Our History

Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church began as a mission congregation in September 1978 at the Pine Lake Community Club with Rev. Norman Orth as founding pastor. Along with thirty faithful believers, Sammamish Hills began to spread the Word.  

As the congregation grew, it moved its worship center from the Community Club, to LOMA, and then to the Lutheran Bible Institute. Groundbreaking at our present location was held on May 18, 1980 (the day Mt. St. Helen's erupted). On November 2, 1980, the first service was held in the new church building. 
With three worship services and Sunday School, adults and children were literally "coming out of the woodwork" as we moved chairs and partitions to accommodate the growth. Assistance from the greater church and Our Savior's Lutheran in Bremerton enabled us to build the Christian Education Center - Orth Wing - in 1983. 

Rev. Richard Nieman was called as co-pastor in December of 1984 to begin the transition as Rev. Orth retired in June of 1985. Rev. Stephen Olson was called as Associate Pastor in December of 1989. 
By the faithfulness and blessings of God, SHLC continued to grow in spirit and in size. It was with much joy and thanksgiving that our new sanctuary was dedicated in April of 1995. 

Rev. Nieman retired in December 1996 after 35 years of faithful service to God’s people and Rev. Olson was called as Lead Pastor. In July, 1997 Rev. Linda Nou accepted a call as part-time Associate Pastor. In February, 1999 she became full-time. 

A time of transition: Pastor Nou resigned in late 1999, moving onto specialized ministry in churches in interim circumstances. Then in April, 2000 Pastor Olson took a position in Minneapolis, MN. Between November, 1999 and June 2002, the following pastors served as our Interim Pastors: Rev. Timothy Wolbrecht, Rev. Kate Schlechter, Rev. Scott Kramer. 

On June 1, 2002, Pastor John LaMunyon began his ministry as Lead Pastor. 

Pastor Mia Baumgartner served with us in 2002.

In 2005, Pastor Will Sappington began serving as the pastor of worship and outreach before accepting a call in Billings, MT in 2011.

In 2012, Pastor Eric Hanson joined the staff as the second pastor at Sammamish Hills.

By the grace of God and the many dedicated individuals through the years, Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church continues to be an ever-growing, ever-changing community of believers with great hope and anticipation for the future.