SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH

At the center of any welcoming, equipping, and deploying ministry is study of God’s Word. The on-campus classes below are for anybody who has questions and desires to increase their relationship with the Scriptures. These classes are meant to be discussion oriented. All people, with varying levels of knowledge of the Bible are welcomed. We are here to learn with and from one another.

Presently:

Sunday 8:15-9:15 am Biblical Citizenship Class- What does it mean to live with the Bible as Truth in the modern world?

Sunday 8:15-9:15 am Study of the Message of Christian Hymns- All hymns are written with a Scriptural truth, have a Spirit-born historical story, and teach us about our faith.

Wednesday 6:30 pm

Classed are often offered throughout the year in more seminar type settings to further equip disciples for ministry. All people are always welcome to participate in any study offered through SOV.

God created us to be in relationship with one another. Family is important at Shepherd of the Valley. We believe that we are all part of one large family as the body of Christ, and that we are also called to live out a life of faith within our household family, whatever form that might take. All individuals and families are invited to participate in ministry together. One of the great assets of the church is a group of people with diverse ages and backgrounds working together to grow and go in life and faith. We have found that older people have great wisdom. This wisdom helps to equip younger people in life and faith. It is also true that younger people are often much more willing to radically welcome others and be deployed. We truly can learn and be inspired by one another.

Each Sunday there is a message for younger worshippers. Children are invited to take leadership roles in worship if they so desire. Throughout the year special classes are provided for continued learning about the Bible. These classes usually occur right after worship during the fellowship time. Occasional outings are provided. Sometimes these outings are fun and sometimes they are service-oriented. 

  Jesus taught His disciples to pray. Jesus modeled prayer. Prayer is a part of everything we do as disciples. Prayer if a way of life. We pray for direction. We pray during our daily lives and ministry. We pray after every ministry giving God thanks and praise. There is a variety of ways you might want to get involved in the prayer ministry. By all means, pray daily. SOV has a prayer chain. So you can offer a prayer request or you can sign up to receive the prayer requests. During worship at the time of the prayers of the people, we encourage any worshipper to offer up prayers. After worship there is always prayers at the altar. You can either be such a person who prays with others or you can always come forward to ask someone to pray over you. Any of the pastors are willing to listen to you at any time and pray with you. Classes on the topic of Prayer are offered at times. Prayer groups often come together at specific times.

Music is a gift from God. There are a variety of ways for you to use your giftedness of music. SOV’s Minister of Music, Dr. Christopher, is always welcoming of anyone seeking to offer their gift. You might get involved in solos, playing an instrument, singing in the choir, playing bells, providing worship leadership, being a cantor or offering support in another way you feel called.

Shepherd of the Valley’s Men’s Ministry is open to all men from within our without our congregation. Our purpose is for each of us to grow in our relationship with God, with each other, and in the Word, enabling us to be more effective Christians in our home, church, and community. This ministry adapts as new people and new ideas are offered. Currently, the men meet weekly for a breakfast time. This time is always rooted in prayer. It is a time to build relationship with other men in a welcoming social environment where many real life issues are discussed, spiritual conversations occur, and real support is offered. Through this ministry, men also participate in service events, hikes, retreats, prayer, and Bible study.

SOV is highly aware of the constitutional freedom we have in this land to worship the Triune God. We are also aware that the early church was not afforded this freedom. Even today in many places in the world the  followers of Jesus are persecuted and threatened for their beliefs. Even in the USA, many people are diminished for their faith. We advocate for, support, and pray with and for the persecuted Jesus followers around the world and in our own land.

  Call-based, Permission-Giving, Bible-Based, Christ-Centered Policy 

One of the Spiri-led policies that SOV lives by is that we are permission-giving. The job of the church is to help welcome, equip, and deploy people who have a call. So, we talk a lot about people’s passions, spiritual gifts, talents, and different personalities, because we know that God has a Call on all Jesus’ followers. The job of the church is not to say you need to fit into the church, but rather that the church exists to say yes to you as you live out your call. So, we are yes people to God and to anyone who wants to start any ministry—so long as that ministry is Bible-based and Christ-centered. If a ministry does not exist in the community, yet you feel called to start and live out such a ministry, the pastors and congregation are here to encourage and equip you. We believe that since God called you in such a way, that He will give you what you need to see that vision through. We are a call-based, permission-giving community. This makes life and ministry very exciting as new people present new Christ-centered, Bible-based opportunities all the time. 

SOV has partnered with a wonderful local ministry, BRIDGE TO HOPE, which is dedicated to helping single mothers to become self-sufficient through education, developing practical living skills such as money-management, nutrition knowledge, parenting skills while living in an agency-monitored apartment home. Each church involved sponsors a family, integrating them into their congregation's church life while being the supporting extended family.