News and Updates at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (ELCA)      
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Volume 51 - Number 2 - February 2012

Dear Friends,

Alan and I have just returned from an amazing trip to the Holy Land.  It’s been a long time dream of mine to visit the land where Jesus lived while here on earth and to see in person the places we’ve read about in the Bible for so many years.

The trip was sponsored by Bright Stars of Bethlehem. The mission of Bright Stars of Bethlehem is to assure that Christianity in the Holy Land survives and thrives by seeding and providing support to Christmas Lutheran Church ministries in Bethlehem to provide hope, healing and education to the Christian community that is quickly disappearing from the Holy Land.  Alan and I didn’t realize until we were in Bethlehem that the make up of the community is now 80% Muslim and less than 20% Christian.  Pastor Mitri Raheb of Christmas Lutheran has done a remarkable job of helping to keep the message of Christ’s love and forgiveness alive in this place.  One of our most memorable moments of the trip was when we sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem” while in worship at Christmas Lutheran in Bethlehem, Palestine.  We look forward to sharing more about our trip and some of the many pictures we took at a time to be announced soon.  It takes a while to organize all the photos we took!

Now we’re back in full swing here at Shepherd of the Valley.  On February 22, the season of Lent will begin.  Please see the full Lenten schedule elsewhere in this newsletter, including information about our Ash Wednesday services and our mid-week suppers during Lent.

As we continue this journey toward Lent and ultimately toward Easter, I hope we can all be reminded daily of the teachings of Jesus.  Recently in church we heard the mandate to become “fishers of people”.  Please prayerfully consider how you could invite someone you know to come hear the Good News of Christ and of his love and forgiveness for all. 

  In Christ,  

  Pastor Wold

Shepherd News and Happenings

In our prayers:  Harold Wilson, hospitalized but now home, Liz Holden; Ann Honer, recovering from knee replacement surgery; Marian Kressly, sister-in-law of Neva Abel who is under the care of Hospice, and Alice Persaud who is diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Our sympathy to Ron and Joyce Hunt and family on the death of Ron’s sister, Delores Hunt, who passed away in January.

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!

Educational Opportunities at Shepherd of the Valley

¨         Bible Study at Peterson Meadows, on Wednesdays,  from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. with wonderful fellowship and treats.  (See complete article below.)

¨         Sunday School is held each Sunday, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

¨         Adult Forum is held each Sunday,  from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

¨         Confirmation Class is held once a month with Saturday classes from 9-12 noon.

    Bible Study at Peterson Meadows, Bible Study is held every Wednesday, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Peterson Meadows on Newburg Rd.  Come join us for an hour of Bible study, treats and fellowship for adult men and women! The setting is informal and discussion with input from participants is only by choice.

       Adult Forum (a.k.a Adult Sunday School): The Four Acts of Prayer. On Sunday, February 5, we will begin a ten-week series on The Four Acts of Prayer.  Walt Wangerin, Jr. award-winning author of 34 books and accomplished story-teller, will use stories to explore the four acts of prayer: we speak, God listens, God speaks and we listen and how these vital elements complete the circle of praying.  He shows us that these four simple acts, practiced and developed with diligence, bring us into close communion with God that supports us in our daily living.  Class is held every Sunday morning at 9:30 (the same time as the children’s Sunday School) in Shepherd Hall, located off the south hallway, near the kitchen.  Come every week or as often as you can.  You are all welcome!

YEAR END STATEMENTS OF GIVING for tax purposes are available to pick up from the table next to the sanctuary.  If possible, please pick them up to avoid postage costs.  Also, please check to see if you have picked up your 2012 offering envelopes.  Please help us get these to the right people.

Rummage Sale is coming!  Friday and Saturday, April 20-21st!  Start saving your items for the sale. You may start bringing your items April  9th and put them in Moline Hall. If you have any questions, please call Kristen Spangler, 815-871-5255.

Lenten Schedule

Wednesday, Feb. 22  Ash Wednesday
 7:00 a.m.  Breakfast/Worship Service   and 7:00 p.m.  Service of Holy   Communion & Imposition of Ashes

Wednesday  Feb. 29:
  6:00 p.m.  Lenten Supper     7:00 p.m.   Worship Service

Wednesday Mar. 7: 
 6:00 p.m.  Lenten Supper   7:00 p.m.  Worship Service

Wednesday Mar. 14:  
6:00 p.m.  Lenten Supper   7:00 p.m.  Worship Service

Wednesday Mar. 21: 
 6:00 p.m.  Lenten Supper 7:00 p.m.  Worship Service

Wednesday Mar. 28:  
6:00 p.m.  Lenten Supper 7:00 p.m.  Worship Service

  Sunday, April 1:  Palm Sunday, 8:15 & 10:45 services

Thursday, April  5:  Maundy Thursday
 7:00 p.m.  Service of Holy Communion

Friday, April 6  Good Friday
7:00 p.m.  Tenebrae Service

Sunday, April 8  Easter Sunday, 8:15 & 10:45 services
 9:15-10:30 am. Easter Breakfast

  The soup suppers begin February 29 and continue each Wednesday through March 28 . A Lenten worship service follows soup supper at 7 pm.  Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex, if you can provide a dish for the supper.  

