Our mission
Embracing and Expanding
Gospel-Centered Life in Christ
Our story
Our story begins in 1961 when Rev. & Mrs. Charley Lewis came as missionaries to Grand County and started Fraser Valley Baptist Chapel. For years this small church met in an old theater and the VFW Hall in Granby, an old saloon in Tabernash, and in 1988 bought the land where the church meets today in Fraser. After changing the name to Fraser Valley Baptist Church, the church launched new ministries in an effort to reach the growing population of Grand County and the ski resort. Our Changes Thrift Store serves people in need throughout the county. In 2020, we changed our name to Valley Life Church as we look to reach beyond our town to see all of Grand County and the High Country reached with the grace and truth of the gospel.
Our Leadership
Church staff
Worship Minister
Joseph Weissman
Joseph and his wife, Rachel, have been part of Valley Life since 2013, and he joined the staff as worship minister in the summer of 2024. Originally from Estes Park, Colorado, Joseph now calls Grand County home with Rachel and their six children: William, Ezra, Jane, Huxley, Rosalie, and Melody.
Joseph has led worship for over 15 years. His heart is to help the church worship Christ both in gathered worship and in daily life. He believes the songs we sing together can carry biblical truth into our week and deepen our love for God. He also serves as operations director at Timberline Lodge, a local short-term Bible school. Outside of church and work, the Weissmans enjoy hiking, climbing, and exploring the Rocky Mountains in every season.
Connections Coordinator
Alaina Young
Alaina joined the Valley Life staff in early 2023, first as children’s minister and now as connections coordinator. Before coming to Valley Life, she and her husband, Adam, spent a decade planting and serving a church in the Denver metro area. Originally from Oklahoma, they have called Colorado home for nearly 20 years and have three children: Beckett, Blythe, and Kierce.
Alaina helps our church family connect with the local community and find opportunities for Bible study, fellowship, and service. She also serves as the executive administrative assistant at Fraser Valley Elementary School. Alaina studied human development and family science at Oklahoma State University. Outside of work, she enjoys coffee, reading, camping, and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Ministry Administrator
David Britnell
David moved to Grand County in 2021 with his wife, Kendall, and their son, Edgar. They had dreamed of mountain life since their first date, and Kendall’s previous connection to Fraser and Valley Life made the move a natural fit. They love small-town life and exploring the outdoor adventures the area offers.
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David brings administrative experience from a campus ministry at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville to his role as Valley Life’s administrative assistant. He enjoys handling the details that help ministry run smoothly, freeing others to focus on outreach, teaching, and the work that best fits their gifts. For David, even the tasks behind the scenes are meaningful opportunities to support the church’s ministry and help others thrive.
Manager - Changes Thrift Store
Sara Schroetlin
Sara has worked for our Changes Thrift Store since 2012 and became the manager in 2025.
Elders
Our elders are servant leaders entrusted with leading, feeding, and protecting the Valley Life church family. Through prayer, biblical teaching, spiritual guidance, and personal care, they help us grow in Christ and equip us to serve. Following Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, they seek to lead with humility, wisdom, and love.
Elder
Andrew Dusing
Andrew has been part of Valley Life since 2021, serving as a volunteer, small group host and leader, and deacon before becoming an elder. He works as property manager at Timberline Lodge, where he lives with his wife, Lisa, and their three boys. Outside of work and church, Andrew can often be found tinkering in the workshop or making the most of life in Grand County through biking, hiking, and enjoying the snow.​
Elder
Tyson Menke
Tyson and his wife, Melanie, have been members of Valley Life since 2003. Before becoming an elder, he served on the stewardship and pastor search teams, taught in children’s ministry, and served as a deacon. In addition to his service at Valley Life, Tyson works on the sites and facilities team at Crooked Creek Ranch, a Young Life camp in Fraser. He and Melanie have two children, Joshua and Liana.
Elder
Greg Grooms
Greg served on the staff of L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and the United States from 1978 to 1994. He then directed Hill House, a Christian study center serving students at the University of Texas at Austin, for 30 years and also served on the pastoral staff of two churches in the Austin area during his time there. Greg and his wife, Mary Jane, have been part of Valley Life since retiring to Grand County in 2022. They have five children and nine grandchildren.
Elder
David Newell
David came to faith in Christ in 1981 while serving as a pilot in American Samoa. That year, he married his elementary school sweetheart, Danielle. He has taught in churches across the country, participated in international mission trips, and taken classes at Westminster Theological Seminary. A Grand County resident since 1997, David has been part of VLC for over a decade. He and Danielle have two children and six grandchildren.​
DEACONS
Our deacons are lead servants who set an example of faithful, sacrificial service within the Valley Life church family. They care for people, meet practical needs, and support the ministries of our church. Through their service, they demonstrate the love of Christ and encourage all of us to use our gifts for the good of others.
