Rev. Mary Eileen Spence
Pastor of Parish Care
Office: 317-773-2590
Favorite Movie
Gone with the Wind because this was one of the first epic movies I watched with my mom.
Favorite TV Show
Right now … Victoria on PBS and Madame Secretary on CBS
Favorite Music
Neil Diamond, Elton John and the Beatles
Favorite Book
Dan Brown’s latest book. His books intrigue me. The last one I read was Origin.
Favorite Bible verse
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.
You did not choose me, but I chose you.” John 15-16a
Family
Spouse—Don who is a self-employed Financial Consultant. We have three children and grandchildren: Jennifer and her children—Alexandria, David, Amanda and Sam; Zachary married to Jill and their daughters—Kayla, Jenna and Autumn; and Jacob married to Lecia.
Hobbies
Walking, reading, boating, travel and spending time with family and friends.
What do you like about Noblesville?
It is in the Indianapolis metropolitan area but not in the city itself so we can benefit from what Noblesville offers and what Indianapolis offers.
What led you into ministry?
My desire to let others know how much God loves us and cares for us no matter what.
What led you to Noblesville First?
We moved to this area and were looking for a church to attend and specifically a United Methodist Church since I am a retired elder in the United Methodist Church.
What do you like most about Noblesville First?
All the opportunities to serve God through the ministries of this church. We also feel the congregation is welcoming.
What do you like most about your job?
It gives me the opportunity to serve others one-on-one as I interact with others in a pastoral role. Whether it is a joyful occasion, a stressful situation or sorrowful situation I strive to bring God’s love, peace, hope, joy and comfort in some small way to those I give pastoral care. I truly enjoy meeting people even when the circumstances may not always be the best.
What are the greatest challenges in your work?
Learning names! Besides learning names, one of the other challenges is learning and remembering people’s stories so I can learn how best how to meet their pastoral needs. Another challenge is working together with other Parish Care Team members so we may be effective in doing the Lord’s work as we care for God’s people as this team in this place and time. I should say I think we are off to a good start.
Work experience prior to Noblesville First.
Ministry is a second career for me. I am a retried elder who served 5 churches over a period of 22 years, all in the United Methodist Church in the northern half of Indiana. In my first career I worked for the Farmer’s Home Administration, a lending agency in the United States Department of Agriculture. My primary focus was to help farmers develop farming plans and determine how much the agency could lend to them. I have walked many a farm. As you can see, between my two careers, I have always been in the business or ministry of helping others, especially one-on-one.