An Emmanuel Story: Intangibles

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 professionally for over 30 years. She has sung in the church all her life, participating in choirs and smaller ensembles.

When Kimberly and her husband, Bobby, still a practicing physician in Barrington (Illinois), bought a place in Bonita Springs 17 years ago, they started looking for a church home. “We aren’t there all the time, so visiting churches to find the right fit took a long time.” Their friends, Cindy and Dan Mjolsness, told them about Emmanuel in Naples and invited them to visit.

“We were looking for, well, the intangible aspect,” said Kimberly. “We were looking for the feeling of being at home. The feeling of family and acceptance and intellectual stimulation. You want to have the right balance. At Emmanuel, all the pastors are wonderful.” As a singer, Kimberly connected with Pastor Steve’s voice and describes his sermons as enthralling.

Kimberly talks about what drew her to Emmanuel, “The choir was so welcoming, loving and kind. The people of Emmanuel are real, and I appreciate that about them.” She also appreciates their multifaceted outreach. “The different ministries are incredible – the work that the church does is impressive, and I am proud to be a part of it.”

Today, Kimberly shares her gift of voice when she and Bobby are in town. They found the intangibles at Emmanuel. “When I walk in the doors, I feel like I belong and that I can serve,” she said. “It is very heartening. It makes us very happy.”