Mark Glasgow
Executive Leadership - Financial Task Force
Meet Mark! Mark is one of our executive leaders here at Nickel City Church. You’ll find him anywhere from sliding sliders behind the sound booth, to greeting you with a warm smile at the doors, to making important phone calls and writing important emails that keep the mission of NCC moving forward! There’s no job too big or small for Mark; he has a huge heart to serve and truly loves how God is moving at NCC, and is passionate about helping see the plans and purposes come to life!
Mark was born and raised in Lewiston, NY but later moved to North Tonawanda where he and his wife Nicky are raising their two boys!
When Mark was around 18 years old, he knew without a doubt that something was missing in his life. Feeling uneasy about it, he went to church and never looked back! More than religion, he was seeking a real and genuine relationship with God (and thats what he found). One of his favorite things about NCC is the practical applications of the sermons and teachings from Pastor Eli and Deanna…he loves applying what he’s learning about God to his every day life!
Mark is full of logic, tenacity, good dad jokes, and vision. He leads with loyalty, attention to detail, and a desire for God’s very best.
When he isn’t at church you might find him working on his corvette, mowing the lawn, eating mozzarella sticks, living generously or helping a friend in need.
Mark’s Favorite Quote: "Let's celebrate creative failures and rebuke mediocre success."
Mark was born and raised in Lewiston, NY but later moved to North Tonawanda where he and his wife Nicky are raising their two boys!
When Mark was around 18 years old, he knew without a doubt that something was missing in his life. Feeling uneasy about it, he went to church and never looked back! More than religion, he was seeking a real and genuine relationship with God (and thats what he found). One of his favorite things about NCC is the practical applications of the sermons and teachings from Pastor Eli and Deanna…he loves applying what he’s learning about God to his every day life!
Mark is full of logic, tenacity, good dad jokes, and vision. He leads with loyalty, attention to detail, and a desire for God’s very best.
When he isn’t at church you might find him working on his corvette, mowing the lawn, eating mozzarella sticks, living generously or helping a friend in need.
Mark’s Favorite Quote: "Let's celebrate creative failures and rebuke mediocre success."
Nicky Glasgow
Leadership Team - Events/Outreach Director
Say hi to Nicky! Nicky is our Events/Outreach Coordinator here at Nickel City Church.
Nicky was born and raised in Pendleton, NY but later moved to North Tonawanda where she and her husband Mark are raising their two boys (see above).
God became most real to Nicky around a bonfire one night at Bible Camp, but she really started to live for Him most seriously as an adult. Through all life’s ups and downs, Nicky realized only a life lived for God is a life worth while - she actively fights to keep Him front and center by choosing Him and His ways over and over again each and every day.
Nicky leads with authenticity, humility, and a BIG sense of humor. She loves to laugh and have fun while she works, serves, and leads. Nicky pours her whole self into any task or conversation that has her attention…people and places are better after an interaction with Nicky!
When she isn’t at church, you might find her exploring Buffalo on a photography job, spending quality time with her family, writing with a fancy pen in one of her bajillion-to-choose-from notebooks, quickly eating that bagged salad mix (that she bought when she felt motivated) before it dies in the fridge, or secretly savoring one of Pastor Deanna’s chocolate chip cookies.
Nicky’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Nicky was born and raised in Pendleton, NY but later moved to North Tonawanda where she and her husband Mark are raising their two boys (see above).
God became most real to Nicky around a bonfire one night at Bible Camp, but she really started to live for Him most seriously as an adult. Through all life’s ups and downs, Nicky realized only a life lived for God is a life worth while - she actively fights to keep Him front and center by choosing Him and His ways over and over again each and every day.
Nicky leads with authenticity, humility, and a BIG sense of humor. She loves to laugh and have fun while she works, serves, and leads. Nicky pours her whole self into any task or conversation that has her attention…people and places are better after an interaction with Nicky!
When she isn’t at church, you might find her exploring Buffalo on a photography job, spending quality time with her family, writing with a fancy pen in one of her bajillion-to-choose-from notebooks, quickly eating that bagged salad mix (that she bought when she felt motivated) before it dies in the fridge, or secretly savoring one of Pastor Deanna’s chocolate chip cookies.
Nicky’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Phil Thomas
Leadership Team - Worship Director
Meet Phil! Phil leads our worship team here at Nickel City Church. He loves playing instruments and creating music!
He was born in Los Angeles, CA and later grew up in Toronto Canada where his dad pastors a church, and where he later met and married the love of his life, Christina (see below).
God became most real to Phil when he undoubtedly experienced His presence during a church service. It was something so real he couldn’t ignore it- that is a huge reason why Phil is now passionate about leading others into that same powerful presence!
Phil is a full time social worker. He has a heart to help others learn truth, and implements that desire into his leadership style at NCC. He’s excitedly pursuing God and all He has in store for NCC and the Buffalo community! Phil leads with vigor, commitment, and a desire for excellence.
