February 2021 - Emmanuel Lutheran Church
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Emmanuel Lutheran Church
One church...multiple communities
February 2021
Mooring Line Drive Campus
777 Mooring Line Dr.
Naples, FL 34102
239-261-0894
Sunday Services during the pandemic
In-person services:
9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - Traditional Service in Sanctuary
10:00 a.m. - Contemporary Alive Service in the Family Life Center
11:30 a.m. - Bilingual Service in the Family Life Center
9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. will be livestreamed as well.
www.naplesemmanuel.org (Check out the “Weekly Schedule” on our Home Page)
10:00 a.m. - Drive-In Service at Emmanuel Park
2770 Oil Well Road, Naples, FL 34120
Email: elc@naplesemmanuel.org
Our Mission:
A Christ-centered community where God’s Spirit guides our lives as we worship, learn, love, share and serve.
Staff and Church Council
Our Staff:
Rev. Steven E Wigdahl, Senior Pastor - pastorsteve@naplesemmanuel.org
Rev. Dr. Rick Bliese, Associate Pastor - pastorrick@naplesemmanuel.org
Rev. José Lebrón, Associate Pastor for Mission Development - pastorjose@naplesemmanuel.org
Rev. William Kittinger, Associate Pastor for Mission Development - pastorwill@naplesemmanuel.org
Karole Langset, Resident Pastor - Karole@naplesemmanuel.org
Lois Sorensen, Resident Pastor - Lois@naplesemmanuel.org
Jim Cooper, ELCA Deacon, Youth & Family - jim@naplesemmanuel.org
Frine Donadelli, Administrative Assistant at Pebblebrooke - frine@naplesemmanuel.org
Gina Fidler, Office Manager - gina@naplesemmanuel.org
Joyce Finlay, ELCA Deacon, Music & Worship; organist - joyce@naplesemmanuel.org
Carol Hartman, Parish Nurse - carol@naplesemmanuel.org
Nieves Lebrón, Children’s Ministry Specialist - nieves@naplesemmanuel.org
Dee Schleutker, ELCA Deacon, Service & Outreach - dee@naplesemmanuel.org
Theresa Shaw, Executive Director - theresa@naplesemmanuel.org
Vivian Shea, Chief Operations Officer - vivian@naplesemmanuel.org
Alex Tovar, Maintenance Manager - JABCleaning3@aol.com
Deborah Vacca, Bookkeeper - deborah@naplesemmanuel.org
Jennifer Ziegelmaier, Publication Coordinator - jennifer@naplesemmanuel.org
Church Council:
The Church Council is made up of nine dedicated people who act on behalf of the church membership. According to Emmanuel
Lutheran’s Constitution, “The Congregation Council shall have general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation,
and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and
practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”
Please do not hesitate to contact a council member if you have any questions or concerns. They are here to involve all mem-
bers of the congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support. If you would like to communicate with the mem-
bers of the Emmanuel Church Council, you will find their names and e-mail addresses below:
Here is your Council for 2019-2020:
Tom Jackson - tom@tomjacksonresources.com
Carlos Dominguez - joshuaandjacobsmom@yahoo.com
Ann Berlam - annberlam@gmail.com
Zetty Rivera - zettyrivera@gmail.com
Steve Esala - steve.esala@thrivent.com
Sylvia Boynton - sboynton@coe.ufl.edu
Kaitlyn Ziegelmaier - ziegelmaierkaitlyn@gmail.com
Jeff Heier - jlnell@comcast.net
Dennis Reustle - dreustle@gmail.com
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COUNCIL MEETING IN JANUARY:
Staff assessments are underway.
We reached our goal for year-end of receiving an additional $100,000 thanks to everyone’s generosity.
The Stewardship Committee has completed the brochure for the 2021 appeal. Stewardship has requested that January – March, which
is our Stewardship fund raising time, we will not be fund raising for any other organization. Stewardship Sundays are January 31, Feb-
ruary 7 and Commitment Sunday is February 14.
Volunteers at the church started on Monday, Jan. 11th with food distribution from Harry Chapin Food Bank (Care and Share Program) to
seniors in the area. This will take place the second Monday each month at Emmanuel. If anyone would like to volunteer, please con-
tact Mark Fiebrink.
March Newsletter deadline is February 20th.
Please e-mail Jennifer, jennifer@naplesemmanuel.org, with any information by this date.
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Upcoming Events
Stewardship 2021
Thank you for your faithful support in 2020!
During this time of year, we celebrate God’s abundance and as a congregation we express our gratitude for all God is doing in
our midst and prayerfully discern our commitment looking ahead to 2021.
I want to thank each one of you who support Emmanuel Lutheran Church with a financial gift. More than 97% of our annual
operating revenue comes from those who pledge and give regularly. Every contribution of any and every size counts and
serves to sustain the breadth, health, and future of this ministry.
Our 2021 Stewardship theme “The Growing Faces of Emmanuel-Part 2” reminds us of our growth in vision and mission as we
continue God’s work. As a part of our 12-month Stewardship plan, it is our hope that each of you during the months of January
– March will determine how you might use your time, talents, and treasures for the uplifting of God’s kingdom.
Our ministry is taking a different shape in this different time. Here’s one such story:
Our church at the Park immediately transformed its vision to have a drive-in ministry since COVID-19 had prevented in-person
worship. What a blessing for so many. Their ministry in partnership with Meals of Hope is providing food for over 400 cars
weekly. Through their various ministries, they have grown their membership and have become a part of the community.
Thanks to generous members they now have a heated pool to use for baptism and they were also blessed with a new John
Deere Gator utility cart to help transport the stage and equipment for Sunday services.
We have all found ways to shift to address the immediate needs before us. Our church at the Park is only one example of how
we as a church are stepping up to meet the needs of God’s people and do our part.
During my Takeout Tuesday’s devotions, I try to encourage us to give thanks to God for what we see and what we have re-
ceived - to go outside and enjoy the sunshine and the many beautiful sights. In all seasons God is faithful and provides for us.
