Shepherd of the Valley Ministry Teams

Teams are comprised of members who choose to dedicate their effort to a particular area of ministry at Shepherd of the Valley. The following is a brief description of the tasks of each team. Chairs for about half of the teams are elected each year at the May semi-annual congregational meeting. The chairs serve two year terms. [Click here to see congregation and team leaders]

Archives — is a ministry that collects and catalogs information from all church events for the purpose of keeping a historical record of events at Shepherd of the Valley.

Building and Grounds — is a group of people who work to assure that the church property is well maintained. They make repairs or arrange for repairs to be made when needed.

Christian Education — this ministry team is responsible for coordinating all Sunday School and other educational activities and for recruiting and training teachers for classes for 3 year olds through adults. They also coordinate Children's Church time during services on Sunday morning.

Community Involvement — this is a ministry which focuses on Christ's commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself" in our Boise community and the world by planning opportunities to minister to people in need. Breaking down economical, cultural and racial barriers are part of loving our neighbor as ourselves through community involvement. Speaking up for those who live with injustices in our community is another part of our work in Christ's name. We will take advantage of working through the ELCA, which offers many opportunities for service in the world. Our mission is to give opportunity and empowerment to our congregation to be a witness and to serve using their resources and talents.

Endowment — is a group that facilitates discussion about planned giving opportunities to Shepherd of the Valley and works with members who wish to make special monetary gifts to Shepherd of the Valley.

Fellowship — is a ministry made up of members who recruit members to assist with activities involving meals or desserts. They also coordinate, advertise and sometimes sponsor fun church events, for example card parties, camping trips and group trips to concerts or athletic events. This team also encompasses the work of the Shepherd's Servant Teams.

Worship and Music — helps to plan for worship services by working with the pastor and music director in coordinating worship liturgy and special music. Also, the team coordinates with the Altar Guild and Worship Minister teams in the worship planning process, and helps with planning special services and the Christmas program. The visual arts group, a subgroup of the ministry team, has the main responsiblities of providing banners and other visual enhancements relating to worship and the worship space.

New Members — is a committee that makes contact with visitors to Shepherd of the Valley. The team works to give every worship visitor information to assist them in choosing a church home. The team helps to make the congregation aware of the importance of a friendly face. They disseminate packets of information about Shepherd of the Valley to new members and recruits sponsors for new member families.

Preschool — the Preschool Ministry Team functions as the school board for Shepherd of the Valley Preschool and is accountable to the church council. The preschool is an outreach ministry of the church that has been in existence since September 1981. The school presently serves 182 students. The team meets monthly to oversee and make decisions regarding the management of the Preschool, which includes budget, salary, tuition and fee considerations, staffing and record keeping. The ministry team addresses medium and long-range issues with input from the Director. The Director oversees the day-to-day functioning of the preschool. The Team is also responsible for overseeing the curriculum, helping to publicize and give information about the school, serving as liaison between the preschool and the congregation, and holding the school and those connected with it in prayer.

Small Group — this ministry provides opportunities for congregation members to participate in deepening their connectedness to one another as well as a way for new people to enter into the ministry of this congregation. Groups may meet in homes or at the church. Small group leadership training will be provided as new groups are formed, usually each Fall.

Stewardship — is a ministry that works to assure that congregational members are informed about opportunities to give to the church in both finances and service. They work with the treasurer and financial secretaries to provide updates to members on the state of the finances at Shepherd of the Valley.

Visitation — the members of the ministry visit shut-ins and deliver communion to those who are infirm and/or homebound. They also coordinate caring phone calls to members whom we have not seen in a while, do friendly visits, provide occasional transportation, send sympathy and get well notes, and are always looking for ways in which we can better show our love for one another.

Youth& Family — this team plans and coordinates all youth fellowship, servant and educational activities for 4th through 12th grades including the junior high confirmation program. In addition this team focuses on empowering Christ-centered families through fellowship, education and support. They cooperate with other teams in their ministry and are responsible for a number of special events which serve to strengthen the whole family of God at Shepherd of the Valley.