Epistle magazine, Fall 2014 by Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

EPISTLE LSTC

Fall 2014

Magazine of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Scholarships provide pathway to lower debt Meet Godson Jacob, other recipients

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Dear friends in Christ: Recently I attended yet another meeting about the plight of theological education. We heard fresh reports about what’s wrong or looms ahead, none of which is exactly news to those in my line of work. These reports are peculiar. For one thing, they reduce what seminaries do to their financial measures, as if ample resources were the only standard against which our work should be assessed. I probably grasp as acutely as anyone that matching robust income with responsible spending are crucial for LSTC to thrive, but is that the real purpose toward which our best efforts should be aimed? Doesn’t that confuse the means with the ends? Another way these reports are peculiar is that they offer little about what we should do in the years ahead. They are evidence from the past about decisions that were dubious if not regrettable. While rehearsing those errors may keep us from repeating them, this gives scant guidance for how to face days yet to come, the focused work that is now our main concern in changing times. Instead, such reports are like glancing in a rearview mirror, which can help orient you to passing travel conditions but is far less useful for steering the road that stretches ever onward. Dwelling on yesterday’s mistakes will never chart tomorrow’s course. In any case, I feel a disconnect between the rhetoric of seminary doom and the life of our school. To me, LSTC looks considerably more hopeful. I see animated, committed students who have directed their lives to become more faithful servants and leaders. I see wise, devoted faculty and staff who pour out their energies to make that formational process work well, even brilliantly. I see a seminary that is in a very different place than it used to be, ready to enter a challenging future with confidence and calm. And I see a world that longs for something more, a promise of life that our graduates, and indeed all of us, can declare anew. If that’s how things truly are for us, then we need more than charts and graphs to guide us in God’s mission. In that regard, I lately have been moved by an image from a book I wished would never end. David Esterly’s The Lost Carving recounts the author’s year as the master craftsman who restored the priceless carvings of Grinling Gibbons, work that was damaged in a fire at Hampton Court Palace in England. Three centuries ago, Gibbons was famed for his impossibly delicate limewood carvings that adorned the palace chambers, sprays of fruit,

flower, and foliage created with skill that has never since been matched, except by Esterly. What I found so potent was Esterly’s description of how to hold a carving chisel. Three factors intersect here. At the rear of the tool, one hand grasps the wooden handle to supply driving force. James Nieman In front of that, the other hand holds the metal shaft to offer steadying guidance. Esterly portrays it as a dynamic tension, propulsion offset by resistance so that the power is channeled rather than chaotic. But the final factor is that the forward hand rests on the carving, supported rather than floating in midair—which is the most important thing of all. Without such a solid base, the one hand’s force is wasted while the other’s guidance is unsure. Remarkably, the chisel—which is only a tool, a means to an end—matters less than this elegant interplay of power, restraint, and grounding. I think that also captures the hopeful, daily work of a school like ours in the days ahead. First comes the power of this community, the joys and trials of being formed in the crucible of this place. Next, though, is the restraint of our work, since formation also calls for stepping back, deciding what not to do as much as what surely must happen. And then, beneath it all, rests the grounding we share, our foundation in Christ that sustains us, regardless the risk—which is, of course, the most important thing of all.

James Nieman President

FEATURES LSTC

EPISTLE Fall 2014 • Volume 44 • No. 3

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, forms visionary leaders to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. Vision statement LSTC seeks to build up the body of Christ and work for a world of peace and justice that cares for the whole creation. Visit www.lstc.edu or call 773-256-0700 for more information about LSTC’s programs, conferences and special events. Editor Jan Boden Designer Ann Rezny Contributors Jan Boden Kate Fitzkappes Lydia Hernandez Marcial Erin Koster Keith Nelson James Nieman Jennifer Thomas Mark Van Scharrel LSTC Board of Directors Michael Aguirre Clarence Atwood Jr, Gordon Braatz Michael Burk Esther D’Agrosa Gregory Davis, Vice Chairperson Melody Beckman Eastman, Chairperson James Fowler, Secretary Tom Gooding Trina Glusenkamp Gould J. Arthur Gustafson Greg Kaufmann John Kiltinen Dale Landgren Scott Leisinger Jessica Liles Jane Mar Harry Mueller, Treasurer Melinda Pupillo Maryjeanne Schaffmeyer Twila Schock Sarah Stegemoeller Harvard Stephens Jr. Ray Tiemann Phyllis Wiederhoeft Keith Wiens Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein The LSTC Epistle is published three times a year by the Communications and Marketing Office. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks Change of address? Please email the Advancement Office at advancement@lstc.edu. Please give the address as it currently appears followed by your new address. Cover: ThM/PhD student Godson Jacob, recipient of a Visionary Leaders Fellowship. Photo by Erin Koster Photo credits: Jan Boden, Tricia Koning, Erin Koster, Jason McGovern

Almost all of LSTC’s “to go” containers are compostable

3 News from LSTC Alumnus named executive director of Oaks Indian Mission Students receive ELCA Mission Developer, Chilstrom Scholarships Christensen named LSTC Gospel Choir manager

Meet Angel Figueroa, recipient of a Hope Scholarship (page 13)

11 LSTC seeks “pathways to lower student debt” by Erin Koster

13 Meet 2014 Scholarship recipients and fellows 16 First Herman Innovation Fund grants awarded

5 Vasquez-Levy new president of Pacific School of Religion

19 Alumni books

6 What does a wise pastor look like?

Departments

A conversation with alumna Jennifer Thomas

7 Listening to Lutheran hermeneutics with non-Lutheran ears by Lydia Hernández-Marcial

9 Closing the circle by composting at LSTC by Erin Koster

President’s letter inside cover Opportunities at LSTC

Faculty News

In Memoriam & Class Notes

Transitions & Accomplishments 24

Opportunities at LSTC Hymn Festival, Gospel Choir Concert in line-up

Trinity Institute at LSTC: Economics and the Common Good

The Chapel Music Series, now in its 10th season, offers a variety of musical experiences in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC. On February 15 at 4 p.m., LSTC continues the hymn festival tradition developed by the late Paul Manz with a celebration in word and song of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. The Rev. Susan Briehl will offer reflections interspersed between hymns led by Cantor Daniel Schwandt, the LSTC Cantorei, and area church choirs. The Luther College Piano Quartet joins forces with Aurelien Pederzoli on Sunday, March 15 at 4:00 p.m. to perform a program featuring Dvorak’s beautiful Piano Quintet. Works by Mozart and Prokoviev round out the program. Pederzoli is a violinist with the Spektral Quartet currently in residence at the University of Chicago. The 27th Annual LSTC Gospel Choir Concert will be April 12 at 4 p.m. Don’t miss this inspiring annual event that features area gospel choirs and praise dancers along with the LSTC Gospel Choir, led by Dr. Keith Hampton. A freewill offering will be gathered.

LSTC will be a partner site for the January 22-24 Trinity Institute Conference “Creating Common Good” which focuses on economic inequality. See http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/trinity-institute/2015/home. Sessions at LSTC will run from January 20-24 to allow time to prepare for and reflect on the conference sessions. For more information, contact Dr. Cheryl Pero, director of the Pero Multicultural Center, at cpero@lstc.edu.

Zygon Student Symposium/LSTC Academic Forum Students from across the country share their original research on the topic “Religion, Science, and Technology: Emerging Questions for the Next Generation,” during the Zygon Student Symposium on Friday, February 27. Simultaneously, the LSTC Academic Forum allows students in any LSTC degree program to present their original research. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. Watch http://zygoncenter.org/ for more information.

Spring (well, almost) Seminary Sampler

Interfaith chaplaincy workshop offered in January

We’re pushing the season, but the Spring Seminary Sampler will be held March 1-3. Prospective seminarians meet faculty, students, and others discerning a call to ministry. They sit in on classes, learn about financial aid, talk with faculty, and worship with the LSTC community. Housing and meals are provided. Visit http://www.lstc.edu/prospective-students/visit/ sampler/ to learn more or to sign up.

A Center of Christian Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice and other partners will offer “Spiritual Care of Muslim Patients” offered January 7 and 14, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-day workshop is for nonMuslim chaplains to learn about and gain confidence in working with Muslim patients and families facing illness or death. It will be held at Midwest Palliative & Hospice Care Center, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, Ill. The $95 fee includes breakfast and lunch. Contact Sara Trumm at strumm@lstc.edu or call 773-256-0708.

Save the date World Mission Institute—Mission and Ministry to the Incarcerated The 2015 World Mission Institute topic is Mission and Ministry to the Incarcerated. The April 9-10 conference will feature faculty from Catholic Theological Union, LSTC, and McCormick Theological Seminary, as well as special guest speakers and presenters. For more information contact Dr. Peter Vethanayagamony at pvethana@lstc.edu.

Pero Multicultural Center hosts Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration On Monday, January 19, the Albert “Pete” Pero Jr. Multicultural Center will host the fourth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Come for worship at 11 a.m. and stay for lunch and discussion. Let the Pero Multicultural Center know if you plan to attend by emailing cpero@lstc.edu.

News from LSTC LSTC alumnus new executive director of Oaks Indian Mission

recreational activities, and life skills programs for its residents. Learn more at www.oaksindianmission.org.

