Scott & Carrie Kujath
Senior Pastors
Scott and Carrie, our senior pastors, returned to Bayfield from California in 2001 when God called them to pastor Pine Valley Church. Pastor Scott approaches life and ministry with a strong focus on relationships. He is passionate about missions and is personally active encouraging and equipping people in their calling for ministry to reach the world.
Scott and Carrie have been married over 37+ years, as well as having served 35+ years in full-time ministry. Together they share in the love and nurture of four fabulous sons and four wonderful daughters-in-law who love and serve the Lord, as well as four beautiful grandchildren. Scott and Carrie love people and are grateful for the blessing of an amazing heritage. Scott also serves as the Divisional Superintendent of the Four Corners, serving the Foursquare churches in Southwest Colorado.
Scott and Carrie have been married over 37+ years, as well as having served 35+ years in full-time ministry. Together they share in the love and nurture of four fabulous sons and four wonderful daughters-in-law who love and serve the Lord, as well as four beautiful grandchildren. Scott and Carrie love people and are grateful for the blessing of an amazing heritage. Scott also serves as the Divisional Superintendent of the Four Corners, serving the Foursquare churches in Southwest Colorado.
Meet the team.
Shawn & Kit O'Reilly
Associate Pastor
Shawn gave his life to Jesus over 50 years ago. He and his wife, Kit, have been married for 50 years. They have three children, two daughters-in-law, one adopted daughter, several foster children, and six grandchildren. Shawn and Kit have owned several businesses over the years.
Shawn served as a senior pastor in Durango for eight years and has recently become a licensed minister with the Foursquare Church. He and Kit have served with Youth With A Mission, both as students and staff in Kona, Hawaii. Shawn’s passions include Bible teaching, evangelism and missions. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as cycling, skiing, rock climbing and rafting with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Call the Church Office to Connect with Shawn.
Shawn served as a senior pastor in Durango for eight years and has recently become a licensed minister with the Foursquare Church. He and Kit have served with Youth With A Mission, both as students and staff in Kona, Hawaii. Shawn’s passions include Bible teaching, evangelism and missions. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as cycling, skiing, rock climbing and rafting with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Call the Church Office to Connect with Shawn.
Jill Shocklee
Children's Pastor
Jill joined the staff in 2016 as the Elementary After School Program Director and now serves as the Children’s Pastor. Her long history of volunteering with children has given her a genuine heart for kids. She loves teaching God’s awesomeness on a “kid” level. Jill's focus is on kids from birth to 5th grade, but also loves to work with pre-teens, teens and family ministry. She believes that raising kids in the church is more than just dropping them off in a classroom on Sunday's, but should encompass the week that involves conversations that draw families closer together and closer to God.
Jill and her husband, Zeke, have 4 amazing kid’s themselves and are blessed to have been able to raise them in such a beautiful community. If you have any questions about our children’s programs at Pine Valley, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with her.
Jill and her husband, Zeke, have 4 amazing kid’s themselves and are blessed to have been able to raise them in such a beautiful community. If you have any questions about our children’s programs at Pine Valley, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with her.
Andy & Anna Kujath
Youth Pastors
Andy and Anna have been married since June 2022 and soon after they took over as the youth pastors at Pine Valley. Andy has lived in Bayfield almost his whole life since his parents moved here in 2001. Andy moved away to attend Grand Canyon University and moved back to Bayfield in 2017 and has been working at the Church since then. Anna will claim Virginia as home. She made her way out to Colorado to pursue a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver. Andy and Anna met while Andy was in Denver visiting family. Both Andy and Anna have always felt a call and God’s pull on their lives to be in full time ministry. Andy has been full time ministry since 2019.
Anna joined Pine Valley part time in 2022 working with the youth but has recently been asked to become full time staff to also work with the ladies’ ministries and pastoral care here at Pine Valley. Both Andy and Anna have a passion for our next generation. They have a desire for kids to each have their own personal relationship with Jesus. Their approach to ministry is to be present in kids’ lives by attending as many events as they can and making sure each kid they come across feels loved and welcomed. But most importantly making sure every child they interact with knows that there is a so much more to this life when they are in relationship with Jesus.
