Bios
Pastor David Lillejord accepted a call to serve Emmanuel in 2024. Pastor Lillejord is a graduate of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN and has served 4 congregations in Minnesota before his call to Emmanuel. He is excited to join the staff and the congregation as, together, we live out our faith in daily life. Pastor Lilllejord and wife, Joy, have been blessed with three children, Jacob, Rachel, and Matthew. (Ruby, our dear little dog, is an official member of the Lillejord family, too!) When away from the office, he enjoys spending every possible moment with his family. He also likes to play golf, watch football and movies. His favorite Bible story is The Prodigal Son.
Rev. David Lillejord
The Rev. Dr. Richard Bliese is an accomplished leader, teacher, innovator, and visionary with extensive ministerial experience over three continents, with thirty years of leadership, non-profit, and entrepreneurial experience in over 15 different organizations, and deep teaching and consulting expertise nationally and internationally in theological education and congregational ministry. Dr. Bliese has served as a missionary pastor, professor, seminary president, and consultant to the greater church. He holds a Master of Divinity from Christ-Seminary Seminex, a Master of Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Theology from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.
Rev. Dr. Rick Bliese
Happily married with three beautiful children and now two beautiful grandchildren.
Dominican by birth and American by adoption. Graduated as a Doctor of Medicine in Santo Domingo and pediatric pulmonologist at the Paulista School of Medicine. He earned a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He has worked as a mission developer for the ELCA, as a pastor and mission developer in various locations, and as a teacher in Illinois public schools. Since 2013, he has accepted the call at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and until now, directs the multicultural ministry in Naples, Florida.
Rev. Jose Lebron