To Know Christ and Boldly Make Him Known

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This Week at Emmanuel

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Dear Siblings in Christ,

This is an exciting and hopeful season in the life of Emmanuel!

I write today with gratitude to God and with joy in my heart as I introduce to you our new Director of Sacred Music and the Arts, Dr. Aina Olonade.

Dr. Olonade comes to us with a remarkable breadth of experience and deep love for the church’s song. Born and raised in Nigeria, he first served in music ministry at the Anglican Cathedral in Lagos, before moving to the United States, where he has offered his gifts in Missouri and Texas. Most recently, he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in Sacred Music and Organ Performance at Florida State University, where he wrote on the legacy of sacred music pedagogy. Alongside this academic excellence, Dr. Olonade has also performed with professional ensembles such as the El Paso Symphony and the New Mexico Philharmonic, and in masterclasses at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, and at Indiana and Princeton Universities.

At Emmanuel, his role will be more than that of principal organist and accompanist (though we give thanks for those gifts too!). As Director of Sacred Music and the Arts, Dr. Olonade will help shape our worship life, direct the bell choir, mentor volunteer musicians, collaborate with our Choir Director, Lori Maxwell and her team of Cantors and the Sanctuary Choir, and serve as artistic director for the Arts at Emmanuel.

In other words, his ministry among us will not only deepen our worship but also open new doors for community engagement through music and the arts.

This Sunday, I invite you to join us following worship in the Sanctuary, for a special 44-Minute Sunday Forum to meet Dr. Olonade. You will hear his story, his vision, and—most importantly—his music. His presence will be a gift for our worship and our mission. We give thanks to God for bringing him here and look forward to the ways the Spirit will work through him in the months and years to come.

As we enter this new chapter, I am mindful of the psalmist’s words: “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!” (Psalm 98:1). The Lord is indeed doing marvelous things among us. Let us open our hearts to the Spirit’s leading, raise our voices in song, and share the beauty of Christ with the world around us.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Dr. Olonade to Emmanuel. May we, together, embody our calling to know Christ and boldly make Him known.

In Christ’s joy,

Pastor Will

Welcome Emmanuel's New

Director of Sacred Music and the Arts

Dr. Aina Olonade

Dr. Aina Olonade is an organist and dedicated teacher with extensive experience in performance and music education. He earned a Bachelor and Master of Music in Piano Performance, followed by a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance. Aina combines technical mastery with expressive artistry, bringing depth and vitality to sacred and concert settings alike. With a passion for teaching, Aina has guided students of all ages in developing their keyboard skills, fostering both strong technique and a deep love for music. Known for a commitment to excellence and a heart for service, Aina continues to inspire congregations and students through the power of music.

The 44-Minute Sunday Forum

Interview with Emmanuel's New

Director of Sacred Music and the Arts

Dr. Aina Olonade

Coffee will also be available for the 44 Minute Forum

65th Anniversary

Calling all Thrivent Members!

A Thrivent Action Team is a group of community members led by a Thrivent client to complete a fundraiser, educational event, or service activity. Thrivent provides up to $250 in seed money for these one-time projects, which can be used for activities such as fundraisers, service projects, or educational events within a school, church, or community. The grant money is delivered via a $250 Visa check card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.

We're calling all Thrivent members to apply for their Action Team funds to go towards the following upcoming educational events that inform our congregation and the greater Venice community about Emmanuel and its mission to know Christ and boldly make him known:

Venice Chamber of Commerce Expo

Wednesday, October 15, 4:00-7:00pm

Venice Community Center

Emmanuel will have a booth at the Expo to educate how we've served the Venice community for the past 65 years.

Sanctuary Ribbon-Cutting

Wednesday, October 29, 4:00-6:00pm

Emmanuel's Sanctuary and Narthex

We're inviting local leaders to our rededicated Sanctuary to learn more about Emmanuel and our 65 years of service to the Venice community.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, November 2, 10:45am

Members, friends, and neighbors are invited to join us for a pancake breakfast following our 65th anniversary worship service to learn more about Emmanuel and how we serve the community.

Please Note: All Action Team grants made by Thrivent members of Emmanuel are collected and sent to the church in one check from Thrivent. Please contact the Church Office if you apply for a grant so that we can acknowledge your contribution to the congregation. Thank you!

Thrivent Members: Click Here to apply for an Action Team Grant!

Congregational Care

Florence Canady

Pr. Joseph Livenson

Janice Curle

Edna Froelich

Jackie Miller

Kelly Klare

To Carol Kittinger, Pastor Will and families and friends on the passing of their father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joseph Krotz this past week.

Joseph's Celebration of Life will be held at VOTI on Friday, October 3rd at 10am, Renaissance Room 2. Memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church and the VOTI Foundation.

Prayers are lifted for the family and friends of Don Berg who passed away Tuesday, September 23rd. Services will be held at Emmanuel on Sunday, September 28th at 2pm with visitation at 1pm in the Narthex. Reception following in Fellowship Hall.

Memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran's 65th Anniversary Celebration or Tidewell Hospice.

Norm & Carol Johnson both grew up in Illinois. Norm is retired from the Village of Orland Park, working in IT and Public Safety and Security. Carol worked for UPS and enjoys outdoor activities and organization.

James & Suzanne Wittig moved to Florida in May of this year from upstate New York. James is currently working in sales while enjoying golf, history and woodworking. Suzanne retired from 33 years teaching 7th Math and is now enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as walking, golf, and fitness activities.

God Bless you as you continue to grow in God's love here at Emmanuel!!

Medical Minute

Don’t Leave a Loved One Alone in a Hospital----at least for long!

Hospitals are intimidating places---even for healthy people. If you are sick, or elderly, it can be a recipe for disaster, and very scary. Strange faces everywhere...

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Faith Formation

Missed Last Week's Sermon?

September 21, 2025, 15th Sunday after Pentecost

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Lectionary Preview

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This Sunday (16th after Pentecost), our readings from Amos 6, Psalm 146, 1 Timothy 6, and Luke 16 remind us that true life doesn’t come from wealth or success, but from God’s mercy in Christ. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus calls us to see the neighbor at our gate and respond with compassion.

Join us in worship as we are reminded that in Christ, we already have the greatest treasure of all — life with God.