The empowering and guiding hand of God has been evident in all who have served their Lord and this church in any number of capacities.
It has been a challenging, productive and rewarding twenty-five years for the faithful members of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church . May all that we do in this place honor His name, uphold His church, serve His people and advance His eternal Kingdom. Soli Deo Gloria! To God Alone the Glory!

1981-1989
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church held their first services on January 11, 1981 , at Rosemount Elementary School with 53 persons in attendance. Pastor Paul Harrington conducted this first service. A few weeks later, a Sunday School for all ages was begun as well as an adult choir and women’s Bible study groups. On November 1, 1981 , then Bishop Elmo Agrimson, presided over a meeting at which our constitution was ratified and we were officially welcomed as a member congregation of the ALC . Pastor Harrington was installed as the first pastor of the new congregation.

During those first few years, services were held at various locations, including Rosemount Elementary, Greenleaf Elementary and a building owned by the Church of the Latter Day Saints. On March 24, 1982 , we purchased 5 acres of land on Johnny Cake Ridge Road and on June 24, 1984 , a groundbreaking service was held. It may have been prophetic that only a few days after occupying our new church in December of 1984, it was filled to capacity as the congregation gathered for Christmas worship.

During the remainder of the eighties, steady and solid growth characterized congregational life. Additional staff persons were added including Assistant Pastor David Brueshoff and Parish Worker, Cris Ireland , to help better serve the needs of the congregation. The worship schedule doubled from two to four services and other programs were added to meet the growing number needs within the church family. It quickly became apparent that more space would be needed. On July 24, 1988 , we began working on a building project that would add a new nave, narthex, office complex and educational unit.

1990-1999
Growth continued into the nineties, bringing new challenges and opportunities for this ministry. Pastor Jeff Sandgren joined us in November of 1990. Pastor Duane Paetznick was ordained at our church in the summer of 1993 after serving the previous year as our Director of Christian Education. Three more pastors were added to our staff in 1997. Pastor Chris Smith and Pastor Mary Lund came in April of 1997 and Bonnie Wilcox joined the pastoral staffing August, 1997, after serving on the staff as Small Group Ministry Leader, while attending seminary. She was ordained at our church on September 27, 1997 . Pastor Randy Brandt joined the staff in 2002; and Pastor Deb Stehlin was ordained here in 2003. In addition, we have been fortunate to have several part-time visitation pastors in recent years. They have included Pastors Ray Mehl, Paul Edstrom, Ed Bersagel and Jim Voelker. Staff persons have been added to help with music, finances, custodial care of the building, nursery, youth work, education, small group ministries, volunteer ministries and secretarial work. Our preschool, Celebrating Children Preschool, opened its doors in the fall of 1994 with 42 children enrolled. Linda Haugen and Margaret Harrington were the first co-directors of the school.

Along with this growth came expanding needs and another building project was begun in May of 1995. This 25,000 square foot addition was dedicated on March 4 and 5, 1996, and added a 1,000 seat worship center, large narthex, office complex, sacristy, restrooms, utility rooms and parking for an additional 400 cars. In the summer of 1999, a 900 square foot kitchen was completed and in the fall of 1999, an additional 12,000 square feet were dedicated, giving us additional education space, a youth room and nursery.

A combined pastoral, educational and office staff of about 70 persons serves in either full or part-time positions. As of May 2006, our baptized membership was about 8500, representing about 2400 households. Church school for 1,130 students and confirmation for 825 students is held weekly on Sunday mornings, Monday evenings, Wednesday evenings and Saturday evenings. There are also several Bible Studies each week and numerous opportunities for us to gather as individuals, couples and families.