A daily journey of scripture, memories, and thanksgiving as we prepare
to celebrate our 50th Anniversary.
What This Is
In 2026, Shepherd of the Hills celebrates 50 years of ministry, worship, and community. To mark this milestone, we invite you to join us in a meaningful journey called 50 Days of Gratitude for 50 Years of God’s Goodness.
Beginning January 4 and continuing through February 22, we’ll reflect each day on how God has been faithful to this church family — through scripture, shared memories, and stories of faith from across the generations.
Why 50 Days?
The number 50 is not accidental.
Each of these 50 days represents one year of God’s goodness in the life of Shepherd of the Hills. Together, these reflections form a spiritual practice of remembrance — a way to pause, give thanks, and recognize how God has been present in worship, service, community, and care over the past five decades.
What to Expect During the 50 Days
Throughout the 50-day journey, you can expect:
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A short daily email (January 4 – February 22)
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Scripture and prayer
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Memories and stories shared by members and friends of SOTH
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Reflections connected to our church’s core values
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Photos and moments from our shared history
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Highlights shared on Facebook
Each reflection is designed to be brief, thoughtful, and grounding — a daily moment to give thanks.
Our Core Values in Action
As we share these memories, you’ll notice that each one reflects one of the core values that shape who we are as Shepherd of the Hills:
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We Are Christ Centered
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We Glorify God
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We Grace It Up
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Life Is Better Connected
These values are not just statements — they’ve been lived out through worship, service, music, learning, fellowship, and care for one another over 50 years. The stories shared during these 50 days bring those values to life.
Share Your Story
This journey is richer because of the voices that make up our church family — and we invite you to continue sharing.
Your memory might be:
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A moment of worship
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A mission or service experience
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A favorite hymn or scripture
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A season of loss and care
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A connection that changed your life
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Something from long ago — or something from yesterday
Ways to share your memory:
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Download the online online Memory Form with the button below
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Email memories, photos, or verses to office@sothaz.com
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Pick up and complete a printed Memory Form at church on the back table
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Printed photos may be dropped off at the office and will be returned
Every story helps tell the larger story of God’s goodness among us.
Join the Daily Emails
We invite you to receive the daily reflections directly in your inbox.
Each email is brief and designed to offer a moment of gratitude and reflection. You may unsubscribe at any time, but we hope you’ll walk with us through all 50 days as we prepare for our anniversary celebration.
Celebrating Together — February 22, 2026
The 50-day journey will culminate in a special 50th Anniversary Celebration on February 22, 2026.
We’ll gather in worship and thanksgiving to celebrate all that God has done through Shepherd of the Hills — and to look ahead with hope and trust for what God will continue to do in the years to come.
Our Past in Photos
June 2002
Sanctuary Under Construction
Ladies in Fellowship Together
Before the Sanctuary was Built
Mission Fair
Supporting Courtney’s Place
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever. – Psalm 107:1
50 Days of Gratitude Archives
Each day during our 50 Days of Gratitude for 50 Years of God’s Goodness journey, we share a short reflection rooted in scripture and shaped by the stories of our church family. This archive allows you to revisit any day’s reflection, catch up if you’ve missed one, or return to a memory that spoke to you. The most recent reflections are at the top and will be added to as we work our way through the 50 days.
Whether you are walking through the full 50 days with us or discovering these reflections later, we invite you to take your time — reading, remembering, and giving thanks for the many ways God’s goodness has been at work among us.
Day 39
February 11, 2026
Barbara Drake shares a cherished memory of a Clown Ministry worship service that led into communion and left her deeply aware of the Holy Spirit binding the congregation together.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Barbara Drake
Day 38
February 10, 2026
During a long hospital stay and recovery, Judy experienced God’s goodness through the faithful presence, prayers, and care of her church family when she needed it most.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Judy Geldean
Day 37
February 9, 2026
Sue Boyle reflects on seeing God’s goodness each Sunday through the quiet acts of care and connection shared among the congregation.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Sue Boyle
Day 36
February 8, 2026
Diane shares how worship, serving, and community at Shepherd of the Hills renew her spirit and prepare her for the week ahead.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Diane Abfall
Day 35
February 7, 2026
Elaine Tarr reflects on how the hymn How Great Thou Art invites the congregation to glorify God through awe-filled worship and shared praise.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Elaine Tarr
Day 34
February 6, 2026
A reflection on lifting the cross high in worship, and how even a simple, sacred act can become a powerful expression of glorifying God.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Lynn Ruby
Day 33
February 5, 2026
Roger Miller reflects on emceeing the SOTH talent show and watching his grandchildren participate in an evening that brought together church and community in joy, generosity, and connection.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Roger Miller
Day 32
February 4, 2026
Linda Marchi reflects on how Christian fellowship and a simple reminder to pray helped her place a difficult health decision back into God’s care.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Linda Marchi
Day 31
February 3, 2026
Dwaine and Mary Jo Abbe reflect on how a summer painting project became a joyful reminder that serving together strengthens connection and reveals God’s goodness in community.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Dwaine & Mary Jo Abbe
Day 30
February 2, 2026
Tom Ashbrook shares how a simple act of welcome led to lasting friendship and a new church home at Shepherd of the Hills.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Tom Ashbrook
Day 29
February 1, 2026
Tom Vinopal reflects on seeing God’s goodness through shared service and generous hearts at Paz de Cristo.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Tom Vinopal
Day 28
January 31, 2026
Denise Kelly reflects on experiencing God’s goodness every Sunday through worship, prayer, music, and the living Word.
