Happening Now

Pastor's Weekly Message

2012-02-01T12:16:00.001-08:00

"And God said,' and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky. .... So God created ... every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:20-21

Stepping outside again the other night and hearing the great horned owls talking to each other. Something so mysterious and hauntingly beautiful about their conversation. And the very next morning stepping out to the same spot, before hopping into the car, and the place was filled with conversation, so much more than on those very cold mornings of late. Teeming with life and the promise of spring, even if it was a January morning.

Have seen some pretty impressive flocks of geese overhead too. While walking in the park, or looking out my office window (what a great view this continues to be by the way), and lately there has been a pretty sizable group of geese landing in the park here by the church. They are noisy and can make quite a mess, but they are also something to behold. Even noticing are young KOK students taking in their presence too. (Wondering if we could count them in worship attendance, their being a flock and all?)

Point being? (If there needs to be one.) There is life all around us. It is good to take it in for even a moment. And creation continues, the work of God is in our midst, telling me that God is not done with us yet. So what do we do next?

In praise of the Creator,
Pastor Randy

"May the strength of God pilot us; may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us; may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and forevermore." St. Patrick

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 a Bible Study
6:30 p Acts 2:42 Service
7:00 p Adult Choir

Thursday 6:30 p Men's Night at Old Chicago Pizza

Sunday 8:30 & 11:00 a Worship
9:45 a Sunday School for all ages
9:45 a HS Youth Group Meeting (note change of time for this month due to Super Bowl)

Pastor's Weekly Message

2012-01-18T13:00:00.001-08:00

"For to the snow he says, 'Fall on the earth' ..." Job 37:6

The snow. Have to write about it a ittle bit. We get so little of here, and when it comes it is a big deal, especially if you watch weather forecasts. Drove through a heavy blast of it going home on Sunday afternoon, and again going to work on Tuesday morning. It was mesmerizing.

It sure is lovely stuff, even more enjoyable when the driving is done. Especially taking it in Sunday afternoon. So much moisture falling, and transforming the appearance of everything, cleaner, brighter. And on Tuesday night looking out the window toward the street lights, huge fluffy damp flakes filling the air. Standing out back, listening to what was a pouring rain, now a silent deluge, brightening the darkness, glowing.

The only problem? Like the cartoon on my door from "Better or Worse" says, "There was nobody my age to play with."

Hard as it sometimes is to see, thanks for the beauty Lord.

Pastor Randy

"May the light always shine in our darkness. May our ears always hear the Word. May grace upon grace be ours, and may the glory of the Father's only Son be known to us now and forever. Amen"

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 a Bible Study
6:30 p Vesper Service
7:00 p Adult Choir practice (ages 12 and older)

Thursday 10:00 a LLL
6:15 p Executive Council
7:00 p Council Meeting

Friday 7:00 p Confirmation Retreat
7:30 - 9:30 p OEC

Sunday 9:45 a Sunday School for all ages
adult Sunday school class on King David, his life and times

Cold weather items needed

2012-01-16T16:01:00.001-08:00

Corrine is collecting cold weather items; new or used and all sizes of blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, coats etc to take to the Portland Rescue Mission and/or any other community resources in need of these items.

Please bring your donated items to SOV by Wednesday evening or first thing Thursday (8 am) the items will be distributed on Thursday.

Any questions can be directed to Corrine. Thank you for your support.

Pastor's Weekly Message

2012-01-11T12:06:00.001-08:00

"Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me." John 16:32

At the risk of sounding melancholy, remembering the thoughts that crossed my mind on the way to our 11pm Christmas Eve service, and driving home after. Seeing a Tri-Met driver alone driving down 185th. Seeing the few stores that were open, wondering about the folks working that lonely shift, and the customers they served. Maybe they were all just fine with where they were, but I wondered.

I had a community of faith to share time with, a family to share dinner with, a home decorated festively to sleep warmly in. Not to mention those absolute words of grace Jesus offered to his disciples. Words offered to us as well.

