North Presbyterian Church

Staff

Pastor Erwin F. Goedicke
...has been pastor of North Church since 1987. He likes to say "God tricked him" into accepting this call, because he really had no idea what ministry in an urban setting like Northside would be like... or that it was "urban ministry". But he's been learning and growing ever since. Erwin received his Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA in 1987 and a Doctor of Ministry at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. His personal mission is "To seek first the Kingdom of God and God's righteousness and to live and minister out of the integrity of his relationship with Chirst". His passion is to see the church be the extraordinary community of believers it is intended to be, and to become a hopeful sign of God's transforming presence in the world. Erwin and his wife SuzeAnn have been married for 24 years and have a 17-year old son, Andrew.
Pastor Goedicke on Facebook

Chris Walhausser - Minister of music and worship.
Since 1997, Chris has been Minister of Music and Worship at North Church. His career in music ministry has spanned more than 30 years. He obtained the Master of Music degree from the University of Kentucky before continuing graduate work in accompanying at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the UC College-Conservatory of Music. His performing career has spanned the globe including performances throughout the United States, Poland, and the USSR, from the stages of Carnegie Hall to the Prepatory Academies of Music in Moscow and Warsaw, to the opera houses of Cincinnati, Dayton, Pittsburgh, to university campuses and churches throughout the tristate. A life-long Lutheran, Chris has completed a four year program "Education for Ministry," a course of seminary study for lay people administered by the University of the South, Sewanee Tennessee. Accreditations include membership in the American Guild of Organists, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and the Organ Historical Society. If one statement could summarize Chris' work in the church, it might be "Break down the doors and set up the tables; we're here to celebrate a holy communion!" Chris is married to Lori Wallhausser; they live in the city with their cats Suzie and Kaspar, and Fiona. They both sing with the NPC Chancel Choir.

Gary Loomans - Youth Pastor
Gary has been at North since 1996. He was placed with us through a partnership program at CityCure whom he has been with for more than two decades. He has been happily married for 17 years and has 3 wonderful children. He teaches motorcycle saftey in another CityCure program. He plays guitar and sings in our Praise Band; Spirit Rising. He and his wife have also been strong leaders in the transformation of our Christian education at North!
Gary on Facebook

Joann Ashley - Urban Missioner
Joann Graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor's in Elementary Education. She came to Cincinnati from Western North Carolina in 2001 as a Young Adult Volunteer through the National Volunteers Office of the PC(USA). She joined our staff as Urban Missioner in 2003. She works closely with our pastor, youth pastor, and mission partners at CAIN in outreach to our community. She is also on staff with the Cincinnati Presbytery as the site coordinator for the Cincinnati Young Adult Volunteer Program.
Joann on Facebook

Sandy Nagel - Ministry Assistant
Sandy has been with NPC since the spring of 2000. She has been certified as a grant proposal writer by the Grantsmanship Center. She has a seven year old daughter. She belongs to St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church. Sandy believes we are put on this earth to help each other. Sandy enjoys singing, reading, and being involved in her church and her daughter's school.

Ken Alexander - Property care
Ken has been taking care of North Church for over 20 years.

Staff Picks

Books and music an have a profound influence on our lives. Here are some recommendations from our staff.

Youth Pastor recommends...
The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical(Paperback)
by Shane Claiborne (Author)
Using unconventional examples from his own life, Shane Claiborne stirs up questions about the church and the world, and challenges readers to truly live out their Christian faith. I have to wonder how much I really follow after Christ as I read this book. It also raises questions of Justice and authority that cause me to wrestle with my own understanding. It also gives a glimpse into the lives of young adults as they struggle to find Jesus amidst the trappings of the church.
Hinds' Feet on High Places(Paperback)
by Hannah Hurnard (Author)
This book is an allegory dramatizing the yearning of God's children to be led to new heights of love, joy, and victory. Follow Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficult places with her two companions, Sorrow and Suffering. Learn how Much-Afraid overcomes her tormenting fears as she passes through many dangers and mounts at last to the High Places. There she gains a new name and returns to her valley of service, transformed by her union with the loving Shepherd. I have turned to this book time and again as I struggle to understand the hardships of the Christian walk and the desire to feel the peaceful presence of God.
Theirs Is the Kingdom: Celebrating the Gospel in Urban America(Paperback)
by Robert D. Lupton (Author)
Informative reflections on the relationship between poverty and Christianity, the responsibilities of the haves and have-nots, and the lessons Christians can learn from the poor. This Book has helped me look at the poor with new eyes. Some times you just have to move to a new seat to get a better view.

npc-Reflections

... an index of Pastor Goedicke's original online messages.

Vol.1, No.3 / On Looking Up.
Vol.1, No.4 / On the Supernatural Life.
Vol.1, No.5 / On going to school.
Vol.1, No.6 / On "Stuff" and Who's it is.
Vol.1, No.7 / On not dropping the (wrong) ball.
Vol.1, No.8/On too much information.
Vol.1, No.9/On miratculous microbes.
Vol.1, No.10/On ideas about God.
Vol.1, No.11/On observing Holy-days.
Vol.1, No.12/On the right Want-to
Vol.1, No.13/Thanks for healthier gums.
Vol.1, No.14/On the possibility of forgiveness.
Vol.1, No.15/Sure as the sunrise.

Vol.2, No.1/Friendship
Vol.2, No.2/The stewardship of Pentecost
Vol.2, No.3/The Spiritual Life

Vol.3, No.1/The Passion of the Christ
Vol.3, No.2/After the debates..