The congregation called Alan Landes to be Shepherd of the Hills' third senior pastor. He, his wife Carol and two children arrived from Longmont in June 1988.

In 1989 Harold M. Davis became a parish associate. Among his responsibilities was the Bethel leadership class. The YMCA daycare program became a reality with 20 four and five-year-olds in the program. Joyce Witulski received support for her mission work with Project Verdad in Mexico as did a Polish refugee family, while King Sooper coupons were popular with members.

Michael H. Carrier joined the staff as associate pastor in late 1989 and was formally installed in January 1990. The latest in information management was discussed for church operations.

Rev. Michael H. Carrier Associate Pastor, 1990-1993

(click to enlarge) Lower Level-Christian Education Desk

Pledges for 1990 reflected a 12 percent increase over 1989. A playground was installed for the daycare center and the session approved a Samaritan Counseling Center to be housed in the church building. The membership committee offered three inquirers' classes and coordinated a pictorial church directory, while $37,993 was directed for local and general mission work.

Fellowship activities included the golf tournament, Easter egg hunt, pancake breakfast, all-church retreat, mystery dinner, Friday night barbecues, and a softball league. Vacation Bible School was held that summer and the first women's retreat in October. The women's association increased its support of Gemini House and provided Thanksgiving baskets for needy families.

Pioneer Girls, a Christian Club for girls in grades 1-6, was started. An international program, it is designed to complement Sunday School lessons, applying truths every weekday. The group meets weekly during the school year.

An architectural search committee began initial plans for possible expansion as part of a master plan and the clans were reorganized to geographic groups. Susan Hutchinson was hired as the church organist.

The church bulletin format changed in 1991 and new hymnals were purchased. The sanctuary remained open in the evening for prayer during Desert Storm. The Samaritan Counseling Center formally opened its doors and the women's association committed to provide a Saturday meal monthly at the Inner City Parish.

"Building our Future Together" was the theme for the building fund campaign that kicked off in September. A three-year total of $597,977 was pledged by 233 giving units. By year's end, 16 percent of the pledged amount had been received and groundbreaking was scheduled in spring 1992.

The XYZ group, also known as those with extra years of zip, traveled to the Passion Play in Spearfish, S.D.; to Presbyterian missions in New Mexico, and to the Wasatch Academy in Utah.

The 30th anniversary of Shepherd of the Hills was observed with a dinner in 1992. The new hymnals were dedicated in March, and Charlie Barnett assumed the new position of minister of music, coming to Lakewood after 20 years in public school music education in Illinois.

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