Welcome, Pastor Candee

Please join us in welcoming Pastor Candace (Candee) Moser to the staff of Shepherd of the Valley in the role of Interim Pastor. She will serve while the Pastoral Call Committee conducts their work.

Candee’s background includes nursing, a love of languages, a passion for mission, and a natural fit in the ministry of congregational care. She began her work in the office on Tuesday, March 10 and preached at our Lenten worship services on Wednesday, March 11. She will preach in weekend worship on March 21 & 22. See full worship schedule.

Candee will be working part-time including two days of pastoral care. She will be working closely with parish nurses, congregational care and worship staff. Other program/ministry areas will be assigned as appropriate. Please introduce yourself and give Candee a warm SOTV welcome! 

Pastor Diane Sponheim To Take Sabbatical

Period of April 21 – July 13, 2014

Shepherd of the Valley supports the eligibility of a 12-week sabbatical for ELCA rostered staff leaders after seven years of service. A sabbatical is a time of leave from regular duties for rest, personal growth, reflection, study and renewal. Shepherd of the Valley’s ministry has greatly benefitted over the years by its rostered staff leaders being able to return from sabbaticals refreshed and revitalized.

Pastor Diane has been approved by the Church Council to partake in this important practice. Her studies will encompass pastoral leadership, faith practices and preaching. She will also spend time travelling and focusing on quality family time. This will be her first sabbatical.

During her sabbatical, Pastor Diane’s regular pastoral duties and tasks will be taken up by other pastors, staff members, and volunteers. We are also currently working with our Synod leaders to identify an Interim Associate to assist with worship and congregational care. This interim role may extend beyond Pastor Diane’s sabbatical period to assist while Pastor Chris and Pastor Randy lead back-to-back trips to Tanzania in July and August. 

Please keep Pastor Diane and her family in your prayers during this time of sabbatical. We are grateful for her years of service and happy to support her ministry in this important way.

Further updates will be communicated as they become available.