InFocus - Spring 2014 by Martin Luther College

1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested

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12 Students Up Close & Personal Every Pastor a Recruiter Expanding Urban Ministry

In This Issue... SPRING 2014

InFocus Staff WRITER/EDITOR Laurie Gauger DMLC ’86 PHOTOGRAPHERS William Pekrul DMLC ’80 Michelle Gartner DMLC ’93 Michael Gibbons, Sports Info Director Kendra Korth MLC ’15 Jonathan Witte MLC ’17 PROOFREADER Rebecca Rehberger MLC ’15 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. Office of Mission Advancement VICE PRESIDENT Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR William Pekrul DMLC ’80 ALUMNI DIRECTOR Steve Balza DMLC ’93 College Administration PRESIDENT Mark Zarling WLS ’80 VP for ADMINISTRATION Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74 VP for ACADEMICS David Wendler DMLC ’70 VP for STUDENT LIFE Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87 VP for MISSION ADVANCEMENT Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 Governing Board Chairman Michael Woldt WLS ’81 Vice Chairman Jonathan Kolander WLS ’91 Secretary Steven Rosenbaum DMLC ’86 Keith Bowe DMLC ’79 Jonathan Hahm DMLC ’71 Dale Krause Stephen Loehr Timothy Petermann Barry Price Duane Rodewald WLS ’89 Duane Schmeichel WLS ’91 Michael Seifert WLS ’03 William Steinbrenner Advisory: Charles Degner WLS ’79 Randy Matter Paul Prange WLS ’88 Mark Schroeder WLS ’81 Mark Zarling WLS ’80

MLC InFocus is published by Martin Luther College Mission Advancement Office and is distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Martin Luther College exists to serve the ministerial needs of the WELS. Comments are welcomed and should be directed to gaugerlf@mlc-wels.edu or Laurie Gauger, MLC InFocus, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.

“I AM WILLING!” By MLC President Mark Zarling

Despite the crowds, he was able to get close to Jesus. His body, covered with a repulsive skin disease, no doubt guaranteed a zone of isolation as he walked forward. People were afraid of contamination. They also knew the law of Moses: they did not want to become unclean. Yet when this forlorn leper fell to the ground before the Christ of God, the evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke tell us the Savior did not back away in revulsion. So, on his knees and with face to the ground, the man poured out his plea: If you are willing, you can make me clean. Were these words of desperation? Or words of faith? Let’s focus rather on the words of the Incarnate Word. Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Words of power coupled with the touch of infinite compassion, and Jesus did the unthinkable: he reached out and touched the man. Jesus was willing to become unclean that he might cleanse, and the man was immediately healed. Is Christ’s act not a visual commentary on the words of Paul? God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. “I am willing,” Jesus said, willing to do whatever necessary to rescue and redeem, to serve and save, to heal and help. Jesus still says, I am willing. To students of Scripture he says, I am willing . . . to pour out my Spirit and so fulfill my promise: My peace I give unto you . . . Let not your heart be troubled. To pilgrims in prayer he says, I am willing . . . to answer you in love and compassion, according to my Father’s will: I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. To Christians who seek leaders and laborers in the Church, he says, I am willing . . . to raise up, prepare, and send forth gospel heralds: Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers. I am willing. Christ’s assurance provides all the comfort and confidence and cheer we need. On our cover: Megan Klatt Bartsch MLC ’11 is one of a growing number of D/MLC graduates who teach in a WELS urban school.

The alumni photos at the bottom of the pages are from the anniversary classes of MLC, NWC, and DMLC: ’39, ’44, ’49, ’54, ’59, ’64, ’69, ’74, ’79, ’84, ’89, ’94, ’99, ’04, and ’09. Thanks to Alumni Director Steve Balza DMLC ’93, who provided this random selection of alums.

CHINESE LANGUAGE Option for All MLC Students

After a successful two-year pilot project, the MLC Governing Board has voted to continue the Chinese language program and has called a permanent Chinese professor. The current course offerings will expand to six semesters of classroom study plus immersion courses. Education majors may continue to choose Chinese as their minor, and preseminary students may now choose it as their non-biblical language option. The courses will be taught by Professor Zhang, a native Chinese speaker who holds degrees in Chinese Language Literature Education and Comparative Literature and World Literature. Professor Zhang has taught Chinese to students from 40+ countries. “Among them,” she says, “MLC students are the most enthusiastic, because their motivation is different—they are learning for the glory of God.” More than a billion people in the world—one in every seven—speak Chinese. (The next most-spoken languages are Spanish and English, at 300-400 million each.) According to the 2010 Census, about 3.3 million Chinese live in the United States. In 2012-2013, another 235,000 international students came to the US from China—more than from any other country, according to the Institute of International Education.

Twelve MLC students and two Chinese students from Minnesota Valley LHS joined members of Mt. Olive Chinese Christian Church (WELS) in St. Paul, Minnesota, for a Chinese New Year celebration and worship service in February.

“Many Chinese parents seek Christian schools like those of the WELS for their children,” says Professor Zhang. “With thousands and thousands of Chinese students flooding to America without knowing Christ, WELS schools can certainly be another world mission field.” Dr. David Wendler DMLC ’70, vice president for academics, agrees. “The ultimate goal of Chinese instruction is to prepare some students to be comfortable in Chinese for their future ministries in both national and international settings.” The MLC family is thrilled to have the service of Professor Zhang. “I love teaching Chinese language and culture,” she says. “I also want to serve our Lord with all my heart. The position I just received provides me a great chance to do both.”

Congratulations, Graduates DECEMBER 2013 Martin Luther College celebrated the commencement of 12 graduates on December 19, 2013. President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 preached at the service on 2 Timothy 3:14-17: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Alan Treder DMLC 1969 Benton Harbor MI

Duane Sternhagen NWC 1969 Florence WI

Nicole Brost MLC 2009 Medford WI

David Koelpin MLC 1999 Tucson AZ

here on the Convocations Inspire Students As part of their ministry training, MLC students gather for quarterly convocations where called workers give them glimpses into their lives and ministries. The convocation tradition began at Northwestern College in 1980-81. We are grateful to the called workers speaking second semester:

For Future Pastors February 5, 2014: “It’s a Small World after All: A Parish Pastor Makes International Connections” Pastor Matt DeNoyer (Shepherd of the Hills-Duluth MN, pictured) April 2, 2014: “The Pastor and Writing” Pastor John Braun (Northwestern Publishing House-Milwaukee)

For Future Teachers and Staff Ministers February 5, 2014: “What Makes a Good Student Teaching Experience? Expectations for Supervisors and Candidates” Teacher Betty Bilitz (Star of Bethlehem-New Berlin WI) April 2, 2014: “Experiences and Impressions of a New Called Worker” ECE Teacher David Wendland (MLC Early Childhood Learning Center) Primary Grade Teacher Kelly Martin (Mt. Olive-Appleton WI) Middle Grade Teacher Paul Kanzenbach (St. PaulCannon Falls MN) High School Teacher Jennifer Proeber (Great Plains LHSWatertown SD)

Student leaders of Tuition Freedom Day: Caleb Klatt (Holy Trinity-New Hope MN), Emily Waldek (Christ Redeemer-Trumbull CT), Nicholas Kressin (St. John-Milwaukee), Miranda Maasz (St. John-Sleepy Eye MN), Jared Natsis (Trinity-Saline MI), and Emilee Koltz (St. Matthew-Oconomowoc WI).

Thank You for Helping with Our Tuition! MLC students sent a big thank-you to donors on Tuition Freedom Day, January 29. That’s because donor gifts—including WELS members’ congregational offerings—help pay the college bills for these future pastors, teachers, and staff ministers. In fact, the average MLC student pays only about 57% of the $23,000 annual cost of their college education. Each student’s bill reflects a reduction of $4,000 thanks to the WELS subsidy. Additional grants and scholarships from donors, congregations, and other institutions further reduce the cost to $13,000 a year on average. These donor gifts are a big reason Washington Monthly ranked MLC #3 in the nation in 2013 for “Best Bang for the Buck” baccalaureate colleges. The thank-yous at Tuition Freedom Day took the form of student cards, posters, and videos. “The donors do so much for us,” said Jared Natsis (Trinity-Saline MI), one of the event coordinators. “Their generous gifts make it possible for many more students to train for ministry, and we really enjoy being able to thank them.” “The administration, faculty, and staff echo the students’ gratitude,” said President Mark Zarling. “Without the generous support of God’s people, our ministry would not be possible.”

Pastor Matt DeNoyer

Mary Braun DMLC 1964 Ann Arbor MI

Rollin Reim NWC 1944 Thiensville WI

Jade Heiderich DMLC 1989 Flasher ND

James Berger NWC 1954 Bay City MI

Third Annual Free Conference Martin Luther College provided the venue for the third annual Lutheran Free Conference on November 7-8, 2013. At a free conference, representatives from different Lutheran church bodies present and discuss theology essays in a non-fellowship setting. Speakers at this year’s conference were Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod; Rev. John Moldstad, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod; Rev. Steven Paulsen, professor of systematic theology at Luther Seminary-St. Paul MN; and Rev. Mark Schroeder, president of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Essays and reactions can be retrieved at lutheranfreeconference.org.

Presidents Matthew Harrison, John Moldstad, and Mark Schroeder

Let the Children Come! Aimee Ulm (St. Paul-Ixonia WI, pictured) belongs to the first cohort of student teachers at the new Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). The building is beautiful, and yes, the children are coming! In January, the MLC Governing Board deemed the Let the Children Come campaign completed. With $3.745 million raised/committed, the college built the ECLC without drawing on reserve funds or acquiring debt. We give thanks to the Lord and our generous donors for this blessing. Additional gifts will be committed to program enhancement and scholarships.

