From the Pastor's Desk

Summertime, and the livin' is…well, not really easy. But it's good! This has the makings of an historic summer at Our Savior. Especially fitting as we prepare to celebrate Pentecost, the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, this coming weekend (wear RED!) which stirred up Jerusalem and sent the disciples out across the world with the Good News of what God was up to, breathing new Life into the world.




This Wednesday Our Savior's Disaster Response Team, made up mostly of members of our Youth Group who received special training in that area, will be headed to Alabama to help in tornado relief efforts. They will be home based at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Birmingham and going out from there to help in the most tornado stricken areas, especially Christ Lutheran Church in Cullman.



On the home front our 50th Anniversary Building Project continues to move along. Last Thursday our building plans were unanimously approved by the Planning and Zoning folks of Vero Beach and our ground breaking is set for Sunday June 19. Along with that good news, one other little piece of good news is that at our congregational meeting on Memorial Day weekend, it was reported that there was going to be an increase of about $2000 per month which would have to be paid to the Board of Pensions. Rather than $2000 per month, that figure is actually about $1800 for the year! Big difference! Whew.



Many thanks to all who have given and/or committed about $380,000 toward our $700,000 goal. There are still "leaves" on the Tree of Life left for special gifts in honor or memory of someone and are as follows: gold leaf, $5,000; silver leaf, $2,500; bronze leaf, $1,000. This "Tree of Life" is going to be a beautiful part of the new lobby next to the window overlooking our Memorial Garden. There will also be "Living Stones" at the base of the tree recognizing larger gifts, or specially designated gifts.



Speaking of our 50th Anniversary, if you have any pictures of special events at Our Savior over the years: weddings, baptisms, confirmation pictures, picnics, etc., please bring them into the office ASAP. One of our scouts, Zac Barringer, is working on his Eagle Scout project which will be both a "Memory Book" and "Power Point" type of presentation for Our Savior's 50th Anniversary. Pictures can be returned. Thanks!



A six week summer Bible study series begins this Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30pm in room 4. "Psalms of Ascent", a Beth Moore Bible study facilitated by Kelly Elsebough. This study runs at the same time as Youth Group, so this would be a great opportunity for parents of Youth Group members to gather along with other adults interested. And beginning June 30 til September 1, "Dancing with the Lutherans", from 6:30-7:30pm Thursday nights, an introductory ballroom dance class, for $5 per person per evening.



These are only some of the highlights as summer begins here at Our Savior. If you are nearby, we look forward to you being a part of these things. If you are far away, may your summer be safe and renewing. And for all of us, whether near or far, may we be open to God's Life giving Spirit at work in our lives and in the world.



Letting our Light shine…for 50 years and more! Pastor Jack Diehl +