Anna joined Pine Valley part time in 2022 working with the youth but has recently been asked to become full time staff to also work with the ladies’ ministries and pastoral care here at Pine Valley. Both Andy and Anna have a passion for our next generation. They have a desire for kids to each have their own personal relationship with Jesus. Their approach to ministry is to be present in kids’ lives by attending as many events as they can and making sure each kid they come across feels loved and welcomed. But most importantly making sure every child they interact with knows that there is a so much more to this life when they are in relationship with Jesus.
Lauren Grumke
Pre-K Director
Lauren was born and raised in Durango, and grew up attending Pine Valley Church. After living in Missouri for a number of years as a High school teacher, she and her husband Ethan moved to Colorado in 2021. They welcomed their first son in December of 2021, and are expecting their second baby this upcoming February. Together they have 3 dogs, 3 cats, and are going to begin breeding Golden Retrievers this summer! Lauren loves living in the community she grew up in and is so grateful to be able to serve in the church that raised her.
Lauren is the Pre K Director for Pine Valley Church. Her background in education, and her love of babies has made her feel right at home in this role. She loves getting to serve parents who are navigating first time parenthood, or families that have lots of littles running around. Getting to love on the babies while their Mom and Dad are getting their cups filled in church is a highlight of the job. She is excited for the opportunity to learn about each family's needs, and come alongside to support in whatever capacity she can.
Lauren is the Pre K Director for Pine Valley Church. Her background in education, and her love of babies has made her feel right at home in this role. She loves getting to serve parents who are navigating first time parenthood, or families that have lots of littles running around. Getting to love on the babies while their Mom and Dad are getting their cups filled in church is a highlight of the job. She is excited for the opportunity to learn about each family's needs, and come alongside to support in whatever capacity she can.
Julie Pope
Administrator
Julie was born and raised in Colorado. Julie and her husband Greg, were married in 1990 and after having moved all around the country, they were excited to settle in Bayfield in 1996. Pine Valley Church has been their church home and family since January of 1997! Their three children, now grown and married, were all dedicated and baptized here at Pine Valley Church, and it has been a steadfast and foundational part of their lives.
Julie came on staff in 2016 as Administrator and feels so blessed by God and privileged to serve the church and people that she loves! She has volunteered in various capacities over the years and loves interacting with and serving the people of Pine Valley Church, whom she considers to be family.
Julie came on staff in 2016 as Administrator and feels so blessed by God and privileged to serve the church and people that she loves! She has volunteered in various capacities over the years and loves interacting with and serving the people of Pine Valley Church, whom she considers to be family.
Mara Kalow
Office Manager
Hi! I am the office manager at Pine Valley Church, where I have happily held this role since 2018. It is hard to label it a "job" when I genuinely love what I do here. At PVC, we are more than a community; we are a family that deeply loves God and genuinely love people. My aim is to assist you in getting to know Jesus better, and feeling connected to our church family. When I am not immersed in church life, you will find me enjoying the outdoors, or trying to find any animal or kid to love on! Outside of that, I'm passionate about health and wellness, paying extra attention to what goes into and onto my body. Our community is not just special; it is where life-changing relationships unfold, and I'm incredibly grateful to be a part of it. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!
Linda Walter
Kitchen Director
Linda is a native of this area and was raised in Ignacio on her family property. She’s been married to Larry for over 45 years. They have three children, and 7 grandchildren. Linda operated a home daycare for nineteen years while raising their children. She later worked at a guest ranch for pastors and missionaries where she served in various capacities. One area was the planning and serving of meals for pastor’s seminars.
She came on staff in 2016, when she first started cooking for the After School Program. Linda’s passion is serving both her personal and PVC family not only through food but with love and encouragement.
She came on staff in 2016, when she first started cooking for the After School Program. Linda’s passion is serving both her personal and PVC family not only through food but with love and encouragement.
Terry Prothero
Media & Technical Director
Terry provides the behind the scenes glue at Pine Valley Church. He joined our staff in 2004. Terry’s media career started in 1980 doing video post-production work at a Youth With A Mission base in Solvang California. Since then, his bag of media skills just keeps growing.
Terry is currently an active member in the AES (Audio Engineering Society), which keeps him on the cutting edge. As an engineer, musician or producer, whatever media forms he works with, it is truly with the heart of an artist.
