Shepherd Of The Hills Lutheran Church
"Where God's Love Lives On"
About Us
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| Brief History | We're Glad You're Here |
| Ministry With Children | Music Program |
| Youth | Worship Services |
| Education | Pastoral & Ministry Staff |
Shepherd of the Hills began back in 1959 as a vision of a few local people to start a new lutheran congregation in the Farmington Valley. Its existence is an example of the ways the Holy Spirit can use the life of each of us to touch and enrich the lives of so many others.
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In 1959, Mr. Harrison Demgen petitioned the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to explore the possibilities of forming a new congregation in the Farmington Valley, and especially in the Simsbury area.
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Our name reflects our desire to be in ministry in Jesus' name to all the people living in the beautiful hills surrounding us.
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In 1960, Pastor Robert Feldmann was called to survey the area to determine the feasibility of the new congregation. The enthusiasm and encouragement he found culminated in the first worship service being held on November 6, 1960, at the Kearns Elementary School in Granby.
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The congregation was officially chartered on May 27, 1962. Pastor Feldmann was called as our first pastor.
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After several years of growth and varied worship settings, property was purchased for the construction of a new building. The building was dedicated on June 18, 1967.
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After twenty six years of ministry, Pastor Feldmann left to become a Break Through To The Aging pastor for the Capital Region Conference of Churches.
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In 1988, Pastor McGurn was called to be pastor of the congregation.
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Over the years we have paid off the original mortgage, purchased a new organ, renovated the existing facilities, and added four classrooms and a new heating and cooling system.
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Recently, after completing a ReVisioning process, we called a Director of Christian Youth Formation and added a second worship service.
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As we continue to grow, we continue to explore where God is calling us in the months and years ahead. We hope you will join us as we walk this path.
Welcome to Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church. We are excited that you have joined us in worship.
We are a growing community because our Mission Statement underlies our desire to be a welcoming community where God's presence is found.
But remember, sharing in the warm, family experience of worship each week is just the beginning of our life together. There are many opportunities to enjoy fellowship, learning, personal growth, and service in the life of Shepherd of the Hills. Below are brief descriptions of the many ministries provided by the faithful members, friends, and staff of the church. If you have any questions, or if we can be of further assistance to you, please contact us.
Our ministry with Children, Youth and Families is at the heart of what we do best. All ages are invited to learn and grow, worship and praise God, and share their faith in service to others. All this leads to discovering the joy that comes from God's love for us.
BAPTISM & HOLY COMMUNION
As Lutheran Christians we celebrate two primary sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion.
The sacrament of Baptism is a rite that welcomes a child into the church which is the Body of Christ. It is God's way of attaching a promise of love to that child for the rest of his or her life. It offers forgiveness and adoption as God's own son or daughter. The rest of life then becomes a time of growing in understanding and response to the gift that has already been received. Since we believe that what God is doing is most important in Baptism, we baptize infants. If you or your child have not been baptized, please speak to the pastor. We would be honored to help you prepare for this wonderful gift.
In Holy Communion Jesus offers himself to us again and again to reassure of forgiveness and of his continuing presence in our lives. We believe that Jesus presents himself to us in a unique and special way in the gifts of his Body and Blood with the bread and wine. If you or your children are communing members of another Christian church, you are welcome to commune here with us. We offer a series of classes for children and their parents that prepare them to receive Holy Communion for the first time. We usually suggest that this preparation be when the child is in the first grade or older. If your child is younger and already is communing, please speak to the pastor so we can welcome him or her.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The first goal of our Sunday program (and all of our education programs for that matter) is to ensure that the children know they are loved by God. The first priority of our teaching staff is therefore to love your child. They really do a great job of it! The second goal is to help them to get to know God's love for them in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The third goal is to lead them to understand the ways their lives are to be a response to that love.
Our Sunday School meets during the regular school year at 9:10 a.m. between the two worship services. Sunday School is specifically not during worship because we welcome children in worship and want them to be with us. Their presence enriches our worship.
CHILDREN'S MUSIC PROGRAM
At various times of the year we invite the children to participate in special programs. Christmas, the last day of Sunday School, and often on a Children's Music Sunday, the children of the congregation offer songs and other leadership during worship. These are announced in several ways and participation is encouraged and welcomed, but not required.
