Monday, February 21, 2011
Remembering Ken Diehm
When Ken's father Floyd passed away in 2009, Ken created a blog to allow people to post comments, memories and stories about Floyd. Little did we know that we would be doing the same for Ken less than two years later. Although many of you have posted your memories on Facebook, we encourage you to post them here too so that the Diehm family and our church family will have one central location to find these posts. You may also send your photos and remembrances to Melissia in the church office (melissiam@fumcg.org).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Ken left us a legacy to follow and complete. Through his preaching, teaching, and living his life he left us the legacy of love, caring, giving, and helping each other and those around us. We will never forget Ken or the way he taught us to live life. We will continue his legacy and the programs he was so passionate about. Ken will be missed, but he will be with us forever through his work that we will continue for the Lord.
ReplyDeleteWhat I liked best about Ken was his sense of humor. He made going to church fun. I was watching the video of his suffering sermon and found myself regretting not being able to hear the wisdom of the series he had planned to do. He was one of a kind. His family will be in our prayers always.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.truthcasting.com/What-about-Suffering-29738.sermon
You picked a wonderful picture Melissia - it captures the heart of Ken. I feel such a deep sense of loss, yet am so grateful for the time that Ken was in our lives. As Cindy said last Sunday, we have all grown - as families, as church members and as community members under the great leadership of Ken. My hope and prayers will be that we, as a church, will continue his beautiful legacy and vision.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the way Ken related to everyone, regardless of their age, ethnicity, or background. That is a special talent. He was an example of Christ's love for all. He was so wise, and great at looking at the right perspective, always following the Bible. He was our friend, our leader, our spiritual mentor, and he will be missed by all. I feel like I was a child spiritually when he came, and he raised me up to be a better person, and stronger Christian. We will keep his legacy alive by loving and caring for our neighbors, whether they are next door or half-way around the world.
ReplyDeleteKen,
ReplyDeleteThe news of your untimely passing caused an instant emotional reaction. Im realizing how much we all counted on you to teach us. Im still in shock and will use this to strenghten my relationship with Jesus. You were to me the almost perfect example of God's love on earth. You walked the talk! Will will miss you but celebrate Gods good fortune of having you in heaven with him for eternity.
Whitney
We too are still in shock. Ken was such an amazing man with passion, charisma, and a good heart. Our family met him when he was at St. Andrew's UMC in Arlington. He touched our lives significantly and was there for our family. When my mother lost my grandfather, Ken stepped up and preached at his funeral even though my grandfather, an eldery sickly man had never stepped foot in our church. Ken counselled our family throughout the entire ordeal and he was greatly missed when he left Arlington for Grapevine. But my mom was still able to do his travel and keep up with the various ministries he was working on in Grapevine. He was an amazing man and as much as his death has shocked us on, I truly know he was called home by the Lord. He is at the right hand of God and Jesus and his heart is truly at peace.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ken for teaching me and the wonderful way you blessed our family. I am glad I knew you. Love and hugs, Jan P.
ReplyDeleteI have known Ken for over 30 years. He was my best friend and colleague in ministry. Anytime I needed perspective Ken provided one grounded and rooted in faith and love. He was my roomate at conferences we attended and trips we made all over the world in ministry together. He was more like a brother to me than a friend. His faith and witness was a constant source of inspiration and empowerment to me over these many years. I give God thanks for him and for the way in which he loved and lived his faith and life. I will miss him but praise God he now sees God face to face. I am a better person and pastor because of Ken Diehm. Ken I wil miss you my friend!
