“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 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… First Presbyterian Church of Bradford for lovingly supporting their co-pastors, Revs. Rob Klouw and Katherine Randall, during a challenging season in their lives. Many of you know that our friend and colleague, Rev. Rob Klouw, spent Holy Week 2025 in the hospital, the first part of July 2025 back at the hospital for major open heart surgery, and returned to the hospital at the end of August 2025 for an additional two-week stay with infection and complications. That doesn’t even touch the special treatments and I.V. antibiotics that have followed him home. Meanwhile, Rob and Katherine’s children have continued to experience health issues requiring frequent doctor’s appointments in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Erie, and Philadelphia. It’s been a bear of a year for the Randall-Klouw family and all the prayers you have lifted in their support are appreciated. Through it all, they have preached (particularly Katherine) inspired and excellent sermons and cared for their people. Their ministry has been supplemented by members of the congregation who have gone the extra mile and who have helped maintain the church while the pastors have been less available. Members have not complained. They have not cried for “normal” work hours. They have only demonstrated loving concern and support, seeking ways to ease the burden on their pastoral leadership. Bravo, Presbyterians at Bradford, for living together as the body of Christ and ministering to one another in the way Christ intends.
Attention Ladies – Please join us for a “Dutch treat” lunch and fellowship. There will be no meeting – just conversation and connecting with PW from our Presbytery. All women are welcome! Friday, October 17th at Venango Valley Inn at 12 noon, 21217 Church St., Venango, Pa. 16440. To make a reservation, please contact Karen Haas at karenhaas79@gmail.com or 814-397-1619 by October 12th.
This fall we will celebrate the 50th Erie County CROP Hunger Walk. The event will take place on Sunday, September 28th at Presque Isle. It will start and conclude in the Beach 1 parking lot with registration beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the Walk kicking off at 2.
rian Johnson and the “Bubble Up” team, participated in a workday at one of the current “builds” going on with the Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity on June 17.
rted by Brian Johnson, Brent and Randy Walker worked together as a team and cut trim and fabricated some woodwork in the house.
Joanne Walker painted touch-ups and trim. Pastor Jim McCormack and Brian worked in tight quarters installing wire shelving in bedroom closets. Alan Sweet and his crew took care of business by installing stair treads and quarter-round trim around the flooring. Shari Gould also participated in installing closet shelving. A lot of progress was made! Many thanks to Brian Johnson, Pastor Jim, Shari Gould, Alan Sweet (and two of his crew members), Randy Walker, and Brent and Joann Walker.