Shepherd of the Valley Church

For Your Family! SOVKids (age 3 - grade 5) and The Circuit at Shepherd of the Valley (grades 6-12) kickoff the week of September 8. Register today if your student is new at sov.church/connect. So excited for another year of building faith in Jesus in the next generation!

Have you met Ryan Busch? Ryan is a 2024 graduate of Stillwater AHS. He's a middle child, with a younger brother and older sister, and takes after his dad as an sovKids small group leader, co-leading with Woodbury HS grad Daniel Clysdale.

Ryan's favorite color is red, favorite hobbies are basketball, fishing, and watching football, and favorite candy bar is Twix. This photo is from the Jr. Circuit Mission Trip where Ryan served as a leader; he's currently on the Sr. Circuit Mission Trip in Kentucky!

We're so grateful for you, Ryan!

The summer women's event last Thursday was DELIGHTful! Most importantly, women and girls experienced their identities as beloved daughters in God's family.

Please keep praying for the students and leaders serving on the Senior High Mission Trip this week!

Fostering faith in Jesus that lasts a lifetime!

Have you met Janna Oman? She volunteers with sovKids Sundays and Circuit, and lives in Woodbury with her two daughters and husband Matthew. Her 8th grade daughter, Svea, assists her in small group leadership with Grades 4/5.

Janna's (pronounced as Jayna) favorite color is navy blue, favorite hobby is crafting, and favorite candy is dark chocolate.

We're so grateful for you, Janna!

Go find Shepherd mission partner CAST at Woodbury Days in August & wish them a happy 7th birthday! We ❤️ the difference C.A.S.T. is making in our community.

Today, we give thanks for our freedoms in the United States. Many of us get to enjoy a day off to be with friends or family and enjoy the great festivities that are part of the July 4th holiday.

As Jesus people, we can treasure the freedom to live without shame, and instead with purpose and joy. We can give thanks for the unmatched freedom, security, and life we that is ours through Jesus.

Once when Jesus was teaching, as recorded in Luke 4:18-19, he opened the scroll of Isaiah, and read from it to all who would hear:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

He then sat down and told everyone that the Scripture had been fulfilled in their hearing.

Sometimes, God isn’t so mysterious. In Jesus, God made clear to us who he was and what he came for. Will you receive his gift of freedom today?

Have you met Jill Wurm? On staff as Serving Director, Jill says:
⭐️About life: Wife of Lloyd (31 years), mom to Cassie and Lindsey, mother-in-law to Sid and Ryan and, most importantly, Gigi to Evie, Anni and Gracie. I love to hang out with the grands, spend time golfing, being out on my patio, eating out with people, kayaking, reading and drinking coffee.
⭐️What do you appreciate about Shepherd, and what's been a highlight in the last year? I love Shepherd for its people! In 30 years, I've learned so much from the people about what it looks like to live out my faith. Serving, generosity, intergenerational relationships, truly caring for others. A highlight for me this past year is that Shepherd was chosen as the Union Gospel Mission Church Partner of the Year. We/you have worked hard to show them that we are for them!
⭐️What do you love about this stage as a parent and/or grandparent? I think that I was meant to be a mom so that I could eventually become a grandma! I adore them and their unique personalities. We get to do all the fun stuff and simply love and support them!
⭐️What's a fun fact about your neighborhood? Steve Kramer (former lead pastor) and his wife, Julie, are our next door neighbors!
⭐️What's one new thing you've tried lately? I recently discovered a love for reading. I'm late to the game because I spent too many years reading things for knowledge and not for fun! It's been drudgery for too long...until now!
⭐️A good day includes...a slow morning with coffee followed by a hike or a round of golf, a late lunch on a patio, a great Netflix series and a good book!

We're so grateful for you, Jill!