ReplyDeleteTravis
When we moved to Grapevine in 2007, we missed our old church and found it difficult to make the adjustment to a new one. During one of his sermons at the time, Ken mentioned similar struggles that a former FUMC member was having in their new location. They had told Ken that their new church was just not like FUMC. In his sermon, Ken recalled telling them that God might want them to stop looking for something just like FUMC, and instead embrace the opportunities to serve in the new church. Those words hit home and helped us settle into FUMC. The wisdom and insight Ken gave us all through his sermons provided inspiration well beyond Sunday morning. We came to appreciate Ken and Kenda's friendship and interest in our daughters basketball career, particularly after my accident in 2008. We know we are better people for having known Ken, even though we are still in shock over the news of his passing. Kenda, our family will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteJoe and Sue Groh
Alan and I moved to Texas from Michigan not knowing very many people. We joined First United Methodist of Grapevine a year after we moved here to find a family away from our family in Michigan. We have felt more welcomed and at home with this church than any other before, and we truly feel much of that has to do with what an amazing pastor Ken was. We had been searching for ways to give to others in need, and with this church, he has made it so easy to serve in so many different ways. His sermons always spoke deeply to us. We left every Sunday feeling like we had learned something new and always felt refreshed in our faith. Ken thoughts and desire to change the world starting with the ministry mile are SO inspiring, and we hope to continue his plans when we move back to Michigan and find a new church. What an amazing legacy he has left behind.
ReplyDeleteLindsay and Alan Molnar
Lonnie Thompson writes...
ReplyDeleteWhen Ken came to FUMC Burleson as youth minister he found an active group of young people that were immersed in God's love and solid friendships. He didn't seem to assume the normal leadership role, but provided direction and guidance from his preferred stance as one of the group. His influence on their Christian growth during the next few years was and remains obvious.
Several members of that group have moved on to other communities and other congregations, but after a quarter century are still loyal to the Church and to each other. Ken and Kenda never ceased to be a part of that group.
Jim Grace writes...
ReplyDeleteIt's been about 3 1/2 years since I chose FUMC Grapevine (or did it choose me?)... I attended a few different churches before experiencing FUMC Grapevine. My first Sunday there was met by the openness and welcoming of my new church family. When Ken spoke that first day, my decision on where to worship was an easy one to make. Ken has had a major impact on my life, both spirtually and as a member of our community. As I grieve now, I will be stronger for this experience. My heart and prayers go out to the Diehm family and all who he touches. Jim G
James Morrison writes...
ReplyDeleteEven though we moved to austin we still kept up a correspondence. ken ask me if i was going to change my membership and i told him not till i finished my financial pledge to first grapevine. that was the only time that i ever found him speechless. i only knew him a short time but it was long enough to know that he was a wonderful person and i will never forget him. he will be missed but thank God that we had him here on earth for as long as we did.
Becky Hughes writes...
ReplyDeleteDear wonderful Ken, I saw your January 30th sermon this morning after listening to Cindy's sermon from yesterday. I cried throughout Cindy's sermon and it felt good because i felt like i was with friends who got how i felt. Then i noticed your most recent sermon that was viewable was January 30th about suffering. I thought, 'Well,that fits, but i dont know if i can handle it.' I decided to watch it anyway and am SO GLAD i did. Ken,You always say just the right thing that i need to hear.
I recognize and give all glory to God that it is God in you that i am hearing and i'm grateful that you have allowed God to use you that way. Thank you for comforting me and answering my question of why and even reminding me how to respond. I love you so much and death has not diminished that love one iota. Thank you for being the pastor and friend that gave us the courage and physical help to bring Hannah and Sarah into our family. That and your unconditional love for us has changed my life for the better. Shalom my dear friend. You are missed.
Dawnie Mayfield Cockrell writes...
ReplyDeleteKen, My life will be forever changed for having known you. God laid a new ministry on your heart 7 years ago, the Caring Ministry. You had a vision and you included me and asked me to join you in that mission. I remember you coming to me and saying, "I have this idea... and I would like you to head it up" -- to which I replied, "You have a great idea -- what happened to YOU'RE IN CHARGE?" Thank you for helping me find my ministry calling. Your guidance, influence and support has touched me and made such a difference in my life, and your "Caring Ministry" vision has touched so many lives -- just didn't ever plan on it having to touch your family. Your influence and example made such a difference in the lives of my children as well. There is no thanks great enough for that. God used you in mighty ways here and is blessed to have you with him now. God bless you dear Pastor!
My love and prayers to Kenda, Kallye, Kody, Emily, and Jan.
Addi Payne writes...
