“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 have created this monthly column called “Anita Applauds.” I hope that you will join me in giving thanks for these ministries.

This month, Anita Applauds . . our Lake Erie Presbytery Moderator, Ruling Elder Jim Ohrn of Church of the Cross. On June 23, 2026, Jim received a prestigious award for board organizational leadership called the Charles H. Bracken Excellence in Nonprofit Governance Award from Presbyterian Senior Care. Jim has been the Chair of the Lake Erie Presbyterian Senior Care Board for many years and was recognized for his consistent excellence in leadership. It reminds me of the consistency of another dynamic – that those who lead in our presbytery (as Moderators, Vice Moderators, Committee Moderators or Chairs, Treasurers, officers, and members of LEP committees) are often serving their communities in additional meaningful leadership. Congratulations, Jim, and thank you for all our LEP leaders whose witness to Christ goes beyond their local churches, the presbytery, and into the world beyond. Your loving service and leadership are much appreciated!

Rev. Anita Bernhardt – General Presbyter / Presbytery of Lake Erie

For July and August, Church of the Cross, Fairview is collecting items for Church World Service (CWS) Disaster Kits. Early this year, Church of the Cross (COTC) became a disaster relief kit distribution depot for Church World Service (CWS)!

CWS sends volunteer teams supplied with disaster relief kits to aid those in need and who have lost everything to natural disasters, emergencies and conflicts.

In high demand are hygiene kits and Period packs. Please help us to collect the following supplies:

Church World Service Hygiene Kit:

Please include the following: washcloths, fingernail /toenail clippers, bath bar soap, toothbrushes & travel toothpaste, travel size deodorant, travel lotion (fragrance free), travel shampoo and sturdy wide toothed combs.

Church World Service Period Packs:

Please include the following:Two-2oz bottles of hand sanitizer,4 gallon bathroom trash bags (whole box), travel pack of antibacterial wipes, flushable wipes (unscented), regular absorbency tampons (whole box), super absorbency tampons (whole box), sanitary pads (whole box—unscented), bath bar soap (avoid Ivory or Jergens), and laundry sheets (whole box—fragrance free).

All donations need to have a Mission Slip. Please complete a Mission Slip after you drop off your donations.

All churches are invited to participate in our mission project in any way they choose. Supplies can be dropped off at the church office any time between now and August 31, 2026. If you give us advance notice, we can also collect supplies from any church in Erie County! The Church of the Cross is located at  5901 Millfair Road, Fairview, PA 16415. Contact the church  to help with this mission project and to drop items office for the disaster kit depot.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a Vacation Bible School (VBS) mission project, small groups, youth activities, or anyone who wants to get involved.  Additionally, everyone is welcome to join us for the “Summer of Love” Packing Party on Sunday, September 13, at 11:30 a.m. in the Church of the Cross gym. Questions? Call the COTC at 814-835-5901.

Help give a warm welcome to our two Guests – Rev. Josh Heikkila who continues to serve in Ghana as a mission companion and liaison through the PCUSA Ghana Mission Network. Josh will be in the Lake Erie Presbytery area from July 10 – Aug 3, and Rev. Dr. Denis Mawunyo Adufuli, who is ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, and currently Director of Programs and Operations of the Center For Religion and Public Life Center For Religion And Public Life – Diversity, Inclusion, Equality, Equity, Tolerance, Integrity, Independence and Excellence. Denis will be here July 10-14.

It would be great for Josh and Denis to meet representatives from as many of our Lake Erie Presbytery Congregations as we can! Events and gatherings are planned across the Presbytery.

Wednesday July 22

10 am – WOW (Worship on Wednesdays) at New Beginnings Church of God 13226 Leslie Road in Meadville. This is a beautiful worship experience with different abled siblings and caretakers. Please contact Rose Hilliard for more information rosemhilliard@gmail.com.

11:30 am – Lunch at Hoss’s, 18817 Smock Hwy, Meadville 16335. Conversations on global and local mission engagement and sharing faith across cultures. RSVPs helpful, Rose Hilliard rosemhilliard@gmail.com.

 

Wednesday,  July 22

6 pm Dinner & Conversation on Josh’s new role, changes in PCUSA and world mission, and Lake Erie Presbytery’s Ghana Partnership. Contact Donna Cammarata donna.camm@gmail.com 814-873-4860 for location.

 

Thursday,  July 30

1-2 pm Presentation on Josh’s work in Ghana, what he has learned from his time there, and how mission has changed over the years. Springhill Senior Living Community 2323 Edinboro Rd Erie 16509. Kindly RSVP to David Fugate dfugate@asbury.org 814-860-7045.

Sunday, Aug 2

Thank you & Send off Luncheon. Plans still being made. Contact Donna for more information.

Dates still available to connect with Josh: July 28-31. Consider inviting Josh to a breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or an event to help him enjoy our local areas and get to know more of our congregations and members. Reach out to Donna to make arrangements. Donna Cammarata donna.camm@gmail.com 814-873-4860.

