About At The Lake Ministries
About At The Lake Ministries
At The Lake Ministries offers people living with disabilities and their caregivers a fun, family-oriented experience aboard The Jo-Ann M on Lake Erie and/or Presque Isle Bay. Participants can fish or simply experience the wonderful natural resources the region has to offer. The Jo-Ann M is wheelchair friendly with a ramp to board the boat and removable seats to accommodate for any wheelchair size. The wheelchair can then be attached to the deck to prevent any movement. The Jo-Ann M is also therapy pet friendly. We provide life jackets; fishing poles, gear, and bait; and noise-cancelling headphones for those who may be sensitive to loud noises. For further information, check out our FAQ page or contact us directly.
At The Lake Ministries offers people living with disabilities and their caregivers a fun, family-oriented experience aboard The Jo-Ann M on Lake Erie and/or Presque Isle Bay. Participants can fish or simply experience the wonderful natural resources the region has to offer. The Jo-Ann M is wheelchair friendly with a ramp to board the boat and removable seats to accommodate for any wheelchair size. The wheelchair can then be attached to the deck to prevent any movement. The Jo-Ann M is also therapy pet friendly. We provide life jackets; fishing poles, gear, and bait; and noise-cancelling headphones for those who may be sensitive to loud noises. For further information, check out our FAQ page or contact us directly.
Our Faith Mission Statement
Matthew 4:19: “Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
The vision of the The Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church is to ignite and sustain a passionate, spiritual connection with Christ among all people. At The Lake Ministries hopes to provide a place of retreat and recreation where families and individuals can lovingly support one another in a Christ-like fashion. There are currently very few faith-based fishing ministries for individuals with disabilities on the shores of Lake Erie, so this ministry serves as a way to create new places for people, a focus of the denomination. This unique ministry can substantially impact individuals with disabilities and their families from a multitude of areas. We have already served guests in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida.
Matthew 4:19: “Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
The vision of the The Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church is to ignite and sustain a passionate, spiritual connection with Christ among all people. At The Lake Ministries hopes to provide a place of retreat and recreation where families and individuals can lovingly support one another in a Christ-like fashion. There are currently very few faith-based fishing ministries for individuals with disabilities on the shores of Lake Erie, so this ministry serves as a way to create new places for people, a focus of the denomination. This unique ministry can substantially impact individuals with disabilities and their families from a multitude of areas. We have already served guests in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida.
About the Boat
The Jo-Ann M was built in 1980 and was the last commercial fishing vessel built by Paasch Marine Services (200th hull). The boat was named after the matriarch of the Munch family and is well-known in the Erie area. Following the Munch Family, the boat was owned by Captain Ron Zielinski. In October 2016, through the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, we purchased the boat and started repurposing efforts. With the help of our generous volunteers and donors, we now have a beautiful, passenger vessel that is ready to share the waters of Lake Erie with guests and their families.
Inside the boat, there are beautiful benches and over-sized deck chairs that are placed in front of gangway doors. The deck chairs are removable in order to welcome guests who use wheelchairs. The entire boat is covered, as well, to protect our guests from the elements. Fishing gear and bait are also provided for the trip along with U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets.
The Jo-Ann M was built in 1980 and was the last commercial fishing vessel built by Paasch Marine Services (200th hull). The boat was named after the matriarch of the Munch family and is well-known in the Erie area. Following the Munch Family, the boat was owned by Captain Ron Zielinski. In October 2016, through the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, we purchased the boat and started repurposing efforts. With the help of our generous volunteers and donors, we now have a beautiful, passenger vessel that is ready to share the waters of Lake Erie with guests and their families.
Inside the boat, there are beautiful benches and over-sized deck chairs that are placed in front of gangway doors. The deck chairs are removable in order to welcome guests who use wheelchairs. The entire boat is covered, as well, to protect our guests from the elements. Fishing gear and bait are also provided for the trip along with U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets.
Interesting Facts About The Jo-Ann M
- The Jo-Ann M is a 53’ by 18’ steel-hulled vessel powered by a C 7.1 CAT Diesel engine.
- The boat is a very steady vessel that weighs nearly 60,000 lbs!
- The Jo-Ann M is equipped with electronics that include 2 ICOM VHF Marine Radios, Uniden cb/pa system, Furuno Fish Finder, Furuno GPS, Furuno Radar, compass, EPIRB, inflatable 50-person life raft, and toilet facilities..
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Crew Bios
Rev. Capt. Robert H. Wilson, Executive Director Rob is the Director of Congregational Development and Revitalization for Western Pennsylvania's United Methodist Churches. Rob has a love for ministry and the water. He grew up in Girard, PA, surrounded by family who were connected to the commercial fishing industry, including his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father. He also enjoys sport fishing and loves to share his passion with ATLM guests. Rob graduated from The University of Mount Union in 1992 with a psychology degree before attending Methodist Theological School in Ohio for seminary. |
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Capt. Daniel H. Wilson, Operations Director
Dan Wilson is a former commercial fisherman who has a wealth of knowledge of the water, fishing vessels, and, of course, fishing. Following his work in the commercial fishing industry, he started the research division for the Pennsylvania Fish Commission and captained the R/V Perca for many years. Mr. Wilson also enjoys sport fishing with his family. He has been a huge factor in guiding the repurposing efforts of The Jo-Ann M. Beyond boats and fishing, he enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife, Pam, and their dogs, Toby and Darby. |
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Capt. Mark Haffley
Mark Haffley is a research biologist and Port Captain with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Mark was born and raised in Erie and has worked on Lake Erie since 1999. He has grown up fishing and brings a vast knowledge of both fishing and local information for everyone to enjoy. Mark has extensive experience with successful fishing charters in Erie and serves as a relief captain for ATLM.
Mark Haffley is a research biologist and Port Captain with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Mark was born and raised in Erie and has worked on Lake Erie since 1999. He has grown up fishing and brings a vast knowledge of both fishing and local information for everyone to enjoy. Mark has extensive experience with successful fishing charters in Erie and serves as a relief captain for ATLM.