Volume 2, Issue 12
December 2014
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church + LaSalle, CO
Pastor Dan Barwinski + 970.284.5101
Good News Events!

“Reaching Out with Grateful
Hearts” stewardship event
produced an awesome
Thanksgiving Tree and
many generous pledges!
 Six high school youth and
two chaperones attended the
Rocky Mountain Synod
“Woven” gathering in Estes!
 Elena Kay Johnston was
welcomed into the family of
God and our fellowship in
Christ at SOTV on Nov 30!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Pastor’s Word
2
Women’s News
2
Sunday School
3
Youth Events
3
Life-Long Learning
3
Council & Committees
3
December Calendar
4
Community Events
5
Offering/Attendance
5
Keeping in Prayer...
5
Advent Waiting and Watching: The “Jesse Tree”
Advent is the season of
waiting and watching
with expectation for
the coming of Jesus.
“Advent Adventure”
this year set the stage
for a new tradition of
preparing for the celebration of Jesus born
anew in our hearts
using the “Jesse Tree.”
Jesse was the father of
King David, and the
prophet Isaiah foretold
— that out of the stump
of Jesse a new branch
would spring forth — the
longed-for Messiah,
Jesus our Lord.
In this year’s Advent
Devotion Booklet (blue
covers in the church entry area) there is a devotional thought centered
on a story from the Bible,
along with a symbol. At
our “Advent Adventure”
we made the symbols
into ornaments that were
placed on
the new
Christmas tree in the sanctuary. You could make
your own “Jesse Tree”
and ornaments at
home, or you can simply
use the daily devotion in
the booklet and try to
find the ornaments from
that week on our tree at
church. Join us in this
tradition of preparation!
Children’s Christmas Program During Worship Dec 14th
A group of Sunday
School students, three
teachers, and a pastor
wrestle with the question, “Is Christmas a
time to sing silly songs
and give presents to
one another or is there
something more?” As
students are invited to
sing for a local business,
the children dig deeper
into the true “reason for
the season.”
Join us on Sunday,
Dec. 14 at 10:15 as the
children present their
annual Christmas program. Goodies and refreshments are always
available at 10 am, so
join us beforehand for
fellowship and invite
someone to join you.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship at 5:00 pm
This year’s Christmas
Eve worship service
will once again include
lessons and carols,
candle lighting, and
sharing in Holy Communion as we celebrate the Birth of our
Lord Jesus. This family–friendly worship
experience will include
building the crèche scene
as part of the Christmas
story narration.
This service is a wonderful opportunity to invite
family and friends who
are not connected to a
worshipping community.
Who will you invite?
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service,
December 24th at 5 pm.
PAGE 2
THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE
To Everything There Is A Season . . .
Dear Brothers and
Sisters in Christ at
Shepherd of the Valley,
“For everything
there is a season,
and a time for every
matter under
heaven…”
— Ecclesiastes 3
We have had a rich and
blessed season of ministry together. As we come
to the end of our promised three year commitment to ministry partnership, Sara and I have
engaged in a diligent
process of discerning
what God might have in
store for our future. We
have prayerfully decided
that it is time to "retire
from" formal ministry at
the end of this year, and
to "reFire to" the next
season of life and faith.
Over the coming year we
will be working on longoverdue “de-cluttering”
projects in anticipation of
a move. We are also
pleased to announce
that our daughter has
invited us into an intentional support role in
their expanding family as
they adopt a newborn girl
who is due late December, early January.
This decision may come
as a surprise, since
things are going so well
at Shepherd of the
Valley. It has always
been our hope and
prayer to retire when
relationships were
positive and ministry
was going strong. It
makes us confident that
you will be able to build
on good foundations
that have been strengthened during our years of
ministry partnership and
that you have a bright
future ahead of you as a
congregation.
To help gain closure to
our productive years
together and to transition to the future,
Bishop Jim Gonia from
the Rocky Mountain
Synod will be with us to
facilitate the exit interview process with the
leadership team on
December 17th. An
intentional interim process will be explored to
build on the strengths
and address the challenges faced by Shepherd of the Valley.
It has genuinely been a
joy and a great privilege
to serve God and the
Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America for
nearly 33 years — on the
mountain-tops, in the
valleys and in the open
spaces in between. Sara
and I thank you for inviting us into your lives
and the desire you have
to be faithful to God and
God’s mission in LaSalle
and the surrounding
communities.
