Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church - A Brief History
The beginnings of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Santa Ynez filled the dreams of several resident families. A planning meeting was announced in the newspaper and was held at the home of Don and Marie Funk on March 9, 1978. Those present at that meeting included the Funks, Etlings, Joan Madsen, Marv Newton and Lloyd Sorenson. The congregation was organized and officially chartered on May 6, 1978.
The Rev. Elmer Klenk was called to serve as the congregation’s first pastor in November of 1978 and served until June of 1982. After Rev. Klenk’s retirement, Rev. Walter Moeller again served as interim pastor.
Rev. Wayne Koenig began his full time service as pastor in Santa Ynez on February 13, 1983. He served until November 17, 1991. Under his pastoral leadership, the congregation began construction of a new and larger church and parish hall. The Danish celebration known as Rejsegilde was held on March 14, 1984 as the highest beam of the new facility was set in place. The new campus was dedicated to the service of the Lord on September 29, 1984.
After Rev. Koenig was called to serve elsewhere, the Rev. T.G. Torvik served as interim pastor during the process to call a new full time pastor.
Vicar Michael Zehnder was sent from the seminary and began to serve the congregation July 26, 1992. He was ordained July 25, 1993 and served as pastor until April 23, 1995. Under his pastoral leadership the congregation began offering a creative liturgical worship format.
In July of 1995 Shepherd of the Valley extended its ministry to include a midweek preschool ministry. Mrs. Molly Williams was contracted to organize and direct this new ministry endeavor. The first day of classes for this new ministry was July 10, 1995.
On August 28, 2015 the preschool ministry was ended due to demographic changes resulting in the lack of funds to support this ministry.
Once again, during the calling process, the congregation was served by an interim pastor, Rev. Cliff Kenyon.
Rev. Lowel B. Kindschy was called and began serving as pastor January 2, 1996. Rev. Kindschy retired December 31, 2016.
Pastor Ronald Moritz served as Interim Pastor for nine months preparing the congregation to call a new fulltime pastor. In December of 2017 the Call Committee recommended two candidates for the pastoral position. The candidates were interviewed by the Congregation and Pastor Russel Troester was extended a call. On February 11, 2018, Pastor Russel Troester was installed as the new Pastor of Shepherd of the Valley LCMS. Pastor Troester continued to serve the congregation until March 31, 2019.
On August 17, 2019, Pastor Jess M. Knauft was installed as Shepherd of the Valley's new pastor.
