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Sundays
9:00 am & 10:30 am
5:00 pm (Heritage)
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8101 Sunset Ave
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
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You are here: Home > About Us > Our Staff


Mark Tucker
Senior Pastor
Born In: Sacramento, CA At New Life Since: 1989
On Staff Since: 1991 Fav. Scripture: Matthew 16:24
Favorite Food: Seafood CD in Car Right Now: I listen to talk radio
Interests & Hobbies: All sports, fishing, the outdoors; coaching wrestling Books Reading Right Now: Facing Your Giants; Visioneering; God's Little Devotional Book
Fun Fact:  "I love looking at old historical architecture."

About Pastor Mark:  Pastor Mark grew up in Sacramento and went to San Juan High School. His first ministry position was as a Youth Pastor at the Orangevale Assemblies of God church. He came to New Life (then Neighborhood Bible Church) as a Youth Pastor in 1991 and became the Senior Pastor in 1993. He met his wife, Cathy, in church and the couple now have three children, Colton, Shayne & Payton.

 

Jim Carstens
Pastor of Business Administration and Care Ministries
Born In: Red Bluff, CA At New Life Since: 1983
On Staff Since: 1987, 2008 Fav. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10
Favorite Food: Steak (medium-well) & creme brulee for dessert! CD in Car Right Now: I listen to sports talk radio and The Fish
Interests & Hobbies: Gold prospecting, sports Fav. Starbucks: White Chocolate Mocha
Place to Visit: Yuba River for gold prospecting What Makes You Laugh: Good conversations
Something Special in Your Bible: A piece of paper with questions I asked Pastor Robert D. Clark the day I accepted the Lord, Feb 2, 1983.

About Pastor Jim:  I grew up in Red Bluff, met my lovely wife Karen and have been married since 1974. I had my own business for 16 years until I was called into the ministry in 1987. I was privileged to be on staff at Neighborhood Bible Church (now New Life) from 1987-1997. I've been an associate pastor in Illinois, and after returning to Sacramento, I was the District Royal Ranger Commander for 7 years. It is an honor to be back on staff at NLCC!

Fun Fact:  When I was 5, my mom signed me up for tap dancing lessons. I was shy and she felt this would bring me out of my shell. I remember traveling throughout northern California competing with a green elf suit on with pointed shoes!

What you hope to accomplish in 2009:  To use my God-given gifts to serve the people of NLCC and my fellow staff members in any way I can.

 

Dean Deguara
Pastor of Life Development
Born In: Redwood City, CA At New Life Since: 2006
On Staff Since: 2006 Fav. Scripture: Numbers 6:24-26
Favorite Food: Mexican Place to Visit: Louisiana
Interests & Hobbies: I love playing any and all sports Fav. Starbucks: Non-fat Latte (sissy drink)
CD in Car Right Now: Someone stole my CD player! What Makes You Laugh: My wife brings me great joy
Something Special in Your Bible:  Nothing in particular -- just a lot of underlining!

About Pastor Dean:  I became a Christian at the age of 17 while concluding my senior year at American High School in Fremont, CA. I got married to my lovely wife Amy in 1992 and we have two children: Josiah and Mariah. I have a Bachelors in Professional Development from SAGU and I am a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God.

Fun Fact:  Amy and I are high school sweethearts!

What you hope to accomplish in 2009:  I would like to exercise on a regular basis to improve my health.

 

Laurie Freeman
Music/Arts Ministry, Worship Leader
Born In: Sacramento, CA At New Life Since: 1981
On Staff Since: 1994 Fav. Scripture: Galatians 6:9-10
Favorite Food: Cheesecake Fav. Starbucks: Caramel Macchiato
Interests & Hobbies: My family, cooking CD in Car Right Now: Chris Tomlin - Hello Love
Place to Visit: Scott & Nicole's house in Oklahoma What Makes You Laugh: My husband always makes me laugh!
Something Special in Your Bible:  An encouraging card from a friend.

About Pastor Laurie:  First of all, I love being a mom. Danny, my husband, takes wonderful care of me! I'm the QUEEN. We all love watching movies and just being together. We have so many wonderful friends & family! We are blessed!

Fun Fact:  I love going to the beach!

What you hope to accomplish in 2009:  I'm looking forward to helping my kids move home from Oklahoma!

