Worship
Worship is the heart of our church.
Baptism
Shepherd of the Valley, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, celebrates the Sacrament of Baptism as a many-faceted gift. We believe that “in Holy Baptism God delivers us from the forces of evil, puts our sinful self to death, gives us new birth, adopts us as children and makes us members of the body of Christ, the church.” (ELW page 225)
Baptism is a welcome into something new – we are welcomed into the story of God’s love for all people, into God’s family (the church), and into the kingdom of God. When someone is baptized, it marks the beginning (or continuation) of a lifelong journey of learning and nurturing faith.
Tips for Worshiping with Children
At Shepherd of the Valley, children are valued and nurtured, and we are committed to helping them learn how to worship. Children are not just the future of the church, they are the church today! We are not complete without God’s children of all ages bringing their hearts, minds, bodies, and voices together. We warmly welcome and encourage young children to attend worship – and we welcome the sounds and activity that come with them.
Children learn best by doing – early and often – and by watching the adults they love. Research tells us that children who worship with their caregivers are more likely to grow into adults who have a life-giving faith in Jesus Christ and who are connected to a worshipping, serving, learning community of faith themselves.
At baptism, we welcome children into God’s family and promise to journey with them. We want to support worship becoming a family habit, so below are practical tips for both young families and those who surround them, with love and faith, in our worship space.
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers with small children
- Thank you for making the effort to bring your family to worship! Attend as regularly as you can. Children learn through repetition and reinforcement.
- Try to arrive early, so you can use the bathroom, get settled in, answer questions, and point out important, interesting things about the sanctuary.
- Choose resources from the shelf outside the center Sanctuary doors to support engagement with worship. If you’re short on time, grab a pre-filled worship bag from the tree.
- All people are invited to color or draw during worship (paper, clipboards, and coloring utensils can be found in the worship resources shelf), and artwork may be shared as offering. Check out the Gallery Wall outside the Coffee Center to see some of the pieces on rotational display.
- Sit toward the front of the worship space. While this may feel risky, children who can see easily will be more engaged. You can always sit on the end of the row so that you can make an easy exit if necessary.
- Make sure your child has a bulletin, especially if they can read. Help your child find and identify different parts of the service. Let your child underline words he or she can read. There are also children’s bulletins for pre-readers and readers.
- Children learn worship etiquette from those around them. Model participation by responding with the congregation and singing the music. Feel free to speak in a whisper, close to your child’s ear to explain the meaning of words in music or liturgy.
- Practice frequently-used parts of the service together at home, like the Lord’s Prayer; encourage your child to join in as they start to become familiar.
- Help kids feel like they’re part of the action by finding places to volunteer in worship, individually or as a family. Holy Communion is offered to all people at Shepherd of the Valley, regardless of age.
- Children who do not receive communion are invited forward to receive a blessing.
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Link parts of the service to a positive sensory experience for your little one:
- Words about God’s love > hug baby close
- Pastor makes the sign of the cross > trace a cross on baby’s forehead
- Baptism (or reference to baptism) > “sprinkle” baby with your fingers like water drops
- Music > encourage baby to sing, clap, dance (sway, bounce) in your arms, or “drum”
- The “action” of musicians, pastors, other worship leaders > sit where baby can see it all
- Remember, it is hard for children to sit for a long time. Allow your child to sit or kneel on the floor and use the seat as a desk.
- If your child (or you) need a break, feel free to take them out of the service and come back in when ready. Or try again next week, lengthening the amount of time in worship each week until one day you may surprise yourselves by making it through the whole service!
- Families are welcome in all worship spaces and are invited to come and go from the Sanctuary as needed for care and service participation. A Supported Family Worship Space will be opening October 6.
People gathered for worship
- Thank you for communicating the love and welcome of Jesus Christ to our littlest worshipers and their families, and for supporting parents in fulfilling their baptismal promise to bring their child “faithfully to the services of God’s house.”
- Tell children you’re glad they’re in worship, and compliment parents for making the effort to get them there.
