OCTOBER DISCIPLE OF THE MONTH:
JUDITH COOK
How long have you been a member of Saint John’s? What brought you here? What is your church background?
Judith has been worshiping at Saint John’s for over a decade, officially joining in February 2022.
I was baptized in a church that began in a store front in the Elizabeth port which was originally named The English Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity. The fledgling church was partnered by Holy Trinity Church in New York City. My mother’s mother began her worship life in the store front. By 1920, Holy Trinity church as I knew it had a beautiful building. My mother’s family members were baptized, confirmed and married there. I was baptized and confirmed, sang in the choir and spent many happy times in Luther League.
After college, I lived in Greenwich Village where I became a member of St. John’s. This congregation was involved in outreach programs especially Operation EyeOpener. The outreach involved hosting groups of teenagers for the weekend to shed light on the dangers of LSD and other drugs by showing the not pleasant areas of the Village. The program members also helped with the growing problem of runaway youth.
For two decades, I was an active participant in the life of a Presbyterian church. I sang in a large Sunday morning choir, Oratorios and rang English handbells in a five octave choir. During this time, I went on several mission trips to Guayaquil, Ecuador. There was a dedicated young woman who guided English speaking volunteers with Hogar de Cristo. In the ensuing years, I became part of this woman’s family. Through her life and struggles, I became very aware of life in a third world country with a corrupt government. Now I am hopeful her seventeen year-old son will be able to live with us while attending a local community college which I will support.
What is your favorite thing(s) about Saint John’s? What about Saint John’s inspires or excites you?
Saint John’s is a generous community supporting outreach missions.
What ministries are you involved in?
For many years I rang in the Luther Ringers Handbell Choir. My younger daughter and I worked closely with Pastor Colón Hernandez and we continue to be a part of Camino de Vida. Pastor Scalet offers many opportunities for Bible study, community awareness and congregational activities supporting fellowship, fun, and friendship!