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March 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124 | 952.432.6351 | sotv.org 2021
Lent: A Time to Tell the Truth
I recently heard the season of As we approach the one-year mark of the World
Lent described as “the big Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a global
bummer of the church pandemic, it is an appropriate time for us to take
calendar.” While this stock and tell the truth about where we are, how
description made me chuckle, we are feeling, and consider what the future holds.
it also made me pause and One year in, there is still much we do not know, and
think. Is the season of Lent a the anxiety and fear that can grip our hearts in the
real bummer? midst of uncertainty is really real.
On the surface, Lent is a But we also know of our resilience and creativity.
Lindsey Bina season for reflection and We have found new ways of connecting in
Pastor, Care repentance – a time to turn meaningful ways. We continue to worship together
back toward God. It is a time across different mediums. We care for one another
of the year to confess that we by phone, email, and socially-distanced visits.
have been (and will always be) imperfect people. We are doing life together as community, albeit in
We are reminded of our own mortality and finitude – different ways.
that we are unable to save ourselves from that
This Lenten season, I invite you to join us as we
which seeks to destroy us.
explore how God has especially equipped us for this
Perhaps for some, these themes are a “bummer.” life together. On Wednesdays at 12 noon, we will
But as theologian, writer, and professor Kate Bowler gather for worship via Zoom and explore various
puts it, Lent is also “the perfect season to tell the topics centered around the theme of being
truth about the way things really are and have “Created for Community.” Please see page 5 for
always been. Sometimes things are awful and we more details about the ways we are gathering this
need each other to orient ourselves toward the year and visit sotv.org/lent to access our devotional
light, to hunt for hope, to speak realistically, and to materials and activity booklet. We pray that these
make our way through.” resources will be a blessing to you this season.
To me, this description is less a bummer and more Indeed, God created us for community and we are
permission giving. The Lenten season is a time when knit together into relationship not only with God, but
we are reminded of the truth that exists whether or with each other and all of creation. God equips us
not we – or the rest of the world – actually to pay close attention to the truth that surrounds us:
acknowledge it. We are called to pay close life can be difficult, but it is also beautiful and holy,
attention to not only what is difficult in our lives, but and we are on this journey together.
also to what is meaningful, holy, and life-giving.
May you have a blessed Lenten season!
Pastor Lindsey
During this special season, we are thrilled to have Pastor Linda Lund joining the SOTV
pastoral staff as a part-time Interim Pastor. Pastor Linda will provide support in worship
leadership, preaching, teaching, special services, and congregational care.
Pastor Lindsey is tentatively scheduled to return from parental leave on May 3.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
For several years, a number of households joined up for a week at Mount Carmel Bible Camp
on Lake Carlos near Alexandria, MN. (Photo from 1987.)
To hear more, follow us on Facebook!
Send your stories and photos to communications@sotv.org.
