Rev. David Alfred Bremer

David Alfred Bremer, a Bloomington religious leader for more than 21 years as a pastor of the historic United Presbyterian Church, died on Oct. 21, 2015, at the age of 67. David Bremer was born Nov. 22, 1947, in Shelbyville, IN, to John and Beth Bremer. A 1965 graduate of Shelbyville High School, he received degrees from Earlham College and Princeton Theological Seminary, with additional studies at the University of Edinburg, Scotland. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Wood; daughter Erin Bremer Johnson (husband Michael Shoemaker) and grandson Aidan Johnson, Vista, CA: Brenda's daughters, Angel Hulen (husband Ron), Camby, and Chris Bartley, Newburg, and grandchildren Chayan and Kristopher, Newburg; brothers Robert Bremer (wife Karen Cook), Baton Rouge, LA, and Steven Carl Bremer (wife Paula), Prairie du Sac, WI. Rev. Bremer served Presbyterian parishes in Indiana and California before settling in for a record 21 year tenure at Bloomington United Presbyterian. A hallmark of his Bloomington pastor ship was an effort to make the small Second & Eastside church a center of diversity. He encouraged membership from nations throughout the world. He made it his mission to understand the cultures of his parishioner's and to help them feel at home at UPC and Bloomington. He coordinated and congregational language-partner program to help international students and their families learn conversational English as well as assist them with needs in town. He was also proud of the state of Indiana and took these same students on unique trips to New Harmony and the Feline Rescue Center. He made sure to share his love of the outdoors and nature inviting friends to his oasis in the woods. David encouraged the church to share their building with other cultures, providing a place for a Jewish community to meet as well as a Korean School. Rev. Bremer deepened his parishioners' lives with enriched Bible studies, encouraging music students to perform during worship services and special performances at the church, supporting the annual International Food Fair with food prepared by members representing the cultures of the church, and a weekly meditation leaving you deep in thought. David developed his thirst for knowledge through reading, learning about other cultures through his language partners, along with travels to the countries from which they came, as well as visits to the holy lands. On one of his visits he spoke at the National Evangelical Church of Lebanon in Beirut and in Israel a tree was planted in a peace garden honoring David and Brenda. David's ambitions reached beyond his church. His community activity included ministerial organizations and he was an active member of the Bloomington North Rotary Club. At the request of Brown County residents he assisted in launching the Brown County Fellowship Presbyterian Church and conducted a Wednesday night Bible study. He also conducted a Thursday Bible study at Redbud Hills retirement community. One of David's proudest involvements was The Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project. David received a letter at the church from Twesigye Jackson Kaguri requesting a meeting to learn about fledgling project to start a school in Uganda, Africa. David knew that he needed to make sure this man's dream came true. Outlined in his book, "A School for My Village", Jackson reflects on David's spearheading involvement with the formation of the Indiana Friends of Nyaka, annual fundraising efforts, and continued involvement to keep the Nyaka miracle flourishing and beyond imaginations. A private family memorial will be scheduled. Rev. Bremer's requests is that any memorials or financial gifts be given to support the Nyaka project (mailing address: The Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project,2970 East Lake Lansing Road, East Lansing, MI 48823) www.nyakaschool.org Condolence may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.

Tributes

Rev. David Alfred Bremer

November 22, 1947 - October 21, 2015