
Get to Know Our Staff
-
Rev. Jenny Thomas
Lead Pastor
Is an ordained Deacon of the Susquehanna Conference. From a young age, Jenny’s life was shaped by Jesus and the Christ-centered congregations of her late father’s ministry in the United Methodist Church. Jenny has a deep love for the people of God—the Church. She believes that the Church is called to be the hope of Christ to the world, to make the message of God’s love known as a visible presence in our communities through generosity and Kindness. Jenny served a three-point charge in Mount Union, Huntingdon County for 3 years. She was ordained an Elder in 2004 and appointed to serve Mount Calvary UMC, Harrisburg for 10 years and then served Dover New Creation UMC for 3 years. In 2017, she officially went on leave of absence but was soon hired as unappointed staff at Fishing Creek Salem in 2018. It was at Salem that she discerned a call to the specific ministries of a Deacon and was officially appointed to Salem by our bishop in 2023.
-
Carl Nieweld
Music Director
Is an employee with TE Connectivity on the Global Learning and Development Team who expresses his faith in Christ through music ministry. He graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education (Percussion Major/Piano Minor) and from Penn State University with a Master's of Science Degree in Training and Organizational Development. He previously served as music director at Rockville UMC and Carlisle UMC. Carl has also held leading and supporting stage roles in local theaters and was a drummer in a professional band. He lives with his wife Barbara and they have 5 children and 2 dogs!