Set among the rolling gold-country hills of Cameron Park, California, Light of the Hills Lutheran Church gathers under the simple motto "Creating Community in Christ." A congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the church has been shaped from the start by a Lutheran conviction that the Christian life is built around the Word and Sacraments, then lived out in relationships and service. On any given Sunday around 250 people worship across two services, with another circle of children, teens and adults moving through Bible studies and Sunday School in the Education Building behind the sanctuary.
A Sunday Morning Shaped by Word, Sacrament and Family
Worship at Light of the Hills follows the historic liturgy - the church calls it a blend of old and new, with warm and energetic participation from the congregation. Each service includes readings, a sermon, prayer, congregational singing and the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Holy Communion is offered every Sunday at both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services, and members of other Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations are welcome to commune with them.
The 8:00 a.m. service is livestreamed for those who cannot be present, and lasts roughly 75 minutes. From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., a one-hour Adult Bible Study is held in the sanctuary while Children's Sunday School, Junior High Bible Study and High School Bible Study fill the Education Building upstairs. The second service begins at 10:45 a.m. Children of all ages remain in worship with their families - the church distributes a children's bulletin and encourages parents to bring even small children into the pew rather than send them to separate programming. The Pastor writes, "We welcome the extra noise this sometimes brings - we're just happy you're here."
Fellowship runs from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Education Building, where hosts offer free coffee and snacks. A staffed nursery for children ages 0 to 4 is available during the 8:00 a.m. service; the attendant has undergone a third-party background check. For parents who want to step out of the sanctuary with an infant, an infant cry room at the back of the worship space lets them continue to listen to the service.
Visitors are encouraged to come as they are. Some people wear ties, others wear shorts or jeans, and neither stands out.
A Blended Liturgy and a Wide Range of Music
Light of the Hills describes its worship as a blend of old and new. The order of service is the traditional, historic liturgy - rooted in Scripture and attested to by the early church in the first and second centuries - with sermon, readings, prayers, and the Lord's Supper at the center.
The music stretches across centuries. Ancient hymns such as "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" (traced back to around AD 1000) sit alongside newer songs like "Christ Our Hope in Life and Death" (released in 2021). Every song is selected to be Christ-focused and Gospel-centered, easy to sing for the whole congregation, substantive and faithful to Scripture, and collectively representative of a wide range of biblical themes.
Four musical groups support the congregation in song. The Praise Band, which plays on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month, blends contemporary and traditional music on guitar, bass, drums, piano and flute. The Traditional Choir sings for services periodically throughout the year. The Strums, a relaxed group playing guitars, ukuleles, mandolins and similar stringed instruments, accompanies worship on the 3rd Sunday of the month and meets to practice on the 2nd Sunday. The Adult Bell Choir enhances services for special occasions and semi-regularly throughout the year.
Children, Youth, and a Two-Year Confirmation Journey
Children's ministry is woven into the rhythm of Sunday morning. Children's Sunday School meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for ages Pre-K through 5th grade, using the Enduring Faith curriculum with a strong emphasis on how God's salvation story points to Jesus. The hour opens upstairs in the Conference Room of the Education Building, where parents can greet teachers and join a brief time of song and prayer before the children head to their classrooms. All teachers have been vetted and undergone professional third-party background checks. Children are also encouraged to bring loose change each week, which is directed to underprivileged children through Compassion International.
Junior High students study the Bible through the Alive in Christ curriculum, looking at biblical events and applying them to daily life. High School students work through "Heroes of the Faith," learning the stories of biblical believers alongside modern scientists, leaders and others who have dedicated their lives to following God. A Toddler Room on the bottom floor of the Education Building is open during the Bible study hour for children not yet old enough for Sunday School; a volunteer attendant may or may not be available, but families are welcome to use the space.
Youth Group meets Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Youth Room for 8th through 12th graders. The ministry focuses on two things: substantive encounters with Jesus through studying Scripture together, and honest, meaningful relationships with other youth. Sunday morning High School Bible study walks students through a rotating four-year curriculum that prepares them for college or the workforce with confidence in their baptismal identity, a strong sense of belonging in the community of Christ, joy at God's purposes for their life, resilient faith in the face of temptations and challenges, the ability to articulate the Gospel, and engagement in the practices of worship, Bible study and prayer. Topics across the rotation include the Gospel of John, prayer, suffering, technology and social media, the resurrection, the story of Scripture, dating and marriage, the Holy Spirit, mental health and self-esteem, Christian character and leadership, detecting non-biblical scripts in the culture, and living as courageous peacemakers in a violent world. In addition, the group meets monthly for a short devotion and a two- to four-hour social event such as pumpkin carving, hiking, laser tag or a movie night.