ADULTS:
The Adult Choir leads the 10:30 worship service with traditional hymns of praise and classical music. Our choir director and organist is Karen Levan. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and welcomes joyful new voices.
The Contemporary Choir & Band leads worship several times a year, and provides contemporary music within the traditional liturgy fairly regularly.
The Brass Ensemble adds richness and variety, as well as occasional choir accompaniment, to our worship. They would welcome another horn.
We welcome the addition of your musical gifts to any aspect of our music ministry.
CHILDREN:
The Children's Choir provides special music for worship during seasons of celebration throughout the year, such as Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, and more. The Children's Choir is open to all children age 6 and up. They meet for 3-4 weeks prior to a special event.
Once or twice a year children instrumentalists are asked to offer their musical gifts on a special Sunday. They accompany hymns, offer preludes and postludes, and may help with the liturgy.
Youth ministry is a major part of our mission at Shepherd of the Hills. We have a Director of Christian Youth Formation to lead our youth ministry. Scott Chambers has a great love for youth and a passion for helping them to know and love God. His presence, along with the Youth Ministry Team and coupled with major growth in the youth ministry budget, has enabled us to develop a rich and varied year round program. Contact Scott at Church with any questions you have about our ministry with youth.
JUNIOR & SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUPS - meet all year long. Evening programs, summer family cookouts, weekend trips, day trips, gatherings with other churches, and a variety of other events make up a year round schedule.
CONFIRMATION – usually for grades 7, 8 & 9
A three-year program designed to lead youth into a deeper and more mature faith that will support them as they face new challenges. The program consists of five parts: classes with the Pastor, Sunday School, Youth Group participation, regular worship attendance, and a mentoring program in ninth grade.
RETREATS – are scheduled at different times throughout the year. They vary in format, but usually include weekend trips. Some of the past events have been: regional youth gatherings featuring contemporary Christian bands and motivational speakers; ski excursions; spring clean up at the church camp in New Hampshire; and participation in the Emmaus retreat program.
SUNDAY MORNING – is time for gathering to learn and grow their faith.
Seventh and Eighth graders spend time surveying the Old and New Testaments as part of
their preparation for confirmation.
Senior high youth gather to discuss contemporary issues and the ways our faith shapes
our response to them.
SUMMER MISSION TRIPS– are the newest addition to our youth ministry program. We spend a week in the summer in a community that needs some help. We fix, paint, build, dig, tear down, and generally do whatever work needs doing by those who otherwise would not be able to get it done. We sleep on floors, eat school cafeteria food, sing, pray, worship and have fun. In addition, every bit of it is in Jesus' name.
CAMP CALUMET LUTHERAN – is the camp of our New England Synod. Every year dozens of our children and youth spend a week or two in the beauty of the White Mountains on the shores of Lake Ossipee. It is invariably the high point of their summer.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES
During the regular year:
8:00 a.m. Lutheran Liturgy - Holy Communion
9:10 a.m. Christian Education
Kindergarten through High School
Adult Forum
10:30 a.m. Lutheran Liturgy - Holy Communion
During Summer months:
9:00 a.m. Lutheran Liturgy - Holy Communion
COFFEE HOUR – Please join us for Coffee Hour immediately following worship.
MIDWEEK WORSHIP
7:00 p.m. Wednesday Evenings during Advent and Lent
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AT WORSHIP
Acolytes – Children 4th grade through junior high youth assist with candles & offering.
Worship Assistants – Senior high youth lead prayers & assist with Communion.
Greeters – Welcome visitors and introduce them to the Pastor.
Lectors – Read the lessons.
Ushers – Help visitors find seats. Assist in the offering. Direct to Communion.
Altar Guild - Assist in preparing church for communion.
Communion Assistants – Assist in the serving of Communion.
Musicians – Singers and instrumentalists assist in leading the liturgy.
The growth and learning opportunities described are open to all newcomers, members, and friends of Shepherd of the Hills. If you would like more information, speak to the Pastor, one of the staff members, or call the church office at (860) 658-0583.
SUNDAY MORNING OPPORTUNITIES
Children: Sunday School – age 4 through 6th grade (September through May)
Age appropriate lessons using crafts, music and stories to introduce
children to the love and presence of God revealed in the Bible.
9:10 – 10:10 a.m.
