THE Clergy, Staff, and Vestry

The Rev. Matthew Cowden
Rector

Fr. Matthew began his ministry at Saint Michael's in 2009. His primary work is as pastor to this thriving congregation. Together, priest and people, they have revitalized outreach ministries, expanded musical programs for worship and public performances and have completed a successful Capital Campaign to "Free Our Faith & Grow our Future." Most especially, Fr. Matthew and Saint Michael's have been transformed in relationship with Jesus Christ and have discovered new ways of having fun and fellowship together. 
In the wider Church, Fr. Matthew serves on the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church and has served as Deputy to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2015 and 2018. 
rector@saintmichaelsb.org

Jen Foust
Parish Administrator

​​Jen Foust  joins us with a genuine love of Jesus and ALL  people.  Jen is a wonderful mother of four children.  She came to Saint  Michael's from the Center For the Homeless, where she deeply cared for our homeless community and has spent  many hours volunteering in the Michiana area.  Jen is also an employee at the University of Notre Dame, as a GMT (Game Management Team) for Notre Dame Football.  Jen is a kind, compassionate  Christian  who attends South Bend City Church, where she has previously lead the greet team.  Jen loves participating in   numerous community outreach projects and programming.  She is currently working on a   Business degree and plans to continue her education.  Please reach out to Jen for anything, as she is a light and a blessing, always ready to lend a helping hand!

The Rev. Cindy VanParys
Deacon

Ordained in 1996, Deacon Cindy was raised up from the congregation of Saint Michael's. By God's Grace and the bishop's assignment she has served among us as pastoral care giver and chief support for three rectors and two interim rectors. Deacon Cindy is a hospital chaplain serving at Lakeland Hospital in Niles, Michigan and provides on call chaplaincy at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Indiana. Deacon Cindy is a trained and certified Stephen Minister and assists in the referral process between Care Givers and Care Receivers in the community. She also oversees our Acolyte ministry and has led four pilgrimages with them to Washington, D.C. for the National Acolyte Festival.
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Andi Zavor
Wedding Coordinator

Andi Zavor assists and supports with weddings at Saint Michael's. We conduct wedding services for our members as well as welcome those exploring a Christian house of faith for their rites of marriage. If you are interested in learning more about weddings at Saint Michael's, please contact the church office. The pastor or the wedding coordinator will be happy to return your inquiries.

Dr. Marvin Curtis
Music Director

Dr. Curtis is the Dean of the Ernestine Raclin School of the Arts at IUSB. On Sundays he is found at our organ and grand piano leading us through an uplifting blend of musical styles; Anglican, Spiritual, Gospel and Jazz. Under his leadership Saint Michael's is blessed to host musical events of the highest quality on a regular basis. In December 2014 we hosted a musical concert, mostly of professional musicians from the congregation, to raise funds for our new grand piano.

The Rev. Dr.
Nathaniel Warne
Clergy Intern

Deacon Nate began his ministry at Saint Michael's during the summer of 2019. He was ordained to the transitional diaconate in December. He oversees adult faith formation and coordinates the Sunday morning Adult Forum curriculum. He received his Ph.D. in Theology and Ethics from Durham University in the United Kingdom. His postdoctoral work was at the University of Notre Dame. He is currently working for the Center for Social Concerns. He is the author of The Call to Happiness: Eudaimonism in English Puritan Thought and is happy to sign a copy for you. 

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Michele Layher
Finance Secretary

Michele Layher works with our Treasurer and Finance Committee to oversee and manage financial life of the parish. 

The Vestry
Julie Wilkins, Senior Warden (2022)
Lynne Switalski, Junior Warden (2023)
 Linda Kroll, Treasurer (2021)
Sharon Fiorella-Teves (2022)
Sandra Brown (2023)
Sandy McCarthy (2023)
Grayling Hawkins (2021)
Dan Pfeifer (2021)
Larry Putt (2021)
Marcy Cortes (2022)
Jenni Dunlap (2022)
Bill Lewis (2023)

 
Staff
Rachel Bailey, Parish Secretary
Dr. Marvin Curtis, Music Director
Alex Tungate, Children’s Chapel
Lori Jester, Nursery
Andi Zavor, Custodian
Michele Layher, Finance Secretary