But you can give thanks for that moment and every moment freely given to you.
Even in this difficult time, I celebrate that we can worship God together, although it is not as we expected. It reminds me that
God can span the distance between us, and that God is always here.
We look forward with hope and gratitude for your continued support of our many ministries.
Blessings,
Theresa Shaw
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A Message from Pastor Steve
We have never experienced an Annual Meeting like the one just held on January 27th. I
want to thank all of you who attended, some who came to the Family Life Center, and oth-
ers via ZOOM (which requires a little sense of humor). As I sat in the meeting, preparing to
get up to speak…it was a small “epiphany” for me to see the church gathered in a new
way. Never have I experienced an annual meeting orchestrated as such…some face to face
and other faces spread upon the view of a large screen.
I would have never envisioned this when I entered the ministry nearly 38 years ago! I
served a small church with a “family” feel to it. Most decisions were made by congrega-
tional leaders in the coffee hour following worship. Yet Emmanuel Lutheran is uniquely
placed within a very different world. Last evening’s meeting revealed how “changing times” (including COVID) can draw us
into an entirely new “reformation” (remember the Reformation of the 16th century?) on how to be the Church in the present
era!
I know many people are frustrated and even shaken by all this change, but all indications point to even greater adjustments in
the years ahead. Many use the term “exponential” to indicate the algorithms of waking up to something new every day!!!
This morning I was thinking about my grandparents born in the late 1800’s. The century looming before them would burst
forth from the horse and buggy era to landing a man on the moon! I remember my grandmother never learned to drive a car,
and I am certain she would not have been able to fathom the ZOOM meeting we had at our Annual Meeting.
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For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. So declares the Teacher in Ecclesiastes, chapter
3. Personally, I can easily gravitate to the misnomer of believing past times were simpler, but every generation is faced with
challenges within the framework of their time. I look forward believing in a future that can be filled with excitement and
hope, relying upon the Spirit of the Living God to lead and guide us. At the Annual Meeting…I again felt this call for our con-
gregation and the greater church to take steps into a new era…with bold initiatives to meet the challenges of our times!
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
The other day I talked to a man on the phone who lives up north in Pennsylvania. He has been a member of Emmanuel since
1998, a year prior to my arrival. He has some emerging health problems and is not certain he can return to Naples as in prior
years. What he did tell me, however, is that he still feels Emmanuel is his congregation, and with our new technology of
livestreaming worship and education, he told me he still stays connected! How wonderful, for I do not want him to become a
lost face in the crowd, forgotten with the passing years.
Whatever we become; we must remain the body of Christ. May our hearts not turn to stone, but rather be filled anew with
the love of our Savior. Thank you for being the Church of this time. With God’s help we will rise to all challenges and help
shape the years ahead!
Be Thou our vision, Lord. Be Thou our vision!!!
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A Message from Pastor Rick
Friends of Emmanuel,
We will be holding a New Member’s Orientation meeting via ZOOM (and an in-person at the Welcome
Center at the Park - if there’s interest)) on Thursday, February 25 at 6 PM. We want you to join us!
Who is invited? Those who are considering to be one of the following:
● Member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church
○ Full membership with access to ministries, service opportunities, all communications,
committee participation and voting rights.
● Associate Member or “Friends” of Emmanuel (already holding voting rights in another congregation)
○ Access to ministries, service opportunities, all communications, and committee participation.
○ Some people prefer the designation “friends” over the other for personal reasons. Let us know.]
If you are participating at the traditional worship at Emmanuel on Mooring Line Drive, or attending out at Emmanuel at the
Park, active at the Alive Service Community or Emmanuel Community Church, all are members of one church: Emmanuel Lu-
theran Church. We are one church, multiple communities. This orientation session will give you more information on how this
congregation works, plus how and where you fit in.
Have you been attending Emmanuel for many years but never “joined?” That’s fine! This orientation meeting will provide you
an invaluable opportunity to get the latest information on all our new ministries and how you can serve. You will appreciate
the latest updates on what’s coming in the future. This meeting will also allow the pastors to get to know you better.
How do you sign up? It’s easy. You can register for the ZOOM meeting by clicking on the link below: Jennifer Ziegelmaier from
the Emmanuel staff will then follow up with you with further information.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwucuyhqzkoH9T3MN_XPqxQ_2U9zJnv4u6G
I hope you will communicate with us today expressing your interest in this new members’ orientation
meeting, whether you are “new” to Emmanuel or a long-time worship attender. We want to get to know
you better.
See you on Thursday, February 25th at 6 PM.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Richard Bliese
Educational Program for In-Season 2021 - February thru April, 2021
Starting in February, we will be offering the following program each week:
- Sundays
- The Sunday Forum
- The Sunday Matinee (Movies from “The Chosen”)
- Mondays
- Worship Matters with Karole Langseth
- Faith, Vocation and Economics Series: 10:00 AM ZOOM Lectures with Speakers from around the Country
- Faith at Work (Leadership Training out at the Park)
- Tuesdays
- Takeout Tuesday Daily Devotions
- Choir Practice (ZOOM Fellowship Group for Emmanuel Choir Members)
- Wednesdays
- Prayer Group/Grief Group (on alternative Wednesdays)
- Thursdays
- Lectionary Bible Study
- Bonus Bible Study: “The Big Themes of the Bible”
- BBS ZOOM at NOON: Live ZOOM discussion of “The Big Themes of the Bible” series
- Wine and a Movie (ZOOM Event at 5:00 PM to discuss this week’s Sunday Matinee movie from “The Chosen.”
- Fridays & Saturdays Free
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A Message from Resident Pastor Lois Sorensen
Pandemic Pastor – “This and That” from Resident Pastor Lois Sorensen
Here is a sampling of what I have been “up to” the past few months:
AWAITING FIRST CALL – The candidacy process in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America consists of
three stages: entrance, endorsement, and approval. Once approved, a candidate is “under the care” of
their home synod bishop until they begin their first “call” (read: are ordained and installed as the pastor of
a congregation). I was approved in November and so am awaiting a first call. I have interviewed with two
congregations in the Florida-Bahamas Synod. The first one was not a good fit, but the second one might
just be a “keeper.” It will be a while before we know anything definite; in the meantime, I appreciate your
prayers and encouragement.
