Staff

I grew up in rural central Indiana. At that time it meant small school, farms all around and going to the local United Methodist church. There I developed, what some have called (though I bulk at this characterization) a nerdy love of all things “Wesley”. I experienced, what Wesley might have described as a “strange warming of the heart”, call to ministry while attending camp at Epworth Forest. I went on to follow that calling and served churches in Selma In, Pendleton UMC In, and Battle Ground IN for 12 years. Twelve years into ministry it became apparent to me that the UMC was never going to be a place where I could be welcomed as my whole self. The God of my understanding had always welcomed me. God and I assumed the church would catch up but it wasn’t catching up so I made the decision to begin the process of leaving the UMC so that I might live fully and completely as God had created me. While going through the process of leaving the UMC I was “outed” as a lesbian and as a result of that the UMC defrocked (yes that is really a thing) me.

Over the next 20 years I took my broken heart and went out and forged my own path. Over time and with work I was able to heal to the point I could turn my pain into power. Two important things to note during my 23 years in exile from the UMC:

1: I found my way to the Unitarian Universalist Movement. A local congregation near my home welcomed me and I like to say “loved me back to life”. They helped me in my healing journey and welcomed my gifts and call to ministry. I have served that church and been a part of that church for the last 20 years.

2: I also worked as an educator in elementary schools in Lawrence Township during those 23 years. Most of those years were spent helping elementary students who “had some interesting behaviors”. I finished my career there teaching 4th grade. I loved my time there and I will always be a Harrison Hill Lightning Bolt :-). I learned so much from each student I ever had and I cherish every moment spent there.

Now, Fast forward to the UMC General Conference 2024 where the UMC changed there stance on LGBTQIA Clergy. I would now be welcome back into the UMC. I decided, after much thought and consideration, to ask for my credentials back. July 9. 2024 the UMC returned my credentials to me and reestablished my connection as a full elder.

I never imagined there might still be a place in the UMC for me. I was content to be in connection with the UMC again and quietly go “on leave”. Imagine my surprise when I found myself open to a part time appointment at Broadway UMC. Of all the UMC churches, Broadway is the one that I knew had always been most welcoming and had always been way ahead of the UMC so I had to say it felt pretty “right” to begin the road back to the UMC at Broadway. I have spent almost a year at Broadway UMC where they welcomed me and gave me space to explore whether or not I felt I had a place in the UMC. No one was more surprised than me to feel my heart strangely warming to the notion that I belonged in the UMC and I even found myself open to a full time appointment. That feeling of call, purpose and mission brought me to Michigan City First UMC. Oh, and the Bishop’s call LOL.

Now for the more interesting Stuff

I also come to you via what I like to refer to as the “long and winding road” that has twisted and turned, first through an undergrad teaching degree at Ball State University and then over to Anderson School of Theology for a Master of Divinity. I served as a United Methodist Minister for 12 years. I pastored part time at Oaklandon UUC and Broadway UMC. Most recently retired after 22 years as a behavior mentor/teacher in Lawrence Township. I am wife to Nancy and Mama to Grace, Maddie, Wes and Mother-in-law to Ammar. As per the two mom family contract, I am also mom to assorted furry, fluffy and scaly family members.
I am also a person who always has a major “project” going. Currently I am training for the Philadelphia Marathon in November. I love training and running long distances. Most recently I completed the NYC Marathon, the KY Derby Marathon and my first ever Ultra Marathon “The FullMo”. One last thing: I am a LEGO master builder!

Live Boldly, Love Large, Serve Fearlessly

Pastor Tammy

Screenshot

My name is George Jenks. My wife Pam has been a member her whole life and I have been a member of this church since 1982 when I transferred my membership from the Westville United Methodist church. Pam got me to join the bell Choir in 1990. I love playing the bells all these years. In 2005 I became the director of the children’s bell choir. Being in the adult bell choir, there were 5 of us that made up a small group called the Ringers Five where we would go around and play all 4 octaves of bells at special events, schools and retirement homes. Then in 2011, I became the director of the adult Memorial Bell Choir after Lew Timberlake retired after almost 30 years. It has been a joy and pleasure directing these fine and dedicated people.
I am also in charge of our TV Ministry. I started being a part of that in 1988, when they asked me to operate the studio camera for the children’s Sunday School Play in the community room. From that moment on every Sunday I have been video taping our Sunday worship service to broadcast on our local cable channel with a bunch of great people. For the past 18 months we have been live streaming to Facebook and Youtube.