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The Shepherd’s Psalm
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
December 2015
Our Mission Statement
Making Jesus Christ real in the
midst of the city.
Our Purpose Statement
God’s purpose for our church
is... to be a spirit-led, Christcentered community of love,
grace, and trust that ministers
to all.
Six Guiding Biblical Principles

Jesus is Lord!

Grace is freely given to
all.

We joyfully share the
Gospel in word and action.

We welcome everyone
with open doors and
open hearts.


The world needs the gifts
we have each been given.
We trust God to show us
the way.
Congregation Council
Officers
Pres—Chad Gestson
VP—Rob Anderson
Sec’y—Camy Goebel-Rush
Treas—Bill Holder
Members
Lynn Anderson
Dave Davis
Beverley Larkin
Andrew Mahn
Shannon Monn
John Shaw
Wes Stahler
Marcie Walmsley
ADVENT GREETINGS FROM PASTOR DAVID
Advent is the first season of the church year. It is a season
of preparation and expectancy for the new Kingdom of
God. Since I have been at Shepherd of the Valley, I have
been asked many times when we are going to start seeing
changes. We could say that there is an expectancy to begin
to see newness. Advent is also a time of waiting. We wait
on the Holy Spirit to direct us. It is during the waiting that
we listen to God speak to us. As we move into the seasons of this new church
year, we can expect many new possibilities. Each Advent allows us to mark time
where the old passes away and we expect the new. In this new year, join me in
prayer as we prepare for God's revelation for Shepherd of the Valley.
Seeking Jesus in Central Phoenix,
Pastor David Michael Marz
SUNDAY, NOV. 29TH ADVENT 1 Worship @ 9:00 a.m. (sanctuary) and 11:00 a.m. (Chapel);
worship Saturday, Nov. 28th @ 5:00 p.m. (Chapel)
SUNDAY, DEC. 6TH ADVENT 2 Worship @ 9:00 a.m. (sanctuary) and 11:00 a.m. (Chapel);
worship Saturday, Dec. 5th @ 5:00 p.m. (Chapel)
SUNDAY, DEC. 13TH ADVENT 3—GAUDETE SUNDAY* and CHRISTMAS PROGRAM—ONE
SERVICE AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE SANCTUARY (breakfast, Bake & Craft Sale, and December
birthdays following in Burns Hall) * See the article titled “Gaudete” on page 2
SUNDAY, DEC. 20TH ADVENT 4 Worship @ 9:00 a.m. (sanctuary) and 11:00 a.m. (Chapel);
worship Saturday, Dec. 19th @ 5:00 p.m. (Chapel)
O HOLY NIGHT - A Living Nativity Scene
Dec. 18th, 19th, and 20th • Our gift to the community for 37 years
Performances nightly at 7:00 p.m.,
7:45 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.
on the south lawn
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
15th Avenue and Maryland
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
REAL PEOPLE: Christ Child, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, angels
LIVE ANIMALS: Camel, goats, sheep, donkey, calf, pony
FREE REFRESHMENTS AND MUSIC in Burns Hall after each performance
The Shepherd’s Psalm
Page 2
COME TOGETHER WORSHIP & LUNCHEON Thursday, Dec. 3rd @ 11:00 a.m.
JOIN US Thursday, Dec. 3rd @ 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Everyone is invited to this
event of communion and reunion. The Preschool will give their gifts of music and
cheer at worship, and then we’ll have a delicious luncheon and fun holiday fellowship
in Burns Hall. Please call the church office (602-249-1936) to sign up and also if you
need a ride. Again, all are invited and welcome!
served an exuberant celebration of these comings
called Gaudete Sunday. It serves as both a brief reprieve from the heavier, more reflective mood of the
season, and as an encouragement to the congregation
as they continue in their spiritual preparation for Christmas.
Advent, like Lent, is a penitential season of expectant
waiting and preparation. Unlike Lent though, Advent
holds a double meaning for us as followers of Christ:
we commemorate our Savior's first coming into the
world at Christmas, but we also anticipate His second
coming.
The name Gaudete comes from the first antiphon of
the day's introit in both the Traditional Latin Mass and
the Novus Ordo: "Gaudete in Domino semper; iterum
dico, gaudete!" or, in English, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!" We have so much to look
forward to in the way of music on this day at SOV, including a number of musical offerings sung by all of our
Sunday School children along with the Bell Choir,
Festival Choir, and Contemporary Worship Team.