Confirmation is a two-year program of basic Christian instruction in the Bible and Lutheran doctrine for 6th through 8th graders, taught by Pastor Alan Sommer and DCE Becca Geisler. Classes meet Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. in Room 203 of the Education Building. By the end of the two years, students are expected to be able to explain the basic teachings and foundations of the Christian faith, grasp how the different scenes of Scripture fit together in a unified narrative that climaxes in Jesus' saving work, and be equipped to live out their part in God's story as they embark on a lifelong journey of faith. The current confirmation year works through the story of the Bible.
Bible Studies Throughout the Week
Beyond Sunday morning, several Bible studies meet on the church campus. The Sunday Adult Bible Study runs from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Education Building and is led by Pastor Alan Sommer. The most recent series, "Denominations," walks through the history of Christian divisions, the split between East and West, the Reformation, and the American theological environment, examining why theology matters. Earlier, the group completed a long study through the book of Revelation, with each class available on the church's YouTube channel.
On Saturday mornings, men gather at 7:00 a.m. in the Conference Room of the Education Building for a Men's Bible Study with fresh donuts and plenty of hot coffee; the group is currently working through 1 Peter. At 9:00 a.m. in Room 102 of the Education Building, women meet for the Saturday Sisters' Bible Study, currently studying "Daniel: Encouragement for Faith." Participants confirm by email each week to coordinate around busy lives.
For anyone curious about Christianity or Lutheran teaching - or looking to refresh their understanding of the basics - the Fit for Life class meets Sundays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Education Building Multipurpose Room. The engaging course introduces Christian and Lutheran beliefs, requires no commitment to join afterward, and provides lunch and childcare.
Putting Hands and Feet to the Gospel
Light of the Hills takes seriously the call to serve neighbors both inside the church and out in the community. The Food Closet, in partnership with the El Dorado County Food Bank, distributes food to roughly 150 households in need each month. Volunteers bag groceries on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., currently through a drive-up pickup in the church parking lot. There is no limit on the number of times a household may receive food each month, and the church accepts alternative pick-up requests so neighbors can collect on behalf of someone else.
GriefShare is a 13-week support group for adults who have lost a family member or friend. The next session meets on Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in Room 102 of the Education Building, with the final class on November 19th. Each session combines a video from nationally respected grief experts with small-group discussion and a guided workbook for personal study between meetings. The group is nondenominational, open to the community, and led by trained volunteers who have themselves experienced the loss of a loved one. A $25 registration covers materials, but the fee can be waived in cases of hardship.
The Lutheran Women in Mission chapter (LWML) at Light of the Hills supports missions and equips women to serve. The chapter gives a monthly financial pledge to a missionary working in Ethiopia, supports the Placerville Pregnancy Counseling Center and the Placerville Mother Theresa House for pregnant women in crisis, crafts prayer shawls and Chrismon (Christ-centered Christmas) ornaments, and hosts baby showers for first-time mothers. An LWML Quilting Group makes quilts for the local pregnancy counseling center and for baptisms, plus adult bibs and lap robes for community facilities.
The Lighten the Load service ministry is for those who enjoy working with their hands. As needs arise, the group gathers to help with home repairs, painting, yard work, electrical work and other projects for those in the church and community who need a hand.
A small group of volunteers brings the Word to the residents of Ponte Palmero Retirement Village in Cameron Park each Monday with a Bible study and music. Meals Ministry supplies meals to new parents and those recovering from health problems. Mission trips in past years have taken teams to Mexico, Russia, Kenya, Guatemala and Alaska, alongside local witnessing opportunities.
Within the church building, members serve in many roles on Sunday mornings - as greeters, ushers, projectionists, sound board operators, livestream camera operators, Altar Guild members, coffee hour hosts, and Sunday School teachers and assistants. The Altar Guild cares for the setup and cleanup of Holy Communion, banners and seasonal paraments, fair linens, and clergy and acolyte robes. Coffee hour hosts set up and clean up the Sunday morning fellowship time. Livestream camera operators allow the church to continue broadcasting services and Bible studies to shut-ins and others who cannot attend in person.
Beliefs Rooted in the Lutheran Confession
Light of the Hills teaches that there is one true God, who reveals Himself in the Bible as three persons in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Bible is the Word of God for every generation, trustworthy and without error, and its central message is the free gift of eternal life found in Jesus, the only Son of God.
The church identifies itself as Lutheran because it follows the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther, which were the driving force for the Reformation of the Church in the 16th century. The Lutheran teachings were gathered in the Book of Concord of 1580, which the church body views as a true exposition of Scripture - a road map that summarizes the journey but never replaces the trip itself. Three biblical teachings are central:
- Grace Alone. Salvation from sin, death and everlasting condemnation is a gift of God's undeserved favor. Human beings cannot earn it.
- Faith Alone. Faith is the only way to receive God's gifts of grace, trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life.
- Scripture Alone. The Old and New Testaments are the only rule and norm by which all doctrines and teachers are measured and judged.
