Re-Creation

June 2017

SOTV.org/news

news ock

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, ELCA SOTV.org

Make All

Things New

Randy Brandt

Pastor, Learn Ministries

hese are all website headlines that promise an easy formula to

follow in order to renew one’s life. For example, have you read the

one: “Lose Weight by Avoiding These 11 Foods”? It is a list of all my

favorite junk foods!

Or, How about these headlines:

Yes, there are so many web posts that seek to lure us in with a quick

way to restore and restart our lives with hope and strength. It even

seems like Jesus says something similar with his simple, enticing

promise, “I have come that you might have abundant life.” (John

10:10) But I think Christ’s words are true!

Springtime in Minnesota, the joyful season of Easter, along with the

festival of Pentecost, all convey the message that God’s Holy Spirit is

at work in us and in the world to “make all things new.”

(Revelation 21:5)

Continues on page 6

T

Youth Summer Immersion Trips Summer Commissioning

Sunday, June 11 at 9:45 or 11:00 AM All Summer Stretch, Camp Wapo, and Summer Immersion

Trip participants and leaders are invited to 9:45 or 11:00 AM

worship to receive prayers and blessings for your upcoming

adventures in faith! Adult Leaders and 6-12 grade students

participating in summer experiences should also pick up a

t-shirt in the narthex following worship.

Summer Stretch Who: Current 5th-8th Grade Youth

When: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM on the following

Tuesdays & Thursdays:

Session 1: June 13 & 15

Session 2: July 11 & 13

Session 3: August 8 & 10

Where: SOTV and locations around the Twin Cities

Cost: $45 per session. Limit 60 per session. Scholarships available. Contact Sarah with questions.

A day camp focused on serving our community and

adventuring through God’s creation. Sign up for one, two, or

all three sessions. Encourage a friend to attend with you.

Summer Stretch volunteers needed! 10th graders and up,

apply here: www.sotv.org/summer-stretch

High School Summer Connection Culver’s ~ Dunn Bros ~ Valley Diner

Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 PM Stay connected over the summer with friends & Youth Staff

over devotions & prayer, time to talk, and a treat (on us)!

Open to anyone completing 8th Grade & up. Location will

rotate among three Apple Valley (Galaxie Ave & 153rd St.

area) eateries. See www.sotv.org for schedule.

Full Camperships are available. Applications are in the CYF office or

SOTV.org. Bus transportation will be available for Weeklong only,

for an additional $30 fee.

Camp Grades Completed

Dates Cost

Seeds 2-3 June 23-25 $160

Weeklong 4-8 June 18-23 $420

High School 9-12 June 18-23 $420

Summer Camp 2017

This year campers in Grades 2-12 will spend the week

together at the Camp Wapogasset main site in Amery, WI.

Campers who have completed Grades 9-12 will have a

separate camp track specifically tailored to them, which is

balanced between separate high school time and

integrated time with all ages of campers.

No matter your age, rest assured that your week at camp

will be filled with deep growth in faith and unforgettable

memories! SOTV Children and Youth staff will be at Camp

Wapo the following dates:

LEARN We grow in faith using our heads, hearts, and hands

VBS 2017: Hero Central July 17-20 or July 24-27

9:30 am - Noon Cost: $45

Preschool* - 5th Grade†

This superhero adventure

includes music that will

energize your ears,

interactive Bible fun, super

science, cool crafts,

delicious snacks, great

games and more.

Volunteers are always

needed! There are a variety

of ways to volunteer, which

is loads of fun and you can

be the superhero in a

child's life! Youth and

adults can register to

volunteer at SOTV.org/vbs.

The Great Create Grades 1-3† Mini-Camp

August 14-17

9:30 AM - Noon

Cost: $45/child. Limit: 40 Follow the story of Creation

and make some creations of

our own! Each day we will

focus on one part of God’s

creation, and explore it in

depth with special guests,

creative projects, yummy

snacks, and exciting games.

Come discover the creative

kid God created you to be!

*age 4 by 9/1/17 † 2017-18 school year

Grants are available to support

your children's faith formation in

VBS, Mini-Camps, and other

programs. When you complete

the registration form, list the

grant amount needed.

