ITS CLOSE TO VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TIME!

PRESCHOOL VBS this year is titled: RAINFOREST ADVENTURE
There is still time to sign up. The dates for this tropical adventure are Monday, June 23rd - Thurdsay June 26th from 9am to 11:30. It is for children ages 3-5 years. (Children must be toilet-trained.) The cost is $10 per student or a maximum of $25 per family. Drop by the church and complete a registration form as soon as possible. If you have any questions, contact Christy Eads at 854-7057 or cseads1@aol.com

JUST FOR LIFE day camp is for those entering 1st through 6th grades in the fall. The dates for this event are Sunday, July 20th 1-3 p.m. and then Monday-Thursday, July 21-24 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $20 per student - $45 max per family. To enroll, pick up a registration form at the church narthex and return it and the attached Health Information Form and Check to the church by July 1st. If you have any questions, please call the office at 362-1112.

Preschool Director Job Opening

The church is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic director with a degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education to oversee their Christian focused preschool. Developmentally appropiate teaching and directing experience are required. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: public relations, preschool/church liaison, curriculum and staff development, spiritual leadership, registration procedures, and professional leadership for the ministry team as needed.


Position: Salaried (20 hours per week minimum throughout the school year)
Salary: $14,500 to $16,000
Note: Option for additional pay commensurate with teaching responsibilities
Reports to: Lead Pastor and Church Council—Staff Oversight
Preschool Ministry Team—Program Oversight

General Description
The Preschool Director carries out the mission of the congregation by supervising and providing leadership for a Christ-centered preschool that provides a warm, loving environment which gives the children the opportunity to learn and grow emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially. The Director helps to establish the setting and support for the Teachers and Assistant Teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate learning activities through structured and organized play.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
The Director will be responsible for overseeing and maintaining a caring Christian climate where students learn that God loves them and that they are very special to Him. The Director will be the educational leader of the school and is responsible for its administration and management.

Duties Include (but are not limited to):
Build good public relations with the parents, all church staff including preschool staff and pastoral staff, Preschool Ministry Team, congregation members, and Church Council.
Maintain communications with staff, the Preschool Ministry Team, the Church Council, and the Lead Pastor.
Meet regularly with the lead Pastor in regard to preschool issues.
Be the primary liaison between the preschool, the Preschool Ministry Team, and the congregation.
Perform preschool staff evaluations at the appropriate intervals.
Be an example of spiritual leadership for the preschool children, parents, and staff.
Develop and maintain curriculum for the school program.
Provide leadership for staff development projects.
Perform registration procedures and tuition collection.
Coordinate bulk orders of supplies for school.
Determine larger purchase needs such as toys and furniture.
Work with the Preschool Ministry Team in preparing the proposed budget to present to the Church Council.
Prepare the proposed calendar.
Assist in class assignments.
Help plan and carry out fundraisers.
Have published office hours.
Assist Teachers in working with parents.

Qualifications Desired
Be a Christian and exemplify a high level of Christian behavior and attitude with a willingness to grow spiritually and professionally.
Be a worshipping member of a Christian church whose basic teachings are consistent with the beliefs of the Lutheran Church.
Possess an early childhood or elementary education background with a Bachelor’s Degree.
Have teaching experience with young children.
Be able to demonstrate administrative ability and organization skills.
Be competent, enthusiastic, and able to get along with people.
Be acquainted with a variety of instructional materials, and be committed to the best possible learning program for the children.
Have a sincere liking for, interest in, and sensitivity for children.
Be fair, honest, sympathetic, and consistent in dealing with children and adults.
Be willing to carry out other appropriate duties as required by the Preschool Ministry Team, the Lead Pastor, and the Church Council.

Terms of Employment
A contract will be awarded on an annual basis.
The salary will be based upon a salary schedule with consideration being given to the individual’s education and years of experience. An annual review of the salary scale will be made.

A letter of interest, resume, plus names and contact information of 3 professional references should be submitted to the Director Search Committee via email to ministry@sov-id.org
or to 208-362-1144 (fax). NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Deadline for accepting applications is June 18, 2008.

Note: Inquiries can be directed to the following address: ggirvan@cableone.net

Greetings From Amy King

Friends, I want to say hello and how happy I am to be here serving you as Parish Administrator. I will be in the office approximately 20 hours per week. My hours will be 9:am-2:pm Monday through Thursday. You can reach me 362-1112 x13 or through my email: ministry@sov-id.org. I’m really looking forward to meeting you, and I thank you in advance for your patience during this transition time. Amy King

New Parish Administrator

Give a friendly welcome to Amy King, new half-time Parish Administrator at Shepherd of the Valley! She begins her time in the office on June 3. Members should watch their Weekly and Visitor newsletters for more information Amy. Amy's hours and availability will also be published for members soon.