Senior Luncheon, Tuesday, February 28 at noon.  Bring a can of either chicken or beef base soup. Also, sign up at the Kiosk to bring either bread, salad or dessert. Beverage and paper products will be provided. Following the lunch, a speaker from the Center for Learning in Retirement at Rock Valley College will share how CLR promotes lifelong learning through classes, trips, social events, fitness programs and much more! Do something new in 2012

  Senior Breakfast at Logli (2 locations)

6410 East State St., and 1810 Harlem Rd., Loves Park. A hearty nutritious meal served in a welcoming setting every Monday through Friday, from 7:30 to 10:30 am. Each meal provides one-third of the recommended daily allowances for those 60 and older. How does it work? Seniors 60 and older, along with their spouses, can choose whatever they want from six available menus. The meals are fresh and prepared to order. Dine-in only. Carry-outs are not included in this program. How much does it cost? For those 60-plus and spouses, it’s a suggested $2.50 donation. If you are under 60, you pay full price for the meal. It’s easy!

Preschool at Shepherd of the Valley:  Registration for children, ages 3-4 of church  members will begin January 9 for the 2012-2013 school year. There is a discount for church members. If you are thinking about preschool for your child/children, this would be a good time to register because registration will be open to the public on February 6, 2012. This is a Christian program. The four year olds meet in the morning on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The three year olds meet in the morning on Tuesday and Thursday. Our preschool is fully licensed by the state. For more information, please call the pre-school at 815-397-5880.

Shepherd of the Valley Helping Hands Fund    Most of our members are aware that in the past couple of years our congregation has generously helped with members or staff that have faced financial hardships due to medical related  issues.   We have now set up a fund that would help  others through financial hardships at other times as well.  With today’s current economic climate, it is no surprise that many people are having to watch their financial situations closely. This fund would give the Pastor the ability to provide gift cards to those needing some small assistance, for such things as groceries or gas to ease the  burden while they get back on their feet. This will be an ongoing fund that you can contribute to at any time. Please write Helping Hands in the memo section of your check or on the envelope. Please think about giving a yearly one time gift to help establish and keep this account going. Thank you.

  For Sale:  Yamaha YPP-50 Clavinova.  This 76 key digital keyboard has 8 instrument voices including Piano, Electric Piano, Harpsicord, Vibes, Strings, Brass, Pipe Organ, and Bass.  The built in metronome is a great practice tool and a headphone jack that turns off the internal speakers allows practicing without disturbing anyone else. There is also a built in digital performance memory so you can record what you play. Includes bench.$175.   This clavinova belongs to Shepherd of the Valley; however, since the donation of the Yamaha stage piano from Mike Dahl in 2009, it has seen less use and we would like to find a good home for it. For more information or to view the keyboard, contact, Mike McIntyre at 815-543-4961.

Do you grocery shop at Logli or Hilander?  If so, why not pick up an eScrip card and at no cost to you give back a percentage to SVLC.  These cards are available in the Narthex.  Follow the directions on the card to activate the card, or if you need help, phone the church office at 815-399-5503 and we will be glad to help you!

Donate your old car – help others – you receive a tax deduction! It’s fast, it’s easy and it requires only one initial contact! Cars For Help will take care of the rest. Cars For Help, a 501c3 not-for-profit charity is working together with Lutheran World Relief to help people in need.  If you would like to donate your vehicle, or just have questions, please call  630-595-9272 or visit them on the web at www.carsforhelp.com.

Outreach Activities        

¨         College/Youth Ministry keep our college/university students in our prayers. Their pictures and college information is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex. We are thankful to be given the opportunity to serve nine of our members who are currently attending a college/university either away from home or here in Rockford.

  College students can be added to the ministry at any time of the year.

¨         Please take a minute to sign up at the hospitality table. You may serve after the 1st or 2nd service or both.

¨         The next Outreach Committee meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 12, 2012 after the 2nd service in the Library.

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY IS FEB. 5th, with our youth taking over worship at both services, doing everything from greeting people at the door to providing the gospel story and sharing music with the congregation.  Please remember to bring an extra dollar (or two) with you to worship on Souper Bowl Sunday.  Our youth will be stationed at sanctuary exits to receive donations to fight hunger – locally.  Every dollar collected in the soup pots will go directly to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry here in Rockford. 

