SOV is pleased to announce that Caitlin Arndt is our new Youth Minister! Caitlin is a graduate of California Lutheran University and has several years experience in working with youth, most recently as director of beach camps for El Camino Pines. Her dedication, enthusiasm and qualifications for working with youth are outstanding, and we are pleased to have her as part of the SOV team.

Confirmation students and youth, covering grades 6-12, and their parents, will have an opportunity to meet Caitlin tonight, 7 p.m., as part of the fall kick-off of confirmation and youth programs. Parents are especially encouraged to join in welcoming her tonight! In addition to meeting Caitlin, we will collect up to date contact information for everyone and share details on the plans for upcoming Wednesday evening meals. Others in the congregation can look forward to meeting Caitlin on Sunday morning.

Confirmation and Youth will meet on upcoming Wednesdays:

6:00-7:00 p.m. for hang time and meal

7:00-8:30 p.m. for confirmation and youth group

Ninth graders will be confirmed during worship on Sunday, October 25.

Lutheran Magazine

Are you receiving The Lutheran Magazine? If so, would you mind sharing the magazines with us when you're done reading them? Please let us know and we will pass it on to others. Thank you!

Selected Calendar Items for this Week:

Thursday, September 17

7:00 p.m. TK-6 Back-to-School Night
7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir

Sunday, September 20
10:45 a.m. Book Club in the Vaswig Library

Monday, September 21
6:00 p.m. Spiritual Yoga with Julie - all levels and ages welcome
7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministers' Supervision Meeting

Tuesday, September 22
7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministers' Leaders Meeting

Wednesday, September 23
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Confirmation & High School Youth Group

Gather... Share... Learn...

The Vision Committee's "Gather, Share, Learn" program revolves around the skills, talents, and/or interests that God has bestowed on each of you. Share them at a monthly gathering with our congregants and our neighboring community. While we might not be able to use every idea we would love to hear yours. If you feel called to serve as a moderator for an event, we would love to hear from you, too.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - ReloadNow Available

Java fans rejoice! Gift cards for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf� are available for ReloadNow� with the same great 9% rebate! Gift cards can be reloaded for $10 - $100, and the maximum card balance is $150. With ReloadNow, your reloaded funds will be available in minutes when you pay with PrestoPay™. Order using MyScripWallet, our mobile experience, and you can even reload your card on-the-go.

If you have any questions or need help signing up, please give our office a call at 818-347-6784.

Christian Camp Classic Golf Tournament

Please join us for the

25th Annual El Camino Pines Christian Camp Classic to benefit El Camino Pines and LRCC.

The event will take place at Elkins Ranch Golf Course on Friday, September 25 in Filmore. There will be a BBQ dinner, awards and prizes! Come enjoy the day on the links and support a great cause. Even if you're not a golfer, please consider buying a hole sponsorship with your family or business or donating directly to LRCC. Registration and information is available online or download a flyer here.

Save the Date!

We will be celebrating Pastor Bryan's 30th anniversary of his ordination Sunday, October 18. A celebration brunch will follow the worship service.

Brunch is $5 per person, max $20 per family. To reserve your seat, please submit payment to the office or place in the offering plate. Be sure to designate as 30th Anniversary and include your name and number attending.

Walk to fight Poverty

LSS "Walk to Fight Poverty":

Saturday, October 3 at 9:30 a.m.

LSS Community Care Center, Canoga Park

Come join us "Walk to Fight Poverty"! This year we are starting the walk from the office on Strathern street.

Registration is easy and you can use the powerful "Friends Asking Friends" website to launch our effort and reach our fundraising goal!

Please sign up as a participant and then ask your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and business associates to support your walk to help people in need. This amazing program lets you set up a personal pledge page in just minutes, which then allows you to e-mail your supporters for online donations. They can donate by credit card or check, and will receive an instant tax deductible receipt.

All donations for these events will help the LSS Community Care in your area continue to serve thousands of people everyday!

Even if you can't walk the event, please consider donating to the event. All proceeds will go directly to those in need of your help.

Preschool Rummage Sale

Preschool will be hosting a Children's Rummage sale on Saturday, October 10 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Drop-off days in Founders Hall
(Please donate ONLY children's items):

Thursday, October 8 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday, October 9 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to clean out your closets and garage. Recycle items your child has outgrown or simply no longer uses while benefiting Shepherd. This event will be free and open to the public! Please consider donating a variety of children's items such as furniture (activity tables, chairs, desks) and accessories, outdoor/sports equipment, toys, games, electronics, maternity and children's clothing and shoes (*no car seats/boosters, cribs, strollers, or helmets).
If you have any questions, please contact our Preschool director, Mrs. Nereyda Levings at 818-347-6784.

Stephen Ministry - Facts and Stats

Stephen Ministry began in 1975.

Stephen Ministry is now in more than 12,000 congregations from more than 170 Christian denominations, in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and 27 other countries.

More than 70,000 pastors, church staff, and laypeople have trained as Stephen Leaders (those who oversee and direct Stephen Ministry in the congregation).

More than 600,000 people have trained as Stephen Ministers (laypeople who provide care to those who are hurting) in their congregations.

More than one-and-a-half million people have received care from a Stephen Minister in a formal one-to-one Stephen Ministry caring relationship, and millions more have been touched by Stephen Ministry in informal ways.

Weekly Word

Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the study this Sunday.

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