- Greet the children, not just their parents, around you before and after worship to make them feel like an important part of the worship service.
- Make it a goal to learn at least one child’s name in this congregation, and greet that child by name each time you see them in worship.
- Catch the child’s interest, wonder, and enthusiasm. Answer their questions.
- If you are distracted by a child’s activity, pray for that child.
- Hand offering baskets to children, not over their heads!
- Understand when parents need to take younger children out of worship and then return to worship. Make them feel welcome when they return, not self-conscious!
- Have patience with the learning process; sometimes children will be restless and active in worship. It can be hard for people of all ages to sit for an hour! This is how a church family is supposed to look and sound.
Additional resources for families
Communion
Holy Communion is a sacred meal in which the presence, love, forgiveness, and mercy of Christ come to us in bread and wine. God is the host and invites everyone, regardless of age, understanding, or background, to this table where faith is nourished.
While it is not a requirement to attend Communion Class before receiving Communion, we strongly encourage families to attend because learning about this sacrament can deepen its meaning.
Learn more about Holy Communion at Shepherd of the Valley.
Adult Choirs
Senior Choir
Grades 9 - 12 & Adults
Sounds of Praise Choir
Adults
Adult Instrumental Ensembles
Wind Ensemble
Grades 7 - 12 & Adults
Woodwind Ensemble
Grades 9-12 & Adults
Bells of St Andrew |Handbells
Adults
Children's Choirs
Cherub Choir
Kindergarten - Grade 1
Celebration Choir
Grades 2 - 5
Lighthouse Singers
Grades 6 and up
Children & Youth Handbells
Chapel Chimers
Kindergarten - Grade 1
Grace Notes
Grades 2 - 5
Valley Vibrations
Grades 6 - 12
Sanctuary Pipe Organ
Builder: Holtkamp Organ Co (2011)
Originally Aeolian-Skinner (Opus 1446, 1964)
Manuals: 3
Divisions: 5
Ranks: 52, (pf) 61
Stops: 41 (pf) 47
Pipes: 3085 (pf) 3549
Action: Pitman, electropneumatic; Great is slider
Notes: This Aeolian-Skinner instrument was purchased from Macalester College in St Paul. Holtkamp was hired to move, rebuild, and install the organ.
Swell and Choir are stacked on the left, with blower, reservoirs, and swell motors in a mechanical room to their left. Great (on slider chest) is in the center, with pedal behind, to the right and in the facade. Skinner chests are used in the Swell and Choir, front to back. At Macalester these chests were lined up end to end, making relatively shallow but wide chambers. Note how the ceiling descends into the organ, restricting somewhat the pipe height at the back of the organ area. It also acts as a megaphone to project the organ into the room.
Great Organ
- 16 Violone
- 8 Diapason
- 8 Violone
- 8 Dulciana
- 8 Nachthorn
- 8 Rohrbourdon
- 4 Octave
- 4 Openflute
- II Sesquialtera
- 2 Fifteenth
- IV Mixture 1-1/3
- 16 Double Trumpet (prepared for)
- 8 Trumpet
- 4 Clarion
- 16 Tuba Harmonique
- 8 Tuba Harmonique
- 8 Reformation Trumpet (pf)
- Tremulant
- Great 16
- Great Unison Off
- Antiphonal on Great (pf)
- Glockenspiel
- Zimbelstern
Swell Organ
- 16 Lieblich Gedackt
- 8 Geigen Diapason
- 8 Spitz Viol
- 8 Viol Celeste
- 8 Hohlflute
- 8 Lieblich Gedackt
- 4 Octave Geigen
- 4 Traverse Flute
- 2 Zauberflute
- III-V Plein Jeu 2-2/3
- 16 Bassoon
- 8 Trompette
- 8 Hautbois
- 16 Tuba Harmonique (Gt)
- 16 Reformation Trumpet (pf)
- 16 Double Trumpet (Gt)
- 8 Tuba Harmonique (Gt)
- 8 Reformation Trumpet (pf)
- 8 Trumpet (Gt)
- Tremulant
- Sw 16
- Sw Unison Off
- Sw 4
- Antiphonal on Swell
Choir Organ
- 8 Viola Pomposa
