William Lake: Steward of the Month: November 2018

As a child, I regularly attended a small Lutheran church in Smethport, located in rural McKean County, Pennsylvania. It was there that my seed of faith was planted and began to grow. I remember even now, many years later, meeting for First Communion and Confirmation classes. Lenten Breakfast services were held weekly with members of the neighboring Episcopal and Methodist Churches. Being in a small church, in a small town, meant that class sizes for Sunday School and Confirmation were relatively small, and likewise the pool of acolytes was also small. Nonetheless, we always had at least two acolytes at a service, and sometimes as many as six on special occasions. It was a pleasure to serve in that way. Our church actually shared a Pastor with a neighboring Lutheran Church in Port Allegany, ten miles away. Because of this, some Church functions, classes, and special events were held in conjunction with our fellow congregation. These factors all provided me with an opportunity to make new friends, provide service to the Church, and ultimately grow in Christ. During this time in my life, a foundation of both service to the Church and the Community was laid which ultimately (and literally) led to where and who I am today, not only as a Lutheran, but also as a husband, father, and police officer.

My wife, Maureen, and I joined Saint John’s approximately 14 years ago, shortly after we moved from South Allentown to our home in Emmaus. I distinctly remember our very first visit to Saint John’s and Harvey McGarry introducing himself to us after the service. That first visit was only the beginning, and since then, we have formed many more friendships and become part of the Saint John’s family. It has also been a pleasure to serve the Church in some small yet rewarding ways, as a Greeter, Gift Presenter, and Reader. Since joining the congregation at Saint John’s, our own family has grown, and Maureen and I have introduced our two sons, Griffin and Austin to the Church. Much of what our boys experience now at Saint John’s is reminiscent of what I experienced at a young age at Trinity Lutheran Church in Smethport. This not only makes me proud, but also provides me with an assurance that our boys will grow up with the same values and beliefs that I grew up with, and also be of service to their Church and community as they continue in their faith.