Getting to know you. . .
Emil and Helen Sokolis joined the little white Congregational Church in downtown Sebastopol (where the mortuary now stands) in 1946. It would be very difficult to find any couple who have given more of their time or efforts to our congregation.
As they raised six children, Emil and Helen dove into all
kinds of church chores. Early on 
he
helped paint the Sunday School room where Helen taught – and she made sure the
painting volunteers had coffee and doughnuts.
One September evening their Couples Club potluck turned out to be plate after plate of fresh sliced tomatoes. Helen raced home and brought back enough food to make a full meal. She has shared cakes, cookies, casseroles and tea sandwiches beyond number – all of them delicious! An amazing craft woman, Helen has spearheaded legions of fundraisers for the congregation, Women’s Fellowship and other groups; Emil was always on hand to set up benches, put up tables and whatever else needed to be moved. Our first card tables and folding chairs were purchased with income from meat loaf lunches she helped prepare, serve and then clean up after.
Emil put his sheet metal background and craftsman skills to work in a myriad of projects from small things like adding shade and shelves to the apple pie sales booth to major efforts including the congregation's move to our present site.
The Sokolis’ have accomplished so much, so quietly for so many years! I am honored to share a pew with them on Sunday mornings.
– Elyse Mengle
Moderator
