Spreading Joy at Senior Luncheon

On December 17, 2025, 155 seniors were energized by the holiday tunes presented by Marco Lutheran Church and Craig Greusel. Many sang along and a few even took to the dance floor! A big thanks to the lunch sponsor, Marco Island Lutheran Church,and the very talentedGreuselwith his festive rendition of familiar lyrics and beautiful melody from Christmas favorites. Who can forget the first lines,“Joy to the world, the Lord is come,” with the message of hope and joy!   

'Tis the Season as friends gathered to have a delicious meal while catching up with old friends and meeting new ones at the Christmas table. It was a gathering tradition that is repeated on the third Wednesday of each month at the Marco Lutheran Church.  

Bringing back the tradition of Christmas caroling, Craig had a list of festive songs rooted in community participations from sub-zero weather in the Midwest to sun-drenched Marco Island and guaranteed to bring everybody into the holiday spirit.  The Christmas luncheon was a time to take a pause from a fast-moving world of Black Fridays and Cyber-Mondays,and the soothing lyrics and tunes of holiday favorites did just that! 

Nancy Kot, a Board Member of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry,welcomed all the special guests and attendees and shared that all the wrapped presents were donated from the community and that everyone would leave with a present! Pastor Jim Thelen of the Marco Lutheran Church gave the Christmas luncheon invocation and shared, “What a gift friendship is; you are a gift and we value and we love you.”   

Greusel brought his guitar and took the audience through a traditional Christmas carol ensemble, but also presented the guests with a local composition of The12 Days of Christmas on Marco Island.  

Greuselhas been the Director of Music at the Marco Lutheran Church since 1987.  He has also been a Public School Music Specialist since 1983 and just recently retired from Collier County Public Schools. Greusel recently was the emcee for the Christmas Island Style Tree Lighting at Veterans Park. 

A big thank you to the Partnership of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, YMCA of Collier County, Marco Lutheran Church, and AL’s Pals for the December Lunch with Friends.