Need Help?
At different times in our lives, we all find ourselves in need of someone to listen to us–someone to help us make sense of our lives and circumstances. At these times, it is good to know there is a safe place we can go to seek healing and help.
Shepherd provides a Biblical perspective on family or individual struggles. We want to provide prayer and Scripture as an integral part of confidential, Christian counseling. Let us be your support.
Pastoral Care
Would you like to have a conversation with one of our pastors about a care or concern in your life? Perhaps you have a personal struggle, trouble in your marriage, a family issue, or some other situation you want to discuss. Shepherd’s pastors are always available to meet with you and talk about the concerns of your heart and life’s challenges. A listening ear, compassionate conversation as we look to God’s Word for help and direction, speaking the truth in love, and prayer in a confidential setting are yours. You are encouraged to contact either Pastor Stoltenow at 303.798.0711 or by email at bstoltenow@sothfamily.org or Pastor Ben Oesch at boesch@sothfamily.org.
Pastor Visitation
Visitation is one of the cornerstones of pastoral care. Shepherd’s pastors regularly visit when people are hospitalized or homebound. You are encouraged to contact our pastors or the church office to let us know when you are in the hospital or unable to get out of your home or facility. Members of Shepherd’s Board of Elders also visit folks when invited. The key is contacting us to let us know your circumstances. We are happy to visit you! Please contact the church office at 303.798.0711 or email Pastor Stoltenow at bstoltenow@sothfamily.org or Pastor Ben Oesch at boesch@sothfamily.org.
Weddings & Funerals
Shepherd of the Hills is honored to celebrate the union of Christ and His Church as we officiate weddings. The same is true when families and friends grieve the loss of their loved ones. In weddings and funerals the love of our Lord Jesus is proclaimed! Please follow the link to view Shepherd’s policies for weddings and funerals.
If Shepherd has a funeral planned for a member, the service information will be posted at ShepherdHillsChurch.org/Funerals.
Prayer Ministry
Come pray with us! It’s easy…use your computer to get prayer requests, put your hands together and lift up to God those in need.
TO SHARE PRAYER REQUESTS
EMAIL PRAYER CHAIN: Email prayer requests to prayers@sothfamily.org. These requests will not necessarily contain full names and details, as we strive to be careful in maintaining confidentiality. The prayer requests will also be forwarded to our pastors.
OUR PASTORS: Email or call the pastor directly or call the church office and ask to leave a prayer request with the pastors.
Pastor Brad Stoltenow: bstoltenow@sothfamily.org
Pastor Ben Oesch: boesch@sothfamily.org
SEEKING HIM PRAYER GROUP
The Seeking Him prayer group meets on the third Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:30pm in the Atrium, to pray for the Staff and Lay Leaders of the congregation based on specific prayer requests that come from them. The people who meet enjoy the fellowship and the opportunity to pray for our church. You're welcome to attend and join in this ministry of prayer. Colossians 1:9-11.
Our heavenly Father values the relationship we build with Him when we talk and listen to Him in prayer (Psalm 145:18; Philippians 4:6; 1 John 5:14). Jesus Himself gave us the perfect pattern for prayer, the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4). The Holy Spirit prays for us when we don’t even know what we ought to pray (Romans 8:26).
PRAYING WITH AN OPEN HEART
Shepherd’s 2025-26 theme is: Praying with an Open Heart. We can certainly pray anytime and anywhere, with a formal prayer or a “from the heart” prayer. We can pray for as short a time as it takes to say, “Lord, help!” or as long as we need to pour the contents of our minds and hearts out to our Lord. Having a specific day and time to pray is also helpful! Every Wednesday at 12:12pm you can join us in prayer. We will have the Sanctuary open from Noon to 1pm every Wednesday to use this space to pray. You can read more in the PDF below.
stephen ministry
In response to God’s love and mercy, and to His glory, Stephen Ministry trains lay Christians to confidentially provide emotional and spiritual support to individuals experiencing loneliness, loss, or any of life’s challenges.
If someone you know is experiencing grief, divorce, loss of job, a serious illness, or any other of life’s challenges and would like to receive the loving care of a Stephen Minister, please call one of the pastors at the church office (303-798-0711) or team member Ron Manuello, Manuello64@msn.com (303-587-0001).
You may also request a Stephen Minister at the following info@sothfamily.org.
To learn more about Stephen Ministry St Louis including testimonials, workshops, and philosophy, please visit www.stephenministries.org.
Benevolence
The Benevolence Fund at Shepherd of the Hills exists to glorify Christ by sharing His love in a material way with people in need. Throughout the year, Benevolence assistance has been given when an individual or family is truly “in need” and such individuals(s) demonstrate an effort to follow biblical money management principles and be accountable for their financial practices.
Benevolence has provided assistance throughout the year providing financial assistance to address immediate short term needs for people who have encountered a financial crisis. These funds have been provided for rent, utilities and food. Funds are paid directly to the utility companies, landlords, food gift cards, medical assistance, etc. Funds are not paid directly to the individual. Contact the church office for more information, 303.798.0711 or info@sothfamily.org.
GriefShare
No matter what the circumstances, grief is a painful, confusing process. A GriefShare group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. At this 13-week support group program, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability—and gain solid support each step of the way.
At each weekly meeting, you will view a video featuring respected counselors, pastors, and healthcare professionals on grief-related topics, plus you’ll hear relatable personal stories of grief. After that is a small-group discussion to allow people time to talk, share support, and personally apply what they learned on the video. Everyone will receive a book to take home filled with valuable exercises for navigating their personal grieving process.
Topics include how to manage grief-related emotions such as loneliness, anxiety, sadness, anger, and regret; how to cope with the changes in your life and relationships; and how to recognize what’s normal in grief and what to do if you feel stuck or hopeless.
GriefShare group participants have repeatedly shared that they feel comforted and encouraged by being in a place where people truly understand what they’re going through. And they feel a sense of relief when they’re given guidance and tips on how to deal with the daily challenges.
Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent. No matter how long it’s been, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling.
If you have experienced the death of a family member or friend, you are invited to attend. For more details, and to find and register for a group, visit griefshare.org. You may also email Shepherd GriefShare leaders Susan or Nancy with your questions at griefshare@sothfamily.org.
Grief affects everything you do. It can disrupt every aspect of your life in ways you might not expect.
“I don’t think I had time to think because psychologically I wasn’t with it,” says Nancy, whose husband passed away. “I would do stupid things. I would be coming home thinking I was on X Street, and then I’d realize, ‘Well, I’m on the wrong street.’ It was dumb things like that.”
When life seems chaotic and your world has lost its predictable order, remember that God does not change. Like Nancy, you may find yourself driving down the wrong road, but God is with you, and He is able to get you to your destination.
“What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every GOD-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him makes it” (Psalm 18:30 MSG).
From Grieving with Hope by Samuel Hodges and Kathy Leonard