Submitted by Jon Lang
On the third week of Advent, having passed the midpoint of the season, the church has traditionally ob-
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICES
Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24th in the Sanctuary
5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
All services include Holy Communion and candlelight.
Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25th in the Sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Celebration with Holy Communion
First Sunday of Christmas (one service only), Dec. 27th in the Sanctuary
9:30 a.m. Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion
Note: time change is for this Sunday only.
Page 3
PLACES TO GO
THINGS TO KNOW
FAMILY ADVENT POTLUCK is Sunday, Nov.
29th from 12:00-3:00 p.m. in Burns Hall. If
you did not sign-up in advance for the craft
project, you can still attend the potluck at
12:00 p.m.
performances. The Living
Nativity is one of the major
outreach ministries from
our church to the community, and we thank
all who signed up to be in the cast!
YOUTH AND PARENT / MENTOR EVENT is
Dec. 9th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Meet in
Burns Hall and we will head to the Beatitudes Campus for Christmas caroling. Bring
some cookies to share when we return to
SOV.
RELAX AND RENEW WITH YOGA AND
PRAYER on Wednesdays
from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in the
Chapel. Taught by Kami Nix,
men, women, and youth are
invited to experience the refreshing and uplifting benefits of yoga. Wear comfortable clothes
that allow movement, and bring a yoga
mat, if you have one, or a couple of towels for cushioning. Exercising either barefoot or in non-slip socks is ideal. Kami
gratefully accepts cash or check free-will
donations (typically $10 per session).
Call / text Ruth Truman, 602.390.4302,
to confirm that class is meeting, or for
more information.
DRESS REHEARSAL for the Christmas
Music Program is Saturday, Dec. 12th from
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST will be served in
Burns Hall on Dec.
13th, following our one
worship service @ 9:30
a.m. Be sure to stop in
for breakfast, as well as
the Sisters & Friends
Bake & Craft Sale, and celebration of December birthdays.
WANT TO ACOLYTE AT
9:00 A.M.WORSHIP? You
can even acolyte as a family!
LIVING NATIVITY REHEARSALS for all peoIf you’re in 5th grade or oldple who have signed up to be in the cast of
er, please contact Camy
this year’s Living Nativity, are scheduled as
Goebel-Rush @
follows:
[email protected]
Sunday, Dec. 13th
12:30-2:30 p.m.
OR
Wednesday, Dec. 16th
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cast members must attend at least one of
the rehearsals beginning in the Faith &
Learning Center, in order to take part in the
CALLING ALL COOKIE BAKERS! It’s time to prepare for the Living Nativity by
baking the cookies we will serve to our guests. Cookies
can be baked now and frozen and delivered to the office anytime during business hours (Mon.-Thurs.
8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and Fri. 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.). If
your cookies cannot be frozen, you can drop them off
Friday afternoon, December 18th, in Burns Hall between 1:00-3:00 p.m. Thank you for helping with this
special ministry!
Dial-A-Prayer
602-249-1991
A daily devotion and
prayer are only a
telephone call away…
REMEMBER
SHEPHERD OF
THE VALLEY IN
YOUR WILL. A
legacy gift will
help continue
to grow our
ministries.
We encourage
members to sign up
for online giving. It’s
easy, convenient,
automatic, and
takes the worry out
of getting your offering to the church
even when you’re
traveling. Call the
office for details,
602.249.1936.
Page 4
OUR MISSION: To grow in our relationship with God, with each other, and in
the Word, enabling us to be more effective Christians in our homes, church,
and community.
DECEMBER:
NATIVITY SET CONSTRUCTION Saturday, Dec. 5th from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
(date changed from Nov. 28th)
MEN’S CHRISTMAS POTLUCK DINNER Friday, Dec. 11th @ 6:30 p.m.
at Don Ryden’s home
 Roasted turkey will be provided
 Please bring side dishes and your beverage of choice
Contact Don for reservations and directions, 602.788.0660, or [email protected]
Coming up in January 2016…
►Nativity set tear down Jan. 9th @ 8:30 a.m.