Just as we are confident
that God has a future
and hope for the
Barwinski family, so too,
we believe that the
people of God at
Shepherd of the Valley
have a vibrant future
working together in
God’s Kingdom. We pray
that you will take the
time to “be still and
know God” and to discern all that God wants
for you, and from there,
be about doing “God’s
work with your hands.”
Sincerely yours
in Christ,
Pastor Dan
& Sara
at Shepherd of the Valley
The Annual Harvest Bazaar raised over $3,000! Thanks to everyone who helped make
noodles and butterballs and other items, worked to set up, take down and staff the
event, and to all who made purchases to make this endeavor a huge success.
Utilizing some of the proceeds, the women have decided to purchase (and have already done so) a beautiful, new Christmas tree for the sanctuary, purchase four new
round tables (talk to Marilee Kissler if you would like the ones we are retiring) and
make a donation to the “Pastor’s Challenge” for LaSalle Ministry Alliance. The women
will also continue their faithful ministries of hospitality and appreciation.
WELCA Women Thankoffering Collection raised $253 for the national organization.
Thanks to all for your generous contributions!
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 12
PAGE 3
Elementary Sunday School News: Rehearsals for Christmas Program . . .
Preparations for the
Christmas Program are
moving right along. The
students have done a
superb job each week
coming prepared to recite their lines and sing
the songs. We will have
an extra practice on
December 7th following
worship to help set the
stage for the following
Sunday. We will provide
lunch that day as well.
The following week,
December 14th, will be
the BIG DAY! We ask
that the children be at
the church by 8:30 am
to do one last run
through and to get into
costumes. If you have
any questions regarding
the program, please
don’t hesitate to give us
a call. Be sure to invite
friends and family to join
you as the children help
remind us of the true
“reason for the season.”
Upcoming Events:


Dec 7: Program practice following worship
Dec 14: Christmas
Program during worship
Dec 21 & 28: No SS

Jan 4: SS resumes

More Christian Education News & Opportunities . . .
Kyle Tucker is our new Sunday morning teacher for the confirmation class. She has also taken on
responsibilities to help the youth know more about using their gifts in service at church. And when it
comes to special youth events, so far, three, maybe four, of the six middle-schoolers plan to attend
the Rocky Mountain Synod Youth Gathering in Colorado Springs, January 16-18, at the Eleganté
Hotel and Conference Center. Stay tuned!
Julie Nelson and Barry Reider facilitate the new senior high youth class using Group Publishing’s “Simply
Youth Group” materials. They also accompanied six of our senior youth — Kelsey & Kassady May, Grant
& Emerald May and Abby & Liza Nelson at the “Woven” Rocky Mountain Synod senior youth gathering in
Estes. They offered an inspiring “report back” to the congregation during worship on Nov. 30.
Adult Forum meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am in the nursery. You are most welcome to join this group in faithfilled conversations about discipleship and life. Join us Dec. 7 th as we map out focus and leadership in the new year.
The Tuesday Morning Bible Study will celebrate with a Christmas Gathering at the home of Donna & Stan Herman on
December 16. We will exchange a “Prayer Reminder” Christmas ornament and enjoy a delicious holiday brunch.
November Council and Committee Highlights






 A gift of $2,000 was received from Janet Todd in memory of her mother, Maude E. Miller, and
at her request, will be directed toward a worship space projection/screen system.
 Brenda reported that the Children and Youth Fund balance is $2,208.90. The fund is managed
by the Children and Youth Board — Abby Nelson, Tracy Pfeiff and Kyle Tucker, Tracy will now serve
as the treasurer for board.
Council is pleased that Grant Rumsey is willing to remain on council. Dorothy Bates and Brenda Ray have both
agreed to serve on the nominating committee as we seek one or two more people to serve three-year terms.
Virginia Axtell, Marilee Kissler and Sandy Ohlson have agreed to serve on this year’s Audit Committee.
The 2015 budget has been completed and is ready to present to the Annual Meeting, which has been set for
Sunday, January 25, 2015. Appreciation was expressed to Julie for helping council put the budget together.
Tara Rumsey’s request to use the church for 4-H Meetings once a month on Monday nights was approved.
Mutual ministry completed performance evaluations for the pastor and the office assistant. They are also
working on job descriptions for both positions.
