News at Shepherd of the Valley

News and Updates at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (ELCA)
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Volume 52 - Number 8 - August 2010

Dear Friends,

Did you know that you are the most effective evangelist the church has? Statistics show that over 80% of people who visit a church for the first time do so because someone they know invited them!! While it is always appropriate to invite people to our Sunday worship, sometimes it’s easier to invite a friend to a specific event.

We have several upcoming events that would be a wonderful opportunity for such an invitation. Our summer concert series continues on Wednesday, August 4th with the Alleluia Quartet performing. On August 18^th, Patte Lund will perform for our last summer concert. All of these concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and are free of charge! On Sunday, August 1^st we will have our annual church picnic at Bauman Park in Cherry Valley at noon. This will be a potluck, with planned activities for children of all ages. On Sunday, September 12, our Sunday school year begins again at 9:30 a.m. We are blessed with a great educational program for children ages 2 through high school, as well as an adult class. On Sunday, August 29 and September 5, you will receive an invitation that you can give to an acquaintance specifically inviting them for our “Sunday School Kick off” and worship on September 12^th. I hope you will begin to pray now about who you can invite to an event here at our church!

All these things and more are happening in the months to come at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran – what an opportunity for you to connect with our congregation and for you to invite someone to come with you! I look forward to seeing you there.

In Christ,

Pastor Wold

In our prayers Joyce Towns, Mike Dahl, Carol Dahl, Mike McIntyre, Larry Downing recovering from surgery; Pete Ferguson’s sister and family friend, Janet & Elsie are both diagnosed with Stage IV cancer.

Fall hours resume September 12th - 8:15am and 10:45am

As most of you are aware, the heating and air conditioning units here at SVLC need to be replaced. The project will be done in two phases: the first phase will consist of replacing the HVAC unit in Moline and replacing the heating unit and adding on air conditioning in the narthex. The second phase will be replacing the heat/ac unit in Shepherd Hall and the heating units of the classrooms.

Our immediate need therefore, is to replace the HVAC in both Moline Hall and the Narthex. We have received estimates ranging from $12,000 to $19,000 to do these two areas alone. We are hoping to finish the remaining units for under $10,000. Originally, we estimated the entire project would cost around $10,000. However after receiving bids, we have learned that more needs to be done than just replacing the actual units. As you can see, these costs are far more than what we originally thought.

We have received several large donations to our campaign to raise money for the replacement of heaters and air conditioners. Carol Dahl has reported to that we have approximately 30 households participating as of this time. To date we have raised $7,110. If you have already given your contribution to the fund, we thank you. If you have not, we ask that you please consider helping in this campaign or making an additional gift to the one already given. Some of our HVAC units are almost 50 years old, and replacing them would mean better efficiency and therefore less money spent on utility bills.

Update 8/2 - New air conditioners have been installed in Moline Hall and the Narthex. Bill $13,780.00

Mike McIntyre, our choir director, as you know, is diagnosed with Burkitts lymphoma. We are extremely pleased to report that he has completed 50% of his treatment and is doing great! We pray for God’s continued healing presence to be with him! Mike also sends his appreciation for all the prayers, cards and calls he has received.

Carol & Cliff Dahl came home on July 22^nd. Carol cannot leave her home for 3 weeks as the doctor doesn’t want her to take any chances on doing the steps or going outside. She still has healing to do, and sends her appreciation to all for the prayers, many cards and calls she has received

Blessing of Backpacks. On Sunday, August 15 at both services, we invite all students to bring their backpacks to church! During worship, Pastor Wold will bless the backpacks (and the children who carry them) so that as we enter a new school year we are all reminded that God is with us everywhere we go! Parents will be invited to come forward as we lay our hands on the backpacks in blessing.

Women of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church We will be hosting a brunch on Saturday, September 25 at 9 a.m. in Moline Hall. Polly Black from Quilter’s General Store will share information with us during the brunch on making pillow cases for servicemen and women. Please put this date on your calendar for a fun morning!

Sunday School/Adult Forum begins on Sunday, September 12. our Sunday school year begins again at 9:30 a.m. We are blessed with a great educational program for children ages 2 through high school, as well as an adult class.

Preschool Fall Registration is now open: Registration for children ages 3-4 of church members is now being accepted for 2010-2011 school year This is a Christian program. The four year olds have a choice of either a morning or afternoon class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The three year olds meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Our preschool is fully licensed by the state. The monthly tuition is $70 for the 3-year olds and$100 for the 4-year olds. Registration fee is $55. For more information, please call the pre-school at 815-397-5880.

LIBRARY NEWS Summer vacation is a great time to check out a book from your church library. Give your child a break from his cell phone/I pod, etc. and encourage him/her to find a good book in the library. Choices include books about animals, friends, castles, fantasy, Bible stories and more. Your child will be given an opportunity to check out books during Vacation Bible School-just remember to return them please!