2 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.org
Church News CONTACT US
We’re Starting to Reopen Church Council:
Cheryl Seely, President
Because the case rate in Dakota County has dropped below 30, we are planning to resume Melissa Taphorn, Vice President
worship (Sundays only), GodZone, and Confirmation starting Sunday, March 7. In-person Jim Winslow, Secretary
worship will be a combination of live and recorded content, and will follow strict masking Michael Schaeffer, Treasurer
(over nose and mouth) and distancing protocols. If at any time you are not feeling well or Rick Summy, Senior Pastor
have a fever, do not attend in person. Anyone not comfortable coming back in the building, Dave Brueshoff
and people at a greater risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19, are strongly Emily Capra
encouraged to continue online worship and programming. (This was designated on March 4. Rod Hofland
To find newer updates, visit sotv.org/coronavirus.) Michael Kelly
Rachel Wermerskirchen
Leadership Team Openings Karla Williams
Beginning in August 2021, we will have openings on the Endowment Leadership Team, Bernie Zimmermann
Nominations Leadership Team, and Stewardship Leadership Team. The commitment is 3 council@sotv.org
years, with (generally) monthly meetings. Learn more and apply at sotv.org/teams. Main Office:
952.432.6351
Equity Task Force
Thirteen members of SOTV have committed to supporting SOTV’s desire to be a diverse and Children, Youth, & Family (CYF):
equitable congregation, living out our desire to be a church that reflects God’s love for all 952.432.6385
people and our love for one another. Over the next year, this team will discuss a variety of
related resources, determine criteria for consistent evaluation, seek perspectives from people
All other numbers:
in our congregation and wider community, and make recommendations to address any issues 952.985 (+ ext)
and opportunities for enhancement. This task force will regularly update Church Council, Pastors:
staff, and the congregation. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Randy Brandt at Rick Summy - 7301
randy.brandt@sotv.org. Lindsey Bina - 7351
Randy Brandt - 7302
Capital Fund Update & Supporting the Church Linda Lund - 7312
Council approved a Capital Fund designation of $20,000 in February. With this designation, Baptisms:
we will pay an additional $16,000 toward debt reduction, allocate $3,000 to the facility, and Mary Pottratz - 7321
allocate $1,000 to outreach.
Weddings:
When you give to the Capital and Building Funds, you support our facility and mortgage
Jill Johnson - 7381
payments. Giving to the General Fund (sotv.org/give) covers our operational expenses, and
enables ministries in our church, our community, and the world. Thank you for you generous Preschool:
support of Shepherd of the Valley! Linda Nelson - 7370
Marriage Finance:
Dawn Della Paolera - 7315
February 19 - Byron & Alyssa (Besch) Synstegaard
Funerals:
Our Deepest Sympathy Jill Johnson - 7381
Staff email addresses:
Elaine Anderson on the death of friend, Ron Dahl
Chris Nixon on the death of son, Jonathon Nixon first.last@sotv.org
Craig Nelson on the death of mother, Delores Nelson Full staff directory at
Cheri Paulson on the death of brother-in-law, Ed Myhre sotv.org/staff
Rolf Schulz on the death of wife, Barb Schulz
Michelle Jewell on the death of mother, Arlene Fingerson
Stephanie Smith on the death of niece, Jamie Zustiak
Are you looking for meaningful and rewarding employment?
Join our fun staff to do the work of Jesus Christ in our community.
Part Time Administrative Support Specialist to Children, Youth, and Family Ministry (CYF)
View the job description at sotv.org/employment. Interested? Submit an application form, cover letter, and resume to
Jennifer Davidson, Director of Operations at jennifer.davidson@sotv.org.
3 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.org
WORSHIP Worship Schedule
Worship with us in-person Sundays at 8:30, 9:45, & 11:00 am.
All services will be the same. Details at sotv.org/worship
MARCH 6 & 7
Preaching: Linda Lund
Holy Communion
Good News for Kids Message
MARCH 13 & 14
Preaching: Rick Summy
Thanksgiving for Baptism with a Water Blessing
Good News for Kids Message
MARCH 20 & 21
Preaching: Randy Brandt
Holy Communion
Good News for Kids Message
MARCH 27 & 28
Preaching: Rick Summy
Palm Sunday
Good News for Kids Message
Online Worship:
Available Saturdays after 5:00 pm: sotv.org/live-stream. Video is posted on Facebook: Sundays at 9:45 am.
Special Services (current cap of 25, contact below staff to hear changes):
Funerals: contact Jill Johnson at jill.johnson@sotv.org
We will only be holding services at this time (no visitations or luncheons).
In lieu of photo boards, families may include a brief video during the service.
Weddings: contact Jill Johnson at jill.johnson@sotv.org
The same expectations about membership and pre-marital counseling exist. Learn more at sotv.org/wedding.
Baptisms: contact Mary Pottratz at mary.pottratz@sotv.org
Please note that participation in a baptism class is required before your family’s first baptism at SOTV.
Find baptism registration information at sotv.org/baptism.
