T he Shepherd`s Voice - Shepherd of the Valley

Loved by God; Loving Others.
Fed by God; Feeding Others.
October
2016
How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her
chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Matthew 23:37
I’m not going to call people chickens anymore as a way of saying they are cowardly. I know it’s probably not the nicest thing in the world to call people as a pastor,
but if your pastor can’t call you on cowardice then who can? Nowhere in my letter of
call does it say I have to be nice, and part of being faithful is calling each other out
when we are paralyzed and disobey Jesus’ command to not fear.
But chickens are not actually cowardly. I’m not just saying this because I have a
warped attachment to my chicken who has my eyes and likes to cuddle in my bosom.
Chickens aren’t always the brightest creatures on God’s green earth, but they are incredibly brave and resourceful.
Monthly Newsletter of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
The Shepherd’s Voice
We had a little incident with a cat, not one of my favorite of creatures. We suddenly
heard the chickens squawking wildly and ran outside expecting a bear. Three of the
not so bright chickens were corralled into their house by the dominant chicken who
then made herself big while screaming at the cat. It was so noble. I know the other
chickens will pay her off in strawberries later, but she acted so boldly and courageously against a creature that was probably smarter and definitely sneakier than she.
I find myself sometimes entranced by the way they interact with each other and the
world around them. Don’t get me wrong. I also find myself running around the yard,
yelling at them, when they want nothing to do with going to bed.
October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis. One of the gifts St. Francis gave us is the reminder that God is at work reconciling all of creation. It all is part of God’s love and
delight. We have things to learn and compassion to offer all living beings.
As we celebrate his feast day on Sunday, October 2 with pictures of the creatures we
love, we also celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and compassion that are part of our
faith as we focus on living generously.
I loved reading through the quotes and seeing the pictures you all submitted about
living generously. It’s been inspiring and thought provoking for me. Thank you for
your participation.
I’ve learned a lot about courage, community, and even delight from watching my
chickens. I’m thankful for St. Francis who turned the eyes of the church to look on all
of God’s creatures with compassion. And I’m freed by the love poured out on me to
live fearlessly and generously.
As St. Francis wrote, “Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose
and destiny as God's creature. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take
nothing that you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched
by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”
Peace,
Pastor Tari
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A Few Thoughts About Giving
October is a good month to check in
about church finances.
Living Generously
Devotion Book & Statements of Intended Giving
In September, Pastor Tari asked for our thoughts on what it means to “live generously.” She received an
outpouring of comments and photos, which she used to put together a Live Generously devotion book.
These books will be available in early October. On October 23, folks in the congregation will be asked to
fill out a statement of intended giving for the next 12 months. These statements give us the opportunity to
be prayerful and intentional about our giving, as well as help the council put together the church budget.
Recent Trends in Giving
Below is a table about recent trends in giving at SOV.
Some of these changes we expected with moves and
life transitions, but the discipline of regular giving
helps us stay focused on mission instead of crisis financial mode.
Simply Giving is an automatic deduction program
that has helped stabilize our giving these past couple
of years. The application to sign-up for Simply Giving is available in the back of church. Please give
your completed application to the church office.
Help Keep our Church Home
Warm & Welcoming
Donate a Portion of Your PFD
Winter is coming; and there is no denying that
with winter comes COLD. Cold temperatures
that require us to turn up the heat in our homes.
Including our church home. Which increases
our heating bills. Last year we spent over
$12,000 on oil.
This is why we ask that you prayerfully consider donating a portion of your PFD check
to the oil fund. It really helps! Be sure to
designate your donation “oil fund.” Folks
have donated a portion of their PFD checks
to the oil fund for a few years now and it
really helps get us through the coldest winter
months.
Our building is used for many wonderful activities. In addition to our worship services, Faith
Formation classes, and food pantry, we host a
senior exercise group, Capital City Quilters, the
congregation from Breakthrough Church, the
Mendenhall Flying Lions, and a variety of “one
time use” groups (for example, SOV is a polling
place during elections). All reasons to keep our
building warm and welcoming!
The Shepherd’s Voice—October 2016
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Sunday Worship & Faith Formation Classes
Faith Formation classes for all ages are offered on Sunday mornings
following 9:30 a.m. worship. The full Sunday schedule is below.