Alumnus Vance Blackfox (2012, MATS), director of Youth in Mission at LSTC since June 2012, has been named the new Executive Director of Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, Okla. He began his new job October 1. “We are sad to see Vance leave our community, but we are happy for this new opportunity and wish him blessings in his new position,” said Dr. Terry Baeder, associate dean for centers at LSTC. “We know that Vance will serve the Oaks Indian Mission faithfully and are confident that he will accomplish great things in this area of ministry.” During his tenure as director of Youth in Mission, Blackfox redesigned the program to provide three distinct immersion experiences for participating high school students. Blackfox also established the Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium, previously the American Indian/Alaska Native Symposium, held at LSTC each November. He will continue his studies in the ThM/PhD program at LSTC. “Vance’s appointment as Executive Director begins an exciting new chapter in Oaks, Okla. Vance is from there and has stayed very involved in Oaks. He will work well with the new pastor of Eben Ezer Lutheran Church and a new superintendent of the public school there,” said the Rev. Gordon Straw (1997, ThM), an enrolled member of Brothertown Nation and Program Director for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Lay Schools of Ministry. From 2010 – 2012, Straw served as the ELCA Program Director of American Indian/Alaska Native Ministry. Another LSTC alum, Meredith Harber (2014, MDiv), has recently been called to serve at both Eben Ezer Lutheran Church and Oaks Indian Mission. The Oaks Indian Mission traces its history back to 1745 and the first Moravian missionaries to the Cherokee people. Danish Lutherans established schools for Native American young people in 1903, the same year Eben Ezer Lutheran Church was established in Oaks, Okla. The Oaks Mission was established as a Children’s Home in 1926. The Mission cares for children ages 4 to 18, and up to 48 residents are at home at the Mission throughout the school year. The Mission provides a loving home atmosphere, a spiritual foundation, Cherokee culture and language classes,

Kwame Pitts receives ELCA Fund for Leaders Mission Developer Scholarship LSTC master of divinity student Kwame Pitts has received a $6,000 ELCA Fund for Leaders Mission Developer Scholarship. The scholarship will provide tuition support for Ms. Pitts’ final year of study at LSTC. “Kwame’s skills as a mission developer will be an asset to the whole church,” said President James Nieman. “She is a Kwame Pitts strong example of the kind of visionary leaders who will shape the future of our church. Her receipt of this scholarship shows how such skills are valued and needed by the ELCA, which I hope will inspire other seminary students to consider becoming mission developers.” The ELCA’s Mission Developer Scholarship represents a commitment by the church to bring forth faithful, wise and courageous pastors who have the gifts and talents to plant and grow new congregations. Kwame Pitts was identified as a potential mission developer by LSTC’s Coordinator of Candidacy Paul Landahl and Director of Field Education Terry Baeder. An LSTC course led by Stephen Bouman, executive director of the ELCA’s Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit, convinced her that this was a call she wanted to pursue. “It helped me look at the mission of the church in relationship to the community – how we bring the word of God to people and develop relationships with them,” Pitts said. In 2013 Pitts was the first student to receive the Paul and Helen Kinsey Mission Developer Scholarship at LSTC. Pitts came to seminary after working in higher education and for nonprofit organizations, including Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon, Ill. She is a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chicago and a founding member of Seminarians for Justice (formerly SURRJ).

Elizabeth Christensen named new LSTC Gospel Choir manager

Sally Hanson receives Women of the ELCA Chilstrom Fund Scholarship

This fall, LSTC’s Gospel Choir got its second manager in the choir’s 26-year history. Elizabeth Christensen succeeds founding manager Patricia Bartley.

LSTC master of divinity student Sally Hanson has received a $2,000 Women of the ELCA’s Herbert W. and Corinne Chilstrom Scholarship for Women Preparing for Ordained Ministry. The scholarship provides assistance to Lutheran women who are second-career students entering their final year at an ELCA seminary. Hanson’s adviSally Hanson sor, Professor Barbara Rossing, says, “Sally is creative in integrating her learning in the classroom with past ministry experiences and making connections with other coursework. She is interested in looking at the communities behind the scriptures, especially the roles of women. . . Sally is a community-builder, very supportive of others. She embodies the values that Herb and Corinne Chilstrom would celebrate.” The Herbert W. and Corinne Chilstrom Scholarship for Women Preparing for Ordained Ministry was established by the Women of the ELCA in 1996 to honor the first bishop of the ELCA, Herbert W. Chilstrom, and his wife, the Rev. Corinne Chilstrom. It was intentionally begun during the 25th anniversary year of the ordination of women in the ELCA’s predecessor bodies. “My current vision includes a vocational call to parish ministry with hopes of empowering and supporting other women in their discernment to ministry,” Hanson says. “This may be lived out as a supervising pastor of an intern, working as an assistant to the bishop for candidacy or supporting and mentoring first call pastors in thanksgiving for those who have guided me.” Sally Hanson graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in Religion – Camping Ministry. She was actively involved with ELCA camps during college. Hanson has worked with “birth to high school” ministries at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Branch, Minn., and St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minn.

LSTC Gospel Choir members – Liz Christensen, first row, second from right

“For the long-term future of the Gospel Choir, it is important to have a student as its manager,” said Bartley. “I am delighted that Liz Christensen will be the first student in that position. She served as assistant director during the 2013-14 school year and will do an excellent job.” Christensen holds a degree in piano performance from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and is currently a master of divinity student at LSTC. The part-time student position signals a new stage in the choir’s history, with LSTC taking greater ownership of the choir. “Our seminary has been blessed to host the Gospel Choir for the past quarter-century, and Pat Bartley’s role during that period has been remarkable,” said President James Nieman. “Liz Christensen’s appointment as choir manager is welcome news as well, and this smooth transition further reflects Pat’s fine legacy of oversight. Best of all, I am glad we will continue to hear Pat in the choir even as its day-to-day operations are handled by other skillful hands.” The LSTC Gospel Choir was established in 1987 by Patricia Bartley, LSTC’s registrar, for a service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The choir exemplifies Dr. King’s vision of peoples of every color bonded together in the unity of God’s love. It is a multicultural, multiethnic and multidenominational community choir.

David Vásquez-Levy named president of Pacific School of Religion by his excellent leadership skills as well as his preaching,” said LSTC President James Nieman. “He will bring energy and compassion to his new calling as seminary president, and will be a strong advocate for justice besides. The entire LSTC community offers its congratulations and prayers of support.” Vásquez-Levy is the author of Out of the Waters: Resisting the Power of Fear, a Bible study on the book of Exodus published by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, 1 and 2 Samuel from the Books of Faith Bible Study Series by Augsburg Fortress Publishers, and co-author with Diane Jacobson of Ruth, published under the same series. He has also served as consultant on two documentaries related to the Postville raid, “abUSed: The Postville Raid” by Luis Argueta and Vivian Rivas and “Guatemala: A Tale of Two Villages,” by Greg Brosnan and Jennifer Szymaszek.

LSTC alumnus the Rev. David Vásquez-Levy, was elected president of the Pacific School of Religion (PSR) on August 14. He is the school’s 13th president and will be one of only three persons of Latino/a descent serving as president of an accredited seminary in the U.S. and its territories. David Vásquez-Levy He begins his tenure on January 1, 2015. “I am excited and deeply humbled by Pacific School of Religion’s invitation to join in the task of re-imagining theological education,” Vasquez-Levy said of his appointment. “The school is ready to join with a broad spectrum of partners to educate leaders who have passion and resilience in a world that is in desperate need of good news.” Julien Phillips, PSR Board Chair, said, “David’s experience at the intersection of the church, the academy, and the broader world of social changemaking equips him uniquely well to lead PSR.” Vásquez-Levy, who has served as a campus pastor at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, since 2001, is a double alumnus of LSTC (1995, M.Div.; 2001, D.Min.). In 2008, in response to an unprecedented immigration raid in Postville, Iowa, Vásquez-Levy coled the Postville Relief Effort, providing those affected by the raid with food, housing, and legal resources. His advocacy for more humane immigration policies made him a sought-after voice on the issue. He spoke at a congressional hearing on immigration policy, worked closely with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, and attended two White House briefings. “I got to know David when he was a doctor of ministry in preaching student and I was impressed

Giving to the future You can give a gift from your estate to the Lutheran School of Theology and receive payments for life. Make a gift of appreciated securities or cash and you can receive an income tax deduction and payments at an annuity rate based on your age or ages if you reserve the income stream to continue for your surviving spouse. Ask about charitable gift annuities. Call Mark Van Scharrel at 773-256-0676 or email him at mvanscha@lstc.edu.

What does a wise pastor (rostered leader) look like? A conversation with Pastor Jennifer Thomas What does a wise pastor look like to you? A wise pastor or leader is someone who is really connected—steeped in tradition—who reads Scripture and prays. A wise pastor is someone who is aware of current events and integrates faith and the world around us. She is well-read and is connected to other colleagues—not just people who have the same opinion and outlook she has. Who comes to mind when you think of wise pastors? Ann Pederson, one of my teachers at Augustana College, Sioux Falls, really encouraged me to enter pastoral ministry. I was interested in biology and problems in biology and religion and she was good at talking about the intersection of science and religion. This was really meaningful for me. She had me present a paper at an American Association of Religion meeting at Luther when I was still an undergrad. Dr. Pederson introduced me to [LSTC Professor Emeritus] Phil Hefner when I was in college and that was instrumental in my coming to LSTC. I appreciate the professors I had at LSTC and what they taught me: Pete Pero, Ralph Klein, Cindy Jurisson, Barbara Rossing, Ed Krentz, Kadi Billman— when you see different people doing well and succeeding—people who are not all of the same mold— then you think, “There’s a place in the church for me to use my gifts.” In my first call in Milwaukee, I had great mentors and role models—Joe Ellwanger, Mick Roschke, Rick Deines, Mary Rowland, Cheri Johnson—and so many others. I was part of the Milwaukee Coalition [of Churches]. As a young, female pastor trying to build on the way the “Old Guard” did things and to bring my own sense of how I am called to be a leader, I really appreciated each person who was in front of me. I grieved that the pastors in the coalition couldn’t celebrate one another’s successes and I suggested that we needed to be vulnerable with one another—to pray for one another’s highs and lows. We reorganized the coalition into small tables which allowed us to talk honestly about our ministries—our budgets, and where we were looking for funding. It led to collaborations among the ministries. We were

Pastor Jennifer Thomas in conversation during a break in an LSTC Leadership Conference

able to find ways to apply for grant money and do outreach and youth ministry together. More transparency led to a stronger coalition. What helps you grow in wisdom? Early in my ministry, I became part of a young adult clergy group through the Louisville Institute. One of the things we learned about was focal practices. Baking is a focal practice for me. It is one of the things that helps me be a whole person. I’m passionate about baking. I make cheesecake and cookies. I’m often not able to go to meetings at my children’s school, but I figured out that I could supply them with baked goods for their staff appreciation breakfasts. I could help feed them from my passion. The work leaders do takes pastoral imagination. If you don’t have time in your day to imagine, then it’s harder to be productive. There are a lot of interruptions in the midst of a pastor’s day. And that becomes the real work that you do, but that doesn’t help you get the sermon written. I’m so grateful to Cindy Jurisson for teaching me this: I once asked her for an extension on a paper so I could keep working on what I had written and she said, “Sometimes done is better than good. Just turn it in.” I’m still not that great at doing that, but if there is a funeral to do and a Sunday sermon to prepare, you don’t get an extension. You just have to present what you’ve got. Ministry is a balance. You’ve got six things begging for your attention and you need to decide, to make some choices. That’s where pastoral wisdom comes in.

