A week ago the SOV campus was again burglarized. Several pieces of electronic equipment were stolen from the sanctuary. It had been many years since our last break-in, so to have two within a few weeks is especially distressing. Unfortunately, churches have become increasingly likely targets for criminal theft. We are moving as quickly as possible to increase our security and better deter theft.

If you happen to see unusual or suspicious behavior on the campus, please call the police to report it. And as always, be sure to double check that all doors and windows are locked when you leave. (It is important to note, however, that in both cases recently, locks were damaged and entry was gained without using a key.)

This report contains information on why churches are increasing targets for theft:

A growing tide of burglaries at houses of worship are signs of both a reeling economy and the end of a social taboo that once protected the money collected to help the poor and the valuables displayed to honor a higher power. And all around the nation, the faithful are finding criminals unfazed by the prospect of burglarizing a sanctuary.

"From a historical standpoint, the sacredness of the church has changed, so to speak, in our society," said Jeffrey Hawkins, a security consultant who works with churches. He adds that churches are also more of a potentially lucrative target nowadays. The majority of churches today feature expensive multimedia components like digital soundboards, flat-screen televisions, projectors, computers and more, he said.

For the full article, click here.

Male Chorus Concert Spring Show

This Saturday, May 30 @ 7:30 p.m.

The San Fernando Male Chorus is this Saturday at SOV. Come hear Ralph Mauriello and Carl Smith sing in a show called "Do You Remember . . . ?" The show will feature a wide variety of songs from different musicals.

Tickets are $18.00 per person, and when you buy tickets before the concert from Ralph, 100% of the proceeds go to SOV. Tickets will be available at the door, proceeds will go to the chorus.

Selected Calendar Items for this week:

Sunday, May 31

"Celebration of Children and Youth"

High School quilts presented

Monday, June 1

6:00 p.m. Spiritual Yoga

Thursday, June 4

12:30 p.m Office/School/Preschool/Club House closes for school year end. Office will reopen on Friday at 9 am.

Friday, May 29

Summer Office Hours begin 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

"Everest" Vacation Bible School

June 22 - June 26
9:00 a.m. - 12:35 p.m.

VBS Wish list for Tabletop Treats (Snacks)

If you would like to donate any of these items listed below, please sign up on the list located on the SOV kitchen window or call the office. Donations should be delivered to the kitchen at least two days earlier so we can purchase any additional items that are needed. Thank you for your donations!

June 22

2-3 bags of dried cranberries

Banana chips

2 lg. containers of raisins

1-2 lg. bags of dried pineapple chunks

2-3 bags of mini chocolate chips

2 bags of M &M's

75 small drink cups (for water/lemonade)

75 9 oz. clear plastic cups

75 plastic spoons

75 9 oz. plastic cups

June 23

75 small drink cup

75 plastic spoons

2 lg. bags/boxes of granola mix

June 24

75 small drink cups

75 small plastic/paper plates

2 - 2 lb. boxes of strawberries

3 lg. containers of whipped cream cheese

6 pkgs. of plain rice cakes

1 bottle of maple syrup OR honey

June 25

75 small plastic plates

75 plastic forks

5-6 lg. angel food cakes

2 - 1lb. containers of blueberries

3 containers of raspberries

5 containers of Cool Whip

June 26

7 pkgs. of pita bread (10/pkg.)

3 large jars/bottles of pizza sauce

3 32 oz. bags of mozzarella cheese

Additional items:

large packages of napkins

1 large container of powdered lemonade

Summer School Programs

SOV Summer School begins June 29 - August 7 and is offered to kids in preschool through sixth grade. In our 6 week program your child(ren) will learn to cook, have hands on time in computer lab, act in drama club, learn about different cultures and enjoy sports. August 10-14 join us for a funfilled week in Club House. There will be water slides, swimming, field trips and end of summer fun.

New for 2015: LRCC is providing two different programs this year. The Day Camp theme, "Go Fish," will be offered at SOV July 20-24. The on-site summer theme, "Anchored," will be at El Camino Pines, Luther Glen and Beach Camp. Your child can attend camp on-site and Day Camp and enjoy two distinct programs.

To sign up for these great programs click here or visit the office.

BOOK CLUB

The SOV Book Club will meet Sunday, June 14 at 10:45 a.m. in the library. We will be reviewing the novel The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry: A Novel, by Gabrielle Zevin. All are welcome to attend.

Looking Ahead

Sunday, June 14

Recognition of High School & College Graduates

10:45 a.m. Celebration of Dick & Ardyce Petersen's 65th Wedding Anniversary in Founders Hall

Sunday, June 21

10:45 a.m. Book Club

Monday, June 22 - June 26

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School "Everest"

Weekly Word Schedulee

The last Weekly Word guide has been published for this week's study.
Tuesday, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:15 a.m.
Friday, 9:30 a.m. in the Conejo Valley, for more information contact Lisa Lambert

Please check with your guide for your group's summer schedule.

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
23838 Kittridge Street, West Hills, CA 91307
818.348.8343 www.sovlc.org