All engendered by standing outside in the dark last week one night and hearing one lone goose honking somewhere over head, tempted to feel a bit lonely myself, and then remembering, "Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me."

In the peace and power of the cross,
Pastor Randy

"Merciful Savior, you spoke a word and light appeared in the darkness. We pray that you would speak to us now, that your word may again illumine our lives and our world. May the same power that separated day from night and flung billions of stars into place, ignite within us a desire to hear, know and obey your word. Amen."

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 a Bible Study
6:30 p Acts 2:42 Service
7:00 p Adult Choir

Saturday 5:00 - 9:00 p HS Youth Outing

Sunday Scrip Order Sunday

Pastor's Weekly Message

2012-01-05T16:50:00.001-08:00

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ah, but there are those moments of intensity when "times" and "matters" are not at all neatly divided, and a whole bunch comes at once. The season we are just finishing can certainly be like that. Christmas can be filled with tremendous highs and lows, intermingled. But the rest of our days can be filled with much richness too.

Feeling the weight of a heavy heart and then the comical beauty of a flock of geese honking over head can make an unexpected difference. Hearing the sorrows of another and then recalling moments of thankfulness all the more. The vagaries of life.

A time for every matter alright, and God present in the whole delightful mess. Is that the case for you?

In Christ,
Pastor Randy

"Merciful God, you spoke a word and light appeared in the darkness. We pray that you would speak to us now, that your word may again illumine our lives and our world. May the same power that separated day from night and flung billions of stars into place, ignite within us a desire to hear, know and obey your word. Amen."

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 a Bible Study
6:30 p Acts 2:42 Service

Thursday 6:30 p Men's Night @ Old Chicago Pizza
7:00 p LLL
7:30 - 9:30 p OEC

Next Scrip Order January 15th.

Please keep Connie in your prayers. Continued healing for Bob, Sandra and Neil.

Memorial: Pastor Ted Brueckner

2012-01-05T16:49:00.001-08:00

Rev. Theodore Paul Brueckner, 90
Aug. 03, 1921 - Jan. 01, 2012

Born in Alpena, Mich., he was the former Pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Beaverton.

Arrangements by Springer and Son, 503-356-1000.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Beaverton at 10 AM this Saturday, January 7 for Pr. Ted Brueckner. All are welcome to attend. Further details can be had by calling the church at 503-644-9148. We are thankful for the many gifts offered by all our Brueckner brothers and sisters.

Reminder for Sunday January 1st

2011-12-30T13:45:00.001-08:00

One service this Sunday January 1st
10:30 a
followed by brunch in celebration with Oregon Evergreen Church

Please bring a fruit or bread item to share.

January's newsletter is available online or in hard copy in the Narthex.

http://www.sovlutheran.com/news/pdf/january2012.pdf

Have safe and Happy New Year!

Weekly Reminders

2011-12-28T11:34:00.001-08:00

This Week

All Church Luncheon
Thursday December 29th
12:00 pm
Please bring a potluck dish to share

Sunday January 1st
One worship service at 10:30 a
followed by a brunch.
Please bring a bread or fruit item to share.

Offering
If you would like your Sundays offering to reflect on your 2011 Giving Statement please date your check accordingly (2011). Otherwise all 2012 dated checks will be recorded for the New Year.

Christmas Worship Services

2011-12-23T08:14:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas from Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

December 24th

Christmas Eve Candle light Worship Services with Communion

4:00 pm

6:00 pm

11:00 pm

December 25th

Christmas Day Worship Service with Communion

10:30 am

Pastor's Weekly Message

2011-12-21T09:41:00.001-08:00

".....a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God...." Luke 2:13

The day is fast upon us now, obviously. Whether the multitudes gathering are heavenly in Luke's use of the term is not what I am clinging to here. But there is the looking forward to "multitudes" and "praising God". (Trusting in God to take care of the heavenly part.)

