When Ruben Teran was 12 years old, he and his parents moved to Naples from Venezuela. He spoke no English. Today, at age 19, Ruben is a little shy, but…

Carol Duncan grew up in New Jersey, the daughter of a German immigrant. In 1961 she married Jim and subsequently gave birth to two boys and a girl. In 1992, when their…

Gerardo Manrique is the gifted guitarist who, together with Marcela and Carlos, provides the music every Sunday at the Emmanuel Park Church service.

Before coming to Emmanuel, I worked in a law office. I hated it! I felt miserable on Sunday nights because I knew I had to go back to work the…

Now I can see how God is working in my life. Let me tell you how this happened. I grew up in a family that valued church life. As a young…

Marilyn Thomack grew up in the Christian faith, and is so grateful for her parents’ influence in her life. She and her husband, Will, raised three sons and lived in.

Twenty-five years ago, Sue Talarico and her husband Gary were looking for a faith community in Naples. Sue had a painful experience in another congregation where the pastor would not…

When I moved to Naples, I had already experienced many different church settings and experiences, Catholic, Episcopalian, Evangelical, and non-denominational communities among others.

I was working in the advertising world before coming to Emmanuel. Although I was happy with my job, I knew there was more out there waiting for me.

Kathy Worley grew up a Navy brat. She traveled all over the world with her family. Her parents took her to worship services with the Navy chaplain.

Frine was born in Venezuela. When she was 10 years old, she moved with her mother and sister to Spain. (Her name is pronounced free-nay.)

When Tom and Ellie Jackson moved to town 10 years ago, they spent more than a year looking for a church home.

Howard grew up in a Jewish family on Long Island, New York. For more than 15 years Howard provided financial services and planning for families in the greater Naples area…

Jamie is a busy woman. In addition to leading the band for the weekly Alive Service, she is the mother of two young girls, works as a professional architect, and…

Kimberly Albrecht has loved singing for as long as she can remember. A lyric coloratura soprano, Kimberly has sung everything from jazz to opera to sacred music, and she has performed…

Diane and Karl became involved with the Stephen Ministry program. Karl helped Pastor Frank Lee and Carol Hartman,

Lisa has been a member at Emmanuel for many years, getting married here to her husband John…

Nicole Hood is a volunteer manager for Meals of Hope. She also donates her time to St. Matthew’s House.

When Helen Stine moved to Naples 18 years ago, she went through the phone book to find the nearest Lutheran Church.