Senator Dave Syverson, Free Senior Health & Information Fairs. Friday August 6, 9-11 am at Loves Park City Hall Community Room, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park. Also on Wednesday, August 18, 9-11 am at Patriots’ Gateway Center, 615 S. 5^th St. Rockford. Free admission, door prizes, free health screenings and refreshments at both meeting places. Also, a representative from the Attorney General’s office will be on hand to talk about consumer fraud prevention, the “Do Not Call” Registry, how to protect yourself from identity theft, and understanding telecommunication scams

Hospitality Table Can you please take a moment to sign up to bring treats and serve at the hospitality table? Please remember, you may turn in your receipt for reimbursement. Get together with a friend to split the fun!.

The Northern Illinois Synod Women of the ELCA 22nd Annual Convention will be September 18 at First Lutheran Church, DeKalb. The theme will be "Act Boldly-Seek and Support Equal Justice." The keynote speaker is from Lutheran World Relief. The Women of the ELCA is a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and promote healing and wholeness in the church, society and the world. If you are interested in attending with me, please contact Kay Brindle, 815/874-6095. Voting delegate registration deadline is August 15. Participant registration deadline is September 1.

Local Gardeners Team Up To Fight Hunger in our Community Did you plant a garden this summer? Do you have extra vegetables & fruits overflowing in your garden you do not know what to do with? The produce can be donated to the Plant A Row (PAR) efforts this summer to feed the hungry in our community. Produce donations help local pantries and shelters! The official 2010 collection goal is 20 tons of produce. This is a cooperative program between U of I Extension-Winnebago County Master Gardeners and home gardeners in the greater Rockford area that helps those going hungry in our community. Please see the Kiosk for the drop off sites. Thank you for your help.

Northern Illinois Synod Diakonia , Equipping God’s children for Service. Diakonia is a 2-year process of spiritual formation and theological education for baptized members of the ELCA or anyone wishing in good faith to study these teachings. The purpose and goal of the Diakonia program is to provide each participant the opportunity to discover their God-given gifts, strengthen their faith and their abilities, and give them purpose within their own congregations, synods and church-wide body of Christ. Cost: Tuition $360/year. Registration forms and Financial Aid forms re available by contacting Denise Rode, 815-756-8321 drode@niu.edu. Information may also be found at www.nisynod.org/diakonia. Stu Hoffman, Kay Brindle, Allen Holden & Alan Wold have all been part of this group

Blood pressure checks are done at church on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of each month from 9:30-10:30 a.m. only in the Library.
Please note we will have a new schedule for the summer.
Cathy Hoffmann, RN

The American Association for Wartime Veterans will be at PA Peterson, 1311 Parkview Ave. on August 11 at 6:30 pm in the Atrium. This event will help educate the community on benefits that many American Wartime Veterans are unaware exist for them. This tax-free benefit may help offset the cost of: assisted living, nursing home and enhanced independent living. You are welcome to attend this free seminar.

Corn Boil & Open House, Saturday, August 14 from 11 am to 2 pm at PA Peterson Center for Health, 1311 Parkview Ave. Corn and watermelon, hot dogs and lemonade will be served with a free will offering accepted. Music will be provided by Blackhawk Country and tours will be offered. For more information, please contact Sue Cram, 815.399.8832.

Come and see other area churches special or unique ministry – “Shine Time.” Tabor Lutheran Church will be hosting this event on Sunday, Sept. 19^th from 6:30-7 pm. RALM will have their 25^th Annual Meeting after the program and you are invited !

Applying Bible Principles

One of the most striking accusations the Lord Jesus made when He was on earth was to label someone a hypocrite. Time and time again, He criticized the Pharisees and others for their hypocrisy. They said one thing but did something entirely different. They fit the description used by Zig Ziglar who said, “A hypocrite is one who is not himself on Sunday.”

That’s perhaps what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote to Timothy: “And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” In other words, to give credence to Christianity, to give lip service to following Christ and to trusting in Him as Savior and Lord, and then to fail to provide for our own family, is hypocrisy. To do so, in reality, is to deny our faith and to be considered as someone who has no faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and no interest in spiritual matters. It seems like such a small thing — relatively speaking (pun intended) — that Paul is exhorting Timothy to do. Provide for your own household, your own relatives. Take care of those under your care. Minister to those closest to you as a demonstration of your Christian faith.

Yes, we are to give to His ministry here at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Yes, we are to be involved in ministering to others “on our own” and as part of the outreach of this church. But we are also to provide for our own families. We are also to minister to them and to care for them, for by doing so, we demonstrate the practical reality of our Christian faith. We thereby avoid the label of hypocrite since what we say is what we do. How’s the balance in your life? Are you providing for the needs of this ministry and those of your household? As a result, do others (especially your family) see Jesus in you?

Remember our missionaries. Their website is http://web.mac.com/stubbsrcs/Site/Welcome.html and includes Current news, Newsletters, FAQ, Support, Kid's Pages, Links and Calendar. Prayer requests from Randy and Carol are for good health and safety while traveling, a better mastery of the Swahili language in order to be more effective in ministry, discipline in daily devotions in order to grow spiritually and wisdom to discern God's will. They appreciate your prayers.

MORE FUN IN YOUR MARRIAGE ? YES ! !

July 2010 statistics (based on the four weeks):
· average weekly worship attendance: 109.
· average weekly contributions: current & benevolence $3,164 and building fund $615.