As we head into the last couple weeks of Lent here are a couple of reminders: this will be the last Wednesday for our Lent meals and mid week services. Lunch following the 11am service and supper beginning at 6pm before the 7pm service. Just this morning at our Men's Breakfast someone said he wasn't much in favor of these "sand art" messages for Lent when he first heard about them, but after seeing them, he changed his mind, and said how engaging and meaningful they've been. Even if you haven't been to any of the Wednesday services yet, you have one more opportunity this Wednesday to see what we've been talking about. And the setting "Holden Evening Prayer" which we use on Wednesday evening, is beautiful and meaningful in and of itself. Hope you can join us.
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday. Three of our youngsters will be celebrating their First Communion at the 8:30 service, and we will be celebrating a Baptism as well.
During the Sunday School hour, Pastor Shelly's husband, Kent Annan will be leading a discussion on his new book, "After Shock". This class will meet in the west end of the Fellowship Hall.
Watch next week for our detailed Holy Week schedule. (Or check out our website: www.oursaviorelca.com)
These last couple of weeks we've been saying "Good-bye" to a lot of our seasonal folks. If you are numbered among those, may your travels be safe and your summer be blessed, til we see you again next season! One of the real blessings of being a congregation here in Florida is having a real sense of being a part of the extended Body of Christ, sometimes with many miles between us, but still connected. As the one old favorite hymn goes, "Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love…".
So, whether you are near or far, may these last days of Lent be a blessing to you and may our Lenten journey bring us closer to our Lord and to each other…even if miles separate us.
Living in God's amazing grace, Pastor Jack Diehl +
Monday, April 11, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
There's no other time of the year quite like the Spring as to how the church calendar and this season of the year compliment each other. Especially with the recent time change, we really see how the days are getting longer, which is where we get the word "Lent", from an old English word referring to the "lengthening" of the days. And with the lengthening of the days, we see new life springing up all around us.
While we've seen that for a while already here in Vero Beach, with the new tender green leaves on the oaks and the Azalea's in blossom among other things, I saw another sign of Spring last week while we were visiting our son and his family in Columbus Ohio. Even though it still very much looks like winter in many ways (bare trees, mostly brown fields) if you look closely, on just about every tree and bush there are tiny buds just waiting to bust open. And in the middle of our son's front yard, there in the grass, was a little purple crocus that poked it's head up and seemed to be saying, "Spring is just around the corner!"
Ahhh…new life coming, a fresh start for God's creation, new birth. Isn't that what the season of Lent is about also? This is the time of year that began on Ash Wednesday when we reflected on our mortality…that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Then throughout this season, we get to gather to reflect on both those things in us that perhaps need to die or be made new, but also then on the promise that God can and does make things new, as we walk towards Easter…the day when God's New Life sprang out from the empty tomb and the world has never been the same.
Those are the things that both our church calendar and God's creation around reminds us of at this time of the year.
Speaking of this time of the year, we have Lenten services at 11am each Wednesday followed by a light lunch and at 7pm preceded by a Lenten supper at 6pm. The morning service is a service of prayer and hymns and the evening service uses the musical setting "Holden Evening Prayer". At each service there is a message which comes in the fascinating form of "Sand Art". Can't really be described. You just have to see it. Hope you can join us.
And speaking of new life springing up! Today a letter will be going out to all friends and members of Our Savior about our 50th Anniversary Building Program. This is a wonderful plan that has developed over the past several years which will provide, much better "gathering, sending and overflow" space for worship, more meeting space for both during the week and Sunday morning, and some much needed maintenance on our existing sanctuary. You will be able to read about it soon in the special mailing that is going out as I write this email. Special thanks to the crew who came in today to put this all together. Headed up by Marilyn Fisher, the crew consisted of: Helena Pierson, Carol Artigas, Sue Siket, and Barbara Preuss. This project will be above and beyond our regular offerings, but is well within our capability if everyone does his or her part. If you have any questions about our plans or how you'd like to be a part of them, please feel free to give me a call. I look forward to taking this step with you all.
As this Spring season unfolds, keep your eyes and ears open for signs of God's New Life springing up all around us at this time of the year.