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I met Ken. I went to his office, and he showed me his Ken doll that looked and was dressed exactly like him. Ken has done so many great things for me, my family, and everyone else who has been a part of his life. He touched so many peoples hearts and brought them closer to God. He turned our church around and made it a better place. Thank you, God for Ken. He will be greatly missed, but I am glad he is in a better place.
Christie Bonham Eubanks writes...
ReplyDeleteDear God,
Thank you for sending us Ken. In the time he was here on Earth, he did your will and touched so many lives. He brought so many closer to you, and for that, I am thankful. Please hold his family close, and let them know how truly loved they are.
Kenda, Kallye, Kody, Emily, and Jan: I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. Know that we love you, and are sending prayers. Ken was a great man.
James Williams writes...
ReplyDeleteWell I remember when at St. Andrew's UMC in Arlington, if you went to Ken with an idea for something, he would ask you to take charge of it. Well Ken, I don't know what the idea is that you talked to God about but it looks like it was so great that He took you home to put you in charge of it.
Irene Harris Read writes...
ReplyDeleteSaviour Soul used to sing a song that asked the question, "will you know Jesus more because you knew me?" Everyone who ever met Ken Diehm can say yes to that question. We will miss you, we love you, and we are comforted by the many things you taught us. Praying for peace for your family and for your church, as well as the rest of us who loved you so much. Thanks for loving us first.
Our hearts are sad at the loss of such a wonderful example of the love of Christ here on earth. We've known the Diehm's for many years. Our son's Raymond and Kody are best friends. Our daughter's Brianne and Kallye were high school classmates. Ken and Kenda opened their hearts and home to our children. Raymond loved Ken's steaks and Kenda's brownies are the best. We have come to know and love the Diehm's like family. Ken always greeted you with humility and a smile. We would often call him Mr. Ken and he would say, just call me Ken. Ken you are truly going to be missed. We are grateful for the love you have shown and we are blessed to have known you. Kenda, Kallye, Kody, Josh & Julius our thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteThe Scott Family
Ken was indeed unique. When I was first assigned to FUMC-Grapevine, Ken's predecessor was still the Senior Pastor. That changed a week later, and the I was told that Ken was coming to Grapevine. Ken called me and asked me to come to St. Andrews in Arlington to talk. I supposed, incorrectly, that I was having to interview a second time, and shared with Ken my frustration about that. He affirmed that this was not an interview, that we were both going to Grapevine, that we would be doing ministry together. For almost 6 years he treated me, and other staff as ministry partners. He often introduced us to others as "2 of the pastors from Grapevine." He knew what my strengths were, and told me to do what I do best. Our staff is grieving his loss in a way I have not seen or have personally experienced for anyone in a very long time. But we are remembering Ken, and that is helping us get through this . . . and it will help us finally to get through this. My love goes out to his family, to this great church we serve in a great community . . . and to his closest ministerial friends with whom he shared deep friendships; David, Travis, Neil, Ben and others.
ReplyDeleteFor me when I think of Ken I will always think of the word "connection". He connected with every generation in our congregation, seniors, mid-life and young adults as well as our youth. He connected in a personal and profound way with each of us through his infectious personality, love of life and passion for service. We feel his loss just as personally and profoundly. I am comforted by the knowledge that the legacy of service, ministry and Christian leadership he left behind will carry us forward to new opportunities to serve for a long time to come. We miss you dearly Ken.
ReplyDeleteKen was an example to all of us on how to live our lives...caring and giving 'much', maintaining a relationship with Christ as he kept his connections with us, and living his life as God would want him to. Ken left his legacy in all of us, one that will always be remembered and treasured. He was a true servant and man of God.
ReplyDeleteKenda, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
the Morrison family
Ken is a very special man to me and my family. I known ken for more than 12 years. Our family followed him from St. Andrews MC in Arlington. He baptise both my Daughter and Son he has been an insperation for me and and my family. Especially getting me back into a spiritual life were before I was just floundering around. It is also been a pleasure to see Ken's and Kenda's kids grow up to be in front of me. Ken will always have a special place in my heart. Ben Henriksen
ReplyDeleteKen's wisdom, leadership and friendship will be with me always. he walked the talk, he got it. He came to my house many times, some were silly (or so i thought), some were serious, some were just to pray.