- 8 Viola Celeste
- 8 Bourdon
- 8 Flauto Dolce
- 8 Flute Celeste
- 4 Octave
- 4 Rohrflute
- 2-2/3 Nazard
- 2 Doublette
- 1-3/5 Tierce
- III Scharf 1-1/3
- 16 Cromorne
- 8 English Horn
- 8 Cromorne
- 16 Tuba Harmonique (Gt)
- 8 Tuba Harmonique (Gt)
- 8 Reformation Trumpet (pf)
- Tremulant
- Ch 16
- Ch Unison Off
- Ch 4
- Antiphonal on Choir
- Glockenspiel
Pedal Organ
- 32 Violone
- 32 Bourdon Bass
- 16 Principal
- 16 Violone (Gt)
- 16 Bourdon
- 16 Lieblich Gedackt (Sw)
- 16 Flute (pf)
- 8 Octave
- 8 Violone
- 8 Octave Bourdon
- 8 Nachthorn
- 8 Lieblich Gedackt (Sw)
- 4 Superoctave
- 4 Nachthorn
- 2 Nachthorn
- IV Mixture (pf)
- 32 Trombone Bass
- 16 Trombone
- 16 Double Trumpet (pf) (Gt)
- 8 Trompette (pf)
- 8 Trombone
- 16 Bassoon (Sw)
- 8 Bassoon (Sw)
- 4 Trompette (pf)
- 4 Clairon
- 8 Tuba Harmonique (Gt)
- 8 Reformation Trumpet (pf) (Ant.)
- Glockenspiel
- Antiphonal on Pedal (pf)
Antiphonal Organ (Prepared for)
- 8 Gemshorn
- 8 Flute
- 4 Octave
- 4 Flute
- 2 Gemshorn
- 8 Reformation Trumpet
Questions
Serve
Thank you for considering supporting the ministry of SOTV!
SOTV is a community of people in every age and every stage of life where all are invited to grow in their faith through our core ministries of worship, learn, connect, and care. This is a place where all are invited to come as they are, be surrounded by God’s love, and see what we can do together!
We serve as a loving response to the unconditional, no strings attached, love we have received through Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught us, to love is to serve one another.
SOTV has a strong commitment to our church, our community, and our global partnerships. Whether you want to volunteer once or regularly, we have ways you can get involved!
Weddings
At SOTV, we believe entering into marriage and planning the wedding ceremony deserve careful consideration. As such, we require a minimum of six months for the booking and planning of your wedding. Also, at least one member of the wedding couple must be a member of SOTV.
Weddings at SOTV are typically scheduled on Saturdays at 3:00 pm. For availability and more information, please contact our Wedding Coordinator, Jill Johnson at 952.985.7381 to begin the wedding planning process. We look forward to working with you at this very special time!
Worship Band: Grade 9 - Adults
- Rehearsal: 9:00 – 10:30 am on Sundays in the Music Room
- Lead Worship: Weekly on Sundays at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
What to Expect
Openings in this ensemble are filled by audition.
What is the time commitment?
Rehearsals are on Sundays from 9:00 – 10:30 am; then lead worship on Sunday at 11:00 am.
What is the purpose of the worship band?
We provide energetic and dynamic praise music at our band-led worship service. We focus on tight rhythms, soaring guitars, and rich harmonies. We seek to create opportunities to experience God’s presence through music and worship.
What to expect for worship
We gather around God’s word and sacraments, offering our thanks and praise.- A rotation of our pastors preaching and leading worship
- Fellowship (donuts and coffee) is located in the Narthex/Atrium on Sundays. Join others to mingle and enjoy a treat!
- Live music provided by handbells, choirs, and ensembles (organ/piano) and by our worship band (band-led)
- Printed bulletins are available, but all services have instructions available on the screens in the sanctuary
- Holy Communion is celebrated on the first and third weekends during organ/piano-led worship and weekly during band-led worship. Communion is at the front of the sanctuary and served as individual wafers with a glass of wine or grape juice.