EMMANUEL COMMUNITY PARK – I continue to work alongside the wonderful “Faces of Emmanuel” volunteers at the “Meals
of Hope” drive-through food pantry, although I missed a few Wednesdays recently due to being sick (nothing serious), my hus-
band’s back surgery, and an online class (my very last seminary course). If you are not able to commit to volunteering out
there, I invite you to drop in to see the food pantry in person, as pictures do not do it justice. And yes, that was me, helping
Pastor Will add Deacon Dee baptize 12 people on the coldest Sunday of the season. The pool was heated; the air was not. I felt
like I was back in Wisconsin, doing the annual New Year “Polar Bear Plunge” in Lake Michigan!
MOORING LINE DRIVE – I continue to provide coronavirus-related assistance to the ushers as my worship schedule allows. For
example, I was away Christmas Eve and the following Sunday, preaching for the people of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
(Lehigh Acres). Also, as long as users are the only volunteers able to participate as worship assistants, Resident Pastor Karole
and I continue to serve as lectors and assisting ministers as well as the “internship liturgist” (portion of the presiding minister’s
role that we can do prior to ordination). I have missed the “small talk” with acolytes and assisting ministers that used to occur
before and after services (and certain non-volunteers who like to kibbitz about football).
AND MORE – I continue to keep the congregation’s social media presence active (REMINDER: get in the habit of using Face-
book’s “check-in” feature whenever you participate in an activity at Mooring Line Drive, Emmanuel Community Park, or Em-
manuel’s online activities). As this newsletter goes to press, I just helped Deacon Jim figure out Zoom-related technology for
the congregation’s annual meeting and I will be running the “mission control” computer that night. My wonderful internship
committee met with me in January (via Zoom) and will do so again in March. Other than a few papers (one of which involved
researching the history of the ELCA and LCMS in Florida) and an online quiz, I am DONE with seminary coursework. It is looking
increasingly like graduation will be online, not in the Twin Cities, thanks to the coronavirus; several of my cohorts (classmates)
are already talking about taking a continuing education course together when in-person instruction is safe for us and our pro-
fessors.
Finance
FINANCIAL UPDATE (as of December 31, 2020)
TOTAL INCOME FROM ALL Budget Year to Date Actual Year to Date
SOURCES $2,248,003 $2,230,951
Budget Year to Date Actual Year to Date
TOTAL OVERALL EXPENSES
$2,248,003 $1,989,984
December 2019 December 2020
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
521 528
(A more detailed Treasurer’s Report can be found in our weekly eBlast.)
Do you purchase things on Amazon? If so, you can get the same items
with Amazonsmile. By purchasing items through Amazonesmile a very small
percentage of the sale goes to Emmanuel. On your first visit to AmazonSmile
(smile.amazon.com), you are prompted to select a charitable organization.
Emmanuel Lutheran Evangelical Church is one of those organizations. So, if
you shop with Amazon, remember to go through AmazonSmile and select
Emmanuel Lutheran Evangelical Church. (Tell your family and friends to do
the same.) The direct link is https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-1377616
Thanks for supporting Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. Thank you to those of you who do use Amazonsmile. Every little
bit helps. To date we have received over $1,051.31 from Amazonsmile.
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Music and Worship
MUSIC AND WORSHIP NOTES
JOYCE FINLAY, ELCA DEACON FOR WORSHIP AND MUSIC
SUNBEAMS
Several people have told me that as I get older, I will think more about my
childhood than I have in the past.
I didn’t believe it at first, but I am realizing it is true—I often find myself reminiscing about some event in
the earlier days of my life.
Like I’ve heard many of you say--I feel like I had the BEST parents in the world! God blessed my brothers
and me with two amazing Christian parents who loved the Lord and brought us up going to church and Sunday School on a
regular basis. (Full disclosure: I had no choice—I was a PK! Dad was a Presbyterian minister for 35 years, and I am so fortunate
to have had a loving father and mother who lived the love of Jesus every day). Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for
blessing me with such an invaluable gift of my wonderful parents.
One memory that recently came to mind was the song, “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam.” When I was about 5 years old, I be-
came a full-fledged member of the children’s Sunbeam Choir. Our choir robes were bright yellow (hence the word “Sunbeam”)
with blue bows (maybe the blue sky?). We would regularly sing for church, and as we entered the sanctuary we would always
sing:
Jesus wants me for a SUNBEAM
To shine for Him each day,
In every way try to please Him,
At home, at school, at play!
A SUNBEAM, a SUNBEAM,
Jesus wants me for a SUNBEAM,
A SUNBEAM, a SUNBEAM,
I’ll be a SUNBEAM for HIM!
When Pastor Bliese asked me in a Worship Matters meeting how I regularly choose my music, I
said that wanted it to be thematic and fit in with the scriptures and theme of the day. When the theme was about
walking in God’s light, somehow the “Sunbeam” song came to mind, and I recently played it
for part of the pre-service music.
And then I realized this: just because I am DECADES older than I was when I first learned this
song, doesn’t Jesus still want me to be a SUNBEAM for Him? Of course!
Jesus wants all of us to be SUNBEAMS and to go out and spread His light to the world.
May it be so!
If you would like to hear a version of this song on YouTube, copy and paste the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHr-LA4xtqc
Voices of Naples Concert
Grace Lutheran Church
February 28 at 3:00 p.m.
The concert will be livestreamed as well.
All the info is on the website voicesofnaples.org.