ReplyDeleteThe one I would like to share is the time my wife asked Ken to come over and bless our pool. i have to admit i thought this was silly and thought Ken would really think my wife has lost it. It was his day off if I recall correctly, anyhow, Kenda and Ken showed up and to my surprise Ken was honored to do so. He said it was his first and we all laughed a little and then we shared with him that we wanted the pool blessed as God had blessed us to be able to have a pool and that we wanted many of Ashleigh’s and Wesley’s, Sunday school classes and activities to be able to come here and celebrate life in a safe place.
I will never forget that day and how he picked up some water from the pool just like he did when he Baptized my son Wesley, and the words he spoke.
ken moved me, he moved people to be better, his sermons where so powerful, i always left feeling better and wanting to do more to serve. I miss you my friend, I love you. I will be looking forward to the day i get to see you again in heaven.
Eric (AKA - Big E)
Ken was an inspiration to his family, his church, his community, and his ministries. When Trent and I first moved here, we were looking for a "fit". We started attending FUMC 7 years ago and when Ken took over, we instantly fell in love with the man and the Christian. He practiced everything he preached, but was not afraid to admit his own weaknesses for his congregation to learn from. I am reminded of Ken's lesson a couple of weeks ago on loss of a loved one and how we are to go on. Through the grace and strength of God, we will make it to the next day. His words comfort us now as we have suffered a great loss. His words on Sundays had a way of resonating with us throughout our week. Thinking of how to apply to our daily tasks. We will miss him dearly, but know our family are better Christians because of his influence in our lives.He was a gift from God. God bless you Kenda, Kody, Emily, Kalley, and Caleb. He will watch over you at this time of great loss.
ReplyDeleteKen was a model and mentor pastor to so many of us! I will always remember his ready smile and his caring and compassionate heart. What a legacy of ministry he leaves. What gifts of wonder and awe he shared. We are left with a void that will not be filled.
ReplyDeleteI grew up as a Christian but had never been a full-fledged member of a church. We checked out many - small, medium, large and gargantuan. And then we found First Methodist. It was a nearly instant decision after hearing a few of Ken's sermons. Soon after, Ken baptised me, Brooks & Bryce. Later, he presided over Brooks' confirmation and Spencer's baptism on the same day. That was a really great day. Ken's sermons made me THINK, and the way he interwove history and pictures and the dynamics of the time made the Bible come alive for me. Many times after church, my best friend (also a member) and I would text one another with a quick "I think that may have been the best service ever!" or "I love our church." My heart and prayers to the Diehm Family, Ken's many friends and colleagues, and all of "us" who are the FUMCG Family. He will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteI hope that by reading these comments Ken's family will begin to know how he inspired us all to be better Christians, even though our words can not begin to describe the strength of our emotions.
ReplyDeleteKen's sermons (and my husband feels the same way) were so moving and gave me goosebumps every time. We are so glad to have known him and will miss him until we meet again.
Sean remembers when we were new and the Diehm's were new to Grapevine, as well. Kenda held our infant daughter so lovingly and comforted her, when she came down sick during church, just like she knew her all along.
Thank you! Peace and Love to you.
-Lisa
We are still absorbing the shock. Pst. Ken was a real blessing to us in Kenya particularly the MCK Runogone church and MCK Kaaga Synod under the patronage of Bishop William Muriuki.Pastor Ken was a real inspiration to whoever he ministered to. His sermons were so full of inspiration.I wish to pass my utmost condolences to the Diehm family.My/our prayers go out to the family.God Bless you and may His peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteEustus
We are so thankful that Ken was the pastor of our church. He transformed our church. He encouraged our congregation to have a closer walk with God through Bible study, prayer and outreach.
ReplyDeleteKen’s compassion for the poor led our church to reach out in bold ways that were right and healing.
Ken helped us to forgive others, to question materialism, to focus on what is pure and life's simple joys.
We are deeply saddened by our loss of Ken’s leadership.
Kenda, Kallye, Kody, Emily and Jan – our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Dean Family,
Bill, Rose, Brandon and Brian
We were so shocked and heartbroken to hear of Ken's sudden passing on Saturday. We have only been memebers of the church for 4 years now, but Ken is the one who called us back. After seeing him preach one Sunday, we knew this was where we needed to be. It was such a wonderful thing to see us all come together Saturday evening to pray and comfort one another.
