Although I was Baptized in the living room of our family home (which is now my family’s home) and not here at St. John’s, St. John’s has always been my church home. My mom (some of you might remember her, Helen Weida) brought me to Sunday School here when I was a little girl. We came to church together. It was my mom who introduced me to God. I remember as a young girl looking through a small Bible that she kept on her dresser. Certain pages were marked with pretty book marks and dried flowers and one day I asked her why those pages were marked. She shared with me that when my dad went off to World War II there were certain passages that she would read every night, praying to God that he would come home safely. Although wounded, her prayers were answered. Her faith was very important to her and she instilled in me the importance of having faith in my life. I should say that although my dad (Philip) didn’t regularly come to church with us I’m sure his faith was there too. He made me laugh with his rendition of “We Will Gather at the River”, singing it out while playing the song on my organ. I was also Confirmed at St. John’s (a BIG thank you to Fern Druckenmiller who was one of my teachers). As I grew up and found my best friend forever, my husband Billy, we were married here in 1985 by Pastor Forester. Our two daughters, Danielle (now 28) and Brianna (now 24), were Baptized here (the three of us wore my dad’s Baptismal gown) and went through Sunday School and Confirmation just as I did. I started teaching Sunday School when my girls were in elementary school and I am still enjoying teaching some 18 years later. About 2 years ago I became a Communion Assistant. Since I’m an early riser the 8am service is where you will find me. Outside of church I am busy with my family, friends, and my two jobs. One as a veterinary receptionist and the other as an instructional assistant working with Kindergarteners. I also take a ceramics class (since 1985) and have recently discovered that I like to look for hidden treasures at flea markets. I’m not sure how else I will become involved at St. John’s. There are so many things that need to be done. One thing I know for sure is that St. John’s has always been an important part of my life and that won’t ever change.

I met Suzanne ten years ago when her husband passed away and she attended one of our Grief Groups in Emmaus. Since that first meeting, Suzanne and I have become good friends…and several years ago, she decided to join our church family.

Suzanne, who has two grown children and four beautiful grandchildren, really embraced our life here at St. John’s.

She has served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Stewardship Committee and Church Council. She was also active on the Sunday School Committee and helped to add many good ideas for our programs.

She currently serves as a Lector, a Gift Presenter and was also a Eucharistic visitor distributing communion to our members who are residing in nursing homes.

As soon as you get to know Suzanne, you will see that she is full of energy, joy and always has a beautiful smile for others. She easily reaches out to others and always has the time to listen when she is needed. I am so happy that Suzanne is a friend and member of our church.

–Sylvia Havlish

St. John’s Lutheran church is a large part of my childhood memories. Memories of not only attending church and Sunday School but also the fun activities my family participated in like decorating the church for Christmas, Christmas caroling, acolyting, singing in the junior choir, teaching Sunday School and VBS and cleaning the church kitchen. These activities are considered volunteering, but for me it was just part of my childhood and what it meant to be a member of St. John’s and spend time with my family and friends.

As an adult I have been a youth group advisor, GIFT committee member, helped with the church website-social media and church council member. My husband, Brian, and I are raising our daughter, Madelyn in the church and hopefully instilling in her the importance of not only having faith and attending church but participating and being an active member of St. John’s.

St. John’s needs more people to volunteer their talents and help on committees. Please consider helping in any way you can.