An Open Letter to the Martin Luther College Community

nstruction of the new As you are well aware, co apartments, Highland senior independent living to ntly underway adjacent Regency House, is curre od ho ild Ch rly (MLC) new Ea Martin Luther College’s use Ho cy gen . Highland Re Learning Center (ECLC) nts. d two-bedroom apartme an ewill consist of 50 on ity un mm co opportunity for The property will have derground parking, and un s, and resident activitie land is anticipated that High many other amenities. It . 14 20 r me in late sum Regency House will open reservations for We are now accepting have previously inquired occupancy. Those who a list will be contacted on and are on our waiting will ts en eem agr l basis. Renta first-come, first-served ite inv we u, yo . To assist be released in late spring Marketing Assistant, at e, Cu a Sar you to contact a.org. 507.359.2280 or info@tlh to integrating many We are looking forward ement, and enhanced activities, student engag idents. experiences with our res is owned by Doneff Highland Regency House oc, Wisconsin, and Companies of Manitow lle Home Association of Be managed by The Lutheran ion iat Lutheran Home Assoc Plaine, Minnesota. The tian care and services for has been providing Chris disabilities since 1898. seniors and persons with additional questions, If you should have any or ct me at mklatt@tlha.org please feel free to conta 952.873.4750. sharing this information Thank you in advance for nds. with your family and frie the Soul, Caring about the Care of

Michael R. Klatt

See the ECLC featured in the February WELS Connection: wels.net or mlc-wels.edu/go/ wels-connection.

Christy Rodmyre MLC 1999 Des Moines WA

Senior Living in New Ulm

ive Officer President and Chief Execut ation oci Ass me Ho an The Luther

Robert Wendland NWC 1994 Zambia

Irma Kohlstedt DMLC 1954 Richmond IL

Paul Ylvisaker NWC 1979 Arcadia CA

here on the Focus on Ministry Is Slam Dunk

The Giver Gives and Gives Some More

Our second annual Tip-Off Tournament in December brought in athletes from seven area Lutheran high schools: Illinois, Minnesota Valley, Nebraska, Northland, St. Croix, West, and Arizona Lutheran Academy.

Forum, MLC’s drama club, added an educational angle to this winter’s play, The Giver. The play is based on Lois Lowry’s Newbery Award-winning dystopian novel of the same name. Though considered children’s literature, The Giver tells a complex story with provocative themes about human memory, pain, pleasure, and individuation.

Production Staff Expands the Theatrical Experience

The tournament was combined with a Focus on Ministry weekend, offering the high schoolers campus tours, ministry presentations, meetings with profs and coaches, informal conversations with students, and two nights in the residence halls. Students from Winnebago Lutheran Academy also came for the Focus event, although they didn’t play in the tournament. Focus on Ministry weekends give students a chance to look outward, inward, and upward: outward at a campus and student body, inward at their own hearts and minds as they reflect on the vocation of the public ministry, and upward as they pray about their futures.

Kristi and Michael also scheduled a post-show talkback after a special matinee performance. The talkback was intended to give the audience, almost 400 students in grades 5-12, a chance to “talk back”—to discuss with the cast and crew the key themes in the play. Unfortunately, the talkback event was snowed out.

In 2013-2014, 652 high school students participated in four Focus on Ministry weekends.

“Ultimately,” said Kristi, “our goal was to make this experience enjoyable and educational for the students. I know as a child, I would have loved to read the book and then come see it on stage.”

St. Croix boys’ team and girls’ team (pictured) won the large-school division at the MLC Tip-Off Tournament. In the small-school division, Nebraska LHS girls and Illinois LHS boys took first place.

The week before the play, producer Kristi Koelpin (St. John-New Ulm MN) and director Michael Koester (Peace-Granger IN), pictured, partnered with the New Ulm Public Library to present “Backstage Pass,” a well-received community event where attendees learned some secrets of set design, props, sound and light effects, and hair and makeup. They saw the green room, met some actors, and watched a bit of the rehearsal. A writer for the New Ulm Journal said she was “amazed by the professionalism of the cast and crew.”

Nancy Jarrell DMLC 1979 Forest Grove OR

Kristi Koelpin and Michael Koester, producer and director of The Giver.

Eddie Greschel NWC 1989 Burkburnett TX

Joyce Hanke DMLC 1949 Rollingstone MN

Dennis Strong NWC 1979 Remus MI

Master’s Program to Add New Major A second major is being developed by the MLC Graduate Faculty Council. Initiated in response to a 2013 synod convention resolution, the educational administration major will train principals and early childhood directors. MLC hopes to gain approval for offering the degree in 2015. If approved, this new major will join the current M.S. in Education major, which has emphases in leadership, instruction, special education, or educational technology. “This new major will target the knowledge and skills WELS principals and ECE directors need to lead high-achieving schools,” said Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87, director of graduate studies and continuing education (GSCE).

Enrollment Up in Continuing Ed Continuing ed enrollment is up 60% in the last year, reports Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87, director of graduate studies and continuing ed (GSCE). The growth is attributed to the convenience of courses, which are offered in multiple venues—online, on location, on campus—and also to the willingness of congregations to support professional growth financially. The 2013 synod convention urged congregations to consider professional growth of called workers essential for effective gospel ministry and to support that growth with a suggested stipend of at least $1000/person/year. A series growing in popularity is Teaching that Works. Each short online course allows teachers to master and instantly incorporate an effective strategy in their classrooms. Teachers learn the technique, see it modeled, practice it, and receive feedback. Current courses explore three research-proven strategies: formative assessment, differentiated instruction, and mathematical problem solving. See mlc-wels.edu/gsce for details.

New Teacher Induction—It Works Participation is up in the New Teacher Induction (NTI) program as schools see positive results. New teachers who are paired with trained mentors for the two-year induction see rapid growth in their professionalism and confidence, growth that positively impacts the entire school community. Professor Jon Schaefer MLC ’02, NTI coordinator, reports that 327 teachers have been served by NTI in the last five years. In 2013-14, more than 60% of first-year teachers are working with trained mentors. Next year, he’d like to see that number at 100%. To meet this goal, he’s training new mentors in every district. Contact him at schaefjm@mlc-wels.edu if you’d like to hear more or if you know someone who could be a good mentor.

Patricia Hennig DMLC 1989 Morton Grove IL

Marion Temple DMLC 1939 New Ulm MN

Join the Discussion! Issues in Lutheran Education continues to gain readership as it tackles provocative issues in education. Recent blogs explore classical education, flipped classrooms, student retention, and elimination of homework for elementary students. Lively discussion ensues as the blog’s 600 followers read and share it with their friends. The largest one-day viewing was 1,618. For your free subscription, go to blogs.mlc-wels.edu.

Sarah Koester MLC 2009 South Bend IN

Cecil Purrington DMLC 1979 Hobbs NM

Sports

Focus On

By Michael Gibbons, MLC Sports Information Director

Holzhueter Makes History at MLC and UMAC Senior Galen Holzhueter (St. Mark-Mankato MN) finished a record-breaking basketball career in style, making college history and UMAC history as well. At MLC, he broke the men’s basketball record for career points, field goals, rebounds, and free throws made this season. In the UMAC, Galen Holzhueter was named First Team All-Conference in football, basketball, and baseball during the 2012-13 school year, becoming the first UMAC player to earn those honors in all three sports in the same year. He also received Academic All-UMAC honors in all eight seasons in which he has competed. Holzhueter entered this season within reach of Tom Engelbrecht’s MLC ’04 records for career points, rebounds, and field goals, and broke all three records by the end of the season. He finished his career with 1,704 points, 680 rebounds, and 671 field goals, and also broke the record for career free throws with 339, topping his brother Greg Holzhueter’s MLC ’11 record of 319. Galen Holzhueter averaged 20.5 points per game this season and was named UMAC Player of the Week on four separate occasions. He led the Knights in scoring 17 times in 25 games, and joined Engelbrecht as only the second player in program history to score at least 500 points in a single season. Galen Holzhueter will finish his baseball career in the spring after hitting .316 with a team-best 23 runs scored and 17 runs batted in as the primary first baseman during the 2013 season.

Rosemarie Pechin DMLC 1984 Lodi CA College Martin Luther

Glen Schaumberg NWC 1964 Hartford WI

Another Winning Season for Women The women’s basketball team finished its season 13-13 with a 10-4 record in UMAC games. The Knights tied for third place in the final UMAC standings and earned a trip to their sixth consecutive UMAC Postseason Tournament. MLC’s success can be attributed to its balanced line-up. Juniors Alex Anthon (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI, pictured) and Hannah Hackbarth (St. Paul-Lake Mills WI) averaged more than 10.0 points per game, while Brittney Gossen (Trinity-Brillion WI), Leah Nass (St. Paul-Howards Grove WI), Erin Schmeling (Crown of Life-West St. Paul MN), Rebecca Engelbrecht (Resurrection-Aurora IL), and Mariah Schoof (St. Paul-New Ulm MN) averaged at least seven points per game.

MLC Athletes Earn Academic Honors The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) reports that MLC claimed top team GPA awards in five of seven fall sports: volleyball (3.454), women’s soccer (3.510), men’s soccer (3.203), men’s cross country (3.456), and men’s golf (3.240). In addition, the UMAC named 62 MLC fall athletes to the Academic All-Conference list. Only St. Scholastica-Duluth MN had more athletes on the list. These athletes earned at least a 3.50 GPA in their respective semester of competition. “Our

students really define what it means to be a ‘student-athlete,’” said MLC Athletic Director James Unke DMLC ’81. “These honors also show the work ethic of our students—they play hard and study hard.”

