Staff

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!

Jess graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2008 with a BA in Acting, and a focus in Comedy. She writes, "I am a cradle Episcopalian, very open minded, and love to have fun. I enjoy writing music, sketches for my comedy group, performing, camping, sports, music, really bad horror movies, and discussion about faith over a good cup of coffee. I have over four years experience as a youth minister in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, and over twelve years experience as a musician. In addition, I have successfully provided audio and visual editing for the Diocese including compiling new music, pictures, and footage for many short films. Since 2006, I have been very involved in the Diocese of Chicago's youth program. I have worked on such events as: New Beginnings, Junior High/Senior High Retreat, Happening, and the Diocese of Chicago's Summer Camp. As a staff member with Happening, I have served as Mentor for the youth leader of the weekend. At Camp Chicago I helped develop a Drama Program. Additionally, I have been a Leader in Training Director for the past two years, working with high school youth to help them develop leadership skills as well as a stronger relationship with God. I have been one of the music leaders on these many retreats as well as camp for over six years. Currently, I am working as Program Director at St. Giles Episcopal Church in Northbrook, where I am charge of Christian Formation as well as putting in place new intergenerational activities."

North Northfield's new pastor is the Rev. Steve (Soong-In) Moon, who comes to us from Church of the Incarnation UMC in Arlington Heights. Pastor Steve was born in South Korea and came to the USA in 1979 to attend Wheaton College, where he received his Master of Arts in Church Ministry. His Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry is from Northern Baptist Theological School (Lombard); his additional training in counseling is from Chicago Theological Seminary, and from the School of Theology, The University of the South (Sewanee, Tennessee).

Ordained in 1986, Pastor Steve has served (in addition to Church of the Incarnation) at: West Chicago Mission Congregation; Shin-Il UMC (Chicago); Bethany UMC (Chicago); Hallelujah UMC (a church plant in Arlington Heights); and Hebon UMC (Hebron).

Pastor Steve likes to play racquetball and sing, and enjoys camping. He is married to the Rev. Sun-Ja Lee Moon, who is Pastor of First UMC in Des Plains. They have two children: their son, Jeffrey, just graduated from Purdue, and their daughter, Michelle, will begin at Illinois Wesleyan this fall.