(Several of Emmanuel’s Choir members are in Voices of Naples)
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Serving Others Ministry
Serving Others Ministy is one of our ministries that focus on our congregation helping in the community., whether it is
through financial donations or volunteering at our partner organizations. If you would like more information about how you
can help with the Serving Others Ministry, please contact the chair, Jan Gazdic by email at jhgazdic@comcast.net.
Some of our community outreach organizations are The Good Samaritan Fund, Food for the Needy, Grace Place, Habitat for
Humanity, Casseroles for St. Matthews, Panera Bread Pick-up, Harry Chapin Food Bank, and Village of Hope Haiti.
Casseroles for St. Matthew’s House
Our Serving Others Ministry Team provides casseroles prepared by Church members to the St.
Matthew’s House Shelter for the benefit of those sheltered. This has been a very successful outreach
led by Carolyn Faust. Unfortunately, the pandemic interrupted the process so we have implemented
an alternative until the Church reopens.
Gina Fidler is in the office every Monday - Thursday from 9am to 2pm and has made herself available
to distribute the casserole pans, lids (and recipes if needed) and receive prepared casseroles to store
in the freezer. This outreach is still much needed and greatly appreciated by all of those housed in the shelter.
Please consider picking up a casserole container, or two, preparing one of the easy casserole dishes, and delivering the cooked
casserole back to Gina at the Church. We will also have some containers at our drive-in service to make it even easier. At this
time, the cooked casseroles can only be accepted at Church by Gina Mondays - Thursdays from 9am to 2pm. Those housed in
the shelter, and the employees working there, all love our homemade cooked casseroles, as only we Lutherans can do!
The Harry Chapin Food Bank Care and Share Program
The Care and Share Program for Senior Citizens is run by the Harry Chapin
Food Bank. Senior hunger is a hidden issue in Southwest Florida. Many seniors
on fixed incomes have to make the difficult choice whether to purchase food or
buy medicine. Seniors who do not get the nutrition they need are at a higher
risk of developing health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and high
blood pressure.
The program supplements the diets of more than 2,200 sen-
iors with low-income in Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties
with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food. Eligible seniors age 60 and over receive kits containing canned fruits
and vegetables, canned protein, grains, cereal, and other food each month. When possible, the food bank
also includes fresh produce, frozen meats, dairy, bread and deli items with these kits.
Emmanuel needs a couple of volunteers to help with the once a month distribution to low-income senior citizens who have
signed up to receive the food packages donated by Harry Chapin Food Bank. Please let the church know if you would like to
help or know of someone who might like to do so. (239-261-0894)
The distribution takes place on the second Monday of the month between 10 AM and Noon. We have also scheduled a fol-
low-up distribution on the second Thursday of the month, probably in the late morning or early afternoon, for a few partici-
pants in the program who did not pick up their food on Monday.
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Youth and Family Ministry
Souper Bowl of Caring is a youth-inspired movement working across the nation to tack-
le hunger in their local communities. Mobilizing grassroots resources including church-
es, schools, civic groups and caring individuals, the Souper Bowl of Caring movement
has created over $160 million worth of support that stays completely local.
In 2020, thousands of groups collected over $10.6 million in dollars and food donations
for hunger-relief charities across the country. Souper Bowl of Caring created over $30
for each dollar donated to directly to us for the implementation of this great cam-
paign.
Thank you to donors who see the vision of a world where we can use the energy of our biggest events to help feed our neighbors
in need.
Emmanuel’s Youth Ministry has been supporting this effort now for 14 years and has raised more than $27,000.
This year with the COVID situation we will not be able to gather at the church and do our fun “soup pot parade” on Sunday
morning. Therefore, the youth of Emmanuel are asking for us to keep the TEAM EMMANUEL TRADITION, but this year, to make
your donation directly online.
CLICK here to donate.
CLICK here to learn more about the Souper Bowl of Caring.
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Youth and Family Ministry
Dear Moms and Dads,
Emmanuel’s Confirmation Class Season is about to start up again. If your son or daughter is in
the 6th – 8th grade, then they are encouraged to be a part of Emmanuel’s confirmation journey.
This year all the classes will be held through Zoom. Emmanuel Lutheran Church’s confirmation
program is a 2-½ year program that begins on Ash Wednesday of your child’s 6th grade year and
concludes in October, of their 9th grade year. New students to Emmanuel Lutheran Church can join
the program at any time. For more information and how to register, please call 239-261-0894, or
email Deacon Jim Cooper , Jim@NaplesEmmanuel.org.
Come attend our Contemporary “Alive” worship service at 10:00 every Sunday - either in-person or online. You must sign-up
on our website www.naplesemmanuel.org to attend in-person service and follow our Covid-19 safety protocols (everyone
must wear a mask and social distancing between families). You can watch a video on our website or call the church office at
239-261-0894 if you have any questions.
To watch online go to our website and scroll down to Livestream Services. 10Youth and Family Ministry
https://unlocked.org/
Click Here
The d365 daily devotional site is
produced by Passport, Inc., a
national student ministry or-
ganization. The primary goal
since the start has been to pro-
vide inspirational and relevant
This is a great devotional that reflections on scripture for young peo-
can be downloaded onto your ple. The devotional experience,
phone as an app, or you can
written especially for youth and
access it online. The devotion
young adults, seeks to provide
can be as short as three
minutes, or as long as 20...it’s reflections on themes that im-
up to you. Please take a mo- pact our faith journey. We are
ment to check it out, you will happy to say that d365 is read by
not be disappointed.
over 2,000 people each day,
Online link: https://d365.org/ throughout 74 different coun-
tries! We hope this experience
will create a quiet space in your
life for meditation and prayer.
Emmanuel Community Church and Youth Ministry
For children ages 3 - 6 years old
led by Nieves Lebrón our Children's Ministry Specialist
During the sermon time children who attend the worship service with their
family at the Alive or ECC Services will be invited by Mrs. Nieves to come with
her to another room and /or the playground. During this time they will also
have their own short Bible lesson. The children will be returned to the Family
Life Center to rejoin their parents for communion.
