I used to go to St. John's several years ago and I moved out of Alexandria. I have a checkered past so I don't handle social situations well and I didn't find another church where I currently live. The ONLY reason that I attended St. John's on a semi-regular basis for a couple of years was due to Pastor Meehan. I was going through an extremely rough time in my life so after going to service a few times and listening to Pastor Meehan speak about the Word, he inspired me to take my desire to turn my life around to another level. I absolutely hated (still do) sharing my life story and reaching out to others in an admission that my life was out of control and needed help. Pastor Meehan is one of those rare people who, when you speak to him, puts you at ease rather quickly. Usually I would set up an appointment to talk to him but there were several times that I was having a particularly bad day and I would just stop in at the church. If Pastor Meehan was there, he would ALWAYS make time for me. Through meeting with him countless times over a period of about a year or so, he provided guidance through the Word of the Lord that, quite honestly, may have saved my life. He helped me find purpose, he helped me find meaning, and most importantly he helped me find God. Ever since I moved a few years ago, I have been using podcasts to maintain some semblance of spirituality and connection to God and Christ. I cannot tell you how happy I was when I randomly searched iTunes for "St. John's Lutheran" a few days ago and I found the podcast of the church that had such a lasting impact on my life. I am not without struggle anymore but I have a faith in God that gives me strength and allows me to stand up and gain control over life's challenges rather than letting them control me. This is due, in large part, to Pastor Meehan and my time at St. John's. I highly recommend to anybody out there, especially those who feel lost and without purpose, to subscribe to this podcast. Just listening to Pastor Meehan's voice alone makes you feel better...lol. But listen to the message that he is sending. It could change your life too. Btw...Pastor Campbell, you were relatively new when I left but I am sure that you are great as well and are fortunate to be learning from one of the best pastors and human beings that I know. Pastor Nass...you retired while I was attending St. John's and I want to tell you that I was inspired by you as well because your knowledge of the Bible and history, in general, and the way that you articulated that knowledge was impressive. I ALWAYS listened closely when you spoke because I knew I was about to learn something new. God bless you all, and may God bless St. John's Lutheran Church. Just an aside...tomorrow is Good Friday and your Good Friday service was always one of my favorites. Sincerely, Alan H.
