LuAnn Hermann
What do you do at Brooklife?
As an elder, I am able to be in the inner circle of the prayer requests for Brooklife. Praying for this congregation and our community is a wonderful privilege and I get to see firsthand what God does in the lives of so many. My passion is relationships so I have gravitated toward using my counseling background to work with those with relational needs. Because of my background in ministry I seem to easily identify with step families, single parents, and those that are dealing with divorce situations. My husband Dale and I are also the lead couple in the pre-marital mentoring area at Brooklife. This is very fun and rewarding for us as a couple.
What is your favorite thing about Brooklife?
Brooklife is the perfect place for me because the church has such a strong emphasis on the people. I especially love the intentional design to give people in our congregation a church family through the formation of house groups. I feel it is the best way to foster Christian community.
Family?
God has been so faithful to me with my family. I have a wonderful husband named Dale. We met later in life and he was well worth the wait! Before I met Dale I was a divorced, single mom for about 12 years. I have a daughter named Clairissa, that is now considering a new direction after several years in college staff positions around the state. We are waiting to see what she does next!
I spend a good amount of my time with my mom who is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. This is challenging at times but I savor every moment I have with her. She has taught me so much.
Oh, I also have a twenty-two pound, step-cat named Buck that did not love me at first but now follows me everywhere.
What do you do for fun?
Almost everything is fun to me but mostly I love to collect friends. I never get over the diversity of the humans made in God’s image and the uniqueness of humanity. I love getting to know people and their stories. I have great friends that have been through a lot with me and that I truly cherish. My husband is my best friend.
Along with that I cannot seem to stay away from painting things - walls, furniture and the like. I also love to garden, enjoy gourmet baking and entertaining, reading, interior design and enjoying nature.
Any real credentials?
Owner of a catering business for 10 years based in Western Pennsylvania. Bachelor of Arts in History from Marquette University. Master of Religion from Trinity International Seminary. Various levels of management for several years at Strong Investments, Inc. Counseling and ministry internship at Elmbrook Church. Formerly on staff at Elmbrook Church in the Lay Counseling and Support Groups Ministry.
What do you do for a living?
I have taken a break from my pastoral counseling ministry to be the primary caregiver for my mom. I do not know how much time I will have with her and do not want to waste a single moment with her while she is still aware of her surroundings. Her struggles and small daily victories have added yet another layer of the realities of life to my own life experiences.
My home, family the church certainly fills in the rest of my time!