Laura Merklinger MLC 2009 Littleton CO

Ronald Schiling DMLC 1964 Findlay OH

2014 MLC Wind Symphony Tour The MLC Wind Symphony is looking forward to sharing music and encouragement with members of the MLC family May 18-23 as they tour Minnesota and Wisconsin. Works on the program include Crown Imperial March by William Walton; Watchmen, Tell Us of the Night by Mark Camphouse; and Rest by Frank Ticheli. Also on the program will be Percy Grainger’s Children’s March, one of his most well-known works. Please plan to attend a concert near you.

Sat Apr 12

7:30 pm MLC-New Ulm MN

Sun May 18

9:00 am Shepherd of the Hills-Duluth MN

Mon May 19

1:00 pm Northland LHS-Mosinee WI 7:00 pm Fox Valley LHS-Appleton WI

Tue May 20 12:30 pm Winnebago (WLA)-Fond du Lac WI 7:00 pm Kettle Moraine LHS-Jackson WI Wed May 21

12 noon St. Marcus-Milwaukee 7:00 pm St. Paul-Lake Mills WI

The Martin Luther College Choir shared the gospel in song at Christ Our Savior-Columbia TN over spring break. The concert and worship schedule included stops in Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Facebook users viewed videos and daily stories on MLC’s Facebook page.

Thu May 22 11:00 am St. John-Baraboo WI Fri May 23 11:00 am St. Mark-Eau Claire WI

Tricia Mensching MLC 2004 Marshfield WI

Samuel Kleinke MLC 2009 Essexville MI

Maxine Harvey DMLC 1994 St. John’s, Antigua

Glenn Wenzel NWC 1974 Menasha WI

Every Pastor That man was right. We need an EPAR program for MLC: Every Pastor a Recruiter.

By Michael Otterstatter WLS ’94 MLC VP for Mission Advancement Forever known for their acronyms, in January 2006 the U.S. Army added one more: ESAR, “Every Soldier a Recruiter,” a referral program with a financial bonus attached. I first became aware of “Every Soldier a Recruiter” at a San Antonio pastors’ conference last October when a lay member handed me a pen with the phrase printed on it. “What the army does is what you guys at MLC are trying to do,” the man said. “You need every pastor in the WELS to act like a recruiter.”

MLC’s current preseminary student enrollment of 154 is the lowest at NWC/MLC since 1959. When we consider the number of pastors who will reach retirement age in the next decade, we see that the need is great. While everyone—parents, other called workers, and lay members—can encourage young men to be pastors, we who are in the pastoral ministry ourselves have the unique opportunity to speak to young men from the vantage point of experience. So what would EPAR—Every Pastor a Recruiter—look like? I’d catch some heat if I tried to implement a financial bonus for referrals, but there are some things all pastors can do to recruit young men to follow in their footsteps.

Coursework: Preseminary students take four years of Greek, some with Professor Joel Fredrich WLS ’82 (center back).

Pulpit Experience: MLC preseminary senior Bill Schubert (New LifeRockford IL) reads the Scripture lessons at St. John-New Ulm. Preseminary juniors and seniors also give evening chapel at the college on weeknights.

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Amy Hennig DMLC 1994 La Mesa CA

Brian Kom NWC 1989 Big Bend WI

Karen Saville DMLC 1969 Braddock ND

Paul Brug NWC 1994 Mequon WI

A RECRUITER • Pray! Jesus said, “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Each of us can ask Jesus in a general way for more pastors. We can also pray specifically for young men in the schools and churches we serve.

• Encourage! If you sense that a young man has the gifts for gospel ministry, tell him! Say, “I can see your love for God, your concern for people, your ability to teach, your leadership skills. I can envision you as a pastor. I hope you’ll think about it.”

• Remember! Future pastors are watching you. Let them see your love for ministry in spite of the challenges and difficulties. If you consider it a joy and a privilege to serve in the public ministry, they will notice.

• Invite! Ask a gifted young man if he’d like to accompany you on a nursing home visit, help you teach catechism class, or shadow you for a morning. Wrap up the experience with a conversation about his future over a burger and fries.

• Connect! Try to connect future pastors with your WELS College of Ministry. Be an ambassador for us. Give them a college brochure. Point them to our website, where they can learn about us and connect with an admissions counselor. Or tell us how we can help you be a recruiter.

PRESEMINARY ENROLLMENT DOWN

Preseminary College Enrollment – NWC / MLC

Christine Huseman DMLC 1974 Clarinda IA

John Backus MLC 1999 Hemlock MI

I’m guessing my plan for an EPAR program at MLC will end with this article. The acronym, at least, will not last. But I do hope that all pastors see themselves as recruiters! God bless our efforts as we do. Charts created by Professor Thomas Nass WLC ’82

ACTIVE PASTORS REACHING RETIREMENT AGE

Number of Active WELS Pastors in Each Age Group

Emil Toepel NWC 1939 Algoma WI

Diane Miller DMLC 1964 St. Paul MN

Students Fired Up at Evangelism Every MLC student has an Evangelism Day memory: the speaker who brought them to tears, the ministry opportunity they’d never considered before, the “aha moment.” This year’s event brought 46 different guest speakers and MLC professors to the podium. They informed and inspired students on subjects ranging from interpersonal communication skills to sharing the gospel with Muslims. MLC InFocus asked four juniors to give us an inside look at one session, “Facilitating Change to Do More Outreach,” led by Pastor Elton Stroh WLS ’78, director of Crossroads Consulting Ministry. Haley Roske (St. John-New Ulm MN), Michael Hollmann (BethanyHustisford WI), Sarah Schmiege (Eastside-Madison WI), and Anna Ungemach (First German-Manitowoc WI) take it from here: “We began this workshop,” said Anna, “by looking at disheartening statistics showing extreme membership decline in our church body. For the remainder of the workshop, we focused on positive changes that can be made for the furthering of Christ’s kingdom.” “In this photo,” Michael said, “we were discussing recommendations for renewing a simulated congregation

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Denise Volz DMLC 1984 Phoenix AZ College Martin Luther

Andre Gosch DMLC 1989 Aberdeen SD

experiencing decline. Our proposals were based on mock data and statistics about the congregation.” Haley added: “We discussed strategies the church and school could take to increase enrollment and generate a more positive attitude about reaching out to the community. For a first step, we suggested that the faculty and church council work together through a Bible study and workshop to create a mission statement.” “From then on,” Anna said, “all actions of the school would conform to the mission statement.” “One thing I learned,” said Michael, “is that we need to ask the important questions—‘Who are we?’ and ‘Why are we here?’—not only in an individual, introspective sense, but as congregations on a collective level. This clear understanding of Christian identity and Christian purpose is a foundation for change—change that is, of course, faithful to God’s Word.” “As the world around us is changing,” said Sarah, “we as a church may have to change our method of reaching out, yet the message and the mission of the church must never change.” Juniors Haley Roske, Michael Hollmann, Sarah Schmiege, and Anna Ungemach discussed strategies to renew a hypothetical congregation experiencing decline in the workshop “Facilitating Change to Do More Outreach.”

Marilyn Roeber DMLC 1959 Germantown WI

Paul Koch NWC 1949 Saginaw MI

Day “I think we can be blind to the problems plaguing our churches and schools, stagnating growth,” said Haley. “As juniors, we’re so close to being leaders in churches and schools, some of which may be in decline. Knowing how to identify the problem and solve it is valuable.” “As a future worker in the public ministry,” Michael said, “one of my primary focuses is to be an equipper, which partly involves giving laypeople and other called workers the tools and support to drive change in a God-pleasing way.” Sarah added, “The whole Evangelism Day refocused me on the reason I’m attending MLC: to share the message of God’s love, joy, peace, and salvation with others! It was very beneficial to have experienced men and women share uplifting stories, challenging moments, and wise words from their personal ministries.” “I found the entire day to be very applicable to my future ministry,” Haley concluded. “There was an emphasis on realistic applications of evangelism. I feel like I look at evangelism differently now.”

MLC preseminary students (from left) Tim Priewe (Loving Shepherd-Milwaukee), Chester Reinemann (Christ-North St. Paul MN), Michael Hollmann (BethanyHustisford WI), and Nathan Laska (Grace-Winona MN) worship at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

Preseminary Students Visit Seminary By Nathanael Jensen (St. Mark’s-Watertown WI) Every year, junior preseminary students visit Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary for a view of what the future may hold for them as seminary students and as pastors. As a junior this year, I joined 30 other guys for this event. We attended classes, got a tour, and learned a lot from our older brothers in the faith about what our lives will be like when we move from MLC to the seminary. We also went to the first day of the Mission and Ministry event and learned about various aspects of congregational ministry. “For me, the most wonderful and encouraging thing at the seminary is the incredibly clear focus on preaching the gospel,” said Chester Reinemann (Christ-North St. Paul MN). “It was also very encouraging to see how all our studies at MLC are preparing us to dig deeper into God’s Word and to serve God’s people.” Next year, as preseminary seniors, we will visit the seminary again in late March for Eisodos, from a Greek word meaning “entrance.” The event is meant to encourage seniors to finish their MLC education strong and to look forward to their entrance to the seminary in just a few months.

Pastors David Scharf (Immanuel-Greenville WI) and Donn Dobberstein (Our Savior’s-Port Orange FL) were among the 46 speakers at Evangelism Day in January.

Janet Hensler DMLC 1969 Flint MI

Herman Karl John NWC 1959 St. Louis MO

For more on preseminary-seminary connections, read Tutor Matthew Scharf’s WLS ’13 article “Brother to Brother” at mlc-wels.edu/today/news/brother-to-brother.

Erica Haefner MLC 2004 Seward NE

Roger Crawford NWC 1974 Vanderbilt TX

New Minor Prepares Students for Urban Ministry MLC is developing a new minor in urban education and calling an urban ministry professor 2014-2015. The new program comes in response to a request from the WELS Conference of Presidents for more teachers qualified to teach in urban schools. “Urban ministry is growing rapidly,” says Professor Paul Tess, director of clinical studies. “Enrollment is rising in central city schools that share the gospel and offer strong academic programs. A critical need for these growing schools is well-prepared teacher candidates who are ready to go on day one.”