Jennifer Thomas is a 1998 MDiv graduate of LSTC who has served congregations in Milwaukee, Wis., and Shawnee, Kan. She received an LSTC Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008 and currently serves on the Alumni Board.

How do you keep balance in your ministry? I maintain my day off. I stay in touch with colleagues. I spend time with my family. I resist the temptation to work harder when I’m in a stressful situation. I take my continuing education time. I exercise good boundaries so I am in good shape. I know if I’m empty, I will have nothing to share.

Listening to Lutheran Hermeneutics with Non-Lutheran ears by Lydia Hernández-Marcial, ThM/PhD student ology of the cross. Everything else would be new. A question was on my mind: What makes Lutheran hermeneutics different from other hermeneutical perspectives? Dr. Mark Allan Powell, Robert and Phyllis Leatherman Professor of New Testament at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, presented the first lecture. It laid the theoretical framework of the consultation. From this lecture on, one question was always present: How can the Lutheran hermeneutical principle of law and gospel be applied to a gospel such as Matthew? At face value, this gospel looks like a legalistic book; moreover, the Matthean Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matt 5:17). The lecturers dealt with the tension between law and gospel that the Lutheran pastor confronts each time that s/he has to preach from the first of the Synoptic Gospels. Powell was emphatic explaining that Luther’s understanding of God’s word as law and gospel refers to the effect of that word in the hearer. Thus, the focus of the preacher should be on how the audience receives and understands the proclaimed message, whether as accusation and confrontation (law) or consolation and salvation (gospel). The question, then, was how can texts such LSTC alumni and faculty were part of the LWF Hermeneutics Conference: Back, from left: Tamás as the Sermon on the Mount and the exhorFabiny, Ray Pickett, James Nieman, Vitor Westhelle, Barbara Rossing. Front from left: Monica tation to love the enemy be preached as law Melanchthon, Mercedes García Bachmann, Esther Menn. and gospel? The topics discussed at the LWF Consultation So, there I was, a non-Lutheran, Hebrew Bible opened a space for a critical reflection on global conPhD student, in a discussion on a New Testament cerns, such as migration issues, climate change and book and its interpretation from a Lutheran standthe care of creation, injustice, oppression and the point. I have to admit that my knowledge about need for reconciliation. Preaching on these concerns Luther’s theology was limited to what I studied in from the principle of law and gospel needs to take my MDiv church history courses: Wittenberg and into consideration Matthew’s emphasis on justice the ninety-five theses, justification by faith, the theOn September 4-10, a delegation of international Bible scholars and theologians gathered here at LSTC for the Lutheran World Federation Hermeneutics Consultation on the Gospel of Matthew. Students registered for the Matthew and Global Hermeneutics Graduate Seminar were required to attend a minimum of twelve of the lectures presented during the consultation.

As an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Consultation was a time of reflection and evaluation for me. I asked myself, what is my hermeneutical principle? Do I have one? How do my sermons proclaim the aspects of law and gospel of God’s word? Which elements of my sermons are law or gospel to the congregation to whom I am preaching? My denomination emphasizes the preaching of the gospel and grace. However, there are moments in which the sermon transforms itself in a collection of exhortations and admonitions which blurs the message of the gospel of Jesus. The LWF Consultation was a one-week condensed course on Lutheran thought for me. The Lutheran principle of law and gospel could be sometimes challenging, but from my perspective, it provides a way of proclaiming a balanced message to our congregations. This non-Lutheran has more in common with Lutherans than she thought.

Dr. Timothy Wengert

and mercy, which responds to those issues in a relevant way. The presentations can be summarized by an alternate title that LSTC Professor Esther Menn used for her lecture: “From ‘Law and Gospel’ to ‘Justice and Mercy’ in Matthew.” Justice manifested in the way of living is a central topic of this gospel. Mercy and justice are closely related in Matthew’s thought.

Lydia Hernández-Marcial earned an STM at Union Theological Seminary and was a professor of Old Testament in the Disciples of Christ Bible Institute in Puerto Rico. She served as pastor at three Disciples of Christ congregations between 1999 and 2011. She hopes to teach in Puerto Rico after she completes her PhD.

LWF Hermeneutics Conference participants and coordinators.

Closing the circle by composting at LSTC by Erin Koster, MDiv, senior compostables from LSTC. The finished compost is used by City Farm, a group that transforms empty Chicago land into urban farmland. To complete the cycle of sustainability, City Farm supports local farmers markets, restaurants, and community-sponsored agriculture. Composting also has an immediate impact on the seminary. LSTC uses the compost from student housing in the seminary’s community food gardens and to improve the soil in on-campus landscape gardens. Currently, LSTC diverts approximately 1200 cubic feet of solid waste from landfills each year by composting food and garden material, 25 percent of which comes from the refectory.

Two years ago, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago decided to take on an ambitious project. It wanted to expand its composting program, which began in student housing in 2010, to its refectory. The scale of the initiative would be a challenge, but would also offer the seminary a chance to live out its theology of caring for creation. Sharing meals together and preserving creation have theological significance for the seminary. It hired a new director of food services, Chef Ben Randall, in May 2012. Part of his job is to partner with the LSTC community to decrease the refectory’s environmental footprint. “It’s challenging, but also fun. There’s a saying in kitchens: garbage in, garbage out. You can think of the world in the same way. We get back what we put in,” Randall said. The expanded composting program became such a success that, in 2013, the refectory enlisted the help of a local company to keep up with the amount of compost they produce. The refectory works with Food to Farm Composting, which is Chicago’s oldest and largest nonprofit recycling and urban agriculture organization. Food to Farm Composting picks up

Broader changes taking place Composting has played a key part in the refectory’s overhaul. When the head chef position became available, LSTC decided to hire someone who could operate the refectory in a sustainable way, with a diverse and ethical menu. Randall has done that with the help of his two line cooks, Frank Perez and Pedro Rodriguez. They cut package waste by increasing the amount of house-made food to 75 percent. All of the refectory’s disposable utensils and containers are compostable. Randall buys local ingredients to support farmers and businesses in the area, and cut back on pollution from shipping. Though he has on-the-job experience with some green practices, Randall has never worked in a kitchen that takes this commitment so seriously. Randall draws inspiration from what he and his family do at home. They have their own compost tumbler, which his five-year-old son thinks is the Batmobile. “Professionally, it’s a new thing for me. Unfortunately, it’s just not the industry standard. Anything that requires chefs to do more work makes them angry…I don’t want to

Chef Ben Randall keeps a close watch on composting and recycling in LSTC’s refectory.

A decades-long movement

say that we’re on the cutting edge, but that’s what it is,” he said. LSTC’s refectory is a founding member of the “We Compost” recognition program of the Illinois Food Scrap Coalition. Members receive a window decal for their businesses which inform the public that they take part in composting. In doing so, they hope to encourage patrons to visit restaurants they know are committed to sustainability.

The basis for the refectory’s makeover has its roots in the 1960s, when the seminary was founded. Over the years, two professors—Dr. Joe Sittler and Dr. David Rhoads—helped the seminary turn its focus to sustainability. Now, with the help of the faculty, the school offers an Environmental Ministry emphasis for its master’s degree students. In addition to its sustainability-oriented curriculum, LSTC is also part of several seminary and synodical groups that help support green efforts. It hired a sustainability coordinator, Jim Schaal, to couple the science and theology of environmentalism. Green Zone, a student-run organization at LSTC, helps lead the way by organizing on-campus farmers’ markets, offering documentary viewings, and facilitating conversation. LSTC also continually works to reduce its energy use by updating its facilities. In coming years, LSTC hopes to step into creating energy through wind or solar power. The seminary has received a grant that allows it to write a sustainability plan, which will be complete by December 2014. “It’s part of who we are…we’ve always done it and we will expand,” said Bob Berridge, LSTC’s vice president of operations. It all helps to close the circle.”

Sola Café Serving up the “other Lutheran sacrament” Now students don’t need to brave the elements to get a great cup of Joe – they just have to head to the Sola Café in the LSTC Refectory. The new coffee shop opened in August, shortly before the school year began. “When I was hired two years ago, Bob Berridge [vice president for operations] asked me what I would do if I had the space and the money. The first thing I said was ‘create a coffee shop,’” says Chef Ben Randall, director of food services. “In January we started planning to make it happen.” LSTC’s skilled building crew created the shop inside the Refectory, repurposing the decommissioned Augustana Seminary altar as the front section of the counter. The shop immediately tapped into the talents of a number of former baristas who are now in LSTC’s MDiv program and trained their other student workers in the finer points of making specialty coffees. The full range of cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, brewed regular and decaf beverages are made with Equal Exchange coffees and teas. Chef Ben mixes the

Fanya Burford Berry (MATS) is one of a welcoming crew of baristas at the Sola Café.

specialty syrups and keeps a ready supply of fresh baked goods on the counter for a sweet accompaniment. As you’d expect, Sola Café also composts its coffee grounds, containers and food waste.

LSTC seeks “pathways to lower student debt” by Erin Koster may look like through the four years of seminary?” Westphal said. She sees financial education as potentially being a piece of the solution. Many small groups and individual discussions have been common practice for financial education at LSTC over the years. In the past, LSTC also offered students a capstone workshop on personal finances and loan repayment, which took place right before graduation. Now, with the recent changes to the curriculum, Westphal suggests a similar workshop could be reintroduced. She said that tackling the stigma of discussing money is the first step to healthy stewardship practices for seminarians. “How can we talk about finances without talking about shame? We’ve found some resources and programs that are focusing just on being comfortable talking about finances,” she said.

