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Mary Van Wijk, Lead Pastor
Since July of 2016, I am excited to serve Hammond First as the lead pastor! I have lived most of my life in Northwest Indiana, having been born and raised in Crown Point, “growing up” in my home church of Lowell UMC, and serving my first appointment at the Remington church. I loved learning and serving in my home church! In 2002 God called me from my first career of nursing into ordained ministry. [Read more...]
Since July of 2016, I am excited to serve Hammond First as the lead pastor! I have lived most of my life in Northwest Indiana, having been born and raised in Crown Point, “growing up” in my home church of Lowell UMC, and serving my first appointment at the Remington church. I loved learning and serving in my home church! In 2002 God called me from my first career of nursing into ordained ministry. [Read more...]
Donna Beifuss, Associate Pastor
When I first joined the staff at First Church as the church secretary in 1988, I fully intended to be here only a few years. But now, many years later, you can see that God had other plans! Part of those plans included my following His call to become a Local Pastor, which has led me to my current role here as [Read more...]
When I first joined the staff at First Church as the church secretary in 1988, I fully intended to be here only a few years. But now, many years later, you can see that God had other plans! Part of those plans included my following His call to become a Local Pastor, which has led me to my current role here as [Read more...]
Dick Mackin, Choir Director
I have been a member of FUMC since 2001, sang in the choir and became Director in 2005. Before coming to FUMC, I directed other church choirs in Merrillville and Hobart. My prior musical experience included being a member of SPEBSQSA (Barbershop Quartet Singing) for many years. I sang in several quartets and was Director of The Chorus of the Dunes [Read more...]
I have been a member of FUMC since 2001, sang in the choir and became Director in 2005. Before coming to FUMC, I directed other church choirs in Merrillville and Hobart. My prior musical experience included being a member of SPEBSQSA (Barbershop Quartet Singing) for many years. I sang in several quartets and was Director of The Chorus of the Dunes [Read more...]
Sarah Ward, Handbell Director
My parents joined FUMC in 1976 and I have been part of our church family from day one. In 1989 I joined the handbell choir and soon realized I loved being a "ding-a-ling". Since 2004 I have been a member of a professional handbell choir, The Agape Ringers, and have been assisting with the handbell choir at FUMC since 2010. [Read more...]
My parents joined FUMC in 1976 and I have been part of our church family from day one. In 1989 I joined the handbell choir and soon realized I loved being a "ding-a-ling". Since 2004 I have been a member of a professional handbell choir, The Agape Ringers, and have been assisting with the handbell choir at FUMC since 2010. [Read more...]
Karen Little, Pianist
I have been a member of First Church for over 40 years. I accompany the choir, which rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. I also assist other musicians in the church and occasionally serve as worship service pianist. As an amateur, I am happy for the opportunity to give back to God the gift my parents began encouraging when I was 8 years old. [Read more...]
I have been a member of First Church for over 40 years. I accompany the choir, which rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. I also assist other musicians in the church and occasionally serve as worship service pianist. As an amateur, I am happy for the opportunity to give back to God the gift my parents began encouraging when I was 8 years old. [Read more...]
Terry Watson, Building Maintenance
I am a lifelong resident of the south Eastside of Chicago and the Calumet region. My professional career was in the commercial construction industry with forty years of successful service in Chicago and the collar communities. I have been active for years in several community service organizations and in service for God. My wife Roseanna and I came to First United Methodist [Read more...]
I am a lifelong resident of the south Eastside of Chicago and the Calumet region. My professional career was in the commercial construction industry with forty years of successful service in Chicago and the collar communities. I have been active for years in several community service organizations and in service for God. My wife Roseanna and I came to First United Methodist [Read more...]
Niki Avina, Head of Children's Ministry
As a teacher, I love planning and hosting events that allow children to both learn and have fun. I have 15 years of teaching experience in schools and many years of experience designing and teaching children’s programs at church. I’ve been involved in Children’s Ministry here at First Church since 2013, and I’m excited about all of the wonderful programming that First Church offers for children. From Sunday School to VBS to family fun events, [Read more...]
As a teacher, I love planning and hosting events that allow children to both learn and have fun. I have 15 years of teaching experience in schools and many years of experience designing and teaching children’s programs at church. I’ve been involved in Children’s Ministry here at First Church since 2013, and I’m excited about all of the wonderful programming that First Church offers for children. From Sunday School to VBS to family fun events, [Read more...]