A look at two expanding WELS schools in Milwaukee’s central city, Siloah and Atonement, gives some context to the needs and opportunities of urban ministry. Siloah Principal Phil Leyrer DMLC ‘78 explains that the school’s neighborhood, though only one square mile in size, is home to some 10,000 people, 2,000 of whom are children 10 and under. Senior Matthew Rieck (St. John-Caledonia MN) visited a classroom at Risen Savior-Milwaukee on MLC’s February 2014 urban immersion trip.

“The parents of these children want what most other parents want,” he says, “a school for their children that maintains high academic and behavioral standards and that teaches and applies Christian values. At Siloah, we are well-equipped to provide this for them and in this way to begin a relationship through which we can share the love of Jesus Christ.” Pastor Mark Henrich WLS ’87 of Atonement explains that parents in their neighborhood also want what Atonement has to offer. Their elementary school has an enrollment topping 300 and a waiting list of another 150. And each of those children at the school hears the gospel. “In the last three years,” he says, “there have been 170 baptisms of infants, children, and adults at Atonement, most because of the school connection. Each teacher is a missionary in his or her classroom.”

As the cradle of the “Wisconsin Synod,” Milwaukee has been the home of many WELS schools. The recent explosive growth in several of these schools is due in part to a cultural trend outside the church. “In the early 1990s,” Leyrer explains, “Milwaukee became the pilot city for a Parental Choice Program that allows parents to choose our schools at no cost to them. If you look at the 30 largest cities in America, you will find that the WELS presence in the overwhelming majority of them Megan Klatt Bartsch MLC ‘11 teaches 5K at Atonement-Milwaukee.

Timothy Thierfelder NWC 1984 West Palm Beach FL

Annaliese Endorf MLC 1999 Juneau AK

Daniel Deutschlander NWC 1964 St. Paul MN

Karen Hadler DMLC 1979 Bylas AZ

is slight or nonexistent. The clear exception is Milwaukee where now thousands of children are being educated in WELS schools. One could argue that the LORD has opened a mission field to us where we have a strong presence. God help us take advantage.” Pastor Henrich agrees. “Our story at Atonement is the story of so many of our Milwaukee churches and schools. Who would have thought that Milwaukee, Wisconsin, would be considered a mission field for our synod? And yet, what a mission field! And what a blessing that God enables us to reach out to the mission field through our Lutheran schools!”

MLC’s new minor will better equip students to teach in those urban Lutheran schools and share the gospel with their communities. “The minor would be primarily experiential,” Professor Tess says, “preparing teachers for the unique challenges of urban education better and faster. The coursework component would feature best practices in developing culturally competent instructors and classroom managers.” Principal Leyrer agrees that field experiences are key. “Workers in urban fields are best served by undergraduate training and experiences that prepare

them for this specific landscape. Urban ministry is not more or less important than ministry anywhere else, but training for the unique challenges is appropriate and useful. Every new teacher must negotiate a learning curve; in the urban setting it’s a sharp one. Prior experiences can round that curve somewhat.”

Many MLC students are eager to tackle that learning curve, acquiring all the training they can to become competent urban ministers of the gospel. “What a blessing,” says Pastor Henrich, “to have young men and women who are eager to serve—and being especially prepared to serve—in the urban areas of our country.” Leyrer urges those students, “Take advantage of every opportunity you can to see urban schools up close and to talk with urban teachers who have some experience. Put aside any romantic notions about how you are going to rescue kids from the inner city. Christ is their Savior, not you. But Christ may ask you to make an introduction.” “Our students have hearts to serve wherever the gospel is needed,” Professor Tess concludes. “They understand the urgent call for prepared urban educators in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago—wherever God calls. They want to present themselves as ready, willing, and able to serve in the central city.”

Senior Katrina Buchholz (Emmanuel-Tempe AZ) student taught at St. Marcus-Milwaukee.

Jeremy Cares MLC 2004 Nampa ID

Kathleen Baumann DMLC 1974 Grafton NE

Ernest Knobloch DMLC 1974 Tinley Park IL

Angela Beyer MLC 2004 Appleton WI

he wouldn’t necessarily call it panic, but she definitely had some anxiety during college decision S time her senior year. Becoming an athletic trainer at nearby Albion College was inviting. But it wasn’t

Faith Schroeder

a Christian college, and that was important to her. So she enrolled at MLC, even though she’s not sure whether teaching is the career for her. And so far, so good. She’s succeeding—thanks to encouragement from her mom, solid preparation at MLS, and support from her MLC basketball team.

Michigan Lutheran Seminary Good Shepherd-Novi MI First-Year in Education Studies Major: elementary education Major: early childhood education Activities: basketball, Chorale, piano, intramurals

Thank you, Mom: My mom is a kindergarten teacher at St. Peter in Plymouth, Michigan, the grade school I attended. She enjoyed her time at DMLC, and she continues to share stories of her college days. She told me to at least try MLC. If it doesn’t work out, at least I can say that I tried, and then I’ll know for sure teaching isn’t for me. Thank you, MLS: MLS has been a huge blessing to me. MLS encourages their students to become involved in many different areas: music, sports, drama, etc. In high school I wanted to participate in everything. But in order to do that, I had to be organized and learn how to manage homework, sports, and other extracurricular activities. In that way, MLS definitely prepared me for college. Thank you, team: I love playing with this basketball team. We support each other on and off the court. We pray for each other and help each other through problems. There’s always someone there to help and listen because we’re all sisters in Christ.

“ Hey, MLS!” Seniors, graduation will come sooner than you know it! Enjoy your last year! Hope to see you around campus next fall.

Faith Schroeder #40 is grateful for the friendship and support of her teammates.

e says he has the classic MLC journey: pastor’s family, Lutheran elementary school, prep school, H MLC. Some might call that the WELS bubble, but he calls it a fantastic story. It’s marked by God’s

Micah Koelpin

grace and guidance, and peopled by Christian friends and mentors—like his dad, Pastor John Koelpin, and his profs at LPS and MLC. As he puts it, “I don’t live in a bubble. I live in God’s house.”

Luther Preparatory School Calvary-Dallas TX Sophomore in Preseminary Studies Major: biblical languages Minor: confessional languages Activities: soccer, basketball, tennis, Student Senate, Pastoral Motivation Committee, Student Athletic Advisory Committee Job: assistant to the events coordinator

As a PK: I always thought my dad had the best job in the world: sharing the gospel with those who need it. He loves the work he does, and I can tell. His life always reminds me that the ministry is a fantastic vocation. But he never pushed me to come to MLC nor did he expect me to come. As a Prep student: At LPS I realized being a pastor is extremely hard; there is constant work, and all eyes are on you. This caused me to rethink my career choice. I really considered studying engineering at Texas A&M. But I also saw the LPS called workers’ passion for their work and the unbounded joy they received while doing their work. Seeing this made me cast all my doubts aside.

As an MLC pastor-in-training: The professor and coach who has made a very positive impact on me is Professor James Danell. His German course is very intense, but I learn a vast amount of information, and class is always engaging. The thing that has impacted me the most is his work ethic and the respect he has given me. He does his work the best he can every day.

“ Hey, LPS!” Send my regards to Hahm and Krueger.

In addition to being a three-season athlete and a busy committee member, Micah Koelpin also works for the MLC events coordinator—a job that includes running the occasional BINGO game for Ladies’ Auxiliary.

e entertained the idea of engineering for a bit, but honestly, he says, he didn’t have a clue what to H do with his life. One momentous day senior year changed all that. He job-shadowed Pastor Paul Schupmann of St. John-Juneau, Wisconsin. What he saw was an ordinary man doing extraordinary work, and that motivated Craig Wilke to do that extraordinary work too.

Motivated by his family: I’m the first person from my family to go to MLC, and only my immediate family is WELS. But they are very supportive of what I’m doing. They come up to visit and watch basketball games, and they’ve been very big encouragers for me and my walk through MLC. Motivating others: I’m a member of the Pastoral Motivation Committee. We organize the gatherings of preseminary students and faculty. On that committee, I’ve learned a servant attitude and a sense of belonging. When I’m a pastor, I’d like to encourage kids to consider the ministry too. I want to help them do their best but also realize that grades aren’t everything.

“Hey, Lakeside!” Don’t rule out any

Craig Wilke is a busy man on campus, a member of the golf team, basketball team, and two committees.

possibility for your life, because you never know where you will end up. So just keep praying.

Lakeside LHS BethanyFort Atkinson WI Junior in Preseminary Studies Major: biblical languages

Craig Wilke

Motivated by Pastor Schupmann: In the morning Pastor Schupmann showed me how he went about writing his sermon, and then we made a hospital visit and I got to read a little part of Psalms to the man in the hospital. I enjoyed every part of what we did, and he answered a lot of my questions about being a pastor.

Emphasis: Spanish Activities: golf, basketball, Student Athletic Advisory Council, Pastoral Motivation Committee Job: cashier at New Ulm store

s a serious scholar, her lifelong dream was to be an archaeologist, and she had filled out the A appropriate college apps to pursue that. But then she realized she’d rather teach—maybe even at the

college level—so it seemed silly to go anywhere but Martin Luther College. Now she’s discovering and developing her gifts more than she could have imagined.

“ Hey, MVL!” I loved my high school, and I

feel blessed to have gone there, but MLC is an entirely different experience. Everyone here has decided to serve God by serving his Church, and that instantly provides common ground. There is so much here you can only experience by being a student.

She’s teaching college now: One of my campus jobs is teaching assistant for Professor James Pope, where I’m learning more about how to write well and evaluate others’ writing. I am so blessed to have a wonderful means of learning and earning money. She’s becoming herself: When I first came, I was almost entirely lacking in confidence. Since then, I’ve realized that God has blessed me richly, and in order to use his gifts, I have to recognize them and not doubt them. To summarize, when I came here I would tell people I wanted to be a teacher. Now I tell them I am a teacher.

