“I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason, I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1: 15-16
Presbytery Friends, Every morning I wake up grateful for the love of Christ being expressed through faithful disciples in our Lake Erie Presbytery. Every day my prayers are full of joy for your commitment and service. In my role as General Presbyter, I am privileged to see a broad view of church life in this presbytery. I see ordinary acts of faith expressed consistently year after year. I also see extraordinary expressions of loving service. Both often go largely unnoticed as dedicated Christians quietly serve in Christ’s name without fanfare or applause. With this in mind, I started “Anita Applauds.” Every month, I will highlight a mission or ministry of one of our churches that valiantly reflects the love of Christ. I hope that you will join me in giving thanks for these ministries.
This month, Anita Applauds . . . the Rev. Dr. Daniel M. Corll. A minister member of the Presbytery of Lake Erie, Dan was recognized as Distinguished Alumnus in Pastoral Ministry by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary this Fall (see the full story here). This honor resonates with those of us who have witnessed his ministry at work in recent years too. We have seen the care, compassion, diligence, and excellence with which Dan has pastored God’s people. Though Honorably Retired in 2019 after a 27-year pastorate at Mt. Pleasant UPC in Pittsburgh Presbytery, Dan has served First Presbyterian Church in Meadville since 10/1/2019, first as a part-time Associate Pastor of Visitation and then as a full-time Interim Pastor since 9/1/2023. He and his wife, Debbie Satterlee Corll, are also veterans of earlier ministries in the Lake Erie Presbytery in churches like Watson Run, Union City, and Titusville. They are thoroughly a part of us in the nicest way! Congratulations, Dan, on receiving this recognition from your seminary. Hear also the gratitude from your presbytery for these many years of faithful service! Thank you.
General Presbyter Rev. Anita Bernhardt – Presbytery of Lake Erie