The Sunday Morning Schedule
Faith Formation for All Ages
Preschool/Kindergarten
Curriculum: Instant Bible Lessons
Teacher: Linda Landvik
Grades 1-3
Curriculum: Bible Black Belt
Teachers: Audrey Rasmussen & Theresa Ross
Grades 4-5
Curriculum: Building Faith Brick by Brick
Teachers: Amanda Swanson & Savona Kiessling
9:30—10:30 a.m. Regular One-Hour Worship
10:30 -10:45 a.m.
Snacks/coffee served in fellowship hall.
10:45—10:55 a.m.
Sunday school opening in sanctuary for ages
preschool to high school. Adults head to fellowship hall for adult Bible study or to the coffee nook to talk.
11—11:30 a.m. Faith Formation Classes
11:30 a.m.—Noon 30-Minute Worship
What is this worship at 11:30 a.m.?
Grades 6-8 (middle school)
Curriculum: Lutheran Identity
Teachers: Pastor Tari & Glenn Mitchell
Grades 9-12 (senior high Yutes)
Curriculum: Accidental Saints or Banned Questions
about the Bible
Teachers: Mark Kiessling and Bekah Peterson
Adults
Curriculum: A variety of video conversation starters
Guides: Mark & Teresa Kissel, Becky Corson
Substitute leaders: Joy Will, Kirt Stage-Harvey &
Lori Fredenberg
Snacks: Sue Trivette, Karen Owen, Cindy Kilgus and
Mindy Butler
Worship Servants
There are several ways to serve at the 9:30 a.m. worship service. Weekly we need greeters, ushers, readers, a lay assistant, an acolyte, and sometimes a cantor. The sign-up sheet is in the hallway at church. We
hope you will consider signing up; active participation in worship can be a meaningful part of faith formation! If you have questions about being a worship
servant, feel free to ask us in the church office.
Our goal is to remove obstacles that keep
young families or seniors from worshiping
with the community.
*
shorter service later in the day
*
same flow of service with communion
*
active participation in readings, music
and communion
If you have questions about this service, feel
free to ask Pastor Tari.
Middle School Mania
(Grades 6-8)
Middle school students are welcome to venture
on the journey called “confirmation.” Confirmation classes and activities give you a chance
to learn, ask tough questions, claim your faith
as your own, and have fun. Each confirmation
student is partnered with a mentor—and older
teen or adult– who will meet with you once a
month to have conversation. Thank you to
Pastor Tari and Glenn Mitchell for leading
classes.
The Shepherd’s Voice—October 2016
4
Things to Know in October…
Choir Rehearsal
Everyone is invited to sing with the choir. No previous choir experience is necessary to join—just a willingness to learn and a desire to make a joyful noise. The choir performs on occasional Sundays during
morning worship. The choir meets once a week for rehearsal; as of newsletter time a definite day had not
yet been decided. Stay tuned for details.
The Gospel of Matthew Bible Study
Pastor Tari will continue the Bible study on the Gospel of Matthew. The study is held 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.,
Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 18, and 25 at Shepherd of the Valley. If you would like to be on the e-mail list to
receive homework assignments and discussion notes, please email [email protected].
Men’s Group
The guys will get together at 7 p.m. Thursdays, October 6 and 20. Meet at church for Bible study and
games. If you have questions, talk to Mark Kissel.
Footloose & Fancy Free Seniors Group
Seniors from SOV and Resurrection Lutheran (and their friends) are invited to attend Footloose & Fancy
Free at Noon on Tuesday, October 11. The group will gather at SOV for a potluck lunch. If you have
questions, please talk to Sue Trivette or Philis Beran.
Mighty Magnificent Glory Hole Meatloaf
This month SOV cooks and serves at the Glory Hole on Wednesday, October 19. Look for the sign-up
sheet for donations of food and time at church. If you have questions, please ask Roger Birk.
Mom’s Group
Hey Moms! Let’s get together at 5:30 p.m., Monday, October 24 for dinner and a chat. Dinner and childcare provided. If you can help watch the kids while the Moms “escape,” please call the church office.
SOV SENIOR HIGH NEWS
Senior High Night
In October, we will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 6 for games and devotions.
Senior High Camping in October
We have John Muir cabin reserved for October 17-18 (Monday-Tuesday). Please let Pastor Tari
know if you plan to go on this overnighter. Plans are to meet at church at 10 a.m. on Monday to carpool to the trail and hike to the cabin. You will need to pack a backpack with raingear, sleeping pad,
sleeping bag, change of clothes, and snacks. Please wear appropriate foot wear! We’ll divide the food
up between backpacks. If you don’t have an appropriate backpack, please talk to Pastor Tari ASAP.
