{Courtesy of BlueRidgeNow.com, Feb 23, 2020}
The Rev. Don Taws, who has served as chaplain at Carolina Village in Hendersonville for the past 20 years, is retiring. His service to the community dates back to before he and his wife, Jeanette, became residents themselves in 2012.
“Rev. Taws has served Carolina Village and our residents with love and deep compassion over the last two decades,” said Kevin Parries, executive director. “It’s important to me personally and to the entire Village that he know how much we appreciate all that he has done and continues to do. He is a trusted spiritual advisor to many and a friend to everybody.”
Taws will continue to lead Bible study groups two days a week.
Another resident, Rev. John F. Dieterly, has accepted the chaplaincy.
Born in Bucks County, Penn., Dieterly graduated from Penn State University with a degree in agriculture engineering, and from Lancaster Theological Seminary with a degree in theology.
His career has included service to Church World Service in Ghana, West Africa for 5 years, Heifer International in Belize for 5 years, and Heifer International in Maryland as Regional Director for 18 years.
He has also served as pastor of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Manheim, PA, Peace United Church of Christ in Greensboro, and as Interim Pastor of Monticello United Church of Christ in Brown’s Summit.
“We look forward to having Reverend Dieterly serve in this capacity,” Parries said. “He and his wife, Miriam, have been active here, making the village their home even prior to moving in last July. We look forward to seeing how he continues to be that same warm, friendly presence to the service of residents in his capacity as chaplain.”
Dieterly has been working with Pastor Mark Ralls and Pastor Ally Deal from First United Methodist Church to plan a special Ash Wednesday worship service.
This service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Village Hall at Carolina Village.
Dieterly is active in the Hendersonville Community Band and the Carolina Village Handchimers. He has also written a memoir of his and Miriam’s overseas experience, Intended for Good: Helping Farmers on Four Continents.
Dieterly can be reached at jfdieterly@gmail.com or 336-508-4874.