Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church Sunday Update, February 15, 2026 –Last  Sunday After Epiphany

Today’s festival is a bridge between the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle that comes to a close today and the Lent-Easter cycle that begins in several days. On a high mountain Jesus is revealed as God’s beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem. We turn this week to Ash Wednesday and our yearly baptismal journey from Lent to Easter. Some churches put aside the alleluia at the conclusion of today’s liturgy. This word of joy will be omitted during the penitential season of Lent and will be sung again at Easter.

Serving in Worship and Fellowship

Please keep the following in your prayers:

Jackie, Helen, Cheri, Rose, Linda, Dyvone, Jeanne, Kent, Carol, Ronald, Mark, Sally, Myrna, Liz, Elizabeth, Cheryl, Opal, Maria, Gregg, Pat, Emily, Greg, Tony, Donna, Gale, Steve, Debbie, Pattie, Dana,Tom, Kendra, Sandy, Julie, Alka, and Barb L .

Also be with those who are grieving the loss of loved ones: the families of Eric, Nancy, Jim, John, Mark, Stewart, Bart, Anita, Ray, Beverly  and Norm Peterson . 

In case of pastoral emergencies:  please call Pastor Leslie on her cellphone, 815-981-5477.

Announcements and Information

Congratulations to our Elected Council member for 2026
Mary Larsen President, Carolyn Ciaccio Vice President, Phil Smalley, Treasure, Susie Smalley Secretary, LaVon Downing, Kevin Nitz, Shelley Pierson, Terry Sittman, Don Wiese and Brian Carpenter.

Altar Flowers – The Altar Flower, has many openings, please add your phone numbers as well.

Coffee Hour Treats— Many opening for the month of March

Calendar for the week:

Sun. February 15– Worship with Holy Communion at 9am 

Mon. February 16 – Office hours,9am—Noon Pastor- Leslie Aska.

Tues., February 17, Office hours, 1pm—5pm Pastor- Leslie Aska, 6:00pm Combined Council meeting with First at  Shepherd of the valley.

Wed. February 18- 7:00pm Ash Wednesday Service at Shepherd of the valley, 4:30pm at First Lutheran.

Thurs., February 19 –

Fri., February  20– Office hours, 9 a.m. – noon, Nathi.

Sat., February  21 No activity in the church building

Sun. February 22-Worship with Holy Communion.

Calendar for the Month:

Tuesday 17th 6:00pm Combined Council meeting with First at SOV

Wednesday 18th 7:00pm Ash Wednesday Service at SOV, 4:30pm at First Lutheran

 Sunday 22nd 10:00am Combined Service at First Lutheran

 March

Palm Sunday 29th 10:00am Combined Service at SOV

April

Thursday 2nd 7:00pm Maudy Thursday @SOV, 4:30pm at First Lutheran

 Friday 3rd 6:00pm Good Friday Combined service with First @SOV

 Easter Sunday 5th 10:00 am Combined Service with First at SOV

 Sunday 26th 10:00am Combined Service with First @ First