SOTP-Newsletter Archives - Shepherd of the Prairie

A Note

From Pastor Mark

Reflections on what to pack for the trip…

One of the great challenges of life is learning the difference between what is merely urgent and what is truly important. We live in a culture that constantly encourages us to add more—to our schedules, our commitments, our activities, and even our worries. Before long, our lives can become overstuffed, leaving little room for reflection, rest, relationships, or the things that matter most.

Imagine trying to fill a suitcase for a journey. If we simply stuff everything inside without thought, the bag becomes heavy, disorganized, and difficult to carry. In much the same way, when we try to squeeze every opportunity, obligation, and expectation into our lives, we often find ourselves exhausted and overwhelmed. The problem is not that all these things are bad; the problem is that not all of them belong in the suitcase.

Wise living requires sifting rather than stuffing. Sifting involves slowing down and carefully examining what deserves our time, energy, and attention.

It means asking important questions: Does this align with my values? Does it strengthen my relationships? Does it help me fulfill my calling? Does it bring life, purpose, and joy? When we sift our commitments through these questions, we begin to recognize that some things are essential while others are simply distractions.

Priorities are not determined by what shouts the loudest but by what matters most. Faith, family, meaningful relationships, service, health, and personal growth often deserve a higher place than the endless demands competing for our attention.

A well-lived life is not measured by how much we can cram into our days but by how faithfully we invest ourselves in what truly matters. Rather than overstuffing our lives, we are invited to sift carefully, choose wisely, and make room for the people, purposes, and experiences that give life its deepest meaning.

In doing so, we discover not only greater clarity but also greater peace.

I’ll look forward to being with you in worship!

Pastor Mark

Contact Pastor Mark at: pastormark@sotpmail.com

A Note

From Pastor Ryan

A New Chapter for Youth Ministry at SOTP!

God’s Holy Spirit is truly moving in exciting ways this year! We have three really big announcements related to our youth ministry program!

The first is that we have officially hired our new full-time Youth Ministry Coordinator! Mia Larkin will begin her ministry on August 10. A Huntley native, she has wealth of experience working with youth and an incredible passion for building relationships and a community among young people. I will let her introduce herself in more detail as she comes aboard, but for now, please know how excited we are to have her join our staff. It has been a very long process, but we wanted to make sure we hired just the right person for the job, and Mia is that person! Look for opportunities to meet her very soon as well as for her installation during worship.

The second is that SOTP’s brand new Youth Council had its first meeting on July 21. Our new Youth Council is made up of one 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grader. The council’s first members are Emma Stegge (7th), Max Wodnriska (8th), Zachary Serpe (9th), Daphne Shaw (10th), Andrew Padget (11th), and Lucas Monson (12th). Mia Larkin, Jess Panella, and I will accompany this amazing group of young people as they dream up and execute new and exciting youth ministry opportunities. The team’s first meeting was spent building relationships and developing a vision and goals for their work together. They have identified three broad areas of focus: weekly activities, Bible study/devotions, and large events. Each of these areas will be the focus of a chairperson from the team as well as one of the adults while the group, as a whole, will contribute ideas and effort in making all three aspects a reality.

While this fi rst group was brought together through personal invitation, starting this coming spring, the youth of SOTP will be electing the members of this Youth Council going forward. The plan is to elect a new 7th, 9th, and 11th grader each year to serve a two year term. Youth who have served will be eligible for re-election. As I shared about Mia, look for more info about this awesome team very soon as well as their installation during worship.

Our Youth and Family Ministry Team, which currently consists of Dan Wichtendahl, Monika Wichtendahl, Jess Panella, Carrie McCabe, Tim Torkelson, and me (with the forthcoming addition of Mia) will continue to do its great work alongside the new Youth Council, and as we blaze this new trail, we will be diligent in developing a synergy that will allow the two groups to complement each other, focusing on middle

school and high school ministry. The Children and Family Team will continue their work with our Pre-K through 5th grade youth. SOTP is so blessed and I am so grateful for the work of these groups.

The third announcement is the launching of a new SOTP youth ministry experience. We are moving away from our Thursday night Youth Group model to a new Sunday night experience! Youth Group will now be 6-8 pm every Sunday, starting August 16th. And with the new leadership of Mia and the Youth Council, it promises to be a revitalized and innovative ministry! This is a good time to remind everyone that I have always encouraged 8th graders to join Youth Group during their 8th grade year in order to build a bridge between Confirmation and Youth Group. Look for more information on this newly refreshed ministry soon!

Thank you all for your continued support of our young people and our children and youth ministries. Exciting things are happening, and I can’t wait to see where the Holy Spirit is taking us next!