Get Connected!
Whether this is your first time here or you are a long-time member, we want to help you get connected! Take a look below at our weekly announcements to find out about upcoming events and other ways to get involved at SOTV.
This Week's Announcements - September 13
Wednesday Nights Are For the WHOLE Family This Fall!
Wednesdays beginning September 9
SOTV, Various Rooms
This fall, Wednesday nights at Shepherd of the Valley will be a time for the whole family to gather, grow and connect! Whether you have little ones at home, teenagers navigating middle and high school, adult children who have moved out or grandchildren you’re investing in, there is a place for you on Wednesday nights. Each week, we’ll begin with dinner for everyone at 6 p.m.—children, youth and adults alike. (Register your family for midweek meals below.) Then, at 6:30 p.m., everyone heads to an age-appropriate ministry or class designed to help them grow in faith and in their relationships with one another.
- For Adults
Wednesday nights offer opportunities for parents and grandparents to grow in their faith and become stronger spiritual leaders for the children in their lives. With a variety of studies and topics offered throughout the year, there’s something for adults in every stage of life and every season of parenting. (See The Shepherding Series announcement further down this page.) - For Children and Youth
While adults are participating in their own study or program, children and students will have opportunities to grow in their faith and build relationships with others their age.- Nursery: Preschool and younger
- SOTV Kids: Kindergarten–5th grade
- Middle School Ministry: Grades 6–8
- High School Youth Group: Grades 9–12
Join us with your whole family for a meal at 6 p.m. (register below) and classes begin at 6:30 p.m.
The Shepherding Series For Parents & Grandparents
Wednesday beginning September 9
SOTV, Various Rooms
All parents/grandparents are invited to participate in The Shepherding Series, a seven-week study with four classes designed around different stages of family life:
- Shepherding Your Family - for those with children in elementary school
- Shepherding Your Teenagers - for those with children in middle and high school
- Shepherding Your Adult Children - for those with children in college and beyond
- Shepherding Your Grandchildren - for those with grandchildren of any age
Throughout scripture, the metaphor of the shepherd is used to describe those entrusted with caring for, guiding and leading others. But what does it look like to live out that calling as a parent or grandparent? Together, we’ll explore a biblical framework for shepherding and discover three key responsibilities that can help us shepherd well through every stage of family life. Each session will offer practical, immediately applicable steps for clearer communication, stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of how we can faithfully guide the people God has placed in our lives. Whether you’re parenting young children, navigating the teenage years, supporting adult children or investing in the next generation as a grandparent, you’ll be encouraged and equipped to lead with wisdom, grace and purpose.
Join us on your own or with your whole family for a meal at 6 p.m. (register below) and classes begin at 6:30 p.m.
SOTV Snap Shot Newcomer Info Event
Sunday, Sept. 27 at 12 p.m.
SOTV Room 19
Whether you’re new to Shepherd of the Valley, have been visiting for a while, or simply want to learn more, SOTV Snapshot is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of who we are.
Join us for a meal, meet our pastor and staff, hear stories from members of our church family, and ask questions in a relaxed conversation. Through a member panel and Q&A, you’ll discover what makes Shepherd of the Valley special, how we live out our mission, and what it means to be part of a church family that is one family, following one shepherd.
There’s no pressure and no obligation to join—just a chance to connect, learn more, and get a snapshot of life at SOTV. Register using the link below.
Stepping Up Men's Bible Study This Fall
Tuesdays beginning September 22, 6 - 8 p.m.
SOTV Room 19
What does it mean to be a man who lives with courage, purpose and a clear vision for life? In Stepping Up, Dennis Rainey, cofounder of FamilyLife®, challenges men to embrace courageous, biblical manhood through every stage of life. This study will help you honestly evaluate where you are, discover God's purpose for your life, and develop a plan to live with intentionality and faith. Whether you're just beginning your journey or seeking renewed direction, this study offers practical encouragement and biblical wisdom. This study will meet for 10 weeks on Tuesdays beginning September 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the church. Please contact our Men’s Ministry Coordinator, Brandon Killam, to sign up.
LWML Fall Kick-Off Event
Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.
SOTV Youth Room
All women are invited to join the LWML for Taco Tuesday, their fall kick-off event. Come for a fun evening of fellowship and learn more about the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and how you can get involved. This event will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. in the Youth Room at SOTV. Please RSVP to Deb Jackson(opens in new tab) via email.
Volunteers Needed for the SOTV Fall Fest!
Sunday, October 4 from 2-5 p.m.
SOTV - Various Locations
We’re excited to invite the whole community to a Fall Festival at the church on Sunday, October 4, from 2 - 5 p.m. This fun, family-friendly event will feature a magician, balloon artist, hayrack rides, giant sling shot, food truck, a prayer station, hands-on service opportunities and more!. We need about 50 volunteers to help make the festival run smoothly and spark meaningful connections with guests. Shifts are just two hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the event too!
Opportunities Include:
- Welcome Tent: Greet guests as they arrive, hand out fliers and thank people for coming
- Parking/Safety: Assist with traffic
- Inflatables: Ensure safety and keep lines moving
- Crafts, Face Painting, Bobbing for Apples, Bubbles, Photo Booth: Bring joy and creativity to kids and families
- Prayer and Service Stations: Encourage reflection and community connection with the YMCA Supportive Housing Program
- Pie-Eating Contest: Make pies before the event or be a judge/organizer at the event
- Setup/Tear Down: Assist with event logistics including temporary fencing, yard games, tables, garbage, etc.
