St. John’s-on-the-Lake welcomes the Rev. Jeff Stevens July 24

MEREDITH — St. John’s-on-the-Lake welcomes the Rev. Jeff Stevens on July 24.The Rev. Stevens started spending his summers on Bear Island at his grandparents’ cottage when he was about a year old. Growing up, he explored every inch of the island, to the point where he was on a first name basis with most of the residents, including the deer. These he fed each evening, accompanied by his grandmother, Glena. He learned the lake too, and could even identify many of the fish on sight, although that never helped him catch many. As an adult, Jeff continues to love the island and the lake, living and preaching in this area since 2007. Coming back to preach on the island each summer still feels like coming home.

Three years ago he had a heart attack and stroke while mowing his front lawn, and briefly died. While that experience forced him to look at life anew, re-evaluating everything, he still believes in life, love and hope and a great God.

Signed and numbered prints of the chapel are for sale this summer, with proceeds to be added to the Preservation Fund, intended to be an insurance for the building in case of major damage.

Regardless of what your religious affiliation at home may be, we hope that you will join each Sunday with us. Services are held at 10 a.m. Well behaved dogs are always welcome at St. John's. Sneakers or sturdy shoes for you are suggested.

The chapel is located on the highest elevation of Bear Island on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith. It can be reached by a short walk from the church docks located in Deep Cove on the west side of the island, as well as by other marked paths. In addition, there is a “taxi” service from Meredith Neck; email us at bear.island.church.ferry@gmail.com. For more information, see: stjohnsonthelake.com.