Rev. Aaron DeBenedetto
Pastor Aaron is the newest member to the Emmanuel staff (October 2010). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and a Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina. He has been involved in many varying ministries throughout his life including: volunteering at several Lutheran national youth gatherings and other ministry events, being a summer staff member at three different Lutheran camps, a youth director at a Lutheran church, program director and interim camp director at a Lutheran camping ministry organization, organizer of a Lutheran campus ministry, chaplain at two hospitals and a transitional living facility, and a year-long pastoral internship. He has also served on several school, regional, and national committees. Pastor Aaron is passionate about the grace and ministry we all have in Jesus Christ.
Janet Barringer
Janet joined the staff of Emmanuel in September 2006 as the Administrative Assistant. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the office and coordinates the calendar and space use of the church property. She keeps the website current and acts as the liaison for all Ministry Teams. She has been a member of Emmanuel for 14 years and continues to serve on various ministry teams. Janet can be reached at (757) 340-3866 or by email.
Pat Morgan
Pat Morgan has been an active member of Emmanuel since 1974. She became involved in many areas of the church, choir, hand bells, Altar Guild, Worship & Music, Financial Secretary and Pre-School to name a few. Pat has also been an advocate for the Virginia Synod, ELCA, serving on several committees and as Secretary of the Synod. Pat became bulletin coordinator ten years ago. She is employed by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church as Administrative Coordinator.
Lisa Carter
Lisa Carter has been a music director at Emmanuel Lutheran Church since 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Shenandoah University and a Master of Music from the University of Cincinnati. She is an active member with the American Guild of Organists and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. In addition to her music ministry, Lisa teaches piano lessons at The Music Staff in Chesapeake, VA and is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano with the Music Teachers National Association.
Leanna Freid
Leanna Freid has been active in the music program at Emmanuel since joining the congregation in 1974. She has sung in the choir, as well as in special small groups. She has served as organist and choir director. Currently she leads a blended service once a month, which uses both instrumentalists and small vocal groups. Leanna loves teaching new liturgy to the congregation and adding new music and ways of worship to the solid worship foundation at Emmanuel. Leanna’s music training is primarily in piano, having studied with Dr. Gerald Siverson in high school and Dr. Roy Stahl at Concordia College, in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Shannon Tate
Shannon Tate has been Director of Emmanuel Lutheran School since June of 2009. She originally joined the school staff as a teacher in the Two Year Old room in 2004. Shannon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Psychology and earned her NK- 5 Teaching Certificate in 1996. She has concentrated her career in Preschool education and has more than 10 years experience in the field.
“Children may not always remember what you say, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” — Author unknown
Randy Sturm
Randy joined the staff of Emmanuel in March of 2011.He is originally from Pennsylvania and relocated to the Hampton Roads area in November of 2010. He serves as the church Sexton and is always seen around the church with a smile on his face and the willingness to serve!