I meant, there’s a new shepherd in town! The Reverend Dr. Frank H. Dietz was recently named as the Interim Pastor by the St. Peter’s Church Council. He succeeds Pastor John Sumner but only as a temporary caretaker. Pastor Frank lives with his wife Karen in New Braunfels. He is a retired United Church of Christ pastor and has served as a minister for almost fifty years.
Pastor Frank chats with a member of the congregation at the close of services on May 12.
According to Council President Michelle Dupy, Pastor Frank holds a Masters Degree in Education from Texas A & M. He and his wife will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this August. They have two children and six grandchildren. Michelle says they have been active in the youth and camping ministry at Slumber Falls. She also says they have visited some of St. Peter’s “first cousin” churches and leaders in Germany.
During his first two services, Pastor Frank has referred to this time as a “bridge” from the past leadership to the future leadership of St. Peter’s Church. He hopes that a member of the congregation who has the requisite skills would be willing to build a model of a bridge that he can place on the communion table as a symbol of his ministry during the interim. He also spoke of placing purple ribbons along the bridge to mark the progress towards a new chapter in the life of St. Peter’s Church of Coupland.
Pastor Frank was quoted in the May issue of “The Voice on the Hill,” the official newsletter of St. Peter’s Church. Referring to this this transition, he said, “May it be a journey filled with adventure, good humor, deep fellowship and discoveries along the way as God blesses and challenges us marvelously!”
Pastor Frank also spoke of the need for a few members of the congregation to volunteer to help minister to the spiritual needs of the community, to supplement his services. He said that preparation for such services would be provided to the volunteers.
Michelle says that Pastor Frank will conduct a Sunday School class and lead the fall Confirmation Classes. He will stay in the church parsonage for a few days each week so he can be available for Sunday services and so he can maintain office hours at the church from 8 AM to noon on Mondays and Tuesdays.
In my estimation, St. Peter’s Church is the spiritual heart of this community. It is fascinating to me that the church is going through this transition concurrent with the political transition to an incorporated city. This is a good time to get involved in the community and help shape the future. Watch these pages for tips on how you can make a difference.
Stewart Dale Spencer