For more information about the life and ministry of Our Savior please visit our website at: www.oursaviorelca.com.
God's work; our hands. Pastor A.C. 'Jack' Diehl III
While we've seen that for a while already here in Vero Beach, with the new tender green leaves on the oaks and the Azalea's in blossom among other things, I saw another sign of Spring last week while we were visiting our son and his family in Columbus Ohio. Even though it still very much looks like winter in many ways (bare trees, mostly brown fields) if you look closely, on just about every tree and bush there are tiny buds just waiting to bust open. And in the middle of our son's front yard, there in the grass, was a little purple crocus that poked it's head up and seemed to be saying, "Spring is just around the corner!"
Ahhh…new life coming, a fresh start for God's creation, new birth. Isn't that what the season of Lent is about also? This is the time of year that began on Ash Wednesday when we reflected on our mortality…that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Then throughout this season, we get to gather to reflect on both those things in us that perhaps need to die or be made new, but also then on the promise that God can and does make things new, as we walk towards Easter…the day when God's New Life sprang out from the empty tomb and the world has never been the same.
Those are the things that both our church calendar and God's creation around reminds us of at this time of the year.
Speaking of this time of the year, we have Lenten services at 11am each Wednesday followed by a light lunch and at 7pm preceded by a Lenten supper at 6pm. The morning service is a service of prayer and hymns and the evening service uses the musical setting "Holden Evening Prayer". At each service there is a message which comes in the fascinating form of "Sand Art". Can't really be described. You just have to see it. Hope you can join us.
And speaking of new life springing up! Today a letter will be going out to all friends and members of Our Savior about our 50th Anniversary Building Program. This is a wonderful plan that has developed over the past several years which will provide, much better "gathering, sending and overflow" space for worship, more meeting space for both during the week and Sunday morning, and some much needed maintenance on our existing sanctuary. You will be able to read about it soon in the special mailing that is going out as I write this email. Special thanks to the crew who came in today to put this all together. Headed up by Marilyn Fisher, the crew consisted of: Helena Pierson, Carol Artigas, Sue Siket, and Barbara Preuss. This project will be above and beyond our regular offerings, but is well within our capability if everyone does his or her part. If you have any questions about our plans or how you'd like to be a part of them, please feel free to give me a call. I look forward to taking this step with you all.
As this Spring season unfolds, keep your eyes and ears open for signs of God's New Life springing up all around us at this time of the year.
For more information about the life and ministry of Our Savior please visit our website at: www.oursaviorelca.com.
God's work; our hands. Pastor A.C. 'Jack' Diehl III
Monday, March 7, 2011
Having come to the mountain top this past weekend (Transfiguration Sunday), we are about to enter our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, March 9, with services at 11am and 7pm. In these services we will be brought to Ezekiel's Valley of the Dry Bones, via a chancel drama. The imposition of ashes will also be offered at each service. Child care will be offered at the 7pm service.
There will be no meals offered on Ash Wednesday, but beginning the following Wednesday, March 16, there will be a light lunch served following the 11am Lenten service and a light supper at 6pm preceding the 7pm Lenten service throughout Lent. The setting for the evening service will once again be the much loved Holden Evening Prayer.
Along with these special worship opportunities during Lent, Our Savior has also been invited to be a part of a "Circle of Faith" Habitat Build during March and the first part of April. A number of churches in the community are combining efforts to build a Habitat House in 6 weeks! Work will happen every day (except Sunday) and volunteers are needed to help with the building as well as providing lunches and or snacks for about 20-25 of our volunteers . In particular, lunches are needed early in April (4th-7th and 10th-13th) when there will be some college Spring Breakers down to work. If you can volunteer in any way, call Don Poust at 567-0803 or Jessica Schmitt at Habitat at 562-9860,ext. 212 or email her at: jschmitt@irchabitat.org. The location of this house is 6565 5th Street, on the southwest end of Vero Beach.
