St. John’s has been my spiritual home for 38 years and is a place that has offered me peace, joy, friendship, and support when needed. My children were at church most Sundays and enjoyed all the activities related to that. They have fond memories of the activities during preparation for confirmation. Stephen and Julie served as acolytes not without some amusing events. Julie also was quite funny as a toddler when she dressed as a lamb for the Advent Pageant and was up at the communion rail swinging on it. Stephen and another boy teased the Davises girls when they were processing into church carrying lit candles.

We have had several family funerals at St. John’s and I do not know how I would have survived without the love and support from my church family when dealing with the sudden unexpected death of my wonderful son, Stephen.

I have served as an LEM for many years, have been a lay reader, and was on the vestry several times over the years. I serve on the Outreach Committee. I served for a couple of years on the Diocesan Substance Abuse Committee and also attended the special services for alcohol awareness which was wonderful because it brought in members of the AA and Al-Anon groups which meet weekly at St. John’s. I also was a member of the discernment committee for the two times when we were searching for a new priest. those groups were meaningful experiences for me and we were so delighted when we found Pastor Tammy, who has been an inspiration.

I have participated in the Crop Walk for over 30 years and it is always a rewarding experience. I have been involved with the Jesse Tree program for many years when we support needy children from the local community with gifts and most recently coats which Family and Children’s Services requested. Our parishioners are very generous.

Bob and I have been delivering donations to St. Brigid’s food pantry associated with St. James Church in Long Branch for many years and the donations are always so appreciated.

St. John’s truly is a place that had broadened my spiritual growth and the warm, friendly members hold a special place in my heart. - Hazel Kelly