Various classrooms
Coordinator: Dale Bailey
First Communion Classes – usually 1st or 2nd grade
Seven classes for children & parents to prepare for Holy Communion
Youth: Junior High – Grades 7 & 8 (September through May)
A survey of the Old and New Testaments that is part of the three year
preparation for Confirmation.
9:10 – 10:10 a.m.
Conference Room
Instructor: Scott Chambers
Sr. High – Grades 9 through 12 (September through May)
Discussion of contemporary issues from a faithful perspective.
9:10 – 10:10 a.m.
Youth Room
Confirmation Ministry – usually grades 7, 8 & 9.
A three-year program designed to lead youth into a deeper and more mature faith that will support them as they face new challenges. The program consists of five parts: classes with the Pastor, Sunday School, Youth Group participation, regular worship attendance, and a mentoring program in ninth grade.
Adults: Adult Forum (September through May)
Faith and daily life explored through books, videos and discussion.
9:10 – 10:10 a.m.
Adult Forum Room
Facilitator: Russ Rourke
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Wednesday Morning Bible Study – 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Small Group Ministries – contact the office for more information.
ALPHA – a ten-week program of in depth Bible study built around lectures,
seminars and small group interaction. There is a heavy emphasis upon
the connections between faith and daily living.
New Member Classes – scheduled throughout the year as needed.
Warm Up America - First Thursday each month - A group of members who make items (scarves, mittens, hats, etc.) for distribution to those in need.
AA – Wednesday mornings, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Mary (860 651-1086)
Tails-U-Win Dog Training Classes – Monday & Tuesday evenings
Not sponsored by our congregation but they use our facilities.
Contact: Bob & JoAnne Kenny (860 658-5568)
Food Co-op, Girl Scouts, and Kindermusik also use our facilities, call the Church Office for more information (658-0583).
People just like you make up each of our ministries. Together we're able to express our faith in God and live it out in ways we could never do alone. You are welcomed to be a part of any of these ways we care for each other and those around us. If you have any questions about these ministries, if you need the support they offer, or if you would like to help with them, please call. We are happy to know of your interest. The names of people to contact are on the Pastor & Ministries Staff page.
Congregation Council:
(Enables the various ministries of the church to work in harmony)
The Council reports to the Congregation. They oversee the entire work of the congregation and take their direction from the Congregation. At the same time, they recommend directions our ministry should take to fulfill our mission to proclaim Christ to the world. They enable the various ministries to work together in a coordinated manner. Their oversight facilitates the activities of each separate ministry, drawing them together to become an effective witness to God's presence in the world. The Council manages the budget; they finalize, present and recommend the annual budget to the congregation. Once it is adopted, they administer its implementation.
Spiritual Health Committee:
(Plans worship, schedules worship helpers, cares for members)
This committee, together with the Pastor, shepherds the spiritual well being of the congregation. They plan our worship liturgies, including selecting hymns and musical settings. They oversee the work of ushers, acolytes, worship assistants, lectors and communion assistants. Further, they are concerned with the spiritual health of members and follow up with those who have not been present for a while, reminding them that they are cared about and missed. If a particular need for pastoral care is identified, it is brought to the Pastor's attention so he is able to respond.
Christian Education:
( Oversees the Sunday School and Adult education opportunities)
This ministry identifies, plans, staffs, and presents opportunities for children and adults to grow in their understanding of our faith. They oversee the Sunday School program for children and the Sunday Morning Adult Forum. They order and organize the materials of the church library. They plan, staff and offer a Vacation Bible School for a week during the summer. They recruit teachers, class helpers, substitute teachers and others to work with children. Their biggest job is to simply love kids. They do it very well.
Social Responsibility:
(Offers us opportunities to care for our neighbors in need)
They plan multiple opportunities for the congregation to reach out in support to neighbors in need. Their ministry is local (Thanksgiving baskets and food drives for area food banks), Regional (back to school kits, Christmas gifts, Easter baskets) and national and international (Lutheran World Hunger fund drive). Each month they lift up a particular need and invite the congregation to meet that need. This ministry enables us to be the heart and hands of Jesus far beyond the walls of the church building.
