
Meet Our Staff
Pastor Emmanuel received a Masters in Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Hong Kong and prior to moving to the States worked as a missionary reaching out to Indians, Nepalese, and Pakistanis. He accepted his first call at Trinity Lutheran Church in 2017 and received a Doctor of Philosophy at the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago in 2022.
Pastor Emmanuel met his wife, Brenda, in Hong Kong and they were married in 2000. They have two college aged sons who are both graduates of Lebanon High School.
His kind, thoughtful manner, depth of knowledge, and his musical talent are a blessing to Trinity Lutheran Church.
Pastor Emmanuel's ministry through the Indiana Kentucky Synod includes:
- IK Synod Council member; 2023-present;
- Teaching in TEEM Program (Theological Extension for Emerging Ministries), a program of the Pacific Lutheran Seminary, collaboration with ELCA and Episcopal Church USA; 2017 to present
- Synod Authorized Minister Mentor; 2021- 2024
Our Musicians
John Richardson, a distinguished graduate of Northwestern University and an esteemed alumnus of the U.S. Marine Corps Band, brings over 50 years of musical excellence to area churches. His extensive experience and passion for music have made him a valued contributor to worship services, where he provides piano accompaniment on the first and second Sundays of each month. In addition to his work in the church, John serves as the director of the Zionsville Concert Band, where his leadership and expertise continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike.
Charlie Fisher, a proud graduate of the University of Michigan, is a dedicated Language Arts teacher at Lebanon Middle School. With over 20 years of enriching the musical life at Trinity Church, Charlie has become a cherished figure in the community. Charlie's long-standing commitment to both education and music exemplifies his passion for nurturing and inspiring those around him. He sings and plays guitar on the third Sunday of each month, adding a special touch to the church's worship experience.
Randy Gustavson, has been playing piano at Trinity since 2017. In addition to serving as pianist for numerous churches he was the musical director/pianist for the Lebanon Follies for 11 years and has played for 40 plus musicals over the years in Jamestown, NY where he was born and raised, the University of Albany, NY, where he got his BA in piano performance, and New York City, where he worked and lived in the '80's. He has served as pianist for Lebanon High School musicals and choir concerts since 1999 and has accompanied music students (instrumental and vocal) in the Indianapolis area and taught piano since 1990. Since retiring from St. Vincent Hospital in 2019, where he worked in Patient Financial Services, he spends his afternoons playing piano at Von Maur in Castleton. Randy's contributions to the community also includes accompanying the congregation at Trinity, where he plays every fourth Sunday.
Valerie Coulter Pohl, a Trine University graduate with a master’s degree from Yale University in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, balances a dynamic career as a systems engineer with her rich personal life as a devoted mom and wife. Valerie shares her talents as a pianist with the congregation on the fifth Sunday of each month. Her diverse background and commitment to both her professional and personal roles highlight her exceptional dedication and multifaceted talents.
Meet Our Congregational Leaders
Church Council
Steve Thomas, President
The Church Council has general oversight of the life and activities of Trinity Lutheran Church. To that end, the Council is tasked with ensuring Trinity functions in accordance with the Word of God and in the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Contact the Church Council at trinityindiana.tlc@gmail.com
Steve Thomas, President
Joyce Wallace, Vice President
Kari Ottinger, Secretary
Gina Lucas, Treasurer
Linda Fahrenbach, Financial Secretary
Dave Swartz, Buildings and Grounds
Anne Thomas, Outreach and Events
