General Information

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

General Information

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Main Office: 952-432-6351 Hours: M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Education & Youth Office: 952-432-6385 Get Directions

Snow/Cold Cancellation

Spotlight Ministries

Baptisms at Shepherd of the Valley
SOTV celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism every second weekend of the month during regular worship services and, as needed, every third weekend of the month as a separate baptism service at 12:30 PM.

Baptism forms must be completed prior to scheduling a baptism. Forms are also available at the Welcome Center.

To schedule a baptism, please contact Jill Johnson at 952-985-7381one month in advance.

Baptism Class
A one-hour baptism class*, led by Pastor Mary Lund, is offered every first Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM. (

(Please note: Maundy Thursday falls on the 1st Thursday in April, so the class will be held on the 2nd Thursday : April 8.)

Parents are welcome to bring babies to class as childcare is not available.

*This class is required only for families preparing for their first baptism at SOTV.

New Member Classes

SOTV regularly offers New Member classes that are held on three consecutive Tuesday evenings or Sunday mornings. Pastor Chris Smith leads the groups with information about our church history, mission, and the many opportunities for involvement in our church activities. Classes are casual and childcare is provided. Then, on the weekend following the last class, new members are "received" into the congregation at one of the church services, by standing together and coming forward for a blessing. There is no registration for the class and childcare is provided.

We want you to continually be aware that you COUNT in our worship and activities, to our staff, to our members, and to God. We thank you for your past participation and support, and want to encourage you to continue your involvement with SOTV, and to consider becoming a member of our church by attending a future New Member Class.

New Member Classes 2009-10:

Tuesdays: September 22, 29, October 6 7:00-8:00 PM
Sundays: January 10, 17, 24 11:00 AM- Noon
Tuesdays: Feb 23, March 2, 9 7:00-8:00 PM
Sundays: April 25, May 2, 9 11:00 AM - Noon

For additional information please contact Lori Bullock.
top

Wedding Plans
The pastors at SOTV believe entering into marriage and planning the wedding ceremony deserve careful preparation. As such, SOTV requires a minimum of six months for the booking and planning for your wedding. Also, either the Bride and/or the Groom must be a member of SOTV.

For more information, please contact our Wedding Coordinator, Jill Johnson at 952-985-7381 or jill.johnson@sotv.org to begin the wedding planning process.

We look forward to working with you at this very special time!
top

Funerals
Contact: Lori Bullock at 952-985-7324 or lori.bullock@sotv.org top

Event & Program Registration
Some events/programs offer online registration. You can also register at church. The Welcome Center in the narthex takes registrations on the weekends during worship hours or stop by the main office 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday.

KidCare & Nursery Information
Contact: Jill Schroeder at 952-985-7352

For programs other than worship, Shepherd of the Valley’s KidCare provides childcare for children ages 6 weeks -12 years old.
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. To register for KidCare please click here.

Nursery is available for no charge during the Saturday and Sunday worship services for children ages 6 weeks - 3 years old.
top

Yes, we have a NEW library at SOTV!
Perhaps you were not aware that we have a NEW library at our church. It’s true. It is in the Shepherd Room – right next to the Music Room. Stop by to CHECK IT OUT!
top

SOTV Procedures for Snow/Cold Cancellation
If School District 196 closes because of snow or cold, Shepherd of the Valley will cancel children’s and youth classes and events. Please check the SOTV website for the status of any activities or events for that day.
top

Sermons on CD Ministry
If you have enjoyed a sermon or worship service, SOTV offers a copy of the service on CD. To reserve a copy, sign up at the Welcome Center. Suggested donation is $2.
top

What’s new with you?
New e-mail, change of home address, new phone number, new baby, new spouse? Please e-mail infochange@sotv.org with your news— join us in the effort to keep up with you.
top

Newsletter Guidelines
Contact: Marianna Smith at 952-985-7326 or marianna.smith@sotv.org

Weekly News for the Flock: All articles must be submitted by Tuesday noon the week before you want your ad to run. If not received by 12:00 PM, it will run the next week. All articles may be edited for space and timeliness. We suggest 40 words or less to honor all requests.

Bi-monthly News for the Flock: Deadline is the 1st of the month prior to the publication.
top

Spotlight Ministries & Temple Talks
Each weekend throughout the year, a church group is featured as the “Spotlight Ministry.” Tables are set up in the narthex area, providing detailed information about each ministry. Keep your eyes open, as there are new and exciting events featured each weekend. If your church group would like to reserve a table or one of the limited temple talk spots, contact Lori Bullock at 952-985-7324 or lori.bullock@sotv.org.
top