4 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.org
WORSHIP Lent, Holy Week, & Easter
Lent Zoom Worship
Wednesdays through March 24
12:00 pm
Zoom link on our website.
Stay on after worship for some community time!
Note: Find previous Lent worship services on our website
Lent theme: Created for Community
March 3: Pastor Linda Lund "In community with all the saints"
March 10: Huck Usgaard "In community with our neighbor"
March 17: Pastor Rick Summy "In community with those on the margins"
March 24: Pastor Randy Brandt "In community with Christ"
Lent Themed Coffee Breaks on Facebook Live
Weekdays through Good Friday (April 2)
10:30 - 10:45 am
Tune into Facebook live videos to hear a pastor or staff member. If you don’t have Facebook, view these at facebook.com/SOTVorg/live.
Join Us for Holy Week & Easter!
Details on services will be available at sotv.org/worship.
Palm Sunday
March 27/28
Join us anytime online, or in-person on Sunday morning (8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:00 am).
Enjoy a feature video of GodZone kids waving palms!
Maundy Thursday
April 1
Join us for live-streamed worship at 7:00 pm.
In-person worship is available for those celebrating first communion and their families.
Good Friday
April 2
Join us for pre-recorded worship at 12:00 pm (or after).
Congregation members will share the 7 last words.
Easter
April 3/4
Join us anytime online, or in-person for outdoor parking lot worship on Saturday (5:00 pm) or
Sunday (8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am). If the weather is nice, feel free to bring a lawn chair and
bell to ring. If inclement weather, plan to stay in your car and tune in on your radio.
5 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.org
LEARN Children, Youth, & Family (CYF)
Saturday, March 6 from 10:00 - 11:30 am
Echo Park Elementary School
14100 County Rd 11, Burnsville, MN 55337
Families are invited to join for some sledding fun!
Bring your own sled, bundle up, and
get ready to enjoy some good
Register at sotv.org/events
old fashion outdoor fun with friends!
Deadline: March 5 or 15 family max
My Life and Faith Project for Grade 9
Wednesday, March 17
7:00 pm Online or 8:15 pm In-person
9th grade families are gathering to learn about the My Life and Faith project that students will complete to help them express their own
stories of faith before the Rite of Confirmation in the fall. Families will also kick start planning their projects through conversation on this
night. Additional details will go out to families by email.
Communion Preparation Class
In-Person: Thursday, March 25 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Online: Monday, March 29 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Details and registration
The pandemic interrupted our regular schedule of communion preparation classes. Participants and their families will be invited to join in
the Lord’s Supper during Maundy Thursday worship on April 1. Information and registration at sotv.org/communion.
Baptism Class
Online: Monday, March 8 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
In-Person: Sunday, April 18 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Register
An opportunity for parents to meet with other parents, a pastor, and the Family Ministry Director to learn about the promises made at
baptism and the baptism process at SOTV. Families must attend this class once, prior to their first baptism at SOTV.
Playtime for Infants to 3-year-olds
Saturday, March 13 from 10:00 - 11:00 am
Saturday, April 10 from 10:00 - 11:00 am
Register
Bring your kiddos for a chance to talk with other adults while the little ones play. Make note of the safety protocols taken by SOTV and
expected of participants; and please register to help us honor our capacity for these gatherings (5 households) and to help with planning.
