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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