“This is Christ’s church. There is a place for you here.”
Pastor Carol Yeager – Emmaus Lutheran Church in Orange City Florida
ABOUT US
About Us
Emmaus Lutheran Church began as a small mission congregation in 1979. On February 26, 1979, Emmaus met as a congregation for the first time. A planning committee was formed and preparations began for the congregation’s first worship services.
The first worship services were held in the DeBary Community Center in the “Four Townes” area of Central Florida. 170 people gathered for services. A Charter Roll was opened in September 1979 and 82 adults signed it.
Three months later Emmaus was formally organized by Dr. Yount, president of the Florida Synod. Response from early members was that of a “great spiritual success” and they voted unanimously to call Rev. Robert E. Kromer as the first pastor of Emmaus Church.
From there Emmaus strived to be self-supporting and raise funds in order to expand and grow. Early in 1982 a building committee was organized and by October of `83 new church facilities (three buildings set around a courtyard) were dedicated to the glory of God. With continued growth and interest, Emmaus became a member congregation of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America).
Read Our 45th Anniversary Story NowMEET THE PASTOR
Welcome from our Pastor
I am blessed to serve here at Emmaus! One of the things I love about our congregation is the desire to care for their community. Here at Emmaus I get to be a part of a congregation willing to reach into the community in new and creative ways, trying new approaches and risking the challenges and blessings that new people bring to our ministry.
I am sometimes asked why I am a pastor. The answer is both simple and multi-layered. I grew up in the church and have always felt that God met me there. As I got older I realized that God is not only inside church buildings but throughout all of creation! Everywhere I go I see the fingerprints of our divine creator. I see all of creation praising God everyday and that brings me great joy. It also reminds me how deep and vast the love of God in Jesus is for all the world. There is no one that I meet whom Christ doesn’t love! Yet I know not everyone has experienced the steadfast, abiding love of Christ in their own lives. That is why I am passionate about sharing my story and the joy and peace I find in the gospel with others. God’s presence comforts me when I feel lonely and gives me strength in difficult times. I have seen faith transform lives and relationships, restoring hope where all seemed lost. As a pastor God invites me to tell others how deeply they are loved and to live that same love out in my own life as a witness to others. I cannot think of any more rewarding purpose in life.
In addition to pastoring churches in North Dakota, North Carolina, Washington State and now Florida, I served 28 years in the United States Air Force, first as an Active Duty line officer and then as a Reserve chaplain. As an Air Force chaplain I counseled both individuals and couples, developed crisis management skills and provided spiritual care to many different groups of people. I spent long hours away from home in both dry and dusty places as well as snowy, frigid ones. I will always have a heart for those who dedicate their lives to serve others, often going into harm’s way on their behalf. Although I am now retired from the Air Force I continue to serve any and all who seek spiritual comfort and guidance as a civilian pastor.
Serving here at Emmaus gives me the chance to care for people from all walks of life here in Orange City and throughout West Volusia. Our ministries serve all in our community. From our twice a month Food Pantry to the various groups using our space for gatherings and events, to our worship and bible studies, you are invited to call this place home! You can see our weekly services on our YouTube account (also accessible through our web site) or come join us in person any Saturday at 5pm or Sunday at 10 am. All are truly welcome here. As the old saying goes, “Strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet.” We invite you to come join us, let’s get to know one another and be friends!