LEADERSHIP
OUR PASTORS
Lead PASTOR
The Rev. WILLIAM A KITTINGER, JR
I joined Emmanuel Lutheran Church as Lead Pastor in July of 2023—but in many ways, it felt like coming home. Born in Sarasota and raised in Venice (Go Indians!), I was baptized, confirmed, married, and ordained here at Emmanuel. This congregation has shaped my entire journey of faith and is largely responsible for my call as a pastor. Before returning to Venice, I served for six years as Associate Pastor for Mission Development at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida.
I’m blessed to share my life and ministry with my beloved wife, Jacqui, and our amazing daughter, Elisha. I’m as passionate about my family as I am about the work God has called me to do. In our free time, we love exploring the arts in our community, savoring the great restaurants, and spending quality time with our wonderful neighbors here in Venice.
info@emmanuel-elca.org
941-488-4942
PASTOR
The Rev. Dan Weichart
Greetings, I became the Associate Pastor of Emmanuel Venice in November 2025. My previous call was with Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Granbury, TX. I was born in Wisconsin and spent many years in the Phoenix area. Before answering the call to be a pastor, I worked as a college instructor and as a software developer.
My wife, Lisa, and I enjoy traveling and exploring the many culinary options in Venice. I am also interested in contemplative practices, music, theology, and ways to connect with community.
dweichart@emmanuel-elca.org
941-488-4942
VISITATION PASTOR
The Rev. DAVID HESS
Hello, I am Rev. David L. Hess and I'm the Visitation Pastor at Emmanuel. After 42 years of ordained ministry serving two congregations, I retired and became a snowbird with my wife, Linda, enjoying Venice’s seasonal beauty. When Emmanuel saw a need for pastoral care, I was honored to step in part-time.
info@emmanuel-elca.org
941-488-4942
our STAFF
Aiden Capps
Audio Visual Coordinator
avcoordinator@emmanuel-elca.org
941-488-4942
Hi, I’m Aiden. I graduated from Venice High in 2023 and now help with A/V and building operations at Emmanuel. I’m working toward my CTS certification and enjoy keeping things running smoothly. Outside of work, I love fishing, golfing, and spending time outdoors.
Collin Adkins
Audio Visual Assistant
941-488-4942
Hi, I’m Collin. I graduated from Venice High and now study at SCF. I’ve always loved tech, so working in A/V is a great fit. I joined Emmanuel through a family friend and enjoy supporting the church while learning and growing in this role.
Jocelyn Angelone
Director of Finance & Operations
941-488-4942
Hi, I'm Jocelyn! I joke now that I have three jobs: Chef Extraordinaire for my family, president of the Hoya Goldendoodle Walking Service and Financial Administrator. I came to Sarasota with my family, from Bronxville, NY, in 2023.
Barbara Spenks
Parish Nurse
941-488-4942 Ext 1020
I’m Barb, a longtime Venice resident and Registered Nurse. You’ll find me at the Welcome Center each Sunday. I write the weekly Medical Minute, visit homebound members, track our prayer list, and help in the office Mondays and Wednesdays. Call anytime—I’m happy to help!
Claudia Henry
Office Coordinator
941-488-4942
I am excited to serve Emmanuel Lutheran as the Office Coordinator. I have been blessed to work in ministry throughout my career as support staff in church ministry, in Christian education as a middle/high school teacher, and as a preschool director. I am blessed to be a part of the Ministry Team here at ELC and I am looking forward to serving Him and You here at Emmanuel.
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Nancy Scott
Kitchen Coordinator
941-445-0319
I have extensive experience in hospitality, including restaurants, hotels, catering, and management. I call myself our church caterer, handling meal requests, managing supplies, and ensuring the kitchen stays stocked, organized, and clean for our congregation and guests.
Lori Maxwell
Choir Director
choirdirector@emmanuel-elca.org
941-488-4942
I’m excited to begin my role as Emmanuel’s Choir Director. Music
has always been part of my life—
from 18 years with my Minnesota church Praise Band to five seasons with Key Chorale, two with St. Boniface, and decades working as a music store buyer.
Aina Olonade
Director of Sacred Music and Art
941-488-4942
I'm an organist and devoted teacher with a DMA in Organ and Piano Performance degrees. I blend technical mastery with expressive artistry in both sacred and concert settings, inspiring students of all ages with passionate instruction, strong technique, and a deep love for music.
Doug Tardiff
Facilities
941-488-4942
I was born in Maine and owned a construction company for 35 years. I retired to Florida with my partner, Lisa in 2023. We now live in North Port.
CHURCH COUNCIL
KC Farrell
President
My wife Chris and I relocated down here in Englewood from central Ohio in 2017. We retired from our careers in 2014. I was in the insurance business while Chris was an instructor in Ohio State’s College of Dentistry. I have served as Stewardship Chair, Council Secretary and, since 2023, Council President.
Christa Sweeney
Vice President
I moved from Wisconsin to Southwest Florida in 2013, trading white snow for white beaches. I enjoy golf, boating, walking my dogs, and spending time with family. I joined Emmanuel in 2017 and now serve as Vice President, having also participated in Stewardship, ushering, and lector ministries.
Lynne Ross
Secretary
Born and raised in Brooklyn and Long Island, NY, I have lived in the Sarasota area for 39 years and was raised in the ELCA Lutheran Church. I am married to Robert Hall and have a blended family of grown children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I studied elementary education at Wittenberg University and Dowling College and later returned to school for interior design. At Emmanuel, I have served as a Stephen Minister and on the Property, Narthex, and Worship & Music Committees, and I look forward to continuing to serve the congregation.
Ray Neall
Treasurer
I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and my master’s degree from Embry-Riddle University. I served nearly 28 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Master Navigator on the KC-135, retiring in 2003 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Afterward, I worked for the Department of Defense and the U.S. Census Bureau before fully retiring in 2018. My wife Mary and I moved to Venice in 2018 and joined Emmanuel in 2019.
Tuula Pakula
Member-at-Large
2024-2027
I’m a lifelong Lutheran, born in Finland and raised in Michigan. Now in Venice with my husband, Stan, I’m a Registered Nurse active at Emmanuel as a communion assistant, usher, lector, and on the council. I’m also involved in Christian Caregivers, parish nursing, and WELCA’s Deborah Circle.
Scott Souza
Member-at-Large
My name is Scott Souza. My wife, Shari, and I have been members of Emmanuel Lutheran for several years, after previously belonging to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bettendorf, Iowa. I earned a BS from the University of Illinois in 1977 and a BSN from the University of Iowa in 2006. I retired in 2021 and have lived full-time in Venice since 2023. Our son and his family live in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and our daughter and her family live in Bettendorf, Iowa.
Bob Olson
Member-at-Large
My wife and I moved to Venice from Champaign, Illinois, in 2017 and joined ELC the following spring. I’ve since served on the offering counting team, finance and property committees, assisted with an internal audit, and was part of the 2025 call committee. Outside church, I volunteer at the Venice Theatre and work for the Atlanta Braves during spring training. My son, Dale, lives with me; my wife passed away in 2021.
I grew up on a farm in Illinois that my siblings and I still operate, and I’m a retired hydrologist from the University of Illinois, where I worked in groundwater research.
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