Terry and Gwen have been members of Advent since September, 1982. Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, Gwen earned her undergraduate degree at Heidelburg College in Tiffin, Ohio, and her masters at Bowling Green.  Terry was a local lad who attended St. Ed’s in Cleveland and then Ohio State.

They met at the Geauga County Fair (at an outing arranged by Terry’s brother), and were married at Advent in November 1982.

Terry was employed for 36 years at the IT department of Dominion Energy (and its many entities) and Gwen by Solon Schools, where she thrived teaching music and helping with the many high quality musical programs there.  Advent was blessed to have Gwen as organist and choir director for many years. She started both an adult and youth bell choir and really challenged us.

Terry and Gwen’s son Jonathon was a constant presence at Advent too, and very very active in musical programs at Solon H.S.  After graduation from there, he graduated from the University of Dayton and now works in Buffalo NY as a sport reporter for Spectrum News.  He is engaged to Heather Prusak from Buffalo, with plans to marry July 3, 2021.

Terry works part time at Miles Market but manages to find time for golf and singing barbershop with the Men of Independence. He is a committed helper for H3O’s furniture ministry.  He has served on Advent’s council, including as its President, and in various boards.  Gwen has retired from Solon, but loves accompanying musicals, teaching piano, exercise, and her God-children. She confessed to this reporter that she absolutely adores Galen and Donna’s three grandchildren.
​
Answering the question “What does Advent mean to you?” Terry and Gwen agree:  “Our best friends are from Advent.”

Everyone knows Jerry (Jerald) and Doris Johanson!  Doris is one of the best welcomers of new people to Advent, and Jerry has been a faithful choir member forever, probably since joining in 1979.  Doris also served as a Sunday School teacher for many years.

They met on a blind date in college (both graduated from Iowa State, and married May 29, 1960 (so this was the big 60!).  Jerry had graduated from Marshalltown H.S. in Iowa, and Doris from Oskaloosa H.S.  They moved around a little as Jerry worked as an electrical and mechanical engineer (he pulled a double major), and actually transferred church membership from Flint Michigan.  Doris had received her Masters in Early Education from Cleveland State and worked as a daycare director and daycare consultant for children with physical and behavioral special needs. Together they brought up two children, Karen Baxter, who still lives in Kenai Alaska, and Mark, who is a trucker living in Chardon.  (Many of you old-timers may remember Karen and her children, Danielle, Shannon, and Seth, who were brought faithfully to church and Sunday School by their grandparents.)
​
Now retired and very active in the Solon Senior Center, Jerry loves crossword puzzles, and Doris reads and sews. When normalcy returns, we are sure you will see Jerry singing again and Doris welcoming everyone.  Of Advent, they simply say “it’s our family.”

​It’s about time you all knew more about Lynn Marrer, who recently moved to Sagamore Hills after 20 years living just up the road from church.  Lynn and her family visited Advent for the first time Good Friday 2000, and felt so welcomed (especially by greeter Doris Johanson) that they came again on Easter Sunday. 
 
Eventually Lynn became very active especially with music (Adult Choir and bell choir, and some memory-making appearances at the Music Marathons); VBS (she loves kids); Parents’ Night Out; Hattie Larlham; and Altar Guild.  Lynn makes THE best communion bread.
 
Lynn graduated from Normandy H.S. in Parma. In fact, her mom still lives in the same house Lynn grew up in with sister Lori and two brothers.  Younger brother Robbie died 7 years ago from a brain tumor, and the older brother lives in Florida, but Lynn and Lori Olecki are still very close. (You may have met Lori – as both Lynn and Lori work hard for Hands, Hearts, and Homes, from helping with the annual golf outing, to picking up furniture, to organizing the summer auctions.)
 
After High School, Lynn worked downtown at the old National City Bank until her boss invited her to go with him to a new venture. She married Steve May 27, 1989, and became a busy mom to Alex, soon to be 30 and working as a diesel mechanic in Rootstown, and Brooke, now 26, and working for Oriana House, Akron, monitoring incarcerated clients living at home.
 
Steve is a lawyer with Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz, and his love is fine woodworking.  Lynn’s love is baking desserts, which we all love too! And reading – lots of types. And walking in the Metroparks. Although she works at Lori’s family-owned HVAC company, when business is slow Lynn might walk twice a day.