SOTV MINISTRY ACROSS AGES
Growing faith at every age and every stage.
At Shepherd of the Valley (SOTV), faith isn’t something reserved for a single moment or a single stage of life. It’s a journey. Every age brings its own questions, its own joys, its own needs. We join SOTV to grow, belong, and discover who God is calling us to be across every age and at every stage.
BIRTH — GRADUATION
Children, Youth and Family (CYF) includes ministries for all ages from birth through
graduation. They offer everything from Bible stories and interactive lessons to music, crafts, and meaningful friendships. These programs are designed to help children grow in their relationship with God in fun, supportive, and age-appropriate ways.
NEW BABY
Starting off in life’s early stages are ministries and resources offered to parents of newborn children. SOTV is excited to celebrate the life of your child. If you are expecting or have just had a new baby, you can reach out for newborn care packages. These a small gift from SOTV, new parenting resources, and prayer, blessings, and faith practices.
BIRTH – AGE 3
Little Lambs offers a warm, casual space for caregivers to connect while infants and
toddlers enjoy a safe, playful introduction to church. Kids can explore the nursery, relax on a blanket, or rest in your arms. While it’s directed at parents and one – three-year-olds, older siblings are welcome. This group meets from 9:30 – 10:30 AM weekly in the SOTV nursery. The day varies from month to month.
ELEMENTARY AGE
Shepherd’s Kids is an interactive Sunday School program held during the school year.
Children age three (by September 1) through kindergarten meet in the nursery, and grades 1 - 3 gather in small groups. New students may join anytime until capacity is reached. Leaders use a relational model with age-appropriate curriculum, music, crafts, prayer, service, and take-home faith resources to help children grow in community and faith. They meet on Sundays at 8:30, 9:45 or 11:00 AM
Zone 45 is designed for fourth and fifth graders, this ministry adapts throughout the year based on student, parent, and leader feedback. This group focuses on building strong relationships and community through engaging activities and honest conversation using a mix of large-group and small-group time, led by dedicated
volunteers we call “Crew Leaders.” They meet on Wednesdays at 4:30, 5:45 or 7:00 PM.
Mini Camp introduces campers to God’s amazing creation and diverse communities
worldwide through games, bible stories, crafts, snacks, and special guests. Learning to share their love of God and with one another, faith practices, and discovering God’s presence in daily life are key focuses. Older ages may also go off-site for unique and fun learning opportunities.
World of Wonder
3 Years Old – Grade 3 | June 15 – 18
Joyful Discipleship
Grades 4 & 5 | August 10 - 1
Vacation Bible School (VBS) spans ages preschool (age 4 by 9/1/2026) through grade 5. Children get to experience wave after wave of God’s great love through games, science, crafts, music, and Bible stories, all in a safe, welcoming space led by our dedicated team.
High Tide Harbor VBS
Week 1 | July 13 –16
Week 2 | July 20 –23
Confirmation begins in Grade 6 and is a relational, faith-formation program designed to help students discover their God-given gifts, learn how to use them, and apply their faith to real life through service and action. It offers space to learn, question, and grow so young people can choose to claim their faith for themselves and say, “Yes, God!”
Grades 6 - 8
Wednesdays at 4:30, 5:45, or 7:00 PM
Grade 9
Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Service Track | Grades 6 – 9
Twice monthly, alternating between service projects and small group gatherings
Agents of Change mini camp is designed to inspire young minds to care for God’s creation. Drawing from powerful Bible stories where water brings life and renewal, campers will explore what it means to be good stewards of the natural world through hands-on science experiments, meaningful service projects, and character-building activities. Camp goes from August 10 – 13.
The Gathering
High school students gather for music, study, conversation, and occasional activities. While the topic or book being studied varies, each week challenges participants to a
deeper understanding of who God is and how they are called to live out their faith
in daily life. This group meets on Wednesdays in June & July, with a group planned for September – May beginning in 2026.
"More than a statement to be memorized or a lesson to be learned, growing in faith is a lifelong journey....
From the hope-filled dreams of expectant parents and the first steps of baptismal promises to the affirmations and prayers that give strength in twilight years, faith in Christ is nurtured and grows in community and across the ages. - Pastor Peter Harrits
ADULTHOOD
At its heart, Adult Ministries are about building community, friendships, and finding others with shared experiences. Adult Ministries Coordinator Julie Opheim says it best: “Adult Ministries at Shepherd of the Valley are where life happens. These small groups give people a sense of belonging, a way to build relationships and community. It’s how we make a big church feel like home.” To meet that goal, several groups have formed that align for certain age groups.
YOUNG ADULTS (20S - 30S)
Making friends in your twenties and navigating early adulthood can be challenging, but you don’t have to go it alone.
YAs (Young Adults) is SOTV’s 20s-30s group. It’s a relaxed, welcoming community for young adults to build friendships and enjoy time with others in a similar stage of life. This is a space to slow down, share life together, and enjoy monthly activities that range from game nights and outdoor adventures to creative workshops.
Mariah Opheim, a member of YAs since its inception in 2024 and life-long church
goer said, “I have enjoyed this group because I have really gotten to connect with
some great people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. We came together in the beginning
to come up with activities to do together, so we had a variety of outings planned around all our interests such as going to an apple orchard, grand slam, breweries,
trivia, etc. This group is for anyone!”
If you are a young adult or you know some, consider learning more about what this group has to offer. Reach out to Rose Bentley by email at rose.bentley@sotv.org or text at 612-718-0318 for more information.
MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS
The Empty Nesters caters to adults in their “middle Years.” This often includes adults transitioning to life after children have moved out (or even moved back in!), but it can include anyone from an empty nester, single or a couple, or someone who never had children. The Empty Nesters have regular educational, service, and social events.
OLDER ADULTS
Purposeful Retirement, the Senior OK’s (Older Kids), and WINK (Women in New
Konnections) make up ministries geared towards older adults. These groups are core to Adult Ministries, each bringing their own spark and purpose to the church.
Purposeful Retirement opens a space for those wanting the next chapter to feel
meaningful, connected, and full of life during retirement. The group brings together
purpose-driven adults who love learning new things, using their skills, helping others, and building real community.
The OK’s is a senior’s group for adults 55+ that meets monthly for coffee, treats, fellowship, and light entertainment. Their purpose is to help seniors build deeper relationships with Christ and with one another. According to members Dan and Jill Tusing, “OK’s (older kids) offer monthly opportunities to learn, socialize, and connect
with new and old friends in our SOTV community! Always a fun gathering!”
Gatherings take place on the third Tuesday of the month from 1:00 – 2:30 PM at SOTV.
WINK is a social group for women focused on laughter, conversation, and connection. Join to build friendships that feel both easy and meaningful. Whether you’re new to the church, hoping to meet people, or simply craving a little joy and companionship in
your week, WINK offers a welcoming circle ready to include you.
They meet every Sunday at 10:30 AM in the narthex for coffee and chatting.
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This overview of ministries across the ages covers some, but not all of the ministries Shepherd of the Valley has to offer. Additional information about all of these ministries can be found at sotv.org