Staff

Pastor Nancy came to Michigan City First UMC in July of 2016. Among other congregations, Nancy has served Hamline Chapel in Lawrenceburg, Broadway Christian Parish in South Bend, and St. Paul’s in Muncie.

Pastor Nancy is passionate about getting to know the community where she lives and is often seen walking her puppy Licorice around town  or Friendship Botanic Gardens while getting to know shop keepers, coffee shops, and other hidden gems.

Pastor Nancy has spent her entire ministry by making connections with all sorts of folk and learning about faith from them. She delights in designing worship, connecting with children, and challenging individuals to grow in faith and discipleship.

Education: Valparaiso University, BA in History; Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, M. Div.; Ball State University; MA in Adult Education; EDD (ABD) in Adult, Higher, and Community Education.

Family: Nancy is one of 4 sisters and has many folks who call her ‘Aunt Nanny’ – some are relatives by blood and others by choice. She has dear friends all over the state of Indiana who bring joy and delight to her life. Her current house mate is an adorable and delightful bochigle (Boxer, Chihuahua & Beagle mix) named Licorice.

Favorite Things: Nancy has always been a reader of fiction, non-fiction, theology, cereal boxes – if it has print, she will read it. She is also an amateur photographer, sings in the church choir, is a member of Monday Musicale, and has often played her oboe for worship and in community bands across the state. Her favorite place to visit is Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, especially in the fall, and any place on water. Nancy writes a morning prayer most days and posts them on the church Facebook Page and her own page.

Beverly Griffith has been part of the Michigan City First United Methodist Church staff since 2007, hired first as an assistant pianist and serving since 2009 as Music Director. She came to the church after answering a small classified ad in the local paper for a musician: “must be able to read music”. (Simply had to call! 🙂

She holds a Bachelor of Music Performance in Piano from Wheaton College and was owner and director of the Wheaton Yamaha Music School in Wheaton, Illinois for 40 years before she and her family moved to the Michigan City area. She was also employed as a teaching consultant for 20 of those years by Yamaha Music Corporation, assisting schools in the United States with teacher training and support.

Since coming to First UMC, Bev has been involved with the Try-It children’s program, the annual Madrigal events, Messy Church, and is an active member of the United Methodist Women.

Bev trusts that she’s in the right place at the right time to make a difference in the life of the church through music. She’s also really glad she answered the ad.

My Name is Cindy Jackson. I was born and raised in Chesterton Indiana. I have 2 children, a son,  and a daughter. I love to be social. I have a very sweet and fun sense of humor. I love bike riding and hanging out with my kids. My kids mean the world to me. I love my job and hope to stay here until I retire. I am very active in the church. I love my church family. I love helping people.