Lawrence (Larry) A. Nichols

Our Home in Jackson                              Byron Center UMC Parsonage
921 Roselle                                            8650 Meadowhaven Dr. SW
Jackson, MI 49201                                  Byron Center, MI 49315
Cell (517) 745-4224                                Phone (616) 878-9739
Email - nichols.larry64@comcast.net

About me;

 
I was born and raised in Jackson County Michigan. I was the second child in a family of 5 (2 brothers & 2 sisters). I attended the schools of Napoleon, Hanover/Horton and Jackson High school. In the tenth grade I met a red-haired girl named Sally who became my High school sweetheart and then my wife. Sally and I were blessed with two daughters Kerry & Michele.

We graduated from Jackson Parkside High school in June of 1964. In April of 1965 I began serving active duty in the Navy CBs as a Steel Worker and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. I returned home in April of 1967 and in May began my career working as a Carpenter/Lather. I invited Christ in and committed my life to him in my mother’s kitchen at a family gathering in the early 1970s.

 
My “Call” to pulpit ministry came during the worship service at Jackson Trinity UMC on Easter Sunday in 1977. I understood God’s “Call” to mean, that I could become a (part time) Local Pastor, which allowed me to continue my career as a Carpenter/Lather while serving small churches part time. I began serving the Waterloo 1st and Waterloo Village United Methodist Churches in June of 1978. I served the Waterloo Charge through February of 1988. As a Local Pastor I obtained my much needed education as I went, (License to Preach and some College courses). I completed the Local Pastor’s Course of Study School in August of 1988. I requested some time off and was not under appointment for the next few years. As God nudged me fresh and new, I was then appointed to Jackson Zion United Methodist Church (part time) February 1, 1994.

 
On February 3rd 1998 Sally died from complications from Lupus. In November of 1999, I re-met an old high-school friend, Linda. (Sally’s best friend in her growing-up years) Linda and I began dating and were married June 10th 2000. Linda and I together have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

 
I retired from the Carpenter trade in November of 2002, and in January of 2003 I sensed God’s new “Call” to full-time pulpit ministry. I was then appointed to serve the Hersey United Methodist Church July 1, 2003. After 7 years at Hersey, God “Called” me to serve (July 1, 2010) this place called the Byron Center United Methodist Church.

I look forward to the new adventures God has in store for us here at Byron Center.