Core Value
We
Grace
It Up
Shared By
Denise Kelly
Day 27
January 30, 2026
Before the sanctuary existed, Lucy remembers worshiping God in the fellowship hall, where faith and beauty met in simple ways.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Lucy Almlie
Day 26
January 29, 2026
During the isolation of COVID, God created connection for Sue through a simple moment of welcome that grew into lasting community.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Sue Boyle
Day 25
January 28, 2026
Lorie Smith shares how God met her loneliness with welcome and care through the Quilters group at Shepherd of the Hills.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Lorie Smith
Day 24
January 27, 2026
Art Terlecki reflects on how gathering around Scripture helps keep Christ at the center of his faith.
Core Value
We Are
Christ
Centered
Shared By
Art Terlecki
Day 23
January 26, 2026
Tom and Coleen Swanson share how worshiping through music helps them experience God’s grace and freedom.
Core Value
We
Grace
It Up
Shared By
Tom and Coleen Swanson
Day 22
January 25, 2026
Caroline Meyer reflects on God’s faithfulness expressed through decades of worship, friendship, and connection at Shepherd of the Hills.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Caroline Meyer
Day 21
January 24, 2026
Darlene shares how God’s guidance led her and her husband to Shepherd of the Hills and into a life of service that continues to glorify Him.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Darlene Dailey
Day 20
January 23, 2026
A memory celebrating how generosity brings people together in faith.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Donna Hawkinson
Day 19
January 22, 2026
Lucy Almlie shares how the love and kindness of the Shepherd of the Hills community brought comfort and hope after the loss of her husband John.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Lucy Almlie
Day 18
January 21, 2026
Debbie Vinopal reflects on the simple joy of God’s people gathering together to worship.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Debbie Vinopal
Day 17
January 20, 2026
Judy Geldean reflects on learning to trust the Lord’s guidance rather than relying on her own understanding.
Core Value
We
Grace
It Up
Shared By
Judy Geldean
Day 16
January 19, 2026
Coleen Swanson reflects on a moment when God was glorified as she faithfully served as a voice for God’s message during worship.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Coleen Swanson
Day 15
January 18, 2026
Sue Terlecki reflects on the warmth, friendliness, and sense of belonging she found at Shepherd of the Hills.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Sue Terlecki
Day 14
January 17, 2026
Tom Vinopal shares how Jeremiah 29:11 speaks to God’s grace in every season of life.
Core Value
We
Grace
It Up
Shared By
Tom Vinopal
Day 13
January 16, 2026
Roger Miller reflects on how the song “The Goodness of God” gives voice to a lifetime of God’s faithfulness and praise.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Roger Miller
Listen
Day 12
January 15, 2026
Elaine Tarr reflects on how shared discernment, collaboration, and global perspective shaped the building of Shepherd of the Hills sanctuary and strengthened the church’s sense of connection.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Elaine Tarr
Day 11
January 14, 2026
Diane Abfall shares how returning to Shepherd of the Hills helped her rediscover joy, belonging, and the healing power of community.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Diane Abfall
Day 10
January 13, 2026
Dwaine and Mary Jo Abbe share how the hymn “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” expresses their deep trust in Christ through every season.
Core Value
We Are
Christ
Centered
Shared By
Dwaine and Mary Jo Abbe
Day 9
January 12, 2026
Sue Boyle reflects on how the Kyrie connects her to her childhood church and the enduring mercy of Christ.
Core Value
We
Grace
It Up
Shared By
Sue Boyle
Day 8
January 11, 2026
A Sunday prayer reflection celebrating God’s faithfulness and calling us to thanksgiving as a church family.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Look
The SOTH Prayer Walk
Day 7
January 10, 2026
Judy Geldean reflects on how Christ-centered studies and small groups at Shepherd of the Hills helped deepen her faith and spiritual growth.
Core Value
We Are
Christ
Centered
Shared By
Judy Geldean
Day 6
January 9, 2026
Sue Terlecki shares how Psalm 119:105 has been a guiding light, offering grace and direction through God’s Word.
Core Value
We
Grace
It Up
Shared By
Sue Terlecki
Day 5
January 8, 2026
Roger Miller shares how the church family surrounded his family with love and support when they welcomed their five grandchildren home.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Roger & Darlene Miller
Day 4
January 7, 2026
During a medical emergency, Gail and Paul Appeldorn experienced God’s grace through the prayers and compassionate support of their church family.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Gail & Paul Appeldorn
Day 3
January 6, 2026
During the uncertainty of COVID, Lorie Smith remembers how Pastor Jeff and Kris brought hope, scripture, and encouragement into homes, reminding our church family that God was present even while we were apart.
Core Value
We Are
Christ
Centered
Shared By
Lorie Smith
Look
Day 2
January 5, 2026
A joyful memory of laughter, music, and connection through the unforgettable Bottle Band at Shepherd of the Hills.
Core Value
Life is
Better
Connected
Shared By
Tom Vinopal
Look
Day 1
January 4, 2026
Marilyn shares how a favorite hymn became a source of peace and strength while praying for her son’s safety during the Gulf War.
Core Value
We
Glorify
God
Shared By
Marilyn Begotka