Congregational Meeting!

 

Dear Folks,   This Sunday, October 9 at 9:45am in the sanctuary, we are going to have congregational meeting to give a building update and bring to the congregation a proposal for the final financing of the project.  We will also have the latest information on our “Tree of Life”, and forms to fill out if you have contributed toward a lead or if you would like to.   The building dedication and 50^th Anniversary Celebration date is December 11, so we are getting closer!   Please plan on joining us as we head into the home stretch on this wonderful project.    Many thanks.     Pastor Jack Diehl +        www.oursaviorelca.com

O.S.E-news: October 3

Thank you,
L M. Silkworth, AIA, NCARB
FL Registered Architect #AR8431

We Floridians are all abuzz these last 2 mornings as the temperature finally dipped below 70 degrees. Ahhhh....what a nice break. Fall is coming! That also means the first of our winter residents have started returning and that is always a blessing. It's kind of like "family reunion" time around here each weekend.

And this year, as Fall begins, there is much more than usual happening around Our Savior. Let me here offer a brief list of highlights:

1) Our BUILDING PROJECT is into the home stretch, with dedication date set for Sunday December 11. On that day there will be only one service at 10am with Bishop Ed Benoway joining us for a special 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION and building dedication. Watch for details as the time approaches.

2) Regarding MUSIC MINISTRY: Tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 4) the Search Team meets again regarding the calling of a new director of music. The committee's work involves reviewing the shape and scope of the needs and goals in our music ministry, along with looking at our budget and reviewing applicants. The committee is made up of a broad cross section of members from the congregation. If you have any thoughts or input you'd like to share with the Search Committee regarding our music ministry or this process please email us (simply reply to this email).

On this same subject, hopefully a picture will come through on this email about last Friday night's "Jam in the Sanctuary". This was just one example of some of the many musical gifts present in this congregation, which the Search Team sees as a priority for a director of music to tap into and nurture.

And finally, a correction regarding our director of music (Jim Boschker's) letter of resignation: In our recent newsletter and a previous email, along with wishing Jim well in this new chapter in his life, it was stated "We understand that he will be moving to Colorado to help his sister care for her seriously ailing husband." We've since heard that that move is not in Jim's immediate plans, so that stands corrected. But wherever this new chapter leads for him, we still wish him well.

3) This coming Saturday 2 things will be happening: For one, members of our Youth Group are invited to another "YOUTH IN ACTION" event from 8am til noon. This brings together kids from various youth groups in our community for a service project. This also counts for volunteer hours for our high school students. Come to Youth Group Wednesday night for more info.

The other Saturday event is a FAMILY JAMBOREE at the Indian River County Fairgrounds. There are no parking fees and no admission fees. The event is from 11am til 8pm with activities for all ages. Very family friendly. See www.FamilyJamboreeIRC.com for more info. Sounds like a winner, and some of our folks will be there involved in some of the activities. (Watch especially for a train ride for little ones.)

Next weekend, our worship will take the shape of a HEALING SERVICE. Our Parish Health Ministry Team will be involved in various parts of worship, and there will be opportunity for members of the congregation to come to the altar for anointing and prayers for healing. This is always a well received and meaningful service as we pray for healing for ourselves, for family, friends and loved ones near and far.

NEWSFLASH! As this email comes together, we just received a phone call from a member who said he has a car load of non-perishable food items, and wondered where to bring them. I asked where he got all of that. He said he had a retirement party for his wife and asked that instead of gifts, people would bring non perishable food items! We were happy to direct him to the Harvest Food and Outreach Center here in Vero Beach (on 29th Street, 1/2 block east of US1) where not only is emergency food given to people in need, but classes are also offered to help people get to a better place in their lives. This is a place we regularly support. Many thanks to Dave and Sheila for such a great idea and living out "God's work; our hands" in a very special way. And congratulations, Sheila on your retirement! :-)

Finally, for other information about the life and ministry of Our Savior, please visit our website at www.oursaviorelca.com. And oh yes, the menu for this Wednesday night's dinner includes Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes and gravy. Yum!

As this week unfolds, remember that we are all called to be workers in God's Vineyard, who will faithfully care for what God has entrusted to us, and by doing so bear good fruit in our lives and for the sake of the world. Have a blessed week!

Peace and Joy, Pastor Jack Diehl +

O.S.E-news: Special addition

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  For this special addition O.S.E-news, here are three pictures (at the end of this email) of our addition as it unfolds. 

