Passionate, Bold and Faithful....

June 30, 2014           We heard on Sunday in worship how Jesus spoke about "whoevever gives even a cup of cold water to one of the little ones" reaches out in God's love. Sometimes sharing Christ is complicated and sometimes it is not, sometimes it is as simple as sharing a cold cup of water!   Here are two simple ways to stay connected with your Christian family at OSLC and in the greater Florida-Bahamas Synod. Read a terrific summary of the Synod Assembly that just took place in Orlando from our new Council President, Vernon Khail. It will encourage you about the state of the church! Like Our Savior Lutheran Church on Facebook to receive regular pictures and updates through FB.         Reflections on the Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly of June 20-22 Vernon Khail, OSLC Council President    This was a truly joyous gathering of more than 450 Lutherans from 184 congregations, and the logistics of shepherding this group through three legislative sessions, 35 separate workshops, three worship services and numerous presentations were flawlessly executed.  You could tell that the assembly was exceptionally well-thought out by an experienced and inspired staff.  Our own Ryan Hostler was responsible for the worship services, and it felt a lot like home, albeit in a larger setting.   Bishop Robert Schaefer is a charismatic and brilliant leader, and I run out of superlatives when I try to describe his impact on the assembly and on the Synod.  He has also perfected the use of humor in a spiritual setting to keep things entertaining and uplifting at the same time.  The emphasis throughout the assembly was on becoming "Mission Directed" churches who Boldly Share Christ, Passionately Make Disciples, and Faithfully do Justice; and our job ahead is to evaluate how well Our Savior meets that definition and where we can improve.   After participating in four workshops on Saturday, it became apparent that Our Savior in Vero Beach stands out from the crowd.  I learned repeatedly in all four workshops about the struggle that most congregations face in growing or holding membership, and continually making difficult choices as a result of their financial situation.  We should all be grateful that Our Savior's history and stability will allow us to focus our energy and resources on service and not on maintenance.   Gisela and I came away from the Assembly with a new and renewed appreciation for the leadership of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, and especially for the leadership of Our Savior Lutheran Church.  We are very, very thankful for the opportunity to represent this great church at the Assembly.     The word "yoke" (at least when heard) probably makes us think of eggs. But in the gospel on this coming Sunday, the yoke is the wooden neck brace that helps two oxen pull their load together. Come to worship, to find out about the yoke we are fitted into at our baptism, and at the table, be strengthened to join with Christ to carry your heavy burdens. Weekly Devotions and Prayers: Taking Home Faith

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Good Clean Fun!

June 21, 2014     DAY CAMP finished up last Friday with the best way of remembering our baptism that we could think of--getting sprayed down by the Vero Beach Fire Station One fire truck!  The kids needed the spray down too after getting sticky from delicious treats from the Sweet Treats ice cream truck. Bill and April Johnson owners of Sweet Treats gifted the campers with any ice cream they wanted from the truck.     Thank you to all who made it a great week--God's house was filled with laughter, singing, love, learning, and JOY! +Pr. Shelly            This coming Sunday is "a cup of cold water" Sunday. Come to worship, to remember the cold water of your baptism and to be strengthened to offer water to a very thirsty world.

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Happy Day Camp Week!

June 16, 2014          Day Camp is off to a great start!  Thank you to all who made donations and are helping on campus this week!     The congregation is invited to the    Day Camp Ice Cream Social    Thursday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m.    A wonderful chance to share in some of the songs, skits, and faith learning from Day Camp as the kids share what they have learned in the week.  Plus, make your own ice cream sundaes!          A Memorial Service for Ron Sample will be held on  Monday, June 23, 2:00 p.m.      Out of the depths we cry to you, merciful God, for your child Ron. Meet our confusion with your peace, our anger with your mercy, and our sorrow with your consolation.  Help us be still and know that you are Go and that nothing in life or death will separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Weekly Devotions and Prayers: Taking Home Faith

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Bewildered, Amazed, Perplexed, Renewed!

June 9, 2014                  Bewildered! Amazed! Perplexed! Renewed!            That's often what happens when the Holy Spirit breaks onto the scene.  But in that bewilderment, amazement and being perplexed and renewed, Life is being breathed in.  That's what we got to celebrate this past weekend with streamers, fire, different languages, special music, and lots of red...wow.  Must be Pentecost!   I know people say they can experience God in a sunset, or on the beach, or fishing, on the golf course, or...whatever.   All that can be true.  But there is no substitute for being in community with the Body of Christ to worship, sing, pray and gather around the Table together. On that Pentecost over 2000 years ago, it was when the disciples were gathered together that the promised Spirit came to them.  And it is that same Spirit who continues to come to God's people as we gather together today.  ("Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them.")  To get a glimpse of this past weekend's worship together, you can listen to the sermon at our website!     Speaking of a time and place where the Spirit is at work...... Day Camp (June 16-20) is around the corner for children entering grades 1 through 8!  There are still a few spaces left.   Thanks to all who have brought in the camp supplies requested.  We now have plenty of paper tubes and magazines.     This past weekend we again we saying "safe travels" to many who will be going on vacation or to northern homes for the summer. May your ways be safe and may you get to worship in some other places with other members of the Body of Christ, where the Spirit continues to breathe Life into God's people.   That's some of what we (Karen and I) are looking forward to as we head out Tuesday morning for Ohio (see grandkids!), then Chicago (Seminary reunion and continuing education), then Springfield MO (family) then back to Florida.  See you in July!   Peace and Joy,      Pastor Jack Diehl +    www.oursaviorelca.com    On every Sunday of the church year, we praise our triune God. Yet on this coming Trinity Sunday, we attend especially to the mystery of our three-in-one God. Come to worship, and receive the blessings that the Trinity gives. Weekly Devotions and Prayers: Taking Home Faith

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