Can you serve soon with a Shepherd mission partners at a monthly hosted shift? All you have to do is show up, & we'll show you how to get started! Sign up today at sov.church/connect.
A few spots are still open for:
July 4 (at Union Gospel Mission, St Paul)
July 9 (at Valley Outreach, Stillwater)
Aug 13 (at Valley Outreach, Stillwater)

275 kids = so much energy and fun at VBS. Each one loved by God!

Have you met Hannah Hensley? When she's not outside playing sports with friends or traveling, you can find her teaching HS Social Studies, and some Spanish too!

As an East Metro Twin Cities MN huddle leader, she says FCA huddle time with students is easily the highlight of her week. Hannah knows it's powerful to walk alongside students while they grow in their faith in a public school and on their sports teams. She has lived in California, Georgia, Colorado, and Spain all before calling Minnesota home.

Hannah volunteers at Shepherd as an elementary SOVKids small group leader. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, journaling, watercolor, and card-writing (using her personalized wax seal - best gift idea ever).

We're so grateful for you, Hannah!

Have you met Jeremey King?

🦌Who are your people? My people are Michelle (spouse), Gabe, Neriyah, Omar, and Osmar (kids), Shepherd staff and leaders. I pretty much think of everyone as my people though. Maybe its because I'm a 7 on the Enneagram!

🦌What's a go-to motto? "I like you guys!" (with a double snap) is my most quoted phrase

🦌Favorite weekend activities? Hiking with Michelle and our dogs, working on the cabin, going to our kids' shows, or hunting in the fall.

🦌My dream vacation includes... a Red Stag Hunt abroad, unless Michelle is with me; then the answer is anywhere she wants to go!

🦌Role in a friend group? I'm usually the one who is up for a good practical joke or ready to try something new

🦌Random talent? I'm really good at the game 2 truths and a lie and was able to guess our entire staff correctly except for Jill Wurm!

🦌Five words to describe five years as lead pastor at Shepherd...Always be ready for adventure!

We're so grateful for you, Jeremey!

This year we’ve been practicing obeying Jesus when he says in Matthew 11: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

A few of the many ways you can continue to keep company with Jesus and his church this summer:
✨Life as Jesus Meant It To Be sermon series topics: Prayer, Mental Health, Service, Politics
*Missing a message? Follow Shepherd of the Valley Messages on your favorite podcast app (like Apple or Spotify).
✨Summer worship nights: Wednesdays July 10 - Aug 14 and Shepherd in the Park, Hudson Aug 21
✨Summer sovKids: Sundays June 2 - Aug 11 (off July 7) 9:15 & 10:45am

Don't miss out on the summer fun and register today for the next summer women's event on July 18 at sov.church/connect!

Volunteer Appreciation 2024. You are loved!

Have you met Lindsay Arnold? She is a small group leader with preschool SOVKids on Sunday mornings and is married to Michael. They live in Stillwater and have two kids, Gavin (6) and Ellie (4). They love to spend time outdoors, travel, and visit family and friends.

Lindsay's favorite color is pink, favorite hobbies are volleyball and gardening, and favorite candy bar is Snickers.

We're so grateful for you, Lindsay!

Student athletes meet regularly in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) huddles to grow in relationship with one another and God.
Your regular offerings help support FCA East Metro Twin Cities MN, including this Park High School huddle in Cottage Grove. Thank you from us, and from the students!

Your regular offerings support community organizations, including Arrive Ministries, showing love to our neighbors.
See where your financial gifts go to make a difference in the Cities and beyond at sov.church/serve.

