Giving support is one of the most important things a church can offer.

At Shepherd of the Valley, we offer a variety of groups where folks can gather and share their mutual personal interests.

Education & Support 

Addiction Resources
A resource cart located in the church library has FREE information on substance abuse and mental health issues. For reliable resources regarding chemical and mental health issues for yourself, a child, teen, spouse or loved one please contact our Parish Nurses at Shepherd of the Valley. We also have a list of links on addiction resources.

ADHD, Autism, & Other Disabilities on the Spectrum
An educational opportunity for individuals to learn more about ADHD and network with others. Meetings are on Monday evenings. Find out more...

CBC (Challenged by Cancer)                
Meets 7:00-9:00 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of each month
An opportunity for women living with cancer to gather and support one another. Support groups have helped thousands of people cope with cancer, and no matter where you are in your journey, we encourage you to come.  If you have questions about this support group please leave a message on the parish nurse line (952) 985-7365 / parishnurse@sotv.org.       

Compassionate Friends
Meets at 7:00 PM on the third Tuesday of each month
These meetings are open to all parents who are grieving the loss of a child of any age from any cause. For more information, call Susan Ferber at (651) 683-9236 or e-mail Susan@Ferbers.us.

Depression Support Coalition
An opportunity for education and support for those suffering from depression and for the people who care for them. Find out more...

DivorceCare
January 29 - May 7, 2013
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Cost: $15, includes workbook
Register for class | Register for childcare
Through video presentations and group discussions, help is offered to those who are separated or going through divorce. Find out more...

Down Syndrome Parent Support Group
A group of parents meet on the 3rd Monday evening of each month, 6:30-8:30 PM.
Contact: Suzy Runkel at (952) 891-5082 or suzynelson@hotmail.com. 

GriefShare
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
April 2 – May 21
Cost: $15 (optional workbook)
Led by Pastor Diane Sponheim
Register for class // Register for childcare
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a loved one. Each week features a new video featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. After the video, you will spend time as a support group, discussing the video and what is going on in your lives. If your loss occurred very recently, this class may not be helpful for you. Please consult a pastor for counseling resources and wait at least six months after your loss before attending GriefShare.

Growing Through Loss

Tuesdays, March 5, 12 & 19
Registration, 6:30 p.m.; Speaker, 7:00 p.m.;
Support Groups (facilitated by trained leaders) 8:00 p.m.
Church of St. Peter, Mendota, MN
Freewill offering

An Interdenominational Coalition of South Suburban Churches presents Growing through Loss, a program that is offered to any adult experiencing a loss or major crisis and to Pastoral Ministers, i.e., Befrienders, Stephen Ministers and Samaritan Ministers.

March 5: “Meeting the Challenge of Multiple Losses in our Lives”
Paul Johnson, M.A., Consultant & Trainer, Woodbury

March 12: “Three Days to Resurrection”
Pastor Penny Zetler, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, West St. Paul

March 19: “Life Balance:Refocusing Your Life”
Sue Vento, Director of Outreach, Church of the Assumption, St. Paul

For additional information, call (952) 890-0045 or e-mail: gtl@mmotc.org

Job Connection Group
The job transition group meets Tuesdays at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church CHANGING CAREERS? NETWORKING? JOB SEARCHING?  Find out more...

NAMI Parent Resource Groups
Every 2nd & 4th Thursday
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at SOTV
Cost: Free
NAMI, 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. Pizza and childcare are available. Contact NAMI Minnesota at (651) 645-2948 for more information.