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Marco Island’s Wesley United Methodist Church was awash with smiles and a few tears at the conclusion of the Rev. James Lake’s last worship service Sunday. Pastor Lake is one of four pastors to leave Marco Island this year. The Rev. Joy A. Baumgartner, senior minister for the United Church of Marco Island retired in 2007. Both the Rev. Dr. Bruce R. Fiol, senior pastor Marco Presbyterian and the Rev. Ronald D. Biel, pastor of the Marco Lutheran Church retired in March and April respectively.

Wesleyan Methodist pastors and congregations work with their bishop to seek the best appointment for the churches in Florida. Seasonal Assistant Pastor Linda Johnson will officiate the worship services June 22 and Pastor David Stasiak will officiate June 30. Pastor William A. Beebe, DeLeon Springs United Methodist Church will begin his ministry on Marco the first week in July.

The gregarious Rev. Lake came to the church in 2002 from the world of academia where he taught history. Prior to teaching he was the associate pastor at First United Methodist from 1984 to 1987 and the founding pastor of Faith United Methodist, from 1987 to 1994. Both churches were in Fort Myers. From 1994 to 1998 he was the senior pastor at First United Methodist in Naples.

Under his leadership, the Marco church grew and became a mission-focused church and found new ways to minister and worship together. Members were encouraged to plug in and get involved in missions both here and abroad. Local out reach includes Grace Place, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Matthews House. The church also offers Spanish classes on Monday evenings and has gone on mission trips to Mexico.

The church also completed a three million dollar expansion of their facilitates and survived hurricanes with damage over $400,000 during his tenure. Lake’s wife Gail, a teacher at Calusa Park Elementary School, taught children’s Sunday School, sang in the choir and until recently served on the church’s education committee. The Lakes have two adult children, David and Sarah.

Lake’s worship services were full of surprises, such as the time he ate dog food or the week his cell phone went off and he answered it. He was also known for his silly Ohio jokes and for wearing mismatched socks. Yet many felt that God was working through him and the congregation in a joyous and unusual way.

During his final service he thanked the congregation for helping to mature him in a very kind and loving way. He further stated that being a pastor is challenging, “Budgets, buildings, committees, church councils, choirs, illness, death, storm, personalities and conflict. Through it all the best we can do, what we should do is to preach Christ crucified. When we find ourselves confused and overwhelmed the words of Christ are all we need ... Jesus Christ is the source of what we do ... [Pastor] Beebe will have other talents and gifts and they will find new ways to focus on Christ. There are joyous days ahead for Wesley United Methodists Church.”

“Rev. Lake is unique and wonderfully made, he’s full of antics, surprises, love and generosity,” said Carolyn Housewert, contemporary music director at the church. “He has taught us to know Christ crucified.”

“We needed Jim’s touch when he came and we will miss him when he goes,” said Kitty Kepp, a member of the church since 1978.

“Jim is my favorite pastor of a lifetime,” averred octogenarian Russ Lord.

At the conclusion of the service many lined up to shake hands and give a last hug to their beloved pastor before proceeding to the fellowship hall to a catered lunch of ring cold cut sandwiches, shrimp, and all the fixings. Of special note were two of the pastor’s favorites cream pie and cream soda.

“I will miss the beauty of Marco and the incredible people resources here,” said Lake. He leaves the 500-member congregation here on Marco to minister the 1,600-member congregation of First United Methodist, Oviedo just northeast of Orlando, next door to University of Central Florida. His new church is building a new sanctuary.

Lake has mixed feelings about leaving. “I loved being here six years and have been blessed with great opportunities working with the good folks of Wesley, but I am also excited about going to the Orlando area and seeing what can happen in this wonderful church.”

His prayer for his people at Marco is the same as his prayer for his new congregation in Oviedo, “That they continue to seek God’s guidance while they discover new ways to claim their discipleship.”

Wesley United Methodist Church is located at 350 South Barfield Drive. Call 394-3734 or visit their Web site at http://www.wesleymarco.com.