- Hymnals and Bibles are located in the pew racks
- Children’s worship activity bags are available as you walk into worship
- Read our tips for worshiping with children
- A small church feel in a large church setting
Supported Family Worship Space
FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO WORSHIP TOGETHER
“Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14)
Families are welcome in all worship spaces and are invited to come and go from the Sanctuary as needed for care and service participation. A Supported Family Worship Space is available in the chapel.
Questions?
Contact Kelsey Young.
Serve
- Shepherd of the Valley involves the congregation, choral groups, instrumentalists, handbells, and service assistants who participate and lead. There are many opportunities to get involved, using the talents God has gifted you!
Learn
Experience Jesus through faith-filled relationships.
Adult Education
People in all stages of their faith journey are invited to connect with one another to grow their biblical understanding, strengthen relationships, apply faith to daily life, and serve Christ together. .
We offer short term Bible studies and discussions led by pastors and experts, and ongoing peer-led bible studies for men and women.
We offer a variety of classes that address your needs and interests on topics related to faith, retirement, care, and end-of-life planning. We also have weekly forums on Sundays in Rooms 20 - 21, and special classes and events.
SOTV has many events and classes to offer. Find one that’s right for you and bring a friend!
Baptism Class for Parents of Infants and Toddlers
What to Expect
Meet with other parents, a Pastor, and the Family Ministry Director to learn about the promises made at baptism and the baptism process at SOTV. Families must attend class before their first baptism at SOTV. Children are welcome; most classes meet in the nursery, and many activities are participatory and age-appropriate. The class is approximately one hour.
Baptism class for parents of infants and toddlers is held monthly throughout the year. Baptism classes for older children/youth and their parents are held annually. For adults or older teens interested in baptism, please email Pastor Peter Harrits.
Shepherd of the Valley is committed to welcoming people of all abilities and working to understand and meet the needs of our congregation. If your child needs an accommodation, modification, or assistance to fully participate in this event, please indicate this in the “Health Concern Explanation” field of your registration, and your program leader will follow up if there are questions. We may not be able to meet all requests at this time.
We intend to take photos and/or video during programming and other events, which may appear in worship, social media, website, or congregational communication without names listed. If you have a concern about this, please email Kelsey Young.
Confirmation | Grades 6-9
What is Confirmation Ministry at SOTV?
Confirmation is a highly-relational faith formation program for students in grades 6 – 9. This program is designed to help students name and grow their unique, God-given gifts, with the invitation to use those gifts for service in the church and in the world. At baptism, parents and sponsors said, “Yes, God!” on the child’s behalf. Confirmation is the opportunity for a young person to grow, question, and explore so they may make the decision to take ownership of their faith and continue to say, “Yes, God!”
Confirmation runs September – May, with registration beginning in June. New students are welcome to join at any time throughout the year or at any point in Grades 6 – 9.
Communion Class
What to Expect
Children accompanied by at least one parent or guardian are invited to attend a communion learning experience. This one-night class (about 60 minutes) is a shared parent/child experience to support a meaningful communion practice. The class includes videos, discussion time, tasting of the bread and wine, prayer, and answering children’s questions. Families are then invited to worship at a church service following the class to participate in the celebration of communion together.
If a child is curious about and asking to take communion, we invite you listen to that cue, and consider enrolling in the communion class. Staff can answer questions about your child’s readiness for Holy Communion.
Grandparenting
Grandparents are an important relationship for children! At Shepherd of the Valley, we value your participation in the faith life of your grandchildren.
Here are some resources and events specifically for you! This information will be coming soon!
Explore our Church Library
The SOTV library is located in the Shepherd Room (by the Great Hall, Music Room, and Food Shelf).
- Book discussions
- DVD studies
- Bible studies
- Family/marriage/parenting resources
Men's Ongoing Bible Studies
Men of all ages are invited to join a weekly Bible study or book discussion that fits into your schedule and enriches your life!
