Pastor Heecheon started his ministry in July 1, 2022 at First United Methodist Church of Iowa City. He served Corning United Methodist Church, Iowa City First UMC (associate), Mount Vernon UMC, and Central/Riverview Park District as a district superintendent. His vision is that, following John Wesley’s worldwide vision, “The world is my parish,” and Jesus’ Great Commission, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,” he is empowering the people to go out into the world to be hands and feet of Jesus Christ for God’s justice and peace on earth. He loves reading, Tennis, and Ping Pong. He and his wife, Anne, and their daughter, Sonia, live in West Branch. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Josh holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from the University of Iowa, a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Oakland University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. He lives in Coralville with his wife, Heather, and sons, Alex and Zachary.

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 Iowa Performance Fellowship while working on her DMA at the University of Iowa. Dr. Kwon taught as Adjunct Professor at New York University,
where she earned her Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano. Kwon internationally appeared in cities like Seoul, London, Prague, Mexico City, Chicago, Orlando, and New York City in such major venues as the Stern Auditorium and the Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. Also, she gave concerts at Columbia University, Western Michigan University, University of Michigan, University of Florida, and Drake University. In 2019, she has collaborated with oboist Courtney Miller for a CD, “Portuguese
Perspectives” and toured in Germany. She completed her DMA degree at the University of Iowa and her recording project was Solo Piano Music by Croatian female composer Dora Pejačević (1885- 1923).

Kwon is a co-founder of Ensemble Yeon, a former member of Apas Piano Duo, and currently serves as a staff pianist for the University of Iowa as well as an organist at FUMC in Iowa City.

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. 

Mike grew up in Sioux City along with his sister Patti and graduated from North High in 1979. He enrolled at the University of Iowa where he also played tennis for Steve Houghton for four years. He then went on to Duquesne University where he received his Doctorate in philosophical theology.

He married Cindy Powell in 1992 and several years later Jessi was born. They lived in Kingsley Iowa for many years where Cindy worked as a nurse practitioner and Mike worked at Hospice of Siouxland as a chaplain. He has since worked in the clinical therapy field his last six years or so.

Mike received Christ into his heart when he was 18 and a freshman in college. He was not raised in the church but after several years of seeking had his heart “strangely warmed” as Wesley would say. He has been a Christian ever since.

Mike is very thankful for this opportunity to be a part of the First United Methodist Community and work with college students. He hopes to collaborate with them and the entire church in serving the needs of the campus and Iowa City community.

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. 

My hobbies are staying active, staying connected with friends and family. This has become more relevant to me in the past few years that connection and building relationships are key. Take time to grab coffee with a friend or make a phone call with someone you haven’t chatted with in a few months. It’s all about making time.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Sharon Treloar grew up in the small town of Waverly, Nebraska, just 13 miles from Lincoln, the youngest of six children. A lifelong United Methodist, she attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where she met and married her husband of 41 years, Joe. She received her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Religious Studies in 1985, and went on to Perkins School of Theology at SMU, where she received her MTS degree. Returning to Iowa, she and Joe brought up their two children in a number of small communities, and settled in Iowa City in 2001. She received an MDIV from the University of Dubuque in 2002, and served several congregations as a licensed local pastor. Sharon has been a member of First UMC since 2013. She has most recently served as a hospice chaplain, retiring last year.

I am an advocate at heart and put everything I have into our community. During my free time I am often found at public events advocating for those who can’t for themselves, or out in nature with my dogs and daughter.

I started my journey in Early Education when my daughter was born and from the beginning I knew I found my passion. I have worked with infants all the way to high school students, and early education always pulls me back. I believe we are in this life together and we learn from each other as we grow. This mindset starts in the early years, and that wonder carries us to great things. I am ready to bring all I have to LALC, and learn from all of you!”

Our Church Leadership:

Finance Chair: Brad Langguth
Permanent Endowment Chair: Kirk Perreau
History Chair: Kathy Hodson
Leadership Development Operations Team: Chris Best
LALC Board Chair: Barbara Boeka
Memorial Committee Chair: Janet Driscoll
Staff/Parish Relations Chair: Peter Hubbard
Trustees Chair: Jim Ross