►Sanctuary decoration removal Jan. 10th @ 12:00 p.m.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
CHRISTIAN ACTION will not officially
meet in December, as we will be
attending the Come Together Worship and Luncheon beginning at
11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. The
service will include Holy Communion, and special music selections by
our preschool children. At the luncheon following in Burns Hall, you’ll
have a chance to shop for Christmas
gifts at the Women’s Craft Sale.
OUR MISSION: To mobilize women to act boldly on their
faith in Jesus Christ.
Dec. 13th from 9:00 a.m.-12:00
p.m. in Burns Hall. If you have baked
goods or crafts, please bring them to
Burns Hall prior to the service so
they can be arranged -- your help on
this is greatly appreciated!
Suggested prices are:
Pies
Cupcakes/bars/
Popcorn balls
Cakes
Loaf breads (small)
(large)
Cinnamon rolls
Jars of jam/jelly
Candy (12 pieces)
$5.00
$0.50 ea
$5.00
$2.50
$4.00
$1.00 ea
$3.00
$2.00
HANNAH CIRCLE will meet Thursday,
Dec. 17th at 6:00 p.m. for Bible
study and a potluck supper @ Beverley Larkin’s (contact her for directions). Meat will be provided. Please
bring side dishes and desserts, as
well as a small ornament for the gift
exchange. If you need a copy of the
Bible study, see Laura Cary in the
office.
SATURDAY, JAN. 9th will be a Grand
Canyon Synod Women's "GATHER"
Bible Study based on Philippians, at
Love of Christ Lutheran, 1525 N.
Power Road in Mesa from 9 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. The cost is $25 and inThis sale is our only fundraiser this cludes lunch. Bring your January
NEEDLECRAFTERS will meet on Dec. year. Proceeds will be partially
issue of "GATHER" magazine & your
8th @ 9:30 a.m. in the Library. We’ll matched by Thrivent Insurance Co. Bible. The authors of our spring Bibe finishing up items for the Bake & and will be sent to 7 organizations: ble study - E. Louise Williams from
Craft Sale and the Living Nativity. If Mission of Mercy, Valley Lutheran
Valparaiso, IN, & Rev. Phyllis N.
you have items for the sale, please High School, NP Health Care at
Kersten from Chicago - will lead on
bring them to Burns Hall by 8:00
Grace, Sojourner Center, Crisis
the theme "Christian Citizenship
a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13th. Any and Nursery, Refugee Focus of Lutheran 101". Bev Larkin has registration
all help that Sunday at the sale or
Social Services, and Navajo Luther- forms for this event -- the deadline
during the Living Nativity receptions an Mission at Rock Point, AZ.
to register is December 18, after
Dec. 18th-20th would be most defiwhich the cost is $30. There will be
nitely appreciated!
Craft items will also be for sale in
tips on leading our own Bible studBurns Hall Dec. 18th-20th during
ies and a small group activity as
WOMEN OF THE ELCA’S ANNUAL
the Living Nativity.
well as music.
BAKE & CRAFT SALE will be Sunday,
Make your reservation with the office (602.249.1936) so we know
how many to cook for. And, if you
need a ride, mention that when you
call.
The Shepherd’s Psalm
Page 5
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT-A-GLANCE
Dinner
Cherubim Choir
Seraphim Choir
Bell Choir
Youth Praise Team
Kids’ Club
Club 456
Confirmation
Adult Bible Study
Adult Festival Choir
Programs end Dec. 9th, except
Festival Choir, which ends Dec. 16th
5:30-6:30 p.m. in Burns Hall
(Preschool - 2nd grade) 6:00-6:30 p.m. in the Library
(3rd - 6th grades) 6:00-6:30 p.m. in the Music Center
(7th grade -Adult) 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Chapel
(7th-12th grade) 6:00-6:30 p.m. in the Youth Center
(Preschool -3rd grade) 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Room 10
(4th-6th grade) 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Conference Room
(7th-12th grade) 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center
6:30-8:00 p.m. in Burns Hall
7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Music Center
Childcare can be made available from 6:30-8:00 p.m. upon request. Please contact Wendy Harman at
[email protected] or 602-249-1936 to arrange.
a f ADULT FORUM
The Spiritual Brain: Science and Religious Experience
The Adult Forum meets Sundays in the small conference room from 10:00-11:00 a.m., and all are welcome. Our series entitled “The Spiritual Brain: Science and Religious Experience” continues.
gious and spiritual experiences.
