Ray and Shari Damaso met while students at the University of Iowa. Much lore exists about their early life together -- ask Ray about it and then get the truth from Shari! Ray is passionate about worship, having served as leader of our worship team of singers and musicians for the last decade. Several of our worship songs are ones that Ray wrote and composed. Shari is most active in womens' ministry and counseling. Together, the Damasos lead a Friendship Group. They have two "of the most beautiful children in the world," according to Ray.
As Brian Hagerman's weblog states, "I'm just an average Midwesterner who cares about God, family, a good tee shot, and a nice slab of cheesecake." Brian, his wife Michelle, and their two children joined New Life in 2005. Brian and Michelle are Friendship Group leaders, and both participate in worship ministry. In addition, you'll likely find Brian delivering the Sunday message or leading worship when the "regulars" are out of town. Besides golf and cheesecake, Brian enjoys board (not boring) games, reading, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes (though he is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa).
Mike Reinert is affectionately known as New Life's milkman, as he can be seen behind the wheel of a dairy truck in the wee hours of the morning Monday through Saturday. Come Sunday, you'll find Mike doing what he does best -- serving people -- as well as teaching Sunday School classes and leading a Friendship Group. Mike and his wife Angie have been with New Life since "In the beginning," and are parents of two teens and two pre-teens.