The cost of postsecondary education is a topic receiving growing attention from the media, politicians, and students themselves. LSTC has chosen to make this issue a priority as it continues to adapt in a changing world. At LSTC, this includes studying why seminarian debt is at its current level. Last year, the seminary received a $250,000 grant from the Lilly Foundation for a project titled Pathways to Lower Debt. This study is now underway. The project focuses on seminarians’ financial relationships with congregations, the effect of financial aid counseling, and changes in debt loads over students’ seminary careers. The work from this grant builds on existing research done at LSTC. The seminary recently completed a project called Stewards of Abundance that studied strategies for keeping students at an average manageable debt threshold—roughly $32,000. The latest grant expands the research scope to examine students with extraordinarily low levels of debt. Amy Westphal, a student completing her master of arts in ministry degree, is working with the program coordinator for the grant, Kathie Baker. They have collected almost all the data they need to begin analysis. “I think it will be interesting to look at the correlation between the numbers and the experiences… How is the process at LSTC set up to prepare entering students for what they can expect regarding loans or scholarships, budgeting, and for what their path

Nearly 100 percent of LSTC students receive scholarships and grants.

Scholarships and grants reduce student borrowing The Pathways to Lower Debt study is just one piece of LSTC’s efforts to diminish student debt. Another part of this effort is making more scholarships and grants available to students. Signs indicate that this is working. According to Assistant Director of Financial Aid Kate Fitzkappes, the total amount that LSTC students take out in loans has decreased three years in a row.

For most of the students she sees, scholarships and grants have become the primary source of payment for tuition and expenses. Fitzkappes credits the work of President James Nieman, Vice President for Advancement Mark Van Scharrel, and Executive for Administration, Assessment and Planning Laura Wilhelm for making that happen. “[President Nieman] is interested in finding ways for students to be able to accept a call to any size ministry rather than to a church that will be able to offer them enough to pay off their student loans,” Fitzkappes said. LSTC’s Admissions staff has already seen the effect these scholarships have had on new students. Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Rachel Langford recalls conversations she used to have with prospective students who were concerned about how to pay for seminary. Now, she is able to tell them about more scholarship opportunities. “This allays people’s fears that they’ll have to take out $30,000 a year. … It’s the ability to confidently say that we can help you. It can make the difference between their coming to seminary or not coming at all,” she said.

ELCA, foundations, congregations ease financial burden LSTC continues to work toward decreasing the amount students themselves pay for their seminary education. However, Fitzkappes said that students may not be aware of many other ways of financing tuition and living expenses. External grants for seminarians are available, funded by organizations like the Munderloh Foundation and the Siebert Lutheran Foundation. The ELCA also offers a limited number of scholarships for seminarians. Students, especially those who attended Lutheran colleges, may find that their alma maters have scholarships available for alumni who are MDiv students at a Lutheran seminary. If financial opportunities are not immediately apparent for seminarians, Fitzkappes suggests that students reach out to their congregations and their families’ congregations, as well as their synods, for help paying for seminary. Not receiving a large scholarship doesn’t mean that a student has to take out large amounts of loans, she indicates. “The students that are most successful financially in terms of getting scholarships are the ones who receive small amounts from lots of places,” Fitzkappes said. For those who do need to take out student loans, Fitzkappes recommends an industry rule of thumb: “Do not take out more than you would earn in your first year in the workplace.” At LSTC, the work continues to bring student loans down to zero. “We’re trying to have an impact on LSTC that will create change systemically,” Westphal said. If they are successful, the positive impact will benefit every future student at LSTC and the many places they will be called to serve.

Financial aid by the numbers Fall 2014 funding for incoming and returning students in scholarships or dollars: 30+ Full-tuition scholarships (Presidential, ELCA Fund for Leaders, Hope, Bridges, Veterans’ Affairs) 15+ Half-tuition scholarships (Hope, Dean’s) 1 ELCA Fund for Leader’s Mission Developer ($6,000) 2 Americorps Scholarships ($2,800) 74 scholarships and grants from churches, synods, and individuals (total $202,055 awarded) 45 Munderloh Foundation Scholarships (total of $133,500 awarded) 10 Siebert Foundation Scholarships (total $36,400 awarded) 6 Opal Dancey Foundation Scholarships (total $20,000 awarded) LSTC Grants for fall semester totaling $144,030 Other scholarships awarded: Cleven Scholarship for a St. Olaf College graduate, Women of the ELCA Chilstrom Fund Scholarship, The Rev. Carole A. Burns Scholarship, the Grover Wright Scholarship, Creative Teaching Ministry Grant, Kinsey Mission Developer Scholarship, Von Fuchs Scholarship Total borrowing down third year in a row Last year, federal student loan borrowing at LSTC totaled just under $750,000. Student loans at LSTC had not been that low since 2003.This year it appears that loan debt will again total around $750,000. Another important element to the student loan program is the cohort default rate (CDR) calculation. LSTC’s CDR is currently at 0. This annual calculation from the Department of Education shows us how many of our graduates are in default on student loans for a three-year time frame. A CDR of 0 means that none of our students for this period are in default. These two elements certainly create a positive narrative for student borrowing at LSTC.

Meet 2014 Scholarship recipients and fellows by Erin Koster young is when you question things and try to find out what you believe,” he says. As a student himself, Figueroa finds support in the LSTC community as often as his schedule permits. He enjoys worshipping with the other students in chapel and working together to create positive change in the city where they live. “I always thought seminarians were these holy people and better than everybody else, but we’re no different from anybody else. We’re a bunch of sinners who are trying and feel called to do God’s work,” Figueroa says. Figueroa received a Hope Scholarship, which is for students who are the first in their family to go to seminary.

This year more than 45 incoming and returning students received full- or half-tuition scholarships and 30 doctoral students received fellowships. We’d like you to meet four of those outstanding students.

Hope Scholarship – Angel Figueroa For master of divinity junior Angel Figueroa, the law and justice aren’t always the same thing—but faith and justice can be. As a new college graduate, he had wanted to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. After starting law school in 2013, he realized that seminary was a better fit. “I felt kind of disillusioned. I wanted to fight for people and do good…I went to a conference for justice Angel Figueroa and saw all these faith groups from around the country and saw all the good they had done for people. That led me to apply for seminary,” he says. Now, he has almost finished his first semester as a seminarian. Though he is adjusting to his new life, he still maintains the relationships he built during his year in law school. “It feels kind of surreal because I feel part of both worlds—I’m connected with people who are still in law school. I got to know some people really well. It’s odd not being part of their journey anymore, or them part of mine,” Figueroa said. Being at LSTC is a new experience for Figueroa. He was not raised as a Lutheran or in the Chicago area. Born into a Roman Catholic family, Figueroa comes from New Jersey. Though he left Catholicism at a young age, he felt a pull to return to the church in his early twenties. Figueroa initially became part of the Episcopalian tradition but ultimately joined a Lutheran campus ministry in college. Now, he hopes to work in campus ministry as a pastor someday. “That’s what we really need to focus on because that’s a key time to keep people in the church or get people to come who never did before. When you’re

Presidential Scholarship – Hans Becklin Becoming a pastor just makes sense for Hans Becklin. As a new student in LSTC’s master of divinity program, he draws on his extensive background in Lutheranism as he makes his way forward in seminary. Becklin is a recent graduate from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he studied Hans Becklin history, with a focus in art and Norwegian Lutheranism in North America. Even though his degree helped him build pastoral skills, he hadn’t always planned on becoming a pastor. “When I was young, I considered other careers like academia and law. I realized this call I had felt since I was young was not just a call but the call,” he says. A pivotal time of discernment came during a semester he spent in Malta. In that country’s overwhelmingly Roman Catholic environment, Becklin learned what it meant to be part of an ecumenical community. “What does it mean to be a Lutheran in a country where there are no Lutherans, or a Protestant in

a theology class —and you’re the first that Roman Catholic students have ever met? That was really a powerful moment for me, my faith development, and understanding what my faith means,” he says. Becklin knew that he wanted to continue his education at LSTC. As a member of the ELCA Church Council, he was familiar with President James Nieman’s vision for the seminary’s development. Becklin’s decision was finalized when he learned that he had received a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at LSTC. “Getting a full tuition scholarship says the church, the seminary, these institutions are really raising up your gifts and are helping you enter ministry without financial pressure. That really took a big burden off my shoulders and was very callaffirming.” Becklin is now able to focus on navigating the new curriculum at LSTC, which encourages a more integrated approach to the different fields of ministry. He is also planning for his wedding with his fiancée Marissa, who will come to LSTC from Luther College in January. Someday, they hope to be pastors together wherever the church calls them.

the opportunity to reach across cultures and learn about new feminist perspectives through the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS), the eleven-seminary consortium that permits students to take classes at other Chicago area seminaries and divinity schools. As Deaver continKatie Deaver ues her studies, she stays rooted in her own experiences. “It’s the larger questions that are theologically relevant, but I’m also interested in the ones that [relate to] the women in my church and my mom or grandma — that can mean something to them and their place,” she says. She found encouragement as a recipient of the Robert Marshall Fellowship, which is awarded by the faculty of LSTC. She learned that she had received the fellowship as she was entering her qualifying exams, an intimidating element of PhD study for many candidates. “It was really encouraging and meant a lot to me, as so many PhD students are doing amazing work. To know that I fit into that group…that’s a good feeling.”

