Our goal is to bring the saving message of Jesus to the valleys.
In 2018, Christians from Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church (Reno) and The Springs Lutheran Church (Sparks) saw the growing community of the North Valleys as a great place to reach out with the good news about Jesus. With the support of our national church association (WELS), the first worship was held at O'Brien Middle School in March 2018.
2018
In May 2019, about 30 people officially became part of the Light of the Valleys family, as they committed to working together to share the good news of Jesus in our area.
2019
Since that time, we are blessed to keep adding chapters to our story as God leads more people to our church family.
TODAY
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:16
We believe and teach that no amount human effort can possibly earn God's favor or lead to eternal life. Thankfully, God's love caused him to send his Son Jesus Christ to live and die for us. God offers forgiveness and salvation to the whole world as free gifts. Everyone who puts their trust in Christ as their Savior will be saved.
CHRISTIAN
CHRISTIAN
GOSPEL-CENTERED
BIBLICAL
LUTHERAN
The word “Gospel” means “good news.” The whole bible can be broken down into two main teachings: law and gospel. The law stresses what God requires (dos and don’ts). The gospel stresses what God has done. The good news (gospel) is that our loving God sent Jesus to fulfill all the requirements (law) on our behalf. As a gospel-centered church, we believe the gospel is the only way that leads to eternal life in heaven. We also trust that same gospel will work faith in our hearts and transform our lives on earth.
GOSPEL CENTERED
CHRISTIAN
GOSPEL-CENTERED
BIBLICAL
LUTHERAN
We believe that every word of the Bible is God's Word. We also believe that the Bible is its own interpreter. Rather than approaching the Bible with a predetermined idea of what it says, we let the Bible speak for itself.
BIBLICAL
CHRISTIAN
GOSPEL-CENTERED
BIBLICAL
LUTHERAN
- By Grace Alone (we are saved not by anything we have done, but by God’s free, undeserved love)
- By Faith Alone (it is only through trust in Jesus as our Savior that we receive the benefits of God’s grace)
- By Scripture Alone (God works faith in Jesus only through Scriptures, i.e, the Bible).
Lutheran
CHRISTIAN
GOSPEL-CENTERED
BIBLICAL
LUTHERAN
Joel grew up in the Midwest. After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2001, he served at two large congregations in Wisconsin. In December 2018, he accepted a "call" to start Light of the Valleys. Joel also serves as the president of the Arizona-California district for our national church association. Together, Joel & Mary have three adult children: Alyssa (Justin), Caleb (Claire), & Connor.
PASTOR JOEL HECKENDORF
meet the TEAM
PASTOR
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Dan was born in Fairmont, MN. He grew up in a pastor’s family, and his father currently serves as a pastor in Penryn, California. He graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in May 2024 and began serving Light of the Valleys in July 2024. He and his wife, Melissa, are blessed with a daughter Emma. Dan and Melissa love hiking, reading, coffee, and spending time with friends and family. They are beyond excited to meet their new church family at Light of the Valleys and be a part of our community.