 

But first, some important upcoming dates:                 

 

This coming Wednesday, Sept. 28:  Our mid-week dinners resume!  Chicken parmesian and pasta is the main course.  Dinner is served from 6pm til about 6:45.  Then at 6:30 three things happen:

 1) New Member information gathering in the sanctuary. 

2)  Beth Moore Bible Study in room 5 led by Kelly Elsebough. 

3) Youth Group in the Youth room.   

 

At 7pm, anyone interested in singing is invited to join the choir in the choir room for this first meeting of the season.  One of our deacons, Carole Olsen, Westminster trained organist and choir director for over 50 years will be leading.  All are welcome.

 

On Friday night at 7pm there will be a “Jam in the Sanctuary” for anyone who likes to sing, play an instrument (any kind) or just likes to listen to music.  This is an intergenerational event and always lots of fun!

 

On Sunday, Oct. 2 at 4pm our annual “Blessing of the Animals” will be held in the Fellowship Hall.  Dr Anna Diehl Harp (recent graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University) will be the guest speaker.  Dr. Anna was born and raised in this congregation and will share how she shares her gift of love and care for God’s creatures in Veterinary Medicine.  She practices medicine at the Veterinary Center at Fishhawk near Brandon FL.

 

Looking ahead, on Sunday October 9 there will be a congregational meeting at 9:45am in the sanctuary.  An update on the building project will be presented as well as a proposal re: the final financing of this project.

 

Finally, the “season” has begun!  This past weekend we welcomed back a few of our winter residents.  Always a nice time of the year as we get re-connected.   May you all have a blessed week.   

 

God’s work; our hands.      Pastor Jack +    www.oursaviorelca.com   (See pictures below!) J

 

 

 

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O.S.E-news: Sept. 19

In worship this past weekend, we were reminded of God’s generous mercy.  This is a mercy which is generous sometimes to the point of being troubling, as it was for Jonah.  That’s why Jonah resisted going to Ninevah to call them to repentance.  He’d rather they die in their state of being an immoral, ungodly city.  But he knew if they repented, God would have mercy on them, and He did! 

 

That’s what God is always about; bringing Life where there is Death, Light where there is Darkness, forgiveness and mercy where there is repentance, making things new.  And that is a life-long process.  We are all a work in progress.  That’s what the church is about, as we worship together, work together, serve together, play together, and learn together. 

 

Below is our ongoing and updated list of “Dates to Remember” for events and activities where God’s generous grace and mercy is passed along, celebrated, taught and/or lived out.  

 

 

“Dates to Remember”

 

For adults, there will be a Wednesday evening adult class offered beginning September 21 at 6:30pm, “Believing God: A Bible Study”, a Beth Moore 10 week Bible Study based on Isaiah 43:10 exploring not only what it means to believe in God, but to believe God!  Please call Kelly Elsebough at 589-8651 if interested so she can order enough of the materials.

 

Also, this year, along with our regular confirmation class, we are offering a confirmation class, which began this past Sunday for anyone older than Jr. High, through High School, who hasn’t yet been confirmed, but who would like to be.  Marianne Luethje will be teaching this class which will cover the basics of Luther’s Small Catechism, and which will prepare our older children for Confirmation by next Spring.  It’s not too late to become a part of this class.  If interested, contact either of the pastors, or Marianne.

 

Wednesday September 28 will be a big night at Our Savior:  

 

1)    Wednesday night dinners resume at  6pm!   

 

2)   This will also be the first night of 3 New Member Gatherings.   Anyone interested in becoming a member of Our Savior, or just learning more about the congregation is invited to join us at 6:30pm after the dinner then again on Sunday, Oct.2 at 9:45am and again on Wed. Oct. 5 at 6:30pm.    New members will be received the weekend of Oct. 15-16.     On Sunday October 2 pictures will be taken for our on-line church directory.  This will be for all upcoming members as well as anyone who would like an updated picture for our directory.  (If you’d like to view our online directory, go to our website,  www.oursaviorelca.com, click on “directory” and use the password:  letyourlightshine. 

 

3)   Choir practice will resume at 7pm!  If you’ve been in the choir before, or if you’d like to join the choir, there will be a gathering in the choir room for all interested.  Carole Olsen, one of our deacons, will be there to look at something coming up for the choir and gather input from the choir members as to how to best serve in this interim period while we are seeking a new organist/choir director.  Also, watch for hand bell choir information soon to come. 

