Visiting Shepherd of the Valley?
Welcome!
We are delighted that you are here! Whatever has led you here, whether it’s a lifetime of faith or a lifetime of questions, all are welcome here. Please consider yourself part of our community. You may have a lot of questions before you visit. So we have tried to answer the most common questions that people have before they join us for worship.
Visitor Sign-in
Please sign the small card distributed by the ushers. Make note if you’d like to be contacted by one of our pastors.
What should I wear?
We believe that God is much more concerned with your heart than your outward appearance. Most of our people wear business casual. However, we have individuals who do dress up and individuals who wear casual clothing. Come as you are; we want you to feel comfortable.
Am I really welcome at your church?
All people are welcome at Shepherd of the Valley, whoever you are and wherever you come from. We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation, meaning that we are welcoming to all people, inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity. Our welcome statement reads: “As a community of faith following Jesus’ commandment to love one another, the members of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church are called to include all people seeking a relationship with Christ, regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status. We affirm with the Apostle Paul that… ‘In Christ Jesus we are all children of God through faith, for all who were baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus.'”
Where should my kids go?
Children are welcome to be with you during worship. We believe that God put the wiggle in children, so they are welcome to participate in worship in their own normal way. Children learn by watching and doing so the best way for you to pass on the faith to your children is to have them with you in worship.
What will the worship be like?
9:00am – Service
Our service follows the Lutheran approach to worship including four sections: Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending.
We celebrate Holy Communion as a community weekly. All are welcome at God’s table.
Music throughout the service varies week to week to include traditional hymns and contemporary praise music, led by our talented musicians on pipe organ, piano or keyboard, or by a full band including drums, guitar and bass.
Please join us for coffee and refreshments on the patio outside the Sanctuary after the service.
10:15am – Adult Bible Study
Adults are invited to the Sanctuary for Bible Study. The subject of this study can be seasonal, focused on a Biblical text or alternative book, or a topic of the day. Come join the conversation and find out what we’re learning about together today!
We wish to extend a warm invitation to you. Visitors are welcome. We hope to assist you in finding spiritual fulfillment. During our worship, we emphasize the love and grace of God through confession and forgiveness, the proclamation of God’s word, the sacrament of Holy Communion, and an uplifting blend of music. It is our hope that you will have a worship experience that brings you closer to the presence of God in your life.
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church is a member of the Evangelical Church on America (ELCA) – Southwest California Synod; we are one of over 10,000 congregations throughout the United States.