Preschool
Shepherd of the Valley Preschool in Apple Valley is a state licensed, half-day weekday preschool. Classes are offered two, three, and four days a week from September through May for children ages 3, 4, & 5.
Racial Truth & Justice
Seeking to widen our welcome and better accompany our neighbors, we provide educational and reflective experiences about systemic racism and white privilege to and with the SOTV community at all ages and stages of life. Through listening to BIPOC communities, learning and inward reflection/examination, we work to empower the SOTV community to speak and act boldly against racism.
Email Julie to be added to the email list, to learn about upcoming events, or with suggestions.
Shepherd's Kids Sunday School | Age 3 - Grade 3
Christian Education
Shepherd’s Kid’s Sunday School is our fun, creative, and interactive Christian education program that runs during the school year. There are two programs separated by age. All children age three (by September 1) through Kindergarten spend their time in the nursery. First through third graders are invited into small group classrooms. New students are welcome to join throughout the year until we reach capacity.
Shepherd’s Kids utilizes a highly relational large and small group model to nurture children in faith and community. Senior high youth and adults volunteer their time as leaders to help children grow in their faith. To ensure a quality program, we: - Utilize our talented staff to create and enhance curriculum
- Train our volunteers and offer ongoing support
- Complete background checks on all adult volunteers
- Supply age-appropriate Bibles for all participants
- Incorporate music, crafts, prayer, and service to reinforce the biblical message
- Provide resources to grow in faith at home
Sunday Forum
When & Where
Sundays
9:45 – 10:45 AM
Shepherd of the Valley (Rooms 20-21)
No registration necessary
What to Expect
inspired speakers. opened minds.
During the months of September - April, people of all ages are invited to hear professors, teachers, and members of our congregation present topics connected to our faith. These speakers inspire us in our faith to seek a better understanding of God in today's everchanging world.
Women's Ongoing Bible Studies
Women of all ages are invited to join a monthly bible study or book discussion that fits into your schedule and enriches your life!
Zone 45 | Grades 4-5
Christian Education
Zone 45 is the gap between Shepherd’s Kids and Confirmation. It truly is its own zone! Although, this program incorporates familiar styles and activities found in both Shepherd’s Kids and Confirmation, it is tailored specifically for this age group, and is highly adaptable based on student, parent and leader feedback!
In Zone 45, we believe in fostering strong relationships and building community through exciting activities and sincere communication. We operate on a dynamic model that combines both large and small group interactions, allowing children to connect with peers and dedicated volunteers, whom we fondly call ‘Crew Leaders.’
Connect
We join together in fellowship, service, and outreach.
Community Garden
When & Where
Yearly sign-ups for garden plots begin in the spring.
Email Don or call 952.985.7340 to discuss the Community Garden.
What to Expect
Break out of your shell and get to know your neighbors as you plant and harvest side-by-side. Grow relationships and knowledge in addition to your plants. You’re welcome to share some of your produce with the SOTV Food Shelf, located inside the church.
There are two sizes of garden plots: 4’ x 16’ and 4’ x 8’. Annual fees are $25 for a large plot and $15 for a small plot. All fees are put back into the space. First-time users pay a one-time administrative fee of $25. Besides the plots, there are eight water stations and some gardening tools available for use.
Empty Nesters
- What will your identity be during this new time in your life?
- What are your interests and how can you connect these interests with others?
- Has your involvement at church become less? Would you like to be more involved?
At Shepherd of the Valley, we believe that relationships and community are important, especially during times of transition. The “middle age” years often entail kids moving out (and sometimes back), caring for elderly parents, employment transitions, and other unique joys and challenges. Let’s ride the wave together!
What to Expect
The Empty Nester group hosts a variety of events, both at SOTV and locally. Events will be a time to meet others, and enjoy fellowship and community with a group of people that are in the same stage of life.
The Empty Nester group has a Steering Team that plans monthly activities. Each of these events support one of the following three areas:
- Service
- Learn
- Social
Who Can Attend
Whether you are a new or established empty nester, single or a couple, never had children, a member of SOTV or not, you are welcome to join any of the planned activities.
