First Congregational Church of Pittsfield

Editor: We asked Margie Lank, one of our Deacons, to share a little about herself for this month’s issue.

MARGIE LANK | Deacon  

How long have you been a member of the First Congregational Church (FCC)? Steve and I became members in 2006. How did you come to become part of the FCC family?

I was a member of the Second Advent Christian Church in Pittsfield for fifty years and still strongly believe in the AC doctrine. My husband didn't attend church regularly until his relationship with Rev. Charles Morgan resulted in our coming to this church. Frankly, it was a difficult decision for me to leave the AC Church and become a member of the First Congregational Church, but one I've never regretted.

What is your current occupation? If retired, what do you like to do most of all?
My position at Pleasant View Gardens is supervisor of the Quality and Inventory Control department. I'm looking forward to retiring in June. Then we plan to spend a lot more time with our two perfect grandsons, Aiden and Collin.

Do you have a rewarding experience involving our church you’d like to share?
The Chancel Choir and the JuBellation handbell choir have been very rewarding, but the most rewarding experience for me was teaching a Sunday school class. The kids were fantastic and so willing to become involved in what we were doing. It meant a great deal to me.

Do you have a role model in your life? Why that particular person?
My Mom was a Christian who took pleasure in serving others. She was the favorite Sunday School teacher, organized a popular church club for adults, was the best hostess and cook, had a great sense of humor—just a wonderful, loving person, who was fun to be with. The most important thing I learned from Mom is that being a Christian is often a struggle, but nothing will be more rewarding.

What would you like to see accomplished during the next few years at FCC?
I would like to see more focus on youth programs. From my prospective, that would include ages from 1 to 50!

Do you have a “funny” story relating to your time with FCC?
The only way that I could love Kevin Kennedy more is if he were my son. My favorite story is related to his great sense of humor. In preparation for an upcoming concert, Rev. Charlie passed around paper and pen and asked each person in the choir to write their name as they would like it to appear in the program (Pete Riel or Peter Riel, for instance). Kevin wrote he wanted his name to appear as "starring Kevin Kennedy"! The night of the concert, Rev. Charlie passed out the programs with Kevin's program stating "starring Kevin Kennedy". Priceless!

Name a book that you’ve read recently that you really enjoyed.
I Thessalonians

Is there a challenge facing our church that you see becoming more important in the future?
I don't see change as an option. Things change even if we do nothing. The option we have is in how to change. The challenge is in embracing change.

Now, tell us a little about yourself.
I'm crazy over the men in my life and I know I drive them crazy: my husband, sons, grandsons and brothers most of all. I love my wonderful family and friends who put up with my sharp tongue and bossiness and love me anyway. God is good