And speaking of building, our 50th Anniversary Building Team (Allan Klotsche, Martin Preuss, George Dann, Lynn Silkworth, Mark Davia, Bill Halliday, Nancy Ogonoski, Norm Stevenson and John Banitt) has been working hard and is very encouraged about our expansion and renovation building plans. After many years of planning, visioning and brainstorming, Lynn Silkworth, who was a part of the building team when our present sanctuary was built 28 years ago, and who has been a part of the visioning process over the years, has developed a beautiful and functional design which will maintain the beauty and use of our existing sanctuary, while expanding the "gathering and sending" space, along with providing extra room for other activities, and addressing some basic maintenance issues which come with time. Already some special gifts have begun to come in designated for this project. Within the next couple of weeks a special mailing will go out to members and friends of Our Savior giving a number of ways people can be a part of this project. The overall cost of this 50th Anniversary Building Plan will be in the neighborhood of $700,000, so it will take everyone's participation, be it large or small, to bring it to fruition. Please keep this in your prayers and consider how you might be able to be a part of it.
This is really an amazing journey we are on together. And the world has a great need for places where faith is nurtured and passed along. That is what Our Savior has been about for the past 50 years, and this latest undertaking will be a great step in helping us continue being a "Vibrant Faith" congregation, where AAA (Authentic, Affirming and Available) Christians are grown and nurtured. It's wonderful to be a part of this with you all. God's work; our hands.
Gratefully, Pastor A.C. 'Jack' Diehl III + www.oursaviorelca.com
And for more information about having and growing a Vibrant Faith for you or your family, you might want to check out: www.faithformationlearningexchange.net. This site is for pastors and church workers, but also has some great information for parents and families as well.
There will be no meals offered on Ash Wednesday, but beginning the following Wednesday, March 16, there will be a light lunch served following the 11am Lenten service and a light supper at 6pm preceding the 7pm Lenten service throughout Lent. The setting for the evening service will once again be the much loved Holden Evening Prayer.
Along with these special worship opportunities during Lent, Our Savior has also been invited to be a part of a "Circle of Faith" Habitat Build during March and the first part of April. A number of churches in the community are combining efforts to build a Habitat House in 6 weeks! Work will happen every day (except Sunday) and volunteers are needed to help with the building as well as providing lunches and or snacks for about 20-25 of our volunteers . In particular, lunches are needed early in April (4th-7th and 10th-13th) when there will be some college Spring Breakers down to work. If you can volunteer in any way, call Don Poust at 567-0803 or Jessica Schmitt at Habitat at 562-9860,ext. 212 or email her at: jschmitt@irchabitat.org. The location of this house is 6565 5th Street, on the southwest end of Vero Beach.
And speaking of building, our 50th Anniversary Building Team (Allan Klotsche, Martin Preuss, George Dann, Lynn Silkworth, Mark Davia, Bill Halliday, Nancy Ogonoski, Norm Stevenson and John Banitt) has been working hard and is very encouraged about our expansion and renovation building plans. After many years of planning, visioning and brainstorming, Lynn Silkworth, who was a part of the building team when our present sanctuary was built 28 years ago, and who has been a part of the visioning process over the years, has developed a beautiful and functional design which will maintain the beauty and use of our existing sanctuary, while expanding the "gathering and sending" space, along with providing extra room for other activities, and addressing some basic maintenance issues which come with time. Already some special gifts have begun to come in designated for this project. Within the next couple of weeks a special mailing will go out to members and friends of Our Savior giving a number of ways people can be a part of this project. The overall cost of this 50th Anniversary Building Plan will be in the neighborhood of $700,000, so it will take everyone's participation, be it large or small, to bring it to fruition. Please keep this in your prayers and consider how you might be able to be a part of it.
This is really an amazing journey we are on together. And the world has a great need for places where faith is nurtured and passed along. That is what Our Savior has been about for the past 50 years, and this latest undertaking will be a great step in helping us continue being a "Vibrant Faith" congregation, where AAA (Authentic, Affirming and Available) Christians are grown and nurtured. It's wonderful to be a part of this with you all. God's work; our hands.
