Learn About Affinity Groups
Check Out Schedules Below
Join us to learn about genealogy resources and tools, and to share and connect with others in areas of ancestry and faith.
Questions? Email Coleen
When & Where
The biking season is over for 2025. Please check back in the spring of 2026 for more information.
What to Expect
Do you love to bicycle along beautiful traffic-free trails? Join us and bring a friend to our monthly rides. Both experienced and beginning cyclist will find the outings enjoyable as the length of each ride is designed to be flexible. After biking, we will enjoy lunch together.
Questions? Email Phil and Paula Swiggum or Ron and Kathy Carlson
When & Where
1st Tuesday of Each Month
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Shepherd of the Valley (with a Zoom option December - April)
The Book Club chooses a diverse selection of books, including some classics.
- February 3: Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- March 3: James by Percival Elliot
- April 7: The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- May 5: The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin
- June 2: Murder on the Red River by Marie Rendon
When & Where
2nd Tuesdays of Each Month
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Shepherd of the Valley
What to Expect
This group meets monthly. They recycle when possible, re-purpose with purpose, and reduce so their heirs won’t have to.
Questions? Email Krista
When & Where
4th Thursdays of Each Month (not meeting June - August & December)
1:30 - 3:30 PM
Shepherd of the Valley
What to Expect
Come work out at church – on your brain, that is! Each month we will either learn and focus on a new game or play a favorite the group selects and just have fun and laugh. We’ll play cards and other types of games the group is interested in so feel free to bring your ideas or favorite game. Come and get to know new people, exercise your brain, and learn something new.
Questions? Email Jean or call 952.435.7385 or Gloria or call 763.670.4084
When & Where
Usually the 4th Thursday of each month
1:00 – 2:30 PM
Zoom (2/26, 3/26)
Shepherd of the Valley (4/23, 5/28, 6/25)
What to Expect
The purpose of the Legacy Writing Affinity Group is to support each other as we write regularly about our own lives. We do this writing for future generations, for ourselves, and for others in the Legacy Writing group. When we gather we discuss our writing endeavors. Every month the group is given a writing “exercise” that prompts our writing for the month.
The group meets monthly and is facilitated by retired Lutheran pastor Duane Paetznick.
Questions? Email Duane
When & Where
- Friday, February 20, 11:30 AM, Porter Creek, 14201 Burngarten Dr, Burnsville
Friday, March 13, 11:30 AM, Cam Ranh Bay, 1006 County Rd 42, Burnsville
Monday, April 13, 11:30 AM, Barley and Vine, 17516 Dodd Blvd, Lakeville
What to Expect
Mark your calendar & join us for good food and fellowship! Invite a friend to come too!
Questions? Email Rachel or call 952.891.3350
When & Where
Mondays
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Shepherd of the Valley Narthex
What to Expect
…and when life became too frenzied she took up her knitting and breathed a while to the rhythm of the stitches and rows until her smile returned and her mind was calm This group is for those that enjoy doing needlework, knitting, crocheting, or cross-stitching. Bring your project and work while enjoying the fellowship of others.
Although we emphasize knitting and crocheting, all needle arts are welcome.
Perhaps you would like some help with your knitting. Did you knit years ago? This may be the time to restart the knitting hobby. Knitting help will be available.
Questions? Call Jackie Hagen at 952.426.5361
Where & When
The pickleball season is over for 2025. Please check back in the spring of 2026 for more information.
What to Expect
SOTV members and friends are invited for fun and fellowship with those who love the sport and those who are looking to try it out. Pickleball is a great way to be physically active and interact with others.
All levels are welcome! Bring a pickleball paddle, balls, water, and a friend if you’d like.
If you are interested in trying it out, extra paddles and balls can be provided if needed. Hope to see you on the courts!
Questions? Email Phyllis
When & Where
3rd Wednesdays of Each Month
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Global Health Ministries
What to Expect
Meet in the SOTV parking lot at 9:00 AM to carpool, serve from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, then travel home.
Join us at Global Health Ministries (7831 Hickory St NE, Fridley, MN 55432). We will help prepare medical supplies for shipping overseas. Projects include sorting and packing medical supplies, quality control of donated items, inspecting newborn and hospice kits, etc. No medical experience required!
Come as often as you like and are able!