Grace United Methodist Church
...Experience Grace
REV. LEANNE NOLAND
Directing Pastor
Following a career in television news, Leanne found herself at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. She went on to earn her Master of Divinity degree in 2012 and was later ordained as an elder in full connection in 2015.
Her favorite things to do outside of church include: making up ridiculous dance moves with her 9-year-old niece Claire and 6-year-old nephew Brooks, shooting and editing videos/photos, anything involving musical theater, painting, practicing the ukulele, being an advocate for the mental health community, and attempting to exercise.
Leanne currently resides with her furry children: Ivy, a six-year-old American Eskimo who enjoys shaking hands and barking at leaves; Oliver Sebastian, a one-year-old Chinese Crested whose wild hair makes him look like a Baroque-era composer; Scotland Fitzgerald, a handsome tabby cat commonly seen sporting a bow tie; Penelope Marie, a sweet grey/black domesticate shorthair and the only normal one of the family. Finally, there's the three-year-old tortoise named Theodore (Teddy). He’s not one for long conversations.
Leanne knows God has appointed her to Grace UMC for “such a time as this”. She is truly excited to call Nashville “home” and to live out all that God has planned for the faithful Grace Church community!
Zach is a recent graduate from Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary, where he earned his Masters of Divinity. He also holds an undergraduate degree
in Pastoral Ministry from Greenville University and experi- ence as a Youth Director.
Zach's wife, Laura, is a Spanish teacher at Wesclin High School.
Together, they share their home with two delightful companions. First, there's Barry, the lively and sociable golden-doodle who loves being around people. However, Barry's manners might need a bit of work—he's been known to let out a burp or two in people's faces. But hey, we all have our quirks, right?
And then we have Loki, the resident fat and lazy feline and Barry’s older brother. Loki may not be the most active kitty on the block, preferring a life of leisure and relaxation. But don't let his laziness fool you—when it comes to mealtime, Loki becomes quite the demanding connoisseur. He has a knack for reminding Zach and Laura, with unwavering persistence, that it's feeding time, regardless of the hour. Who can resist those persuasive meows?
When Zach isn't immersed in theological studies, he finds solace in outdoor adventures, staying active, enjoying movies, board game nights, and diving headfirst into the captivating world of superheroes. Cherishing quality time with his loved ones, Zach also welcomes the opportunity to connect with new faces over a casual lunch or a steaming cup of coffee.
Zach and Laura are thrilled to be part of the family at Grace UMC, and to navigate the path of faith together by sharing in uplifting others through love, compassion, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
ZACH DAVIS
Associate Minister of Youth and Families
THE GRACE UMC STAFF
LINDA SUMMERS
Administrative Assistant
Linda retired as the Director of the Nashville Public Library before starting as the financial secretary at Grace UMC. She has been a member of Grace UMC since 1993, when her family moved to Nashville. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology: Social Work from the University of Idaho and a Library Technician Assistant certificate from Lewis & Clark Community College. Linda is married to Will Summer. They have three grown children and one new grand baby.
BECKY STYNINGER
Director of Music and Worship
Becky is a native of Mattoon, Illinois and attended Millikin University where she studied music. She and Mark were married in 1987 and have 3 children; Brock, Bryce and Bridget. Becky is the owner and operator of Becky's Music Studio in Nashville where she teaches piano. She also serves as the music director at Nashville Primary School and is a church pianist. She is a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Nashville and loves music and playing the piano. Her other hobbies include watching the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas Jayhawks, traveling, and spending time with her twin grandbabies.
MICHAEL REYNOLDS
Custodian
Meet Michael, our resident Mr. Clean at the church! Armed with a degree in Supply Chain Management and a knack for wrangling databases, he's like the Sherlock Holmes of logistics. But life threw him a curveball in 2023, leaving him jobless. What did he do? Well, with his trusty sidekick (his wife, Wynnie), they embarked on a home business adventure while Michael became the coolest school bus driver in town, courtesy of Robinson Transportation.
Now, with their nest officially empty (except for their furry zoo – three dogs and two cats), Michael is the undisputed ruler of the fishing waters. But beware, his catches are so scarce that if we relied on them for sustenance, we'd be on a strict diet of air and sunshine! Yet, he keeps casting his line, not for the big catch, but for the sheer serenity of being one with Mother Nature. Catch him if you can, but make sure to bring your own snacks!