Outreach Committee:
Creates occasions of invitation, welcomes newcomers)
Outreach endeavors to help us remember that there are many who do not yet know the grace, mercy and love of God as it is given to us in Jesus Christ. They work with other committees to create special occasions to which our members may invite those who do not have a church home. They work with the congregation to make us a hospitable people who welcome strangers as clearly and as warmly as we greet those we already know. Further, when people desire to join with us in worship and ministry the committee works to integrate them into the embrace of the congregation.
Property Committee:
(Care for the facilities to make them comfortable, functional and inviting)
The people on the Property Committee understand that God entrusts the facilities we have to us for the good of the community. Therefore, in addition to our own uses, our facilities are open to community groups. It is the ministry of the Property Committee to insure that the building is safe, well maintained, attractive, and functional. The ministry of the Property Committee is a ministry of safety, beauty and hospitality.
Fellowship Committee:
(Plans social times of gathering and hospitality)
The Fellowship Committee helps us get to know one another better, connect with new people, and have fun. They oversee Coffee Hours social events, and potluck suppers. They plan events that draw us together (picnics / games nigh / Red, White & Blue Dinner / etc.). They manage the kitchen and ensure that the necessary supplies are on hand.
Youth Ministry Team:
(Encourages the growth of faith and faithfulness in youth)
Youth are a priority for us and the YMT leads the charge in providing programs that are inviting, challenging, and inspiring. They work with the Director for Christian Youth Formation to plan, staff and fund retreats and local events for junior and senior high aged youth. They plan, organize and conduct fundraisers to provide funding additional to the budgeted youth program funs. Mostly though, what they do more than anything else is care about kids.
Technology Group:
(Studies and installs technology to facilitate our ministry)
If you understand all the new electronic toys and don't get lost on the internet, then you know what this committee does: they do all the electronic stuff that normal mortals (Pastor!) don't understand. They look at hardware and software needs and do it in ways that make it simple enough so it can eventually be used to enhance our ministry.
Stewardship & Finance:
(Fosters generous giving, and shepherds what is received)
This ministry is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Followers of Christ don't give because there is a need out there somewhere. Followers of Christ give because they have a need inside them to give both of their time and treasure. Stewardship & Finance calls our members to recognize what they have already received from the hand of God, and then to respond with the same generosity with which they have received. Stewardship & Finance then oversees the management of the gifts and skills that have been entrusted to the care of our congregation. They prepare a draft budget to present to the Congregation Council. They manage resources well.
Choir (& instrumental music):
(Uses the gift of music to lead and enrich worship)
The music program of the church has as its sole purpose to give glory to God. Those who serve in this ministry do this by offering their talents in ways that enrich and enhance our worship. The singers and instrumentalists understand their first call is to lead the congregation so our worship may be a thing of beauty, worthy of the One we worship. The choir, brass quartet, contemporary band, solo singers and instrumentalists all offer themselves to this service, and have fun doing it!
Altar Guild:
(Cares for and prepares the sanctuary for worship)
The men & women (yes, Men!) of the Altar Guild are the behind the scenes workers who prepare the sanctuary for worship before each service. They set up for Holy Communion, Baptisms, and the other special things that occur during worship. Then they clean up after it's over, including washing the vessels and linens. This ministry is what enables each of us to receive the Body and Blood of Christ each week. It's a simple ministry of service which we cannot do without. Their hospitality is a gift to each of us.
TLC ( T ender L oving C are):
(Provides meals and support at times of need)
Just home from the hospital? Did someone you love just die? TLC is there to make sure you know that your sisters and brothers at SHELC know and care. TLC prepares and delivers meals to those who are recently home from the hospital or dealing with the death of someone they love. It is a ministry of remembering and thoughtfulness. It's love you can taste, and it's always delicious.
Prayer Chain:
(Offers prayers when requested in times of special need)
In every congregation there are those who have the gift of prayer. When special needs are identified to Pastor, the Prayer Chain is activated. Anyone can request prayer; all you have to do is ask. The prayers are passed down the list of names of those who have agreed to hold the people and concerns in prayer. Prayer is a privilege for people of faith. We are pleased to share it with those in need.
Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church
7 Wescott Road, Simsbury, CT 06070
860-658-0583
email: office@shelc.org fax: 860-408-0073
Our ministry is only possible because of the faithfulness and loving commitment of many people. If you have any questions about these ministries, if you would like their support, or if you would like to help, please call.