Gratefully, Pastor A.C. 'Jack' Diehl III + www.oursaviorelca.com
And for more information about having and growing a Vibrant Faith for you or your family, you might want to check out: www.faithformationlearningexchange.net. This site is for pastors and church workers, but also has some great information for parents and families as well.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Spring is in the air around Our Savior! The temperatures are warming, the "fuzzies" are blowing out of the oak trees, the new, tender little green leaves are busting out, the "yellow dust" from the pines is on everything, alergies are kicking in and we've said "Goodbye til next season!" this past weekend to the first of our seasonal folks who are leaving! It's Springtime in Florida!
It's also time (although later than usual) to transition from the Epiphany Season into Lent. This coming weekend we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday of Epiphany, as we remember that mountain top experience with Jesus, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James and John, and then lock away our Alleluias during our sending hymn.
At our 8:30 service this coming Sunday, we get to celebrate the consecration of our second deacon, Carole Olsen! A little over a year ago, Allan Klotsche was consecrated as Our Savior's first deacon. This follows a 2 year diakonia course of study and hands on service in the congregation. The deacon is an office in the church of "Word and Service", which differs from the office of Pastor which is an office of "Word and Sacrament". Congratulations to Carole as she takes this big step in her service to our Lord and to the church.
Speaking of service, this coming summer our Youth Group will be going on another mission trip to West Virginia! To help fund the trip, this coming Saturday, March 5, there will be a Youth Group Car Wash from 9am til noon, then a dinner and silent auction Saturday evening. One seating for the dinner will be at 5pm and the second seating will be at 6:30pm. Call our Youth Director, Jimmy Smith for more info. at 567-2253, or talk to him Wednesday night at our church supper!
Speaking of our Wednesday night supper, this week's menu is Swiss Steak, mashed potatoes and steamed carrots. PLEASE NOTE: This will be our last regular Wednesday supper before Lent. Next Wednesday, March 9 is Ash Wednesday and there will be no meals that day. However, beginning Wednesday March 16 and throughout Lent there will be a light Lenten lunch following the 11am Lenten Service on Wednesdays and a light Lenten supper at 6pm, preceding the Lenten Service on Wednesdays at 7pm.
Also, on this first Wednesday of the month, the Lutheran Men in Mission will meet at 7pm in room 4. All men of the church are invited and welcome to attend. This week we will be talking about the upcoming Easter Breakfast which the Men in Mission take on with help from the members of the Youth Group. Proceeds from the breakfast go to support summer camping and mission trip experiences for the youth group.
So, as we enter another season of the year, and as the new life and growth springs up around us, remember the words of Jesus from this past Sunday, near the end of the sermon on the mount: Look at the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. They neither sew nor reap, nor toil nor spin, yet look how the heavenly Father cares for them! Why should you worry about those things that the Father knows you need? Then go out and live your life as confident, faithful, generous and beloved children of God who know that your life is safely in God's hands!
See you in church! Pastor Jack + www.oursaviorelca.com
It's also time (although later than usual) to transition from the Epiphany Season into Lent. This coming weekend we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday of Epiphany, as we remember that mountain top experience with Jesus, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James and John, and then lock away our Alleluias during our sending hymn.
At our 8:30 service this coming Sunday, we get to celebrate the consecration of our second deacon, Carole Olsen! A little over a year ago, Allan Klotsche was consecrated as Our Savior's first deacon. This follows a 2 year diakonia course of study and hands on service in the congregation. The deacon is an office in the church of "Word and Service", which differs from the office of Pastor which is an office of "Word and Sacrament". Congratulations to Carole as she takes this big step in her service to our Lord and to the church.
Speaking of service, this coming summer our Youth Group will be going on another mission trip to West Virginia! To help fund the trip, this coming Saturday, March 5, there will be a Youth Group Car Wash from 9am til noon, then a dinner and silent auction Saturday evening. One seating for the dinner will be at 5pm and the second seating will be at 6:30pm. Call our Youth Director, Jimmy Smith for more info. at 567-2253, or talk to him Wednesday night at our church supper!
Speaking of our Wednesday night supper, this week's menu is Swiss Steak, mashed potatoes and steamed carrots. PLEASE NOTE: This will be our last regular Wednesday supper before Lent. Next Wednesday, March 9 is Ash Wednesday and there will be no meals that day. However, beginning Wednesday March 16 and throughout Lent there will be a light Lenten lunch following the 11am Lenten Service on Wednesdays and a light Lenten supper at 6pm, preceding the Lenten Service on Wednesdays at 7pm.
