Tony and his wife Alice have been members of Faith Lutheran Church since 2011. He previously served as an Elder at Faith and has recently returned to the board of Elders. He is a native of Florida and went to school at and attended Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven. His family has farmed for generations. But, for better or worse, he brought that to an end. He currently is in business locally. Tony and Alice live in Parrish. They have two children, Drew in Atlanta and Sarah in Charlotte, NC. They have one granddaughter. Tony can be reached by phone at 941-269-9571 or by email at akbowen61@gmail.com
Jack and his wife Hope and relocated to Parrish, FL. in 2014 from Boca Raton, FL where they raised their family, worked and worshipped for over 35 years. They were active members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. His wife worked at Advent Lutheran Church Pre-School after retiring from her corporate position. Jack’s career for over 30 years was in the administration side of the Construction Business. They relocated to the west Coast of Florida to be closer to their two adult children and their three grandchildren that reside in Tampa, FL. They have been members of Faith Lutheran Church since 2014, truly love small town life and Faith Lutheran. You may contact Jack by phone at 941-224-4427 or by email at Devynpa@aol.com.
Mike Freeman and his wife, Kelly, have been members at Faith since 2016. Before retirement to Sun City Center, he worked in the oil/gas, pharmaceutical, wine, and beer industries with a degree in Chemistry. Kelly spent her career as a Professional in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Before becoming members at Faith, Kelly and I were members at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Indianapolis for over 25 years where I served as Congregational President, Elder, and on the Board of Properties and Outreach. Kelly was active with Altar Guild as she is here at Faith. Together we led one of many small group Bible Studies and assisted in the start-up of a satellite mission Church. Whether you have faith needs, prayers or just want to talk, Elders at Faith are available to be part of your spiritual journey. Along with Pastor Poock we can be available for home visits. Kelly and I normally attend the 5:00 pm Wednesday service but you may see us on a Sunday. We are full time Florida residents. I am available by phone, text, voicemail at 317-654-0684, or by email at mfvino@gmail.com.
Mert Janovec and his wife, Sherry, joined Faith in 2015. He was appointed as an Elder in 2016, and has served as Head Elder since 2019. He was baptized at 3 weeks old in an LCMS church in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska and confirmed in 1951. Mert joined the US Navy in 1955 after graduation from High School in Cedar Bluff. Sherry and Mert have been married for over 40 years. They have three children; two daughters and one son, seven grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. They have lived in Sun City Center since 2001. Mert can be reached aby phone at 813-344-9775 or by email at mert.ignite@yahoo.com.
Dennis Steinke has been an Elder since 2019. He was born in Belvidere, Illinois and worked in manufacturing, shipping and receiving until retiring in 2008 from General Mills. Early in his life he went to his parents’ church, St. John United Church of Christ. In 1987, he became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Belvidere. He moved to Lakeland, FL upon retirement to take care of his dad who was ill and transferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church. He moved to Bradenton in 2014 and attended Hope Lutheran Church before joining Faith. He can be contacted by phone at 815-298-0057 or by email at dstei10399@hotmail.com.
Tom Weiss and his wife, Margie, have been members at Faith Lutheran since 2010. Before retirement he was a Lutheran school teacher and principal. Margie and he both graduated from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL. He has been an Elder for over ten years. He and Margie also participate in Laborers for Christ which takes them to various congregations across the country during the summer to work on building projects. So Tom is usually the elder assigned to other seasonal members of Faith so that he can serve you when in Florida. You can contact Tom by phone at 941-757-9032 or by email at weisstommargie@gmail.com.