Joanne Steele, member since 1982

When I came to Nacoochee Presbyterian, it seemed familiar because it had the same feeling as the small community church I had attended as a child in central Florida. But I also liked the fact that Jerry Brinegar, the pastor at the time, encouraged the church’s activism in civil rights, peacemaking and environmental issues, and asked for my support. Later I started helping in the nursery so parents could attend services.

When my own children grew older, I realized how the church offered them an enlightened view of religion. What I wanted for them was a community with an understanding that we’re all part of the same family, even though we have differences. That spirit is what has kept me here. We have folks who are liberal and folks who are conservative and folks like me who don’t want to be too defined. Nevertheless, we all believe that Jesus and his teachings are ‘spot on’ in terms of loving each other and not letting our differences get in the way.

NOTE: Joanne wrote, recorded and frequently performs a song called “Seeds of Love”, which she believes captures the spirit of Nacoochee Presbyterian.