Wherever you find yourselves Saturday night (or Sunday morning) may you be able to join with other folks, sing loudly, and know at least a bit of the promise of peace in the coming of the Christ child.

May a blessed Christmas be yours,
Pastor Randy

"Dear God, In the darkness of the virgin's womb the holy child grows. In the darkness of the world's pain, the blessed light begins to kindle. In the darkness of our own doubting of you and of ourselves, the great hope begins to rise again like a lump in the throat; the hope that you will come to us truly, that the child will be born again in our midst, the Prince of Peace in a world at war, the hope that you will ransom us and our world from the darkness that seeks to destroy us. Be born among us that we may ourselves be born. Be born within us that by words and deeds of love we may bear the tidings of your birth to a world that dies for lack of love. We ask in the child's name. Amen. (from Frederick Buechner)

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 a Bible Study
5:45 p Advent Soup Supper
6:30 p Vesper Service
7:00 p Adult Choir Practice

Thursday 7:30-9:30p Oregon Evergreen Church

Saturday Christmas Eve Services
4:00 p, 6:00 p and 11:00 p

Sunday Christmas Day Service
10:30 a

Christmas Caroling

2011-12-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

Please join us for Christmas Caroling~

Sunday December 18th

4:30 p @ SOV

Potluck soup and chili following caroling.

Pastor's Weekly Message

2011-12-14T12:50:00.001-08:00

This week turning to some words from Frederick Buechner, from the book "Whistling in The Dark" and part of his definition of Christmas. This is only a part of the definition and may give pause for some different thoughts about the gift of the day.

"The Word become flesh. Ultimate Mystery born with a skull you could crush one-handed. Incarnation. It is not tame. It is not touching. It is not beautiful. It is uninhabitable terror. It is unthinkable darkness riven with unbearable light. Agonized laboring led to it, vast upheavals of intergalactic space, time split apart, a wrenching and tearing of the very sinews of reality itself. You can only cover your eyes and shudder before it before this; 'God of God, and Light of Light, very God of very God' .... as the Nicene Creed puts it ..... Only then do we dare uncover our eyes and see what we can see. It is the Resurrection and the Life she holds in her arms. It is the bitterness of death he takes at her breast."

In Christ,
Pastor Randy

"Merciful Savior, the longings of our heart are deep and profound, and the season of Advent, like not other, makes us acutely aware of our yearnings. What we genuinely desire is mystery, a sense of transcendence. a story that is bigger than life but enfolds our lives. We need the Son of God become flesh, the baby born in a manger who brought shepherds to their knees and angels to their feet. We long for a liberating truth that cannot be contained in words but must be sung by the heavenly hosts. Come to us anew to satisfy our restless hearts. Amen."

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 a Bible Study
5:45 p Advent Soup Supper
6:30 p Advent Vesper Service
7:00 p Adult Choir

Thursday 6:15 p Executive Council
7:00 p Council Meeting

Friday 7:30 - 9:30 p OEC

Sunday 8:30 & 11:00 a Worship
1:30 - 5:00 p OEC
4:30 p Christmas Caroling & potluck soup/chili supper

Pastor's Weekly Message

2011-12-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

"Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! ... Mountains and all hills ..." Psalm 148:1,9a

Maybe it's because I grew up in the flat lands of northwestern Ohio, but it could be that you have the same feeling even if you have lived your whole life in this beautiful part of creation. (That certainly seems to be the case for my son Josh, the only true Oregonian in our family.)

What I'm talking about is still being thrilled by the sight of the mountains around us. After 30 years the sight of them still touches my heart and lifts my spirit. Was reminded of that especially just a couple of days ago. Driving to work and there at the end of TV highway sat Mt. Hood, cloaked in white, shining in the morning light. It was absolutely beautiful, for me that is the picture the psalmist was writing about. Thanks for the beauty Lord.

