Changing Lives through Loving Our Community

by Cora Ligori

I’ve witnessed lives changed throughout our community. I have seen our youth experience the gospel and learn how to serve one another, the way Jesus led us to do by example.

In the summer of 2007, I married Jim Ligori and he immediately moved me from my generational home in Western North Carolina to his hometown of Jackson. We naturally attended St. John’s on a regular basis. Jim has been a part of the St. John’s community since he was in middle school and joined the youth group. He was invited to participate in the youth group initially by his friend Darin Ramsay. Jim still has lifelong friendships he formed at youth events and by attending Experience Youth Camp (EYC) each summer. Jim’s church became my church, which quickly became my first community in Jackson. I was recruited by Trent Moore to become a volunteer with my favorite group, the youth. I served by leading them on many adventures, and in many ways I had more fun than the kids did! From ski retreats in winter to Young Life camps in summer, I found overwhelming joy in the way St. John’s invests in our young people. This mission is not exclusively for kids from St. John’s families. It’s amazing how many young friends and family members outside of the parish became involved in our youth trips and outings.

Now that I have become a mother of almost three (due in November), I am no longer free to lead our youth trips. However, I deeply value the work our church does in the lives of the children and youth. Now that I have children of my own, my investment is even stronger as we share the love of Jesus with this next generation of believers. The children and youth are not only the future leaders of our church, but also of our community and beyond. This is one of the reasons I contribute to St. John’s. This is why I am compelled to serve year after year. Don’t get me wrong, St. John’s is one of the most beautiful churches in the valley. I am awed by its reverence and inspired by the organ, liturgy and ceremonies. However, St. John’s is not defined only by what takes place within its walls. St. John’s is set apart by what takes place outside. Please join me in continuing the great work of St. John’s day after day.