Marvin UMC Staff

Staff

Rev. Dr. Nancy Johnson
First Sunday in the Pulpit will be September 5, 2021 Outgoing June 19, 2022
This is her 2nd Charge of responsibility.

Rev. Nancy Johnson is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. Born and raised in Florence, Alabama she came to Atlanta in 1991. With a bachelor’s degree in music education in hand and acting classes ongoing, Nancy worked in the theatre and corporate video scene for several years. While an active member of Peachtree Road UMC, she perceived a call to ministry and began seminary.
In 1999, Nancy began work on a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She studied for a semester at the United Theological Center in Melbourne, Australia. In 2002, Nancy received her MDiv from Candler and in 2006 was ordained into full connection in the North Georgia Conference. In her years of ministry, Nancy has served in both associate and lead pastor roles. Her churches include Underwood, Cascade, Peachtree Road, The River and Christ United Methodist Churches.
Nancy currently serves on the board of directors for Aldersgate / Collinswood, an organization dedicated to advocacy and support for those with disabilities of all kinds and to helping churches fully embrace all members of God’s kingdom. Placing a high importance on community involvement, Nancy recently served on the boards of Forsyth County Community Connection, Leadership Forsyth, the Lanier Forsyth Rotary Club and on the advisory committee for The Drake House in Roswell. She has been a volunteer chaplain for Northside Forsyth Hospital.
Placing a strong emphasis on study and learning, Nancy recently completed her Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on Gospel, Culture and Transformation from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Her dissertation project work focused on congregational development utilizing the teachings of a new area of scientific research called Positive Psychology.
One of Nancy’s greatest joys is writing. Her work can be found in past issues of The Upper Room, Around About Cumming Magazine and the Advent devotional book Light of Lights. In the past, she has been the author of a blog called Feast for the Soul: Reflections of a Clergy Cook, with writings focusing on issues of food and spirituality, as well as cooking, family, travel and being a mom.
Nancy has been married to Todd Pierson since 1995. They have two amazing children, Vivian and Roland, born in 2002 and 2005. If she had time for hobbies, they would be reading, cooking, traveling, hiking, gardening and scuba diving.

Introducing Pastor
Rev. Ben Wills
First Sunday will be July 10, 2022

He began his career in ministry as a youth pastor at Washington First United Methodist Church in Washington, Georgia, and was a small group leader at the UGA Wesley Foundation. While attending seminary, Ben served as pastor in charge at Pleasant Valley UMC in Monroe, Georgia. In 2019, Ben graduated with honors, receiving his Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and was commissioned as a provisional Elder in the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Jerry Lu, Pianist

A young pianist who is expanding his horizons in sacred and contemporary music.
He is classically trained and frequently attends music and math competitions.

Ginger Gruba, Preschool Director

Dianne Masse, Administrative Assistant

Dianne is a retired Army Sergeant First Class who understands the value of organization and management of the church office and its campus. She is from Syracuse, N.Y., joined the service after high school and worked in satellite communications with the Army Signal Corps. She brings 24 years of leadership and organizational experience to her position as part-time Church Administrative Assistant. She takes naturally to facility usage, oversight of keys and repairs, and softens it all with a love for Acrylic painting. She also plays Bass for the Columbia County Orchestra, St Teresa of Avila Church, and Marvin UMC. Since 2016.
Family: Husband Michael
Education: BS in Visual Communications and MBA Management Westwood College
MBA in Project Management and Marketing from National American University.
Additional Education: Currently pursuing her Masters in Art and Education.
Long Term goal to obtain her Doctorate in Catholic Education.

Richard Murray, Custodian

With 17 years at Marvin, Richard is our most senior employee. As the part-time Custodian, he has watched many generations grow from childhood to adulthood. With his precision and keen observation of the needs of people, Richard is the glue that holds the weekly activities of the church together. He is a native of Augusta and long-time employee of Richmond County Schools.
Family: He and wife Kathleen have two sons and a daughter

Sandy Leathers, Marvin Leadership Team Chair

Sandy is a self-described Yankee, born and raised in Michigan. She followed her husband, who was in the US Army, across the country for 35 years. They eventually settled in Augusta, and joined Marvin over 20 years ago. She first became a Trustee, then 3 years later was asked to be the Church Council Chair. The Trustees, finance, and other committees report to the Council which is made up of committee chairs who decide on the direction of the church. As the head of Boomers and Beyond, she also plans events such as lunches, shows, tours, and seminars, for the seniors. Sandy took on the responsibility of the scholarship program (funded by the annual golf tournament) about 5 years ago. She also leads the Fuel Program which in the summer provides lunches to children during the week and during the school year, provides food for the weekend. Says Sandy, "I guess when it's all for the Lord, it's not a job and everything has a place in my schedule."

Lay Leader

Carmen Breakfield, Lay Leader

She is a long time member of Marvin UMC and seen many changes through the years at Marvin. She is an experience chief, Food Safety Inspector, she is easy to speak to to for any concerns and will troubleshoot the problem until solved. She also serves as the SPRC, interfaces with the employees to ensure their welfare is in good shape. She is an outgoing individual, always volunteering to get things done.
an Updated Bio will be coming soon.

Marvin United Methodist Church 4400 Wheeler Road Martinez, GA 30907 706-863-0510 A United Methodist Family of Faith