

Gary Olson upon the death of his uncle, Russ Olson

Karen Groves upon the death of her mother, Ann Berg

Dawn Della Paolera upon the death of her aunt, Phyllis Ostbye

Jeff & Amy Bell upon the death of their nephew, Scott Bell

Greg Nesheim upon the death of his father, Don Nesheim

John Robertson upon the death of his father, Raymond Robertson

Joy Haag upon the death of her husband, Dale Haag

Cathy Bloomquist upon the death of her uncle, Edward Freundschuh

Brad Brunn upon the death of his father, Harold Brunn

Brian Johnston upon the death of his wife, Linda Johnston

Joyce Gustafson upon the death of her friend, Patricia Schlorf

Bill Ireland upon the death of his cousin, Earl Ireland

Paul Williams upon the death of his mother, Helen Williams

Suzanne Sanders upon the death of her father, Jim Sanders

Our prayers are with these members who

have recently experienced the death of a

loved one.

O n Sunday, October 12, 34 men and women

participated in the fall new member class led by

Pastor Mary Lund. Together, this class learned about

Shepherd of the Valley’s vision, what Lutherans believe,

and the value of offering our time, talent and treasure.

Each family got a chance to introduce themselves, ask

Pastor Mary questions, and enjoy brunch and fellowship

together. This diverse group learned they have much in

common and are excited to be a part of the Shepherd of the

Valley family. Please join in welcoming these newest

members to SOTV! The next New Member Class is

Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 11:00 am. See p. 13.


Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road

Apple Valley, MN 55124

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID Permit 2692

Twin Cities, MN

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Closed Fridays

Worship Hours:

Saturdays, 4:00 & 5:30 PM

Sundays, 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 AM

www.sotv.org

(952) 432-6351

GodZone Christmas Program Saturday, December 13

11:00 AM (Sun. 9:45 or Wed. 4:30 sessions)

1:00 PM (Sat. 4:00/5:30, Sun. 8:30/11:00,

and Wed. 5:45/7:00 sessions)

Sounds of the Season Concert

Sunday, December 14 // 6:00 PM // Sanctuary

Get in the Christmas spirit! SOTV music groups

perform your favorite carols.

Remembrance Service Sunday, December 14 // 7:00 PM // Great Hall

A Worldwide Candle Lighting at 7pm around the

globe for all children who have died...that their light

may always shine.

Travelers’ Christmas Worship

Wednesday, December 17 // 7:00 PM

Celebrate Christmas at Shepherd of the Valley

even if you will be traveling over Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve Worship

Wednesday, December 24

Family Services: 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM

Candlelight: 2:30, 3:45, 5:00, 6:15, 8:00 PM

Candlelight (with Communion): 9:30 & 11:00 PM

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Life of the Flock: Winter 2015

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