FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF IOWA CITY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Little Angels Learning Center Director
Cathy received her BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University "many moons ago." She started out in the field of Social work and Child Protection Services. Years later she was blessed to open and run a home child care business for 10 years as she raised her children. She has been the director of LALC since 2007 and considers working with children and families to be a passion and thoroughly believe that ours is a business of building relationships. Diversity is of the utmost importance to LALC and it is her job to make sure each family that comes through our doors feels safe, connected, empowered, and respected.
Claire joined First United Methodist Church in 2010. Born in Minnesota, Claire has also resided in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany and Key West, FL before moving to rural Solon. She holds a journalism and public relations degree from Waldorf College.
Job Titles:
- Director of Music
- Director of Music at First UMC
Dr. Joshua W. Neuenschwander began his ministry as Director of Music at First UMC in 2023. Josh has held prior positions as the Director of Music at Dearborn (MI) First United Methodist Church, Director of Music Ministries/Organist at St. Luke's United Methodist in Rochester Hills, MI, North Northfield United Methodist in Northbrook, IL, and Erin Presbyterian Church in Roseville, MI, and Director of Vocal Music at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Lansing, MI. Josh currently holds an appointment as an Assistant Professor of Music and the Director of Instrumental Music at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, where he directs the wind ensemble, symphonic band, and chamber orchestra, and teaches courses in conducting, music education, electronic music, and introductory music theory. Previously, he has held positions at Grinnell College, the University of Iowa, and in the Avondale and Haslett public school districts in Michigan.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder of Ensemble Yeon
- Organist
Korean-born pianist Minji Kwon is an insightful collaborator, educator
and musician. Kwon was granted the Ambassadorial Scholarship from
the Rotary Foundation to study in the US. She was the recipient of the
Hillary joined the staff at First United Methodist Church as the Business Manager in 2005. She was born and raised in Iowa City and is a graduate of the University of Iowa. She has two sons, Nick and Lucas.
John has been married to his wife Diane for 36 years. He has three children and two grandchildren. He is a life long resident of Iowa City/Coralville and is the owner of John Madsen Masonry & Construction.
Job Titles:
- Director of Congregational Care
Joyce joined FUMC in 1990. Following a career in healthcare management (having earned degrees in elementary education and business administration from the University of Iowa), Joyce joined FUMC staff in 2020 as the Director of Spiritual Life. In 2020 she transitioned to the role of Director of Congregational Care. Joyce leads the Hospitality Team, focusing on the areas of Welcoming Ministry, Fellowship Table Ministry, and Congregational Care Ministry. Joyce believes developing and nurturing strong relationships with each other is essential to fulfilling the mission, vision and values of our church - truly being the hands, feet, eyes, ears and heart of Jesus Christ on earth. Joyce loves reading, gardening, cooking and fitness activities, particularly treasuring time spent outdoors. Her family includes her three sisters and the World's Best Cat, Miss Lily Ann Thomas.
Job Titles:
- Children Ministry Director
I am currently studying psychology and human relations on the counseling psychology tract. I'm passionate about people and their state of well-being. Including such; access to resources, mental health, physical health, positive learning establishments, and positive relationships. My hope for the children's ministry is that the children feel comfortable and responsive in a learning environment that can engage them in their connection to God, and their connections to all people. In doing so, I also hope the children feel secure with one another and their teachers to create meaningful ideas and relationships.
Pastor Rachel started her ministry as the associate pastor at FUMC on July 1 st, 2022 after graduating from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Pastor Rachel leads our faith community primarily in the area of discipleship. She grew up in the Des Moines area, where she was raised in the United Methodist Church. Pastor Rachel also holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and religion from Simpson College. She is passionate about empowering people for leadership, justice, and service. Rachel and her husband Keegan live in Iowa City with their dog, Yahtzee. They love to cook, travel, and spend time outdoors together and with their family and friends.
Phil is a lifelong Methodist, whose father and maternal grandfather were both pastors in the Methodist, and then United Methodist, Church. He holds a bachelor of music degree from Cornell College and a master of music degree from the University of Northern Iowa. Phil has served in Iowa Conference and General Conference leadership roles for more than 20 years before joining the staff of First United Methodist Church in November, 2021.
Pastor Rachel started her ministry as the associate pastor at FUMC on July 1 st, 2022 after graduating from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Pastor Rachel leads our faith community primarily in the area of discipleship. She grew up in the Des Moines area, where she was raised in the United Methodist Church. Pastor Rachel also holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and religion from Simpson College. She is passionate about empowering people for leadership, justice, and service. Rachel and her husband Keegan live in Iowa City with their dog, Yahtzee. They love to cook, travel, and spend time outdoors together and with their family and friends.
I currently work full time at the VA Medical Center as a post-transplant coordinator, just starting my 17th year. What that means is I have the privilege of assisting our veterans learn how to get used to a new life with a kidney transplant or a kidney pancreas transplant. Helping them learn their medications, making sure they know the right foods to eat, how much fluid to drink; majority of our patients were on dialysis prior to their transplant so they were met with many restrictions and now we get to assist them and undo all of that. We follow patients from coast to coast. The VA transplant system is unique in there are only 9 designated VA hospitals that can do kidney transplants in the US and Iowa City is one of those locations and we are the only location that is designated to perform kidney pancreas transplants. Transplant is my professional passion. I worked at the University for 21 yrs. before becoming an employee of the VA.
I have attended First United Methodist Church since the early 90's, I was a young nurse working at the University, looking for a church home, didn't have that while I attended college, so I was longing to connect again. I sat in the back left corner, where most of the collegiates sit, and became acquainted with those that always attended. Marty and Larry Roesch were my buddies. I can't remember when I first started volunteering. Jr High Sunday school was my first assignment, we had a group of 5-6 young folks that attended, and we had fun together. I was asked what my passion is, I would say I am inspired most by watching our younger folks in action, whether that be the children, the youth, or our collegiate ministry. I am touched nearly every week that I am in their presence. I believe we can do great things together. We are going to grow together and learn together. Probably make a few mistakes together but that's also how learning happens.
Teresa, and her husband Tim moved to Iowa City in 2009, she started custodial work for FUMC that fall. She was raised in the Cedar Rapids area. Before coming to Iowa City she earned a degree in Fisheries & Wildlife Biology at Iowa State and spent years teaching outdoor education in Wisconsin and New York State. Once back in Iowa there was an interlude working at the Prairiewoods Spirituality & Retreat Center in Hiawatha. All things nature, garden, and pet oriented are important parts of her life.
Job Titles:
- Outreach Coordinator
- Resident
Wayne Steen joined the First United Methodist Church of Iowa City in 2012. He currently serves as the Church Council Chairperson of the church. Wayne has been active in youth ministry, confirmation mentoring, LDOT, VBS, and was in the choir. He is currently teaching a Bible Study class on Thursday nights at the church.
Wayne has also been active at the Iowa Annual Conference level serving as the Chairperson of CORR (Commission of Religion and Race), the AntiRacism Task Group and serving on the Iowa Annual Conference Nominations Committee. He has also attended seven Annual Conferences representing the church.
Wayne is a resident of rural West Liberty and has recently retired from farming. Wayne is also active in Rotary and is the Iowa RYLA Board Chairperson (a week long summer leadership conference for Iowa high Iowa school students) and District 6000 Interact Chair (high school service organization for Rotary).
Wayne is humbled, honored and exhilarated to be the new Outreach Coordinator and be a part of the Family Ministry Team at the First United Methodist Church of Iowa City.