 

Sunday October 2, at 4pm, “Blessing of the Animals” with special guest, Dr. Anna Harp.  Dr. Anna was born and raised in this congregation, and having graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama last May, is now practicing veterinary medicine at the Veterinary Center at Fishhawk, near Brandon, Florida.   Dr. Anna will be joined by her rescue dog, Chai, and share with us how she is using God’s gift of love and care for God’s creatures. 

 

Please note: Sunday October 9, 9:45am, special congregational meeting for a brief update on our building project and to vote on a financing proposal to finish the project!  This won’t be a long meeting, but it is an important one as we move toward the completion of this 50^th Anniversary Building project. 

 

Beginning First Thursday evening in October:   Dancing with the Lutherans!  Watch for more info to come.

 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, one service only at 10am!    50^th Anniversary Celebration and Dedication of our new addition!

There will be a service on Saturday at 6pm that weekend, but only one service that Sunday at 10am.  Bishop Ed Benoway will be our guest preacher that day.  Worship will be followed by an “Open House” to tour the new addition, pictures and remembrances of Our Savior’s 50 year history, and a dinner.   Watch for more info, but mark your calendars now!

 

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 Jack +

 

 

 

Yesterday, September 11, was an especially memorable day for us at Our Savior. Not only did we remember the horrific events and also the acts of selflessness and courage of 10 years ago, but on the same morning we began our new Sunday School year, for all ages which included so many of our children who weren’t even born 10 years ago! It is our hope and prayer that even though the bad things that happen in our world would change us for the worse, God’s Word of promise and forgiveness would be a force that would truly change us for the better. That is the Word we draw upon in good times and bad, and the Word which we pass along to our children.




As this season now begins to unfold, and we find ways to draw upon and live out God’s Word of promise and forgiveness, please check out the following dates to remember.



“Dates to Remember”



Sunday School has resumed, and along with classes for all ages, two adult classes will be offered. The one class that began yesterday looks at changes in life from a Biblical perspective. The 2nd adult class which begins this coming Sunday, Sept. 18, will be an in depth study on Holy Communion.



Also, for adults, there will be a Wednesday evening adult class offered beginning September 21 at 6:30pm, “Believing God: A Bible Study”, a Beth Moore 10 week Bible Study based on Isaiah 43:10 exploring not only what it means to believe in God, but to believe God! Please call Kelly Elsebough at 589-8651 if interested so she can order enough of the materials.



Wednesday September 28 will be a big night at Our Savior:



1) Wednesday night dinners resume at 6pm!



2) This will also be the first night of 3 New Member Gatherings. Anyone interested in becoming a member of Our Savior, or just learning more about the congregation is invited to join us at 6:30pm after the dinner then again on Sunday, Oct.2 at 9:45am and again on Wed. Oct. 5 at 6:30pm. New members will be received the weekend of Oct. 15-16. On Sunday October 2 pictures will be taken for our on-line church directory. This will be for all upcoming members as well as anyone who would like an updated picture for our directory. (If you’d like to view our online directory, go to our website, www.oursaviorelca.com, click on “directory” and use the password: letyourlightshine.



3) Choir practice will resume at 7pm! If you’ve been in the choir before, or if you’d like to join the choir, there will be a gathering in the choir room for all interested. Carole Olsen, one of our deacons, will be there to look at something coming up for the choir and gather input from the choir members as to how to best serve in this interim period while we are seeking a new organist/choir director. Also, watch for hand bell choir information soon to come.



Sunday October 2, at 4pm, “Blessing of the Animals” with special guest, Dr. Anna Harp. Dr. Anna was born and raised in this congregation, and having graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama last May, is now practicing veterinary medicine at the Veterinary Center at Fishhawk, near Brandon, Florida. Dr. Anna will be joined by her rescue dog, Chai, and share with us how she is using God’s gift of love and care for God’s creatures.



Beginning First Thursday evening in October: Dancing with the Lutherans! Watch for more info to come.



SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, one service only at 10am! 50th Anniversary Celebration and Dedication of our new addition!

There will be a service on Saturday at 6pm that weekend, but only one service that Sunday at 10am. Bishop Ed Benoway will be our guest preacher that day. Worship will be followed by an “Open House” to tour the new addition, pictures and remembrances of Our Savior’s 50 year history, and a dinner. Watch for more info, but mark your calendars now!