 

Jeff Pitnikoff
Youth Ministries Pastor
Born In: Phoenix, AZ At New Life Since: 2004
On Staff Since: 2005 Fav. Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-3
Favorite Food: Mexican, chips & salsa, Cherry Pepsi! CD in Car Right Now: N/A - 1380 AM & Air One Christian Radio
Interests & Hobbies: Sports, fantasy sports Starbucks: Anything without whipped cream (I don't like it!)
Place to Visit: Phoenix (home will always be near to my heart) What Makes You Laugh: Good jokes!
Fun Fact:  Die-hard Yankees fan! They haven't won a World Series since I met my wife...what's up with that?

About Pastor Jeff:  I grew up in Phoenix, gave my heart to the Lord at age 16, and moved to California for ministry training at 18. I met my wife, Angela, at Masters Commission. We have been in full-time ministry for the past six years and have two amazing boys. We love New Life and our community!

 

Ray Smith, MS, PPS
Adult Education & Ministries, Clinical Director
Born In: Fairbanks, AK At New Life Since: 1986
On Staff Since: 2002 Fav. Scripture: Nahum 1:7
Favorite Food: Italian CD in Car Right Now: Various Country Gospel classics
Interests & Hobbies: Running, woodworking Fav. Starbucks: Grande Flat Non-fat Latte
Place to Visit: Alaska What Makes You Laugh: People
Something Special in Your Bible:  Poem from Bible College in 1970.

About Pastor Ray:  I have been married since 1972 to my wife, Barbara. We have two adult children: Stephen, who works for Apple; and Mark, a Career Marine. We now have two grandchildren. Previously, I worked 30 years with the railroad. I have been ordained since 1977. I enjoy learning and challenging myself. Education is a passion.

Fun Fact:  I began running five years ago and have completed two half marathons. I would like to complete three half marathons in 2009.

What you hope to accomplish in 2009:  Expand the counseling center, CARES ministries, and increase participation in Adult Learning by 50%.

 

Suzanne Sneath
Children's Ministries Pastor; Women's Ministry
Born In: Smyrna, TN At New Life Since: 1995
On Staff Since: 2006 Fav. Scripture: Psalms 37:4
Favorite Food: Grilled salmon, fresh fruits & veggies CD in Car Right Now: Hillsong - Hope
Interests & Hobbies: Reading, going to the gym (somewhat) Fav. Starbucks: None! I like Millstone Hazelnut Cream
Place to Visit: North Lake Tahoe & Pajaro Dunes in Monterey What Makes You Laugh: Silly quotes from Clara!
Something Special in Your Bible:  My tears (lots of tears) from when God breaks through to my heart.

About Pastor Suzanne:  I have been coming to NLCC for almost 15 years. The second time I walked through the door I knew I was "home". I began to serve right away, helping with Sunday school. I started with 5 kids...nine months later there were 42 kids (just me, no helpers!). I was overwhelmed, but now look where God has me - more kids, and lots of helpers! My husband and I have been together for almost 33 years. We have two children: LJ IV (26, born on his dad's birthday), and Suzette (23).

Fun Fact:  I love to snowmobile. There's a great place at Brockway Summit in North Lake Tahoe.

What you hope to accomplish in 2009:  I hope to stay focused and pour all of my energy into whatever God has in store for me this year!

 

Gene Spillman
Pastoral Care
Born In: Corona, CA At New Life Since: 1993
On Staff Since: 1993 Fav. Scripture: Psalm 1
Favorite Food: Meat, veggies, fruit CD in Car Right Now: Pastor Mark's sermon
Interests & Hobbies: Big game hunting, baseball Fav. Starbucks: I prefer Peets Coffee
Place to Visit: Most any mountain range What Makes You Laugh: Happy people
Something Special in Your Bible:  Poems I wrote.

About Pastor Gene:  I am 65 years old and have been married 45 years to my wife, Barbara. We have a daughter, a son, and four grandchildren. I have lived in the Sacramento area for 40 years. I was born in Corona and have four sisters. I have a lot of friends older than me (haha)!

Fun Fact:  I enjoy fellowship with others and ice cream. I also enjoy a good prank now and then.

What you hope to accomplish in 2009:  Become more physically fit and learn more scripture.

 

 


 
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