We will return to town around Noon on Tuesday.
The Shepherd’s Voice—October 2016
5
Special Events
Happening
Sunday, October 2
The Sacrament of Baptism
We are excited to welcome Mabel Hinton and
Megan Sheufelt into the community of faith
through the sacrament of baptism during worship
on Sunday, October 2.
If you are interested in being baptized, please talk
with Pastor Tari. We will also receive new members and celebrate more baptisms this spring on
Easter Sunday.
Blessing of Animals
St. Francis of Assisi is probably one of the most
well-known saints. He is famous for his contact
with animals, preaching to birds, rabbits, and fish.
He was said to have tamed a wild and ravenous
wolf to eat out of peoples’ hands. They were (and
are) all God’s beloved creatures. In his honor, we
will have our own Blessing of the Animals during
worship on Sunday, October 2. Do not bring
your actual pets to worship; instead, bring a
photo of your beloved companions. We will
have a special bulletin board available where we
can post our photos.
SOV Food Pantry
Traveling?
Take SOV
with You!
Did you know that
Shepherd of the Valley
has a mobile app?
From the app, you can
access the church calendar, ponder the ELCA
daily Bible verse, read Pastor Tari’s blog, access the SOV website, and more. The app
works on Apple (ios) and Android phones and
tablets. It may not work on older devices. The
app is available for android users at Google
Play (search for SOV), and for Apple users in
the iTunes store (search for SOVAK). If you
have difficulties finding the app, or have questions (or comments), contact Becky in the office at [email protected] or call 789-4093.
Already Got the App?
If you are not seeing updates on the app, such
as new Quiet Bites devotions, please uninstall
and then reinstall the app. Updates should then
begin to appear. AND if you would like to be
notified when Quiet Bites are updated, make
sure you have accepted notifications from
SOV. Thanks!
Writers Wanted for
Mobile App Devotions
Bring a Can? Can Do!
Let’s all bring a can of food for the
food pantry to church every Sunday. You CAN help! Let’s have a
CAN-DO attitude!
Staff the Pantry
We need two volunteers to staff the pantry each
time it is open. New pantry volunteers are always
appreciated. If interested, simply show up during
pantry hours to get training from the people volunteering for that shift. Then add your name to
the sign-up sheet at church.
Our mobile app features a section called Quiet
Bites – Thoughtful Bites for You to Chew. Our
goal is to have members and friends of the
congregation submit devotions for us to post
under this special section. Devotions can be
about anything that is on your mind; we only
ask that they are fairly short (a paragraph or
two) and family friendly. Devotions can be
posted as they are received, so anytime you
have something to submit, please send it to the
church office.
The Shepherd’s Voice—October 2016
6
FYI: Community Happenings
Family Promise Juneau
Family Promise has developed a religious communitybased approach to offering caring assistance to homeless families, and is moving closer to being a reality in
Juneau. We have ten congregations signed on to participate and we have received our non-profit tax exempt
status.
Family Promise is a community response to homeless
families by providing hospitality in area churches.
Guests receive hospitality and three meals a day from
volunteers. Family Promise case managers work with
guest parents to ensure they can regain their selfsufficiency.
For Further Information
For further information about the program, check out
the website www.familypromisejuneau.com. You can
also “like” Family Promise of Juneau on Facebook to
see the latest news about the program.
Love INC Juneau
Through Love In the Name of Christ and its partner
churches (which includes SOV), people in need are provided with supportive relationships, sources for help,
and resources they need to get on and stay on their feet.
If you are in need of Love INC’s services, or would like
to volunteer, call 780-4090. Clearinghouse volunteers
are available to answer the phones 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
MWF. Volunteer needs include answering phones,
helping in the garden, and delivering furniture. You can
also find information at www.loveincjuneau.org.
Bereavement Support Group
Hospice and Home Care of Juneau is offering a sixweek bereavement support group. It will take place 5:30
to 8 p.m., Thursdays, October 13 to November 17.
There is a suggested donation of $80 requested for the
series. The group will meet at the Catholic Community
Service main office, downtown at 419 6th Street. For
more information, please call Hospice and Home Care
at 463-6111 or email [email protected].