More on Rev. Joshua Heikkila and Rev. Dr. Denis Mawunyo Adufuli:

Rev. Joshua Heikkila is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA). After serving in Ghana over 16 years as PCUSA Mission Co-worker and West Africa Regional Liaison, Josh has transitioned to serving as Facilitator for the PCUSA Ghana Mission Network. He continues his presence and ministries with Partners in Ghana, and his connectional role in cross-cultural and mission collaboration with Ghana Partners in the USA.Josh has played an instrumental role in facilitating the initiation and ongoing nurturing of the Lake Erie Presbytery’s Partnership with the Upper Northern Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana.

Rev. Dr. Denis Mawunyo Adufuli is an ordained minister of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana,, and a researcher at the Missionsakademie, University of Hamburg, Germany, with Religion and Society as his focus area. He attended and presented papers at both local and international conferences and seminars on Religion and Development, Mission and Partnership, Christian-Muslim Relations, Migration and Human Rights, and Social and Climate justice among others. Denis serves as the Director of Programs and Operations at the Center for Religion and Public Life – Ghana.

Please share this information with your congregations and social networks. All are welcome to participate.

Donna Cammarata donna.camm@gmail.com 814-873-4860.

Church Technology Grant applications are now open through July 13, 2026, through the Presbytery Foundation. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to help pastors and congregations upgrade technology, create websites, and access online training. Priority is given to congregations of color, small churches, immigrant congregations, and churches in economically challenged communities. Applicants will be notified of Presbyterian Foundation decisions on August 17, 2026.

Church Technology Grants

“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 have created this monthly column called “Anita Applauds.” I hope that you will join me in giving thanks for these ministries.

This month, Anita Applauds the dedicated service of committee members and leaders in the Lake Erie Presbytery. Our heartfelt thanks to all those who have served the presbytery and have now rotated off their terms of service. Special thanks to committee Moderators and Clerks (in bold italics). We are grateful for your faithful and dedicated service. James Bernhardt, Susan Ohrn, Ann Ferguson, Georgia del Freo and Geula Love (Committee on Ministry), Vaughan Smith and Phil Johnson (Committee on Preparation for Ministry), Drew Himes (Administrative Committee), Nathan Royster and Sarah Jay (Spiritual Formation Committee), Dave Edmunds and Dawn Weborg (Worship Committee), Pauline Kraus and Nikki Jares (Nominating Committee), Tommy O’Leary (Mission & Social Witness Committee) and Bill Holmes and Elaine Garts (Permanent Judicial Commission). Thank You!

July is right around the corner and we do not yet have many events or gatherings planned for Josh Heikkila’s visit to Lake Erie Presbytery.

He will be preaching at Elmwood & Belle Valley July 12th, *Old Union PC in Beaver-Butler July 19th, *Westminster PC in Albany NY July 26th and North East on Aug. 2nd. (*Also in Partnership with Josh).

Plans are being made for him to attend one of the Wed. WOW services at New Beginnings Church in Meadville followed by a lunch in the Meadville area, and the Sunday Supper at the Covenant on July 12th. Anyone is welcome to join in.

He will be attending the New Wilmington Mission Conference at Westminster College July 18-21. This would be another opportunity to either attend one of the sessions offered and/or to meet up with Josh.

Please help us with planning some other gatherings or activities. It could be inviting Josh and some friends to participate in one of the many events around the area happening in July. Or a meal with members of your congregation and/or neighboring congregations. Josh will be in Albany Ny July 24-27.

Please reach out to me with any questions or suggestions or interested in participating. donna.camm@gmail.com 814-873-4860.

Feel free to pass this on to others and extend the invitation.

Thank you,
Donna

Contact:
Donna Cammarata
donna.camm@gmail.com
814-873-4860

 

The You Are Not Alone Prayer Vigil is a monthly ecumenical gathering supporting immigrant and migrant neighbors. It takes place from 12:15–12:45 p.m. on the second Friday of each month at the Federal Courthouse in downtown Erie (southeast corner of Perry Square). The Presbytery of Lake Erie’s Mission and Social Witness Committee will lead on Friday, June 12. A volunteer guitarist/song leader is needed for June 12. All are encouraged to attend and share. To help lead in June, contact Pat Tracy at 814-504-2220 or tptracy72@gmail.com.

With broken hearts we share the news that Rev. Seth Suboon Nipani lost his life in a motorcycle accident. He was traveling back home from a visit to his previous congregations in Katiejeli.

Rev. Nipani served as Pastor in the Upper Northern Presbytery (UNP) since 2007. He was a sweet and gentle soul. He also served as the first UNP Youth and Young Adult Facilitator. Seth was one of the Pastors that participated in the initiation of the Lake Erie Ghana Partnership over 15 years ago, and one of the few still in the UNP from that initial group.

Seth pastored through many challenges and difficult conditions with grace, perseverance and dedication. He was a remarkable servant of God and will be dearly missed. Seth leaves behind a wife and son.

May his soul rest in peace. We thank God for his life, ministry and friendship.