Cultural Dinner Small Group
This is an Empty Nester Small Group that meets quarterly at a restaurant in the Twin Cities to experience a different type of ethnic food. We learn more about our neighbors while enjoying food and fellowship together.
What to Expect
The Food Shelf depends entirely on the support of our dedicated volunteers, whose efforts make it an invaluable resource for our community. We are deeply grateful for their commitment. We invite you to join our volunteer team and be part of an energized group focused on serving our neighbors. Your involvement will help us continue to provide essential support to those in need. Consider making a difference today!
Food Shelf Volunteer
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Most needed volunteers
Volunteers: (Tues or Thurs – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm or 1:00 – 4:30 pm) Stock/sort/pre-pack and shop with clients. Commitment twice per month.
Volunteers: (Sat – 8:30 am – 12:30 pm). Stock/sort/pre-pack and shop with clients.
Rescue Support volunteers: (Tues or Thurs – 8:30 am – 12:00 pm) Requires no client contact. Receive grocery store food, check dates, and stock shelves. Commitment twice per month.
Monday truck delivery help: (9:30 am – 12:00 pm) Requires no client contact. Unload food items, stock shelves, refrigerators, and freezers. Must be able to lift 40lbs. Commitment twice per month.
Training is provided for all volunteer positions.
Other volunteer opportunities:
Delivery support role: Volunteers work a couple of Monday shifts a month from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm.
- Work with SOTV Food Shelf Operation Leaders and a team of volunteers to perform inventory, shelve incoming product, and prep for Tuesday’s food shelf families. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds
Rescue support volunteer (RSVs): Volunteers work shifts on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday or Thursday mornings or 2nd and 4th Tuesday or Thursday mornings, approximately 2.5 – 3 hours.
- Prior to the delivery at our food shelf, RSVs go through our current inventory and stock shelves with fresh items. RSVs assist with the rescue food deliveries as it arrives by recording the weight, sorting, and shelving the product. Shift is finished after these tasks are completed.
Food shelf volunteer (FSV) responsibilities: Volunteers need to commit to a minimum of two regular shifts each month. We work around vacations, etc. Shifts are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm or 1:00 – 4:30 pm.
- Volunteers pre-pack the food for families doing curbside pickup or assist a family member wanting to shop in the food shelf, weigh outgoing food, deliver the food to the curb, ensure shelves are well-stocked, clean and organize the food shelf. Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds (a grocery bag). Substitute volunteer: Willing to fill-in once or twice every 4 – 6 weeks on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays.
Interested? Contact the Food Shelf.
MN FoodShare March Campaign
Shepherd of the Valley partners with 360 Communities to operate Apple Valley’s only food shelf, located at 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road in Apple Valley, near the Minnesota Zoo. Contact the Food Shelf at 952.985.7388 (phones are answered during food shelf hours only). We typically assist 60 families weekly.
Questions about the Food Shelf? Contact the Food Shelf at 952.985.7388 (phones are answered during food shelf hours only) or contact Shepherd of the Valley at 952.432.6351.
To schedule an appointment, contact 360 Communities Burnsville office by calling 952.985.5300 Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm.
Use your own bag, or for your convenience pick up a large orange “Food on the Fourth” shopping bag at the church, fill it with nonperishable food, and then return it to the SOTV collection bin located near the Welcome Desk at the main entrance. Inside the front pocket you will find a card requesting the most needed items. Use this as a suggestion, but feel free to provide your favorites. Thank you for supporting your neighbors and generously participating in the ways God provides for us all.
Men’s Coffee & Fellowship
When & Where
Weekly on Wednesdays
9:00 – 10:00 am
Shepherd of the Valley (Narthex)
What to Expect
This men’s coffee group is a drop-in group of men who gather for socializing and fellowship each week. They meet year-round in the Narthex at Shepherd of the Valley in a casual setting with no set agenda.
Men of all ages are invited! No registration is needed – come when you can. We will share responsibility for bringing the treats.