Peace and blessings,
Pastor Randy

"As we put up our Christmas lights, might we be reminded of your light. Grant us the patience to pause in our task and bask in the promise of the star we follow. Keep us mindful of the birthday we celebrate and gift we are given in the manger. Amen."

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 a Bible Study
5:45 p Advent Soup/Bread supper
6:30 p Vesper Service
7:00 p Adult Choir Practice

Friday 5:00-9:00p Youth Babysitting Fundraiser night
Dinner, games, crafts, movie provided,

donations accepted (fundraiser)
infant - 5th grade
invite your co workers, family, friends,
neighbors and help support our youth group

Sunday 8:30a Regular Worship
11:00a Sunday School Christmas Program
1:30 - 5:00 p OEC
6:00p SOV's Annual Christmas Concert featuring

SOV's Adult & Youth Choirs, Transport Five,
Bear Noel and Sing a long Christmas carols.
Please bring a plate of cookies to share.

Youth Group Babysitting Fundraiser

2011-12-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Need a Date Night?
Need to do some Christmas Shopping?
Just need a nap?!

SOV Youth Group has you covered!

Babysitting Night
When: Friday, December 9, 5:00-9:00pm
Where: Main floor of SOV
17625 NW Cornell Road, Beaverton
Cost: Donations accepted (this is a fundraiser)
Age: infants - 5th grade

SOV Youth Group will provide dinner, games, crafts, a movie and FUN!!

Questions? Please email Caitlin at saalfeca -at- gmail.com

Please share this with your friends, neighbors, co workers and family.

December Newsletter

2011-12-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

December Newsletter is now available on line as well as hard copies in the church Narthex.

http://sovlutheran.com/news/pdf/december2011.pdf

Pastor's Weekly Message

2011-11-30T12:17:00.000-08:00

"For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." Hosea 8:7a

Good luck with bringing in that crop. Hosea is not the guy folks would normally turn to as Christmas nears. He would more likely be considered a bah-humbug sort. This particular verse, and where it is found in his chastising of fellow citizens, might now see as at least in part an attack on retail therapy.

Part of this is brought on by yet one more push for getting the perfect gift that show true love and thoughtfulness. So, do not be offended (unless there is a need), and consider again the real "reason for the season". It may sound so trite, but hear the good news of the Christ child again. It is probably not store bought.

May we have the chance to love and care for the folks around us.

In Christ,
Pastor Randy

"Precious Savior, we praise you because you are near. You have walked among us, living as we live, knowing our pain, experiencing our joy. Thank you for getting your feet dirty, for reaching out to us, for loving us in person. May we spend this season sharing this blessed message of hope with all we meet. Thank you for coming to us. Amen."

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 5:45 p Advent Soup Supper (soup, bread, crackers, butter always welcome)
6:30 p Vesper Service
7:00 p Adult Choir

Thursday 1:30 - 7:00 p Red Cross Blood Drive
6:30 p Men's Night @ Old Chicago Pizza/Tanasbourne

Sunday Scrip Order Sunday; remember your Christmas shopping list,

your neighbors, co workers, hostess gifts,
teachers, hair dressers, stocking stuffers...etc.
If you wont be here Sunday I can email you a form

but payment needs to be here by Sunday.

Looking ahead;
Sunday December 11th;
Sunday School Christmas Program at 11:00 a
" A Merry Olde England" Christmas Concert/sing a long 6:00 p

Sunday December 18th
Christmas Caroling; meeting at SOV @ 4:30 p to Carpool followed by potluck chili/soup supper

Pastor's Weekly Message

2011-11-23T09:08:00.001-08:00

"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

Thanks all over the place. Standing outside again of course, in the darkness, after a good rain. The creek behind the house was no longer dormant. The sound of the rolling water is such excellent music, and a sweet gift. Giving thanks.