Vacation Bible School

WHAT:
Preschool Vacation Bible School

WHEN:
June 23rd – 26th (Monday - Thursday)
9am to 11:30am

WHERE:
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church


WHO:
Children Age 3 - 5 years
Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Level
(Children must be toilet-trained)

COST:
$10 per student – Maximum $25 per family

HOW:
To enroll your child in “Rainforest Adventure”, bring a completed registration form along with a check for $10 to the Shepherd of the Valley Church Office no later than June 2nd. We anticipate a full program, so register soon to ensure your child’s place.

QUESTIONS:
Contact Christy Eads at 854-7057 or Cseads1@aol.com


Shepherd of the Valley is actively seeking adult and youth volunteers to assist with Vacation Bible School. Volunteers do not need to be available for the entire program. Let us know if you are interested in this fun, rewarding opportunity!


Luther Heights Day Camp (going into grades 1-5 in fall), July 13-17 (Sunday afternoon – Thursday), 9 am-3pm daily, bring your own lunch Monday to Thursday. $20 per child, $45 max per family.
More details coming...

Youth, Family & Education Ministry Director Position Open

• Position: Full-time


• Reports to: Lead Pastor

The Youth, Family, and Education Ministry Director will recruit, train, support, and empower the leadership of these ministries serving as a catalyst for ongoing development of effective and meaningful ministries. The Director will work to retain leaders for the ministry teams and assist with the creation and conduct of activities in Youth & Family areas of ministry helping to ensure these ministries live out the Mission and Vision of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.

Responsibilities:

1. Support and sustain the Youth, Family & Education Ministry Teams through attendance at meetings, regular communication with leaders, and other means as necessary. Identify, recruit and develop leaders from the high school age group.


2. Effective communications: (a) Communicate the growth, changes and activities of youth, family & education ministry to the church Council and congregation. (b) Facilitate excellent communications between staff, volunteers, parents and youth. (c) Write articles for the monthly newsletter, place announcements of events and activities in the bulletin, manage a youth bulletin board/youth web page and provides other forms of creative communication as necessary.


3. Facilitate regular meetings with the three ministry team leaders to establish short and long term priorities, time allocation, and to develop family programs that are complementary to the overall mission and vision of the Church, providing direction and assistance to the Sunday School Program as needed.


4. Encourage youth involvement in all aspects of church life. Utilize youth in planning, organizing and executing youth and congregation events. Promote attendance and participation in worship and church activities. Incorporate families into the spiritual lives of their youth and youth activities, by providing resources and support to families of the congregation and community.


5. Identify and prepare policies and procedures needed for youth, family & education ministry subject to Council approval.


6. Be a visible, participating member of our congregation at worship and church events. Be a visible presence at youth, family & education events, supporting the work of event coordinators as needed.


7. Required leadership meetings: Contribute to and participate in all staff meetings, Board of Ministries meetings, the annual leadership retreat, and other leadership meetings as appropriate.


8. Other duties as assigned by the lead pastor.

Ministries Support

Provides training, budget management, and direct support to the following Ministry Teams and their leaders: (a) Family Ministry, (b) Youth Ministry, and (c) Christian Education.

Teamwork

Coordinate with the Minister of Church and Community on the Confirmation program and the integration of youth into the life of the congregation.

Qualifications:

1. Faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and savior.


2. Committed to Christ and excited about sharing the Good News.


3. Has enthusiasm and concern for young persons, families and education of all ages.


4. Previous experience with youth, family & education ministries (paid or volunteer).


5. Ability to work in and with groups and individuals.


6. The Director is envisioned as an individual who has a "calling" and "heart" for youth, with the ability to relate to youth and not afraid to seek discipline when needed.


7. Must have a sense of call and passion for ministry with youth that is grounded in an understanding and appreciation of Lutheran theology


8. Preferred Education: Master of Arts Degree in Children, Youth and Family Ministry


9. An ability to identify and foster leadership in adults and youth.


10. Excellent organization and delegation skills.


11. Must be enthusiastic, energetic, a self-starter, encourager and visionary.


12. Should have a significant experience in youth ministry and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills with youth and adults.


13. Solid time management skills and organizational abilities.


14. Must undergo background check.


15. If not already a member, must join the congregation.

Parish Administrator Job Opening

Position available for a half-time (20-hours) Parish Administrator at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Boise, Idaho.

If spending part of your day assisting our Congregation Council and Pastor oversee the key administrative activities pertaining to this congregations organizational life interests you, consider joining us as our half-time Parish Administrator. Primary Duties include supervision of support staff; oversight of administrative and financial record-keeping; facilities management together with the Building & Grounds Team; and general assistance to church ministries, especially in the area of technology.

To view the full extent of the job requirements detailed in the full job description, please review the following document. The successful candidate would normally be expected to possess the equivalent of an Associates Degree in Office Sciences plus 5 years of relevant experience, at least 2 of which must have been supervising others.

