.
From the Desk of Pastor Diehl September As this September newsletter comes around I will be beginning my 30th September here at Our Savior in Vero Beach. No, that's not a misprint. I can hardly believe it myself. It was Labor Day weekend, 1977, when I was installed here as Pastor of Our Savior by our bishop (called president back then) the Rev. Dr. Royall A. Yount. My head kind of spins when I begin to think of all that has happened in these 30 years, a lifetime in so many ways.When Karen and I arrived we were in our late 20s and brought with us our firstborn, Sara, who was 15 months old at the time.Now today, she, plus our other 3 children, all born here at Indian River Memorial Hospital (now the Indian River Medical Center) are all grown adults, off onto various adventures and we are empty nesters.! How grateful I am that they had this communityof faith in which to grow up! When we first came to Vero we had no idea we would be here so long.But we are so very grateful that it has worked out this way. For one, it's been such a privilege to be a part of so many milestones in the lives of families here at Our Savior and in Vero Beach, both the sad ones and happy ones; baptisms, funerals, weddings, confirmations, first communions, and the list goes on.I often think of those occasions like channel markers out on the Indian River. They are those times and places where we kind of get our bearings, mark our progress, check and see if we are still on course.They are the times and places when and where God can speak a special word to us; words of comfort, hope, direction, encouragement, warning and promise to mention a few. It is an honor to be a part of those times and be able to speak that Word on those occasions. It's also been wonderful to see the church at work as people share their many and various gifts in ways that benefit not only the congregation, but the surrounding community also. Just check out a copy of what we call the "Our Savior Yellow Pages", where we list all of the activities and team leaders for Our Savior. Lots of people doing lots of things! Or take a look at the weekly "Luminaries" of the local newspaper. In just about every issue, I see one or more Our Savior people involved in something in our community. Talk about "letting your light shine"! What a privilege to be a part of that kind of community. It's always inspiring to see people sharing what God has given them in such generous, helpful ways. Now, after 30 years, I look forward to continuing what we've been doing together and to the new challenges and opportunities that lie before us as a congregation and as a community. With our present church council, our staff, and Pastor Shelly on board, I've never felt better about where we are at Our Savior or where we are headed as a congregation. In the middle of all of this, may we stay connected to God through our worship and work together and to each other.It's been an amazing journey. Where are you leading us next, Lord? +In His Continued Service+ Pastor Jack Diehl |
|