Robert Marshall Graduate Fellowship – Katie Deaver For Katie Deaver, feminist theology is more than her focus of study. It’s where she found her voice. She was first introduced to feminism during her undergraduate program. At Luther College, she enrolled in “God and Gender” with Dr. Wanda Deifelt. She wasn’t familiar with the topic but soon found a new way to understand the world. “For the first time in my life, I had language for all of these things that I always believed and thought about,” Deaver says. After she graduated, she set her mind on seminary. After visiting LSTC, she felt a strong connection to the school. Deaver’s dream was to be a professor of theology. Thinking that a master of divinity degree was a necessary step toward that goal, she enrolled in the program. “I was in classes for maybe six weeks and I knew that wasn’t right…I had this great plan and it didn’t fit anymore,” she says. Deaver discovered that she didn’t need to earn an MDiv to be eligible for PhD study. Years later, she is moving closer to her dream: she has entered her second year of doctoral study at LSTC. Her research focuses on atonement theory and domestic violence. She has also found a connection between Jesus’ bodily suffering on the cross and women’s shared suffering. Deaver has had

Visionary Leaders – Godson Jacob PhD student Godson Jacob has come a long way in the last year. Born in India, he worked as a missionary and a pastor on the subcontinent for several years. After serving as a senior lecturer at two theological schools, he has traveled 14,000 miles from southern India to study at LSTC. Being so far from home was an adjustment for Jacob. He found himself missing familiar food, so he learned to cook both American and Indian dishes. During his first winter in Chicago, he experienced the polar vortex and endured temperatures well below zero. On a visit to St. Louis, he found himself stranded in the Lambert–St. Louis International Airport due to severe weather. “I can’t forget those things. . . But that was an experience I remember now with a lot of joy and goose bumps,” he says. Even though he learned to adapt to life in Chicago, Jacob almost wasn’t able to continue at LSTC. He initially began his studies so he could

He says that Rob Worley, director of the Language Resource and Writing Center, as well as Dr. Peter Vethanayagamony, associate professor of modern church history, were also instrumental in helping him stay. “I learned the character of LSTC by knowing that they stood for me. As a person, I learned that and can emulate it when I go back and take a leadership position,” he says. With the financial aid he has received, Jacob is able to continue in the PhD program. His focus is on post-colonial studies and issues of the body. He hopes to graduate by 2018. When he completes his studies, Jacob will return to his wife and theological school to share everything he has learned.

someday lead the seminary that belongs to Church on the Rock (COTR) College of Ministries, which is run by his father-in-law. One of the school’s sponsors offered to pay Jacob’s tuition at LSTC. Several months after Jacob arrived in Chicago, he learned that unforeseen circumstances meant his sponGodson Jacob sorship promises would not be met. Unable to pay for his tuition, Jacob resolved to return to India. At the urging of Dr. José David Rodríguez, director of advanced studies, he decided to stay a little longer to try to find a solution in collaboration with the Advancement Office. Several weeks later, Jacob received a phone call from Rodríguez informing him that he had received the Visionary Leaders Fellowship, which would cover the cost of his tuition for the academic year. What Jacob described as a “living hell” had been resolved. He is grateful to Rodríguez, as well as for the support he received from Mark Van Scharrel, vice president for advancement, and Dr. Linda Thomas, professor of theology and anthropology.

Scholarship honors Blackfox Earlier this year, members of the Class of 2014 established the Vance Blackfox American Indian & Alaska Native Scholarship. It pays tribute to Blackfox’s tireless efforts to “educate and inform non-Native LSTC students about the heritage, theology and experiences of the Native communities which Vance represents.” The scholarship will be awarded to an LSTC student who is an enrolled tribal member or citizen of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe. It is for a student in any degree program.

2014–15 Advanced Studies Fellowships Thanks to generous donors, LSTC was able to provide fellowships totaling nearly $100,000 to 30 doctoral students. They included the following awards:

Ralph W. Klein PhD Fellowship in Biblical Studies Robert Marshall Graduate Fellowship – for North American doctoral students Four fellowships were awarded.

E. Theodore and Mercia B. Bachmann Fellowships – for doctoral students Nine fellowships were awarded.

William J. and Elizabeth M. Danker Fellowship –for international doctoral students, especially those studying World Christianity and Mission Five fellowships were awarded.

Eleanor and Arnold Scherer Fellowship – for international students, especially those studying World Christianity and Mission

Visionary Leaders Six fellowships were awarded.

Emmanuel Maywood Advanced Studies Fellowship Esperanza de Santa Maria Fellowship

Advanced Studies Fellowship Seven fellowships were awarded.

Fuerbringer Biblical Studies Fellowship

Rossing Scholarship – Global Missions student

International Women’s Scholarship Kathryn Sehy Endowed Fellowship – for a doctoral student in interfaith studies

First Herman Innovation Fund grants awarded to train faculty in social media and oral history Two faculty projects designed to strengthen the seminary’s focus on preparing leaders for a public church received the first two first Lyn C. and Stewart W. Herman Jr. Fund for Innovation in Theological Education grants. Barbara Rossing, professor of New Testament, and Lea F. Schweitz, associate professor of systematic theology for religion and science and director of the Zygon Center for Religion and Science, received a grant to train faculty in the use of social media to develop a public teaching voice and shared blog. Joan L. Beck, Cornelsen Director of Spiritual Formation and pastor to the community received a grant to train faculty in gathering oral history, a skill that they will then be able to teach their students. “When Stuart Herman so generously created this fund, he hoped to stimulate ideas that would enrich our curriculum in imaginative and creative ways,” said President James Nieman. “These first two projects are fine examples of exactly what he intended, equipping our faculty with new methods for teaching and learning, all of which will surely benefit our students.” In 2013, Stewart W. Herman III made a $500,000 gift to LSTC to establish The Lyn C. and Stewart W. Herman Jr. Fund for Innovation in Theological Education, named in honor of his parents. Stewart W. Herman Jr. was the first president of LSTC.

Faculty members may submit grant proposals to a HERMAN granting comInnovation mittee of three FUND faculty members and which is chaired by the president. Projects are chosen for their positive impact on the learning and formation of students preparing for ministry. Rossing’s and Schweitz’s project, “Going Public: Taking LSTC’s Stories and Scholarship Online” will provide social media training through a one-day workshop with Verity Jones, executive director of the Center for Pastoral Excellence at Christian Theological Seminary and two follow-up miniworkshops. Their aim is to “build a community of co-learners” through a faculty blog and other social media posts. Training will be shared with students, with blog posts incorporated into coursework. Beck’s project, “Voice of Witness oral history training for faculty,” will bring Voice of Witness educators to LSTC to train faculty to conduct oral history projects. Skills related to oral history include critical thinking, deep listening, crafting an interview, transcribing, editing, and sharing in various media. Trained faculty will be able to teach their students to use oral history skills, especially in LSTC’s new Public Church courses.

Gifts with present and future value by Mark Van Scharrel, vice president for advancement One of the great joys in supporting seminary students and seminaries is knowing that our graduates will each impact thousands of lives, bearing the message of God’s love and grace from cradle to grave, in every season and circumstance of life, with neighbors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Your gifts to the Annual Fund help provide generous scholarships to our students. Your gifts to the LSTC Endowment help both current and future students. As students come out of college with more debt, and as more students come to seminary, it is doubly important that we increase our capacity to provide the scholarships they need, making seminary finan-

cially accessible for every gifted and qualified candidate for ministry. It is essential that we continue to work together to subsidize most of the cost of seminary education, keeping tuition as low as possible, since students still have considerable costs for “all the things that we need to support this body and life,” as Luther puts it in the catechism. Beyond the portion of tuition each student can afford to pay, they still have “all these things,” including housing and food, transportation, insurance, clothing, books, medicine, etc. Thank you for helping make seminary financially accessible for current and future students.

FACULTY NOTES/NEWS Bangert part of American Lutheran Church Music series

Emeritus Philip Hefner delivered the Third Annual Albert “Pete” Pero Jr. Lecture, “Science, Religion and the Common Good.” On November 3, Professor Richard Perry Jr. delivered his inaugural lecture as full professor, “Engaging Public Sphere(s): The Vocation of Lutheran Ethics.”

Presentations and papers Mark Bangert

An hour-long video interview with Dr. Mark Bangert, John H. Tietjen Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Ministry: Worship and Church Music, is part of the Concordia University online video series, “Profiles in American Lutheran Church Music.” Dr. Carl Schalk conducts the interview, which covers Bangert’s training as a musician and traces his interest in Bach and church music to his roots in Sheboygan, Wis., and his churchmusician father. It is one of ten videos available on the website, www.cuchicago. edu > about Concordia> Center for Church music> profiles in American Lutheran Church Music.

Faculty, LWF lectures available online Videos of three recent lectures are available on LSTC’s YouTube channel, VideosfromLSTC. A link to those and other videos is at www.lstc.edu/voices/. Dr. Timothy Wengert presented a public lecture during the Lutheran World Federation Hermeneutics Conference on September 5 at LSTC. October 13, Professor

Mark Bangert, John H. Tietjen Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Ministry: Worship & Church Music, conducted Bach’s Cantata 34 at St. Luke Church, Chicago, in June, bringing to a conclusion his tenure as Artistic Director of the Bach Cantata Series after presenting 116 of the nearly 200 extant cantatas, the Christmas Oratorio, and the Passions According to John, Mark, and Matthew. He published “Scholar’s Helps” for five weeks of Sundays and Seasons: Preaching, Series C. Ralph Klein, Christ Seminary-Seminex Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, led forums on marriage equality at Grace Lutheran Church in LaGrange, Ill., in August and September. He led forums on archaeology and the Old Testament at Our Saviour’s, Naperville, Ill., in September and at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster, Ind., in October and November. Klein’s article, “Resist the King! The Attitude Toward the Emperor in Bel and the Dragon and Daniel 1-6” was published in To Set at Liberty: Essays on Early Christianity and its Social World in Honor of John H. Elliott.

Carol Schersten LaHurd, auxiliary lecturer in world religions, led workshops on the Bible study Transforming Life and Faith at Wartburg Seminary in May; at Good Earth Village, Minn., in June; for the ELCA Women’s Triennial in Charlotte, N.C., in July; in Des Moines, Iowa, Tacoma, Wash., and Portland, Ore., in August; and in Phoenix, Ariz., in September. She published “Interreligious America: What’s Changed— and What I Have Learned” in the fall issue of Dialog: A Journal of Theology. Esther Menn, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs and The Ralph W. and Marilyn R. Klein Professor of Old Testament/ Hebrew Bible, participated in and presented a paper at the Lutheran World Federation Biblical Hermeneutics Conference held at LSTC in September. Barbara Rossing, professor of New Testament, keynoted at “Rooted and Grounded: A Conference on Land and Christian Discipleship” at the Anabaptist Mennonite Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., in September. That month, she represented LSTC at the Blessed Earth Seminary Stewardship Alliance conference in Greensboro, N.C., focusing on Sabbath practices for the environment. She also participated in and presented at the Lutheran World Federation biblical hermeneutics conference at LSTC. In October, Rossing delivered an interdisciplinary keynote lecture on “Ecodomy: Life in All its Fullness” at an international symposium for the University of Pretoria Faculty of Theology in Pretoria, South Africa.