Minnesota Valley LHS St. John-New Ulm MN Junior in Education Studies Major: elementary education Major: communication arts & lit

Haley Roske

She’s building on her love for literature: I love to read, and my English professor, Paul Grubbs, has made an incredible impact on me. I’m constantly impressed with his preparation and enthusiasm. He has interesting material and high expectations of himself and his students.

Activities: piano, Daylight USA

One of Haley Roske’s campus jobs is assistant for the Daylight program, where she organizes mission trips for students. She herself has served in Georgia and Utah, and she’ll spend the summer in Florida as a ministry assistant.

Jobs: teaching assistant for Professor James Pope and student assistant for Daylight USA 17

ntil a year ago, he didn’t know there was such a thing as a WELS college. Raised in South Texas, U he went to public schools, played football, and planned on going to Texas State or training to be a

Christopher Dean

welder, a firefighter, or a driller on an oil rig. But then Pastor Andrew Schroer introduced him to Martin Luther College.

Edna High SchoolEdna TX Redeemer-Edna TX First-Year in Preseminary Studies Major: biblical languages Emphasis: Spanish Activities: football

The work of a pastor: I’ve always wanted to help people through the hardest times of their lives, and I felt being a pastor was the best position for that. My own pastor has helped me through the best and worst of times, and if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here. The work at MLC: This place is completely different from what I’m used to. I never had chapel in public school, and I’ve probably done more homework in one semester here than in all four years of high school combined. The work of the Spirit: I’m a different person today than when I first came here. My faith is stronger, I’ve matured, and I’ve gained more confidence in my academic abilities. MLC has been a great influence on me and my faith.

“ Hey, friends at Redeemer!” Enjoy the

warm weather for me! I miss y’all and can’t wait to come home. Tell Pastor I’m fine and have been staying out of “trouble.”

Christopher Dean #42 works year-round on football. “It builds character,” he says, “and brings a group of people together, whether it’s the team, town, college, or community.”

he’s followed a curvy road. Intending to pursue the arts, she first took gen eds at a community S college. Then she spent nine months in AmeriCorps, teaching science to little kids. AmeriCorps netted

Ruth Nitz

her $5000 and the realization that she wanted to teach. Transferring to MLC and then majoring in Spanish—those are just two more curves in the road.

Evergreen LHS Messiah-Olympia WA First-Year in Education Studies Major: communication arts & lit Major: Spanish Activities: Women’s Choir, piano Job: cafeteria

From Washington to Minnesota: I looked into many schools, and MLC had the highest quality program with the lowest cost. I knew I could also learn more about the Bible here. And my best friend, Taylor Swanson, had come here, and she had nothing but praise for it. Why Spanish? It started out as an accident. In my hurry to mail my documents in, I accidentally marked Spanish and English as my majors when I’d meant to only choose English. Once I got here, the program and the enthusiastic professor really sucked me in. Now my dream is to teach high school Spanish. Pleasant surprises: I came to MLC very cautiously, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I learned and how I was given many opportunities to develop my talents.

“ Hey, Evergreen!” MLC is a good school

with high-quality courses. Plus, when you get here you’re instantly special because you’re from the West Coast. You can tell everyone you went

to high school in Seattle when it was really in Des Moines or Tacoma (congrats on the new campus, by the way). Also, the sky does this thing here, where it has no clouds in it and you can see all sorts of stuff without getting rain in your eyes. Give it some thought. Ruth Nitz draws, sings, and wants to take guitar lessons in addition to piano. “There are lots of talented artists at MLC,” she says, “and lots of things I can be doing in the arts. One thing I really like is the free music lessons in any instrument.”

or a long time, she was determined to make it big on Broadway one day. She loved music, took voice F lessons, and had been performing on stage since kindergarten. Eventually, though, the world of theater began to lose its luster, and she started looking for something else. But it wasn’t going to be teaching. No way. That was the last thing she would ever do.

Special ed major: Working with people who have special needs is truly rewarding. When I heard MLC had added a special education program, I was overjoyed. Our ministry lacks trained called workers in this field, and I want to be one of those teachers who fills that need.

A music minor too: Making College Choir as a freshman has been wonderful. I want to continue to make music through my life and help children make music as well.

“ Hey, Manitowoc!” I hope the Lancer

machine is well oiled and running smoothly! Freshmen, you may not even know me, but I have advice for you. Do your homework to your fullest potential—this will be the easiest year academically. Be social—here is where you make lifelong friendships. Be involved—that’s where you’ll meet your friends. Get to know the teachers—they really love you. And just have fun. Sophomores and juniors, keep doing what you’re doing. Seniors, play nice. Talk to the freshmen, give advice to the sophomores, set good standards to follow for the juniors, and respect yourselves. God’s blessings on your school year. I love you all!

Devon Liermann has spent summers working with people with special needs at Camp Phillip, which led her to choose special education as a second major at MLC.

Manitowoc LHS St. John-Manitowoc WI First-Year in Education Studies Major: elementary education Major: special education Minor: music Activities: volleyball, College Choir, piano Job: MLC mailroom

Devon Liermann

Wait! This is what I want to do: I’ve spent many years working with kids at Camp Phillip. I love knowing that Christ is working through me. It truly is an indescribable feeling when you witness God’s work in action. After a realization like this, I didn’t hesitate to send in my application to MLC. I was so ready.

artin Luther College was not his first choice. With a University of Wisconsin scholarship in his pocket, he leaned toward business or law. But his high school instructors saw a teacher in him and let him know it. So now he’s at MLC, and he’s learning that teaching, like business or law, is not a job; it’s a profession. It requires lifelong growth and reaps lifelong rewards. He’s ready for anything: When I first was on campus, I was a nervous wreck! I was very shy. But as a senior, I’m not afraid to talk to anyone. I also feel prepared to take on any teaching job. He wants to be a stand-up guy—and a stand-out guy too: Mr. Ryan Wiechmann is an excellent teacher who taught me one of the greatest lessons: to stand out. Doing the right thing in the eyes of the Lord is hard, especially to peers and coworkers. But as a called worker, the most important job for me is to be an excellent role model in and out of the classroom. One day, I aspire to be a role model, teacher, and friend in Christ like him.

“Hey, Northland!” My biggest advice:

Don’t worry! I changed my major three times here on campus. In the end, it’ll all work out. Come visit me sometime!!

Nate Solofra completed two MLC Spanish immersion trips: to Quito, Ecuador (pictured), and to Argentina. Now he works as a Spanish tutor and a teaching assistant to the Spanish professor, Paul Bases.

Northland LHS CrossWalk Lutheran Ministries-Laveen AZ Senior in Education Studies Major: elementary education Major: Spanish Activities: Student Senate, Meet Math, Jesus Cares, piano, intramurals Jobs: Spanish tutor, teaching assistant to Professor Bases (Spanish)

Nate Solofra

He made the right choice: In the end, I couldn’t have been happier. MLC’s campus is centered on Christ’s Word, and the professors encourage every education major to build a lifelong career in their profession as a teacher.

lthough he comes from a long line of teachers, he wasn’t convinced MLC was the place for him. A He was thinking about computer science and sports broadcasting as potential careers. But the summer

Aaron Markgraf

before senior year, his grandfather, Jerry Birkholz, passed away. At the funeral Aaron learned a lot about his grandfather, about called workers, and about himself.

Winnebago Lutheran Academy Beautiful SaviorCincinnati OH First-Year in Education Studies Major: elementary education Activities: soccer, Männerchor, intramurals, piano, Forum (drama) Job: Cashier at New Ulm store

At Grandpa’s funeral: I was reminded of the impact my grandfather had on peoples’ lives at Minnesota Valley LHS, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and many other places. It was really eye-opening to me to see what an awesome impact called workers can have on people, and I wanted to be a part of that. More encouragement: Pastor John Boggs, a teacher at WLA, was very gentle yet persistent about encouraging me to come to MLC. He pointed out how my talents would fit in well with ministry. And now: I’m even more excited about ministry than when I first came here. I’m definitely less scared! I want to learn more about telling people about Jesus, and I’d really like to teach upper grades and be a grade school principal.

“ Hey, Vikings!” Cherish every moment you have at WLA. You’re living it for four years, and you really will love it forever!

Aaron Markgraf says soccer has been a great way to make friendships that will last a lifetime.

s a Twin Cities girl, she wanted to experience a big university, maybe study physical therapy or A sports medicine. But then she visited MLC and realized it wasn’t a big university she craved – it was a

Amara Biebert

big campus family. That’s just what this college offered. And since teaching had also been on her career list, she decided to trust her instincts and give MLC a try. Now in her sophomore year, she’s finding inspiration at every turn.

St. Croix LHS Shepherd of the HillsInver Grove Heights MN Sophomore in Education Studies Major: elementary education Minor: coaching Activities: cross country, Women’s Choir, piano, intramurals Job: elementary school tutor

Inspired by watching her sister: My oldest sister also went here. She would show me things she was working on, and I could tell how much she loved what she was doing. Teaching seemed like the most fun job in the world!

“ Hey, St. Croix!” Don’t always think you

have to go to a big college because you have been “stuck” in the small WELS world all your life. Be happy that you have the opportunity to be surrounded by other Christians every day!

Inspired in class: Psychology with Professor Spurgin made me excited to teach. He would bring up his experiences, and he got his class excited to be amazing teachers and make a difference! I looked forward to every class. Inspired by Early Field Experience: First-Year EFE is the most inspiring, awesome memory I have from last year. The teachers had incredible feedback for me, and when I finally got to teach, it was the most fun I had all year! Inspired by her job: I tutor three different kids, at three different ages, down at St. Paul’s Lutheran grade school. I love helping students struggling in reading and math! It’s cool to see everything in their heads click.