Each session, facilitated by Pastor Scott Haasarud,
will begin with a 30-minute video followed by discussion.
DECEMBER SCHEDULE:
This video lecture series features Dr. Andrew Newberg, Director of Research at the Myrna Brind Center Dec. 6th: The Biology of Spiritual Practices
of Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Dec. 20th: Religion and Health
Hospital. Dr. Newberg has published extensively on
brain function, brain imaging, and the study of reli-
LIVING NATIVITY HOSPITALITY
Thanks to all who have signed up to help with the refreshments
for the Living Nativity, December 18th, 19th and 20th. We still
need additional volunteers to assist with making and serving
cocoa, filling cookie trays, and welcoming guests. Volunteers
will work one night from 6-9:30 p.m. Our sign-up sheet can be
found at the refreshment table on the patio between services,
or you can contact Bern Peterson at [email protected] or
602.222.6722.
If you’ve never participated in this exceptional outreach event,
you are definitely missing out! Join us!!
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CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY—DECEMBER
Christmas Music Program
Attention all Sunday School and choir children:
Rehearsal:
Sat., Dec. 12th 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Performance:
Sun., Dec. 13th 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary during
worship (Breakfast from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Burns Hall)
Sunday School and Club 456
Dec. 6th - in regularly scheduled classrooms from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Dec. 13th - No Classes = Christmas Music Program
Dec. 20th & 27th - No Classes = Christmas Break
Kids’ Club and Club 456
Wednesday, Dec. 2nd and 9th
from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
No programs Wed. Dec. 16th, 23rd or 30th
Children’s Choirs



Cherubim and Seraphim will rehearse Wed., Dec. 2nd and 9th
from 6:00-6:30 p.m.
Both choirs will participate in the Christmas Music Program on
Dec. 13th and need to attend rehearsal on Dec. 12th as noted
above.
There will be no choir on Wed., Dec. 16th, 23rd, or 30th.
FAMILY EVENTS – DECEMBER 2015
Living Nativity - Come and see the story of the birth of
Christ with your family on Dec. 18th, 19th, or 20th at 7:00,
7:45 or 8:30 p.m. on the church lawn. If your family signed up
to take part in this annual drama, please be sure to attend one
of the rehearsals on Sun., Dec. 13th from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
or on Wed., Dec. 16th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Page 7
The Shepherd’s Psalm
FROM THE PRESCHOOL
December is a very special month at preschool.
Most children know the story of baby Jesus. Unfortunately, Christmas has taken on a different meaning for so many children (the presents, decorations, Santa Claus, etc.) We will be sharing the
true meaning of Christmas with the children and
celebrating the birthday of the tiny baby Jesus
born in Bethlehem.
As you begin your celebrations this busy holiday season, we encourage you to take the time to remember
the real reason for the season.
 When you decorate your Christmas tree, decorate in remembrance of God’s greatest gift—Jesus. Christmas trees represent the living presence of Jesus in our homes. The evergreen, shaped like an arrowhead, is pointing to heaven. Jesus promised, “Surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the
age.” (Matthew 28:20)
 Christmas decorations are symbols of God’s love for us. The stars on the tree remind us of the star in
Bethlehem and the angels announce Jesus’ birth.
 The lights and candles remind us that Jesus called Himself the “Light of the World.”
 Gold decorations remind us that Jesus is the King.
 The Christmas color red symbolizes love. Jesus loves us and gave His life on the cross for us.
 And the gifts under the tree remind us of God’s greatest gift— Jesus Christ.
Our Grandparent’s Day will be Thursday, December 3rd, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the classrooms and then
we gather for the Come Together Worship and Luncheon. We also will be collecting new and gently loved
stuffed animals in our Bears for the Brave Program sponsored by the Phoenix Police Crimes Against Children Division. Each month, hundreds of stuffed animals are given to children at the police station and we
are grateful to be able to participate in this program of giving and sharing. If you wish to join us in this collection, please drop your animals off in the church office or the preschool no later than December 14 th.
The Shepherd of the Valley Preschool staff would like to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. We hope you take a moment during your busy days to remember the many blessings the Lord has given each of us. May the holiday season and the new year bring only happiness and joy to you and your loved
ones.
