Skip to main content

Look at the Reader’s Best Choice Award for 2011

Written by admin on . Posted in Daily news, music, praise, singing, worship. No Comments on Look at the Reader’s Best Choice Award for 2011





I have always wondered what would happen if the Daily News ever had a category for “Best Place to Worship” in their annual poll for Los Angeles. For some reason it had never been one of the questions listed. Well, for the first time ever they asked that question for 2011 and look what church came in on the top of the list? Drum roll…………… The 2011 Readers Best Choice for Best Place to Worship is SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS CHURCH. Results will be shown in the August 26th edition of the Daily News.



Just want to thank Michael, Leyla, Christine, Nikko, Charlotte and John for using their talents week after week in leading our church in worship. Also Maxi and Susanne and all the musicians and praise team members, the choirs and all the volunteers. Also the light and sound team. I want to thank all the members who show up each week prepared to sing and worship with all their hearts.



And we are MOST GRATEFUL for the LORD ON HIGH is who MOST WORTHY TO BE PRAISED!
Why not join us this week as we lift our voices, hearts and hands to the Lord God Almighty!


Carlos Whittaker “Ragamuffin Soul”

Written by admin on . Posted in LAX, mentoring, music, parenting. No Comments on Carlos Whittaker “Ragamuffin Soul”


Standing at baggage claim Sunday night at LAX, waiting for my 14-year-old daughter’s luggage, I overheard a man ask his wife, “Did you and the kids make it to church today?” And then I heard him say “Well, we will have to have church in the car then.” I thought, MY KIND OF DAD.

A man who had traveled across the country and his priority was making sure his family had a time with the Lord. We engaged in conversation while waiting for the luggage, and lo and behold I know this man’s father–a godly man named Fermin Whittaker was faithful to teach the ways of the Lord to his son, Carlos Whittaker, who I was now witnessing faithfully teaching his children the importance of worship and honor to the Lord Jesus.

I gave Carlos my card and he gave me the recently completed CD of his music called “Ragamuffin Soul.” (I came out ahead on that deal.) Well, come to find out, Carlos Whittaker is a man who travels the country leading worship and teaching people how to lead worship. I have listened to his music now several times through and this brother can lead you to God’s throne.

If you’re looking for some music that will move your soul, written and sung by a man who honestly leads his family in the ways of God, then you will be making a wise investment.

Carlos, it was a joy to meet you. Praying for your life and ministry to influence millions… And if that prayer and dream is never realized, please know that you influenced me to be a better man. And give your papa a “shout out” from Pastor Dudley and Shepherd of the Hills Church.

Call on Jesus and the Conductor

Written by admin on . Posted in evangelism, gifts, music, witnessing. No Comments on Call on Jesus and the Conductor

Jeff Marsh is a famous international conductor, who I met while serving jury duty in Chatsworth, and he is a member of our church. He helps conduct our orchestra, and recently, he sent me these pictures and a very kind note. I thought I’d show these pictures to you… Notice he is wearing a Call on Jesus shirt and using it as a witnessing tool. I love stories like this and wanted to share it with you. Can you please pray for Jeff, as God has put him into some very high circles that he would continue to let his light shine and use his gifts to point people to Jesus?

Below, you will find a couple pictures of Jeff conducting members of the Seattle Symphony last March. There were 80 musicians in the orchestra and about 35 in the choir.


Larry Kern – Song of God’s Love

Written by admin on . Posted in FLC, friends, Larry Kern, music, Video. 1 Comment on Larry Kern – Song of God’s Love

I have a VERY dear friend in the church by the name of Larry Kern. Larry leads the worship in the Family Life Center on Sunday mornings at 8:30 am. I grew up singing the Hymns of old, and these are the songs that Larry leads in the FLC. I recently came across this video of Larry singing at an event out in Thousand Oaks, and I wanted you to hear him sing. This is a powerful song. Although the quality is a little blurred, you will see HOW WONDERFUL LARRY CAN SING. If you enjoy this video, why not start joining Larry on Sunday mornings at 8:30 am in the FLC?

Thank you, Larry, for being a friend and a MAN OF GOD and for using your gifts for the Lord here at Shepherd.

Joshua Weaver

Written by admin on . Posted in C.D's, Joshua Weaver, music, Staff. 7 Comments on Joshua Weaver

Many of you have asked about our good friend, Joshua Weaver. Joshua is a dear man of God, who at one time was our lead worship pastor here at Shepherd of the Hills Church. He has battled cancer and other health issues, and continues to fight on. I recently went over to his home and watched one of the Laker playoff games. I’m not sure, but Joshua might be the number one Laker fan in Los Angeles. It was an honor to spend some time with Joshua because of his sweet spirit and his love for the Lord.

Those of you who are new to our church have missed the incredible gift of worship leading that Joshua brings to the table. He came to our church during a critical time and carried the mantle of leadership with class and dignity. His mark remains in our church because the standard to lead and sing carries with it a high responsibility, and he instilled this standard into our worship teams. Joshua continues to be a man of God, and although he is not currently leading any of our worship services, we are praying that one day in the future, God will restore his health fully and completely.

I want you to know that Joshua has completely conquered the cancer that once had its grip on him, and because of that, we REJOICE. He does, however, continue to have other health issues, and I hope you will join me in praying for him. Joshua has the most positive spirit, and we are convinced that God has great plans for him during the next years of his life. Even though there are a few hurdles, Joshua KNOWS that all things work for the GOOD for those who love the Lord.

Please continue to lift up this MAN of GOD in your prayers, and if you’ve never heard him lead worship, you can pick up his C.D. entitled, “We Come to Praise Him,” at the Praises bookstore.
You will then understand the incredible gift of music that God has placed within him, and you will understand my statement when I tell you… you don’t know what you’re missing… by not knowing this dear brother in the Lord.

Joshua….. we love you……