For Amara Biebert, Early Field Experience confirmed her desire to teach.

ven as a little girl, her life was filled with music. She was singing and playing piano at the age of 5 E and in time took up flute, handbells, and organ. With the guidance of her mom and her teachers, she grew into the music. Now she’s pursuing a double major in elementary ed and secondary instrumental music at MLC, and every day is a new day of musical opportunity and growth.

children, but she never forced me. She supports me in anything, which made it very easy to make the decision to come to MLC! Music and Mr. Wendland: Music has always been a big part of my life, and my band director in high school (shout-out to Mr. Wendland!) made me want to study music more—just through his own passion. Music and MLC: I’m most involved in band, choir, organ, and piano. They all present a unique opportunity to serve God with my talents. For me, MLC is a place of growth! I never would have imagined I’d be where I am today if it weren’t for the wonderful friends and professors and my Savior guiding me!

“ Hey, KML!” Shout-out to all you who get to use the new PAC! (I’m quite jealous.) Cherish it and keep living for Christ!

Shannon Eggers plays flute for her choir as well as for the MLC Wind Symphony.

Kettle Moraine LHS David’s Star-Jackson WI Sophomore in Education Studies Major: elementary education Major: secondary instrumental music

Shannon Eggers

Music and Mom: My mom, who’s a third grade teacher, was a great influence for me. Every day, I had an example of the life of a teacher, and she always encouraged me to pursue my God-given abilities to work with

Activities: Centennial Dorm Council; Handbells (president); Chorale; Wind Symphony; Forum (Readers’ Theater director); pit orchestra; piano, flute, and organ lessons

e spent three semesters at Ball State, dipping into music, theater, journalism, psychology, and H business. But even the most fascinating courses couldn’t feed his spirit. So he transferred to MLC. He’s

still not sure he has what it takes to be a teacher. But he’s hearing the Word, getting good guidance, and making great friends. For that he’s grateful.

Michael Koester says caring professors and students made his transfer to MLC smooth. And getting involved in groups like Forum and College Choir made a dramatic impact on his college life.

Grateful to his Forum friends: I’ve been blessed with two roles in past Forum performances, and I’m now directing this year’s winter play: The Giver. Through Forum, I’ve gained good Christian friends who have really made MLC feel like the second home I’ve been looking for. I cannot thank these people enough! I know I can talk to them, and they have the same faith I do. I can’t think of a better place to grow.

“ Hey, Michigan LHS!” Let your gospel

light shine in everything you do—not just in school, but in your daily life among friends, coworkers, and family! Live your lives for the glory of Christ—with him as your first priority. It doesn’t matter what you want to do with your future; each one of you has a way of spreading the gospel through everything you do. Finally, yes, look to the future—but not too fast. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17).

Michigan LHS Peace-Granger IN Sophomore in Education Studies Major: communication arts & lit Minor: music

Michael Koester

Grateful to a great professor: Through his personal communications course and other talks, Professor Mark Paustian taught me a lot about ministry, but even more about relationships in life. He helped me in my transition to MLC and gave me some of the best advice, which I strive to implement in my life every day.

Activities: Forum (drama), College Choir, piano Job: cleaning and landscaping (off campus) 21

Focus On Your Alumni Association By Anne Wilson MLC ’99 The Martin Luther College Alumni Association (MLCAA) is five years old and includes alumni from NWC, DMLC, MLC, MLA, and DMLHS. We strengthen the relationships between MLC and its alumni, providing opportunities for alumni to serve the college and the college to serve alumni. Our gifts have funded a new Center Street sign, the reconditioning of the Luther statue, and scholarships totaling $4,000. Current gifts will fund the Wittenberg display renovation and alumni sports memorabilia, pictures, and décor for the cafeteria.

What can you do? • Keep MLC in your prayers. • Encourage young people to consider the public ministry. • Stay current with the Alumni Messenger, mlc-wels.edu/alumni, and Facebook. • Organize an MLC Sunday at your church. Contact Steve Balza to get it rolling alumni@mlc-wels.edu. • Become a sustained giver through Aaron’s Arms mlc-wels.edu/go/mlcaagiving • Sign up for an MLCAA Visa, which immediately nets $50 to the MLCAA. cardpartner.com/app/mlcaa

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Martin Luther College

Our MLCAA Board communicates with alumni, hosts alumni events, and raises funds. Jon Balge NWC ’83 (Milwaukee WI) Aaron Hartwig MLC ’02/’08 (North Fond du Lac WI) Josh Roth MLC ’02 (Salem OR) Adam Reinhard MLC ’03 (Spring Hill TN) Sarah Zahrt MLC ’99 (New Ulm MN) Anne Wilson MLC ’98 (Oshkosh WI) Caleb Schmiege MLC ’12 (WLS Student) Peter Sulzle MLC ’00 (Redwood Falls MN) Gina Radue MLC ’17 (MLC Student) Chad Walta MLC ’99 (Thornton CO) Laura Pufahl MLC ’00 (Apple Valley MN) Jonathan Schaefer MLC ’02 (MLC professor) Mike Gehl NWC ’94 (Charlotte NC) Jon Enter MLC ’00 (West Palm Beach FL) Stephanie Grow MLC ’01 (Middleton WI) Roger Klockziem DMLC ’63 (MLC professor) Tonya Wolff DMLC ’94 (San Jose CA) Steve Balza DMLC ’93 (MLC Alumni Relations)

Summer 2014 Reunions mlc-wels.edu/alumni/reunions DMLC ’44 DMLHS ’54 DMLHS ’56 DMLHS ’59 DMLHS ’64 DMLC ’64 DMLC ’74

May 16 @ MLC TBA @ MLC Jul 8-10 @ La Crosse WI Jul 31-Aug 2 @ MLC TBA @ MLC Sep 18-20 @ MLC Jun 28 @ Grace-Milwaukee

Time for your reunion? Alumni Director Steve Balza would love to help! alumni@mlc-wels.edu or 507.354.8221 x387

I Remember BODE HALL By Clarice Panning Fastenau DMLC ’60 In September 2013, New Ulm firefighters burned an old building on the edge of town in a live fire drill. That building had once been a dormitory near the Dr. Martin Luther College campus. Alumna Clarice Panning Fastenau DMLC ’60 remembers, because it had been her grandparents’ house. She writes: Although it was a very large building, it was hardly visible in the hollow just below Center Street and the Hermann hill. William Redeker opened it to Dr. Martin Luther College women students in 1923. The 10-12 girls occupied the six bedrooms on the third floor and shared the one bathroom. They stayed trim as they walked the 90 steps up to the campus—including the curving steps known as Excelsior (“higher”) still there today. In 1938 my grandparents, Henry C. and Maria Bode, purchased the house from the Redekers. Grandpa had been the teacher at Willow Creek Lutheran School near Amboy for 33 years. Most of their 12 children had married, but several were still living with them. Grandpa died in 1942, but Grandma, her son, Eugene, and his wife, Lorene, continued the tradition of keeping 10-12 women college students until 1970. It became Bode Hall and remained so for over 30 years.

with my Tante Eunice, who graduated from the college in 1945. I would listen to her practice organ in the Music Hall. Sometimes I would visit the girls upstairs. I amused them with my German, and they amused me with their music boxes and other pretty things. One of those girls, Delores Becker Miller, became my co-worker when I taught in Lannon, Wisconsin, years later. When I got older, I loved exploring the woods below Hermann just above Grandma’s house. There was a bubbler where Center Street widened out toward Hermann hill very near the steps going to Grandma’s house. We often stopped there for a drink of the cold water that always bubbled from the fountain.

I attended Dr. Martin Luther High School and College from 1953 to 1960. I did not stay at Bode Hall, but I walked down those 90 steps to visit Grandma once a week. Some of my college classmates were now “the girls upstairs.” Grandma died a few months before I graduated in 1960. • Scott Salesky MLC ’08 will receive his PhD in meteorology It was a house with a history—and a from Penn State in August 2014. He’s also been offered a home for so many family members and post-doctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia, students over the years. I feel where part of his research will involve field experiments on a fortunate to have had a part in it. Canadian ice sheet. Salesky says he is following in the footsteps of his mentor, MLC Professor Emeritus Martin Sponholz, who Clarice Panning Fastenau is a did groundbreaking research in the Antarctic. very active member of the MLCAA Archive Committee. • Rebecca Staude Wendland MLC ’96 has self-published Bloom Where God Plants You (Xulon Press), a Scripture-filled book sharing the ups and downs of life and ministry in Malawi, where her husband Robert Wendland WLS ‘98 has been a missionary since 2003.

My memories of the home go back to my toddler years. I stayed there quite frequently, watched over by several “tantes” (aunts). Sometimes I would go up to DMLC

Alumni Notes

Martin Luther College

Focus On We Remember WORLD WAR 2 Experiencing Nazi Germany 1938 Professor Emeritus Theodore Hartwig Tuesday, March 25 7:30 PM MLC Auditorium – Free admission

The Ghost in General Patton’s Third Army Gene Schulz

It was one year before Germany invaded Poland and World War 2 began. Theodore Hartwig, just 16 going on 17, was offered an opportunity to travel to Germany to see how Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party were uniting the Germans and instilling national pride. His story is an eye-opening look at history in the making that you won’t want to miss. Professor Emeritus Theodore Hartwig taught history and theology at (Dr.) Martin Luther College from 1955 to 2002. He continues to write and teach in his retirement.

