Church History
1959 - Beginnings
Early in 1959, house-to-house visits were made in the Vero Beach area to see of a United Lutheran Church was desired. By the end of 1959, five acres on the corner of Sixth Avenue and 18th Street were purchased for what would become our congregational home. Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church was "born" on December 17, 1961, with 70 charter members.
On February 1, 1959, the Rev. John Meyer arrived as the first mission developer, and the first worship service was held in the first "church home" - Carpenters' Hall. Worship services began November 13, 1960, in the second "church home," a duplex house on the present church site. On December 31, 1960, Pastor Meyer resigned, and on May 18, 1961, the Rev. Harvey J. Sindahl, a second mission developer, resumed the task of organizing the mission - remaining until July, 1964, when he accepted a call to New York.
1964 - The Church Is Built
The Rev. William Jensen was called in July 1964. Under his leadership, the first church building and office wing were built and dedicated in May 1966. Pastor Jensen retired from Our Savior in June 1977.
1983 - New Sanctuary and Offices
In September 1977 the Rev. Andrew C. (Jack) Diehl, III, became the pastor of Our Savior. In February 1983 a new church building and offices were dedicated. The educational center, memorial garden columbarium, and additional office and worship space were dedicated in 1988.
Over the years, Our Savior has been blessed with a number of wonderful retired pastors who have served in various capacities, including Pastor Richard Clark who is presently still active at Our Savior. From 1994 to 1997, Our Savior was a site for the ELCA Internship Program . During those years the following served as interns at Our Savior during their 3rd year of seminary training: Pastor David Keck, Pastor Diane Loberger, and Pastor Mark Lerseth. Pastor Loberger came back and served as associate pastor at Our Savior from 1997 until she received a call to a solo pastor position in Tamarac, Florida in December of 2003. In 2007, the Rev. Shelly Satran was installed as our Associate Pastor on February 1.
Music Ministry History
From early on, music has been an important part of Our Savior's ministry. From 1988 until 1999, Linda Fox was the part time director of music, bringing a wealth of musical experience to the congregation, and leading a vibrant music program. For several years after her retirement, the search continued to find the right person to lead the music ministry. In the spring of 2004, Jim Boschker, a rostered Associate in Ministry with the ELCA, accepted the call to be our full time director of music/organist. His musical talent, experience, churchmanship and understanding of worship have been a wonderful gift to Our Savior.
Education Ministry History
Christian Education and children have also been a high priority for Our Savior. For nearly 20 years, Karen Diehl was the director of Christian Education in both volunteer and part time paid positions. Under her direction, in 1992 Our Savior began one of the most popular summer day camps in Vero Beach, when she hosted and coordinated the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Florida day camp program on our site. Following Karen's retirement in the summer of 2004, the church council began the process of considering how to best fill that position. In the meantime, the Education team of the church council is heading up a great group of volunteers, and Jimmy Smith continues his work as part- time paid Director of Youth Ministry, working with middle and high school youth.
Parish Health History
In 2004 Bonnie Lanyi became our Parish Nurse, to continue another caring ministry to the members, as well as a number of health related programs, such as blood pressure checks, and various classes and health related events.
Other Ministries
Along with the above ministries covered by both part time and full time staff, there are many other ministries ongoing through the members of Our Savior such as: the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with various circles and ongoing projects; regular support for the community food bank; Habitat for Humanity volunteers; Big Brother Big Sister school mentors; Gardening Angels; Bereavement Team; ChristCare groups; and many other ministries where the Light of Christ shines in and through the life and ministry of the people of Our Savior.