Faith Lutheran Church Celebrates 50 Years of Ministry and Fellowship

By Nita Cole      

Faith Lutheran Church of Rotonda West, located at 551 Rotonda Blvd., recently marked a significant milestone—its 50th anniversary in Rotonda West.  This celebration of half a century of faith, service, and community recently drew members together in joyous recognition of the church’s enduring mission.

Pastor Brian Armen has served the congregation since 2013, following his ministry in North Dakota and Pennsylvania. With a Master’s of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary (1987) and a Doctorate’s of Ministry from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (2005), Pastor Armen’s leadership is rooted in decades of theological education and pastoral experience. Ordained in 1987, Pastor Armen remains dedicated to fostering a worshipful environment and embodying God’s will through service to the community.
The church began its initial work in June 1973 with Pastor Carl Kaltreider as the Mission developer with 31 adults and eight children. The first service was held Nov. 11, 1973. Services were held at the Rotonda West Community Center. March 2nd, 1975, the formal service of organization was held. The current building hosted its first service on Palm Sunday, March 31, 1980, and grew rapidly.
Reflecting on his time at Faith Lutheran, Pastor Armen shares, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to help our congregation and community grow. The many volunteers and staff members who faithfully create a place of comfort and encouragement where we listen, care, and serve our community at large.”
Jeff Kamm, Church Council President, expresses his gratitude, noting, “It has been an honor to lead the church’s operations. While recent hurricanes have led to fluctuating membership, I am fortunate to work alongside a seasoned pastor and a devoted team who continually strive to meet our goals and overcome challenges.”
The church’s dedicated staff includes Barbra Davis, church secretary; Candace Montesi, organist and choir director; and Cyndy Hoops, custodian, all of whom play vital roles in ensuring the smooth operation of church activities and services.
Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, the congregation gathered to celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord, marking the end of the Epiphany season and the official 50th anniversary of Faith Lutheran Church of Rotonda West. During this service, the church honored its first four pastors—Carl Kaltreider, Carl Kelly, Pat Large, and Pastor Armen—by placing commemorative bricks in the church’s Memorial Garden.
A special anniversary worship service will be held at 9:30 AM Sunday, March 23 (the third Sunday of Lent which was the liturgical day the congregation was formed in 1975), at 11:30 AM, following worship, the congregation, family and friends will gather at the Rotonda West Community Center. The event, which costs $15 per person, will be a time of fellowship, celebration, and reflection. The Rev. Carlos Ham, assistant to the Bishop & Director for Evangelical Mission for the Florida/Bahama Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will preach and preside at the worship service and speak at the celebration.
Faith Lutheran Church is guided in mission by the Church Council, which includes Jeff Kamm (President), Larry Bennett (Vice President), Sandy Cox (Secretary), Art Hanson (Treasurer), and members Jeff Petersen, Gene Newlon, Jim Porter, Dave Woodliff, and Sue Baran. The church office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to Noon.
Faith Lutheran places a significant emphasis on the “work of the people” through its worship practices and service in the community. The liturgy focuses on the Word—celebrating the life and teachings of Christ through the church calendar, biblical readings, and hymns that convey God’s love and the gift of salvation through His Son.
For those unable to attend in person, services are available via live streaming and archived on www.YouTube.com. Faith Lutheran is part of the Florida/Bahama Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Worship services are held at 8:30 and 10:30 AM on Sundays in “Season”, and 9:30 AM in the Summer.

Other weekly activities at the church include:
• Tuesday Men’s Fellowship, Work & Service at 7:30 AM
• Tuesday Women’s Fellowship, Work & Service at 9:00 AM
• 1st and 3rd Wednesday Bible Study at 3:00 PM (New participants are always welcome.)
Pastor Armen reflects on the church’s mission, stating, “While we take this time to reflect on the faithfulness of God throughout our history, our gaze is always forward – looking to the future with anticipation of what God is doing in our lives today and will do in the days to come.”
For more information, visit www.ALivingFaith.org or call the church office Monday through Friday, 9 AM to Noon at 941-697-3313.