A youth mission trip to Alaska was approved, and the parish system was reviewed, again, with the clan system to start in early 1980. The prayerful ministry of Shepherd of the Hills continued with the creation of a prayer chain. The outreach committee prepared a brochure that the bell choir distributed in the area, and the junior high had a bake sale to help a Laotian family, while church member realtors purchased bus bench advertising for a year.

The church reported itself in "good financial shape" in 1980. A family enrichment program attracted 40 families, and the bell choir had performances in Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction before a bell choir conference in Granby. The parking lot and roof were attended to, while the Couples Club ceased to meet after 18 years.

Rev. Pat Jordan Joins the Baxleys and Olsens July 25, 1984

The Shepherd’s Courtyard Dedicated, 1986

Junior church was facilitated for grades 1-6. They attended regular service and then were dismissed to their program. Young people requested a Saturday night informal worship service, and church fellowship activities included a Bronco party in Charter Hall.

The church supported the Jeffco Action Center, Reach Inc. (Christians behind the Iron Curtain), Denver's Home and Neighborly Service, scholarships for seminary students, Brighton Home and Neighborly Service, the Olin Hotel (housing for low income elderly) and Jefferson Hall, a group home for boys ages 15 to 20.

Plans continued for the Bethel Series program for Bible study. Authorized in 1979, the first class was held in January 1981.

In 1981, the porch on the west side of the Sweet Room was enclosed at a cost of $22,000. Adult education classes were considered for study of the pro-choice issues as recommended by the General Assembly. An all-church picnic, family retreat and fellowship square dance were held during the year.

The following year was marked by the 20th anniversary of Dr. Sweet's ministry to Shepherd of the Hills, yet with some sadness as he chose to retire at the end of 1982. Pastor emeritus status was recommended and church members purchased a full joint annuity for the Sweets as an honorarium. It was Mildred Sweet's suggestion 20 years earlier, and accepted by the founding committee, to name the church on the hill in Lakewood "Shepherd of the Hills."

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