Church Council

Pastor Chad serves as the lead pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he is passionate about helping people encounter Jesus in real, life-giving ways. With a heart for preaching, community engagement, and spiritual growth, Chad focuses on making faith accessible, relevant, and rooted in everyday life.

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He believes the church is at its best when people are growing together, serving side by side, and building authentic relationships. Whether he’s preaching on Sunday, connecting with members during the week, or leading ministry initiatives, Chad brings energy, clarity, and a deep love for the local church.

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Chad and his family live in South Florida and enjoy being part of the community. When he’s not at church, you’ll likely find him on the golf course or spending time with his kids.

Pete Morello serves as President of the Immanuel Lutheran Church Council, which mostly means he tries to keep meetings moving and conversations pointed in the right direction. He’s married to Emily, who deserves a standing ovation for her patience, and together they’re raising two incredible kids, Gia and Dominic, who keep life equal parts joyful and busy. Pete has spent years working with nonprofit organizations across Martin County and believes deeply that a hand up will always outlast a handout. His faith continues to shape that perspective, reminding him that we’re called not just to care, but to show up, serve, and "Be the Light". He’s especially grateful to be part of a church family that lives that out week after week. When he’s not at church, you might find him on stage in community theater… and fair warning, if the moment feels right, he just might break into song.

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Paula is a “seasoned” church leader, also with extensive experience in military and nonprofit leadership. She has a Certificate in Nonprofit Administration and completed the Executive Course in Religious Fundraising in 2017.

She is married to Marc and has been challenged with

an unpronounceable last name for 43 years. They are blessed with two daughters, terrific sons-in-law and 3 adorable grandkids.

Paula enjoys hiking, creative cooking, and reading as hobbies.

When the Russo family moved from New York City in 2015, they found a home at Immanuel Lutheran Church and have been part of the congregation ever since. Tim and Jana are parents of three daughters: Juliana (16), Emelia (14) and Samantha (10), all of whom attended ILC’s Early Learning Center where their faith was nurtured from an early age. After attending the ELCA National Youth Gathering in 2024, Tim felt called to become more involved with our youth program and now serves on the church council, overseeing youth and education.

Member of Immanuel since 1993; previously served on the Church Council as Secretary, Vice President, Treasurer, and Worship. Moved to Palm City in 1991, originally from Western New York (Go Bills!). Office manager at a local Real Estate Company. Founding member of Immanuel Quilters, Quilts of Valor Foundation.

My wife Mandy, daughter Farren, and I relocated from Chicago to Florida in December 2019. Born in England, I grew up in South Africa and am a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) and a CPA.  In addition to our involvement at Immanuel, Mandy and I enjoy travel, reading, and the many activities available to us here in Florida.

ILC Member since December 2024, living in Palm City since 2018.

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Retired in 2016 after 32 years of service with Johnson & Johnson as a Purchasing Manager.

Hobbies include cooking and playing the piano.

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Raised in South Florida, Kayla is a graduate of the University of Florida and a 15-year veteran of the Advertising industry. She is also a proud wife and mother of two active little boys. Following her agency career overseeing campaigns for clients like The Miami Dolphins, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Gerber Life Insurance, she launched her own digital marketing consultancy. 

Kayla now enjoys balancing her time between family, client work, and volunteer service. A member of Immanuel Lutheran Church since 2022, Kayla joined the Church Council in 2026. In her spare time (haha), she enjoys hot yoga, reading, and spending time on the water.   

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