Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

What are services like?
Our services are not formal, some people wear jeans, some dress up a bit. As you walk into the church, the sanctuary is to the right where ushers will be available to give you a bulletin and answer any questions you may have. You may choose your own seat. We have comfortable, padded chairs, not pews. The bulletin has everything that you need to follow the service including lyrics to the songs -- and announcements regarding the current church activities. Sunday services are typically one hour long, and we usually have coffee and refreshments afterwards for people who want to stay awhile and chat. If you aren't able to join us Sunday mornings, the Wednesday midweek services are about one half hour, and Pastor Randy always has something new to share with us. Midweek services are typically on hiatus over summer. We take communion by "intinction," which means that Pastor places a communion wafer in the palm of your hand, and you can dip the wafer into either the wine or grape juice. All who wish to participate are welcome to come forward and receive God's gift of gracious love.

What is the community like?
During both Sunday services, children (of any age!) are invited to the front of the church for the Children's Message. You'll see our Pastor sit on the floor with the children and thoroughly enjoy talking directly to them -- helping to bring the good news of Jesus Christ into their world in a way they can understand. At the 11:00 AM service, at the completion of the Children's message, young children are invited to go downstairs to the nursery if their parents choose. The children will be brought back upstairs in time to participate in a communion blessing with their family and our church family. We welcome children in our worship and in our church community.

What if I'm not a Christian?
All members of the community are invited to join us for worship. Participation in communion is optional, but all are welcome to come forward. Lutherans are a diverse group of people, convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading us toward unity in the household of God. Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are connected to the faith of the church through the ages and around the world. Lutherans believe in the Triune God. We are part of God’s unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere and of every time. When we study the Bible and pray, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story. When we serve others and address social issues that affect the common good, we live out our Christian faith.