Clergy, Staff & Vestry

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. His voice is well-known in his leadership of the Compline evening service on Sunday evenings.

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Contact: rector@saintmichaelsb.org

Dr. Marvin Curtis
Music Director

Dr. Curtis is the retired 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 talented 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.

Juan-Carlos Alarcon
Choir Director

A native of Puebla, Mexico, Juan-Carlos Alarcon developed his love for music while playing piano at an early age. His musical activities have taken him to New York to perform at Carnegie hall in 2016, where he sang in a choir presenting chosen works of the African Diaspora. In February of 2019, he traveled to Los Angeles to the 61st Grammy awards. While there the CD he worked on, “American Dreamers, voices of hope, music of freedom” by John Daversa, received three Grammy awards!

Trevor Fowler
Worship Technical Director

This is Trevor Fowler. His technical talents are very helpful to the production of our worship which is both online and in-person. He is a graduate from Indiana University of South Bend, who majored in Public Relations. He has worked for WSBT and WNIT, where he gained experience with media and journalistic productions. In his spare time he enjoys working out, creating art (painting, drawing, music), and attempting to teach his cat, GiGi, tricks.

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!

Michele Layher
Finance Secretary

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

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.

Will & Teri Lynn Stackhouse
Volunteer Ministerial Support

Retired Pastors Will & Teri Lynn Stackhouse are a Volunteer Ministerial Support Team for Father Matthew. They are ready to help Father Matthew with a few tasks, and are undergoing licensing processes with the Diocese of Northern Indiana. Pr. Will grew up in the Methodist Church in South Carolina, and is a retired Disciples of Christ (DOC)/United Church of Christ (UCC) minister, retired as DOC. Pr. Teri Lynn grew up in the Episcopal Church in California and is a retired ELCA Lutheran/UCC minister, retired as UCC. Both are thrilled to find meaning in the church family in their retirements!