Terry is currently an active member in the AES (Audio Engineering Society), which keeps him on the cutting edge. As an engineer, musician or producer, whatever media forms he works with, it is truly with the heart of an artist.
Lisa Prothero
Pastor of Music & Worship
Lisa came to Colorado with her husband, Terry, and their family in 2000, and soon began to share her love of worship with PVC as a volunteer in worship ministry. Since 2006 she has had the opportunity to be a part of the church staff.
“Through the years she has witnessed a new generation of worshipers step into their calling to lead, being privileged to lead alongside worship leaders of varying ages, including her own children. It is a privilege to worship the Lord together as He builds up His church for such a time as this.
“Through the years she has witnessed a new generation of worshipers step into their calling to lead, being privileged to lead alongside worship leaders of varying ages, including her own children. It is a privilege to worship the Lord together as He builds up His church for such a time as this.
Larry Burns
Chaplain
Larry and his wife Charlene moved to Bayfield in 2020 after retiring from a 40-year aerospace career. They have been married for 37+ years and have two grown children.
Larry has always sought to take the church outside of the church and Foursquare Chaplaincy has been the ideal mechanism to realize this. Larry has served the US Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) Chaplain Corps for over 26 years and is currently the CAP Chaplain serving the Wing, and all Groups and Squadrons of the Civil Air Patrol in New Mexico. Charlene volunteered for 23 years as a peer counselor. She loves prayer ministry and is looking forward to being part of Stephen’s Ministry.
Larry has always sought to take the church outside of the church and Foursquare Chaplaincy has been the ideal mechanism to realize this. Larry has served the US Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) Chaplain Corps for over 26 years and is currently the CAP Chaplain serving the Wing, and all Groups and Squadrons of the Civil Air Patrol in New Mexico. Charlene volunteered for 23 years as a peer counselor. She loves prayer ministry and is looking forward to being part of Stephen’s Ministry.
Trudy Fuher
Social & Digital Content
Trudy was born and raised in Ignacio. After traveling the world and living all over the United States, her family moved back "home" in 2020. She is married to Matt, and they have two sons, Bodie and Winston. In 2023, Winston went to be with Jesus before getting to meet his earthly family. Pine Valley Church has been her church home since it started in the old bank building in Bayfield and played a pivotal role in her coming to know Jesus.
Trudy has a passion for Jesus, people, technology and data. For the last 20+ years, she has helped organizations use data and technology to streamline processes, engage audiences, and grow their businesses. She believes technology is a wonderful way to reach those who may be hesitant to walk into a church and is currently working on a concept that will bring technology and the Bible together.
Trudy has a passion for Jesus, people, technology and data. For the last 20+ years, she has helped organizations use data and technology to streamline processes, engage audiences, and grow their businesses. She believes technology is a wonderful way to reach those who may be hesitant to walk into a church and is currently working on a concept that will bring technology and the Bible together.
Ben Prothero
Creative Arts
Ben was born and raised in Bayfield, Colorado. He is the youngest son of Lisa and Terry Prothero and naturally comes from a very musical family.
He has a deep passion for worship and youth ministries. Ben has served as both a volunteer and staff member in our worship and youth ministries since he was 15 years old, leading and teaching youngsters.
He has a deep passion for worship and youth ministries. Ben has served as both a volunteer and staff member in our worship and youth ministries since he was 15 years old, leading and teaching youngsters.
Dan Kinney
Clara Johnson
Maintenance
Administrative Assistant
Dan is a long-term local of this area, living in La Plata County for 63 years. He is married to Camy and they have 3 kids and 10 grandchildren. Dan handles all the maintenance for Pine Valley Church and he enjoys the challenge of fixing things and being able to help out. The Lord has blessed him cows and property to keep them on and he enjoys working on the farm.
Hi. My name is Clara and I’m originally from Germany. I met my husband Blake in YWAM Perth in Australia and decided to move to Durango in 2011 after we got married. We’ve been living in Bayfield since 2015. We have 4 wonderful children. At PVC I work as an administrative assistant, which brings me much joy. I love building relationships and being part of a church that loves to give to their community and to people all over the world. I have a big heart for missions as my parents were missionaries in Congo until I was 5. After my DTS in Australia I went to
Bible school for 3 years in Germany where my focus was on missions. I love spending time with my family, traveling and trying lots of different types of food.