For more information about the life and ministry of Our Savior, please visit our website at: www.oursaviorelca.com.



May you have a blessed week! See you in church! Pastor Jack +

O.S.E-news: Sept. 12

 

Yesterday, September 11, was an especially memorable day for us at Our Savior.  Not only did we remember the horrific events and also the acts of selflessness and courage of 10 years ago, but on the same morning we began our new Sunday School year, for all ages which included so many of our children who weren’t even born 10 years ago!  It is our hope and prayer that even though the bad things that happen in our world would change us for the worse, God’s Word of promise and forgiveness would be a force that would truly change us for the better.  That is the Word we draw upon in good times and bad, and the Word which we pass along to our children.   

 

As this season now begins to unfold, and we find ways to draw upon and live out God’s Word of promise and forgiveness, please check out the following dates to remember.

 

“Dates to Remember”

 

Sunday School has resumed, and along with classes for all ages,  two adult classes will be offered.  The one class that began yesterday looks at changes in life from a Biblical perspective.   The 2^nd adult class which begins this coming Sunday, Sept. 18, will be an in depth study on Holy Communion. 

 

Also, for adults, there will be a Wednesday evening adult class offered beginning September 21 at 6:30pm, “Believing God: A Bible Study”, a Beth Moore 10 week Bible Study based on Isaiah 43:10 exploring not only what it means to believe in God, but to believe God!  Please call Kelly Elsebough at 589-8651 if interested so she can order enough of the materials.

 

Wednesday September 28 will be a big night at Our Savior:  

 

1)      Wednesday night dinners resume at  6pm!   

 

2)      This will also be the first night of 3 New Member Gatherings.   Anyone interested in becoming a member of Our Savior, or just learning more about the congregation is invited to join us at 6:30pm after the dinner then again on Sunday, Oct.2 at 9:45am and again on Wed. Oct. 5 at 6:30pm.    New members will be received the weekend of Oct. 15-16.     On Sunday October 2 pictures will be taken for our on-line church directory.  This will be for all upcoming members as well as anyone who would like an updated picture for our directory.  (If you’d like to view our online directory, go to our website,  www.oursaviorelca.com, click on “directory” and use the password:  letyourlightshine. 

 

3)      Choir practice will resume at 7pm!  If you’ve been in the choir before, or if you’d like to join the choir, there will be a gathering in the choir room for all interested.  Carole Olsen, one of our deacons, will be there to look at something coming up for the choir and gather input from the choir members as to how to best serve in this interim period while we are seeking a new organist/choir director.  Also, watch for hand bell choir information soon to come. 

 

Sunday October 2, at 4pm, “Blessing of the Animals” with special guest, Dr. Anna Harp.  Dr. Anna was born and raised in this congregation, and having graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama last May, is now practicing veterinary medicine at the Veterinary Center at Fishhawk, near Brandon, Florida.   Dr. Anna will be joined by her rescue dog, Chai, and share with us how she is using God’s gift of love and care for God’s creatures. 

 

Beginning First Thursday evening in October:   Dancing with the Lutherans!  Watch for more info to come.

 

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, one service only at 10am!    50^th Anniversary Celebration and Dedication of our new addition!

There will be a service on Saturday at 6pm that weekend, but only one service that Sunday at 10am.  Bishop Ed Benoway will be our guest preacher that day.  Worship will be followed by an “Open House” to tour the new addition, pictures and remembrances of Our Savior’s 50 year history, and a dinner.   Watch for more info, but mark your calendars now!

 

For more information about the life and ministry of Our Savior, please visit our website at:  www.oursaviorelca.com.   

 

May you have a blessed week!    See you in church!   Pastor Jack +

 

 

 

Some construction pictures!

Attached are a few pictures of our construction project, which is coming along nicely!  The first two are of the bell tower.  The third is looking at the entrance coming down the new walkway from under the bell tower.  The last picture is in the new narthex looking out the new main entrance and up at the circle where the new faceted glass window will be.  Today the rest of the plywood for the roof is going on.  More pictures to come!    Dedication date is December 11, with one service that Sunday at 10am!    God’s work; our hands!    (Many thanks to our Property Chairperson from our Church Council, Mark Davia, for the pictures!)