Men's Woodworking Group
When & Where
Meets once a year, and for special projects as needed Meeting site varies
What to Expect
This group meets once a year at a member’s house/garage to make small wooden crosses for confirmation students and new church members. The meeting site varies. This group is open to men of all ages!
The group also helps with various church projects as needed, such as staining or reworking cabinets.
Parent Group
When & Where:
September 4, 2024 – May 28, 2025 (following District 196 school calendar – with all holidays off).
What to Expect:
Fellowship and support for parents of all ages and stages in a relaxed social setting. Newcomers are always welcome, and so are new babies! We follow the 196 school district calendar for days off.
Who can attend?
This event is open to all parents.
What is the cost?
A small “Sunshine Fund” fee of $5 per quarter is collected to cover costs related to speakers who join us, crafts we will make together, or other additional costs.
Is childcare available?
Yes, children ages 6 weeks to 5 years are welcome in the nursery; drop-in, no need to sign-up.
For more details, please follow the Facebook group!
Moms Evening Groups
A local congregation, Prince of Peace, offers evening options for moms. Check out their schedule.
Pet Ministry
What to Expect
Welcome to Pet Ministry, a resource and service for our congregation and community, which provides opportunities to grow in faith through our shared love of animals.
Classes and services that may be offered include:
- a pet blessing service
- a memorial service
- pet loss support
- an educational event about crisis and support dogs
- information on advance planning for your pets
- additional information and other timely topics. J
Join us as we advocate for greater care for all living creatures.
We are available to connect with anyone, regardless of faith circumstances, who has lost a pet or would like support in making a difficult life decision about their pet.
Purposeful Retirement
Are you retired now, but wanting more purpose in your life? Are you planning your retirement, but not sure how you’ll spend your time? We recognize the importance of having purpose, community, and vitality in retirement.
Affinity Groups
There are a variety of “affinity groups,” or groups based on similar interests or passions, that meet regularly. If you don’t see something that piques your interest, maybe you can help start a new group! Make your retirement purposeful, and be a part of a great community! Existing affinity groups include:
Quilting Groups
Shepherd Quilters
Every Wednesday
8:45 – 11:30 am
Shepherd of the Valley (rooms 14/17)
Golden Stitchers
1st, 3rd, & 5th Thursdays of the month (except for month of July)
9:00 – 11:30 am
Shepherd of the Valley (rooms 12/13)
Realm
Realm is our web-based database and ministry tool from ACS Technologies that informs staff and connects our congregation. All of our data is safely stored and backed up in the cloud, making it available 24/7 from anywhere using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone.
Tanzania Partnership
Since 2001, Shepherd of the Valley has enjoyed a vibrant relationship with our companion congregations in the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.
Working bega kwa bega or shoulder to shoulder through prayer, presence and projects, we support ministries of evangelism, education, health care, and economic development. Makifu, Tungamalenga, and Usolanga Parishes are each comprised of seven to nine village congregations in a remote rural area.
Your financial contributions to our Tanzania Partnership are accepted with deep gratitude.
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Ukes of the Valley
When & Where
Weekly on Tuesdays
6:00 Beginner Lessons
6:20 Play begins
Shepherd of the Valley (Music Room)
What to Expect
Ukes of the Valley is a ukulele group that has three goals:
- Have fun
- Learn and grow as musicians
- Share our music with others
The group is open to anyone, whether you are an absolute beginner or a highly experienced player. We meet on Tuesday evenings at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, MN. We play a variety of music, both secular and non-secular. Most of the songs on our playlist are suggested by group participants.
Our sessions typically begin with a couple of beginner-friendly songs. Then, we "workshop" a couple of songs--spending extra time on them, to learn and/or improve. Finally, we have a play-along jam, using selections from our songbook.
WINK: Women in New Konnections
When & Where
Every Sunday at 10:30 am
In the Narthex for coffee and connection
No registration needed
What to Expect
WINK (Women in New Konnections) is a social group for women. They meet weekly on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am in the Narthex. Conversation, laughter, and information are in generous supply.
