SOTV SELECTED FOR FAMILY FAITH EVERY DAY PROGRAM GRANT
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We are delighted to share that Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church has been selected as one of seventeen congregations across North America to participate in Family Faith Every Day — an innovative three-year program focused on empowering families to make faith an integral part of daily life.
Shepherd of the Valley was selected for our commitment to fostering family faith practices and our readiness to engage in this transformative opportunity. We will receive workbooks, training materials, access to a faith-formation library, and ongoing support to ensure the success of this initiative.
The Family Faith Every Day initiative, funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc., and supported through a partnership with the Atlantic School of Theology, aims to equip parents and caregivers to incorporate simple yet meaningful faith practices into their routines at home. With leadership from Rev. Traci Smith, Program Director, and Rev. Dr. Dave Csinos, Research Director, the program will provide financial support, printed resources, and expert coaching to equip us for this important mission.
- Three-Year Commitment | Congregations receive up to $15,000 over three years to develop and sustain family faith initiatives.
- Peer-Learning Cohorts | One leader from each congregation will join a cohort to receive training, coaching, and opportunities to collaborate with leaders from diverse theological backgrounds. Family Ministry Director, Katie Strand, will represent SOTV in this cohort and act as point person in utilizing the grant.
- Parenting Circles | Our church will create parenting circles, offering a space for parents and caregivers to learn and implement faith-based practices using a curriculum inspired by Chalice’s Faithful Families series, written by Rev. Traci Smith.
- Research and Evaluation | Led by Research Director Rev. Dr. Dave Csinos, the program will evaluate the effectiveness of these practices to develop resources and insights for broader use.
Rev. Smith emphasizes the importance of faith formation in the home: “We know that nurturing faith in young children starts at home. Through this program, we are equipping leaders to train parents and caregivers to integrate faith practices into their daily routines. These practices will strengthen family bonds, deepen spiritual connections, and create lasting traditions that can be passed down through generations."
MORE TO COME
Stay tuned for updated and stories as we launch parenting circles and other family faith activities over the coming months. We look forward to seeing how this program will enrich our church community, helping us grow in faith together-one day at a time.