Our Staff | Eastlawn United Methodist Church

Rev. Nance Hixon

Pastor

Nance Hixon is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. He has pastored congregations in Mississippi since 2012, serving in Natchez and Sumrall before coming to Eastlawn. He loves the Bible and helping others bump into God's Spirit. Nance is married to Emily and they have been blessed with two wonderful little girls: Noah and Sojourner (Jo). Nance is a proud LSU Tiger, although he doesn't judge (much), and an alum of Duke Divinity School. He is a lifelong nerd and enjoys reading and indoor rock climbing, but you can usually find him spending time with his family.

Adam Swedenburg

Children & Youth Director

Adam Swedenburg serves as the Children and Youth Director at Eastlawn United Methodist Church. He has been in ministry since 2017 and is passionate about walking alongside the next generation, helping kids and students discover the hope and love of Jesus. Adam has a heart for connecting with young people not only in church but also in their schools and communities, where he regularly shows up to encourage and support them.

Adam is married to Brandi, and together they are parents to their son, Timothy James (Tj). In addition to his work at Eastlawn, Adam is an EMT, extending his call to serve beyond the church walls and into the community.

He loves creating fun, meaningful opportunities for children and youth to grow in their faith. When he isn’t teaching, planning events, or cheering on students, you can often find him enjoying time with his family, singing with daycare kids, or fueling up with his favorite frappe.

Adam is a proud Auburn fan, while Brandi cheers for Alabama—making football season in their house a lively one!

Lashunda Taulbee

Administrative Assistant

Lashunda Taulbee serves as our church secretary.

Brenda McCormick

Child Development Center Director

Brenda McCormick serves as the Director of Eastlawn Christian Development Center (ECDC), a role she has held since January 2014. Raised in Pascagoula, Brenda attended the University of Southern Mississippi, earning an Associate’s Degree in Human Resources and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

Brenda has worked with children for most of her life and feels called by God to this ministry. She and her dedicated staff provide a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where children are taught and prepared for their journey to kindergarten. Every day, they strive to give each child a lasting foundation in both education and faith.

When she isn’t leading at ECDC, Brenda enjoys spending time with family and contributing to her community, always seeking ways to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

Doug Wall

Chancel Choir Director

Doug is a native of George County, Mississippi and a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi School of Music with advanced studied in sacred music, choral conducting, and vocal performance. He served as Director of Music and Worship at United Methodist Churches in Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas before retiring from First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro, Arkansas and returning to "the farm" in Agricola. In addition to working with the talented singers and ringers at Eastlawn United Methodist Church. Doug enjoys working in the yard, doing genealogical research, and traveling.

David Westfaul

Pianist & Organist

David has been providing musical accompaniment and arrangements for Eastlawn since 1990. A native of Moss Point currently living in Pascagoula, he is a graduate of The University of Mississippi. David is married to Janice, of Franklin, LA and they have two children Tyler (Laura) Westfaul and Katie Scott (Adam) Parr. David likes to spoil his grandson, Oliver Parr, as well as his granddaughter Collins Westfaul and Millie Parr.

Emily Hixon

Children's Ministry Assistant

Emily Hixon is the wife of Rev. Nance Hixon and the proud mama of her daughters Sojourner and Noah Jane. She is very excited to be serving Eastlawn UMC as the Children's Ministry Assistant. Emily graduated from LSU with a bachelor's in religion and literature in 2011 and from USM with a master's in library and information science in 2019. She loves reading and learning about all kinds of subjects, going to sci-fi conventions, doing handicrafts, and spending time with her girls (and Nance).

Amy Davis

Nursery

Amy started working in the Eastlawn nursery on Mother's Day, May 13, 2007. "I really enjoy taking care of the babies in the nursey every Sunday. It is a joy to watch them grow up and then get promoted to our Upper Room Children's Ministry" Amy has had a daycare in her home since 2006.