Rooted in Christ:
Connected in Community
An ELCA Alaska Synod Workshop
Offered October 7-9, 2016 during SE
Alaska Fall Cluster Weekend at Resurrection Lutheran Church. Everyone is invited
to attend, but please register for the weekend by calling Resurrection at 586-2380.
Led by Synod leaders and special guest
Rev. Melanie Walleschlaeger, Director for
Evangelical Mission, Southwest Washington Synod, ELCA, these workshops will
provide a “tool kit” to help your congregation re-imagine and rediscover your purpose and plans for ministry. There will be
a special focus on deepening faith and connecting to your community. You’ll walk
out the door with ideas to try right now and
ideas for the future.
SE Alaska Food Bank
Open House
The Southeast Alaska Food Bank has expanded their facility on Crazy Horse Drive.
Everyone is invited to an Open House,
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, October 1
at 10020 Crazy Horse Drive.
Annual Meeting
Their annual meeting is on Wednesday,
October 12. More details TBA.
Volunteers
The food bank occasionally needs volunteers on weekday mornings. If you are interested, please call 789-6184.
The Shepherd’s Voice—October 2016
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Highlights from September Council Meeting
Whitehorse—We are looking to return after school gets out in May.
Parking Lot—We are submitting a request to the Rassmusen Foundation for
matching funds to pave and grade our parking lot for a basketball court and
better drainage. Our timeline is spring 2018.
Synod Assembly—We are hosting synod assembly in April 2017 and Helen Mehrkens agreed to coordinate. If you are willing to head up a committee, please talk to Pastor Tari or Helen. The committees are:
Banner
Food
Packet Packers
Technology
Worship
Clean-up
Hospitality
Photographer
Faith Stories
Childcare
Display
Housing
Facilities
Transportation
Copy Machine—Our copier maintenance people told us our current machine no longer has parts, so we
need to look at a new (or newer “used”) machine. Glenn is following up.
Tech Position—We are developing a technology position to work on social media.
Designated Giving
One of our council members asked about the designated funds listed on the budget. Explanations of our most common designated funds are written below. You may designate money to
any of these special funds and it will all get forwarded to that fund. Just mark it in the memo
line of your check or pick up some offering envelopes from the office.
ELCA World Hunger. The ELCA responds to hunger and poverty in more than 50 countries
around the world, including the United States. In 2013, our global partners identified a minimum of $19
million worth of projects and programs that urgently need your support. ELCA World Hunger works hard
to ensure fundraising and administration costs are less than 10 percent annually.
SOV Community Food Pantry. We rely on food donations from the community to stock our pantry, and
we buy food for 14 cents a pound from the SE Alaska Food Bank. Our Food Bank bill for July 2015 to
2016 was $3,365.
Church Cleaning. We no longer ask for volunteers to clean the church. Denny Corson is our hired
cleaner for $10 an hour; he works a couple of hours every weekend. Our church cleaning fund is nearly
depleted. If you appreciate not having to volunteer to clean the church, please donate to this fund. If you
would like to volunteer to clean, email the dates to the church, and we will give Denny those weekends off.
Youth/Sunday School. We go camping, buy Bibles, curriculums and other supplies out of this account.
Altar Guild. The eternal flame candles and communion glasses cost about $400 a year. The volunteers on
altar guild pay for the bread and wine out of their own pockets.
Scholarship. We maintain an investment account to give an annual $500 scholarship, but we also want to
save some money to encourage folks to attend seminary.
Building/Maintenance. The driveway costs between $2600-$4000 to grade and gravel. Plowing is around
$2500. The building/maintenance fund is meant to be savings for big projects, but often gets used to fill in
gaps. We will need to start saving for roof work on the Fellowship hall area in the next couple of years.
Camp and Summer Lunch. These ministries are paid for completely by designated funds.
Front Doors & Organ. Both are paid for completely. Thanks to so many for your generosity.
Birthday or Special Occasion? Consider giving to a designated fund in honor or celebration of someone.
The Shepherd’s Voice—October 2016
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So Much to Celebrate in October...
