As newlyweds, we visited St. Luke’s in 1971.  It did not take long to decide that this was the right place for us.  We were impressed by the number of young families.  Through the years, we have been involved in numerous areas of the church which has given us opportunity to grow spiritually and to get to know so many people from a variety of age groups.  When we talk with potential new members of St. Luke’s at Coffee with the Pastor, we tell them how we could have just gone to worship on Sunday and walked out the door, but that our connections with the church community would not have fostered the friendships we have found.

When our first child, Amy, was born, we knew we wanted her to feel comfortable in the nursery on Sunday mornings.  At 3 months old, she met Mrs. Nance.  It was so easy to take her there and know she was getting the best care.  I found myself going to Continuing Education classes with FREE childcare during the week.  Amy was able to see her friend, Mrs. Nance, while I learned to play bridge, and take classes in gardening and Yoga.  We also took Mommy and baby swim lessons taught by a woman named Ann in the St. Luke’s pool.  At 11 months, she was a champ at going under water and swimming to me.

We joined the “29ers” Sunday School Class for those 29 and under.  Latham barely made the cut because he was almost 30.  It was a small welcoming group. We had social gatherings and yearly trips to Mo Ranch where we could watch fire flies, ride horses and go down that scary slide. That class still goes to Mo Ranch. It is now called the Gene Decker Study Class and the membership does not have age requirements.

When I went to UMW Young Mothers’ Circle, Mrs. Nance was there as well.  I taught 2-year-old Sunday School with Laura Wheless and Laurie Kereluk (before that was her last name.)  I taught 3-year-old Day School for 2 years under the direction of Barbara Eason.  Our second child, Katie got to know Mrs. Nance when she was a baby.  As the girls grew up, we always made a point to stop by the nursery to say hi to Mrs. Nance.

Through the years we have known 4 of the 5 senior ministers and many, many associate ministers.  We feel so blessed to have had these people to inspire our spiritual lives. The most spiritually moving worship experience for us has been the Good Friday Service.  It takes me to a place that is hard to describe.  The setting, the tone, the music and the message all combine to give me chills.  We have never missed this service.

When our girls were leaving home, I was looking for somewhere to volunteer.  I read in the bulletin about a mentoring program called Kid’s Hope.  I had been a teacher for a number of years, so this sounded like something I would really enjoy.  I mentored 4 different children at 2 schools for 6 years.  It was such a rewarding experience that my husband became interested and joined in on the fun.  One child for one hour a week.  It was a blessing for both of us.

I became active in the United Methodist Women and this involvement brought me in touch with outstanding women of our church.   At that time there were several circles as well as General Meetings and Spiritual Life services.  Later we started a Book Club, a Service Group and a Mahjongg Group.  More new people came into my life with these small groups. One day at Book Club, Ann Cheney was talking about how she had taught swim lessons at St. Luke’s. I turned and looked at her and said, you taught my daughter.  Forty years had passed. That was a surprise.     I served on the Apron Ministry when we still had a kitchen that served the most delicious meals. Katie remembers Sunday lunches of fried chicken lovingly prepared by Teresa and Sara.  At different times, Latham and I served on the Board of Stewards. We currently serve on Celebration of Life Guild where we are able to hear the life stories of so many wonderful Christians.  We were Christian Friends for a number of years, welcoming new members.  Latham has been making hospital visits for 12 years with Caring Ministries.  It is a calling for him that he has missed the past 6 months.

Our children were baptized by Rev. Shamblin and Dr. Underwood, who later became Bishops. Both girls were married at St. Luke’s by Dr. Moore.  Our 4 grandchildren were baptized at St. Luke’s and all four have attended the Day School.    When Amy was married in 1996, we were having her wedding portrait made at the church.  Mrs. Nance was in the nursery.  She came to see her in her dress and stood with tears in her eyes, saying. “Oh, Amy! Oh, Amy!!”   What a special moment! After Katie was married, we got a call from Laurie Kereluk asking if Kathleen Knight was our daughter.  She had found her 4th grade Bible at the church.  She had lost it in 4th grade.  Laurie knows everyone in our church!

We witnessed additions and renovations to the building and changes in staff.  But the heart of the St. Luke’s community has not changed.  On the afternoon of 9-11 we called the church offices to see if there would be a service.  Of course, there was one that night and it was so moving.  It was where we needed to be.  We were with our community of Christian friends and it made us feel safe.

Happy 75th birthday, St. Luke’s!  We love you.

Janet and Latham Knight

Amy, Brooks, Jackson and Audrey Ware

Katie, Bryan, Abby and Emma Leonard