STAFF & LEADERSHIP
ERIC VON RAEDER
Lead Pastor/Elder/Leadership Team
Pastor Eric has been a Christ follower since 1992, and has served in ministry with his wife, Peggy, since 1993. Starting with a home group and campground ministry in Yosemite National Park Eric and Peggy have served in Colorado, Mariposa, Africa, South America, and Nepal. Eric has a calling to encourage, equip, and, edify the Body of Christ through preaching, teaching, building relationships , and leadership. Eric and Peggy, who is a worship leader, work as a team. The Von Raeder’s have two adult children and three grandchildren. They enjoy spending time in the outdoors and are honored to be a part of New Life.
ERICA HEILMANN
Children's Ministry Director
Erica is fire wife and homeschooling mom to three amazing girls. Caring for and teaching children has been part of her life since she was very young, and something she feels truly passionate about. At home and in ministry, her heart is to help children grow in confidence, curiosity, and in the truth found in God’s Word. She loves walking alongside kids as they learn, explore, and discover who God created them to be.
DEBBIE WASS
Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
Debbie has been a resident of Mariposa County for 30 year, and has been attending and serving at New Life for the last 15 years. She has worked all her adult life and retired from Mariposa County in April of 2023. Retirement didn't "feel right" to her, so she accepted this position with New Life, as Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper in July of 2024. This work allows her to use her gifts and abilities all while serving God and her church.
DENNIS SILVERS
Facility Manager
Dennis' first carpentry job was for the Park Service in Yosemite in 1973. From 1976 through 2023 he lived in the Midwest where he learned home building and remodeling. In 2024 he moved came back to Mariposa County to marry a local girl and assumed responsibility for maintenance at New Life.
ELDERS & LEADERSHIP
STEVE BURGERT
Elder/Leadership Team Secretary/
Head of Missions Team
Steve and his wife, Alene, served for 13 years at a Christian mission hospital in Kenya before moving to Mariposa in 2021. They are enthusiastic to help facilitate the multiple, long-standing mission connections for this "missions minded" church. Steve and Alene are delighted to have her father living with them and to have Alene's two brothers with their families in the Mariposa area.
ELIAS ARRES
ELDER / GREETER LEADER /CELEBRATE RECOVERY MINISTRY LEADER
Elias L. Arre is an ordained minister with Heaven Sent Ministries and an Elder at NLCC, with a heart deeply rooted in serving others.
With nearly five decades of faithful marriage as his foundation, Elias brings a lifetime of commitment and love to everything he does. He is actively involved in multiple ministries both within the church and throughout the community, reflecting his passion for people and his calling to serve wherever God leads.
VADEN SAVAGE
ELDER/TEACHING TEAM
Vaden was raised in a preacher’s home in Wyoming and spent much of his life in a variety of ministries.He’s served as youth pastor and evangelist & has been on numerous worship teams and missions outreaches throughout the years. While still active in a career as a resort GM, his wife Kristi and he both serve on an international missions board, on worship teams, as well as teaching and mentoring those who are seeking. With 6 kids and 11 grandkids, his ‘Pappa’ brand of humor may finally have found its home.
LLOYD HOBBY
ELDER
Elder and a Founding Father of New Life
BRIAN HODGE
ELDER / MEN'S MINISTRY LEADER
Brian is one of New Life Calvary’s newest elders. He has served as a deacon for over a year prior to having the position of an elder. He accepted Christ at 21 years of age. His heart and gifting are primarily one of service. He has lived in Mariposa for 32 years and has been married to Jennifer for almost 37 years. They have been attending New Life since 2008. They have one daughter and one granddaughter. His love for the outdoors is secondary to his love of the Lord, his family and being among God’s people.
HOLLY NEWLON
TREASURER
Holly Newlon and her husband Troy have lived in Mariposa since 1998 and have attended, and served at, New Life Calvary Chapel since then. It has been a blessing to be a part of this fellowship
DEACONS
JAMES KAUS
DEACON
James has called Mariposa home for 31 years, and he gives God the glory for the life he’s been blessed with—a loving marriage of 36 years to his wife, Michelle, two grown children, and a community that has shaped his walk with Christ. James and Michelle joyfully host a home group, creating a place of fellowship and encouragement. With a special passion for young people, James recently stepped into teaching archery at Royal Rangers, where he loves seeing youth grow in skill and confidence. He considers it an honor to serve the Lord in any capacity and is deeply thankful to be part of the ministry at New Life Calvary Chapel.
JOHN MORGAN
DEACON/TEACHING TEAM
John Morgan is a longtime Mariposa resident known for his steady commitment to faith, family, and community service. Whether supporting local institutions or helping to guide those around him, he is recognized for living out his beliefs through service, integrity, and quiet dedication.
SCOTT MILLER
DEACON
Scott has been a believer in Jesus since 1987 and he previously served as a Deacon and then Elder in his church in Washington, also a Calvary Chapel. He and his wife have lived here in the Mariposa area since 2018. Scott has a calling in works of service and he looks forward to serving the church wherever God leads. He has been married to his wife Judy for over 40 years and they have 3 children, 2 granddaughters, and a great grandson.
AL MONTOYA
DEACON
Al has been a member of New Life for over 15 years and a Mariposa resident for 37 years. Al has been married to Sarah for soon to be 46 years! They have 3 adult children and 9 grandchildren. Al has been a Deacon for 2 years and enjoys serving the church in anyway he can, i.e. yard work, monthly men’s breakfast and helping in the kitchen and a monthly Sunday in the Coffee shop with Sarah. He is a dedicated servant of the Lord.