When he isn’t pouring himself out at church, you might find him eating Mexican food, working on a music album, cooking a new recipe, or being a great dad to their son, Judah!
Phil’s favorite Scripture Verse: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
He was born in Los Angeles, CA and later grew up in Toronto Canada where his dad pastors a church, and where he later met and married the love of his life, Christina (see below).
God became most real to Phil when he undoubtedly experienced His presence during a church service. It was something so real he couldn’t ignore it- that is a huge reason why Phil is now passionate about leading others into that same powerful presence!
Phil is a full time social worker. He has a heart to help others learn truth, and implements that desire into his leadership style at NCC. He’s excitedly pursuing God and all He has in store for NCC and the Buffalo community! Phil leads with vigor, commitment, and a desire for excellence.
When he isn’t pouring himself out at church, you might find him eating Mexican food, working on a music album, cooking a new recipe, or being a great dad to their son, Judah!
Phil’s favorite Scripture Verse: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
Christina Abraham-Thomas
Leadership Team
Say hi to Christina! Christina is one of our leaders here at Nickel City Church. She loves planning activities that are fun and full of life. She is passionate about connecting people to God, and meeting practical needs in the community.
Christina was born in Dubai, but grew up in Toronto, Canada where she later met, fell in love with, and married her husband Phil (see above).
Christina first experienced God in a real way when she hit rock bottom at 19 years old. In the midst of suffering addictions and other lows, God sent two women to her door who supernaturally revealed the love of God in her life. She was instantly healed and immediately began pursuing God whole-heartedly!
After Phil and Christina moved here to Buffalo, NY they were compelled to join the NCC community after experiencing the vision, and the people. Christina now leads here with truth, wisdom, and a sense of humor!
When Christina isn’t at church or preaching a Sunday morning sermon, you might find her eating (probably lobster or cake), fighting social justice issues, hunting for bargains, scrapbooking, or being a mom to her kiddos.
Christina’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Christina was born in Dubai, but grew up in Toronto, Canada where she later met, fell in love with, and married her husband Phil (see above).
Christina first experienced God in a real way when she hit rock bottom at 19 years old. In the midst of suffering addictions and other lows, God sent two women to her door who supernaturally revealed the love of God in her life. She was instantly healed and immediately began pursuing God whole-heartedly!
After Phil and Christina moved here to Buffalo, NY they were compelled to join the NCC community after experiencing the vision, and the people. Christina now leads here with truth, wisdom, and a sense of humor!
When Christina isn’t at church or preaching a Sunday morning sermon, you might find her eating (probably lobster or cake), fighting social justice issues, hunting for bargains, scrapbooking, or being a mom to her kiddos.
Christina’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Ian Ivancic
Executive Leadership - Media Director
Meet Ian! He’s our Media Director here at Nickel City Church, but his heart and talents don't start and end there! He and his wife Chelsea (see below) grew up in Niagara Falls, NY and met at NFHS where they became high school sweethearts (awww).
Ian works full time as an engineer. He’s detail oriented, down to earth, and enjoys playing and watching sports.
Ian experienced God in a real and genuine way for the first time at 13 years old during a youth retreat. Even though he grew up in church, his journey with God became most alive and active to him after he started attending NCC and dove all in. He is not only passionate about leading his team at the church, but leading people to know the goodness of God!
When he’s not at the church serving or leading projects, you might find him creating excel spread sheets for fun, watching The Office with his wife, being a dad, or cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
Ian’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 19:11
Ian works full time as an engineer. He’s detail oriented, down to earth, and enjoys playing and watching sports.
Ian experienced God in a real and genuine way for the first time at 13 years old during a youth retreat. Even though he grew up in church, his journey with God became most alive and active to him after he started attending NCC and dove all in. He is not only passionate about leading his team at the church, but leading people to know the goodness of God!
When he’s not at the church serving or leading projects, you might find him creating excel spread sheets for fun, watching The Office with his wife, being a dad, or cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
Ian’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 19:11
Chelsea Ivancic
Leadership Team - Online Communications Director
Say hi to Chelsea! She’s one of our leaders here at NCC and is married to Ian (see above).
She oversees all of our online communications from social media, to emails and even our website and app! But on a Sunday you can catch her either on a mic or behind a camera... say cheese!!!
Chelsea is fun and full of creativity. She is passionate about pursuing God and the fullness of who He is and all He has in store for us.
God first became real to her when she started attending church with Ian and his family during high school. Since then, she has placed Him at the center of her life and fully embraced Him. For that reason, Chelsea leads with humility, grace, and a strong confidence of who God is!
When she isn’t at church, you might find her crafting, thrifting, pranking Ian, or being a mom to their son Carter and daughter Annie!
Chelsea’s favorite Scripture Verse: “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!" Psalm 113:3
She oversees all of our online communications from social media, to emails and even our website and app! But on a Sunday you can catch her either on a mic or behind a camera... say cheese!!!
