MEL TOADVINE The First Christian Church is at 2803 Lee Blvd.

The First Christian Church of Lehigh Acres is a small church with a congregation of around 40 or so who attend Sunday services. It’s small and the members of the church like it that way; they consider it a close knit membership community.

That’s according to the Rev. Robert Geckler, the new pastor of First Christian church, Disciples of Christ in Lehigh Acres.

“We have a good congregation of people who care for each other and we are not trying to become a mega church. That is not our purpose, but we invite those looking for a place to worship to visit us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 and study the Word with us,” Geckler said.

He is the new pastor of the church, replacing Glenna Tibbs, who has retired and devoting more time to her counseling service.

“We are a welcome to all church for all the people,” Geckler said.

Rev. Robert Geckler

Originally from Connecticut where this winter’s snowfalls have set records, Geckler and his wife, Karen, say they are glad to be away from the snow, a feeling that most of his congregation agrees with.

The pastor’s wife takes part in some of the worship services with readings. She is also the secretary of the congregation as far as the business makeup of the church.

For Geckler, his ministry at First Christian began in January. Even though it is a part-time job, he spends much time at the church and is glad to do so.

“You know, you sort of become married to your job or position if you enjoy what you are doing,” he said.

He was a staff engineer at a radio station up north in Hartford, Conn and an associate minister in Plymouth, Conn. He is also associated with broadcast ministries and has been in that field for at least 34 years. He offers inspirational sermons and is also a contributor offering inspiring messages on podcasts online at ecucomm.ro.

MEL TOADVINE Karen Geckler and her husband, the Rev. Robert Geckler stand near the altar of the church. Mrs. Geckler takes part in the services from time to time.

He is a member of the local Ministerial Council in Lehigh and enjoys working with other churches.

The Ministerial Council is a group of about a dozen or so clergy who meet once a month at Lehigh Regional Medical Center.

While he admits to not having any real hobbies, he knows it is because he has been “married” to his profession for most of his life. It is something he hopes to continue to do, to keep busy spreading the Word of God.

The sanctuary is not tremendously large like in some mega type churches, but it is warm and friendly. Two members of the congregation provide the music for the worship services. They are Pat Love and John Payne.

“John likes the piano and I generally play the organ,” Love said.

MEL TOADVINE Rev. Robert Geckler and organist, Pat Love.

Pastor Geckler said Lehigh is a perfect fit for his wife and himself.

“It’s a very ‘homey’ community with a lot of diversity and we enjoy that,” he said. They have one daughter who lives up north.

“We invite everyone of any diversity to come and worship with us on Sunday morning. We also meet on during the week for Bible Study. I think we are just a very friendly church and we care for each other, he said.

Listed as its mission statement, First Christian Church members say: “We accept all creation without judgment as given by God. We embrace a life founded in love in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“Therefore we affirm and accept all people of any race, age, culture, ender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religious belief, family configuration economic circumstances, of difference in ability

“We actively refuse and oppose hate, violence, and discrimination, physical, mental or spiritual, toward any of God’s creation, while forgiving those who use them.”

The website is www.firstchristianlehigh.org and its email is firstchristianlehigh@yahoo.com. To reach the pastor, his home office phone is 230-340-3121 or you email him at: revgeckler@sbcglocal.net.