Tuesday, April 29 7:30 PM MLC Auditorium – Free admission As a teenager in Clintonville, Wisconsin, Gene Schulz remembers President Roosevelt’s voice on the radio, telling the nation Pearl Harbor had been attacked. His life was about to change. What we can only read about, Gene lived: crossing the English Channel, serving as a typist in the war room, witnessing the horrors of a concentration camp. Gene’s stories bring history to life. Gene Schulz was featured in the documentary Honor Flight: One Last Mission, the story of Wisconsin veterans who journeyed to Washington DC to visit the memorial built in their honor.

JOIN US FOR THE 2014 ALUMNI

COMMENCEMENT DINNER

2014 Alumni Tour FILLED

Friday, May 16, 4 pm Luther Student Center Cafeteria

The sixth annual alumni tour, which will take participants to the American West, is filled. Watch for the announcement of the 2015 alumni tour.

Enjoy a delicious meal . . . good fellowship . . . presentations on MLC programs . . . and then attend the 7:30 concert in the auditorium! Only $5.00 - payable upon arrival Register by May 14 at mlcdinner.eventbrite.com or by calling the alumni office at 877.354.8221 x387.

All alumni and families welcome!

Larry Wiederich NWC 1969 Ward SD

Jacob Hoff MLC 2009 Livonia MI

Deneal Sperle MLC 1999 Bison SD

James Neujahr DMLC 1984 Appleton WI

Meet the

Presidents

Northwestern College

Dr. Martin Luther College President

John Schaller

1865-1869 Adam Martin 1869-1870 Lewis O. Thompson

John Schaller (1859-1920) served as the third director, or president, of Dr. Martin Luther College. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and educated at Northwestern College-Watertown, Wisconsin, and Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, where his father was one of his professors.

1871-1919 Dr. August F. Ernst 1919-1959 Erwin E. Kowalke 1959-1987 Carleton Toppe 1987-1993 Robert J. Voss 1993-1995 John Braun

From 1880 to 1881, Schaller served at Immanuel-Alexandria, Virginia, where he met Emma Mumm. John and Emma married in 1883 and had nine children. After graduating from Concordia Seminary, John served congregations in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri, before accepting the call to DMLC’s theological department in 1889. In 1893 both the synod and DMLC had a rebirth of sorts. The Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan Synods merged into the Joint Synod and repurposed DMLC as the synod’s teacher-training college. DMLC’s theology department closed, but a prep department for Northwestern College was retained. That same year Professor Schaller became DMLC’s third president, following Otto Hoyer. During his 15-year tenure, women were admitted to the college (1896), telephones were installed in New Ulm (1897), student teaching became a requirement, a Turnhalle was built for physical education (1901), the music curriculum was set, and the first basketball team was organized (1906). In 1897 “Hermann the German” was dedicated in the city of New Ulm; perhaps the Schallers were among the 24,000 people at the event. In 1908, the Schallers left New Ulm for Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where John replaced Adolf Hoenecke as professor and president of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. During his tenure, Schaller, along with his colleagues August Pieper and J.P. Koehler, guided the synod through several doctrinal controversies. Their method—establishing doctrine through the careful exegesis of the Greek and Hebrew texts of Scripture—has been called the Wauwatosa Theology. A prolific writer, Schaller served as editor of Lutherische Schulzeitung (Lutheran School Newspaper) and published several books: an isagogics textbook in both German and English (Kurze Bibelkunde and The Book of Books), Pastorale Praxis (Pastoral Practice), and Biblical Christology.

Dr. Martin Luther College 1884-1885 Christian J. Albrecht 1885-1893 Otto Hoyer

1893-1908 John Schaller 1908-1918 Adolph Ackermann 1918-1920 Johannes P. Meyer 1920-1936 Edmund Bliefernicht 1936-1966 Carl Schweppe 1966-1980 Conrad Frey 1980-1993 Lloyd O. Huebner 1993-1995 John Lawrenz

Martin Luther College 1995-2007 Theodore Olsen 2007-present Mark Zarling

Well-respected for his enlightened leadership, his scholarship, and his fatherly pastoral approach, John Schaller died of influenza in 1920. Our gratitude to Pastor Jeremiah Gumm and Dr. Arthur Schulz for their research.

Gregory Schibbelhut DMLC 1994 Fond du Lac WI

Kevin Schultz NWC 1984 Milwaukee WI

Margaret Puttin DMLC 1944 Pine River MN

Brian Davidson MLC 2004 Markesan WI

To Remember and Rejoice:

A Look at Family Scholarships at MLC

It was May 2009. Zachary Moyle and Ryan Zweifel, both Lakeside Lutheran High School graduates, had just finished their first year at Martin Luther College. Ryan and Zach were strong Christian young men. Ryan (pictured right) enjoyed wrestling, soccer, and music. He was planning to be a teacher, and he had successfully finished his first early field experience at MLC just two months before. Zachary (pictured left) had been one of Lakeside’s 2008 valedictorians. He enjoyed football, soccer, music, and the great outdoors of northern Wisconsin. He wanted to be a pastor, and he’d begun the Greek and religion classes at MLC to pursue that calling. But God had other plans. Both boys died in a tragic car accident one day that May. A friend and classmate, John Cleven, wanted to honor the boys’ memories and glorify the Father who took them home to himself. He decided to establish scholarships in the boys’ names. Gifts began to trickle in and then pour in, turning the dream into a reality: the Ryan J. Zweifel Scholarship Endowment and the Zachary D. Moyle Scholarship Endowment. Every year since, two new Lakeside LHS graduates who enroll at MLC have received the awards—a preseminary student in Zach’s honor and an education major in Ryan’s honor.

Three years ago the families began holding an annual event called RZM (Ryan Zweifel/Zach Moyle) “Race for the Prize” to honor the boys, celebrate their victory in Christ, bring friends and family together, and further build the fund.

Games are a big part of the fun at the RZM weekend at the 7 Mile Pinecrest Resort in Eagle River, Wisconsin.

Ryan’s brother Jason explains that they gather at 7 Mile Pinecrest Resort in Eagle River, Wisconsin, owned by the Otterstatter family, relatives of the Moyles. The weekend is filled with swimming, camp fires, and team competitions in games like water brigade, tug-of-war, canoe races, even a homegrown version of the Tough Mudder. In 2013, they booked a band and enjoyed a night of live music. Attendance has reached 175 people, and through the years $20,000 has been raised for the scholarship endowments. “There usually is a lot more fun than sleep going on,” Jason says. “The most important part of the weekend is the fellowship. Each year we have a devotion to reflect on Jesus and what he did for us. We see it as one weekend in the year where all of the people who were touched by the boys’ tragedy can be reminded of the importance of faith—the boys’ faith as well as their personal faith.”

Would you like to establish an MLC named endowment? You may establish a fund as an individual or a family, in your own name or in memory of someone else. The fund will support ministry training, serve as a family legacy, and glorify the Lord of the Church. For more information, contact Michael Otterstatter, VP for mission advancement, at ottersmj@mlc-wels.edu.

ARE YOU HANDY? Many hands make light work, and MLC is looking for many hands—volunteers willing to assist with a campus construction project. The goal is to create a fellowship hall in the Chapel of the Christ basement, complete with a gathering space large enough for 50-125 people, a serving kitchen, restrooms, and audio-visual components.

Tasks include framing, drywalling, tiling floors, installing carpet, plumbing, painting, and general hammer-and-nails labor. Though experience helps, volunteers need not be experts—just eager to work.

For this six-week project, June 9-July 18, MLC is excited to partner with its alumni, friends, and Builders for Christ, a ministry of Kingdom Workers.

It’s an important project, says VP for Student Life Jeff Schone WLS ’87: “The basement of our wonderful chapel building is spacious and full of promise. With hard work and careful planning and modest funding, we can use this precious space to carry on a great deal of good work for the kingdom.”

Volunteers will receive their choice of dorm room or campsite, complimentary lunch each weekday, and opportunities to worship with the campus family each morning.

To volunteer or learn more, contact Alumni Director Steve Balza at 507.354.8221 x387 or alumni@mlc-wels.edu. Or visit mlc-wels.edu/alumni and complete the online survey.

Approximately 8-10 volunteers are needed each of the six weeks, and a minimum one-week (M-F) commitment is requested. Work will be directed and supervised by a Builders for Christ project manager and a local contractor.

Has a Called Worker Made a Difference in Your Life? Nominate them for the Shepherd Society! Go to mlc-wels.edu/go/shepherd-society, download the form, and send it to us with your gift of gratitude. The called worker will receive a commemorative plaque and a letter from MLC President Mark Zarling, and your gift will support the training of future called workers at MLC. What a great way to glorify our Lord, the Good Shepherd! Founded in 2008, the Shepherd Society has 63 members, including these who were nominated in 2013: Pastor Burton Stensberg Teacher Kathy Walz Teacher Barbara Green Pastor Dennis Kempf President Mark Zarling Pastor Rob Raasch Professor Lyle Lange Teacher Marilyn Jonas Pastor Timothy Kujath Pastor David Kuehl Pastor John & Teacher Carrie Steinbrenner Teacher Don & Harriette Hartwig To see the full list, go to mlc-wels.edu/go/shepherd-society.

Rev. Steven D. Bode Pastor Dennis Kempf with gratitude for his work of shepherding God’s people

To train future called workers, a gift has been given to Martin Luther College in his honor by Robert and Lucille Laetsch

with gratitude for his work of shepherding people “AsGod’s our shepherd he has,

along with the Spirit, increased our love and knowledge of God’s Word and will.” (Bob and Lucie)

To train future called workers, a gift has been given to Martin Luther College in his honor by Cletus & Geri Wolfe

Thanking God and Rosemary for 100 By Kate Tohal MLC Resource Development Counselor Rosemary Heinitz has long had a passion for supporting her WELS College of Ministry, Martin Luther College. She recently gave her 100th gift to support the ministry and mission of the college. Her faithful support has been in many forms, including financial gifts to various projects; prayers for the faculty, staff and students; and serving on the college’s Mission Advancement Action Team. She continues to stay connected and informed about what’s going on at the college. At first she was hesitant to be the subject of an article about her connection to MLC, but then she remembered how much she enjoyed reading about other people and their MLC stories. Rosemary says, “I’ve always been a member of the WELS, and for as long as I remember I have known about MLC. In high school one of my cousins would take a group of us to New Ulm for special events at DMLC. It is interesting how the seeds are planted.”

