Pastoral Staff

SENIOR PASTOR 

My name is Jim Clark. I have been the pastor here at Grace UMC since January of 2023. I was ordained an elder in the Indiana United Methodist Church on May 31, 2014. I served churches in Royal Center, Kokomo, Dyer and Evansville prior to beginning my appointment at Grace UMC. I am a proud father of three adult daughters, Jamie, Josie and Jenna, and of two grandsons, William and Raulin. I am a lifelong Notre Dame fan so living in South Bend has been somewhat magical for me. But even more important is the joy of serving as the pastor of this loving and safe community of followers of Jesus. One of my favorite things about this community is the diversity in social and theological perspectives, coupled with our unique ability and desire to love our neighbors and one another. I am grateful and honored to be the pastor of this church.  

DIRECTOR OF FAMILY MINISTRIES,

DIRECTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE

My name is Melodie Ringer and I began attending Grace UMC in 1992 and started working here in 2014. I am the Director of Family Ministries, Director of Congregational Care and am also the Office and Facilities Manager. My favorite part of Grace UMC is our lawn service during the summer. There is nothing better than taking communion with the grass under your feet and the birds chirping.