OUR TEAM
From our Ministry Team to our Administrative Staff, each member of our team brings a unique skill set to our Community of Faith. Together, we are committed to serving you-- whether it's nurturing your relationship with Christ, booking your Wedding or finding your way through tough times, we are here to help.
Rev. Dr. Richard A. Nelson
Intentional Interim Minister
Rev. Dr. Rick Nelson is a Southern California native, drawn back to the ocean’s call after growing up in San Diego. With nearly 40 years as a lead pastor across the West, he now specializes in Intentional Interim Ministry, guiding congregations through transitions. He joined us in 2023 and will serve at least through 2024.
Rick earned a doctorate in Leadership, focusing on “The Flourishing Life”—a study on what brings happiness to pastors and leaders. As the Psalmist declares (144:15): “Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!”
He and his wife, Kristen (a UCC pastor in Riverside), have six children, seven grandchildren, and a love for family, sports, golf, live music, great food, good books, and anything near the water.
David P. Sateren
Director of Music
David began his church music journey in his mother’s children's choir, later joining the adult choir in high school, transitioning from tenor to bass alongside his father. At 18, he launched his professional career as a church organist. For over 40 years, he has served congregations across Southern and Central California, leading singing and ringing choirs of all ages. Passionate about blending spirit-filled worship with musical excellence, he is a conductor, singer, and organist with a music degree from California State University, Stanislaus and graduate studies in Choral Conducting at UC Irvine.
David and his partner, Karl Snider, celebrated their marriage at The Neighborhood Church in 2015 after 27 years together. Karl’s life and passing into glory were honored in 2023. David resides in Long Beach, tending to his 1931 home and his loyal dog, Lucy, who eagerly awaits him after late rehearsals.
Setta Lytle
Director of Operations & Wedding Director
Setta has been a South Bay resident for many years. She graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from UCLA with a B.A. in Economics and began her career at ARCO in Internal Auditing and Contract Administration. After four years, she pursued her dream of owning a business, opening Palos Verdes Café, a beloved local spot in Malaga Cove. She later stepped away to focus on her family.
Setta enjoys cooking and baking as a way of expressing love, as well as running on the beach and hiking Palos Verdes trails. She cherishes time with her husband, Tom, and their family.
At The Neighborhood Church, Setta oversees business operations, works with wedding couples, and supports various church groups and ministries. She has a heart for God and feels truly at home in this community.
Dr. Hyunju Hwang
Organist
Hyunju first visited The Neighborhood Church in 2005 for an organ recital by Paul Jacobs and instantly fell in love with the church and its magnificent organ. She dreamed of becoming its organist—and 14 years later, that dream came true.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Hyunju studied organ at Yonsei University before continuing her journey westward. She earned a Master of Music in Organ Performance and Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College (New Jersey), an Artist Diploma from the Cleveland School of Music (Ohio), and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance from USC, with minors in choral conducting and sacred music.
An active officer and recitalist in the Long Beach Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, Hyunju also loves teaching organ and piano, traveling, and spending time with her “fur-daughter,” Mochi (a Bichon Poodle mix). On weekdays, you’ll often find them together on the organ bench, hard at work.
Ellen Steinmetz
Children's Choir Director
Ellen has spent over 40 years working with children and families, directing Children’s Choirs from the East Coast to the West and teaching music fundamentals.
At The Neighborhood Church, she leads our two Children's Choirs—Seaside Singers and Sonshine Singers—helping young voices shine on Sundays, in musicals, and at our Family Christmas Eve Service.
An accomplished musician, Ellen sings with multiple South Bay choral groups, including the Space Chorale of Northrop Grumman and the South Bay Women's Chorus. She studied music at Duke University and holds two master's degrees in Music Education and Organ Performance from the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University.
Myra Ghabrial
Sunday School Director
Myra immigrated from Egypt to the U.S. in 1971, settling in Palos Verdes in 1987. Born in Cairo, she and her husband came with dreams of building a new life. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, she has worked with children on the Peninsula since 1985. With a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Cal State LA and over 40 years of experience, she is passionate about welcoming new families to our church.
As Director of Sunday School, Myra coordinates lessons, trains teachers, and works closely with children in our Christian Education program. Her boundless energy, positivity, and remarkable memory allow her to greet students and parents by name each Sunday.
Myra and her husband, Magdy, love their Palos Verdes home, cherishing time with their daughter and grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, swimming, and connecting with her community.
Allison Schmitz
Youth and Children’s Ministry
Allison Schmitz is a Peninsula native and a bundle of energy with a passion for early childhood education. A fully credentialed K-12 teacher, she found her true calling working with young children. At The Neighborhood Church, she teaches ‘Mommy & Me,’ Sunday School, and leads the Youth Group and Children’s Ministry. In ‘Mommy & Me,’ she supports both children and parents, creating a nurturing space for families.
Beyond the church, Allison volunteers in postpartum support groups, helping new moms navigate the challenges of parenting. Fun fact—she’s a triplet! She’s also a proud mom to a daughter and son who keep her just as busy as her students do!
In Memorium Michael Moorhead
Licensed Minister
We mourn the loss, and celebrate the victory, of Michael, whose earthly life ended around Easter of 2023. He had served us officially as a certified minister for 22 years, and was a precious gift to this place.
Michael had the unique professional combination of being both a lawyer and minister. He began his career as a trial attorney in the 1970s, having obtained his J.D. from Loyola University. After 25 years and many cases, he stopped trying cases and started mediating them. From then on, he helped resolve complex and wide-ranging legal issue, and also mediated issues that arise in a wide variety of churches and their pastors.
In 2002 he became a Licensed Minister through the United Church of Christ in order to serve more deeply here at The Neighborhood Church. He strongly believed that God has given each of us unique and wonderful gifts that are meant to be used in service to God.