Mooring Line Dr. Updates
GOING UP IN STYLE! We’re excited to share that our elevator is officially back in service—and better than ever!
After more than a year of necessary repairs and code-required updates, the elevator has passed all inspections and is now ready for you to use. This project ensures that our facilities remain accessible, safe, and up to modern standards.
Thank you for your patience and support throughout the process. We’re thrilled to have this essential feature restored for the comfort and convenience of all who enter our building.
Next time you’re here, feel free to take a ride—because we’re going up!
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS: Please note our new summer office hours.
Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
While the office will be closed on Fridays, our pastors remain available for pastoral emergencies at any time. If you have an urgent need, please don’t hesitate to call the church office at 239-261-0894, and follow the prompts to reach a pastor.
We look forward to serving you during these updated hours!
REPRESENTING EMMANUEL AT THE FLORIDA-BAHAMA SYNOD ASSEMBLY: Pastor Rick Bliese, Pastor José Lebrón, Deacon Dee, Deacon Nieves, Howard Isaacson and Sabra Malary (representing Emmanuel Lutheran Global Seminary) attended the Florida-Bahama Synod Assembly, June 12-14, in Kissimmee, FL. This year’s Synod Assembly theme was, “There’s a Time for Everything.” (Ecclesiastes 3)
We’re grateful for their participation and leadership as they represented our congregation in this important gathering of churches across the synod.
Here are some reflections from the assembly and insights they brought back to share with our community!
We’re grateful for their participation and leadership as they represented our congregation in this important gathering of churches across the synod.
Here are some reflections from the assembly and insights they brought back to share with our community!
Shared by Deacon Dee Schleutker
"This year, I was especially looking forward to hearing the keynote speaker, Rev. Emily Harkins, pastor of The Dwelling in Winston-Salem, NC—and she did not disappoint. She radiated a deep passion for the homeless ministry she leads, and her message was both inspiring and deeply moving."
In addition to the keynote, Dee shared how much she values the opportunity to reconnect with pastors and other rostered leaders from past years.
"This year, I was blessed to catch up with Pastor Will and his family, which was a true joy."
Shared by Pastor José Lebrón
"This Synod Assembly was meaningful in many ways. It was well attended, and it was truly uplifting to see so many familiar faces—especially those we don’t often get to see in person. One of the highlights for me was seeing the impact of Emmanuel Lutheran Global Seminary (ELGS) among so many participants. Wearing our colorful shirts with the ELGS emblem sparked conversations everywhere we went. It became a wonderful opportunity to share the mission and work of our seminary and to testify to what God is doing through it."
We’re grateful for Pastor Rick, Deacon Dee, Pastor José, Deacon Nieves and , Howard Isaacson and student’s presence and representation of Emmanuel and ELGS at the Florida-Bahama Synod Assembly, and we look forward to hearing more stories and inspiration from this year’s gathering.
MAY FINANCIAL UPDATE: Total income for the month of May was $121,730 -- $34,000 below budget and $4,660 below last year’s May’s offering. Total operating expenses in the month were $188,758 compared to a budget of $213,263.
Year to Date:
Income received through May 31, 2025 is $941,252. Operating expenses for the same period are $999,897 – resulting in a net budgeted income of $58,645.
We know that the months of summer take many people from here to there – and perhaps a number of places in between. In the midst of all that, worship, learning, and service are taking place in and through Emmanuel. In addition, your entire staff is working and planning for the fall as well as making plans for a more impactful year of ministry to our respective and collective communities. We thank you for your continued support of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. If you haven’t had a chance to give recently, or if you feel like you could give more, now is a great time to do so. You can give online through the link provided. You can mail your offering to us or bring it when you came and worship, learn, and serve.
Let us come together in faith and generosity to meet this need and continue to do the work to which we have been called.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR THERESA SHAW
We will gather to honor and celebrate the life of Theresa Shaw on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
All are welcome to join us in remembering Theresa, giving thanks for her life, and surrounding her family with love and prayer.
FAMILY LIFE CENTER REFRESHMENT IS UNDERWAY!
We’re thrilled to announce that Garrett Construction began a major renovation of our Family Life Center —a transformation that will enhance both the beauty and functionality of this important space for years to come. Here’s a look at the exciting updates coming to the Family Life Center:
New doors and windows will refresh the exterior and create a more welcoming entrance.
The stage will be extended by three feet, offering more space for worship, performances, and presentations.
The soffit above the stage will be removed to open up sightlines and create a more inviting, spacious feel.
A beautiful hospitality area will be added, providing a warm, welcoming space for fellowship and connection.
Stone accents, matching the sanctuary, will be installed on both the east and west walls, bringing visual continuity and elegance to the space.
The folding wall into the Community Room will be removed to allow for better flow and flexibility.
Decorative ceiling beams and three graceful chandeliers will be added to enhance the overall ambiance.
All walls and wainscoting will receive a fresh coat of paint, complemented by new carpeting, artwork, and decorative flowerpots for a vibrant, inviting look.
The Community Room kitchen will undergo a full renovation.
The Main Kitchen will be refreshed with modest updates, improved organization, and a cleaner, more functional layout.
New AV equipment will be installed, including an additional camera to enhance our live streaming capabilities.
Restrooms and the rear entryway will be completely renovated to improve comfort and accessibility.
And finally, all tables—including new rectangular ones—will be replaced with brand-new furniture to better support gatherings and events.
We are deeply grateful to a generous donor who has made this entire project possible through the capital campaign, as all costs have been covered in full by their gift. No general funds have been used for this renovation. We will continue to keep you updated as the work progresses.
PLEASE HELP OUR STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION! Each year we award scholarships to college students based on their active involvement in church life, participation in youth ministry, commitment to serving the community, and dedication to their educational goals.
Since its inception 16 years ago, the scholarship program has awarded 86 scholarships—this year’s total of $9,500 brings the cumulative disbursement to an inspiring $96,000.
Please join us in praying for these exceptional young people as they embark on the next exciting chapter of their journey. We are incredibly proud of each of them!
This meaningful program exists thanks to the vision and generosity of our founding partners, Marge Herbst and her late husband, Charlie, along with many others who have faithfully supported the fund over the years. If you would like to contribute to the Youth Scholarship Fund and help invest in the future of our young people, please make your check payable to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and write “Youth Scholarship” in the memo line or click on the link below to donate online.
Thank you for helping us encourage and equip the next generation!