Church Staff.
Our primary function is to equip the congregation for leadership and service. We’d love to connect with you, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Jay Reed
Senior Pastor
Pastor Jay arrived at Light of the Valley as a vicar in June of 2003. He was ordained in August of 2004 and has served as pastor since then. He has been married to the love of his life Shannon since 1982 and they have 6 children and 19 grandkids.
Visit the message archive to hear more from Jay
Diana Shane
Office Administrator
Family: I am happily married to a wonderful and hardworking man and we have one very happy one year old who loves his cars and being outdoors.
Personal Stuff:My husband and I moved to Elk Grove, CA in 2024 and in May of 2024 our son was born in Sacramento, CA. We love Elk Grove and are very excited to be here and raise our son here. Both my parents moved to Elk Grove in 2025 to be closer to their grandson. I was raised with a close family and will continue to raise my son with the same morals and closeness as my family did with God by our side.
Outside of Church:I love watching movies and reading, going to concerts, spending time outside with my son, and trying new restaurants.
Erica Prior
Administrative Assistant/ Tech Lead
Family:I met my husband Robert in college and we have three wonderful children: Keara, Lydia, and Skyla.
Personal Stuff:As I grew up in the church, I’ve always known who Jesus was. I sang in Sunday school and church choirs, was active in church activities, and attended St. Peter's Lutheran School 1st-8th grade. Each new chapter of my life has brought its own challenges and new opportunities to become closer with God as He helped me up from the holes I've dug for myself chasing empty worldly fulfillment. God is now at the forefront of my life as He asks to be, and I'm glad to see how He moves in my life.
Outside of Church:I love art (nail polish and nail art), crafting ( paper crafts, decor, sewing), music (listening and singing) and movies (Star Wars and Princess Bride tie as my favorite).
Maddie Brandt
Technology and Media Coordinator
Family:I was adopted into a loving family by my mom and dad: Terri and David. I also have an older brother and a sister-in-law who make our family that much more special.
Personal Stuff:Hi! I'm Madelyn and I've been serving on staff since early 2025, though I have been a part of this church family for nearly a year. I was born and raised with the Lutheran church by my family and I attended St. Peter's Lutheran School during my 5th-8th grade years. With the help of my family and the church, I have been able to grow and strengthen my faith and trust in God.
Outside of Church:I LOVE reading and writing (one of my dreams is to write and publish a book one day!), I grew up and raised animals since I was 8 years old so I naturally am an animal lover at heart, I also enjoy doing puzzles (my biggest so far was 5000 pieces).
Church Council.
Our primary function is to provide vision and strategic planning for the future of ministry. Council members meet monthly and are elected to two year terms.
Bill Wittich is a speaker and author in the field of nonprofit and faith-based organizations. His doctorate is from USC and he was a professor of communications at Cal State Long Beach for 31 years. He is married to Ann and they have two daughters and three grandchildren. They moved to Elk Grove from Southern California in 2003.
Sam Sandusky is a retired college administrator and has been on the council at two other Lutheran churches. Sam and Elayne are very happy to be part of the LOV family and enjoy all the activities at the Church. Sam and Elayne have a blended family of five children, six grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Sharleen Hoth is a retired certified medical assistant, retired from Blue Shield of Ca. She is married to Don and they have 5 children, 18 grandchildren , and 3 great grandchildren.
Ray Porter is retired from a long career in cardiovascular medical device sales. He still consults with small companies in bringing new technologies to market. He and his wife, Julie, grew up in small towns in the Midwest and have resided in Elk Grove for 35 years. They have two sons and two granddaughters. Ray enjoys golf, wine tasting events, reading and volunteering with local charitable organizations.
Tim Parker is owner of midsize landscape construction company in business since 1978. He has been married to Connie for 54 years, has 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren. He and Connie have lived in the Elk Grove area most of their lives.