Mark Eastway grew up in the Cadillac, Michigan area. He attended Trinity College, now Trinity International University. After graduating with a Bachelor in Biblical Studies, he earned a Master of Education at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Master of Divinity at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1993 and as an Elder in 2000.

Mark met his wife, Shelly, in Mundelein, Illinois. In 1985 they were married. Shelly managed a transcription label business, March and Green, for seven years. She now works at the North Manchester Aquatic Center at the desk and as an administrative assistant. They have three grown children: Tyler, Ethan and Hannah. 

Mark was drawn to the United Methodist Church on the basis of John Wesley’s theology; more specifically, his emphasis on sanctification. He served as a youth pastor at Trinity Church, in Plymouth; and as a senior pastor in Albion, Hebron and Syracuse, where he served from 2003 until coming to the North Manchester UMC on July 1, 2013. 

Larry was born in Greencastle, Indiana, (1939) and grew up on the family farm near Cloverdale, Indiana. He is a graduate of Cloverdale High School, Purdue University (BS 1961, MS 1965) and United Theological Seminary (M.Div. 1969). Larry and his wife, Wilma, met at Purdue and were married on December 24, 1961. They have two daughters; Lynn, living near Seattle, WA, and Nancy (George) Chung, living near Seattle, WA. They have three granddaughters: Veronica, Vanessa and Valerie Chung.

After serving as the Vocational Agriculture teacher at Urbana High School and Northfield High School, Larry entered the ministry and was licensed to preach in 1965. They attended United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. During one year, as an intern year, they lived in Milton PA where Larry served as an associate pastor. After ordination as Elder in 1969, they began their ministry with the Colfax and New Hope UM Churches southeast of Lafayette. From there they served churches in Lafontaine, Huntington, Kendallville, Bluffton and South Bend. The last eight years, before retiring in 2004, Larry served as the District Superintendent of the Fort Wayne District, in the former North Indiana Conference. Wilma also retired from teaching in 2004, after teaching at North Miami Jr/Sr. High School, Miami County, Dayton, OH and Heartland Career Center in Wabash, South Bend and Huntington.

They moved to their new home between Wabash and Huntington in 2004. Larry began his service as the parish visitation pastor, at the North Manchester UMC, in May 2007. His ministry consists of visiting the senior members/friends of the church, being available on call when the lead pastor is away and preaching on occasion. He also preaches occasionally at surrounding local churches.

Sarah O’Hara joined our church staff as administrative assistant in July, 2011. She grew up near Lagro, IN. She earned a B.A. in biology from Manchester College, and an M.A. in natural resources from Ball State University. She has lived and worked in several towns in Northern Indiana after graduating from college, before settling in North Manchester in 2008.

Sarah has been married to her husband Ryan for eight years and they are the proud parents of Grace and Joel. They live outside of town on a 2 acre hobby farm, providing food for themselves and family through small scale livestock production, fruit and vegetable gardening, and maple syrup making.

Laura graduated from Whitko High School and was a member of the National Honor Society. She worked as a Teller and now as the Head Teller at Beacon Credit Union. She has 3 sons and 4 granddaughters. She enjoyes reading as a hobby.

Terry and Pam McKee enrich our service with their talents. Terry directs the Chancel Choir and plays his saxiphone in the praise band. Pam plays the piano for the choirs and praise band. Terry directs specials, such as the Christmas and Easter Cantatas, often recruiting talent from Manchester University and the community. 

Rita Slater plays the organ and keyboard for worship services, funerals and special occasions.  The congregation is blessed when she uses her talent and her heart to bring the organ to life.

Our congregation is truly blessed by two hard working and dedicated custodians. Often their work goes unnoticed because the church building is so clean and well kepted.