Sitting inside and hearing the wind howl and the rains beat down. What a blessing to have this safe place, a refuge. And I would far too easily take it for granted. Giving thanks.

As for those times taken for granted, or even when the grandest gifts are looked past foolishly, or seem not to offer the comfort sought. Then strengthened by the ultimate gift of a "steadfast love that endures forever". Giving thanks. All over the place.

Peace and blessings,
Pastor Randy

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 a Bible Study
6:30 p Acts 2:42 Service
7:00 p Adult Choir practice

(new members always welcome)

Thursday Happy Thanksgiving
Offices Closed

Friday Offices Closed

Sunday First Sunday of Advent
8:30 & 11:00 Worship
No Sunday School

Don't Forget...

2011-11-18T16:36:00.001-08:00

It is our Duty and Delight...
Living a generous life.

remembering what God has done for you,
what will you do for God?

Commitment Sunday
November 20th

Remember to bring your Commitment form to worship on Sunday.

Not going to be here? Drop it by the church office Monday - Friday 8 - 12pm or mail it to:

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
17625 NW Cornell Road
Beaverton, Or 97006

Youth Christmas Greens pick up

2011-11-17T19:23:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who participated in the KOK/SOV Youth Greens Fundraiser.

Items will be available for you to pick up at the Church on Sunday, November 20, after both services.

You may also make arrangements to pick up during preschool hours (9 am - 11:30 am) on Monday (21st) or Tuesday (22nd) at the Church. If you were unable to place an order, I do have 5 - 22" wreaths, 1 centerpiece, 1 Bark Basket and one 25" wreath for sale. Please email Wendy Roeder, wsroeder(at)aol.com, if you have questions.

Pastor's Weekly Message

2011-11-16T12:27:00.001-08:00

"Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!" Psalm 148:3

Right now even the street lights are shrouded in the fog. It isn't great to drive in, but it has a certain beauty and seems to enhance the silence of the night.

Just a couple of nights ago the moon was full and it lit the backyard with a silver light. It was maybe as quiet as this particular space has been in the short ime I have been blessed to take it in. The quiet, the silver light, even the aloneness, was beautiful.

For me proof positive that even "the moon ... all you shining stars ... praise him..". The Creator and all of creation continues to amaze.

In thanks,
Pastor Randy

"Open our eyes fully to your world, O God. When we hear slander, give us courage to speak truth; when we witness persecution, grant us strnegth to defend the oppressed; where we see grief, enable us to bring comfort. Help us to se not only what is, but also what could be. Amen."

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 6:30 p Acts 2:42 service
7:00 p Adult Choir Practice

Thursday 10:00 a LLL
12:00 p All Church Luncheon

Friday 7:00 p Confirmation Class/Retreat

Saturday 9:00 a Confirmation Class
10:00 a Thanksgiving Baskets, assembly and distribution
5:00 - 8:00 p MS/HS Youth Outing Laser Tag $7 plus video money (dinner provided)

KOK Christmas Greens
Thanks to all who participated in the Greens Fundraiser. If you missed it, I do have a few items you can purchase. Items will be available for you to pick up at the Church on Sunday, November 20, after both services. You may also make arrangements to pick up during preschool hours (9 am - 11:30 am) on Monday (21st) or Tuesday (22nd). Please email Wendy Roeder, wsroeder(at)aol.com, if you have questions.

COMMITMENT SUNDAY, Remember Sunday November 20th
Our Duty & Delight...Remember the connection?

Thanksgiving Baskets

2011-11-15T17:35:00.001-08:00

Our annual Thanksgiving Food Basket event will be this Saturday, November 19. We still need another couple of people to help pick up food at the WinCo near Cornelius Pass and Cornell at 9:30am. Assembly of the baskets will be at church at 10:00am. We also need a few more people who would be willing to make a delivery or two to our recipients who don't have their own transportation and a couple of people to stay after and clean up and reset the chairs for Sunday services.