Chelsea is fun and full of creativity. She is passionate about pursuing God and the fullness of who He is and all He has in store for us.
God first became real to her when she started attending church with Ian and his family during high school. Since then, she has placed Him at the center of her life and fully embraced Him. For that reason, Chelsea leads with humility, grace, and a strong confidence of who God is!
When she isn’t at church, you might find her crafting, thrifting, pranking Ian, or being a mom to their son Carter and daughter Annie!
Chelsea’s favorite Scripture Verse: “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!" Psalm 113:3
Jada Wise
Executive Leadership - Service Manager
Say hi to Jada! Jada is one of our leaders here at NCC. You'll often see her front and center on the microphone, but she also does a lot of valuable behind the scenes work for the church!
Jada was born in Cape May, New Jersey but later moved to central PA where she eventually met and married her husband Zack.
Jada didn’t grow up in church, but discovered who God was later on when she branched off on her own attending Liberty University. Feeling lost and confused, she found herself when she found God, and committed to living a life that honors Him. One of her favorite things about NCC is an environment that cultivates meaningful relationships that challenge her to grow.
Jada is fun, down to earth, and easy to talk to. She leads with dedication, excellence, and a desire for godliness.
When she isn’t at church, you might find her going for runs or lifting weights, eating fudge-y brownies, or enjoying motherhood as she raises their son, Roman.
Jada’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Jada was born in Cape May, New Jersey but later moved to central PA where she eventually met and married her husband Zack.
Jada didn’t grow up in church, but discovered who God was later on when she branched off on her own attending Liberty University. Feeling lost and confused, she found herself when she found God, and committed to living a life that honors Him. One of her favorite things about NCC is an environment that cultivates meaningful relationships that challenge her to grow.
Jada is fun, down to earth, and easy to talk to. She leads with dedication, excellence, and a desire for godliness.
When she isn’t at church, you might find her going for runs or lifting weights, eating fudge-y brownies, or enjoying motherhood as she raises their son, Roman.
Jada’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
James Murphy
Leadership Team - Facilities Manager
Meet James! On a Sunday morning you'll find James greeting you with a smile and a hug at the door or waving to everyone on the side of the road before service. But throughout the week you will find him leading a team that not only maintains and improves our current building, but our future one too!
James was born in Tallahassee, Florida where he became a Florida Gators fan, but soon after moving up to Buffalo was adopted into the Buffalo Bills fan base!
God first became real to James when he was 18 years old. Facing down some giants in his life James felt helpless, so he made the decision to turn his life over to God. God immediately showed up in ways that only God could and since then, James has never looked back and continues to passionately pursue and serve God with his whole heart!
When James isn't at church you can find him reading, building models, or spending quality time with his family!
James’ Favorite Scripture Verse: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him." Job 13:15
James was born in Tallahassee, Florida where he became a Florida Gators fan, but soon after moving up to Buffalo was adopted into the Buffalo Bills fan base!
God first became real to James when he was 18 years old. Facing down some giants in his life James felt helpless, so he made the decision to turn his life over to God. God immediately showed up in ways that only God could and since then, James has never looked back and continues to passionately pursue and serve God with his whole heart!
When James isn't at church you can find him reading, building models, or spending quality time with his family!
James’ Favorite Scripture Verse: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him." Job 13:15
Jerin Abraham
Leadership Team - Graphics Team
Meet Jerin! He is one of our leaders here at NCC and oversees our graphics team!
Jerin was born and raised in Long Island, NY and then ventured to Buffalo to attend University at Buffalo for a degree in Engineering. After graduation he realized he made Buffalo "home" and we are so grateful for that!
Jerin grew up in church but God truly became real to him shortly after he started serving on the worship team. Although Jerin is a gifted musician, he realized that to truly glorify God he needed to be led by Him in all areas of his life, even in worship!
Jerin learned that to truly lead others well he first needed to be led by the one who created Him! Because of this, Jerin leads with such humility, gentleness and grace!
When Jerin is not jamming out on the electric guitar Sunday mornings or designing the latest church graphics, you can find him traveling to new places, hiking or programing!
Jerin’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22
Jerin was born and raised in Long Island, NY and then ventured to Buffalo to attend University at Buffalo for a degree in Engineering. After graduation he realized he made Buffalo "home" and we are so grateful for that!
Jerin grew up in church but God truly became real to him shortly after he started serving on the worship team. Although Jerin is a gifted musician, he realized that to truly glorify God he needed to be led by Him in all areas of his life, even in worship!
Jerin learned that to truly lead others well he first needed to be led by the one who created Him! Because of this, Jerin leads with such humility, gentleness and grace!
When Jerin is not jamming out on the electric guitar Sunday mornings or designing the latest church graphics, you can find him traveling to new places, hiking or programing!
Jerin’s Favorite Scripture Verse: “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22