Bible school for 3 years in Germany where my focus was on missions. I love spending time with my family, traveling and trying lots of different types of food.
Church Council Members
Our church council is composed of eight members of the congregation voted on by the membership to oversee the finances and direct the provision of the facilities needed by the church. They provide counsel to the Senior Pastor regarding the major financial commitments of the church. The church council also serves as Elders.
Claudia Benzie
Hello, my name is Claudia Benzie. I've been married to my husband Richard for 35 years. We moved to Bayfield in 1990. We have two beautiful children, Karly and Dustin. I attended Pine Valley Church in its beginning at the bank building under Pastor Bob & Eleanor, becoming a member in 1996. I sat on the first church council in 1996, also having the honor to be on the building project team of the new PVC, where we are today. Benzie Concrete poured all the concrete, working with other church members and trades.
In the past, I've spent years volunteering with our youth program and going on mission trips with them. Among council, I am serving on the mission board and intercessor prayer team. I also have a cleaning business and was asked in 2012 if I would take on the cleaning of the church and I am still cleaning it!
When you don't find me at the church, I love being home doing projects, listening to worship music, watering my plants and trees, or slipping down to the pond to paddleboard with Richard and our dog Lulu. I truly know Pine Valley has been my church home from the ground up. To serve and honor the Lord!
In the past, I've spent years volunteering with our youth program and going on mission trips with them. Among council, I am serving on the mission board and intercessor prayer team. I also have a cleaning business and was asked in 2012 if I would take on the cleaning of the church and I am still cleaning it!
When you don't find me at the church, I love being home doing projects, listening to worship music, watering my plants and trees, or slipping down to the pond to paddleboard with Richard and our dog Lulu. I truly know Pine Valley has been my church home from the ground up. To serve and honor the Lord!
Jeff Donahue
Hello, I'm Jeff Donahue, and I'm honored to serve on the church counsel at Pine Valley Church. I enjoy serving and helping others and bringing smiles to people’s faces and helping to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. I have been serving on the church counsel on and off for many years, along with ushering and helping out where needed. I am committed to help continue the work of the church in reaching the lost and encouraging those who need a friendly smile.
Along with my wife, Jennifer, we have 4 adult children and 4 grandkids. When not at church and work, you can find me out 4-wheeling in our Jeep or busy on our property. Humbled to be part of this community, and excited to share in this journey with you all!
Along with my wife, Jennifer, we have 4 adult children and 4 grandkids. When not at church and work, you can find me out 4-wheeling in our Jeep or busy on our property. Humbled to be part of this community, and excited to share in this journey with you all!
Jerry Fleener
I was born along time ago, 1952, in a place far, far away, Decatur, IL. Thankfully when my parents left Illinois in 1960, they took me with them. We had just watched the movie How the West Was Won, so west we went. Our wagon train deposited us in Colorado Springs, where we lived until 1968. Then moving to Durango where I graduated from Durango High School. I have a signed diploma somewhere. The remainder of my education was self learned. Some people call it the school of hard knocks. I consider my post graduate education as a life long learning experience, I’m still learning. I have had many years in the construction trade industry. Part of which was a 27 year stint at La Plata Electric from where I retired in 2019. Since then I have been focusing a large part of my time finishing my home. My first wife is deceased and Ruthanne and I have now been married for 22+ years. We have 5 kids between us and 13 grandkids.
I accepted Jesus and was baptized when I was about 10, but tried to walked away for several years. God didn’t give up on me, and I recommitted my life to Jesus Christ in June, 1993 and was re-baptized. I came to Pine Valley Church in 2000, because of the loving spirit I needed and which the church members provided. I previously served on our church council for 4 years. And now I have the honor and responsibility of serving again.
I accepted Jesus and was baptized when I was about 10, but tried to walked away for several years. God didn’t give up on me, and I recommitted my life to Jesus Christ in June, 1993 and was re-baptized. I came to Pine Valley Church in 2000, because of the loving spirit I needed and which the church members provided. I previously served on our church council for 4 years. And now I have the honor and responsibility of serving again.
