LLoyd Saatjian Remembered
I'm now living in Michigan, but my heart goes out to the community of Santa Barbara as it mourns one of its great leaders, a pastor who held not just the esteem of his congregation, but of his community.
The Rev. LLoyd Saatjian was the long time pastor of First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. He was also a leader within the Greater Santa Barbara Clergy Association and numerous other organizations. He had been a District Supervisor, a community organizer, a pastor, and more. He was also my friend, my mentor in ministry, my colleague, my confidant. He taught me how to pastor and encouraged me when I was discouraged. He stood by me when I needed a friend to lean on. With his death at the age of 75, I mourn a deep loss, for LLoyd died this past Tuesday.
I'll tell two stories about LLoyd. The first happened on the morning of September 11th. The attacks on the Twin Towers had just occurred, and I had walked into my office. The phone rang, it was LLoyd, and he asked a simple question. "What are we going to do?" I was president of the Greater Santa Barbara Clergy Association -- he was the group's secretary (and heart). From that question came a powerful service of remembrance held at his church. The service featured statements from the local Rabbi, the local Imam, and speaking for the Christian Community the hospital's Director of Spiritual Care. It was a powerful statement of unity -- it happened because LLoyd got the ball rolling.
The second story is about simple friendship. After I had left my position at the local Disciples church in Santa Barbara, I was still in the community. My son, who was a member of the Scout Troop hosted by his church (Troop 1), had just earned his God and Country Award and needed a place to receive it. Since we were without a church at the time, LLoyd took the time out of his service to allow me to present the Award to my Son. I was truly blessed by that token of friendship and respect.
I will miss my dear friend. To Martha and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Note -- LLoyd is the man in the middle, standing with his former associate David Camphouse.
The Rev. LLoyd Saatjian was the long time pastor of First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. He was also a leader within the Greater Santa Barbara Clergy Association and numerous other organizations. He had been a District Supervisor, a community organizer, a pastor, and more. He was also my friend, my mentor in ministry, my colleague, my confidant. He taught me how to pastor and encouraged me when I was discouraged. He stood by me when I needed a friend to lean on. With his death at the age of 75, I mourn a deep loss, for LLoyd died this past Tuesday.
I'll tell two stories about LLoyd. The first happened on the morning of September 11th. The attacks on the Twin Towers had just occurred, and I had walked into my office. The phone rang, it was LLoyd, and he asked a simple question. "What are we going to do?" I was president of the Greater Santa Barbara Clergy Association -- he was the group's secretary (and heart). From that question came a powerful service of remembrance held at his church. The service featured statements from the local Rabbi, the local Imam, and speaking for the Christian Community the hospital's Director of Spiritual Care. It was a powerful statement of unity -- it happened because LLoyd got the ball rolling.
The second story is about simple friendship. After I had left my position at the local Disciples church in Santa Barbara, I was still in the community. My son, who was a member of the Scout Troop hosted by his church (Troop 1), had just earned his God and Country Award and needed a place to receive it. Since we were without a church at the time, LLoyd took the time out of his service to allow me to present the Award to my Son. I was truly blessed by that token of friendship and respect.
I will miss my dear friend. To Martha and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Note -- LLoyd is the man in the middle, standing with his former associate David Camphouse.
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