11Parish Nurse
Carol Calling:
Now let’s take another look at one of our Power Points…It never hurts us to review. The first one is Move Natu-
rally: This means just find ways to move around naturally and while you do you will be burning calories without
even thinking about it. Easy and accomplishes something that is good for you.
Now before I go any further, please let me say a heartfelt thank you to the many friends who sent me condo-
lences after my husband died. I don’t think we realize how many people connect with us until you have an
event like this. What a wonderful church family I have and I care about all of you. So THANK YOU.
AARP CEO Bill Novelli reminds us that businesses thrive by following a strong moral compass. In other words, businesses do
well by doing good!! We could all do well to remember this in our every day lives. This is a principle that you could use in
your career or in your every day living. Bill was instrumental in creating Sesame Street and currently teaches in the MBA pro-
gram at Georgetown University. He says that he is encouraged by the fact that his students not only want to earn a paycheck,
but want purpose in their lives.
Make sure you are up to date on your eye exams and that your vision is the best it can be. JAMA Opthalmology tells us that
keeping your eyeglass prescription up to date and fixing problems like cataracts can protect your brain. Those with uncor-
rected vision were twice as likely to develop dementia. Researchers say that one reason for this may be that poor vision may
interfere with brain -stimulating activities like socializing.
In a study in Neurology, May 2020, it was found that regular yoga cut the number of monthly migraines and the use of pain
relievers.
Are you worried about the safely of salad greens which are packaged ? The FDA is working and conducting investigations
into the outbreaks of disease from poorly packaged greens. They are working on providing stricter water quality measures
and providing a list of high risk foods. In the meantime, keep packaged lettuce cold and eat it when it is fresh, and you may
even want to consider buying whole leads of lettuce rather than bagged greens. It is easy to clean a whole head of lettuce by
running water thru the core and even pouring some salt into the core which will kill any bugs.
So February is National Cancer Prevention Month and Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness month. Wear a green rib-
bon and say a prayer for those suffering.
The hospitals no longer notify us of your admission. If you have a planned hospital admission and would like a
visit from our pastoral staff, please let us know ahead of time. If you have an unexpected hospital admission,
please ask a family member or friend to contact the church office. We would be happy to visit with you.
Thank you. Parish Nurse Carol Hartman at 239-261-0894 or carol@naplesemmanuel.org
If you would like to have a prayer added to the prayer chain, please contact Joyce O’Neill. You may contact
Joyce at 239-566-3373 or email her at KSOnaples@comcast.net. Send requests to Joyce O’Neill at
ksonaples2@gmail.com
12Parish Nurse
Grieving Group : Jesus Wept
In the Gospel, according to John, Jesus wept (11:35). He wept over the death of Lazarus, and in
seeing the grief of Lazarus’ sisters and all who mourned him. Many of us are grieving today.
Some of our loved ones have died. Some of us have lost jobs and are mourning our way of life
before COVID. Some of us are facing difficulties in our health, and some of us are being separat-
ed from our loved ones. There are many reasons we grieve today and many reasons we, like Je-
sus, weep. Grief can be isolating but we do not have to go through these losses alone. In Christ, we are a family. A family that
weeps and supports each other in difficult times.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church has a grief group. This group is for all who mourn, need to lament, or are suffering from loneliness.
We will listen to each other and we will pray with each other. “Grief group” meets on Zoom at 1:00 pm on the first and third
Wednesday of every month. Parish Nurse Carol Hartman and Resident Pastor Karole Langset lead the group. They can answer
any questions you have about the group.
To Join Grief Zoom Meeting (1st and 3rd Wednesday, 1 p.m.):
Copy and paste: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88948974770?pwd=YWZ5S2pveGJ0NGp0d0czdXkvTEZKUT09
Meeting ID: 889 4897 4770
Password: 844239
You can join by phone without video, for that you will need the meeting number and password (above) when you dial-in to
one of these numbers:
+1 301 715 8592 (Germantown), +1 312 626 6799 (Chicago),
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York), +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma), If you have any questions or concerns in
+1 346 248 7799 (Houston), or +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose). regards to the Grief Group call Carol
Hartman at 239-261-0894 or email her at
Carol@naplesemmanuel.org
Stephen Ministry
CHRIST CARING FOR PEOPLE THROUGH PEOPLE
This is the motto of Stephen Ministry. Our SM role is to bring God’s love
into the lives of people who are going through difficult times in their lives.
We listen, care, support, encourage, and pray with and for a person who is
hurting. In this one-to-one caring relationship God’s healing love comes
pouring through. If you or someone you know is facing difficulties and may
benefit by the confidential Christian care of a Stephen Minister contact
Carol Hartman at Emmanuel - 239-261-0894.
MEET THE STEPHEN MINISTER - EDIE W. COLE
Edith Walters Cole grew up in Pennsylvania, and attended college and graduate school in Ohio. Along the
way she married David Cole (recently deceased) and they settled in Columbus, Ohio where both became
college professors, he at Ohio State and she at several private colleges. They have one daughter and one
grandson. After retirement they moved to Powell, Ohio, and became seasonal residents in Marco Island,
and in 2002 moved to full time residents in Naples. They started attending Emmanuel in 2002. Up North
they were members of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church as well as United Methodist Church in Powell, OH.
Edie has used her great energy and her kind and loving heart in many activities including the Ohio State
Women’s Club, Church Choir, Nursing Home ministry, teaching English as a second language, the Sympho-
ny, Bible Studies and the arts. She has actively participated in church activities here at Emmanuel, including
Choir and Stephen Ministry as well as being a certified Laughter Leader! Her favorite activity is serving as a
volunteer. When asked what motivated her to enter into Stephen Ministry she noted that she has always
loved helping people and also since she is a member of the International Listening Assn. she is able to serve as a great listener,
an essential skill for Stephen Ministers. Following her commissioning as a Stephen Minister, she stated her great reward would
be that she helped make her Care Receiver happier, more loving and closer to God.