Rossing contributed a reflection on Matthew 22:15-22, “Even Taxes Belong to God,” to the 2014 Bread for the World Sunday resources for churches. Her commentary on Revelation was published in Fortress Commentary on the Bible: New Testament, edited by Margaret Aymer, Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, and David Sanchez. She was featured in an October 12 story in the Los Angeles Times, a critique of the new “Left Behind” film, as well as the HBO series “The Leftovers” and other end-times dramas. Benjamin Stewart, Gordon A. Braatz Assistant Professor of Worship and dean of the chapel, in June gave two lectures in Tacoma, Wash., “What’s the Right Rite? Treating Environmental Degradation as Sickness or Sin,” and “Remember that you are Earth: Mortality and the Life of the World,” at Pacific Lutheran University’s Summer Conference on Pastoral Theology. That month he also taught two on-campus intensive worship courses at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, one for TEEM students, the other for distributed learning students. In July, Stewart led a workshop on natural burial practices and Christian theology, “Tilling and Keeping: Fitting Practices for a Very Good Creation,” at the Ekklesia Project’s Gathering at De Paul University in Chicago. In October, Stewart delivered four plenary addresses at the Theological Convocation of the East Central Wisconsin Synod of the ELCA and served as Theologian in Residence at

FACULTY NOTES/NEWS Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mt. Holly (Charlotte), N.C.

Linda Thomas

Linda Thomas, professor of theology and anthropology, was respondent for the session, “Battered Justice: Intimacy of Black Suffering” that was part of the 8th Annual C. Shelby Rooks Legacy Events at Chicago Theological Seminary in October. She is teaching the weekly women’s Bible study

at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, where she is a member. Gayle Woloschak, adjunct professor of religion and science and associate director of the Zygon Center for Religion and Science, led a session on organ transplantation at the Clergy-Laity Congress for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in July. She gave a lecture for Leonard Hummel’s course on cancer treatments and theology at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., in September and was a speaker on science and religion for the Clergy Conference of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA in October.

Alumni, faculty, board member contribute perspective papers for ELCA conversation

welcome?” Their papers and the papers of other leaders from across the ELCA are available on the ELCA’s website under the Resources> Worship> Table and Font tabs.

Michael D. Fick (2004, MDiv), pastor of Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Chicago; Francisco Javier Goitía Padilla (2003, ThM; 2012, PhD), pastor of Iglesia Luterana de Buen Pastor in Santurce, and professor at the Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico; Benjamin Stewart, Gordon A. Braatz Associate Professor of Worship at LSTC; and Harvard Stephens Jr., a member of LSTC’s Board of Directors, contributed perspective paper to the ELCA’s conversation about baptism and communion, “Table and font: Who is

WE REMEMBER Richard A. Jensen 1934 – 2014 The Rev. Dr. Richard A. Jensen, Axel Jacob and Gerda Maria (Swanson) Carlson Professor Emeritus of Homiletics at LSTC, died on November 19 in Lakeville, Minn. He was a missionary, scholar, teacher, and author who, with his wife, Bonnie, worked for the Lutheran church throughout his life. “We at LSTC who had the privilege of working with Dick over the years are deeply saddened by news of his death, even as we are heartened by the memory of his profound witness,” said James Nieman, president. “He was first my teacher in seminary some thirty-five years ago, and in the decades since, was a confidant, mentor, advocate, and friend – not just for me, but for many. Throughout his life, Dick showed a profoundly generous spirit. His manner, voice, and even smile manifested the full joy of one who trusted in our Risen Lord.” Jensen is perhaps best known for developing a story-based preaching technique that emphasized preaching as an oral art of communication rather than a written form read to listeners. He wrote about this technique in four of his books, Thinking in Story: Preaching in a Post-Literate Age, Preaching Mark’s Gospel, Preaching

Luke’s Gospel, and Preaching Matthew’s Gospel. His last book, Envisioning the Word: The Use of Visual Images in Preaching, incorporates art and visual images into his approach to preaching and worship. He was a co-founder of Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he taught from 196265. Upon his return to the United States, he taught at three of his alma maters: at Dana College, Wartburg Theological Seminary, and LSTC. He also briefly taught at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. From 19821993, Jensen was the host and director of the Lutheran Vespers radio program, which reached millions of people worldwide. Richard Jensen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dr. Bonnie Jensen, their three children, Doron, Dodi, and Derek, and eight grandchildren. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015, at Easter Lutheran Church, 4200 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, Minn. A tribute to Dick Jensen will appear in the next issue of the LSTC Epistle.

ALUMNI BOOKS Chilstrom has gone to the dogs…

Since his retirement as presiding bishop of the ELCA 19 years ago, Herb Chilstrom (Augustana, 1958, MDiv) has been a busy man. Among other things, he has written four books, including his autobiography A Journey of Grace: the Formation of a Leader and a Church and the devotional book Every Morning New, coauthored with his wife Corinne. Income from the sale of these two books has been donated to LSTC and has surpassed $100,000.00 Now he’s out with another volume. This one is about dogs! It began early in 2014 when Chilstrom’s Cairn terrier, Jonah, died at age 17. To work through his sadness, Chilstrom began to write stories about his life with Jonah. That led to thoughts about four other dogs he’s had as friends from time to time since he was a lad. Soon he had a book, My Friend Jonah – and Other Dogs I’ve Loved. It will bring laughs; it will bring tears. But, most of all, it’s about the lessons for life we learn from our canine friends. In her foreword to the book U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar writes: “As Bishop Chilstrom shepherds us through the lessons his dogs have taught him, from loyalty and discipline and companionship to forgiveness, curiosity, and rest, he makes us think about the big issues

in life: How to live, how to treat others, and even how to die.” The book is available online at www.huffpublishing.com. Or order by mail by sending a check for $22.00 per book to Chilstrom Books, 1211 Pine Pointe Curve, St. Peter MN 56082. Postage and sales tax, where applicable, are included.

Cruz publishes The Histories of the Latin American Church In November, Fortress Press released two books by Dr. Joel Cruz (2007, ThM; 2009, PhD), The Histories of the Latin American Church: A Handbook and The Histories of the Latin American Church: A Brief Introduction. The Histories of the Latin American Church: A Handbook (ISBN: 9781451465648, $35) is meant as an accompaniment to reading and research in the field. It provides both an overview of the history and theology of the region and nation-by-nation timelines and outlines. The Histories of the Latin American Church: A Brief Introduction (ISBN: 9781451488944, $19) is based on the Handbook, offering an introduction to “a kaleidoscope of efforts to articulate the meanings and implications of Christianity in the context of Latin America.” The books are available through Fortress Press.

Goede uncovers family secrets and forgiveness in Uncovering Lives An unidentified photograph, a stack of old letters, and a memory of a shipwreck seemed to be promising start when Nancy Goede began to put together a family tree shortly after her first child was born. The search quickly led from nostalgic memories of immigrant parents and grandparents to long-buried secrets, like alcoholism, infidelity and abuse. What emerges are stories of families who rise above poverty and pain to understand, forgive and heal, and to live lives of grace and dignity. Goede chronicles her search in the new e-book, Uncovering Lives: Discovering One Immigrant Generation’s Secrets and Lives of Forgiveness, Grace, and Healing, published by Shook Foil Books http://www. shookfoilbooks.com/index. html. The book may be purchased ($9.99) to download to a Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iPad, and other electronic devices or a computer.

Saler Connects Theology and Ecclesiology in Between Magisterium and Marketplace Theology goes beyond the realm of scholars. It has deep roots in the church, with one shaping the other. That’s what Dr. Robert C. Saler believes. He explores this topic in his new book, Between Magisterium and

Marketplace: A Constructive Account of Theology and the Church published in August by Fortress Press. “I wrote this book because, in my ministry and in my theological thinking, questions of authority—who finally gets to decide?—kept coming up in determining how and why we talk about the role of creativity in theology. Ultimately it’s a book about the sort of material and ecclesiological conditions that different Christians put in place in order to determine the most basic of questions: what do we mean when we say that a given theological statement is ‘true’?” Saler said. In his book, he focuses on how the church engages with and endorses theology, especially when theology is unconventional or ventures into new territory. Saler delves into the writings of thinkers like Thomas More, William Tyndale, John Henry Newman and Friedrich Schleiermacher as he offers opportunities for the church to relate to theological concepts. Saler (2007, M.Div; 2009, ThM; 2011, PhD) currently serves as Research Fellow and Director of the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs. Between Magisterium and Marketplace (ISBN: 9781451482836, $49) is part of the Emerging Scholars series of Fortress Press and is available from the publisher.

IN MEMORIAM to stop serving in parishes in 2013. On October 16, Pastor Schmidt died peacefully after a long struggle with cancer. A memorial service was held on October 31 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Olathe. He is survived by his wife, Kris, numerous friends, and his beloved cats and dogs.

Steven M. Dietrich 1951 – 2014 Christ Seminary-Seminex Class of 1978 Steven M. Dietrich died on September 27, 2014, after a three-year battle with cancer. He had served as cantor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in The Colony, Texas, for 20 years and had recently been named Cantor Emeritus. A memorial service was held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on October 3. He is survived by his wife, Ann, a son, his parents and siblings, and other family members.

