St. Armands Key Lutheran Church celebrates 50 years

Following a special worship service, congregants gathered in the fellowship hall for an anniversary lunch.

  • By Katie Johns
  • | 12:45 p.m. April 8, 2018
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

St. Armands Key Lutheran Church celebrated its 50th anniversary April 8.

In 1968, 62 charter members formed as the American Lutheran Church at the Lido Key Casino. In 1978, it became the St. Armands Key Lutheran Church Foundation. In 1999, the church built a new sanctuary, which is where they worship today.

On Sunday morning, that sanctuary was filled with congregants eager to celebrate the anniversary with special guest Florida-Bahamas Synod Bishop Pedro Suarez.

Following the service, congregants enjoyed lunch and had the chance to look at old photographs and articles about the church. Lunch attendees were thrilled to be celebrating the anniversary.

Lucille Pererva, who has been a member of the church for about six years, said it was an exciting time and she was happy to be present for the celebration.

Betty Suarez, who has attended the church’s services for 46 years said it was a wonderful occasion.

“It was just a little nothing when I came down here, but we’ve had some wonderful pastors,” she said.

Mary Shaheen, Betty Suarez and Nina Kritopovou
Mary Shaheen, Betty Suarez and Nina Kritopovou
In 1968, 62 charter members began American Lutheran Church, which would later become St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.
In 1968, 62 charter members began American Lutheran Church, which would later become St. Armands Key Lutheran Church.
Karen Toshner and Marge Jeffers
Karen Toshner and Marge Jeffers
Inside the fellowship hall, congregants could look at old photos and articles about the church.
Inside the fellowship hall, congregants could look at old photos and articles about the church.
Barbara Beaty and Geri Nelson
Barbara Beaty and Geri Nelson
The Rev. Bob Zimmer, Barbara Lang, Shirley Zimmer and Klaus Lang
The Rev. Bob Zimmer, Barbara Lang, Shirley Zimmer and Klaus Lang
Roses adorned each table with special “50th anniversary” napkins.
Roses adorned each table with special “50th anniversary” napkins.
Pat and Kirk Heinzerling
Pat and Kirk Heinzerling
Lynette and Hans Salheiser and the Rev. Eric Wogen
Lynette and Hans Salheiser and the Rev. Eric Wogen
Anna Lee Renst and Maryann Franzen
Anna Lee Renst and Maryann Franzen
Lucille Pererva and Frank Cefola
Lucille Pererva and Frank Cefola
Two cakes were ready for dessert.
Two cakes were ready for dessert.
The choir sings as the Rev. Ken Blyth brings the gift toward the altar.
The choir sings as the Rev. Ken Blyth brings the gift toward the altar.
Wahib Habib serves lunch to guests.
Wahib Habib serves lunch to guests.

 

Latest News

Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
  • February 8, 2026
Cyclist killed on Siesta Key
Suncoast Waterkeepers regularly tests water quality at 12 sites in Sarasota Bay and its adjacent waters, including the Linley Street boat ramp on Longboat Key.
  • February 7, 2026
Sarasota, Manatee bayside beaches graded for water safety
Capt. A.J. Grande operates a "six pack" fishing charter business who often picks up and drops off customers at Nora Patterson Park.
  • February 5, 2026
Permits will be required for charter boat operators using county parks
District 2 Commissioner Penny Gold walks in a parade in 2021.
  • February 5, 2026
Longboat commissioner appointed to National League of Cities committee

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content