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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 8, 2007

TEMPLE TERRACE - Waldemar 'Wally' Meyer, 57, is pastor at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He recently returned from a three-month sabbatical, during which he traveled to preach in Puerto Rico and Germany. In addition to English, Meyer speaks Spanish and German, the language of his ancestors. His greatest loves are the church, his wife and music.

Where did you grow up?

Texas.

When did you know you wanted to become a pastor?

My father and grandfather were Lutheran pastors. Then, my older brother became one. I probably decided about third grade that I wanted to be a pastor. Along with the family thing, I knew I wanted to serve God as a regular part of my life.

What was your life like growing up as a pastor's son?

There were five of us growing up together. My mother was the perfect loving mom. My dad was always respected among the children, as well as among everybody else. He was very devoted to what he was doing and very good at it.

Both my parents were musical. So, there was a lot of music growing up in my family.

Where did you study religion?

I attended a Lutheran junior college in Texas. Then I attended a Lutheran senior college in Fort Wayne, Ind. That's where I received my bachelor's in preministerial studies. Then, I went to seminary in St. Louis and later got my master's of divinity from McCormick Seminary in Chicago.

When did you move to Florida?

My wife and I have been in Florida since 1974. We came to Tampa eight years ago.

What do you like about Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church?

The church has a strong lay leadership. We have some really good folks here. It's also good to have a school (Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School) attached to the church. It brings a younger population to the congregation.

What do you bring to the church?

You have to be involved in and fairly good at a lot of things to be a pastor.

I take preaching very seriously. I bring that to the church, and I have a lot of experience working with churches and schools together. I participate in school chapel services here.

My musical background is also something. It doesn't hurt to have a pastor that sings and plays instruments. I teach accordion lessons to the children.

What instruments do you play?

I play accordion, piano, the organ and the banjo.

Why do you consider music vital to worship services?

I can't imagine the church without music. The Lutheran Church has always been very musical. Martin Luther was a musician.

We sing Psalms every Sunday. They were originally meant to be sung. Of course, we don't know the original melodies.

We have a monthly Americana service, where I play bluegrass music. It's really popular.

You host a German language service. Did you learn the language as a child?

No. My father grew up speaking the language but had forgotten it by the time I was born. Since my name is Waldemar, I thought it was appropriate I learn. So, I took German in high school and college, then forgot most of it. Then, in 1981, I decided to get serious about it and study a little every day.

Now, I host a German service once a month. At least two families have come to the church because of the service. Usually, about 30 people attend.

What did you do in Germany this summer?

The Bavarian Lutheran Church sends pastors to different parts of Germany to lead services. Half of the time I spent there was vacation and half of the time was as a pastor. I led services from the top of a mountain. The view was beautiful.

This was my 21st trip to Germany and my longest. I was there four weeks. I also went to Puerto Rico for a week this summer. It was a great experience.

What fuels your interest in other countries and cultures?

It's important to me to learn from other people. My knowledge and experiences also open up different outreach possibilities for the congregation at Christ Our Redeemer.

What are your goals for the church?

The church is having an official goal-setting meeting Oct. 13, but there are some things I thought about during my sabbatical.

I want to enhance our services musically and make the sound better.

I'm trying to decide how to use my Spanish-speaking abilities at the church. I don't plan on including a Spanish-speaking service. I want to do something different. I'm thinking about using one of our classrooms to have homework help for Spanish-speaking children after school. I can imagine a classroom with maybe eight students and their parents with homework volunteers circling around helping.

What do you when you're not working?

I spend time with family, study languages and practice music. I practiced the banjo twice today.

Do you plan to stay at Christ Our Redeemer until you retire?

Most likely. I'm where I want to be.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
WHEN: Services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays

WHERE: 304 Druid Hills Road

INFORMATION: Call (813) 988-4025 or visit www.cor lutheran.org.

Reporter Sarah Rothwell can be reached at (813) 865-4845 or srothwell@tampatrib.com.

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