Children, Youth, & Family Staff Contact Information:
Family: Katie Strand Grades 6 - 8: Zach Rider
Preschool - Kindergarten: Heidi Bachmeyer Grade 9 & Rite of Confirmation: Kelsey Young
Grades 1 - 3: Ali Hohertz General CYF Questions & Registration Help:
Grades 4 - 5: Erin Swenson-Hatzung Kari Slotten
6 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.org
LEARN Children, Youth, & Family (CYF)
Camp Wapo Weeklong (completed grades 4 - 12)
Sunday, June 20 - Friday, June 25
Camp Wapo Seeds Weekend (completed grades 1 - 3)
Thursday, July 8 - Saturday, July 10
Register now for limited spots at sotv.org/events
Summer Trips & Camps
Registration opens on Monday, March 15
Details will be available online at sotv.org/events
Vacation Bible School
Faith Explorers: Searching for Signs of God’s Love
Age 4 - Grade 5:
July 12-15 (rain day: July 16)
or
July 19-22 (rain day: July 23)
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $45 (scholarships available)
Family VBS:
July 12-15 (rain day: July 16)
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Cost: $45 per family (scholarships available)
Join us for an outdoor adventure as we search for signs of God’s love! We’ll have games, crafts, science experiments, and lots of fun!
See how we’ll stay safe, what to bring for this outdoor camp, and our weather back-up plan. Please register by July 1 to save your
spot and your VBS t-shirt! Children must be 4 years old by 9/1/2021.
Preschool Mini Camp: Grade 1 - 3 Mini Camp:
A Great Adventure The Great Create
June 7 - June 10 August 9 - August 12
9:30 am - 12:00 pm 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $45 (scholarships available) Cost: $45 (scholarships available)
Join us as we go on a new adventure every day right here at Join us at SOTV as we follow the story of Creation and make
SOTV! Explore Minnesota, delve into the life of pets, travel some creations of our own! Each day we will focus on one
inside our planet earth, and take an imaginary trip into outer part of God’s creation, and explore it in depth with special
space. There will be crafts, snacks, games, stories, and guests, creative projects, yummy snacks, and exciting games.
a whole lot of fun! Are you ready for a great adventure? Come discover the creative kid God created you to be!
Must be 4 years old by 9/1/2021. Limit: 40 kids. Grade 1 - 3 in the 2021-2022 school year. Limit: 40 kids.
Middle and High School Summer Trips
Keep an eye out (in emails from Zach and Kelsey) for more details as the date approaches!
7 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.org
LEARN Classes & Learning Events Sunday Forum: What's a Mostly White Church to Do? Sunday, March 14 9:45 – 10:45 am Register for Zoom (deadline: March 12) Pastor Bonnie Wilcox, Senior Pastor at First Lutheran Church & former Pastor at Shepherd of the Valley, will share the story of how her mostly white Lutheran congregation organized to support its black neighbors after the murder of George Floyd and invested in education about having difficult conversations about race. Sunday Forum: Religion and American Freedom Sunday, April 11 9:45 – 10:45 am Speaker: Sarah Ruble, Associate Professor in Religion at Gustavus Adolphus College Register for Zoom (deadline: April 9) Racial Truth & Justice Podcast Night on Notice the Rage; Notice the Silence Thursday, March 11 7:00 - 8:30 pm Register for Zoom (deadline: March 10) During this time, we will discuss Notice the Rage; Notice the Silence, an interview by Krista Tippett with Resmaa Menakem, a Minneapolis author and trauma specialist (50 minutes). Optional 17 minute Ted-Talk: How to Overcome Our Biases? Walk Boldly Toward Them by Verna Myers. We invite participants to listen to the Resmaa interview (and optional Ted Talk) beforehand and be ready to discuss! Book Discussion: Killers of the Flower Moon Thursday, March 25 6:30 – 8:30 pm Register for Zoom (deadline: March 24) In Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann revisits a shocking series of crimes in which dozens of people were murdered in cold blood. But more than that, it is a searing indictment of the callousness and prejudice toward American Indians. Purchase and read the book before class. Empty Nesters Winter Outing at Whitetail Woods Regional Park Sunday, March 7 4:00 – 6:00 pm Register (deadline: March 5) Enjoy a fun afternoon of sledding, hiking, and enjoying social time around a bonfire. Please bring a bundle of wood from an approved DNR location. Purposeful Retirement Ted Talk & Discussion on Lessons for a Long & Happy Life Part II: Wednesday, March 10 10:00 – 11:30 am Register for Zoom (deadline: March 9) Part ll Ted Talks focus on the impact of your social life on aging. Participation in session I is not needed to enjoy this session. Save the Date! Caring for God's Creation: Environmental Awareness and Action Thursday, April 22 at 10:00 am 8 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.org