Robert H. Stromberg 1929 – 2014 Augustana Class of 1956 Pastor Robert H. Stromberg was ordained in 1956 and was called to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Proctor, Vt. He returned to Illinois in 1959 to serve at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Carpentersville, Ill.; and Luther Memorial Church, Springfield, Ill. After studying clinical pastoral education at two hospitals in the Chicago area, he served as chaplain and director of inpatient ministry at Lutheran General Hospital from 1971-1995. He also served as visitation pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia, Ill., and as a volunteer with the Fox Valley Hospice. Pastor Stromberg died on July 20, 2014, in Batavia, Ill. A funeral service was held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia on July 25. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan. He is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Daniel Monson 1932 – 2014 Augustana Class of 1957, LSTC Class of 1978 Following his ordination in 1957 and over the course of decades of ministry, Pastor Daniel Monson served congregations in Minnesota, California, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. With his wife, Mary, he was co-director and lobbyist of the Wyoming Church Coalition serving 13 Christian denominations and the Jewish community. Pastor Monson was a master gardener, and an active member of his community, serving on boards for church, education and community. He was Deputy Sheriff Chaplain and hospital chaplain. Pastor Monson also loved to sing and sang with many choirs, including the Chicago Men’s Chorus, Capital Chorale in Wyoming, Mastersingers in Nebraska and the Sinai Lutheran Choir. He participated in community theatre where played the lead role in “South Pacific” and major roles in other musicals. He also performed intermission numbers at the Cheyenne Opera House and for the old opera house in Fremont. Pastor Monson died on October 18 at Arbor Manor, Fremont, Neb. A funeral was held October 23 at Sinai Lutheran Church, Fremont. He is survived by his wife, their four children and their spouses, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Paul Abbott Tidemann 1938 – 2014 Class of 1964 The Rev. Paul Abbott Tidemann was a passionate advocate for social justice, particularly the inclusion of GLBT persons in the church. He died in St. Paul, Minn., on July 26, 2014 at age 76. Ordained in 1964, Pastor Tidemann served at All Saints Lutheran Church, Mason, Mich.; the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Niles, Ill.; Redeemer Lutheran Church, Georgetown, Guyana, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn., and St. PaulReformation Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minn. He retired in 2006, but remained active in the community, serving as president and French horn player in the Northeast Orchestra, founder and administrator of the Guyana Mission Network, and a participant in the St. Paul Interfaith Network. He is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons, Pater and Christopher; Janet’s children, Todd and Julie and their spouses and children. A memorial service was held August 9 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn.

Frederick J. “Fred” Schmidt 1948 – 2014 Class of 1975 Pastor Fred Schmidt was ordained in June 1975 and served parishes in Illinois and Nebraska. When his spouse, the Rev. Kristine Dietzen, received a call to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Olathe, Kan., in 2007, Pastor Schmidt served interim ministries in Kansas and Missouri. He was able to guide congregations through difficult times while developing good relationships within the community he served. Ill health compelled him

CLASS NOTES 1950 Kenneth Dale (Augustana, MDiv) was honored by the Japan Lutheran Seminary in July 2014 by naming a new institute of the seminary the “Dale Pastoral Center.” Its purpose is to increase the effectiveness of pastoral work throughout the Church through a variety of programs and projects. Dr. Dale taught at the Japan Lutheran Seminary in the field of Practical Theology for 35 years, until he retired in 1996. He and his wife, Eloise, live in Pilgrim Place, a retirement community in Claremont, Calif. 1958 Herbert Chilstrom (Augustana, MDiv) has published a new book, My Friend Jonah – and Other Dogs I’ve Loved with Huff Publishing Associates. See page 19 for more details.

newly convicted inmates, praying with them and sliding a Bible and the Spiritual Survival Guide for Prison and Beyond under some of the doors. The guide was written by Redeemer and made possible with a grant from the synod’s Fund for Mission. A grant from Wheat Ridge Ministries is allowing the prison ministry to expand to re-entry for ex-offenders. Read more at www.mcselca.org under the News and Publications tab. 1984 Kim Beckmann (MDiv; 1999, DMin) was honored by Temple Sholom/ Am Keshet as a Chaverah Keshet (Friend of the Rainbow) for her outstanding work on marriage equality. This recognition occurred at a reception and service at Temple Sholom in Chicago on June 27.

1966

1986

Lawrence Wick (Maywood, MDiv), received a Wartburg Alumni Citation on October 19. Recipients are chosen based on their personal and professional application of Wartburg College’s mission statement pillars: leadership, service, faith and learning. Dr. Wick was honored for his service as pastor to nine congregations, his volunteer service to the ELCA and Wartburg, and his commitment to learning.

Jim Marcum (MA) continues to teach online courses for Elmhurst College, Elmhurst Ill., although he retired and moved to Bellevue, Neb., in March 2012 with his wife, Gail. For approximately 25 years he was an adjunct faculty member in Theology and Religion, and as the Associate Director for Academic Computing at the college.

1983 Fred Nelson (MDiv) writes about Redeemer Lutheran Church’s (Park Ridge, Ill.) “Under the Door Prison Ministry” in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod’s August supplement to The Lutheran magazine. Volunteers minister to

1992 D. Jensen Seyenkulo (ThM; 1999, PhD) has been on the frontlines of addressing the Ebola outbreak in Liberia. He is bishop of the Lutheran Church in Liberia and has been laboring to keep the Lutheran hospital open. He was quoted in an August 5 ELCA news release about the crisis. Donations to assist may be made through Lutheran Disaster Response.

1994

2000

Nancy Goede (MDiv), published Uncovering Lives: Discovering One Immigrant Generation’s Secrets and Lives of Forgiveness, Grace, and Healing available online from Shook Foil Books. Read more on page 19.

Kara (Skatrud) Baylor (MDiv) was featured in an October 4, 2014, article in the Kenosha New. The profile talks about her ministry at Carthage College on the occasion of her installation as campus pastor on September 28.

1995 Susan Bowen (MDiv) presented “Supporting Staff by Connecting Them to Purpose: The TouchStone Project” at the Association of Professional Chaplains Conference in Anaheim, Calif., in June 2014. She received Board Certification with the APC in 2011.

Ken A. Grant (ThM; 2009, PhD) received a University of Texas Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. He has been a Lecturer in History and Religious Studies at the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas, for eight years.

Ken A. Grant, middle, receives a University of Texas Regents’ Outstanding Teacher Award

Pastor Bowen serves as staff chaplain at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, a regional level one academic medical center, since 2003. David Vásquez-Levy (MDiv; 2001, DMin) was elected president of the Pacific School of Religion (PSR) on August 14. (See page 5) His essay, “Biblical Fluency: Living under God’s Influence” appeared in the June 2014 issue of Currents in Theology and Mission. 1996 Mercedes García Bachmann (ThM; 1999, PhD) participated in the LWF Hermeneutics Consultation at LSTC in September.

Seth Moland-Kovash (MDiv; 2012, DMin), published “Preaching Helps: First Sunday in Advent – Third Sunday after the Epiphany” in the October 2014 issue of Currents in Theology and Mission. Mladen Turk (ThM; 2009, PhD) led discussion of portions of his new book, Being Religious, at The Chicago Group in September. The Chicago Group is a scienceand-religion salon that has been hosted monthly by LSTC visting professors John and Carol Albright for about 17 years. 2002 Philip Mathai (ThM; 2009, PhD) was installed as pastor of Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in

CLASS NOTES Waterloo, Ontario, Canada on Saturday, May 10. 2003 Amy Aimonette (MDiv) is now the lead pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Ill. Robin Brown (MDiv; 2010, DMin) began a new call on October 13, 2014, as assistant director of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. William E. Flippin Jr. (MDiv; 2005, ThM), pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Atlanta, preached on the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program, Day1.org on their All Saints’ Sunday broadcast on November 2. 2004 Robert Bryan (MDiv) is director of Followers of Christ Prison Ministry of the Nebraska Synod and a full-time clergy volunteer in the Nebraska Department of Corrections. The prison ministry recently received a $5,000 Thrivent Financial Foundation “Matthew 25: Neighbors in Need” Grant. Funding was awarded based on the ministry’s effectiveness in addressing physical, emotional and/or spiritual needs in the local community based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 25. 2005 George Tsakiridis (ThM; 2009, PhD) has taken a teaching position at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. He will be teaching in the areas of Old Testament, New Testament, Religion in American Culture, World Religions, and Introduction to Philosophy

2006 Jenny DeVivo (MA) received her PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity from Loyola University Chicago. The title of her dissertation is “2 Peter 2:4-16: The Redaction of the Biblical and Intertestamental References Dependent on Jude 5-11 and their Overall Significance for the Document.”

July 23, 2014, issue of The Christian Century.

Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, Mich.

Luke Smetters (MDiv) was one of the leaders of the Music that Makes Community workshop that took place at LSTC September 25-28.

Richard Sheridan (MDiv) was ordained at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Dover, N.J., on August 16, 2014. Sheridan is serving as copastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Omaha, Neb., and Co-Director of Evangelical Mission of the Nebraska Synod with his wife the Rev. Rebecca Lund Sheridan (2012, MDiv).

Kent Narum (MDiv) began a new call as the pastor at Holden Village in Chelan, Wash., in August. 2007 Kristin Berglung (MDiv) was installed as pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, Wis., on October 12. She began her new call there on September 14, 2014. Joel Cruz (ThM; 2009, PhD), published two books with Fortress Press in November 2014, The Histories of the Latin American Church: A Handbook and The Histories of the Latin American Church: A Brief Introduction. (See page 19) Robert Saler (MDiv; 2009, ThM; 2011, PhD), published Between Magisterium and Marketplace: A Constructive Account of Theology and the Church. It received high praise in a review by Stephen H. Webb in the journal First Things. The book is available from Fortress Press in paperback or e-book. (See pg. 19) 2009 Benjamin J. Dueholm (Lutheran Year), published“Why I kiss my stole: A pastor’s habit of reverence” in June 25, 2014, issue of The Christian Century and the article “After prohibition: What will marijuana policy reform look like?” in the

2013

Luke Smetters

Carrie Ballenger Smith (MDiv) was installed as the pastor of the English Language Congregation at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem on September 23. She is also serving as special assistant to Bishop Munib Younan in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Photos and more about the installation and commissioning are on the synod’s website www.elcjhl.org. 2012 Esmé Peterson (MAM) was consecrated as a diaconal minister on November 9, 2014, in a service at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pflugerville, Texas. The Rev. Dr. Ray Tiemann, bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod, presided. Esmé has been called to specialized ministry as chaplain at Seton Medical Center Williamson (SMCW) in Round Rock, Texas. 2012 Kjersten Priddy (MDiv) was featured in an August 26, 2014, article in the Battle Creek Enquirer as she began her call as pastor of Trinity

