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Staff

Kevin Budd, Senior Pastor

Kevin grew up in Seattle, Washington. His faith in Jesus Christ became personally meaningful while in junior high, and he found that as a youth he was deeply interested in the Scriptures and in spiritual things. Gradually, he became convinced that he could serve the Lord most effectively in pastoral ministry.

Kevin and Luann (Glidden) married in 1976, and now have four grown sons and one college age daughter. Luann works as an administrator at the library at San Jose State University , and has written “Journal Keeping: Writing for Spiritual Growth”, published by InterVarsity Press in February, 2002.

Kevin attended Biola University in Southern California (1973-74), the University of Puget Sound, in Tacoma, Washington (1974-75), and graduated from the University of Washington, in Seattle, with a degree in speech communication (1977). He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (1983), and earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, in Deerfield, IL (1997). He is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church, completing orientation work at North Park Seminary in Chicago. He has served in pastoral ministry at two churches: Redeemer Covenant Church in Downey, CA ( 1983-1997) and New Life Covenant Church of San Jose (1997-present).

Kevin enjoys preaching and teaching the Scriptures believing that the truth found there can be transformational in the life of anyone who desires to follow Jesus Christ. He is energized by the process of meeting with people and helping them to experience the grace of God more deeply, and to grow in their relationship with him.

Andrea Lee, Director of Operations

Before joining the staff of New Life, Andrea served as the Assistant Dean of the Library at a Bay Area college for almost 10 years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at UC Irvine (1989) and holds a Masters in Library Science degree from the University of Arizona (1992). Andrea and her husband, Bill, married in 1994 and they have two elementary-school age daughters.

As the Director of Operations, Andrea seeks to integrate New Life’s biblical mandates and vision with the laws and rules governing non-profit organizations. In addition to providing structure and support for the organization, Andrea leads our Compassion ministries, an area she finds to be rich with promise and hope as New Life seeks to expand its role in serving those in need.

Gina Bluhm, Children's Ministry Associate

Gina Bluhm joined the staff of New Life in September 2007 as our Part-time Children’s Ministry Associate. In this role, she conducts the Children’s Church services on Sunday mornings, oversees the nursery care, participates in our outreach through KidsClub at Bagby Elementary School and explores new ways to reach out to children and families in our community.

A native of San Jose, Gina holds degrees in both General Ministry and Theater from Bethany College in Scotts Valley. Prior to college, Gina spent several years traveling the world with Covenant Players, serving in the U.S., Mexico and the Philippines. After college, she served as a Drama Ministry leader at Crosswalk Community Church. Much of Gina’s professional life has been dedicated to working with and teaching children from infant through junior high school ages, and she brings to our congregation a love and enthusiasm for children’s ministry that is evident in her connections with our families. Gina is married with a little boy, Jaliel and is presently in process to adopt a second son, Matthais.

Timothee Castagna, Administrative Assistant

Tim is a third year public relations student at San Jose State University, and joined New Life as an Administrative Assistant in October 2008.

Tim is actively involved on campus with Pulse College ministry through Great Exchange Covenant Church, as well as UIC (Unity in Christ) which seeks to bring all Christian fellowships in unity to advance His kingdom at SJSU.

Tim grew up in the French Alps. He grew up in a small church lead by his dad and other family members. In fact, most members were related. His family moved to the United States in 2002, when he was 14.

The first word that ever came out of Tim’s mouth was : OUTSIDE! Tim LOVES the outdoors. Camping, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Kite Flying, and anything that’ll get him out of the house.

Tim is very excited to be serving at New Life and to see the ways in which God will use this place to do his works.

Sue Ashley, Administrative Assistant

Sue joined the New Life staff in June of 2008, but has been volunteering in the office since November, 2007. Sue is a senior at Del Mar High School in San Jose. After graduation, she plans to attend UC Irvine, where she will study medicine. When not helping in the New Life office, Sue sings in the worship band on Sundays, and enjoys reading, playing tennis, running  and spending time with her friends.

During her senior year, Sue is working in the office during school breaks and when her work load allows.