Birthdays
Baptismal Birthdays
Anniversaries
1 Teresa Kesey
1 Sylvia Geraghty
2 Katherine Fritsch
2 Meredith Fritsch
5 Lewis Gates
5 Steve Landvik
5 Marie Stevens
7 Bess Ranger
8 Mindy Birk
8 Elfrida Nord
9 Chad Fishel
10 Beverly Varness
10 Linda Thompson
10 Kyle Drapeaux
15 Cherie Oliver
15 Virgil Fredenberg
19 Nancy Hixson
22 John Kern
24 Calley Odum
25 Cody Weldon
27 Matthew Kern
28 Kiley Stevens
1 Nancy Hixson
2 Jessica Oliver
4 Carl Lundquist
7 Nathan Teal
11 Lewis Gates
13 Denny Corson
13 Olena Lundquist
15 Corbin Corson
19 Tyler Sorem-Birk
23 Philip Fenumiai
25 Nadine Marx
27 Bekah Peterson
29 Tawney Marshall
29 Valorie Kissel
30 Joy Will
4 Dan & Becky Corson
12 Mark & Teresa Kissel
A Moment for Prayer
Prayers for people living with chronic illness, both mental and physical. May they
find peace and strength and healing.
Prayers for people who are hungry, that
they receive the nourishment their spirits,
minds, and bodies need.
We also pray for our October prayer partner, Christ Lutheran Church in Soldtna;
Alaska Synod Bishop Shelley Wickstrom;
and ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth
Eaton.
Email us at [email protected] if you would like
a prayer request included in the newsletter.
As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,
summer and winter, day and night,
shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22
Newsletter Sponsorship
If you are interested in sponsoring a
month of the newsletter in honor or
celebration of something or someone, let us know. The suggested donation is $100. Call or email the
church to let us know which month
you would like to sponsor and any
special wording you want included.
Birthdays or Special Occasions?
If you are looking for a unique and
thoughtful gift idea, please consider donating to one of our designated funds.
You can give a donation in honor or celebration of someone special. An explanation of our most common designated
funds is on page 7 of the newsletter. If
you have questions, feel free to call the
church office.
9
Food Pantry Hours
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 pm
Saturdays 9-10 am
Pastor Tari’s Office Hours
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tues, Wed, and Fri.
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
9-10 am Pantry
10 am to 1 pm Open
House at SE AK
Food Bank
New Sunday Morning Worship Service
Our thirty-minute worship service happens at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. This service is in addition to our regular 9:30 a.m. worship
service. See pg. 3 of the newsletter for more information.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
930 am Worship
9-10 am Pantry
with baptism & animal
blessing (photos)
1030 am Classes
530 pm Bible Study
1130 am Worship
630-730 pm Pantry
9
10
11
7 pm Senior High
SE AK Cluster at Resurrection
7 pm Men’s Group
12
13
14
Noon Footloose &
Fancy Free Potluck
930 am Worship
1030 am Classes
15
9-10 am Pantry
1130 am Worship
530 pm Bible Study
16
17
930 am Worship
530 pm Council
18
19
Senior High Hike to John Muir
1030 am Classes
1130 am Worship
20
21
SOV Cooks &
Serves at the
Glory Hole
22
9-10 am Pantry
530 pm Bible Study
5 pm Germany Mtg
23
630-730 pm Pantry
630-730 pm Pantry
24
25
7 pm Men’s Group
26
27
28
Intended Giving
Sunday
29
9-10 am Pantry
930 am Worship
530 pm Bible Study
1030 am Classes
1130 am Worship
530 pm Mom’s Grp
30
31
930 am Worship
1030 am Classes &
Mentoring
1130 am Worship
6 pm Worship at
Pioneer Home
Halloween
(please celebrate
safely)
630-730 pm Pantry
Looking ahead to November:
November 1
November 6
All Saint’s Day
End of Daylight Savings Time (fall back)
November 11
November 24
November 27
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving
First Sunday of Advent
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Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
4212 Mendenhall Loop Road
Mailing Address: PO Box 34859, Juneau, AK 99803
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.sovlutheran.org
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U.S. POSTAGE PAID
JUNEAU, ALASKA
PERMIT NO. 11
Return Service Requested
Your church family is here for support, prayers, visits, and encouragement.
Please call us if you would like a visit from Pastor Tari, or anytime you can
use a kind word.
We would also love to hear from you with comments about or submissions
to The Shepherd’s Voice. If your address has changed, or if you no longer
wish to be on our mailing list, we want to know that too. Please contact us
by email at [email protected] or call the church office at (907) 789-4093.
Rev. Tari Stage-Harvey, Pastor
Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Faith Formation Classes for All Ages: 10:30 a.m. Sundays
Pastor Tari’s Office Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tues, Wed, and Fri.
Food Pantry Hours: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays
Shepherd’s Voice: Editor, Becky Corson and Production/Distribution, Gates Family