Veterans of the Cross • March 10 – 12, 2025
St. Stephen Christian Retreat Center
Titusville, Florida
The greatest blessing any of us can know is to be bought and born into the flock of God.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
The pressures of this world can lead us astray. Like sheep, we wander off and no longer enjoy the true joy found in following the voice of Jesus. We get disorientated by injustice, drained by conflict, disappointed by the outcome, or disheartened by suffering. Like King David, we plead, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Psalm 51:12
God will use the gathering sessions, fellowship, and worship to bring His flock fresh strength, hope, comfort, and encouragement. This Gathering is for all retired lay and rostered Servants of Christ. Plenty of rest, reflection, and replenishment await all attendees. Participants are invited to come and enjoy ‘he ‘still waters’ of the Indian River at the St. Stephen Christian Retreat and Conference Center in beautiful Titusville, near the Space Center.
Contact Kathy Keene with questions.
Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer served 12 years in parish ministry (St. Salvator/ Venedy, IL; St. Peter/New Memphis, IL; Holy Cross, Collinsville, IL; and various vacancies in the Southern Illinois District). He was the Lutheran Hour speaker for 12 years and served 22 years at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO—the last 15 as President. He is currently writing the Concordia Commentary on 1 Peter. Meyer and his wife, Diane, live in Collinsville, IL. They have two grown daughters: Elizabeth (Darren) Pittman, who is a director at Concordia Publishing House, and Catharine (Charles) Bailey, legislative director for United States Senator Mike Braun of Indiana. The Meyers have five grandsons: Christian, Connor, Nicholas Pittman, Andrew, and Jacob Bailey.
Rev. Dana Brones, pastor of Bethlehem/Jacksonville Beach, FL, will serve as the Bible Study Leader for the event. A Denver, CO native, he did his undergraduate work at Concordia Teachers College (now Concordia University), Seward, NE. He is a 1983 graduate of Concordia Seminary/St. Louis, MO. Brones planted Fuente De Vida (Fountain of Life) Lutheran Church in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. The first young man he confirmed in 1986 later became the pastor of that congregation and, ultimately, the President of the Lutheran Church of Venezuela. Prior to his call to Bethlehem in 2000, he served three congregations in Pennsylvania. He’s been senior pastor at Bethlehem since 2004. Pastor Brones is happily married to Diane. They have six children: Rick, Justin, Joel, Jonathan, Paul, and Lena.
Deaconess Liz Borth
FLGA District LWML President
Rev. Dr. Gerhard “Mike” Michael
President Emeritus FLGA District
Rev. Dr. Tom Zehnder
President Emeritus FLGA District
REGISTRATION COSTS:
(Includes meals & lodging)
Two to a room – $500.00
Single – $350.00
Commuter – $75.00 per day ($15.00 on Wednesday)
Please don’t let the fees discourage you from attending. Contact the FLGA District Office, and we will discreetly assist you as we are able.
This Gathering is for all retired lay and rostered Servants of Christ. Plenty of rest, reflection, and replenishment await all attendees. Come and enjoy the still waters of the Indian River at the St. Stephen Christian Retreat and Conference Center in beautiful Titusville, FL, near the Kennedy Space Center.
Onsite check-in begins Monday at 10:00 am
Gathering begins Monday with lunch at noon
Sending Devotions at 11:00 am on Wednesday
Contact Ruth Weidenmann, Event Chair, or Kathy Keene, District Office, for more information or questions.