ReplyDeleteKen was so important to our lives. He baptized our little girl and brought her into the church family. He gave us inspiration and words to help us make it through difficult times. When I was diagnosed with cancer for the second time in late 2009, Ken came to my hospital bed and stayed to talk with my husband and I before my surgery. We laughed and he made everything lighthearted so I could forget for a moment what was about to happen to me. His prayers gave me strength to make it through yet another battle. I only wish I could have been able to return the favor to him and helped him battle Leukemia. He was taken far too soon.
I am a new teacher this year at CLC, and I can tell you that it was such a comfort to see his smiling face, to hear his voice, to just know that he was there in the building somewhere every day while I was teaching. As hard as it is right now, we will keep looking up and know that he is still with us, urging us to move forward and continue God's good work. Ken was just simply amazing all the way around. He will be hugely missed by our family.
Our continued prayers are with Ken's family and the church staff.
The Brown Family
Debbie, Jason, Conrad, and Kairi
When Ken and Kenda first came to our church, they participated in Open Door's "Dinners for Eight" at various class members' homes. I was a little apprehensive because "the new pastor" and his wife were coming to our house, but was thrilled to have them. I e-mailed Ken to say that I wished he and Kenda were signed up to bring dessert, rather than salad, because I knew he shared my addiction to raw, chocolate-chip cookie dough. He and Kenda showed up with a fresh roll of Nestle Toll House dough. What more could a girl ask for? It set the stage for a very fun-filled, heartwarming sharing of friendships all the way around the table.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be so greatly missed, Ken, for all you did to truly light the Methodist flame under our congregation and to inspire us personally.
With love and blessings to Kenda, Emily, Kody, Kallye and all your family,
Debbi, Rich and Matt Reecer
When I frst read this news I was in shock. Ken was a great man, he will be missed. Ken impacted many lives in a positive way (myself included). I feel for his family, at least they (and Ken) didn't suffer for a long time.
ReplyDeleteKen-- a man after God's own heart was sent to our church at just the right time. We needed a man with vision, creativity, humor and the ability to heal a church and lead us from inward to outward focus. He will be missed, but always remembered as his influence continues to affect our Christian walk as individuals and as the body of Christ. One of my favorite memories will always be his children's sermon with the "mystery" item in the box. He always gave a wonderful message that was for the kids and adults alike. My granddaughter was amazed how easily Ken could take the item and give a wonderful message. She would turn to me and say,"How does he do that?" We both will remember these moments and how they helped up both grow in faith. Our prayers of comfort and peace go out to all of Ken's wonderful family and friends.
ReplyDeleteMartha and Maeven New
Ken asked for questions constantly from the congregation. He wanted us to send him emails or call him or talk to him about what troubled us and he always responded, either in a personal message or in a sermon to serve a larger group. When we showed up to do our little acts of service, he worked with us. I volunteered on a fall community work day and was assigned to do a garden project where a family who had lost a child had donated money to beautify a place at the church to be a garden in his memory. Ken and Kendra worked along with me and several others digging in the dirt, leveling pave stones and creating a pretty place to commemorate the memory of a precious child. Ken told a story about someone who was surprised that he was a “regular guy”.
ReplyDeleteHe pushed us and challenged us to think beyond the scope of our own comfortable lives here in Grapevine to help our neighbors at the nearest trailer park who mostly did not speak our same language, to help our fellow Christians in Kenya who were trying to help children who had lost their parents to AIDS, to help “any of the least of these my brethren” who crossed our paths. What a compassionate heart who submitted to God’s call to try to lead us all to the path of all truth! We are devastated to lose this leader who could take a Super bowl commercial about Darth Vader and translate it to show God’s love for all of us, his children.
I will continue to reflect on his words in his blog of 12/31 which stuck with me and I will continue to follow his challenge to stop being a baby believer who settles for just drinking milk. This is Ken’s post from that day about reading Hebrews 5:
The author of Hebrews expresses his frustration with the readers not growing up in faith. He uses the image that they are infants still drinking mild, when in fact they should be eating solid food.