Baptism Class First Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM 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 12:15 PM. To schedule a

baptism, contact Merilu Narum at (952) 985-7326 at least

one month in advance. You can get a baptism form at the

Welcome Center or at sotv.org/baptism.

2 | June 2017 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church | Main office: (952) 432-6351 | SOTV.org

LEARN We grow in faith using our heads, hearts, and hands

Movie Night in the

Chapel Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:00 PM

Cost: Free

Join us for refreshments and

discussion following the movies.

Sponsored by the Racial Truth &

Reconciliation Task Force.

June 8: "Loving" - The true story of

interracial couple Richard and

Mildred Loving who fell in love and

were married in 1958. When their

home state of Virginia jailed and

banished them, they took their fight

for civil rights all the way to the

Supreme Court.

July 13: “The Color of

Friendship” – based on a true

story. An African-American family

hosts a South African exchange

student during the height of apartheid

in 1977. While the family assumes

she is black, the white student

assumes they are white. The film

depicts fear, discomfort and breaking

down cultural barriers.

Bible Study on the Book of Revelation Evening option: Wed, June 7–July 19 (no class June 14) 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Morning option: Thurs, June 8–July 20 (no class June 15) 10:00 – 11:30 AM Cost: Free During summer worship (June and July),

we will be hearing Bible texts from the

book of Revelation. Join Pastor Duane

for a Bible study that will parallel the

weekend readings. This Bible study will

be an opportunity to dig deeper into the

readings from Revelation, which is often

a highly misunderstood book in the

Bible.

Sunday Forum in the Chapel

9:45 - 10:45 AM // Jun 4 - Aug 27

“Insights Into the Parables of Jesus”

(June & July)

June 4 = The Good Samaritan

June 11 = The Rich Fool

June 18 = The Lost Sheep & the Lost

Coin

June 25 = The Great Banquet

July 2 = No Sunday Forum

July 9 = Three Eager Disciples;

The Friend at Midnight;

A Father’s Gift to His Son

July 16 = The Unjust Steward

July 23 = The Farmer & His Servant;

The Widow & the Judge

July 30 = The Pharisee & the Tax

Collector

Join us throughout the summer at 9:45

AM in the Chapel. Each week the group

will view a DVD by Kenneth Bailey, a

well-known worldwide Bible scholar, for

about half the hour, and then process

his insights. He taught and preached at

Shepherd of the Valley a couple of times

in the past 15 years. To help facilitate

each session we have a variety of

people from Shepherd of the Valley who

have been very involved in Bible study

and have done teaching in the past.

Knowing Our Neighbors: Ramadan Dinner In partnership with the Minnesota Council of Churches and the Muslim American Society of Minnesota Tuesday, June 6

7:30 – 10:00 PM

Cost: Free

Registration deadline: June 4.

This program is designed for people

of different faiths to interact with

each other over dinners during

Ramadan (the month of fasting). It is

NOT an academic discussion or

a theological debate - just people

talking over a meal at Iftar time

(breaking of fast at sunset).

Shepherd of the Valley will attend the

dinner at the South Metro Islamic

Center in Rosemount, 15400 S.

Robert Trail, Rosemount.

All Ages

Fall Registration Begins June 25

GodZone (PK- Grade 5)

Sundays (PK-Grade 3)

Wednesdays (Grades 4 & 5)

Large and small group activities designed to nurture children, age 3 (by 9/1/17)

through Grade 5, in faith and community. Fun, creative, and totally interactive!

Learn more: SOTV.org/GodZone

Confirmation (Grades 6-9)

Wednesdays (Gr. 6-9) or Monthly (Gr. 6-8 only)

Students experience Jesus through trusting relationships with peers and adults,

digging into scripture, and conversations about life and faith. The retreat group

must attend the retreat on August 25-27. Learn more: SOTV.org/youth

O.K.’s Potluck For “Older Kids”, Seniors 55+

4th Tuesdays at noon.

Cost: Free. Please bring a dish

to share.

June 27: Captain Nick Francis

with the Apple Valley Police

Department.

