Our Staff

Pastor Jeff Prewitt:  Pastor Jeff Prewitt has been serving the Kingdom of God as a minister since graduating from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1983.  Pastor Jeff was called to serve as a ‘missionary at large’ in the Town of Menasha in 1988.  It was then that New Hope Lutheran Church was born, and the young congregation held its first worship service in August of 1988 with 14 people, and 5 were Prewitt’s.  Since then, New Hope Lutheran Church has grown to just under 800 members. Pastor Jeff and his wife Laurie have been married for over 30 years.  They have three adult children.  Their youngest daughter, Sarah, is serving at New Hope as a leader in the high school and college ministries.  Their son Jared and his wife Brittany live in Colorado. Their eldest daughter Emily is serving at New Hope Christian School as a preschool teacher and at New Hope as the Executive Director of Children Ministries.  Emily is married to Chad Urban who is the middle school math teacher and Athletic Director of New Hope Christian School.Pastor Jeff and Laurie met while attending Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. Pastor Jeff and Laurie are honored to be in ministry together at New Hope. Laurie serves as administrator of the school and as a teacher.  Pastor Jeff loves to read, work out, and play basketball.  Serving Jesus together is what the Prewitt family enjoys most.

Laurie Prewitt:  Starting in 1991, Laurie Prewitt has been the Administrator and a teacher at New Hope Christian School.  Laurie earned her  Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Concordia Teacher’s College in Seward, NE in 1980 in Elementary Education and Early Childhood.  In 1999, she completed her Master’s Degree in  Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education and Administration at Concordia University Mequon, WI.  She loves to serve Jesus along with everyone at New Hope.  “I feel so honored that I can be part of the education growth and development of all students, and most importantly watch them grow to know their Lord and Savior more every day.”  Laurie is married to Pastor Jeff.  They have three children, two grandchildren, and a dog named Max!  One of her favorite biblical quotes is Romans 8:28 All things work together for good to those who love the Lord!

Emily Urban:  Emily is the Director of New Hope Church Children’s Ministries and the teacher of Preschool Too at New Hope Christian School.  She graduated from Concordia University with an Early Childhood Degree and a minor in Youth Ministry.  Emily is beginning her ninth year working at New Hope.  She is in charge of developing and maintaining the curriculum and programming for infants through the fourth grade student.  She also oversees the amazing team of volunteers who serve in the nursery, TenderCare and children’s ministry, Connectionland.  Emily has a passion for leading the large group teaching on Sunday morning with Connectionland as they worship God and learn more about Him through the Bible.  She enjoys the opportunity to partner with parents as children discover who Jesus is and that He wants to be their Forever Friend.  Emily’s and her husband, Chad, are blessed with two children and another one on the way!  God is good!  They also have a shitzhu who loves to chase their children around.  Her life verse is Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”  Emily says, “God is so faithful and has shown me His love over and over.  I am thankful for the opportunity to work at New Hope serving God and His children!”

Joan Dietz:  Joan has been the office manager for New Hope for 10 years. Her journey at New Hope began when she, along with her husband Russell and their two children, became a member over 20 years ago. She helped by teaching Sunday School for the first 7 years, then leading the Student Ministry program for the next 10 years.  In addition to this she worked part time in the New Hope Christian School office…and from there moved down the halls to manage the church office.  “Over these years I have become more and more amazed and grateful for the love that Jesus has for me and for everyone!  It is a joy and an honor to serve Him and His Church.”

 

 

 

 

Steve Mehl:  Steve has been on staff with New Hope Church since October of 1997. He graduated from St. Norbert College, DePere, WI in 1988 with a degree in Communications/Media and a minor in Music. Steve is currently finishing a 4 year degree in Lay Ministry from Concordia University, Wisconsin. Prior to ministry work, he worked on air for 1 year at WBAY TV2 in Green Bay, WI and 4 years at WSAW TV7 in Wausau, WI as a weather broadcaster where he developed skills in forecasting, graphics and presentations. While in Wausau, he met his wife Deanna and relocated back to the Fox Valley to join AAL Capital Management as a Sales and Service Representative and Corporate Marketing Writer before it merged to become Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Little did he know how God was using all those career changes and skills to prepare for him for his calling to New Hope Church. His extensive background in music includes performing with and sharing stages with Christian artists such as One Way Ticket, Casting Crowns, Ginny Owens, Jeff Deyo, Monk & Neagle, John Cox, and Sarah Kelly. He currently is responsible for leading worship and with respect to all area surrounding the Worship Arts both music and technical. His greatest joy week in and week out is serving along side his wife Deanna and their worship team leading God’s people to the throne in song.  His favorite quote is: “You wanna make God laugh? Just tell Him what your plans are!”  Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Deanna Mehl:  Deanna is the Music Director at New Hope Church.   She has been on staff at New Hope since October, 1996.  She oversees scheduling and rehearsals for the Music Team and Student Vocal Team, church copyright issues, service programming and musical arrangements.   Prior to working at New Hope, she worked as an Employee Benefits Technician and then went to Colorado Christian University for Composition, Arranging, and Vocal Performance.  Deanna is married to Steve Mehl, who is the Worship, Arts, and Technical Director at New Hope.   They have a daughter who is a senior in high school, and a cockapoo named Rocky.

 

 

Paul Shave: Paul has been serving as the Facilities Director since 2006.  Prior to joining New Hope Church, he graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1974 with a BS degree in Chemistry.  He spent 30 years in industry and held senior leadership positions with a variety of Fortune 500 companies (the last of which was Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Mercury Marine).  At New Hope Church his job duties include overseeing the maintenance of and improvements to the facilities, insurance needs, financing activities, annual budgeting, etc.  Paul and his wife Beverly live in Oshkosh.  They have three children and two grandchildren scattered around the country.

 

 

Kim Laabs: Kim became New Hope’s Business Administrator in 2003. She earned her Business Degree from UW-Eau Clair with a minor in Finance. She came to New Hope with 13 years of experience in the finance industry. In addition to handling her day to day responsibilities, Kim is responsible for the church and school’s budget, capital projects, and handling donations. She loves working with the talented and committed staff at New Hope and feels that they are such great role models for her. Kim and her husband have one child.