The Reverend Paul B. Milholland Pastor Paul became the spiritual leader of St. John's on September 30, 2001. He was installed officially on November 18, 2001. The son of a Lutheran minister, he is a native of North Carolina, and served parishes in North Carolina, Virginia and Florida, prior to coming to Lindenhurst. Pastor Paul was educated at Lenoir-Rhyne College, a small Lutheran liberal arts college in North Carolina, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with significant course work in Sociology and Theater Arts. He received his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg PA with special emphasis in Luther studies and Ecumenism. He received his Clinical Pastoral Education (hospital chaplaincy training) at the Lutheran Medical Center in the Sunset Park area of Brooklyn, NY. He also took coursework at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Virginia, though no degree was conferred. In 1982 and 1983, Pastor Paul became acquainted with the New York area when he served as a Youth Staffer for the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Lutheran Church in America. In this capacity, he provided leadership to the synod's Youth organization, led retreats, developed youth groups, trained adults working with youth, and helped plan several region-wide youth events. Pastor Paul has written and directed several plays for children and young people, which have been performed in his parishes. He enjoys retreats and conferences, as well as summer camp experiences for people of all ages. With significant experience in working with children and youth, Pastor Paul has brought fresh ideas to St. John's. Already, children and young people find a welcome place in his office (as well as his heart!) as they come to see his family of stuffed animals, grab a piece of candy, or sit down for a chat. But children and Youth are not his only interests. He enjoys the opportunity to work with adults of all ages as well. Through Bible Study, visioning and planning with committees, and relating with St. John's many fellowship and activities groups, Pastor Paul enjoys "living the life of faith with the wonderful people of St. John's." Pastor Paul says, "This is a marvelous congregation, filled with dedicated souls. Engaging in mission and ministry with the people of St. John's and the Village of Lindenhurst is a joy. God is giving us a vision for the future that is a challenge, but God will give us the resources to accomplish God’s vision. As we care for each other and all of God’s children, we are blessed richly. And it is empowering to know that we are doing this work together. A church does not exist as just the pastor, but all the people of God joining in reaching out. There are so many at St. John’s who pull their weight and more. God’s blessings to them for all they do. As a congregation, we are thinking creatively, and dreaming about the many things we will do. I've never been happier in my life. And the people of St. John's, with their prayers and expressions of love, are the reason for it," he says. "In this time and place, God has truly blessed us, and keeps empowering us for our mission of Being a Beacon of Hope."