CONNECT Tanzania Partnership How Your Scholarship Money Makes A Difference Tanzania scholarships fund kids at the orphanage (described below), as well as help with school costs for kids from our partner parishes. When Shepherd of the Valley members travel to Iringa, Tanzania to visit our partners, we always plan a visit (or two) to the Huruma Centre Children’s Home. Owned and operated by the Iringa Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, the Centre provides a safe and loving home for up to 60 children ages 17 and under. While in primary school, children attend day schools near the Centre. These schools are government funded and take students to about age 13. Their daily routine includes after school household chores, homework, and playtime. The soccer field on the Centre’s campus is well used. Secondary students attend boarding schools in the region at a cost of around $500 per student per year. We recently received a letter thanking the people of Shepherd of the Valley for supporting scholarships for the children of Huruma Centre Children’s Home. In January, twenty-five children from the Centre began a new school year attending boarding schools owned and operated by the Iringa Diocese. Other students attend vocational apprenticeship programs and one student is enrolled in nursing school. “Your gift of scholarship funding transforms the lives of these students. The support and nurture that they have received at the Huruma Centre continues through their education, which will yield a blessed future for all of them.” Learn more about the ministry of Huruma Centre at www.friendsofhuruma.org. 9| Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.org
CONNECT SO T V’s Food Shelf
Every March (during MN Foodshare Campaign), we focus on SOTV’s Food Shelf.
This year, we need YOUR help!
With increasing rates of food insecurity, you would think appointments at Shepherd of the
Valley Food Shelf would be full. Yet, many appointment slots remain empty. Sadly, we know
there are people out there who need our support. This year we are asking you to help
spread the word about SOTV’s Food Shelf!
Please help us spread the word:
Share the flyer (post it at your workplace if appropriate) found at sotv.org/foodshelf
Send this link (sotv.org/foodshelf) to family and friends for details about the
Food Shelf appointment openings
Volunteer:
Ongoing sub positions. Find details and sign-up at sotv.org/food-shelf-volunteer.
The food shelf needs a Tuesday rescue food driver and fill-ins to pick up food at 8:30 am from various
grocery stores and deliver to the SOTV Food Shelf. Fill-in volunteer days would depend on need and
your availability. A larger vehicle (SUV, van, truck) is needed. Must be able to lift 40 pounds. Shifts are
1.5 - 2 hours. For questions or if interested, please contact Jim Hedin by email or calling 651.724.1820.
Donate Items:
Please bring any donations in a paper bag (preferably with handles) to the metal shelf by SOTV’s door 3 on
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Fruit juice (like Juicy Juice, not drink mixes)
Hearty soups
Luncheon meat/Spam
Rice or pasta side dishes
Beans: pinto, black, baked
White dried beans (ex: Great Northern)
Ketchup
Salad dressings
Toothbrushes, toothpaste
Deodorant
Facial Tissue (ex: Kleenex)
Paper towels
Feminine sanitary supplies
Diapers (size 5 & 6)
Laundry detergent
Dish detergent
10 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.orgCONNECT Ways to Help
Volunteer with Bridging
Bridging is a nonprofit that provides furniture and household goods to those moving out
of homelessness and poverty into their first apartments.
Let’s volunteer together!
Wednesday, March 24 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Meet at Bridging’s Bloomington Warehouse
Register
8 – 10 volunteers needed (must be 14 years of age or older).
Questions? Contact: Lisa Hegerman by email (lisa.hegerman@sotv.org).
Red Cross Blood Drive: Donate or Volunteer!
Thursday, May 27
12:00 – 6:00 pm
Sign-up to donate blood or volunteer
There will be two power red machines at this drive. Walk-in appointments are not available at this time.