13Emmanuel Park Community
2770 Oil Well Road
www.naplesemmanuel.org/epc
epc@naplesemmanuel.org
Drive-In Worship: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Weekly Food Distribution at the Park
Rain or shine, the Meals of Hope food distribution continues to provide food
to over 400 families each week.
Thank you to all of the volunteers from Emmanuel and the surrounding com-
munity.
Service Wednesdays
We are designating Wednesdays at the Park as a day of service. We will have a variety of
projects you can choose from. Some examples may include, but are not limited to: volun-
teering with our food distribution, picking up trash, landscaping, and projects yet to be de-
termined.
Thank you, Rob Headley, for trimming a tree, hanging a garage organizer and clearing out
under the gazebo.
THE FOOD ROCK
Food Truck Hours:
Saturday 4:00-8:00
Sunday 11:00- 3:00
Little Library
Two of our little libraries are up, and the children
and parents love them! We have one more to install
hopefully by the beginning of February. The National
Honor Society youth will paint the third little library
at Cypress Palm Middle School.
Thank you to all who have donated books for the
libraries! If you would like to donate gently used
books, please contact Deacon Dee Schleutker.
Volunteer appreciation
Along with our celebration of baptism on January 10 we celebrated our volun-
teers with a volunteer appreciation luncheon provided by the Food Rock.
Thank you to all who have donated their time, talent and resources to help sup-
port this ministry.
14Emmanuel Park Community
Baptisms
January 10th, we celebrated the baptism of 12 people at the Welcome Center pool.
Baptisms
Juan Damas 1/10/21
Aleck Damas 1/10/21
Jacob Damas 1/10/21
Sayuri (Serenity) Dorval 1/10/21
Grace Formelus 1/10/21
Sa’Mairia Formelus 1/10/21
Sebastian Formelus 1/10/21
Sincere Formelus 1/10/21
Howard Isaacson 1/10/21
Andre Laguerre 1/10/21
Ian Laguerre 1/10/21
Isaac Laguerre 1/10/21
Deaths
Please keep the friends and family of the following in your hearts and prayers:
Karen Van Arsdale - January 16, 2021
15Emmanuel Academies
Speakers and Facilitators of 2021 Faith, Vocation and Economics Program
Rev. Dr. Richard Bliese
ASSOCIATE PASTOR, Emmanuel Lutheran Church
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL FORMATION, Emmanuel Academies
Richard Bliese was called to serve Emmanuel in the fall of 2018, after serving our congregation for two
years as a consultant for the Kern Family Foundation from Waukesha, WI. Pastor Rick came to Emmanu-
el with experience as a missionary for five years in Zaire (now the Congo) and six years in Germany, as
well as 30+ years teaching, preaching and serving!
After completing his PH.D. on the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, he went on to teach theology
and mission at our ELCA seminary in Chicago (LSTC) while leading a small congregation at night (St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
in Glenwood, IL). He was called to lead Luther Seminary in 2003, first as Academic Dean, then as President. Rick has authored
and edited numerous books, papers and articles on numerous theological subjects, including missiology, evangelism, leader-
ship and vocation.
After ten years at Luther Seminary, Pastor Rick worked for two foundations, the Lilly Foundation as a consultant for theologi-
cal seminaries in the United States and Canada (In Trust Seminary for Theological Education in Wilmington, DE) and the Kern
Family Foundation (WI) within the area of “Faith, Work and Economics.” It is within this work for the Kern Family Foundation
that Pastor Rick re-engaged with the vision and work of Emmanuel Lutheran Church here in Naples.
Rev. Wayne Miller
RETIRED (2019) BISHOP EMERITUS, Metropolitan Chicago Synod - ELCA
Bishop Miller served the Metro Chicago Synod as bishop for 12 years, after serving as Pastor in three con-
gregations in the suburbs of Chicago over 23 years. As noted in an article in the Chicago Tribune, “Just as
the Old Testament prophet Jonah discovered once he was inside the whale, Rev. Wayne Miller has learned
one cannot escape a calling. Lord knows, he has tried.” Prior to following his vocational call, Bishop Miller
had a successful career as a mechanical engineer. He has applied his analytical mind to pastoral and com-
munity work through his work.
Bishop Miller’s personal experiences, Lutheran training, and insights have benefited the ELCA, his synod, congregations and
the church. As a pastor and Bishop he sought solutions to issues that were “both faithful and reasonable”. He has been quot-
ed as stating: "This is a cherished thing in our identity that we can do this kind of moral deliberation publicly because we be-
lieve that in itself is faithful." https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-relig_bishop_03aug03-story.html
He currently serves as a trustee at Carthage College, Kenosha, and as a board member for the WeRaise Foundation. He also is
a member of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago, where he also served as President 2016-2018.
Chris R. Armstrong, Ph.D.
PROGRAM FELLOW FOR FAITH, WORK, AND ECONOMICS, Kern Family Foundation
Chris R. Armstrong, Ph.D. is an author, educator, academic entrepreneur, and church historian (Duke
Ph.D., Gordon-Conwell M.A.). Chris has served as Program Fellow at the Kern Family Foundation since
March 2019. He taught from 2004 to 2013 at Bethel Seminary, St Paul, MN, where he founded and di-
rected an initiative on faith, work, and economics “Work with Purpose”. From 2014 to 2018 he served
as faculty member and founding director of “Opus: The Art of Work” at Wheaton College (IL).
Chris took up church history to learn how Christians have lived out their understandings of God, humanity, and the world; the
same impulse drives his current research on faith, vocation, and human flourishing. His recent book Medieval Wisdom for
Modern Christians: Finding Authentic Faith in a Forgotten Age with C S Lewis (Brazos, 2016) turns to medieval faith for guid-
ance on living well today in our natural, social, and cultural worlds. Chris blogs at www.gratefultothedead.com. Chris serves as
Senior Editor of Christian History Magazine: www.christianhistorymagazine.org.