Also, on this first Wednesday of the month, the Lutheran Men in Mission will meet at 7pm in room 4. All men of the church are invited and welcome to attend. This week we will be talking about the upcoming Easter Breakfast which the Men in Mission take on with help from the members of the Youth Group. Proceeds from the breakfast go to support summer camping and mission trip experiences for the youth group.
So, as we enter another season of the year, and as the new life and growth springs up around us, remember the words of Jesus from this past Sunday, near the end of the sermon on the mount: Look at the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. They neither sew nor reap, nor toil nor spin, yet look how the heavenly Father cares for them! Why should you worry about those things that the Father knows you need? Then go out and live your life as confident, faithful, generous and beloved children of God who know that your life is safely in God's hands!
See you in church! Pastor Jack + www.oursaviorelca.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
These past several weekends have brought us on a wonderful journey through the Sermon on the Mount. This past weekend we continued that journey as Pastor Shelly gave us some wonderful new insights into those old, but ever new, words of Jesus. In telling us about turning the other cheek, going the extra mile and loving our enemies, Jesus shows us a way in which violence and hatred can be met in a way which neither perpetuates those things nor succombs to them, but which rather values justice and honors all people. This is yet another example of how the Christian life is always a work in progress.
As this week unfolds, and as we grow into the new life that Jesus brought and continues to bring into our world, here are some events and activities that you might want to be a part of.
Our Wednesday suppers continue at 6pm. Throughout the week items will be gathered for our WELCA "Grandma's Attic" sale this coming Saturday, Feb.26. Proceeds go to local charities. Next weekend, we will be receiving new members at all three services. This is a wonderful, gifted group of people who have come to us from within our community, from South Florida and from a number of northern states. Be sure to offer these folks a warm welcome. On Sunday evening, from 5-8pm, the Sunshine Physical Therapy Clinic will be holding their annual "Founders and Friends" event at which Pastor Jack will be the honored guest. The dinner is $35 and will be at the Heritage Center. Call 772-562-6877 for more information.
Our Savior's building plans are moving ahead quickly. Best case scenario is that the plans and financial gifts all come together so that construction can begin after Easter and be finished for our 50th Anniversary celebration late next Fall. These are exciting times! Be watching for more information and be thinking and praying about how you can be a part of this.
For other information about the life and ministry of Our Savior, please check out our website at: www.oursaviorelca.com.
Finally, occasionally throughout the year you might see a big motor home parked in our field (which has been there again recently). On the side it says "SheaLaurel". In case you were wondering, this motor home belongs to one of the most talented families you will ever come across. This is Tom and Janet Burke's daughter and her family, who travel throughout the country (and the world) making beautiful music and bringing joy where ever they go. Below is some information about an upcoming performance of "Irish Music and Dance" at the Vero Beach Performing Art Center on Sunday March 13. If you haven't seen and heard these talented folks, here is a wonderful opportunity to do so. (In addition to the information below, check out their website for more information about them and other performances.)
Irish Roots
The Florida Irish American Society presents ShaeLaurel, Irish Music and Dance, on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 2 pm and 6 pm at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, at 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach.
Tickets are $25 for the Lower Orchestra Level and $20 for the Upper Mezzanine Level. Visa & MasterCard are accepted. Call 772-564-5537 to reserve your seats today. For more information about this venue, please visit www.vbhs.org. This International Cultural Event is appropriate for the entire family!
ShaeLaurel has thrilled audiences all over the world with their amazing talent and dazzling showmanship. Performing a unique blend of fast fiddling Irish and contemporary music, ShaeLaurel’s fun and comedic stage show has thrilled audiences around the world: from the US to Canada, Europe, the UK and China. Their high-energy performances feature an amazing blend of musical acrobatics and traditional Irish Step and American Dance. Featured on regional television and radio shows as well as international programs and ABC TV, ShaeLaurel reaches out to audiences of all ages with heart-stopping performances that will leave you wanting more! For more information about this group, please visit www.shaelaurel.com.
