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There was fellowship, food, prayer, and song as nearly 100 people gathered at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church to celebrate Shepherd of the Valley’s 40^th anniversary.

Everyone gathered in the Crossroads Hall the evening of September 16, where they were greeted by a dozen collages of events and activities organized by site and decade.    A visual media presentation highlighted people, locations, and events from Shepherd’s 40 years or service.  The dinner buffet featured cakes decorated with Shepherd’s various logos through the decades was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Prior to the prayer service, a short program recalling the formation and achievements Shepherd has experienced over the past 40 years.  Featured speakers included Ernie Sigle and Rev. D. Gary Schreckengost who were present from the beginning, and Dennis Parks, the current president of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Sigle talked about the initial meetings where the idea of a place where the Lutheran churches could care for their aging congregants became the reality of the first location in Niles.  He took the crowd through the challenges of creating the idea, obtaining support and financing, and purchasing the first location.

Rev. Gary Schreckengost led the guests through the expansion years for Shepherd of the Valley and they moved into Mahoning County.  He jokingly commented that he became the “building expert” as he was called upon to head the building committees for the Niles expansion, Poland condos, and the Poland assisted living building.

“Thousands have been served because of the efforts of faithful people like yourselves,” Rev. Schreckengost said in closing.

The final speaker was current Board President Dennis Parks who talked about the program additions and expansion projects undertaken in the 1990s including building the Howland community, its nursing home expansion project, and the addition of home health services.

“My nine years serving on the Board have been rewarding,” Mr. Parks commented.  “(Shepherd is) truly a treasure to our area as it continues to serve our senior citizens and our community.”

Following the featured speakers, everyone was invited into the sanctuary for a prayer service.  A mass choir made of members of the Zion and other Lutheran churches led them in song as prayers of thanks were offered for continued prosperity in the years to come.

Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop of the Northeast Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America offered encouragement and blessings.  Pastor Ronald Young, Assistant to the President of the Ohio District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, offered congratulations and gratitude.

“Happy 40^th anniversary, Shepherd of the Valley,” Rev. Eaton said. “May God continue to bless your work and may this continue to be a place of refuge.”

Click here or on the image below for a collage of photos from the event.