What about you? Would the author be frustrated by your progress in faith? Or are you doing the acts of faith that help your faith mature? Those acts would include scripture reading, prayer, presence in worship, giving, serving others, fasting, participating in a Sunday school class or bible study....with the start of the new year it would be great time to put a plan in place for your spiritual maturing. The author of Hebrews expresses his frustration with the readers not growing up in faith. He uses the image that they are infants still drinking mild, when in fact they should be eating solid food.
I wanted to ask Ken more questions about this, which he would have welcomed – I never got around to it. Last Sunday as I knelt in prayer at the altar I asked God to help me meet this gentle challenge to grow in faith. I ask all others to join me in committing to further doing the acts of faith that Ken listed on his blog and said to us so many times on Sundays. As we start this new era without Ken’s physical presence, let us follow his spiritual leadership and put a plan in place for our spiritual maturing.
I pray for God’s continuous comfort and blessings for the Diehm family, for our church staff and for our congregation and community.
Kenda,
ReplyDeleteI know how hard this is. When Bobby was dying of a brain tumor, Ken and his other minister brothers would make sure he got to go out to each lunch with them and not feel disabled even though his body was shutting down. When our precious Bobby earned his wings, Kenda, you and Ken held us up. When Jonathan began his battle with leukemia, again, Ken and Bobby's minister brothers stepped up and visited Jon in the hospital. You were with us as Jon earned his wings also. I know that our "guys" are looking down on us with love. Kenda, when you're ready call me and I'll be there for you.
Love,
Terri Baggett-Edwards
Bishop William M Mwongo
ReplyDeletePastor Ken touched my life since we meet at ANTLANTA,When he came to see me to share about mission work in Kenya.Ken has been organizing mission team to visit Kenya every year and he has helped us to initiate many project to to help the poor which has touched many lives in AFRICA.He encauranged us to spread the word of God to the unriched by supporting Evangelists,who have now started many New congregations, Support of Hiv/Aids Orphans,Giving people water,Education scholarship for Evangelist and Clergy, Building up school laboratories, Helping in building churches, school supplies,Empowerment seminars for Clergy and their spouses.etc..Personary he has been my mentor in many ways.I belonged to the family.Kenda i will continue to pray for you Whenever i shared with Ken about our Problem in Africa, Ishow Christ image in him. His sense of humor will continue in my mind. May God continue to watch on his family.
Dear Melissia
ReplyDeleteWe first met Ken and Kenda when they came to the UK to stay with us on the occasion of his sister Jan's marriage to our son Ken.
We did not know what to expect of this family we knew nothing about. From the moment we met we knew that Ken was a quiet, honourable man, a wonderful father to Kallye and Kody and the perfect match for Kenda. Together they shared our hospitality and we soon felt priveleged to know them as members of our extended family.
It was a difficult thing to do to say goodbye to our son Ken as he started his new life in America but we were reassured by all we had seen in Ken and Kenda. We felt that he was entering into a secure loving environment and that both Ken and Kenda would be around to offer inspiration, love, support and guidance. We are sure that his quiet influence and support to our son has been immeasurable and he will be missed greatly, our lives were enriched by knowing him.
Although we shall be so far away on Saturday we will be joining with everyone in remembering a man of great integrity. Our love, prayers, and support will be with Kenda, Kallye, Kody, Emily Jan,Ken,Nicola, Alex and Adam.
Geoff and Sue Gravenor
Kenda and members of the FUMC Grapevine family,
ReplyDeleteWe give thanks today for the many years you have supported our ministry with the Methodist Church in Costa Rica. We were so blessed when Ken came to Costa Rica last May with the other team members and were so looking forward to getting to know him better through the new outreach program here. Yet, we are also convinced that Ken built a great leadership team that will carry forth with many of the visions and dreams that the Lord had given him. Our family, the Methodist Church of Costa Rica as a whole and the local congregation in Las Juntas mourns with you and at the same time also celebrates Ken's life with you. Please know that you will all be in our prayers in these coming days!!