If you can help with any of these tasks, please let Larina Hoffbeck know at: hoffbeck(at)frontier.com.

The entire event (including cleaning and setting up the sanctuary) should be finished by noon. We'll have coffee, juice and donuts for the volunteers set up in the kitchen. We hope to see you Saturday!

Commitment Sunday

2011-11-10T17:12:00.001-08:00

Commitment Sunday

Sunday November 20th

"Duty and Delight..."

Remember the connection?

Please prayerfully consider what God has done for you, what will you do for God?

Youth Group Fundraiser

2011-11-10T17:11:00.001-08:00

SOV's Youth Group is having a fundraising event:

Monday November 14th

@ Chevy's Restaurant in Tanasbourne

Offer is good ALL DAY

on Dine In or Take Out

Just mention SOV Youth group and 25% of your bill will be credited to the youth group.

Pastor's Weekly Message

2011-11-10T16:52:00.001-08:00

"... If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?" I Corinthians 12:17

Walking to my car in the parking lot of Calvary Lutheran after a meeting. Got to the space, surrounded by maple leaves, and I could smell fall. The sun was blazing, the sky a brilliant blue, the air crisp, but the smell is what made the greatest impression this time.

Immediately transported to the farm of my youth, cross country practice at the Napoleon golf course, raking leaves in Albany, and on and on. And the smell was rich indeed.

Appreciating anew, again, the sense God has given us. May we have the good sense to use them.

In Thanks,
Pastor Randy

"O God, the giver of life and of every good gift, you have poured out your grace and blessings upon us. Your generosity is lavish, your love unconditional, your joy overflowing. May we, along with all gifts, be useful in reaching out to the sorrow of this world. Amen."

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 a Bible Study
5:30 p Stewardship Meeting
6:30 p Acts 2:42 Service
7:00 p Adult Choir Practice

Thursday 7:00 p La Leche League (LLL)

Friday Happy Veterans Day!

Sunday Scrip Order Sunday
6:00 p MS Youth Group Meeting

SOV Youth Group Fundraiser
Monday November 14th Chevy's Restaurant @ Tanasbourne, all day, dine in or take out. Mention SOV Youth group and Chevy's will donate 25% of total bill back to SOV.

Sunday November 20th Commitment Sunday, please remember to fill out your pledge form and return to the church anytime or on Sunday November 20th.

Pastor's Weekly Message

2011-11-02T12:39:00.001-07:00

"Make your face shine upon your servant,....." Psalm 119:135

Saw lots of faces the other night, although many of them were covered actually. It was trick or treat time of course, and we were out with our youngest grand babies, and some young friends. Can I equate that time with the face of God shining?

Depends on the point of view I suppose. It was apparent for me in several ways. In the kids excited smiles sure. But also in Avery taking my hand as we walked along. Or in Daphne's comical burgeoning understanding of what exactly was going on and how she was intent on being a part of it. Or in seeing that beautiful quarter moon watching over us in the crisp, clear night air. It all left me with a warm grin. God's face shining. Thanks for the gifts Lord.

Peace and blessings,
Pastor Randy

"O God, the giver of life and of every good gift, you have poured out your grace and blessings upon us. Your generosity is lavish, and your love unconditional, your joy overflowing. Help us to appreciate your gifts anew and to know that in you we we will find rest and hope. In Christ, Amen.

THIS WEEK

Wednesday 10:00 am Bible Study
6:30 pm Acts 2:42 Service

Thursday 6:30 pm Men's Night @ Old Chicago Pizza/Tanasbourne
7:00 pm Adult Choir Practice

Sunday 5:00 pm "Give Thanks With A Grateful Hear" Dinner (if you

have not RSVP'd please let me know if you plan to

attend, if you wish to bring something please bring

a side dish, salad or dessert.

Sunday is also All Saints' Sunday if you wish to honor a loved one please send me their name along with their memorial dates to be posted in the bulletin.