I rejoice each time I am reminded that our creator has blessed each of us with a variety of unique and valuable gifts. Furthermore, God entrusts us to care for and manage those gifts so that we may bless and share them with others.

We are still worshiping in person (masked so long as transmission in Dakota County is substantial or high) and via livestream. GodZone, Zone 45, and Confirmation will start on time but without pizza and snacks (sigh). Our musical groups are rehearsing in safe and distanced ways. Bible studies and other programs will continue to take place, either masked and in person or on Zoom (sometimes both). We are continuing to plan for celebrations of our 10/20/40 anniversaries—10 years for the pipe organ, 20 years of partnership in Tanzania, 40 years as a congregation.

A story to build empathy and understanding of people with special needs in our congregation. The Special Needs Ministry continues to work on identifying the congregation’s needs and how to support them.

The word “liminal” comes from the Latin root, “limen,” which means “threshold.” It’s a place where we are in between, crossing over, transitioning. Not only are we in a liminal space in terms of seasons – transitioning from summer to fall – we are in a liminal space in terms of our COVID practices and mindset.

For the second year in a row, Shepherd of the Valley is not sending a delegation of travelers to visit our partners in Makifu, Tungamalenga, and Usolanga Parishes. While the pandemic has prevented our in-person reunion, representatives met recently on Zoom.