Deacon
Joe Moctezuma
Joe and Kathy moved to the Fraser Valley in 2022 after visiting for more than 20 years. Joe enjoys all the outdoor activities, sports, and community life the valley offers. He and Kathy volunteer year-round with the National Sports Center for the Disabled. With support from Timberline Lodge, Joe and Kathy also co-lead Valley Life’s Soup N’ Tune ministry, an outreach to local ski industry employees. Through these shared commitments, Joe serves both our church family and the wider community he now calls home.
Deacon
Sarah Sanford
Sarah and her husband, Codee, moved to the mountains in early 2023, living in their camper van while working seasonally as ski and snowboard instructors. Now a full-time resident, Sarah serves as a deacon and youth leader. She is passionate about building gospel-centered community among Grand County’s youth. Outside of ministry, she enjoys making coffee, backpacking, skiing, paddleboarding, scrapbooking, and watching Codee play disc golf. The mountains have become home for their growing family.
Deacon
Kathy Keating
Kathy and Joe made the Fraser Valley their home in 2022 after more than 20 years of visits. Kathy enjoys the valley’s outdoor activities and sense of community. Alongside Joe, she volunteers year-round with the National Sports Center for the Disabled and co-leads Valley Life’s Soup N’ Tune ministry, an outreach serving local ski industry employees. Kathy’s involvement in these ministries connects her love for the valley with opportunities to serve the people who live and work here.
Deacon
Codee Sanford
Codee came to faith in Christ during his first semester of college in 2017 and later married his high school sweetheart, Sarah. They began attending Valley Life in 2023 through our Soup N’ Tune ministry while working seasonally in the valley. Now a full-time resident, Codee serves as a deacon and youth leader and enjoys using his gifts to help others. He loves being a father and spending time woodworking, fishing, hunting, and especially playing disc golf.
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Deacon
Virginia Harman
Virginia and her husband, Bryce, began attending Valley Life after moving to the valley in 2023. They have called Colorado home since 2014 and have two sons, Percy and Jude. Virginia serves as CEO of Mountain Parks Electric and leads Valley Life’s hospitality ministry alongside Bryce. She enjoys serving behind the scenes, helping with Soup N’ Tune, and sharing Christ’s love through practical service. Grateful for God’s saving work in their lives, the Harman’s love traveling and enjoying His creation together.
Deacon
Bryce Harman
Bryce and his wife, Virginia, began attending Valley Life after moving to the valley in 2023. They have called Colorado home since 2014 and have two sons, Percy and Jude. Bryce works as the Art Director for Southern Arkansas University and leads Valley Life’s hospitality ministry alongside Virginia. He enjoys helping behind the scenes, supporting Soup N’ Tune, and serving wherever needed. Bryce and his family love traveling and exploring God’s creation, and they are grateful for opportunities to share Christ’s love.
Deacon
Mary Jane Grooms
Mary Jane and her husband, Greg, retired to Fraser in 2022 after 28 years of campus ministry at the University of Texas and 16 years with L’Abri Fellowship in Europe and the U.S. They worshiped at Valley Life during their frequent visits to the area and are delighted to be part of the church and Grand County community year-round. They enjoy skiing, hiking, hunting, and fishing. Mary Jane and Greg have five children and nine grandchildren who love visiting “Mimi and Papa” in every season.
Deacon
Danielle Newell
Danielle first attended church as a little girl with a friend’s family. After difficult relationships and choices, she recognized her need for rescue and responded to God’s call in faith. Following three years of seminary study in Philadelphia, she opened a counseling practice to serve the Grand County community she has called home for 30 years. Danielle enjoys Bible studies, exploring God’s creation through skiing, hiking, and biking, and spending time with her seven grandchildren, who bring plenty of fun.
our ministries
Changes Thrift Store and Food Bank is a ministry of Valley Life Church located in the Safeway shopping center. Changes serves those in need in Grand County and gives all net profits back into the community every year.
Valley Life loves our partnership with the Winter Park Ski Resort. VLC hosts a Christmas Eve service immediately following the Torch-Light Parade in the West Portal Building at the village base each year.
Soup N' Tune happens every Friday evening at 6:00pm during the ski season in the basement of Valley Life Church. Free food, good music, and wax and tuning of skis and boards. Did we say free?
Valley Life internships train and equip young adults through personal development, ministry training, and mountain lifestyle living. Summer and Winter Internships available for men and women 18-25.