Have you met JoAnn Wert? We asked, she answered:
☀️What are 2-3 fun facts about your childhood? I am an only child. I lived in a small house in New Brighton, MN. I walked to school in elementary, junior high and high school
☀️Share about your life now: I will be married to Brian for 43 years in August. I have three adult kids (original Wert 5 pictured) and 5 grandkids with the 6th on the way. I like to bake, cook, read, walk outside, vacation (especially waiting for the perfect sunset) and spend time with family, and friends one on one over coffee. I've always loved animals, & thrive in the sun & on the beach.
☀️What do you love about Shepherd? It feels like home. I look forward to seeing people every week and they feel like my family. The community of believers is beautiful. It has been a privilege to serve the women of SOV for the past 20 years. They have offered me love, encouragement, kindness, prayer and wise counsel. The staff is fantastic.
☀️What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2024? A trip to Norway to experience my heritage, time with family and friends and a new grandchild to love! I am excited about providing Spirtual Care to those in need.
☀️What are you involved in outside of Shepherd? Caring for my grandkids, serving people in need, book club, Pilates and yoga classes.
☀️What do you appreciate about your neighborhood in Hudson, WI? We are surrounded by nature & have experienced fox, deer, eagles, ducks, geese, bear, a weasel, turkeys. I was not a big fan of the possum in my garage, but that is a story for another day.
☀️What does following Jesus mean to you? Everything. In good times and bad, He is my solid ground. He is hope, light and truth. He is my friend and my audience of One.
☀️Anything else? I believe that small groups change peoples lives. I am always amazed but never surprised at how God orchestrates and connects people in ways that only He can.

We're so grateful for you, JoAnn!

Happy May Day! Two more recipes for your spring neighboring challenge - make one and share with your neighbor!

CINDY'S BLACK AND BLUE SPRING SALAD

5 oz spring mix lettuce
12 oz fresh blackberries
3 oz blue cheese (or feta), crumbled

Vinaigrette:
1/2 c fresh blackberries
1 T sugar
2 T balsamic vinegar
2 T extra-virgin olive oil
1 T honey
Salt & pepper to taste

Honey-Roasted Pecans:
1/2 T butter, melted
1 T honey
1/2 c pecans
Salt to taste

Directions:
Prepare the vinaigrette: Place the blackberries and sugar in a food processor or blender, then blend until berries are crushed. Let sit for a minute, then add remaining vinaigrette ingredients and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Prepare the pecans: Preheat oven to 350 F. Pour melted butter into a bowl, then add honey and pecans; toss to coat. Spread out pecans on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 6 minutes, or until brown and fragrant; watch carefully so they don't burn. Sprinkle lightly with salt and set aside to cool completely.

Divide the lettuce among 2 to 4 plates. Top with the whole blackberries, blue cheese crumbles and honey-coated pecans. Dress with berry-balsamic vinaigrette, then serve. Makes 2 to 4 servings.

"Though a fairly recent addition, this salad recipe has quickly become one of our family's favorites for holiday meals. It's salty and sweet, just like family life!" - Cindy Johnson

REGGIE'S MAC & CHEESE

1 1/2 cups of elbow macaroni noodles
3 tablespoons of butter
3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
2 cups shredded cheese of your choice

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring large pot of water to boil, then add in noodles. Cook pasta until al dente. Melt butter in large skillet while pasta cooks. Add flour into skillet and stir mixture over medium heat until mixture is light brown. Add milk. Whisk until lumps disappear. Add salt and pepper (and other seasonings if desired). Cook until sauce thickens and starts to bubble Stir in cheese and whisk until cheese is melted into sauce. Add pasta and sauce to greased pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 min.

"This mac & cheese is good." - Reggie Evans

You cause Kingdom-growing ripple effects through serving at Shepherd and in your communities. You're invited to join us Sunday, May 19 from 9:00am-12:30pm to celebrate YOU, our wave-making volunteers!

Your Spring Neighboring Challenge: make this longtime popular small group treat (recipe & story below from Kristin Lagus, pictured), or your own fave, and share it with a neighbor!
"Years ago, two of Stillwater teacher Derek Olson’s thoughtful Shepherd students (Megan Faust Habbe and Martha Kramer Dinndorf) spotted this recipe in the Shepherd cookbook along with a note that Mr. Olson really liked them. Needless to say, Mr. Olson got a yummy surprise treat!"
Leave a comment: what's your go-to dish for sharing?

✨Your regular offerings support mission partners doing great work in our community

✨Serve at a UGM hosted shift! Sign up at sov.church/connect