16Emmanuel Academies
Speakers and Facilitators of 2021 Faith, Vocation and Economics Program
Tracy Matthews
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, The Call to Work
Tracy Matthews and The Call to Work have developed a workshop-based experience teaching participants
models and tools by which to integrate their faith into their daily work and life situations. The Course cat-
alyzes spiritual growth and transformation as participants leverage the truth of Scripture to help them
respond well to the current challenges that keep them up at night.
Prior to The Call to Work, Tracy Mathews spent eight years leading strategy and business development
for an early-stage industrial biotech company. She has also held positions at McKinsey & Company and Kimberly-Clark Corpora-
tion. She holds a BS in Paper Science and Engineering from the University of Washington and an MBA from the Harvard Busi-
ness School.
Tracy has been leading the development of The Call to Work since March of 2016, and says of her experience: Through the
tools and principles I’m learning through The Call to Work, I am experiencing more of God’s presence and more fullness of life
than I ever thought possible in this life.
Rev. Dr. Steven Paulson
CHAIR OF LUTHERAN THEOLOGY, The Luther House of Study
Professor Steven Paulson has been teaching and preaching for over thirty years and is chair of Lutheran The-
ology at LHOS. He holds degrees in theology from St. Olaf College, the Master of Divinity from Luther Semi-
nary and the Theological Doctorate from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. His dissertation was:
“Analogy and Proclamation: the struggle over God’s hiddenness in the theology of Martin Luther and Eber-
hard Jüngel.”
He has taught at Concordia College, Moorhead, and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, before coming to Sioux Falls. He is the author of
many books and articles, including "Luther’s Outlaw God, Volume 1 and 2”, “ Luther for Armchair Theologians” and many more.
Always complex and provocative, Rev. Dr. Paulson is creative in his explanations and teaching.
Rev. Dr. Paulson’s vocational pathway did not lead him directly to ministry. The pathway included vocational work as a carpen-
ter, electrician and plumber, then as a mental health counselor, and then a research librarian, before entering deeply into
teaching and researching Lutheran theology.
Professor Sarah Stenson
CO-DIRECTOR, The Luther House of Study,
KAIROS AFFILIATE PROFESSOR, Sioux Falls Seminary
What do corporate law, family and proclaiming the gospel have in common? Ask Sarah Stenson, and she
will tell you each of these things is something for which she has a deep passion.
After graduating from Luther College, Sarah attended the University of Minnesota Law School and graduat-
ed with a J.D. in 1992. She worked as a corporate attorney at Honeywell Inc. and Kmart Corp. headquarters practicing corpo-
rate law and participating in mergers and acquisitions, before becoming the stay-at-home mother of two children.
Sarah was called from Sundays at church to seriously studying Lutheran theology at Sioux Falls Seminary under Rev. Dr. Chris
Croghan and then joined the Luther House of Study as it was formed to teach others in classrooms, congregations, and working
to nurture faith and prepare pastors.
17Emmanuel Academies
EA Introduces Our Spring 2021 Student Cohort!!!
Thank You!!! Emmanuel Academies is grateful for our generous donors who recognize the importance of
forming new pastors to serve the Lutheran Church into the future. Without knowledgeable and well-trained
pastors, who will teach our grandchildren and the next generations about Christ?
Introducing our Spring 2021 Student Cohort of seven students. They are each unique Volunteers gather
and are called to serve the Church. Here are some of their stories! to practice for the
At 28 years of age, Torye Angelatos yearns to turn her childhood hardships into a lifelong mission
to help children and youth who are struggling by preaching the Word of God, bringing the hope of
Jesus Christ and being an example of redemption to the young people she encounters.
The Lutheran Church in Guatemala was founded in 1992 and Bishop Karen Castillo was elected as the
President and Presiding Bishop of the national church in 2014. Bishop Karen is excited to earn her
Master of Divinity and to apply her wisdom and fieldwork to a formal theological education. She
looks forward to implementing enhanced theological education for her pastors and their congrega-
tions as she proceeds through our program.
After owning and managing an auto repair service with his wife in Ocala for 20 years and earning his
captain’s license, mastering the guitar, serving as a chaplain at 2 hospitals in his community for 10
years and being rostered as a Deacon for 5 years, Rick Mainster is excited to prepare to serve his com-
munity at a higher level!
As a retired manager originally from up north and now the President of the Church Council for Faith
Lutheran Church in Lehigh Acres, Paula Bobb-Semple is very excited to audit our Divinity Refor-
mation class to grow her faith and to better equip others in her church, where she leads Bible studies.
Paula states, “In all things give thanks for God is in charge and ALL is well.”
Alberto Gomez has known he had a calling to become a Pastor since he was a young man. However,
life circumstances had not allowed him to pursue his dream of receiving a formal theological educa-
tion until now. Alberto is enrolled in the Master of Divinity program as a degree-seeking student
and looks forward to a future of hope.
Clecepmary Rodríguez represents the Lutheran Church of Venezuela. She looks forward to receiving
her Master of Divinity and ordination to help those in her hometown of Barquisimeto find the saving
grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Clecepmary attends the Emmanuel Community Church online, using
the necessary technology provided by Emmanuel Academies.
Rebecca Cruz has led congregations as a Minister for more than 27 years but has never formally stud-
ied theology or sought her Master of Divinity. Her father, Rev. George Cruz-Martinez, an ELCA or-
dained pastor for more than 40 years, introduced Rebecca to our program. Rebecca is enthusiastic
about building the knowledge and skills to better teach, preach and write about the work of Christ in
our lives.
Equipping Pastors to Serve the Church!
18Emmanuel Communities
2021 Is Beginning VERY WELL!!!!
The mission of Emmanuel Communities is to foster the development of Emmanuel Community Park, both in
terms of its physical development as well as its place within the community, including community partner-
ships. 2021 has started off with great success and a big vision for the year!
Of course, the Park is home to the Emmanuel Park Community led by Pastor Will and Deacon Dee. They cel-
ebrated the first Baptisms for this new community of faith and there were 12 celebrants of all ages and stag-
es in life, different backgrounds and various first languages. It was a blessing for the 120+ who travelled from as far as Sioux
Falls to participate in and witness the Baptisms. A Great Start!