A letter of interest, resume, plus names & contact information of 3 professional references should be submitted to the Personnel Committee via email to ministry@sov-id.org, or fax to 208-362-1144. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE. Deadline for accepting applications is April 4, 2008.

An Explanation of Holy Week

The following link is to a file which explains Holy Week worship services in some detail:
Holy%20Week%20Explanation%2007format.pdf

You can also follow the links from our homepage under Worship / Seasons of the Church Year for more general information on the colors and meanings of the Lent and Easter seasons.

WELCA Convention in July

Women of the ELCA has their triennial convention in Salt Lake City this year, July 10-13. Convention price is $275 if paid by January 31 and $325 if paid later. The Shepherd of the Valley (SOV) WELCA Board has some scholarship funds set aside. Call Roxann Hansen, WELCA President at SOV, for more information.

MEXICO MISSION TRIP

Hope Lutheran and Friendship Celebration are going to Tijuana, Mexico, from June 7-16 to build a house. If you are interested, there will be a kick-off / informational meeting on January 27, 4 pm at Hope Lutheran in Eagle. Youth and adults are invited!

Preschool Registration Starts

Dates and priorities for registering children for the 2008-09 school year are:
Feb. 6 - Congregation members, 9 am to 1 pm
Feb. 13 - Current students and siblings, 9 am to 1 pm
Feb. 13 - Alumni of the preschool, 9 am to 1 pm
Feb. 20 - New students, 8:30 am to Noon
There is a $60 non-refundable registration fee. The school will need your registration form, immunization records, birth certificate, and the fee. The form can be picked up at the church office or from this website.

Congregational Meeting 1/27/08

The meeting will take place in the Fellowship Hall at 12:30 pm. This meeting includes elections - Council, Audit Committee, Nominating Committee, and Synod Assembly Voting Members. Also on the agenda: Approval of the 2008 Ministry Pland and Budget, Council reports on two new committees, future staffing, the Music Coordinator search, and the final report of the Building Task Force. A light lunch will be served, with a free will offering collected to defray expenses.

IMMEDIATE NEED: Nursery Staff

One or two persons over the age of 21 are needed to staff our nursery Wednesday mornings all year (9:30 am-Noon) plus Monday and every other Wednesday evening during the school year (as early as 5:30 pm and as late as 9 pm, hours vary).

Persons do not need to be members here, but must have an interview, background check, and infant CPR/first aid training. The Nursery has a budget for the background check and training.

If you have a lead on someone, or are interested yourself, please contact Parish Administrator Pat Witt (362-1112, ministry@sov-id.org), liaison Lori Hagen, or liaison Jennifer Buchanan. We will soon be losing a very reliable worker, so this need is immediate!

Preschool VBS Needs Helpers!

Shepherd of the Valley will be hosting a preschool Vacation Bible School program June 25th-29th, 9:00-11:30AM. Last year we peaked out at 75 children!

We need your help to bring a quality program to our children! Can you shepherd? Teach a class? Provide snack food? Help with registration/pick up? Donate craft materials? Assist in the nursery? Help organize? Please prayerfully consider how you can join this ministry and contact Debbie Jones.

Men's Bible Study/Prayer Breakfast June 9th

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER BREAKFAST
Saturday, June 9
9:00 - 10:30 AM
Led by Pastor Jim Grunow
Fellowship hall
Text: Luke 7:11-17
Food preparation: Vern Domeier

Anna Circle Meets June12th

Anna Circle will meet on Tuesday, June 12th, at 7:00 PM in the church library. They will be studying about sharing the message of Jesus for the world. They will look together at some of the parables as recorded in the book of Luke. Bring your Bible and join them for fellowship, and prayer.

All women are welcome. If you have questions or need a ride, please call Martha.

Naomi Circle Meets June 12th

Naomi Circle will meet on Tuesday, June 12, at 12:00 pm at the home of Laurie Wold for the Annual Salad Potluck luncheon. Please RSVP. All ladies are welcome.

Naomi Circle Meets May 15th

NAOMI Circle will meet with Hazel Thurston at GRACE ASSISTED LIVING at 1960 N. Lakes Place Meridian on Tuesday, May 15th, at 1:00 PM. Please call Donna Spencer to RSVP and for directions regarding a CAR POOL.

Anna Circle Meets May 8th

Anna Circle meets Tuesday, May 8th, at 7:00 PM in the church library. They will be studying both the Old and New Testaments, especially Luke 9:23-24: "If any want to become my followers, let them take up their cross daily and follow me." Bring your Bible and join them for study, fellowship, and prayer. All women are invited. If you have questions or need a ride, call Martha.

The Sisters

The Sisters group will be coming together on May 7th at 6:30 pm at church to enjoy a social night with pizza and games. Nursery care will be provided. Please call Jennifer Retana if interested.