Adult Retreat September 12-15

Lake Wapogasset Camp,

Amery, WI

Cost: $185 per person

Cathy Nordheim will be our

speaker on the topic: “Peace in

Chaotic Times.” Registration

forms will be at the Welcome

Center. Both Easter Lutheran

Chuch and Faith Lutheran

Church will be joining us this

year for our retreat at Wapo.

Look for more information to

come.

Celebrating

Retirement BBQ

Wednesday, June 14

5:30 PM

Freewill donation

Newly retired? Currently retired?

Retired for awhile? All are

welcome! Join us for a delicious

meal, including food from Von

Hanson’s. Learn fun facts about

old and new friends. Special

music will be provided.

Cruisin’ Down the

River Thursday, July 13

10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Meet to carpool at 9:15 AM

Cost: $38.70

Full details at SOTV.org/

retirement

To register, call 651-227-1100

by June 15.

4 | June 2017 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church | Main office: (952) 432-6351 | SOTV.org

CONNECT We join together in fellowship, service, and outreach

You Are Enough Women’s Retreat Saturday, June 24

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at SOTV

$30/person (includes lunch)

Join Pastor Wendy in a One-Day

Faith Workshop, with a Certified

Daring Way ™ Facilitator-

Consultant and expert in the

research of Dr. Brené Brown,

Rev. Sarah Ciavarri.

Gain increased self-

compassion

Make faith connections

Learn to manage busy lives

Learn how vulnerability is the

path to deeper faith

New Member Class Mondays, June 12 & 19 (2-part class)

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Led by Pastor Rick Summy.

Come to learn about the history

and vision of SOTV, what

membership means, and how

you can find meaningful ways to

be involved in our community of

faith. Please register in advance

so we can plan for setup and

refreshments. Childcare is

provided. In order to be received

into membership, please plan to

attend the New Member

Reception in worship on the

weekend of June 24-25.

Coffee for Men Wednesdays, 9:00 AM

All men are welcome. There's no

agenda other than connecting

with other guys.

Shepherd Quilters Tuesdays, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

WINK Stone Arch

Festival Saturday, June 17

Cost: Free admission/you may

purchase food.

Carpool from the church at

10:00 AM. Experience the MN

riverfront and iconic bridge, art,

music, car show on St Anthony

and Main, food booths, artists

and crafters, and live music on

the island.

WINK 3rd Sunday Lunch Sunday, June 18 at 11:30 AM Casper’s in Eagan Cost: order from the menu

*WINK stands for “Women in

New Konnections” and is for

women who worship alone, to

connect with each other.

Ages 55+

Food Shelf Most Wanted for June - Beverages

The food shelf rarely has coffee since it is an expensive item. However, food shelf visitors are thrilled if we ever have coffee to share with them. Give folks the joy of having a cup of coffee in the morning! It’s a small thing to some of us, but can make someone’s day! Please purchase smaller containers as we are unable to divide up larger ones. Juice boxes and juice are appreciated as well. Rather than drink mixes, 100% fruit juice is encouraged – much healthier! Other beverages the food shelf could use are hot chocolate, Gatorade and tea.

20s/30s Hiking Sunday June 25, 3:00 - 6:00 PM

Cost: $5-10 (for food)

Join us for some outside

fellowship! We will meet at SOTV

at 3:00 and carpool to Lebanon

Hills to hike. We will then return

to SOTV for pizza. Nursery will be

available. Sign up for the event

and nursery online.

Making Fridays Popular: The Sheridan Story at Falcon Ridge Middle School

A Falcon Ridge teacher shared with SOTV volunteers that the

students’ attendance increases on Fridays. They believe this is due

to the Sheridan Story food distribution every week. Every Friday

SOTV volunteers discretely place a sack of food in the backpacks of

kids who are a part of the program. It’s good to know that with this

food, we can help kids have wholesome lunches for the weekend.

Re-Creating a Family

Favorite: The Wizard of Oz

At the Women’s Ministries Tour of

Tables, four generations of Sue

Carlson’s family enjoyed a table

setting depicting the Wizard of Oz,

and dressed in character for the

event. The table included Sue,

her daughters Emily Carlson and

Sarah Lauer, granddaughters

Greta (“Dorothy” who decorated

the table) and Audrey Lauer,

mother Joan Hawkins, mother-in-

law Lucy Carlson, and Greta and

Audrey’s Grandma Lauer.