The FIAS builds friendships in the Vero Beach community by promoting Irish spirit, culture and appreciation for Irish heritage. They hold weekly lunches, monthly meetings, conduct fundraisers, and participate in the St Patrick's Day parade. The club also has dinners and dancing with live entertainment. For more information about the Florida Irish American Society, please call 772-569-1460 or visit www.IrishClubVeroBeach.com
###
Crystal Corrigan, Auditorium Director
Office 772-564-5497
Fax 772-564-5546
To Order Tickets, please call the Box Office at 772-564-5537
Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center
1707 16th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
crystal.corrigan@indianriverschools.org
www.VBHS.org
As this week unfolds, and as we grow into the new life that Jesus brought and continues to bring into our world, here are some events and activities that you might want to be a part of.
Our Wednesday suppers continue at 6pm. Throughout the week items will be gathered for our WELCA "Grandma's Attic" sale this coming Saturday, Feb.26. Proceeds go to local charities. Next weekend, we will be receiving new members at all three services. This is a wonderful, gifted group of people who have come to us from within our community, from South Florida and from a number of northern states. Be sure to offer these folks a warm welcome. On Sunday evening, from 5-8pm, the Sunshine Physical Therapy Clinic will be holding their annual "Founders and Friends" event at which Pastor Jack will be the honored guest. The dinner is $35 and will be at the Heritage Center. Call 772-562-6877 for more information.
Our Savior's building plans are moving ahead quickly. Best case scenario is that the plans and financial gifts all come together so that construction can begin after Easter and be finished for our 50th Anniversary celebration late next Fall. These are exciting times! Be watching for more information and be thinking and praying about how you can be a part of this.
For other information about the life and ministry of Our Savior, please check out our website at: www.oursaviorelca.com.
Finally, occasionally throughout the year you might see a big motor home parked in our field (which has been there again recently). On the side it says "SheaLaurel". In case you were wondering, this motor home belongs to one of the most talented families you will ever come across. This is Tom and Janet Burke's daughter and her family, who travel throughout the country (and the world) making beautiful music and bringing joy where ever they go. Below is some information about an upcoming performance of "Irish Music and Dance" at the Vero Beach Performing Art Center on Sunday March 13. If you haven't seen and heard these talented folks, here is a wonderful opportunity to do so. (In addition to the information below, check out their website for more information about them and other performances.)
Irish Roots
The Florida Irish American Society presents ShaeLaurel, Irish Music and Dance, on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 2 pm and 6 pm at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center, at 1707 16th Street, Vero Beach.
Tickets are $25 for the Lower Orchestra Level and $20 for the Upper Mezzanine Level. Visa & MasterCard are accepted. Call 772-564-5537 to reserve your seats today. For more information about this venue, please visit www.vbhs.org. This International Cultural Event is appropriate for the entire family!
ShaeLaurel has thrilled audiences all over the world with their amazing talent and dazzling showmanship. Performing a unique blend of fast fiddling Irish and contemporary music, ShaeLaurel’s fun and comedic stage show has thrilled audiences around the world: from the US to Canada, Europe, the UK and China. Their high-energy performances feature an amazing blend of musical acrobatics and traditional Irish Step and American Dance. Featured on regional television and radio shows as well as international programs and ABC TV, ShaeLaurel reaches out to audiences of all ages with heart-stopping performances that will leave you wanting more! For more information about this group, please visit www.shaelaurel.com.
The FIAS builds friendships in the Vero Beach community by promoting Irish spirit, culture and appreciation for Irish heritage. They hold weekly lunches, monthly meetings, conduct fundraisers, and participate in the St Patrick's Day parade. The club also has dinners and dancing with live entertainment. For more information about the Florida Irish American Society, please call 772-569-1460 or visit www.IrishClubVeroBeach.com
###
Crystal Corrigan, Auditorium Director
Office 772-564-5497
Fax 772-564-5546
To Order Tickets, please call the Box Office at 772-564-5537
Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center
1707 16th Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
crystal.corrigan@indianriverschools.org
www.VBHS.org
Monday, February 14, 2011
First, Happy Valentine's Day! While there are a number of legends about St. Valentine, through them all he is remembered as one who valued human love and marriage. One of the legends is that while the Emperor of Rome made it illegal for soldiers to marry (he thought the men would make better warriors if they weren't married) Valentine, a priest at the time, would secretly perform weddings for soldiers who wanted to be married. And eventually Valentine was imprisoned, and some legends say even killed for doing that. But since then, he has been remembered as one who recognized the power and wonder of human love. So, today, we too remember and celebrate that with those we love.
