Staff

Peter Hong • Lead Pastor • Peter's Email
Peter is a native Chicagoan. Since arriving in the U.S. at the age of 10 he has lived most of his life here in the greatest city in the world. He has completed a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology from Trinity International University (formerly known as TEDS). His passions in life include preaching Jesus as the goal of all of life, planting multicultural churches in major urban city-centers that will proclaim Jesus as Lord, and pastoring kingdom missionaries that will make Jesus known to the ends of the earth. His "rock" (that's with a small "r") is the love of his life Jenny and his joys are his three beautiful children Parker, Sophie and Noah. When not in his office you will most likely find him hanging out at a local coffee shop reading, studying, meeting new people, and yes drinking a beverage.
Arwa Hunsucker • Financial Administrator • Arwa's Email
Arwa was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, home of the "crazy buildings," as many of her friends like to point out. She came to Chicago when she was 18 to attend university. Coming from a place where "winter" meant temperatures hovered at a comfortable 75, she's not sure herself how she came to pick the "Windy City." However, now that she's lived here for the last 10 years, Chicago has grown on her. She is especially drawn to its diversity. She is a sucker for all things science fiction and was quite disappointed when the decision was made to cut the space program. She also loves food, both making & eating it. She has thoroughly explored the Devon (Indian) neighborhood so feel free to ask her for recommendations. She has a husband, Jeremy, whom she met her freshman year at college, and recently welcomed her daughter, Zahrah, into this world.
Amanda Svejda • Children’s Ministry Coordinator/Church Administrator • Amanda's Email
Amanda Svejda left her southern (North Carolina) roots, easy access to sweet tea, and warm year-round weather in 2004 to pursue God’s call to urban ministry in Chicago. She plunged headlong into the glorious venture of theological education at Northern Seminary, where she graduated with her Master of Divinity in 2007. In the midst of her studies, Amanda found time to meet the love of her life, Joey—a passionate Christ follower, encourager, and talented musician who loves to use his voice to bring glory to God. Joey and Amanda were married in Chicago in 2008 and are enjoying the unfolding adventure of life together. Driven by a passionate desire to connect families with the love, hope, and healing of Christ, Amanda joined the New Community Logan Square staff in summer 2011 as Children’s Ministry Coordinator, where she hopes that through the power of the Holy Spirit and the partnership of fellow believers, children, families, and individuals will be empowered to reclaim the image of God in their personal lives and relationships.
David Swanson • Pastor of New Community Bronzeville • David's Email
David has lived in many different places--Venezuela, Ecuador, California, North Carolina--but is happy to call Chicago home. David and his creative and adventurous wife Maggie were married in 1999 and 10 years later they adopted their amazing son, Eliot. David provides leadership for New Community's first church plant in Bronzeville. Check out David's eclectic blog: http://www.davidswanson.wordpress.com.
Amy Verdin • Warming Center Director • Amy's Email
Amy grew up in the mountains of Southern California and has lived in Chicago for the past ten years. She holds a degree in biblical studies from Moody Bible Institute. Along with her husband Dave, she serves at the New Community Warming Center. Amy loves cooking, bike riding, gardening, creating, and singing in harmony. She is a member of Sweet Adeline International and hopes to someday learn to drive.
David Verdin • Warming Center Director • David's Email
Dave was born in Logan Square and raised in and around the Humboldt Park/Logan Square neighborhoods of Chicago. In the past he has served homeless and at-risk youth in the Lakeview community and has networked with local subcultures to build bridges between them and the Church. Dave is passionate about serving the marginalized and forgotten and creating opportunities for others to learn about such ministry. Along with his wife Amy, Dave heads up daily operations at our church's Warming Center, a social ministry to the homeless in Logan Square. Dave accidentally has three rabbits. He enjoys drumming, 90's grunge music, writing, and arroz con gandules.
Michael K. Washington • Associate Pastor • Michael's Email
Michael was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. He works with ministry leaders, offers pastoral care, and gives leadership to random and, sometimes, unrelated elements of church operations. His educational background leaves him with framed papers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Wheaton College Graduate School, and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Away from NC3, Michael serves as an adjunct faculty member at GETS and works as a freelance writer. Michael and his wife Dawn welcomed their first son Bryce in March of 2010. Check out Michael's blog: http://www.crossingintersections.wordpress.com
Angela Zirk • Director of Community Life • Angela's Email
Angela is originally from Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree from North Park University in Chicago, IL and is currently finishing up her Masters in Clinical Counseling at the The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Angela supports and gives leadership to all aspects of Community Life including Community Groups, Hospitality Team, Visitors, and Social Events. When not working or studying, she enjoys eating- whether it's cooking or eating out, movies, music, reading, playing in soccer and basketball leagues, people watching, napping, playing with kids, hanging with the new nephew, games, coaching at Lil Kickers, volunteering, working out, watching sports, and meeting new people.
Contact the Staff
 

Home  •  Logan Square  •  Staff