Tanzania Travel

Since 2002, Shepherd of the Valley travelers have made annual (and sometimes more frequent) trips to visit our companions in Tanzania. This July will be no different. Pastor Rick Summy will be making the trip for his first time, along with Kirsten Levorson, Matt and Bobbie Bainbridge, Christina Nissen and her children Drew, Lydia and Isabella Thuras.

We’re excited to see what God has been up to since our last visit! For the first time, our travelers will experience an overnight stay in the homes of our partners at Usolanga. We know we will experience great hospitality.

We expect to worship in the newly completed chapel at Namelok, which has been under construction since 2006. We will celebrate the dedication of the Mpalapande Primary School. We’ve attended celebrations in Mpalapande in the past, and know it will be a large and festive gathering. We will visit secondary schools and meet our scholarship students. At Idodi Secondary School, we’ll see a newly refurbished computer room, and at Lutangilo Secondary, we’ll see a nearly completed science lab classroom. We’ll meet the new Bishop of the Iringa Diocese, Blastone Gavile.

Your generous contributions enable the travelers to present gifts such as medicines, mosquito nets, food, bikes, an altar cross made by Tim Schaefer and stained glass necklaces made by Gene Oberley. To give, write checks to SOTV with “TZ trip gifts” in the memo, or give online at http://www.sotv.org/giving. Thank you!

Golf and Gears for the Good

It was a beautiful day, with wonderful food,

fun activities and great fellowship. Golf and

Gears for the Good had its 10th annual event

on May 7th, with all proceeds benefiting

Children in Need Ministries (School Supply

Drive / College Scholarships / Gas Vouchers

for area schools). Between silent auction

items, hole sponsors, donations and other

proceeds, almost $10,000 was raised for

local children in need. Many thanks to the

Golf and Gears committee, hole sponsors,

the people who volunteered at the event, the

donors of great auction items and all who

attended!

Make All Things New (Continued from page 1)

At Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran we

are praying that the change in

seasons from springtime to summer is

an opportunity for God to bring a

season for outside recreation and an

inner re-creation by the Holy Spirit.

It was Pastor Paul Harrington who

would say in his sermons, “God loves

us just as we are, but God never wants

us to stay just as we are.” Are you

alert to some of the ways that SOTV

members are already planning on

being changed, renewed and re-

created in the month of June? (Look

for more information on each of these

in this newsletter.)

Young People ages 6 – 18 will be at

Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp

outside Amery, WI.

Men will participate in a North Shore

retreat of hiking, study and worship.

Pastors will begin a preaching series

called “Hope in Hard Times” and

Pastor Duane will teach on the book

of Revelation.

Sixty middle schoolers will serve the

community, learn and grow through

“Summer Stretch.”

A summer Sunday Forum series

begins on the Parables of Jesus.

Members are beginning to cultivate

their SOTV garden plots to grow and

share with others.

There are now monthly events for

those in their 20’s/30’s – in June, the

group will go hiking together.

New Member class – two sessions to

make relationships, learn about SOTV,

and get connected.

A women’s all day workshop on faith,

identity, and self-care.

Monthly movie nights in the chapel to

discuss topics of justice.

Life is certainly a gift from God and a

sign of God's beautiful love for us. I

believe that God desires to renew us

with that gift of life over and over

again. How might this springtime

become a season of re-creation for

you? - Pastor Randy

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

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.

Depression Support Coalition Monthly

Speakers

Tuesday, June 13 from 7-8:30 PM

“Autism Spectrum Disorders” presented

by Lindsay Narayan, LMFT, BCBA and

Mallory Andreasson, LPCC. Held at St.

Richard’s Catholic Church, 7540 Penn

Avenue South, Richfield, MN.

Depression Support Coalition Weekly

Support Groups In addition to depression support, there is

also a support group for family members

and loved ones of those with depression.