Here are a few things coming up in the both near and more distant future for us here at Our Savior:
About this time of the year we often have a class for all youngsters to begin receiving Holy Communion for the first time. If you have a child, or know of one, who isn't yet receiving Holy Communion, please let Pastor Shelly or me know and we'll make arrangements to have a class for both the parents and the children who would like to become a part of the communing members.
Habitat for Humanity is going to be having a special "Faith Build" in March, where a number of congregations from our community will join efforts to build a home in one month. Work will happen every day and volunteers and funds will be gathered from a number of congregations in Vero Beach. If you'd like to be a part of this in any way, contact the church office or Don Poust, one of our key Habitat volunteers.
This Wednesday our third of three "New Member" orientation classes meets at 6:30, following supper (which begins at 6pm). Anyone interested in becoming a member of Our Savior, or just in learning more about our congregation, is welcome to attend.
Our "Building Team" is coming together nicely and will soon be getting more and more information out about our building proposal. Please watch for this information and how you can be a part of it. Our goal is to have enough up front gifts and a financial plan together for the building to begin after Easter and be finished in time for our 50th Anniversary celebration next December. You will be hearing more very soon!
As this week now unfolds, may the love that we share on this Valentine's Day with those special people in our lives be a reflection of that great love that comes first from God and who gives us clean hearts and new and right spirits.
Peace, Joy and Love + Pastor Jack Diehl www.oursaviorelca.com
Here are a few things coming up in the both near and more distant future for us here at Our Savior:
About this time of the year we often have a class for all youngsters to begin receiving Holy Communion for the first time. If you have a child, or know of one, who isn't yet receiving Holy Communion, please let Pastor Shelly or me know and we'll make arrangements to have a class for both the parents and the children who would like to become a part of the communing members.
Habitat for Humanity is going to be having a special "Faith Build" in March, where a number of congregations from our community will join efforts to build a home in one month. Work will happen every day and volunteers and funds will be gathered from a number of congregations in Vero Beach. If you'd like to be a part of this in any way, contact the church office or Don Poust, one of our key Habitat volunteers.
This Wednesday our third of three "New Member" orientation classes meets at 6:30, following supper (which begins at 6pm). Anyone interested in becoming a member of Our Savior, or just in learning more about our congregation, is welcome to attend.
Our "Building Team" is coming together nicely and will soon be getting more and more information out about our building proposal. Please watch for this information and how you can be a part of it. Our goal is to have enough up front gifts and a financial plan together for the building to begin after Easter and be finished in time for our 50th Anniversary celebration next December. You will be hearing more very soon!
As this week now unfolds, may the love that we share on this Valentine's Day with those special people in our lives be a reflection of that great love that comes first from God and who gives us clean hearts and new and right spirits.
Peace, Joy and Love + Pastor Jack Diehl www.oursaviorelca.com
Monday, February 7, 2011
Our journey through this wonderful season of Epiphany continues, as we bask in the light of Christ and then carry that light out into the world. Here are a few things especially on our minds here at Our Savior as this week unfolds.
This coming Wednesday (Feb. 9), after supper (chicken marsala this week), there will be a gathering for anyone interested in becoming a member of Our Savior, or simply in knowing more about our congregation. We will meet at 6:30pm in rooms 4 and 5 this Wednesday and the following, plus we will meet in the sanctuary next Sunday, Feb. 13 at 9:45am, during the Sunday School hour. These are always great opportunities to get to know both God and one another in some new ways.
We are now in the second week after our annual congregational meeting where the congregation voted to move ahead with a building proposal offered by one of our resident architects, Lynn Silkworth. This building plan involves a new narthex, expanded gathering/sending space, a "cry room/bride's room/extra meeting room, and a new covered walkway, along with some important maintenance work on our sanctuary which is now about 28 years old. Already some special gifts are coming in toward this project. Watch for lots more info to come. What a great 50th Anniversary project for our congregation this year!