Ms. Donna, Director
PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT FOR 2015-2016 PROGRAM
We currently have a few openings at some levels. Our school serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age and
admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, or sex. Please invite your family and friends to be a
part of our preschool family. Questions? Call the Preschool office @ 602.242.4684. OUR PROGRAM IS OPEN
YEAR ROUND!
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SCOTT’S CORNER
PROJECTION AND THE POWER OF PRAYER
The psychologist, Carl Jung, believed that the thing that Secondly, we can pray that
would do humanity in was not the atomic bomb, but
a solution can be found to
our negative projections onto other people.
this dark negative energy
that exists in our world toIt is easy to see that happening in others. We are frus- day. We need to believe
trated, angry, feeling helpless currently with the nega- that there is power in praytive projections of the Jihadists onto others whom they er and the prayers we send
do not agree with, and their barbaric acts against those out into the world will have
people. We want the leaders of the civilized world to
an affect. I know these are
solve this problem. We don’t know what we can do.
complicated problems but
Most believe there is nothing we can do personally.
we need to believe we can
I believe there are things we can do.
make a difference.
First, we can make sure we are not projecting our own
personal negativity onto others. As Christians we believe we should do unto others as we would wish to be
dealt with. Let us not retreat from this teaching because it seems hopeless in the face of fanatical
Jihadists.
Pastor Scott Haasarud
“And he said to them, ‘This kind cannot be driven
out by anything but prayer’.”
Mark 9:29
THE SHEPHERD’S FOUNDATION
...
wishes everyone the peace of Christmas.
May your holidays be blessed!
Have you remembered SOV in your estate plan or legacy gifts?
The Shepherd’s Psalm
Page 9
TRUNK - OR - TREAT
Hay rides, hot dogs, and a whole lotta
Halloween
Page 10
RUMMAGE SALE 2016
WILL YOU BE EMPTYING YOUR CLOSETS TO MAKE ROOM FOR
THOSE CHRISTMAS GIFTS?
If so, there’s good news!
We will begin accepting your unwanted items on
Sunday, January 10th
for our Annual Rummage Sale in March
Transform Lives During the Holidays
During this holiday season, consider embarking upon a meaningful journey of service. Attending one
Duet volunteer orientation is all that is needed to be paired with an isolated elder who needs your friendship (you choose from nine service options). Donations of dollars will also stretch far to help people in
need. Duet is a qualifying charity for AZ’s dollar-for-dollar charitable tax credit. Donors do not need to
itemize deductions to receive the credit, which may be claimed in addition to school credits. Please call
602-274-5022 or visit www.duetaz.org to volunteer, donate, or request help.
“LIKE” SOV ON FACEBOOK AND SHARE OUR POSTINGS. WHAT A GREAT WAY TO
EVANGELIZE! www.facebook.com/shepherdofvalley
The deadline for the JANUARY issue of the Shepherd’s Psalm is December 16th. Please e-mail your submissions
to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on this date. Thank you and happy writing!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Church Staff
Office phone: 602.249.1936
Office fax:
602.249.1983
Hours: M-Th 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Fri: 8:30 a.m.-noon
Web:
www.sov.us
Email:
[email protected]
Preschool: 602.242.4684
Church Clergy
David Michael Marz, Senior Pastor,
ext. 207, [email protected]
Scott Haasarud, Spiritual Director,
602.589.8242, [email protected]
Children, Youth & Family Ministry: Wendy Harman, ext. 223, [email protected]
Preschool Director: Donna Mund, ext. 222, [email protected]
Director of Music: Jon Lang, [email protected]
Facilities: Ken Adams, [email protected]
Office Manager: Kathy Flint, ext. 210, [email protected]
Communications: Carol Carpenter, ext. 202, [email protected]
Shepherd’s Foundation Exec. Sec’y: Tracy Albright, ext. 209, [email protected]
Worship services: Saturdays @ 5:00 p.m. in Christ Chapel (casual);
Sunday @ 9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary (traditional); 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel
(contemporary)
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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1500 West Maryland Avenue
Phoenix AZ 85015-1499
P: 602.249.1936 F: 602.249.1983
E: [email protected]
www.sov.us
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Phoenix, AZ
Permit No. 195
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