Planning continues to move forward for the pavilion. Here are the latest images from our designer. We are now working with
the county, awaiting their approval. Emmanuel Communities continues to welcome gifts of all sizes to support the develop-
ment of the pavilion, the planned “well” and a paver square.
Emmanuel Communities is building a site that will serve the community for the coming 50 to 100 years! If you would like to be
a part of the future of this vision as it comes to fruition, please reach out to Howard at Emmanuel Communities at
239.206.3082 or at H.Isaacson@EmmanuelCommunities.org
19Clubs
All of our clubs have been suspended until further notice due to the pandemic. If you are interested in a particular
club, you may contact the leaders of that group.
Lit and Latte Book Club
At this time they are trying to create a list of books to read and presenters for the upcoming year. If
you have any ideas, please contact Carol Hartman at Carol@naplesemmanuel.org.
Everyone in the community is invited to join our group. Please feel free to bring houseguests and
friends, as all are welcome.
WOMEN WITH WOMEN
The Women with Women group has postponed gatherings and meetings until further notice.
Any questions call Carol Duncan at 239-777-3213.
Mah Jongg is postponed until further notice. If you have any questions, please call Carol Duncan at
239-777-3213.
Beading for Haiti Project Paperbead Jewelry
The beading group has postponed meeting until further notice. They are excited to get back togeth-
er once things get back to normal. They also look forward to having a Jewelry Sale.
Interested? Contact Carol Duncan at 239-777-3213
Check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/beadingforhaiti
Village of Hope Webpage www.villageofhopehaiti.org
Stitchers
The Stitchers have resumed meeting in the Family Life Center on Mondays at 9:00 a.m..
Call Jane Hauck, 605-366-4338, with any questions.
20Emmanuel Lutheran Church
February Anniversaries
Member Date
Barry & Arlene Borman 02/01/1958
Mr.& Mrs. Richard Borchers 02/05/1966
Frank Scurti & Pauline Bando 02/ 02/2011
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mjoen 02/06/1971
Gabriella Hernandez & Raul Morales 02/07/0000
Mr. & Mrs. Duncan Cameron 02/09/0000
Myron & Patricia Marlett 02/13/1993
Larry & Suzanne Ehlert 02/14/2018
Mr. & Mrs. Dick McBride 02/22/1980
Rod & Kathy Johnson 02/23/2013
Edna Godoy & Oscar Acosta 02/26/1989
21Emmanuel Lutheran Church
February Baptisms
Member Date
Richard Carlson 02/00
Robert Driste 02/00
Thomas Petruzelli 02/00
Kirsten Hilliard 02/01
Beverly Ranstrom 02/03
Idelle Bjelland 02/15
Nancy Omonte 02/18
Zinda Madison 02/23
Gary Piipponen 02/23
Thomas Manring 02/24
22Emmanuel Lutheran Church
February Birthdays
Member Date Member Date
Beverly Brenner 02/01 Yvonne Rivera 02/14
Jesus Chacon 02/01 Sharie Summers 02/14
Alison Kalb 02/01 Charles Lusch 02/15
Joseph Moeller 02/01 Victor Morales 02/15
Sabrina Puzzuoli 02//01 Kay Philp 02/15
Clayton Blomseth 02/02 Janet Anderson 02/16
Carolyn Bordner 02/02 Bill Herzog 02/16
Dianne Cameron 02/02 Linda Moeller 02/16
Carolyn Fitzkee Kreckman 02/02 Konstantin Oppenverg 02/16
Zetty Rivera 02/02 Tanya Davis 02/17
Maria Sadler Aguila 02/02 Larry Ehlert 02/17
Vicki Capadona 02/03 Roger Gustavson 02/17
Lindsey Fisher 02/03 Louis Checkers 02/18
Paul Lang 02/03 Diane Fink 02/18
Jeffrey Piipponen 02/03 Erik Patterson 02/18
Beverly Ranstrom 02/03 DonnaRhode 02/18
Ian Rosevear 02/03 Lori Frontz 02/19
Nancy Umbach 02/03 John Gadsby 02/19
Lisbeth Arana 02/03 Alice Krautsack 02/19
Karina Benavides 02/04 Gary Sharpe 02/19
Eduardo Rivera 02/04 Helen Skogos 02.19
Heather Smith-Fernandez 02/04 Corey Stewart 02/19
Marsha Thoemke 02/04 Lloyd Pearson 02/20
Maridee Boe 02/05 Jerry Lauro 02/21
Gary Piipponen 02/05 Michael Conrad 02/22
Christopher Sallee 02/05 Mackenzie Fowell 02/22
Carole Sissel 02/05 Robert Groth 02/22
Robert Driste 02/06 Lauren Puchalla 02/22
Janice Gazdic 02/06 David Benson 02/23
Waltraud Hardy 02/06 Steven Williams 02/23
Carol Meehan 02/06 Carol Jean Anderson 02/24
Savanah Sallee 02/06 Sandra Bufka 02/24
Charles Wallen 02/06 Margaret Wolff 02/24
Marcus Werman 02/06 Robert Goodin 02/25
William Kittinger 02/08 Robert Headley 02/25
Ellen Radomski 02/08 Steve Schutt 02/25
Barbara Thomas 02/08 Amaiya Ancirel 02/26
Walter Steffen 02/08 James Cooper 02/26
Rosa Gombac 02/09 John Rasmussen 02/26
Kevin Devine 02/11 Georgetta Elgin 02/27
Ethan Perry 02/11 Vandon Schleutker 02/27
Kristen Sonneborn 02/11 Lindsay Stock 02/27
Santiago Ruiz 02/12 HelenThatcher 02/27
Theresa Shaw 02/12 Theodore Eissfeldt 02/28
Zack Faust 02/13 Genesis Ruiz 02/28
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