Last Sunday we welcomed new members to our Oil Well Road community as well as the family of Pastor Jay Shailer. After church everyone gathered for a picnic for more fun and fellowship.

As we enter the summer months, many of our regular volunteers will be traveling or away, and we are in need of additional help to fill in. Even if you are only available to serve once or twice, your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

This ministry involves picking up donated food from Panera Bread and delivering it to St. Matthew's House.

Pickup Location: Panera Bread, 2184 Tamiami Trail (across from Emmanuel)

Delivery Location: St. Matthew's House, 2001 Airport Pulling Road

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Fridays at 9:00 PM – Pick up food and deliver it on Saturday between 6:00–7:00 AM

• Sundays at 9:00 PM – Pick up food and deliver it on Monday between 6:00–7:00 AM

Last week, Emmanuel staff and members participated in two inspiring events. Pastors David Lillejord, Rick Bliese, and José Lebrón, along with Deacon Nieves Lebrón, attended the Florida-Bahama Synod Assembly in Kissimmee, where they joined church leaders from across the region for worship, learning, and conversations about the future of ministry. Meanwhile, 21 participants from Emmanuel's Alpha Bible Study gathered for their Holy Spirit Retreat, a special opportunity to deepen their faith through teaching, discussion, prayer, and fellowship.

Now in its 17th year, Emmanuel’s Youth Scholarship Program has awarded 106 scholarships to support students in their educational pursuits. This year, $15,500 was awarded, bringing the total distributed through the program to $111,500. We are grateful for the support of Emmanuel’s Endowment Fund and our generous donors who make this ministry possible. Join us and help invest in the next generation.

Our End of School Celebration was a wonderful afternoon filled with food, fellowship, laughter, and fun! Families gathered together to celebrate the start of summer, and the kids especially enjoyed cooling off on the water slide.

Casseroles and Compassion: A Longstanding Tradition