Volunteers are needed to screen donors, greet and serve in the canteen. COVID has made it challenging
for the Red Cross to run all the drives it usually does and SOTV is trying to address that by adding drives to
our schedule as it allows.
If you have had a COVID vaccine, you can still donate! When you come to donate, you need to
know which vaccine you received and the date received.
As hunger crisis grows, Every Meal (Sheridan Story) gets creative with its meal
distribution across the state. Parts of article taken from Star Tribune’s article by Kelly Smith
From fire halls to fitness centers and libraries, some 60 community buildings
(mostly in the metro) have turned into free food pickup sites for Every Meal,
formerly known as the Sheridan Story, a Roseville-based nonprofit that helps
a growing number of hungry Minnesotans. (SOTV has partnered with this
organization for years.)
As Minnesota's hunger crisis worsens during the coronavirus pandemic, Every
Meal launched the new winter meal program, expanding its reach beyond
its usual work providing students with food after school and on weekends.
The new program, Rob Williams - executive director of the nonprofit said,
gives residents another option for help.
"Food insecurity is not a supply problem, it's a distribution problem," Williams
said. "The key is getting the food out there where it's comfortable and safe and nearby for
families to access."
Some residents may fear the stigma of showing up to a formal social services organization,
so receiving food at a rec center or fire station may feel less formal or bring more anonymity.
City buildings are usually trusted institutions in a community and it's a discreet way to get help
almost anytime, added Brooklyn Center Fire Chief Todd Berg.
"People feel welcome in a fire station," Berg said. With fire departments in every community,
"it's brilliant. It's a good way to help the community. I see this morphing into something bigger."
"It takes the whole community to work against such a big issue like child hunger," Williams said.
Click here to check volunteer needs: volunteer.everymeal.org/need. Above pictures from Every Meal
11 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.orgCONNECT Being Church
SOTV was featured in the Star Tribune
SOTV was featured along with other local churches in a Star Tribune
article about Ash Wednesday. Read the article on their website (and
find Family Ministry Director Katie Strand pictured): startribune.com/
lent-kits-ashes-to-go-mark-ash-wednesday-during-pandemic/600023542
Collection totals from the February 14 drive through event:
$915 in gift cards for Easter Dinner Ministry
$180 in check donations for Easter Dinner Ministry
$685 in check/cash donations for the Food Shelf
~60 bags of hygiene and cleaning items for the Food Shelf
Quotes from the February 14 drive through event:
"Thank you for braving the cold to give us time at church. I miss SOTV SO...MUCH! Looking forward to getting
back to normal, will never take it for granted. SOTV is special"
“A huge thank you to all the hearty souls who braved the coldest of cold to hand out Lent bags”
“These Lent bags are very special, thanks for putting these together to make Lent more meaningful during
COVID.”
"Thank you for the delivery of four Lent Gift Bags to our building. We really appreciate having them delivered to
us 'old folks' who will appreciate having a bag...We appreciate the volunteers who make things easier for us.
I look forward to using the bag."
"We appreciate all that the staff has been doing to keep our church community healthy and involved."
Quotes from gas card recipients:
“Thank you so much. There is so much need right now in our community, and it is so helpful to have these cards
to give to families in need. Last week I gave a few of the gas cards to a parent who, due to some family
changes, is needing to drive their child to and from school every day from Lakeville, and finances are a concern.
This driving arrangement could go on for awhile, and parent was SO grateful when I offered the gas gift cards
— it filled a real need for this family. Thank you for your support of our school community.”
“Please thank your congregation for their generosity, it is so needed right now. I’m so grateful to have these
resources to share with our families in need.”
12 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.orgCARE Find strength in Christ, and from one another.
Thank you to those who gave a helping hand with our Lenten Season! From making phone calls to assembling and
distributing Lent Gift Bags, we are grateful for every contribution. Truly, it is a gift to be and do church together!