Council met November 30th following worship in a special meeting to receive Pastor Dan’s resignation and
retirement notice. Pastor Dan’s last day will be December 31. The pastor’s column in this newsletter will be
mailed to members of the congregation December 1. Bishop Jim Gonia will meet with council Dec. 17.
December 2014
Sunday
30 NOVEMBER
Monday
1
Tuesday
Wednesday
2
3
Bible Study 9 am
Choir 5:30 pm
Thursday
Friday
4
5
Council 6:30 pm
Kyle Tucker B’day
Greeley Senior
Housing “Craft and
Food Boutique”
1:00—6:00 pm
10
11
12
Saturday
6
North Colorado Conference
Family Advent Gathering at
Immanuel Lutheran at 2:00 pm
7 2nd Sunday of Advent
8
G: Halley
Dec 7th cont…
R: Deb Rude
C: Damian/Mary
SH: Johnson/Ohlson
U: Mary
CA: Deb Rude
AG: Marilee/Tracy P.
A: Rebecca Pfeiff
(kneeling communion)
2nd Off: ELCA Good Gifts
ST: Savolt
9
13
Bible Study 9 am
Pastor Dan on vacation Dec. 10 — 14
Choir 5:30 pm
Brenda Ray B’day
Kathy Elam B’day
18
19
SS Program Practice 11:30 am
14 Sunday School Program
15
16
17
G: Stiley
Dec 14th cont…
Choir 5:30 pm
R: Larry McCammon
C: Julie/Randy
SH: McCammon/R & M Schafer
U: Randy
AG: Shirley Johnson
A: Colby Schafer
ST: Savolt
Exit Interview:
Council and other
leaders meet with
Bishop Jim Gonia
at 7:00 pm
Emily Rumsey B’day
CA: Larry McCammon
Bible Study
Christmas
Celebration at
Donna Herman’s
home at 10 am
Senior Housing
Dinner at 5:30 pm
Worship at 6:30
23
24
25
26
LMA Hayride and Soup Supper 4 pm
20
Women Mtg 6:30 pm
21 4th Sunday of Advent
22
G: Nelson/Reider
Dec 21st cont...
R: Damian Savolt
C: Grant/Brenda
Christmas Eve
Service 5:00 pm
SH: Todd/Axtell
U: Grant
AG: Sandy Stiley
CA: Damian Savolt
AG: Sherry Kerbel
U: Randy
A: TJ Rumsey
ST: Savolt
December Birthday Celebration
27
Merry Christmas!
28 1st Sunday of Christmas
29
G: Johnson
Dec 28th cont...
R: Ashley Ray
C: Julie/Randy
SH: C & S Ray/Kissler
U: Randy
CA: Ashley Ray
AG: Jan Triplett
A: William Broderius
ST: Savolt
30
31
G = Greeters
R = Readers
SH = Social Hour
A = Acolyte
CA = Communion Assistant
C = Counters
U = Ushers
AG = Altar Guild
ST = Sign Team
CJ Ray B’day
Barwinski Farewell & Godspeed
WORSHIP is at 10:15 am each week + Sunday School for all ages at 9:00 am + Fellowship is at 10:00 am
Pastor Dan’s office hours are Tuesdays, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Call the church office at 970-284-5101 to arrange appointments.
Ashley is scheduled to be in the office Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 12
PAGE 5
Community Events and Activities You Might Like to Check Out . . .
Senior Resource Services Transportation
Celebration of Memories
Senior Resource Services contacted Shepherd of
the Valley to see if we might have volunteers willing
to help LaSalle residents get to doctor and therapy
appointments. At this time, there are twelve
LaSalle residents who could use transportation
assistance.
Adamson Funeral and Cremation Services will be
holding a night to celebrate loved ones on Dec. 2 at
6:30 pm. This will be a candlelight service, but they
are asking that you bring a meaningful ornament to
celebrate their memory. Call now for reservations at
970-353-1212. The event will take place in the Adamson Reception Center (2000 47th Ave., Greeley).
Enjoy this experience to remember your loved ones
this holiday season.
Pastor Dan is compiling a list of names of those
who are interested. You will be contacted by Senior
Resource Services, who will conduct an interview
and background check.
Ashley Gilpin, the director of SRS will be making a
presentation to the LaSalle Ministry Alliance Board
on Thursday, Dec. 4th at 9 am at First Presbyterian.
If you would like to meet her and learn more about
this service to our seniors, please feel free to stop
in at the LMA meeting.
