Our Roots

Denominational Affiliation ELCA and SPAS

Founded in 1981, SOTV is part of the Saint Paul Area Synod (SPAS) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) — a network of congregations, mission starts, and other ministries in the East Metro of the Twin Cities.

As an ELCA congregation, Shepherd of the Valley is committed to the sharing the love of Christ with communities around us in Northern Dakota County and around the world. We support, empower, and advocate for all, believing God’s love embraces all persons equally, no matter their age, ethnicity, race, abilities, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, citizen status, political leanings, religious expression, or any other boundaries the world uses to decide who is worthy and who is not. We are striving to be open and inclusive. We commit to loving YOU and caring for YOU by showing YOU the love of Jesus that we have been taught through the Great Commandment to love God wholeheartedly and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.

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SPAS ELCA

RIC & Community

Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Partnership

As an external expression of our internal commitments, in 2023 SOTV voted to partner with Reconciling Works and to be designated as a Reconciling in Christ Congregation. Becoming an RIC partner congregation signals to the community that our congregation has meaningfully thought about our welcome and seeks to extend it to all inclusive of age, ethnicity, race, ability, faith background, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

Welcome Statement questions contact a pastor Reconciling Works

Tanzania Partnership

Since 2001, Shepherd of the Valley has enjoyed a vibrant relationship with our companion congregations in the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.

Working bega kwa bega or shoulder to shoulder through prayer, presence and projects, we support ministries of evangelism, education, health care, and economic development. Makifu, Tungamalenga, and Usolanga Parishes are each comprised of seven to nine village congregations in a remote rural area.

Join the Tanzania Steering Team Make a Contribution

Prayer

The practice of praying for our partners and for our partnership is the foundation of the relationship between congregations of the Saint Paul Area Synod and parishes in the Iringa Diocese. Our companions in Tanzania often tell us it is the most important thing we do. As ‘can do’ Americans, our cultural bias is to jump right into projects and problem solving, and it can be a challenge for us to slow down and take time first to pray.

Presence

The practice of exchanging visits, being present with one another, and building relationships with one another is the glue that holds our partnership together and the ever-present Holy Spirit. Shepherd of the Valley members commit significant resources toward sending a group of ambassadors to Tanzania each year, hosting Tanzanian guests when possible, and maintaining good communication between visits through Zoom calls and emails.

Projects

Being present with our partners, witnessing their strengths, seeing their needs, and hearing their priorities – our practice of presence leads naturally to joint projects. Most projects we undertake have a bega kwa bega or shoulder to shoulder aspect. For instance, Tanzanians make bricks, gather stones for foundations, and build walls while our American resources fund the building materials for roofing and finishing chapels. These projects tell a story about the power of friendship.

Welcome Home!

Welcome to Shepherd of the Valley.

Welcome Statement