Staff

Darren Cushman-Wood •Senior Pastor

Darren is a graduate of the University of Evansville and Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He was born and raised in Avon, Indiana. Darren and his wife, Ginny, have three children.

Darren also serves as the Associate District Superintendent of the Central District. He is an instructor in the Extension School Course of Study for local pastors, a board member of the Interfaith Worker Justice, and a delegate to 2004 and 2008 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. He is an adjunct professor of labor studies for Indiana University and an instructor in the Local Pastor Extension School in the Indiana Annual Conference.

Beginning March 1, Darren will be reappointed senior minister of North UMC in Indianapolis. His last Sunday at Speedway will be February 26.

Darren is also the author of “Blue Collar Jesus: How Christianity Supports Workers Rights” and a contributor to "A Worker Justice Reader" and has written numerous articles.

Allen Burke • Music Director

Allen was born and raised in Indianapolis. He is married to Melanie and together they have three children and four grandchildren. Allen attended Indiana Central College where he studied music at Arthur Jordan College of Music at Butler University.

Allen has performed nationally and internationally for 30 years (1972-2002) as Musical Director for multi-gold record recording artists, The Spinners,
and Marvin Gaye. Allen has been the Musical Director at Speedway United Methodist Church since April 2002.

Janice Self joined the Speedway United Methodist Church as the Administrative Assistiant in 1999. She has chaired the Mission Committee, and been a helper with the Preschool Sunday School Class and has been an active participant of the adult drama group.  She is currently secretary of United Methodist Women at Speedway.  Janice has taken many bible studies and has co- lead a Disciple I class. She is a Member of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries.  She has two daughters, four grandsons and two granddaughters. In her spare time she enjoys western-style square and round dancing and likes to travel.