deacons & deaconesses

The Role of the Deacon

The office of deacon is one of sympathy and service, after the example of the Lord Jesus; it expresses also the communion of saints, especially in their helping one another in time of need.

It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. It is their duty also to develop the grace of liberality in the members of the church, to devise effective methods of collecting the gifts of the people, and to distribute these gifts among the objects to which they are contributed. (Adapted from the Book of Church Order of the PCA)

Lee Henderson

Lee Henderson is a native Philadelphian who grew up in the city’s Wissinoming section, near the Frankford El terminal. After graduating as valedictorian from Frankford High School, Lee received his degree in journalism from Temple University. Lee serves as a Deacon at New Life. He is married to Susan Henderson (a New Life Deaconess), and the Hendersons have two children, Nathan and Emily. Lee works as an Acquisitions Editor for a leading health sciences publisher and in his spare time enjoys planting, enjoying God’s creation, and maintaining a backyard pond. Contact Lee

Sue Henderson

Sue Henderson grew up in the Lehigh Valley and graduated with a degree in nursing from a local college there. She moved to Philadelphia when she married her husband, Lee. Together they have two kids, Nathan, 16, and Emily, 13, and serve as deacons at New Life Church. Sue also works part-time as a nurse at Wyncote Church Home. Contact Sue

Stanley Kalbach

Shelly Julien

Shelly Julien grew up in California, but has lived in Philly for 31 years. She graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in Spanish. She is married to John Julien, Senior Pastor at New Life. They have four sons, Tim, Jeff, Jeremy, and Chris. At 15 Chris is the only one left in the nest! Shelly serves New Life as a Deaconess and is involved in ministry to women. She works two days a week as a receptionist for a pediatric office. Shelly enjoys many hobbies: cooking and baking, needlework, gardening, scrapbooking. Contact Shelly

John Barretta

Brian Mast

Rainer Nothacker

Peter Knibbe

Born in Pontiac, Michigan. Grew up in Wyncote and Allentown. Married to a wonderful teacher named Marie with whom I parent two remarkable daughters named Beth and Rose. I serve on the board of deacons and teach the Junior High boys Sunday School class.