Tuesdays // 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

13901 Fairview Dr, Burnsville

Christian Life Center, Rm 160

Contact: Jody Slaughter, Spiritual Care

Associate, (952) 898-9312

Thursdays // 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Easter Lutheran Church on the Hill

4200 Pilot Knob Road,

Eagan, Room 6-8

Contact: Bob Lawrence, (612) 845-9481

NAMI Parent Resource Group 2nd & 4th Tuesdays

6:00 PM (pizza dinner) 6:30 - 8:00 PM

(group meeting) // 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.

Pursuing Peace in Al-Anon Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 PM

Contact: Rebecca (612) 202-4370

We who live, or have lived, with the

problem of alcoholism were lonely and

frustrated, but in Al-Anon we discover that

no situation is really hopeless and

that it is possible to find contentment,

and even happiness. If this speaks to you,

please try our program. It has helped

many find solutions that lead to serenity.

Suicide Bereavement 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.

Infertility or Loss Support Group Third Tuesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Contact: Melissa Tapper at

(612) 207-1722

A peer-led support group for those having

difficulty conceiving or who have

experienced miscarriage or loss. All are

welcome, individually or as couples.

CARE

6 | June 2017 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church | Main office: (952) 432-6351 | SOTV.org

From Your Parish Nurse

Special Blood Pressure Screening

Fairview Nurses will be at Shepherd of the Valley doing blood pressure checks on Sunday,

June 11. Fairview Health Services is collaborating with a local genetics research firm to

determine if DNA tests can steer patients to more effective treatment for high blood

pressure, a condition that affects more than 1 million Minnesotans. Eligible participants

will receive a $10 Target gift card to participate in the program.

Senior Housing Tours

Do you want to know what the senior housing options are in

our community and what they cost? Now is the time to make a

“Plan B” that can give you peace of mind. Contact Susan for

special tours of local facilities.

Susan Ferber RN PN

Parish Nurse Coordinator

(952) 985-7365

Susan.Ferber@sotv.org

Your Parish Nurse has resources to share with you!

We support, pray for, and nurture one another

The 2017 SOTV Boutique Needs YOU

Do you like to coordinate, lead, and organize

events for a good cause? We are looking for a

LEADER or CO-LEADERS to coordinate and

facilitate the SOTV Boutique on November 11.

We rely on volunteer leaders to bring events such

as these to our congregation.

Please visit www.sotv.org for a Volunteer Job

Description to learn more about this important

role. If interested, please contact

jennifer.maxwell@sotv.org Please note: Event Leaders may not also be vendors at

the event.

Capital Fund Update

We have reduced our debt by $1,000,000! We’ve achieved this significant milestone

through capital campaign pledge fulfillment and gifts to support the building. Thank you!

With Council’s additional designation in May, $40,000 more will be allocated toward

debt reduction, $7,500 to the facility, and $2,500 toward outreach. Our remaining loan

balance is just over $3.2 million, and more outreach and facility projects are coming

soon.

Discover all the ways you can support the Capital Fund at SOTV.org/give. Together, we

are achieving the goals of the Capital Fund, and living into our vision of inviting all

people to experience the Welcome, Transformation, and Sending of Jesus Christ. Thank

you for your generous support!

Our Deepest Sympathy

Doug Carlson on the death of his co-worker, Mekonnen Abebe.

Greg, Andrea & Ben Mandel on the death of their friend, Jason Hendricks.

Carol Hansen on the death of her sister, Charlotte Prahl.

Judy Lofgren on the death of her husband, Jeffrey Lofgren.

Nick Ehrman on the death of his father.

Cheryl Boomhower on the death of her nephew, Eric Mulhern.

Chris Forkenbrock on the death of his step-mother, Mary Jo Wulke.

Bev Ellis on the death of her friend, Jim Jungels.

Susan Milis on the death of her brother, Bob Nassif.

Dick Roush on the death of his wife, Marcia Roush.

Heather George on the death of her husband, Taylor George.

Steve Heiting on the death of his father, John Heiting, Jr.

Katherine Blanshan on the death of her father, John Heiting, Jr.

The friends and family of Ruth Peterson.

