LEADERSHIP

Those serving in leadership positions are listed alphabetically by last name below.

Dave Hanebutt – Groundskeeper

Dave has been working at Light of the Hills since 2011, and before that he had a career in underground water main supply. Dave and Marcia have been happily married since 1981. When Dave isn’t out on the back 40 at church, he enjoys fishing, snow-skiing, and towing rafts on the American River.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15b

Stacy (left) & Vita (right)

Vita (short for Viktoriya) & Stacy Kukharets – Custodians

Vita and Stacy have been working at LOTH since June of 2023. They are contracted through Clean Care Janitorial, a family-owned business. Vita and Stacy clean our buildings two days per week. When you have the opportunity to meet this mother-daughter team, you may want to have your Google Translate on hand since Vita’s primary language is Ukrainian. Stacy, who was born in the United States, is fluent in English and easily translates for her mom.

“For I hold you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’ ” -Isaiah 41:13

Brian Morris – Church Council President

Brian has been a general contractor for over 30 years, building and improving homes and businesses in and around Sacramento and the Sierra foothills and mountains. He and his wife Sandra are original members of Light of Hills and are blessed to be able to serve. For fun, they love all things outdoors but mostly hiking and skiing with their children Josh, Jilian, son-in-law Nick Jew, and grandson Jasper. 

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” -Romans 1:16a

Contact: Brian Morris

Maureen Popielarz – Business Manager

Maureen was born and raised in South Yorkshire, England. She met her husband, John, while he was serving in the Air Force stationed in England. She moved to the U.S. in 1973 and  worked as a church secretary at a Lutheran church in Orangevale, CA for 20 years. In 2005 she and her husband became members at Light of the Hills and in 2006 she become our Business Manager. Maureen enjoys reading, knitting, and spending time with family and friends. In spite of living in the U.S longer than she lived in England, you can still detect her British accent.

“The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy!” -Psalm 126:3

Contact: The church office

Brian Shomler – Groundskeeper

Brian has been attending Light of the Hills since 2018, and joined the staff in September of 2021. Originally from the San Francisco East Bay area, Brian graduated from Chabot College in Hayward and Business School in San Francisco. After working for the California State Department of Corrections, Brian retired a few years back. Brian is married to Debbie, and they have five daughters, six granddaughters, and four grandsons. Brian loves to travel, fish, and barbecue. He’s also frequently called for babysitting duty!

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him….Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” – Psalm 127:3, 5

Alan Sommer – Senior Pastor

Alan graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis with his M.Div in 1990 and accepted a call to Light of the Hills as Senior Pastor in 1997. As Senior Pastor, his focus is on congregational leadership and adult education and ministry. Outside of the office, Alan enjoys fishing, exercising, detective shows, and watching his native Seattle Seahawks come up short. Alan has been married to Beth since 1993, and they have two adult children, Abby and David.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.”  – 1 Peter 1:3-4a

Contact: Pastor Alan Sommer

Beth Sommer – Office Manager

Beth is a graduate of Concordia University, Irvine. She started her career as a Lutheran School teacher in Northern California. A few years later, she met and married her husband, Alan, and raising their two children, Abby and David soon followed. Beth has been active in many of the education and music ministries at Light of the Hills over the years and is currently serving as the Chrismon Ministry leader. Beth enjoys reading, detective shows, making Chrismons (Christ centered Christmas ornaments), and spending time with family and friends.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

The church office

Dennis Theis – Head Elder

Dennis was fortunate enough to meet the love of his life, Sue, at the age of 17 at Folsom H.S., and had the good sense to marry her. They have enjoyed a wonderful life together ever since, and have two daughters and four grandsons. Dennis had a rewarding 42-year career in Law Enforcement as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with Sacramento County S.O., as a Deputy Sheriff and Detective with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years, and as an Investigator for the El Dorado County District Attorney’s office for 20 years before retiring. Dennis and Sue have been members at Light of the Hills since 2002, and enjoy golf, clay shooting, making olive oil, travel and playing music with the church’s “Strums” group.

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15b

Contact: Dennis Theis

Kyle Weeks – Associate Pastor

Kyle graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis with his M.Div in 2019 and joined the pastoral staff at Light of the Hills in August of 2020. As Associate Pastor, his focus is on youth and family ministry in addition to general pastoral duties. In his free time, Kyle enjoys reading, running, hiking, watching basketball, and spending time with his wife Krista, and their son, Tobias.

“Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’ ” – John 6:28-29

ContactPastor Kyle Weeks