Pastor Don Lorfing
Senior Pastor

Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 22:37-40 "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Best of the rest: A native of Laurel, Montana, Pastor Don loves spending time with his wife and two children doing action-packed activities. He is also an avid outdoorsman and basketball player.

A Message from the Pastor: Pastor Don realizes it is truly the people of Good Samaritan who live their lives "giving, sharing, loving, caring" for others. "This is a group willing to take risks for the sake of God’s kingdom and their church family." He also counts among his favorite quotes is one from the movie "Braveheart" when William Wallace says, "all men die, but not all men truly live."

"The gospel writer John wrote, 'Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.’ John 20:30-31

"I hope more and more people can enter into the full life of love, forgiveness, and purpose that God has in store for them. By simply opening up their lives to Jesus and growing in a relationship with Him, there is more and greater life than we can even imagine."

Kim Blackwell
Nursery Coordinator

Best of the rest: A native of Montreal, Canada, Kim and her family have found a new home within Good Samaritan and our sense of family. Kim and her husband have three children, and enjoy spending time together outdoors, hiking and fishing. In her limited free time, Kim also enjoys cooking.

Jolene Carlin
Office/Financial Administrator

Favorite Bible verse: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10a

Best of the rest: A charter member of Good Samaritan Lutheran Church, Jolene and her husband Ken are the parents of two, the grandparents of four, and currently share their home with a dog named Snickers. In her spare time, Jolene enjoys skiing and flower arranging.

Val Connor
Choir Director

Best of rest: Val’s longtime commitment to our music ministry includes years of loving care with the King’s Kids, adult choir and "Sonrise" choir, plus time on the church council, altar care, worship committee and two bowling teams. She and her husband, Jerry, have two children and a fantastic son-in-law. Her "day job" is the Vice President of Nevada Operations and Branch Manager for a title company.

Victoria Hall
Sunday School Director

Favorite Bible verse: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13 "We know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love" 1 John 4:16

Best of the Rest: In addition to her children’s ministry director, Victoria also works for an executive suites company, assisting over 50 business. She and her husband, Rod, have two children, along with three cats and a dog. Victoria loves gardening singing, quilting, performing in the church choir and enjoying her Utah cabin with family and friends.

Scott Hove
Visitation Minister

Favorite Bible verse: "I know the plans I have for you!" says the Lord, "they are plans to prosper you and not to harm you!" (Jeremiah 29:11)

Best of the rest: Scott’s well-rounded background includes serving churches in Las Vegas and Illinois prior to joining Good Samaritan and teaching American Government and Politics at ITT-Tech – a natural fit since he worked in Washington, DC, after graduating from college. Scott and his wife, Debi, are the delighted parents of Parker and include Millie, their yellow Lab, as a member of the family as well

Dan Reese
Youth and Family Minister

Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Best of the rest: Dan was born in Wisconsin but claims Manhattan Beach, CA, as home. Greatly involved with youth ministry for more than 20 years, he "gains great joy working with the young people of our church." Dan and his wife, Jo Ann, recently celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary and the birth of their new granddaughter. Dan is also a true blue LA Dodgers fan.

Favorite Bible verse: For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Best of the Rest: Trish enjoys helping people find where they can use their individual gifts to minister to our church and the community. The entire family is actively involved in Good Sam, with two children in youth ministry and husband Steve who co leads the Hot Church band and plays with the Praise Team. Catch Trish’s blog at: http://www.trishrussell.wordpress.com