HELP IS NEEDED FOR SOUP KITCHEN SUNDAY AT EMMANUEL MISSION HOUSE.   Date:  Sunday, Feb. 12 :   1st Shift:  7:30-9am, 2nd shift:  9 am-10:30 am for cooks; 1st shift:10:30-noon, 2nd shift: Noon-1:30 for servers.  Please check the kiosk for complete information or contact Rhoda Fox 815-397-8144.   Also, canned vegetables and canned fruit, Kool-aid, taco seasoning, taco sauce, taco shells, cookies are always needed for the work day. Thank you for your continued support      Thank you - Rhoda Fox

Youth/Souper Bowl Sunday February 5th is the date for the 2012 Souper Bowl of Caring.  Souper Bowl Sunday will see the youth take over worship at both services, doing everything from greeting people at the door, providing the gospel story, music, etc. Confirmation Class will be held on Sat. February 11th  from 9-noon at SVLC.

The 2012 Flower Calendar is posted next to the Secretary’s Office.  Please feel free to sign up for your special dates.  

Sunday, February 19 at 2 pm, Court Street United Methodist Church will present Music (violin and piano). Performance will include: Norman Lloyd’s Three Pieces for Violin & Piano, movie themes by John Williams, and Sonatina, Opus 100, by Dvorak. Court St. Methodist is located at 215 N. Court St. A Free will donation will be collected.

A Candidate forum will be held Sunday, February 19 at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church (N. Main & Park Ave.) State Candidates (representatives & senatorial) will be discussing current issues and questions from the audience.

Becca’s Closet Fundraiser at Skateland Saturday, February 18, from 4:30-6:30 pm; admission $3.50 ($1.75 of each admission will be donated to Becca’s Closet).  Skates:$1.50, speed or inline skates: $3. Skateland Family Meal Deal Specials: $12.25 whole cheese pizza/pitcher of soda. $1.85 slice of pizza, 8 oz. Soda. Free coffee for all parents. Skateland:815.874.6500.

Mardi Gras, February 21, 2012 “Fat Tuesday” All you can eat Swedish pancakes, $6.00, 9 am-1 pm; $3 for children. Includes Swedish pancakes, sausage, lingonberries, butter, milk, juice or coffee.   Held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. First St. Rockford. Tickets are available at their door.

Rockford Area Lutherans will “Dine at Denali’s for (Habitat) Dollars!”

Rockford, IL - Rockford Area Lutheran congregations are invited to “Dine for (Habitat) Dollars” at Denali’s Pizza. Denali’s, located at the corner of Alpine and Newburg Roads, has graciously agreed to donate 15% of one’s total bill (before taxes) to help raise funds for this year’s Rockford Lutheran Habitat House.

The fundraiser is especially important this year since the Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity Chapter has recently been awarded a $34,815 Thrivent Builds grant. This Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ commitment constitutes 55% of the total home cost (Rockford’s Habitat organization is one of only 142 chapters in the United States who are receiving this grant).

To help Denali’s efficiently serve large numbers of people, each congregation has been assigned one Monday and one Tuesday. SVLC’ date is Monday, March 12 & Tuesday, March 13 for dining in or for carry-out orders, coupons will be available at each church. Coupons will be honored between 11 am and 9 pm for March 12 & March 13 only.

Congregational Resource Event at Kiswaukee College in Malta on March 10, 2012. The speaker will be Reverend Jeff Marian, the topic is: Seeds Grow Fruit - From God's Story to Our Story . Pastor Jeff  served as an associate pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Loves Park, Illinois from 1987-1994. He currently serves as Lead Pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN.  There are over 50 workshops to pick from—enough to meet everyone’s learning needs!  If you register before March 1, the cost is $17.00 per person and includes lunch. After March 1, the cost is $22 per person and lunch may not be provided. 

Hours of Operation:   Monday-Friday   7am-9pm ,  Saturday 8am-3pm ,  Sunday: Closed   Katie’s Choice Book Club, all are invited to engage in conversation about books of interest to you.  Books are available for purchase at Katie’s Cup or bring your own copy. There is no cost or pre-registration needed. Please call RALM at 815-962-4279 for any information. The Katie's Choice Book Club meets the third Monday evening of every month at 7 pm as well as the following Thursday morning at 10 am.

    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.

January  2012 statistics (based on the four weeks):

¨         average weekly worship attendance: 154.

¨         average weekly contributions: current & benevolence  $4,653 and building fund $391.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact any member of the church council or Phil Smalley, church treasurer. 
Please note that financials run one month behind.