Staff

Rev. Dr. Jon K. Nelson, Pastor

Rev. Dr. Nelson was born and raised in Southern California. (No, he has never surfed, but enjoys the beach.) He has been married to his wife, Michelle, for twenty-six years. (Michelle was also born and raised in Southern California. They met after college while attending the same church.)

Jon and Michelle have one daughter, Karah Renee. She is 22 years old and recently graduated from Rockford University and will be moving to Chicago in January.

Michelle has her own business as a grant writer and development coordinator for non-profits. Their household includes 2 cats: Luna and Penny.

Jon’s favorite novel is “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens and his favorite musical is “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” His musical tastes are quite eclectic from Bruno Mars to Green Day to David Crowder to Johnny Cash! He also plays guitar. He also enjoys home projects and woodworking.

Jon has served congregations in Washington, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Western Pennsylvania. Reformation history and theology. Children’s and Family Ministry Greek and Hebrew Studies Family Systems within Churches Mental Health Advocacy.

Jon and Michelle have one daughter, Karah Renee. She is 22 years old and recently graduated from Rockford University and will be moving to Chicago in January.

Michelle has her own business as a grant writer and development coordinator for non-profits. Their household includes 2 cats: Luna and Penny.

John M. Seybert, Ph.D., Director of Music Ministries

I have over fifteen years’ experience as a music director and educator. I served congregations in Indiana, Florida, and Pennsylvania. I received a Bachelor of Music degree from Grove City College, a Master of Music degree from Butler University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in music education from the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. I am blessed to serve the congregation at Union Church. I have a passion for music ministry and outreach in our community. I enjoy working with people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life as we give our gifts and talents to pursue excellence for God’s glory!
I am Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Music Education Program at Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA. I have published research in various international and national peer-reviewed journals. I am also an active performer, clinician, and soloist. Previous to my graduate studies, I taught music in nationally recognized elementary, middle, and high school music programs in Indianapolis, IN.
My wonderful wife, Misty, is a counselor and instructor for various undergraduate and graduate psychology programs. We have two children, Amelia and Claire, who are great blessings in our lives. We also have a golden retriever named Lucy. If I am not working, I enjoy writing, reading, running, and biking. I also enjoy professional baseball, football, ice hockey, and college basketball. If I had a choice of another career, I would be a writer or author. I also enjoy traveling throughout the country and in Europe.

Sarah Shaffer, CPA MBA, Treasurer

Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University, where she graduated with honors in the Legal Environment of Business. She worked as an Assurance and Advisory Business Services Staff through Manager at Ernst & Young, LLP, was the Financial Reporting Manager for The Ogden Newspaper, and was the Assistant Controller – Production and Senior Business Specialist – Corporate Accounting at EQT Corporation. Sarah earned her Masters of Business Administration through Penn State’s World Campus and is currently the Rates & Regulatory Director at EQT. Sarah served as the Audit Committee Chair for Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania and currently serves on the Audit & Finance Committee of Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania. Sarah has been a member of Union Church since 2006. Sarah is married to Bob, has a daughter, Lana, bonus son, Kyle (Ashley), two shorkies, Diamond and Duchess, and whatever small foster dog needs to be rescued and renewed.

George Shumek, Financial Secretary

George is Union Church’s Financial Secretary. George handles the accounting for the weekly offering and prepares the tithe and offering tax statements.
George has been a member of Union Church for over 40 years and enjoys extending this service to the church.
George and wife Suzanne are residents of Robinson Township. They are retired and enjoy traveling and visiting their grandson in Florida.

Carrie Singer, Union Christian Academy Director

Carrie is the Director at Union Christian Academy. She holds a Masters Degree in Education and a Teaching Certification in Elementary Education. She has owned and operated two preschools in Delaware. Carries’ goal is to ensure that Union Christian Academy’s goals and values are met.

She has 3 amazing children (4 if you include her dog – Beau!) Carrie grew up in New Jersey and loves her NY Giants!! She loves the beach, water parks, music and movies. Most of all, she loves watching children grow socially and emotionally. Carrie loves spending time with the families and children.

Sally Andrews, Pastoral Care Coordinator

Sally has lived in Robinson for almost 80 years. Growing up, she walked with her mother and sister to Sunday School and church. Since then, she has raised her daughter in Union Church and is now sharing the importance of her church home and family with her three grandchildren.

It is rumored that Sally can answer almost any question about the last 75 years of this church – or at least she knows where to go to find the answers.

This church on the hill has been a major part of her life and she prayerfully serves with the hope that others may find Union Church a vital part of their lives as well.

In her role as Pastoral Care Coordinator, Sally serves to reach out to the congregation and helps keep the pastor informed when members are in need of support, whether physical or spiritual.

Sue Shumek, New Member Coordinator

Sue (Suzanne) is Union Church’s New Member Coordinator as well as serving as a Deacon.
Sue has been a member of Union Church for over 40 years and enjoys graciously receiving visitors and guests to worship at Union Church.
Sue and husband George are residents of Robinson Township. They are retired and enjoy traveling and visiting their grandson in Florida.

Tim Thomas, Sexton

I recently became the Sexton in March of 2022. That same month I also became a member of Union for which I am very proud. I am married to Kathy Pfaub Thomas. I retired eight years ago after working over 40 years in downtown Pittsburgh where I worked mainly in large law firms as a supervisor of mailroom functions. Since retiring I have worked at many part-time jobs. We have lived in Moon Township for 35 years. We both enjoy bowling and walking.