Meet Dave Sonn, aka Harley, our fantastic new Councilor of Communications and Evangelism at Saint Luke Lutheran Church. Get ready for some exciting times ahead as Harley brings his experience in communication and marketing to amp up our outreach efforts! When he first found Saint Luke, it just felt like home and we are so glad that his faith journey has brought him to our community here. As we warmly welcome Harley to his new role, we are so appreciative of his energy, insight, and ideas.
Tell us a bit about yourself & your family?
My name is Dave Sonn. You may know me as Harley. Harley-David-Sonn. Get it? A nickname since age 16. For business, legal matters, and my siblings, I’m Dave or David. When in friendly waters, I am Harley. I have been appointed Counselor of Communications and that’s why my story is taking up this space. I technically head up Evangelism too but as I told Bill Beaver when he came tapping, not my strong suit. Open to help here.
I’ve been married only once – to the wonderful, beautiful woman, Joanne, the love of my life. Born Joanne Hartzell, she is a lifelong Lutheran, as well as a lifelong volunteer. She is the model for donating her time for getting good done. I am lucky. Joanne is also a realtor and goes too above and beyond for her clients, in my opinion. Shameless plug? Maybe.
We have lived in Wayne since 2005 with our two sons that have both surpassed my 6 foot stature. Nicholas, 20, is going into his sophomore year at Pitt as a finance major. Evan, soon to be 17, will enter his junior year at ‘Stoga and was baptized at Saint Luke. They have both grown up in this church, attending worship, Sunday school, and countless events. We are so very lucky to have healthy, strong boys who are willing to give back. Rounding out the family is Bailey, the sweetest Double Doodle ever. She lays by me every day as I work from home. Photo included.
What initially drew you to our church community?
Joanne, Nicholas, and I moved to Wayne from Narberth where we were members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. We began looking at area churches but none felt like the right fit. As we looked and attended Saint Luke, we saw the kindness of this church through its welcoming members. It was not pretentious. It was not judgy. It just felt right. Joanne and I do not have family in the very immediate area which is tough when raising kids. We saw Saint Luke as potentially our local family and soon became members.
What made you decide to get involved at a deeper level by joining the council?
I was asked to take on the role of Counselor of Communications since my degree is in communications, I’ve worked in the advertising and graphics field for years, and I own and operate a digital marketing agency currently. I believe everyone can contribute in their own way and this was my opportunity to give back.
Tell us a bit about your background and how your faith journey has shaped your life so far.
I was born in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania in a very small town and was raised Catholic. I attended Catholic school from grades 1 through 8, mostly taught by nuns. Seeing a classmate’s knuckles smacked by a ruler was not uncommon. I attended mass regularly and while the priests were nice, the sermons were often a bit harsh by today’s standards. Father Cappelloni pounding on the pulpit is a vivid memory. I do have very positive memories too and while in high school I worked for the Church, cleaning the churches and school and digging graves. It was a good job in a small town. After college, I drifted away from attending church as many do.
Fast forward to getting married and having two little boys. The church community and the experiences it brought was very important to Joanne and me. Through the Lutheran Church I learned of a kinder, gentler community and it helped me teach my boys of the greater good and the role we all play.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to the council that you believe will be valuable in serving our church community?
I know digital marketing, social media, communications, and business. I hire and direct people so I understand how to form and lead teams. I also learned that micromanaging isn’t good for anyone if you want a positive and better outcome for all. I’m hopeful I can provide insight and advice to those doing communications, the connecting, and the work of growing the church.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it to benefit our church & community?
Who doesn’t want to fly?!? Right? And if I can double down, please throw in some super human strength. DC could have quit after Superman. With these powers, John Muir and I could do some real damage, I mean construction, at ASP. John Menapace would get an incredible show for the children at Gemma. Deliveries to the area foodbanks and families who need nutrition, supplies, and medicine would be faster than ever. I could be a loaner to Mikanjuni who I could help in countless ways. Don’t worry, I’d occasionally help you too, Robbie.
Could you share a memorable moment or experience that has deepened your connection with God or strengthened your faith?
When my best friend unexpectedly died of a heart attack, I was in a bad place. I remember coming to Saint Luke, sitting in the pew trying to make sense of it and what life moving forward without him looked like. I was really sad. I will never forget being consoled by Pastor Matt. There is no doubt that he, and being at the safe, kind place of Saint Luke helped me through. God worked through them for me.
What are some ideas, passions or initiatives you would like to explore or implement as a council member?
It’s not news to anyone that we need to grow the church. Therefore, a strong social media presence boosted by paid advertising to reach more people than ever, in more meaningful ways with unique messaging is something I’d like to institute. Additionally, I know the church website could be working harder and better to promote growth. I have ideas for this as well. For the record, I did try to champion a new digital sign outside of the church to better deliver the inspirational messages of the current sign, while also communicating Saint Luke events and drawing more people in, literally. I researched and learned of the successes and benefits other churches have achieved. Sadly, the township said no digital signs.
Outside of your involvement with the church, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
You likely won’t see me at worship in the summer and fall months because my son, Evan, plays very competitive, travel baseball. I helped build the organization and I handle the business side, as well as analytics. A true labor of love that I know comes to an end so I never miss a game. Additionally, Joanne and I like to go to concerts, especially the old acts that we missed in their prime. On tap for August is Guns & Roses and our first ever Springsteen show. On a different front, I love going to the gym for both the mental & physical benefits. I’ve been a member somewhere from age 18 and hopefully to the end. It has helped me do other things I enjoy better, such as skiing and golf.
What is one of your favorite Saint Luke memories so far?
I don’t have a specific memory but instead a favorite vibe. I feel peace at Saint Luke. I see kindness. I see a better world. Worship is an hour of unplugging from the crazy. It makes me feel good.