Cuttino Alexander (M.Div.), pastor at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Mt. Holly, N.C., was the featured preacher on the Day1 radio program on August 17. Candice Stone was ordained on August 9, 2014, at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Belleville, Ill. Jonathan Wilson (ThM) participated in the North Park Theological Symposium on the Interpretation of Scripture as the respondent to a paper being presented by Vanderbilt professor Dr. Paul C. H. Lim, on September 26. 2014 David Buco (MDiv) was ordained on September 5, 2014, at the Wesley Foundation at LSU in Baton Rouge, La. He is serving at First Lutheran Church in Avoca, Neb. Emily Ewing (MDiv) was ordained on August 23, 2014, at the Vail Interfaith Chapel, Vail, Colorado. She will be serving as the new Mission Development Pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in South Jordan, Utah. Meredith Harber (MDiv) was ordained on October

CLASS NOTES 10, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church, Indiana, Pa. She is called to serve as pastor at Eben Ezer Lutheran Church and the Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, Okla. Ashley Hochhalter (MDiv) married Aaron Wheeler on October 12, 2014, in Ariz. Jana Howson (MDiv) published “Fruits of Engagement: A Congregation’s Encounter with the Book of Faith Initiative” in the June 2014 issue of Currents in Theology and Mission. Charisse Jensen (MDiv) was ordained on September 21, 2014, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in

Naperville, Ill. She is serving at Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington, Ill. Emily Johnson (MDiv) was ordained September 20, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church, West Point, Neb. She is serving at Christ Lutheran Church in Louisville, Neb. Bekki Lohrmann (MDiv) served as the interim pastor at Holden Village for the 2014 summer season. Matthew Mellot (ThM) published a review of “Fundamentals of New Testament Greek” by Stanley E. Porter, Jeffrey T. Reed, and Matthew Brook O’Donnell in the August

2014 issue of Currents in Theology and Mission. Jenna Pulkowski (MDiv) was ordained on July 26, 2014, in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC. She is called to serve at Peace Lutheran Church, Fargo, N.D. Mauricio Vieira (MDiv) was ordained on July 28, 2014 at St. Matthew Lutheran

Church in Urbana, Ill. He is serving Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage, Ill. Zachary Wagner (MDiv) was ordained October 26 at the Northern Illinois Synod Reformation Service at First Lutheran Church in Rockford, Ill. Pastor Wagner is serving Grace Lutheran Church in Wilmington, Ill.

LSTC students and alumni celebrate Jenna Pulkowski’s ordination. From left: Sally Hanson, Jason Churchill, David Holland, Emily Ewing, David Buco, Jenna Pulkowski, Angel Holland, Zak Wagner, Christina Garrett-Klein

IN MEMORIAM is survived by his wife of 54 years, Norma, their two children and four grandchildren.

Robert E. Karsten 1930 – 2014 Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary Class of 1956 The Rev. Dr. Robert E. Karsten was dedicated to the Lutheran faith and practice and the advancement of post-secondary education at church-affiliated colleges and universities in the United States. After graduating from CLTS (Maywood), he later went on to earn a PhD in Education from the University of Denver and an executive management degree from Harvard University School of Business. He served parishes in Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio. In Indianapolis, he also produced and hosted a weekly television news magazine, “Impact,” which focused on current events. Dr. Karsten became chaplain of Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, and continued to serve as interim pastor to congregations while in that position. As an educator, Dr. Karsten served as vice president and dean of administration at Gustavus Adolphus College, as provost of Capital University, and as president of Upsala College in East Orange, N.J. He also served as interim president of Notre Dame College of Ohio. In addition to this service, he was a member of the ELCA Board of Pension, and directed the Partnership Against Illiteracy, the Clara Mass Medical Center, the American Heart Association, the Urban League, and The Wellington Schools in Columbus, Ohio. A funeral service was held on November 17 at All Saints Lutheran Church, Worthington, Ohio. Dr. Karsten

Earlean Miller 1935 – 2014 Class of 1979 The Rev. Earlean Miller, the first African American woman ordained in the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), died on November 10. She had served congregations in Greensboro, N.C.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Chicago; Columbus, Ohio; and Robbins, Ill. Pastor Miller also served on a number of boards and committees, including the Task Force on New Church Design; the Minnesota Synod (LCA) Evangelism Committee; the Board of Directors of Urban Ministry in Greensboro, N.C.; the Board of Directors of Women’s Abuse of Substance Intervention Tactics in Columbus, Ohio; and the Committee on Discipline of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod (ELCA). She was affectionately known as “The Nurturer,” and she lived by the words of the hymn, “Not I, but Christ, be honored, loved, exalted; Not I, but Christ be seen, known, be heard; Not I, but Christ in every deed and action; Not I but Christ, in every thought and word,” by Albert B. Simpson. Pastor Miller is survived by a nephew; four sisters, including her twin; two brothers; and a many other relatives and friends. A funeral service was held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Robbins, Ill., on November 15.

TRANSITIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS New directors join LSTC Board This fall, three new representatives join the LSTC Board of Directors. Esther D’Agrosa represents the Western Iowa Synod. Prior to her retirement, she was professor of music education at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Jessica Liles represents the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod where she is director of KidCITY, a ministry of the Neighborhood Church in Bentonville, Ark. Phyllis Wiederhoeft represents the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin. She is the executive director of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE). Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein represents the Nebraska Synod and is executive director of Peter Kiewit Foundation in Omaha. In 2013, several other new members joined the Board of Directors: Gordon Braatz is an ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit representative on the board. He is a psychologist in Minneapolis, Minn. Michael Burk, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, represents the Region 5 Bishops.

administrator of the Hispanic Summer Program (HSP) for the last 11 years. The Hispanic Summer Program is a joint program of 39 seminaries, universities, and departments of theology from across the United States. With quiet grace, Zaida assisted students of the program and put good practices into place. At the same time, she earned her own MDiv degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. The Hispanic Summer Program moved to Union Theological Seminary in New York this fall, and Zaida has moved to North Carolina to fulfill her call to pastoral ministry. We pray that she will be a blessing in her new ministry, as she was in her ministry with HSP.

Scott Leisinger represents the Northeastern Iowa Synod. He is vice president for institutional advancement at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Maryjeanne Schaffmeyer, chief operating officer of Appleton and Theda Clark Medical Center in Appleton, Wis., represents the East Central Synod of Wisconsin. Ray Tiemann, bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod, is the Region 4 Bishops’ representative.

Godspeed After nine years of dedicated and enthusiastic service, Dale Nettnin, assistant vice president for advancement and senior regional gift officer, retired in August. Dale worked with alumni, friends, and congregations in the three synods of Iowa and in southeastern states – Virginia to Florida, upstate New York, and western Pennsylvania. Dale enjoyed sharing the LSTC story with donors and encouraging prospective students to consider LSTC. Dale lives with his wife, Melody, in North Carolina. We wish him all God’s blessings in retirement.

Welcome Mr. Robert W. Eder joined the LSTC staff as Vice President for Finance on October 6. Bob brings

We bid farewell and godspeed to Zaida Rodriguez, who has served as the

Bob Eder

considerable experience in non-profit and philanthropic work to LSTC. Most recently, he served as the Director of Finance and Administration for the Great Lakes Protection Fund in Evanston, and prior to that was the Senior Vice President for Finance

Thomas L. Gooding represents the Central/Southern Illinois Synod. He is chairman and CEO of First Bank of Hillsboro, in Hillsboro, Ill. Zaida Rodríguez

and Administration at the Donors Forum in Chicago. In a volunteer capacity, he serves with the Evanston Police and Fire Foundation and is the co-founder of the CFO Roundtable of Chicago. Bob holds a BA from Michigan State University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Along with his wife, Janet, he lives in Evanston, and they are the parents of four grown children.

Accomplishments Ben Randall, director of food services, taught “Bread 101: French and Italian Breads” at Give Me Some Sugar, 2205 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, on September 24 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. Daniel Schwandt, cantor to the seminary community, played a hymn festival at St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minn., under the title “Make Music for your Lord to Hear: a Celebrating Creation” on October 3 and the next day was back at LSTC’s Augustana Chapel to play the preconcert “Chorale Prelude Project” for the WFMT (Chicago’s fine arts radio station) series of recitals presenting the complete organ works of J. S. Bach performed by artists around the Chicago area.

Life at LSTC

From upper left: Middlers on the Roof! Matthew Lawler, Megan Clausen, Paul Eldred, Anna Ernst, Rebecca Truland, Matthew Zemanick, Nathan Klein, Todd Wright; Dr. Cheryl Stewart Pero welcomes guests to the Third Annual Pero Multicultural Center Benefit Concert; at the start of the school year, some of the seniors gathered for a group shot. Back row l to r: Liesebet Gravley, Amy Gillespie, Amy Diller, Kyle Severson, Stephanie Wood, Josh Buzbee, Kwame Pitts, Sally Hanson, Elise Scott, Angie Storer, Rob Bork; front row l to r: Kristin Klade, Ann Gonyea Alexander, Liz Lowry, Sarah Rossing, Marissa Sidars Sotos; Junior Patrick Freundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dog gets friendly with Dr. Ralph Klein as it receives a blessing on St. Francis of Assisi Day.

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Calendar of Events All events are held at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, 1100 East 55th Street, Chicago, unless otherwise noted. ($) indicates fee – all other events are free. 2015 January 5 J-Term begins 6 Manz Organ Series Concert 19 Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration 20-24 Trinity Institute: Economics and the Common Good 23 J-Term ends February 2 Spring Semester begins 2 Film: Montgomery to Memphis 3 Manz Organ Series Concert 15 Transfiguration Hymn Sing 26 International Students’ Cultural Night 27 Student Symposium/Academic Forum

March 1-3 Seminary Sampler 9-13 Reading Week 10 Manz Organ Series Concert 15 Luther College Piano Quartet 19 Pero Multicultural Center Dinner and Conversation 29 Holy Week – no classes -Apr. 3 April 3 Multicultural TreOre Worship 7 Manz Organ Series Concert 9-10 World Mission Institute: Mission and Ministry to the Incarcerated 11 LSTC Guild Meeting (off campus) 12 27th Annual Gospel Choir Concert