Staff

Lois was born and baptized in Muskegon, Michigan and has spent most of her life in Michigan and Ohio. She earned a B.A. in English at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio, and spent about ten years working in Michigan politics and government, primarily as a public relations consultant.

While in Michigan, she also did graduate work and teaching in English (creative writing) and theatre at Michigan State University. In Ohio, Lois again worked as a writer, and began her vocational ministry as Program Director for the Wesley Foundation/United Campus Ministry serving Miami of Ohio.

In both Michigan and Ohio, Lois was involved in many community activities, including several peace and justice organizations. While in Ohio, Lois and her husband Clayton became parents to Nate and Cullen.

The family moved to Chicago in 1998 in order for her to pursue the Master of Divinity degree at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She served as an intern at Holy Covenant UMC in Chicago prior to her appointment as Pastor at Epworth UMC (Chicago).

In 2001 Lois was appointed Associate Pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville, IL. Lois served at Naperville until 2005 when Clayton was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study and work in the Republic of Georgia in eastern Europe. On the family's return to the U.S., Lois was appointed to her ministry here at North Northfield.

On July 8, 2007, North Northfield UMC welcomed Josh Neuenshwander to his new position as Minister of Music and Organist.

Josh grew up in southeast Michigan, and his love of music began as a small child sitting with his Grandpa, watching him play the piano and organ. From that point on, Josh's entire life would revolve around music. He began singing in the church choir at age 5, piano lessons at 6, and the trumpet at 10. Since then, Josh had the opportunity to perform in a variety of settings throughout the Detroit area on piano, organ, trumpet, and euphonium. He also served as a substitute conductor for the Dearborn Youth Symphony and as a rehearsal assistant for two seasons with the Dearborn Community Chorus. Prior to starting at North Northfield, Josh spent four years as the Minister of Music at Erin Presbyterian Church (USA) in Roseville, MI, where he was responsible for directing the Erin Chancel Choir, performing on organ and piano, and organizing the musical resources to build a contemporary worship service. Before his time at Erin, Josh spent four years at Dearborn Free Methodist Church as the staff pianist.

On a personal note, Josh recently married his wife, Heather, who also grew up in southeast Michigan. Josh began his studies in Music Education at Wayne State University in Detroit, and will be completing his bachelor's degree at VanderCook College of Music on the south side of Chicago. Both Josh and Heather are very excited about their move to Chicago, and look forward to being a part of the North Northfield family.

Sharon came to North Northfield in February of 1990, from St. Paul Lutheran School and Church. Explaining how the job at North Northfield came to last so long, Sharon writes (in July 2007) that,"When I came to North Northfield, I was just going to pass through on my way to Corporate America. Well, here I am 17 years later still at North Northfield. I look at my job as ministry. I can see why generations of people keep coming back to North Northfield. It is the supportive, caring, loving, friendly people that make up this church. I have four wonderful children. I lost the love of my life earlier this year. This church, and Pastor Lois, were a real pillar of strength for me. I love this church and its people and hope to be here another 17 years." We hope so too, Sharon!