Donna Gomez
Hello, I’m Donna Gomez and I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Church Council at Pine Valley Foursquare Church. My husband, Mike, and I have
been a part of Pine Valley Foursquare for over 15 years and love the people and relationships. The most important aspects of being in this body of believers is
that it is Bible-based and seeing the love of Jesus in those in leadership. I have served in various capacities at Pine Valley Foursquare, and currently help with screens and ushering.
Mike and I have been married 47 years, have 2 children and six grandchildren. I am employed with Hilltop House Community Corrections, and enjoy ranching with my husband, camping, hunting, and doing things with my family along with many other interests.
been a part of Pine Valley Foursquare for over 15 years and love the people and relationships. The most important aspects of being in this body of believers is
that it is Bible-based and seeing the love of Jesus in those in leadership. I have served in various capacities at Pine Valley Foursquare, and currently help with screens and ushering.
Mike and I have been married 47 years, have 2 children and six grandchildren. I am employed with Hilltop House Community Corrections, and enjoy ranching with my husband, camping, hunting, and doing things with my family along with many other interests.
Richard Hillyer
Richard has been married to his wife, Laura, for 32 years and they live in Bayfield. They have 2 kids and 2 grandkids and love sports as a family. Richard has been a part of Pine Valley Church for close to 20 years now and serves as an usher, on security, and previously on the council. Additionally, he is one of the guys that can be found faithfully clearing our parking lot when it snows.
Additionally, he works full-time at Southwest Ag/4Corners trailer in his family owned business. He loves to go camping and doing off road exploring in the whole 4 Corners region. He loves our church family and our community and is honored to serve.
Additionally, he works full-time at Southwest Ag/4Corners trailer in his family owned business. He loves to go camping and doing off road exploring in the whole 4 Corners region. He loves our church family and our community and is honored to serve.
Pat James
Pat has been a part of Pine Valley Church since its inception in 1996. Over the past years she has served on the Church Council and Women’s Ministry team. She was the administrator of New Life Academy Christian School in Durango for several years. Her administrative skills have allowed her to be used in several areas at Pine Valley Church. She has been honored and blessed by the intervention of God’s hand at work in the growth and ministry of Pine Valley Church.
Pat moved to Durango in 1965, has a son and daughter and 4 adult grandchildren. She loves being outdoors and besides Jesus, horses are her passion.
Pat moved to Durango in 1965, has a son and daughter and 4 adult grandchildren. She loves being outdoors and besides Jesus, horses are her passion.
Susie Ruybal
Susie Ruybal and her husband Tom live in Ignacio and have 3 kids and 9 grandchildren. Tom and Susie have attended PVC for 20 years and served in many areas as greeters, on the security team and getting their baby snuggles in the nursery. Susie feels very blessed to serve on the church council and is currently in her 7th year (off and on) of service.
When Susie is not helping at the church, she works full time as the secretary at Ignacio Middle School and has been there for 23 years. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her grandchildren, working in her yard and garden, camping and hunting.
Laura Siner
Laura moved from California to Colorado in 2008 and started attending Pine Valley Church in 2013. She met her husband Doug Siner at church in 2021 and they were married in June 2023. They both have a passion for serving the church body together in many areas including prayer ministries.
In business, Laura has been a Certified Public Accountant for almost thirty years and owns her own part-time practice in Bayfield, Colorado. She has a passion for serving non-profit, faith-based organizations and churches in her practice. She has volunteered as a treasurer for many non-profits and churches over the last 35 years and enjoys bringing her business knowledge and skills into the church environment. As a former University Professor, she also enjoys teaching and currently leads Pine Valley Church’s Corporate Intercession small group.
Between Laura and Doug, they have a blended family with 3 daughters, 4 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. They enjoy spending time with their families, remote camping with their 2 dogs, hiking, snowshoeing, gardening and participating in living history events.
In business, Laura has been a Certified Public Accountant for almost thirty years and owns her own part-time practice in Bayfield, Colorado. She has a passion for serving non-profit, faith-based organizations and churches in her practice. She has volunteered as a treasurer for many non-profits and churches over the last 35 years and enjoys bringing her business knowledge and skills into the church environment. As a former University Professor, she also enjoys teaching and currently leads Pine Valley Church’s Corporate Intercession small group.
Between Laura and Doug, they have a blended family with 3 daughters, 4 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. They enjoy spending time with their families, remote camping with their 2 dogs, hiking, snowshoeing, gardening and participating in living history events.