Church Council

Paul Keller, President

Michael Kelly, Vice President

Arlen Wilson, Secretary

Michael Schaeffer, Treasurer

Jenny Buckley, Past President

Chad Dahlke

Katie Ellis

Shalom Ewald

Cheryl Seely

Paula Swiggum

Ken Syverson

council@sotv.org

Main Office: (952) 432-6351

Children, Youth & Family

(CYF): (952) 432-6385

All other numbers:

(952) 985 (+ ext)

Pastors Rick Summy - 7301 Randy Brandt - 7302

Duane Paetznick - 7304

Wendy Steger - 7305

Parish Nurses - 7365

Baptisms Merilu Narum - 7326

Weddings Jill Johnson - 7381

Preschool Linda Nelson - 7370

Finance Beth Karlson - 7314

Dawn Della Paolera - 7315

Funerals Jill Johnson - 7381

General Fund

Fiscal Year to Date

Your gifts matter! Thank you for

your generous support of the

church’s ministry. The giving

summary at right is updated

every month.

Please consider making a one-

time or recurring gift during the

summer months when you are

out of town. Go to SOTV.org/

give

Income Expense

YTD Actual $1,820,475 $1,764,346

YTD Budget $1,940,749 $1,866,416

$-

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

$1,400,000

$1,600,000

$1,800,000

$2,000,000

$2,200,000

General Fund

Summer Worship Announcements There will be something special for kids this summer during worship services, whether it is a special session just for kids or a Good News for Kids message. There will be no Monday evening cabin worship this summer, but STAY TUNED….we are very excited about a new Sunday evening worship experience beginning in August. Look for more information in the July News for the Flock.

May Baptisms

Mackenzie Joy Limberg,

daughter of Bethany and Ryan Limberg

Emmett Charles Wolff,

son of Sarah and Duane Wolff

Icle Luella Moench,

daughter of Samantha and Jeff Moench

Lilly Catherine Luepke,

daughter of Kelly and Ryan Luepke

Nora Rose Whyte,

daughter of Annabelle and Matthew Whyte

Elise Marie Schluter,

daughter of Sarah and Bryan Schluter

Finley Elaine Kesteloot,

daughter of Tara and Wade Kesteloot

Kaia Grace Anderson,

daughter of Kirsten and Chris Anderson

Harper Grace Kuefler,

daughter of Andrea and Derek Kuefler

*See page 3 for a Book of Revelation Bible Study that corresponds to the weekly readings.

Saturdays

Organ/Piano-led: 5:00 PM

Sundays

Organ/Piano-led: 8:30 & 9:45 AM

Band-led: 11:00 AM

June 3 & 4 Celebration of Pentecost John 20:19-23 Preacher: Pastor Rick Summy Holy Communion (all services)

June 10 & 11 Hope in Hard Times Revelation 1:9-2:7 * Preacher: Pastor Rick Summy Baptisms at select services Summer Trip Commissioning June 17 & 18 Hope in Hard Times Revelation 4:1-11 * Preacher: Pr. Duane Paetznick Holy Communion (all services)

June 24 & 25 Hope in Hard Times Revelation 5:1-13 * Preacher: Pastor Randy Brandt Reception of New Members Tanzania Commissioning July 1 & 2 Hope in Hard Times Revelation 6:1-8, 7:7-17 * Preacher: Pastor Rick Summy Holy Communion (all services)

WORSHIP We gather around God’s Word and sacraments, offering our thanks and praise

Worship Transforms Lives

Kevin Davis didn’t grow up in the church. He visited Shepherd of the Valley in 2011 and was amazed at how well he and his family were received. People smiled and welcomed them wholeheartedly. Kevin realized how much he needed to worship with others regularly. “Even though I read the Bible during the week and I pray every day for understanding and clarity, when I come to worship at Shepherd of the Valley I experience that God is here and God listens and speaks to me.” When the people in Kevin’s life would see his newfound joy and energy, they wanted to know what had transformed his life. He would share with others how his cup was filled up by God when he prayed and worshiped.

“I understand now how it really is important for me to worship every week. It transforms my love for other people. And this transformation that I have found in the church has changed my life and my family. I have this extra energy to show people love and compassion and that changes other people too. It’s coming to church that fills my cup and gives me that extra energy to love other people and go through hard times.”