Women’s Coffee & Fellowship
When & Where
2nd Tuesdays of the month
9:30 – 11:00 AM
Shepherd of the Valley (Narthex)
What to Expect
Women of all ages are invited to a women’s coffee gathering on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. We will enjoy fellowship together and have a few snacks too.
Spread the word to your friends! No registration is needed – come when you can. We will share responsibility for bringing the snacks.
YAs (Young Adults) Monthly Gatherings
If you are interested in joining the YA's (Young Adults) or have any questions, reach out to Rose Bentley by email or text at 612.718.0318.
Care
We support, pray for, and nurture one another
Columbarium & Memorial Garden
With a beautifully landscaped setting, the Columbarium and Memorial Garden is a place for peaceful meditation and prayer among those we have loved and whose lives and service we wish to remember.
Faith Community (Parish) Nurse Program
Shepherd of the Valley (SOTV) Faith Community (Parish) Nurse Program began in 2005 with a grant from the Fairview Foundation. Since then, SOTV has supported the training and continuing education of nine Faith Community Nurses.
Do you want to get involved?
If you are a nurse or someone looking to help out with care ministries, we invite you to stop by and talk with someone from our team. There are opportunities to…
- lead a class
- help with blood pressure checks
- be a friendly visitor
- and more (let us know what you have in mind)
We would love to talk more with you about your skills and interests! For more information, please contact Julie Opheim, Wellness Coordinator.
What We Do
The Faith Community Nurse seeks to foster physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well being in relation to God, family, neighbor, and church community.
H – Health advisor
E – Educator on health issues
A – Advocate/resource person
L – Liaison to faith and community
T – Teacher of volunteers & developer of support groups
H – Healer of body, mind, and spirit by offering sacred rituals of prayer and healing
Health & Wellness
The Wholeness Wheel on the right illustrates that wellness is mult-dimensional – made up of spiritual, vocational, intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and financial dimensions of well-being. Spiritual well-being is intertwined with and influences our well-being in all other dimensions.
View our webpage on total wellness for more tips on a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Confidentiality
All communications and conversations between the Faith Community Nurse and members will be treated in a confidential manner consistent with standards of nursing and pastoral care. No information will be divulged to staff, congregation, family, or other health care professionals without the express consent of the member.
Health Care Directives
Talk to your loved ones about Health Care Directives and take time to write your wishes down. Find out more at Honoring Choices Minnesota or download a PDF form.
Questions?
Email Julie, SOTV’s Wellness Coordinator, with questions or to speak with a Faith Community (Parish) Nurse.
Funerals
If a loved one has died and you are interested in planning a funeral, visitation, or memorial service, please contact Jill Johnson at 952.985.7381.
Want to find out more information on our Columbarium & Memorial Garden? Click here.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
When & Where
This ministry combines knitting and/or crocheting and praying. At your own pace, make a prayer shawl for someone in need of prayer and support.
What to Expect
Click on the Instruction Sheet link for information about materials and directions. Jill Johnson has yarn available, or you can purchase your own. Once you’ve completed your prayer shawl, bring it to church. Pastors and parish nurses then give these shawls to people in the midst of health concerns, difficult situations, or grief.
Questions?
Contact Jill Johnson at 952.985.7381.
Prayer - Walking Together in Faith
Whatever you are facing, you don't need to face it alone.
We provide pastoral care, prayer, counseling, support, and many other resources.
Call us at 952.432.6351 or explore some of the options below.
Wellness
An active process of becoming aware of and making multi-dimensional choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.
Caring Visitor
When & Where
As your schedule permits
Shepherd of the Valley & locally
What to Expect
Friendly Visitors are a trained group of caring people who visit others within our congregation who aren’t able to attend church.
When you sign up, you will receive a call to set up a time to get an information packet and some helpful guidance for making visits. We will work with your availability and comfort level to find the right match for you.
Questions? Want to volunteer?
For questions, email communications@sotv.org or call 952.432.6351. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, click here.