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:

  • A short daily email (January 4 – February 22)

  • Scripture and prayer

  • Memories and stories shared by members and friends of SOTH

  • Reflections connected to our church’s core values

  • Photos and moments from our shared history

  • 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:

  • We Are Christ Centered

  • We Glorify God

  • We Grace It Up

  • 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:

  • A moment of worship

  • A mission or service experience

  • A favorite hymn or scripture

  • A season of loss and care

  • A connection that changed your life

  • Something from long ago — or something from yesterday

Ways to share your memory:

  • Download the online online Memory Form with the button below

  • Email memories, photos, or verses to office@sothaz.com

  • Pick up and complete a printed Memory Form at church on the back table

  • 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 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.

Read the Full Story Here

Core Value

Life is

Better

Connected

Shared By
Sue Boyle-Vice President

Lucy Almlie

Day 18
January 21, 2026

Debbie Vinopal reflects on the simple joy of God’s people gathering together to worship.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

Core Value

We

Glorify

God

Shared By
Sue Boyle-Vice President

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

Core Value

Life is

Better

Connected

Shared By
Sue Boyle-Vice President

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.

Read the Full Story Here

Core Value

Life is

Better

Connected

Shared By
Sue Boyle-Vice President

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.

Read the Full Story Here

Core Value

We Are

Christ

Centered

Shared By
Sue Boyle-Vice President

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.

Read the Full Story Here

Core Value

We

Grace

It Up

Shared By
Sue Boyle-Vice President

Sue Boyle

Day 8
January 11, 2026

A Sunday prayer reflection celebrating God’s faithfulness and calling us to thanksgiving as a church family.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

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.

Read the Full Story Here

Core Value

We

Glorify

God

Shared By

Marilyn Begotka

Listen