Craft, Kick-Knacks & Baked Goods Boutique
Our friends at Greeley Senior Housing invite us to
join them for a “boutique” on Friday, Dec. 5, from
1:00 to 6:00 pm. All kinds of food items, and unique
crafts, nick-knacks and other items will be available
for purchase. Get your holiday shopping done early!
LaSalle Ministry Alliance News and Updates
Thanks to all for the donations for the LMA Thanksgiving baskets this past month. The Pastor’s Challenge IS STILL
ON, so keep bringing that extra change to church for “The Mug Jug.” The money in the Pastor’s Challenge will be
counted on December 14. Join LMA at the Presbyterian Church at 5:00 pm for a hayride and carols around town.
There will be a hot soup supper to follow at 6:00 pm.
We have “Gift Ornaments” on the Angel Tree in the entry way of the church. Please feel free to take one and sponsor a child or youth this holiday season. Each tag has the child’s age and a gift idea on the tag. The gifts are due
back on December 17 to the Presbyterian Church, which is open 9:00-2:00 pm. Remember to keep your “Gift
Ornament” tag attached to the UNwrapped gift. Thank you in advance for your donations.
LMA always appreciates help with restocking the food bank with non-perishable items and personal care products.
We have a donation box located at the front of the church to receive your contributions. Special donations may also
be made to help sponsor a family for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Talk to our faithful LMA representative, Kathy
Elam, for more information.
Life together…
Offering / Worship Attendance:
Nov 2:
$1,490 / 48
Nov 9:
$ 965 / 54
Nov 16: $ 905 / 60
Nov 23: $ 721 / 48
Nov 30: $ 499.60/46
November financials thru Nov 23:
Offering/Income:
$ 4,081
Ministry Expenses:
$ 5,834
YTD Offering/Income: $66,044
YTD Ministry Expenses: $67,548
Our Second Offering for LMA/Pastor’s
Challenge is (so far):
$266.00
Prayers lifted up this month include...
… John Hochmiller’s father, John, and sister Jeri, both diagnosed with
cancer. Jeri had surgery and is waiting for tests and treatment options.
… “Woven” Rocky Mountain Synod High School Gathering in Estes; that
all participants might be drawn closer to God and to one another.
… Elena Kay Johnston and all the newly baptized, that they may be encouraged to know, love and serve the God of grace we know in Christ.
… Rog Alexander and a number of friends and family experiencing health
challenges. May God’s healing grace and presence surround them.
Mary Schafer is our email/phone prayer chain coordinator. Please contact her if you have prayer requests or if you would like to be placed on
the Shepherd of the Valley Prayer Chain: [email protected].
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
225 South Sixth Street
LaSalle, CO 80645
Phone: 970.284.5101
E-mail: [email protected]
Check out our website at: www.sovluth.org
Live in Grace. Grow in Faith. Serve in Love.
Serving in the name of Jesus...
Church Council Leadership Team...
President Damian Savolt (mutual ministry)
Vice President Randy Pfeiff (social ministry)
Secretary Brenda Ray (education and youth)
Treasurer Julie Nelson (evangelism)
Grant Rumsey (property)
Mary Schafer (stewardship)
Dan Barwinski, pastor
Ashley Ray, office administrator
Sandy Ohlson, musician/worship & music chair
Marilee Kissler, altar guild coordinator
Grant & Linda Rumsey, facility and grounds
Sandy Ohlson, financial secretary and worship
Sherry & Robert Kerbel, janitorial
Kathy Elam, LaSalle Ministry Alliance rep
Mary Schafer, prayer chain coordinator
Barbara Broderius, women’s group
Ministers: All of God’s People at Shepherd of the Valley
December “Second Offering”
Our “second offering” collection, received during
the offering time on December 7th will be directed
to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s
“Good Gifts” effort. This program — that works with
the ELCA Hunger Appeal — is perfect for truly giving
birthday gifts to Jesus that help support children
and families around the globe. By purchasing a
goat, or a chicken, or a pig, impoverished families
are able to have an income or food source.
Rather than giving “more stuff” to people who have
more than they need, our support of the “Good
Gifts” program serves and celebrates Jesus who is
found in “the least of these, our sisters and brothers” in need (cf. Matthew 25).
“Good Gift” catalogues and “Your gift was hard to
wrap” donation cards may be found in the church
entry area if you would like to go online to make
donations beyond our December second offering.