Bible Study, Prayer and Communion Offerings
An Adult Study Group meets each Sunday at 8:15 am. Led by Pastor Ed, we will read and discuss the day’s lectionary lessons.

On Sundays, Ed will lead a brief service of Holy Communion at the altar following worship (after greeting people.) The Communion Table is open to all who desire to partake each Sunday (with the exception of the first Sunday when the Lord’s Supper is part of the service.)

Christian Classics Book Club

In September, we will be reading God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. As a boy, Brother Andrew dreamed of being an undercover spy working behind enemy lines. As a man, he found himself working undercover for God. Told it was impossible to minister behind the Iron Curtain, Andrew knew that nothing was too hard for God.

Join us from 7:00 until 8:30 pm for fun, fellowship and stimulating discussion. Light and enjoyable discussion only. No in-depth study. Books are always FREE! with the cost of participation! Please contact Joe or Donna Blanchette for your copy (info@blanchettecpas.com).  

Youth Group News

The SOV Youth Ministry was created to empower teams to praise God freely, help others in need, hare the good news, united in friendship, and shape into the character of Christ. The 2010-11 Youth Ministry Calendar of Events is now ready for download here. For more information about our programs, please contact Joe and Donna Blanchette at info@blanchettecpas.com.  

· Youth Connection: White Water Rafting! On Saturday, June 12 we will travel to the Deerfield River for a day of white water rafting. Launch time is 9:30 and we will be leaving SOV at 6 in the morning. Carpooling will be arranged. Grades 6 & up.

· Youth Worship: On Sunday, August 29 the youth will worship in the Chapel while the congregation worships in the Sanctuary. This service is actively youth driven with contemporary praise music using projected lyrics on PowerPoint, powerful prayer and a youth focused (short!) message by Donna Blanchette. 9:30 am Grades 6 & up.

United Methodist Women

On Monday, September 20th at 7 pm, the UMW is having a speaker come from Providence’s International Institute of RI. This organization provides high quality education, social services and training for immigrants and refugees. The Methodist Church has been active in programs such as these. Mary Ellen Lynch, from the Institute, will be presenting a short film and an informative program. Education on these issues is so important in understanding the needs and concerns of others so this is open to all members of SOV. After the program there will be a short business meeting for all who are interested in learning more about our United Methodist Women’s group.

Check out the UMW Bulletin Board in Fellowship Hall to see how you can participate in two fun projects to benefit the Hattie B. Cooper community Center in Roxbury, MA. This is the only UMW mission property in New England and a group of us went up this summer to visit. Look at the photos and read about the ways to help! There will be a bucket for t-shirt donations ($3/shirt) and a box for all the knitting crochet supplies. Contact Tara Anderson with any questions!

When cleaning out your attic, basement, closets….do not forget the UMW Fall  Rummage Sale to be held on Friday, October 22nd and Saturday, October 23rd. Want to volunteer to help? Any other questions? Contact Norma Naylor.

In the past few years our membership has increased—what a blessing it is to know that the UMW here at Shepherd of the Valley is alive and well. Our meetings are open to any woman attending the church. You can come to the entire meeting, the business portion of it, or come just to join us for the programs. We believe that there is something for every woman reading this notice. 

The UMW Teen Circle is designed to empower teenaged girls to grow spiritually through worship, Bible study, and prayer; celebrate they are becoming in Jesus Christ; develop meaningful, lasting friendships; and take action to make a difference in their community and the world.

Shepherd of the Valley 2009 Annual Report

The Annual Report for 2009 is now complete. To access our on-line version, please click SOV 2009 Annual Report.  

Sunday School News

Sunday School is now on hiatus for the summer. For more information or to volunteer for the fall, please contact Kristin Hayes-Leite (khayes9@cox.net) or Lee Dalphonse (leedalphonse@cox.net).

Vacation Bible School 2010

During the week of August 9-13, the 2010 Vacation Bible School promises to be out of this world with our Galactic Blast theme. The children will enjoy Bible lessons, fun games and activities, crafts and music. Click here for your registration form. We are looking for volunteers as well as campers! If you can help out, please contact Nicole Whittaker at nicolew919@hotmail.com.

Women in Spiritual Harmony (WISH)

WISH meets each Wednesday from September through May at 9:30 in the morning. All women are welcome! Please contact Dorothy Fassbender or the Church Office for more information.

United Methodist Women Reading Program
Join us in a new year of reading. To fulfill the requirements of Plan I, simply read one book in each of the four categories: Education for Mission, Nurturing for Community, Social Action and Spiritual Growth. ALL women are welcome. Please contact Donna Blanchette (donna@blanchettecpas.com), who is always happy to share her enthusiasm for the UMW Reading Program. 

Food Pantry
The Food Pantry at Shepherd of the Valley is an important resource for many needy individuals and families from Scituate, Coventry, West Warwick and other surrounding towns. Requests for our food pantry have increased dramatically this year. In 2007 we gave out 85 boxes of food; in 2008 213 boxes were distributed. This past year (2009) more than 285 boxes went out to needy families. Many of these families have children, so we are trying to stock up on “kid” staples like spaghetti sauce and pasta, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni & cheese, tuna fish, canned fruit, cereal, and snacks. We are also looking for healthier alternatives (like low-fat, low-salt, and sugar-free items.) Thank you for your support of this vital community mission.  

Reminder
Worship continues to be held each Sunday at 9:30 am. 

Blood Pressure Screenings
The Medical Assistance Committee has purchased equipment to take blood pressures. Someone will be available to take blood pressures on anyone who is interested in the Pastor's office every Sunday after the church service. If you would like to help offer this service and are qualified, please sign up on the bulletin board next to the church office. If you have questions, please see Dorothy Fassbender.

Church E-mail List
One of the ideas coming out of our church growth planning is to develop a church e-mail list. This list will only be used internally for reminding members and friends of upcoming events, spreading church news, and getting the word out quickly in emergencies such as worship service cancellation due to bad weather. Adding your e-mail address to this list is purely voluntary and you may request its removal at any time. Your personal e-mail address will not be visible to others on the list, nor will the list be published or shared outside the church. If you would like to be part of this Shepherd of the Valley electronic network of members and friends, please fill out the request form below and drop it in the offering plate, or e-mail your request to office@sovumc.org.