Emmanuel Park Updates
ASHES TO GO - A MEANINGFUL ASH WEDNESDAY AT THE PARK: Last week, we were blessed with a beautiful day at the Park, where 358 people received ashes - 90% of those invited by those who imposed ashes on Ash Wednesday.
In the Lutheran tradition, the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday serves as a powerful symbol of our mortality, sinfulness, the need for repentance and a renewed focus on God. The ashes, marked in the shape of a cross, remind us that we are “dust”, and to “dust we shall return”, emphasizing our human condition and dependence on God.
We are grateful for this opportunity to share in such a meaningful moment of reflection and renewal to the community.
A heartfelt story from Emmanuel Member and Emmanuel’s Building Superintendent, Alex Tovar - sharing his experience imposing ashes to the community at the Park:
Dear Dee,
First of all, Rosalia and I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for inviting us to participate in such a beautiful event. It was truly a meaningful experience for both of us, and we’re so thankful for the opportunity.
I wanted to share something that happened while we were walking down the line on Ash Wednesday. We came across a gentleman who was working outside his truck. His music was loud, and when he saw us, he asked, “What are you doing?” I explained the significance of Ash Wednesday to him, and he looked at me and said, “Nobody wants me. Jesus doesn’t want me.”
I asked him why he felt that way, and he responded, “Jesus said you should not kill, and I don’t belong to that group. That’s why I don’t deserve the cross on my forehead.” I looked at him and said, “But Jesus will forgive our sins.” I went on to explain that He took all our sins to the cross and offers forgiveness to everyone. I reassured him that when the time comes, we will all go to heaven.
When he heard this, I could see the emotion on his face, and he almost began to cry. He looked at me with sincerity and said, “For real, brother?” I nodded and said, “Yes, that’s the promise Jesus gives us.” He was so relieved and happy. With a smile, he said, “Go ahead and put that cross on my forehead, and make it big so everyone knows I will go to heaven. Thank you, Jesus.”
It was a truly moving moment, and it reminded me of the power of faith, compassion, and the simple message of grace. I just wanted to share this experience with you and thank you again for allowing us to be part of this beautiful event.
Warm regards,
Alex Tovar
FAMILY NIGHT HITS THE ICE: FRIDAY, MARCH 28 | 7:30 PM | HERTZ ARENA Get ready for an unforgettable night of hockey, fun, and fellowship as we cheer on the Florida Everblades together! Join your Emmanuel family for this exciting Family Night at Hertz Arena.
Exclusive Offer – Just $20 Per Ticket!
Premium seat with a fantastic view!
FREE Everblades towel ($50 total value!)
This is a perfect opportunity to invite friends, make memories, and enjoy a thrilling night of hockey action! Deadline to order tickets: March 24.
Don’t miss out—grab your seats and get ready to hit the ice with us!
How to Sign Up:
1. Email Deacon Jim at Jim@NaplesEmmanuel.org with the number of tickets you need.
2. Mail or drop off your payment to:
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
777 Mooring Line Dr., Naples, FL 34102
3. Your tickets will be emailed to you before game day!
2025 LENT AT EMMANUEL - “GIVING UP” : Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. It is a time when we journey with Christ to the cross, letting go of the things that hinder our faith and opening ourselves to God's grace. This Lent, we invite you to embrace the theme "Giving Up". God would like to help and guide us to give up control, expectations, superiority, enemies, and our lives. Join us on this journey - see you in worship!
This week, we invite you to embrace the theme "Giving Up Expectations." So often, our expectations—of ourselves, of others, even of God—can limit our ability to fully experience the presence and work of Christ in our lives. By surrendering these expectations, we make room for God's surprising grace. One Church, Multiple Communities - United in Letting Go!
CANDIDATE SEARCH UPDATE:
The Emmanuel Park Call Committee continues to work diligently in the search for our next pastor. With the support of the Synod and our consultant, we are actively identifying and considering potential candidates for interviews.
If you know of anyone who may be a good fit for this role, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out and share your recommendations!
Thank you for your prayers and support during this important process.
REFRESHING THE PARK: In our efforts to continually improve there have been some very obvious and significant improvements at the Park. Recently, we have refinished the wood (sanding, conditioning, staining and sealing) of the playground and picnic tables, as well as two truckloads of mulch for the playground surface and the front of the Welcome Center. Over the past months, we have added shade trees to the site, particularly along our roadway, to begin to grow a canopy of shade that will develop over time.
We are excited that the park is used by so many in the community and it is a gathering spot for our members.
SITE DEVELOPMENT AND MODULAR UPDATE:
We are continuing to work with the county on our insubstantial change to the Site Development Plan. Progress is steady, and we’re moving forward step by step! W
e finalized the basic design of the structure, including the placement of doors, windows, electrical outlets, and lighting. Our next focus shifts to color selections for the carpet, interior and exterior walls, trim, and other finishing details.
Meanwhile, the manufacturer is preparing the necessary engineering drawings—structural, electrical, and mechanical—needed for our future building permit application.
Though the process is gradual, every step brings us closer to completion. Forward we go!