Along with that project, Our Savior has also recently become one of only a few "teaching congregations" in the Florida/Bahama's Synod. As a "teaching congregation" we are an important part of our seminarian's (Bonnie Lanyi) "Distributed Learning" element as a student at Luther Seminary. What this means is that not only does Bonnie have an opportunity here to learn and develop skills as a pastor, but we benefit from the wonderful ministry she offers at the same time. It's a privilege and an honor to be working with Bonnie in this way.
Looking ahead, this coming Saturday, Feb. 12 at 10am there will be a "Celebration of Life" service remembering Bob Russell who died last week. Bob and Barbara have been an important part of Our Savior's life and ministry for many years. Please join us as we share both the loss and good memories with Barbara and her family, and as we commend Bob into God's gracious eternal keeping.
The following Saturday, Feb. 19, we will offer a "Spiritual Gift's Workshop" from about 9am til 2pm, as we explore what gifts God has given us and how we are called to use those gifts. Please call the office to reserve a place.
For more activities around Our Savior, please see our website at: www.oursaviorelca.com.
One final word: During Confirmation class yesterday between the services, we talked about being salt and light (from the Gosple reading from yesterday). The "being light" part was pretty understandable, but the question was, "What does it mean to be salt?" One of the things we talked about was how before refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food, to keep it from going bad. As "salt", by the power of the Holy Spirit, God sends us into the world to keep it from going bad! That's one simple way of looking at that image, but not a bad one! So, go out and be salt and light in a world that is in great need of both!
See you in church! Pastor Jack Diehl
This coming Wednesday (Feb. 9), after supper (chicken marsala this week), there will be a gathering for anyone interested in becoming a member of Our Savior, or simply in knowing more about our congregation. We will meet at 6:30pm in rooms 4 and 5 this Wednesday and the following, plus we will meet in the sanctuary next Sunday, Feb. 13 at 9:45am, during the Sunday School hour. These are always great opportunities to get to know both God and one another in some new ways.
We are now in the second week after our annual congregational meeting where the congregation voted to move ahead with a building proposal offered by one of our resident architects, Lynn Silkworth. This building plan involves a new narthex, expanded gathering/sending space, a "cry room/bride's room/extra meeting room, and a new covered walkway, along with some important maintenance work on our sanctuary which is now about 28 years old. Already some special gifts are coming in toward this project. Watch for lots more info to come. What a great 50th Anniversary project for our congregation this year!
Along with that project, Our Savior has also recently become one of only a few "teaching congregations" in the Florida/Bahama's Synod. As a "teaching congregation" we are an important part of our seminarian's (Bonnie Lanyi) "Distributed Learning" element as a student at Luther Seminary. What this means is that not only does Bonnie have an opportunity here to learn and develop skills as a pastor, but we benefit from the wonderful ministry she offers at the same time. It's a privilege and an honor to be working with Bonnie in this way.
Looking ahead, this coming Saturday, Feb. 12 at 10am there will be a "Celebration of Life" service remembering Bob Russell who died last week. Bob and Barbara have been an important part of Our Savior's life and ministry for many years. Please join us as we share both the loss and good memories with Barbara and her family, and as we commend Bob into God's gracious eternal keeping.
The following Saturday, Feb. 19, we will offer a "Spiritual Gift's Workshop" from about 9am til 2pm, as we explore what gifts God has given us and how we are called to use those gifts. Please call the office to reserve a place.
For more activities around Our Savior, please see our website at: www.oursaviorelca.com.
One final word: During Confirmation class yesterday between the services, we talked about being salt and light (from the Gosple reading from yesterday). The "being light" part was pretty understandable, but the question was, "What does it mean to be salt?" One of the things we talked about was how before refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food, to keep it from going bad. As "salt", by the power of the Holy Spirit, God sends us into the world to keep it from going bad! That's one simple way of looking at that image, but not a bad one! So, go out and be salt and light in a world that is in great need of both!
See you in church! Pastor Jack Diehl
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