Gloria Dei Leadership, Staff & Council

 A Letter from Interim Pastor Lynn Fonfara

 

I am excited to be partnering in ministry with you all at Gloria Dei! I have discovered I love interim ministry, and I am blessed to be your pastor. I introduce myself with a few observations.

I am married to Mike, a retired Presbyterian (PCUSA) pastor, and we’ve been happily married for 21 years. We have 5 adult children in various parts of the country, 12 grandchildren in even more parts of the country, and as of this year, we have 2 great-grandchildren. We also have 2 cats – or I should say – we are the staff for two 11-year-old cats.

I am a life-professed member of the Order of Lutheran Franciscans (OLF). That means I follow Jesus by following the simple ways of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi. Beyond caring for creation, they were both passionate about making sure all people have enough of what they need. You will occasionally hear stories about them and how they lived out Jesus’ message of compassion and justice.

I am your pastor, not the congregation president. While I will advise the council, I will not write the agenda or make major decisions, because that is the responsibility of the council and congregation.

I ask a lot of questions, especially at first. I want to know, “How do we do ‘X’ here?” I also ask “what if …” questions. “What if we did ‘X’?” What do you think?” How would people respond? Questions are a method of gathering information, and of exploring options that could grow faith and participation in the congregation’s activities.

I love to eat, and I love to get to know congregation members. So, every Sunday, I’ll ask the question, “Who is going to lunch with me today or tomorrow?” By enjoying lunch with a few people at a time, I get to know who you are, how you fit in the community that is Gloria Dei, and you get to know me as well. We accomplish so much more when we know and trust each other.

I look forward to getting to know you all, loving God and our neighbors together, as we travel together through this time of transition for Gloria Dei.

 

Evelyn Rollins, Office Manager

Evelyn was born in the Bronx, NY, and raised in Long Island, NY. She attended the State University of Old Westbury and graduated from Briarcliffe College.

In 2017, she moved to Tampa, FL. seeking a quieter and more peaceful neighborhood in 2022, Evelyn and her significant other, Shannon, found their perfect home in Leesburg where they now reside. 

In July 2024, Evelyn joined Gloria Dei Lutheran Church as the Office Manager. Her responsibilities include collecting and formatting information to create, copy, and distribute the Sunday bulletins, the monthly Glorion, and other publications as needed. Evelyn also ensures the smooth running of the church office through various administrative duties.

 

Leonard Cremisio, Music Director

Leonard Cremisio is an experienced church musician with over five decades of dedication to music ministry. His career spans multiple states and denominations, showcasing his versatility and commitment to sacred music.

Mr. Cremisio's journey in church music began in New York, where he served as the organist at St. Henry's for 20 years. He then moved to New Jersey, taking on the role of organist and bell choir director at Good Shepherd for another two decades. Following his retirement, he relocated to Pennsylvania and continued his ministry as the Choir Director and Organist for the First Presbyterian Church of Honesdale for three years.

In 2015, Leonard moved to Clermont, Florida, where he continued to share his musical talents. For five years, he played daily mass at Blessed Sacrament until changes in the music program led to a reduction in weekday services. Currently, he serves as a fill-in musician at St. Faustina and provides musical accompaniment for mass once a month.

Throughout his career, Leonard has demonstrated adaptability and a willingness to serve in various capacities. He has experience with both traditional and contemporary worship styles and has worked with choirs, bell choirs, and as a solo organist. His extensive background includes a brief stint at a local church where he filled in during a transitional period before the COVID-19 pandemic.

2024 CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS

President                              Loraine Van Haecke

Vice President                      John Braun

Secretary                               Vaike O'Grady

Treasurer                              Bill Birdsall and Linda Hyde

Fellowship                            Loraine Van Haecke 

Property                                Bill Birdsall and Craig Carlson

Worship & Music                Crystal Kirkpatrick

Evangelism                           Bill Birdsall

Christian Education           Christine Carlson

2024 COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS

Stewardship                         Dianne Marcotte   

WELCA                                 Loraine Van Haecke