Volunteer shifts are 1:30–3:30 p.m. or 3:30–5:30 p.m. Grab a friend and volunteer together! Sign up at the table in the church lobby after Sunday worship or email Jessica Wardenburg to sign up. Your time will help make this celebration a meaningful, memorable day for everyone!
Save the Date for the Next SOTV Women's Retreat
Friday, Nov. 6 6 -8:30 p.m and Saturday, Nov. 7 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
SOTV Sanctuary
Save the date(s) for From Ragged to Rest: A Spiritual Retreat for Women this fall! This refreshing women's retreat will feature author Gretchen Ronnevik as we explore themes from her book Ragged through the hope of the Gospel. Together women will reflect on spiritual disciplines that sustain weary hearts and help us rest in Christ's grace, especially for those who feel spiritually worn, overwhelmed or ragged by the demands of life. Lunch on Saturday and snacks throughout the retreat are included. The cost is $30 per person. Come away for a time of encouragement, meaningful conversation, prayer and renewal as we remember that our hope and strength are found in Jesus. If you are interested in reading Gretchen’s book prior to the event contact Tia Pugh to borrow a copy. Look for registration details soon!
Join the JuBELLation Bell Choir
If you’re looking for a way to serve at SOTV, consider the JuBELLation handbell choir! JuBELLation uses the gift of music to enhance worship services and share God's love with our congregation and the wider community. Ringers work together to create beautiful music through dedication, teamwork, and a spirit of worship. The group generally performs once a month during both 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. worship services, September through May. JuBELLation also performs at outreach events in the community, usually around Christmastime. Practices are held Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. with an optional Bible study immediately following. This ministry is open to anyone interested in learning—no previous handbell experience is required. For more information and to get started, please contact Karla Gierstorf.
Join Us for Morning Prayer on Tuesdays
Start your Tuesdays with us in prayer! Each week at 7:15 a.m., before our Pastor John David’s morning devotional on Zoom, we gather in the Sanctuary for a simple, meaningful time of prayer together. It’s a chance to center your heart, lift up our church and community, and begin your day grounded in God’s presence. Whether you can come every week or just once in a while, you’re always welcome. Join us this Tuesday using Door 6 to enter the church. We’d love to see you there!
Serve at SOTV Starting This Fall!
We have several opportunities to serve now in a variety of areas. When needed, training will be provided. Please reach out to the appropriate contact if you are interested in learning more. We hope everyone at SOTV finds a way to support our church family through a heart of service.
Tech Ministry - Contact Angie Spann
- Run slides for 10:30 worship
- Run sound for worship services
Music Ministry - Contact Angie Spann
- Pianist for 8 a.m. services
- Adult choir director
- Adult choir member
- JuBELLation (handbell) choir member
Hospitality Ministry - Contact Meg Zierke
- Greeters
- Connectors
Children’s Ministry - Contact Tia Pugh
- Sunday School teacher
- Children’s Message leader
Worship Ministry - Contact Angie Spann
- Usher
- Greeter
- Scripture Reader
- Altar Guild
Daily Devotion and Prayer Available on Zoom
Have you have been looking for a way to start your day in God’s word? SOTV offers a daily devotion live on Zoom at 7:30 a.m. which follows the readings from the church year calendar. This devotion is led by Pastor John David Monday -Thursday, and by a member of our congregation on Fridays. If you wake up a bit earlier, you can jump on the Zoom at 7:15 to join others for morning prayer. Please email Pastor John David to request the Zoom link and meeting code. Previous devotions are available to listen to on our SoundCloud page.
Support Our Door 6 Ministry
Our “Door 6” ministry team -- made up of both high school youth and adults volunteers -- provides a free continental breakfast to students from Valley High School who park in our lot. Each Tuesday morning during the school year, VHS students make stopping by Door 6 to snag some breakfast items before heading to school part of their weekly routine. Our team builds relationships with the students by learning their names and activities they’re involved in, then sending them off with a cheerful smile and wishing them the best each week. It’s another way SOTV is practicing growing relationships with those outside our walls!
You can help SOTV continue this practice of our “genuine hospitality” value in one of three ways:
- Purchase a RaiseRight gift card for HyVee on Sunday morning and donate it to help pay for breakfast items.
- Donate directly using our online giving link. Select “General” for fund, and be sure to type “Door 6 Ministry” in the memo line.
- Help out on Tuesday mornings. Contact Angie Spann to sign up.
Support Our High School Youth Using Raise Right Giftcards
Purchasing gift cards through RaiseRight is an EASY way you can support the kids in our High School Youth Group. For every gift card you buy, a percentage in cashback is deposited directly into our fundraising account to help pay for travel, food and other costs related to participating in mission trips, district events and youth gatherings.
Download the RaiseRight mobile app to purchase e-gift cards instantly to use right from your phone. Download the RaiseRight app today at www.raiseright.com and sign up using our church enrollment code: AC2D2442L516. Or CLICK HERE for a direct link to our sign up page. For any questions, please contact our Raise Right coordinator, Amber Kelley.