Pastor David was appointed to Nichols UMC on July 1, 2014. He has been a full-time pastor since 2006 and was ordained in the New York Annual Conference in 2009, having served at Faith UMC – North Haven prior to arriving at Nichols.  He has a passion for active discipleship, where individual spiritual growth is lived out by serving Jesus Christ in our relationships, our community, and the world. Pastor David is very approachable, and members feel free to speak to him openly. Pastor David’s ministry is very transparent, and he brings real world experience to it. His ability to connect with the congregation on a personal level is well respected and is appreciated by our congregation. He has an amazing sense of humor, that makes him more grounded. His ministry experience includes: Clergy Coach, Chaplain (Nichols Fire Department), Spiritual Director (Tres Dias), Bereavement Support Facilitator, UMC Mentor Program, District Statistician, and Approved Ministry Supervisor (Yale Divinity School), Certified Change Leader (JP Morgan).

As a lifelong Methodist, he was an active lay member of several congregations in Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Pastor David is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore Kentucky, where he earned his Masters of Divinity.  Prior to attending seminary, Pastor David was a business professional for 18 years. He was a CPA in the Boston area (Ernst & Young) and a finance executive at JP Morgan Chase in New York. During his career he also worked at other small privately held companies in various industries, holding supervisory roles, interacting with clients and facilitating programs and projects with colleagues. He has a Bachelor’s of Arts from Asbury College – Wilmore KY – (Accounting and Business Management).

Pastor David and his wife Holly have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children. They like hiking, boating, traveling taking walks in the evening, and spending time with family. He is the son of a United Methodist Pastor and both came to the pulpit as a second career.

Judy completed her training as a Certified Lay Minister in the UMC in 2019.  A CLM is a member of the congregation that is called to preach, provide congregational care, and assist in program leadership that has received specified training and has been certified by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry.  Her specific roles at Nichols include assisting the Pastor with congregational care, discipleship, and other ministry areas.  Judy has been an active member of Nichols for years and has held a variety of leadership positions including Lay Leader.  Judy is a member of the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, and Contemporary Praise Team.  In addition, she brings the ministry of Christ outside the local church by preaching monthly at Wesley Village (part of the United Methodist Homes in Shelton CT), providing pulpit supply at district areas churches, and settings.  Judy is always willing to visit, say a prayer, or reach out to those in need.  She is always accessible to meet with people at Nichols.

Email:  Judith.dasch.lang@gmail.com
Cell (203) 513-1448

Carole has been the Administrative at Nichols for over 20 years.  She supports the Pastor, church leadership, and members in coordinating communication, building usage, announcements, and worship planning.  She is the first point of contact for those who call and email the general numbers to be sure they are referred to the right person, especially in case of emergency.  Her role is one of ministry.  Her willingness to help others is a true asset to our congregation.
Email:  nicholsmethodist@snet.net
Office (203) 375-5817

Greg is our Music Director and has been providing music for the church for over 20 years.  He plays the organ for our 8am and 10am services and also plays piano for our Contemporary Service at 9am.  He also directs our Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Contemporary Worship Team, Youth Choir and more.  Greg coordinates music for each service with the Senior Pastor and Music Staff Team, keeps the music vibrant and up-to-date, and arranges periodic special music experiences during worship.  His outstanding talents continuously bless the congregation to support the various worship services at Nichols.   Greg is a member of the Organist Guild of CT.

Larry has been our Sexton for almost 10 years.  He supports the ministries at Nichols by cleaning & maintain the buildings of the church so that it is ready for use for church activities and functions.  His responsibilities include general repairs and preventative maintenance, event setup & clean up, and more.

Chrissy has been a member at Nichols over 11 years.  She currently works as an educational instructor at Cooperative Educational Services in Trumbull. She enjoys working with children and watching their development over the school year. Chrissy has lived in Shelton, CT for the last 26 years and has four children. Chrissy is an avid reader and enjoys spending time at the beach. Chrissy finds service to others as a rewarding experience. She has volunteered on the Nichols ASP trips for the last 3 years, and she has instilled that same love of service in her children too.  Chrissy has been the director of our youth ministries since 2017. Since accepting this position, she has grown the program. The youth are actively involved in both local mission work and projects around the state.  The youth group attends spiritual retreats and faith-based services during the year. They normally meet on Sunday evenings and enjoy a meal together and time for fellowship.
Email:  chriss842001@comcast.net
   Cell: (203) 558-7448

Margaret has been the Nursery Care Coordinator since 1996. She is always that friendly face as you open the Nursery door. Her passion for caring for children is very evident in the ways she makes children feel comfortable and enjoy their time in the nursery. Many families in our church use the nursery and their children are well cared for by Margaret. Margaret is also a lead teacher in the Mother’s Day Out program.

Cindy is the assistant care coordinator in the nursery. She assists Margaret in the care of the children as they arrive in the nursery. She is kind and caring to all who use the nursery and parents feel comfortable leaving their children in such capable hands. Cindy is also a teacher assistant in the Mother’s Day Out program.

Tom has been a member of Nichols for over 15 years.  As Lay Leader, Tom is responsible be the primary lay representative of the church membership on boards and committees and meets regularly with the pastor to discuss the state of the church and the needs for ministry.  That role includes fostering awareness of their role both inside and outside the congregation to make Christ visible in the world and fostering disciple making efforts.  In addition, he assists the Pastor by filling in leading worship when needed. He also assists during baptisms and when new members join the church. Tom has a vast knowledge of the bible and always willing to share it. Tom has also been a Lay Speaker in the New York Annual Conference of the UMC since 2005 and also a Lay Servant since 2017.

Debbie Packnick is the Director of our Mother’s Day Out Program. Debbie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English at Fairfield University, worked for 6 years in Public Relations for a medical supply company and then chose to stay home and raise her three children.  She kept busy volunteering in the community and through her church and began Directing the Christian Education Program for children, youth and adults at Nichols United Methodist Church in 2002.  She joined the Mother’s Day Out Staff in 2009 and currently serves as Director of the program. 
Email:  debpacknick@gmail.com
Office:  203-377-7518