Light of the Hills belongs to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), a biblically traditional church body of approximately 6,000 churches in the United States, which is itself in fellowship with many other Lutheran church bodies around the world. The LCMS is called a confessional church because it publicly confesses its faith through the three ecumenical creeds (Apostles', Nicene and Athanasian) and the documents of the Book of Concord.
The church is also a sacramental church, teaching and practicing two sacraments drawn from Scripture: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Together with God's Word, they are called the Means of Grace - the vehicles through which God delivers His gifts to His people. Because the Bible teaches that Baptism begins with God's action of grace, the church baptizes children and infants as well as adults. In the Lord's Supper, along with the bread and wine, the true body and blood of Christ are given and received by those who eat and drink, for the forgiveness of sins. A period of instruction is appropriate before communing at the altar.
Pastoral Leadership and Staff
Pastor Alan Sommer serves as Senior Pastor. A 1990 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, he accepted the call to Light of the Hills in 1997 after serving other LCMS congregations. His focus is on congregational leadership, adult education and ministry. He and his wife Beth, the church's Office Manager, have two adult children, Abby and David.
Becca Geisler is the Director of Youth and Family Ministry (DCE). A Concordia University, Seward Nebraska alumna who has worked in congregational ministries since 2006, Becca is passionate about education and loves providing experiential learning opportunities for children and youth. She oversees the youth and family ministry programs.
The Business Manager is Maureen Popielarz, who joined the staff in 2006 after 20 years as a church secretary at a Lutheran church in Orangevale, CA, and became a member of Light of the Hills in 2005. The Church Council is led by President Jason Voll and includes Elders Board Chair Dennis Theis and chairs for the Congregational Ministries, Community Ministries, Stewardship and Trustees boards.
From Two Living Rooms to a Sanctuary in the Hills
Light of the Hills began as an outreach of First Lutheran Church of Placerville, California, some nine miles east of Cameron Park. In the fall of 1989, two Bible study groups started in homes in Cameron Park and Shingle Springs. In October 1990, one hundred one worshipers gathered in the gymnasium of Buckeye Elementary School in Shingle Springs for the first worship service of the new mission outreach. Wade Meyer accepted a call from First Lutheran to become an associate pastor and serve as the first mission pastor. When the first winter cold arrived, the young congregation discovered that the gymnasium had no heat, and the mission moved in December 1990 to the Seventh Day Adventist Church on North Shingle Road. It was there that worshipers chose the name "Light of the Hills" and developed the church's mission statement.
In June 1992 the mission moved to Cameron Park, settling into an office park location on Robin Lane a few blocks east of its present site, with the first service there on Pentecost Sunday. Pastor Steven Borst, placed by the California-Nevada-Hawaii District, became the first full-time pastor of the mission. After he left for campus ministry at Concordia University Irvine in June 1994, retired Pastor Orv Oswald served as interim until January 1995, when the congregation called Pastor Mark Hohbach. On October 1, 1995, Light of the Hills received approval from the CA-NV-HI District and became an independent congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. After Pastor Hohbach's resignation in June 1996, retired Pastor Eugene Roeder served as interim until February 1997.
That February, Pastor Alan Sommer arrived. By 1996 the congregation had begun planning in earnest for a permanent home. Site, financing and design hurdles fell into place; ground was broken in November 1998, construction began in May 1999, and the present church building was completed in mid-September 1999. A joyous dedication service was held on the afternoon of September 26, 1999.
In July 2000 the congregation established a Director of Youth and Family Ministry position. Since 2004 Light of the Hills has partnered with the LCMS to receive pastoral interns known as vicars, seminary students in their third year who serve twelve months of on-the-job training in a local congregation. Eleven vicars have served the congregation to date. The Education Building was dedicated on October 30, 2011 after a seven-year planning and fundraising effort. Pastor Robert Jones was installed as Associate Pastor on July 3, 2016, overseeing youth and family ministry until September 2019, when he accepted a call to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Riverside, California. On August 2, 2020, Pastor Kyle Weeks was ordained and installed as Associate Pastor, also overseeing youth and family ministry; he left in 2024 for St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In July 2020 work began on a sanctuary remodel project; completed phases include an expanded sanctuary space, a new altar mosaic and cross, an expanded chancel with new carpet, a new pulpit, altar, font and railing, and repainting of the sanctuary.
Worship, Word and Welcome in the Gold Country
From its beginning in two living-room Bible studies to its present home on Rodeo Road, Light of the Hills has grown into a community that takes seriously both the preached Word and the table of Christ. The blended historic order, the mix of ancient hymn and contemporary song, the year-round Sunday Bible studies, the deep investment in children and youth, and the steady flow of food through the Food Closet and care through GriefShare all share the same center that the Pastor names from the pulpit: that the Bible's main message is the free gift of eternal life found in Jesus, the only Son of God. Around that center the congregation continues to gather, week after week, to create community in Christ.
More information about current Bible study series, sermons, livestreams, and ways to give is available through the church's online resources.