All our love,
Ray, Lidia, Sarah and Emma Zirkel
Ken always reminded me of a calm river that ran deep. He exuded calm passion, never appearing or responding as the "rapids."
ReplyDeleteWhen we were giving birth to Community of Hope, as a new church start, Ken was one of the few UM pastors that reached out to give support, and encouragement to this pastor who felt very alone. Had it not been for his support, I would have probably walked away from the frustration that a new church presents. I will forever consider him a dear friend. I can hear Jesus saying to him, "Well done good and faithful servant."
Words alone cannot describe the pain we have felt with the sudden and unexpected loss of Ken. Ken was an incredible man with passion, personality, and a good heart. Our family met him when he was at St. Andrew's UMC in Arlington. He touched our lives significantly and was there for us, his church, the community, and his ministries. We will never forget Ken or the way he taught us to live and love life. We pray for God’s continuous comfort and blessings for the Diehm family, for the loss to the United Methodist Church family and the community.
ReplyDeleteThe Accetta Family
My family, like many others, feels extremely priveledged to have known and been blessed by Ken Diehm's ministry. He has offered so many wonderful sermons on Sunday for us to take back and apply to our lives. He has also been such a positive Christian role model for our children to see. One of my fondest memories of Ken occured on the first day that my youngest son was acolyting. He and I were practicing at the alter as he was going to be serving by himself!! Ken walked down and asked him if he would be acolyting? Jeffrey shyly said yes and told Ken that he was scared that he might mess up. Ken smiled and assured him that he knew he would do a great job! Ken watched Jeffrey as he served bravely by himself. As they met together at the end of service, Ken complimented him on his great job. Jeffrey was so proud that Ken had been such an important part of his first day of service. This day will forever be in our memory banks of the many kindnesses Ken showed to all who crossed his path. Thank you for the tremendous Christian role model you have been to us all!!! You will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteThe Leonard Family
Jeff, Cindy, Logan, Coleman and Jeffrey
I am so glad I had the opportunity to know Ken. Ken actually married me and my husband 11 years ago. He also baptized our daughter. As routine as it might have been for any pastor, it meant the world to us that he was involved in our lives. Even though we live out of state, Ken continued to make a real impact on us. Ken - you will be missed greatly.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I enjoy the most about Ken is how his sermons feel like he is having a conversation with the congregation. I have had many “aha” moments while listening to his sermons over the past few years and have been excited to share this experience with my family. Although I have a strong Christian faith, my husband and most of his family do not. This past Christmas, my in-laws were in town and I brought my husband and his parents to church with me on Christmas Eve. After the service, my mother-in-law excitedly talked about the sermon and how Ken’s message was modern, inviting, and reached out to her. My in-laws returned to their home in Arizona after the holidays, and I have since heard that she has told others how much she and my father-in-law liked FUMCG and how much they enjoyed Ken’s message. My mother-in-law’s reaction to Ken’s preaching is such a joy to me, and I am so grateful for Ken’s ability to share God’s message in a way that has helped so many of us have those “aha” moments! You are in my thoughts and prayers, Diehm family.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Hargreaves writes...
ReplyDeleteAlthough I only knew Ken for two years, I will remember him as being one of the most influential people in my life. When our family first joined the church in January 2009, two of the first things that happened were the Super Bowl commercials sermon and Lent. In addition to just being a lot of fun, the Super Bowl commercials sermon also invited everyone to participate by sending texts and emails about our favorites. I realized immediately that Ken Diehm was a man who knew how to get all ages of people involved in the church. Then a week or so later it was Lent, and Ken issued his Lent challenge, which in 2009 was the Food Stamp Diet. He challenged us to eat for one week only the amount that we could buy if we were on food stamps. I was totally amazed that he would challenge us all to do something uncomfortable, and take on the challenge himself, so that we could all learn a little about what it's like to be hungry and develop a sense of compassion for the poor. His ideas were so unique and interesting that they made us all want to participate. Over these past two years, I have learned more, participated more, been challenged more, and spiritually grown more than any other time in my life. Ken will be forever missed. We pray for Ken's family, friends, church staff and the congregation as a whole during this difficult time.
Andrea, Mark, Austin and Tyler Hargreaves