Navigating COVID Times Together
Tuesdays, March 9 - 23
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Register for Zoom
This Zoom is hosted by Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, presented by Easter Lutheran, sponsored with funding from the Saint Paul Area
Synod, and in partnership with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. The pandemic has impacted many aspects of our lives and taken a toll on
our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to take time to focus on our mental health. Through this
three-part series, guest speakers will talk about the challenges of sadness, grief, depression, and feeling emotionally exhausted. They will
give us helpful tips and tricks to practice self-care and resilience for whatever lies ahead.
Growing Through Loss series runs Thursdays, April 8 - May 6 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.
Join for one Zoom session or all. Learn more and sign-up at sotv.org/growing-through-loss.
Try Adding Hygge to Your Self-Care Practice
By Pat Drake, Faith Community Nurse at SOTV
As the long, dark winter nights and cold temps settled in, I began reading the book, The Little Book of Hygge: Danish
Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking. The Danish author, wrote, “Hygge is all about experiencing things we know are
good for lowering stress and boosting our wellness.” Wow. I stumbled across a book that explains hygge is a way to
practice self-care.
Hygge (pronounced HOO-gah) is about creating a cozy, comforting physical and emotional environment for yourself.
It’s more a philosophy or mindset; one that makes ordinary everyday moments feel special, pleasurable, and
meaningful. Hygge is about who you choose to surround yourself with and what you choose to spend your time doing.
How do you get started with creating the hygge effect? It’s really up to you. The important thing to remember is that
your environment does influence how you feel and you can take control of your environment. That taking control aspect
is really important, especially when one feels there are so few things within your control.
To achieve hygge in my own home, I began by trying some of the strategies listed below.
Lighting: At home, dim the lights, add lots of candles (wax and artificial), and make it a ritual to light the candles each
evening. Make a fire in the fireplace if you have one. Use whatever is appropriate for the time of year. I rearranged lights
in my environment until it brought feelings of warmth and soothing calm to me. Twinkling lights and colored lights may
provide the feeling too.
Make yourself comfortable: Add flannel or fleece blankets, pillows, and throws to your home environment to snuggle in.
Go casual and wear comfy, loose shirts, thick socks that keep your feet warm, and chunky sweaters to burrow in. I
sought out soft textures that felt good against my skin.
Relish the here and now: I found it hard to turn off the phone and other digital devices to focus on the present moment.
Yet it is very rewarding to have no distractions for a few hours. Sip a warm drink taking in the flickering candle lights.
Listen to music that soothes your heart and soul. Treat yourself to good scents that have a calming effect such as
lavender, rose, jasmine, bergamot.
Create a nook for you to retreat to: Place a favorite book, photos, devotional book, and a green plant nearby. My nook
is near a window so I may look out at the bird feeders during the day and gaze upon the moon if I’m reading a book
late into the night.
Seek nourishment: Food and beverages are a big part of the hygge experience. Remember it’s about pleasure, so go
ahead and enjoy hot chocolate, warm tea, sweets, cake, and other tasty treats. The cooking and baking and the smell
of fresh baked goods added more enjoyment while staying at home.
Set aside time to reach out to others: Recognize that time spent together - whether talking, listening, or laughing with
one another (or playing with a pet) - is key to practicing hygge. The socialization you experience aids in feeling involved
and supported.
I hope you will try hygge, because creating a cozy and comfy environment for yourself is essential for self-care; and it
may leave you with a feeling that everything is going to be okay.
13 | Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (SOTV) sotv.orgStay Connected:
SOTV website (sotv.org)
Sign-up for our weekly emails (sotv.org/email)
Facebook (facebook.com/SOTVorg)
Twitter (twitter.com/SOTVchurch)
Instagram (instagram.com/shepherdofthevalleyav)
Questions? Want to share ways you are staying connected?
Email communications@sotv.org.
Visit the website at sotv.org
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, ELCA (SOTV)
12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Admin office: 952.432.6351 | Children, Youth, & Family office: 952.432.6385You can also read