Gifts!

Rosemary taught in Mankato public schools for many years and currently works for the Minnesota Department of Education. “I spent my career in public education,” she says, “but always had a strong interest in Christian education and found ways to be involved at St. Mark School in Mankato and Minnesota Valley LHS in New Ulm. The common thread was always the gift of our called workers. “In order to be assured that our churches and schools are staffed by well-qualified workers,” she continues, “it is important to support the institutions that prepare them. At this point in my life, the Lord blesses me with all that I need to support this body and life, and allows me the joy of having extra to give. I have a strong commitment to giving NOW to the needs identified NOW as I am blessed NOW. “I pray that the Lord continues to move my fellow believers to give as they are blessed. We are not all called to teach or preach, but we can certainly support our worker training schools through prayers and gifts.” Rosemary Heinitz was baptized and confirmed at St. John-Lake Benton MN and attended St. Mark-Mankato MN from the time she started college until her work took her to St. Paul. She has been a member of New Life-Shoreview MN since 2004.

SOLA Can You Belong to SOLA? If you have made a provision for MLC in your will or estate plan, then the answer is YES! SOLA is the MLC Support & Outreach Legacy Association. This group exists to unite and thank donors who have included Martin Luther College in their estate plans and to encourage others in the grace of giving. Find the SOLA form online at mlc-wels.edu/go/sola

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Martin Luther College

We would love to hear from you if . . . • you included MLC in your estate plan. • you want to learn more about the benefits of your SOLA membership. • you want to discuss an estate plan with a resource counselor. MLC Mission Advancement Office 507.354.8221 x241

WELS Ministry of Christian Giving 800.827.5482

Instructor Bethel Balge was one of three prize winners in the University of Minnesota Concerto Competition. She played Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1. She is currently working on a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the university.

Professor David Gosdeck WLS ’69 presented “N.T. Wright and the New Perspective on Paul” to the Minnesota Valley Pastoral Conference in November. He is also serving on the New Ulm Public Library Board.

Dr. James Grunwald DMLC ’76 accepted the invitation to attend the Distance Outreach and Technology Conference in Las Vegas NV in November 8-9, at which invitees discussed how to leverage technology to spread the gospel. He also chaired the Commission on IT and Distance Learning meeting for the National Council for Private School Accreditation in Orlando FL in January.

Dr. Robert Klindworth DMLC ’70 delivered a paper on practical applications of teaching religion at the Lake Lutheran Teachers’ Conference in Morton Grove IL on February 28. He also presented a sectional on school law at the WELS principals’ retreat at MLC on March 21. Dr. Mark Lenz WLS ’69 is in Hong Kong for the 2013-2014 school year, teaching at Asia Lutheran Seminary and preaching at churches.

Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87 presented “Growing in Ministry: Continuing Education at MLC” at the Western Wisconsin Teachers’ Conference at Onalaska WI in February.

Professors Thomas Nass WLS ’82 and Joel Fredrich WLS ’82 were appointed to the Translation Liaison Committee, a new committee authorized by the 2013 WELS convention to deal with Bible translation matters and to communicate on behalf of WELS with Bible publishers. In January Professor Nass traveled to Nashville to visit with representatives of the Holman Christian Standard Bible.

Professor Mark Paustian WLS ’88 presented “Chinese people too many: A rhetorical analysis of China’s one-child policy” at the National Communication Association in Washington DC in November. He will present “I’m proud of that person in the story: A case study in the transformative potential of the process of life review” at the Central States Communication Association conference in April. That paper, which explores the life story of his mother, Elaine Shelvik Paustian, was named to the Top Student Paper panel and is eligible for an award.

Professor James Pope WLS ’81 accepted appointment as responder for the “Questions and Answers” section of the WELS website, wels.net. He holds a related position for Forward in Christ’s Q&A column, “Light for Our Path.”

Dr. Alan Spurgin DMLC ’71 presented “Accommodating the Gifted/Talented Student” to 100+ teachers at the Northern Wisconsin District Teachers’ Conference in New London WI in February. Professor Steven Thiesfeldt DMLC ’74 concluded six years of service on the New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission, the last four as chair.

Dr. Wayne Wagner DMLC ’72 is serving as organ project consultant for St. Matthew-Port Washington WI. President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 taught “Adult Christian Education,” a 3-credit course, at Asia Lutheran Seminary (Hong Kong) in January. In February, he presented the keynote address and corresponding workshop “Remember . . . and Find Comfort” at the Western Wisconsin District Teachers’ Conference in Onalaska WI. The focus was the blessing and value of memorizing Scripture, as well as strategies to enhance memorization.

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TAKING THE WORD TO THE WORLD Professor Keith Wessel WLS ’91 reached 2,100 unique viewers worldwide in an online study of Elijah last fall. Men and women tuned in from the United States as well as Colombia, Egypt, Qatar, Russia, Greece, Norway, Indonesia—40 countries in all. The format for the six one-hour classes allowed Wessel, MLC professor of Latin and Greek, to alternate short bursts of teaching with reflection and discussion time. Handouts were available, and participants interacted directly with Wessel via the chat box. The course was part of Interactive Faith, sponsored by the WELS Commission on Adult Discipleship. The studies were streamed live Wednesday evenings in September and October and archived for retrieval at any time. “I didn’t really know what to expect,” Wessel said. “Pastors Tom Kock WLS ’92 and Marty Mielke WLS ’97 [Commission on Adult Discipleship coordinators for the project] have done this a few times already, and they were blown away by the increase in viewership, both in numbers and geographic spread. For me personally, I was blessed to teach some of my former members from Beautiful Savior-Marietta GA, as well as other brothers and sisters from across the synod.” In the same series, MLC President Mark Zarling WLS ’80 presented an online study of God’s Old Testament names in 2012. Most recently, WELS President Mark Schroeder WLS ’81 presented practical strategies for Bible study. All studies are archived at wels.net/interactivefaith.

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MLC STUDENTS PUBLISH DEVOTIONAL WRITING Students in Professor

David Sellnow’s Lutheran Confessional Writings course are publishing some writing of their own. Sellnow WLS ’86 augments his exploration of great writing by Reformation-era Lutherans—namely the Lutheran Confessions as found in the Book of Concord—with instruction on how to write articles with solid devotional and doctrinal content. An article by Lauren Grove (Resurrection-Rochester MN), “Who Are We Really?”, was published in the WELS Women’s Ministry Minnesota District Newsletter. An article by Mariah Wild (Faith-Antioch IL), “I Will Respect You,” will be published in the May issue of Forward in Christ. For several years, Professor Sellnow has served as a writing “agent” and instructor for WELS Women’s Ministry. He recommends writers and sends ministry leaders high-quality work written by women in his on-campus courses, and the women’s ministry leaders urge potential writers across the synod to take his online course Devotional Writing to hone their skills. Other students who have been published with his instruction and encouragement are Margaret Polzin MLC 07, April Richter (continuing ed student), Abby Horn MLC ’14, and Hannah Hackbarth MLC ’14.

RAISING THE BAR ONE CHOIR AT A TIME Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer DMLC ’71, director of the Martin Luther College Choir, has begun an initiative to assist church choirs who want to improve the quality of their sound. “Sometimes a choir has great potential, but they aren’t sure how to bring out that beautiful sound,” Moldenhauer says. “The director and I can work together, making small changes—for example, in vowel production, working with the accompanist, conductor gesture that communicates musical intent, and seating. These small changes can result in big improvements.” This winter, Dr. Moldenhauer held an onsite workshop with the choir at Our Redeemer-Madison WI. The choir had two anthems “note-ready.” After discussing goals, the director and Dr. Moldenhauer rehearsed the choir together. The choir was so pleased with the instant improvements in their sound they requested a second workshop. Moldenhauer will offer a similar choral workshop at the WELS Worship Conference July 22-25, 2014, but he emphasizes that onsite “live” workshops with full church choirs are much more effective. “The goal,” he says, “is to raise the bar of choral performance one choir at a time.” If you are interested in an onsite workshop at your congregation, Dr. Moldenhauer invites you to contact him at moldenkg@mlc-wels.edu.

“Hope in Jesus”

MLC Cancer Journey Group By Dr. Wayne Wagner DMLC ’72

Cancer touches the lives of many families, including the MLC campus family. The MLC Cancer Journey Group provides mutual encouragement and support to those among us who have been diagnosed with cancer. About 20 faculty, emeriti, staff, and their spouses have been getting together once every three to four months at a local restaurant. The relaxed gatherings offer a time to reflect, share, and encourage one another. A Bible study or singing of a hymn focuses us on God’s continuing care for each of us. Along with conversations about family, the weather, and what is happening in our lives, we share our cancer stories. Each story is different, but the confidence is always expressed that we have nothing to fear. Eternity with Jesus is already a certainty. In addition, our loving Lord has uniquely blessed each of us on our individual journey with cancer. Other helpful groups exist to support those dealing with cancer. When asked what we hope to accomplish with this group, I reply, “Simply to encourage one another in the context of fellow Christians.” Our MLC Cancer Journey Group shares a common faith, hope, trust, and security in Jesus that leads us forward on our individual paths. Thanks to Jesus, who has blessed this idea, brought it to be a reality, and encourages us through it. Dr. Wayne Wagner, a music professor at MLC, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July 2011. Surgery in October 2011 was successful. He started the Cancer Journey Group about a year later.

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See! The winter is past; The rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; The season of singing has come . . .

Song of Songs 2:11-12