Epistle Magazine, Winter 2013 by Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

EPISTLE LSTC

WINTER 2013

Magazine of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Learning from our urban context

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Dear friends in Christ: Since you’re receiving the LSTC Epistle and reading this letter, I can safely assume you have a stake in theological education. Whether you’re an ancient alumnus or a recent graduate, whether you’re a friend of long-standing or one newly minted, you likely know what we’re all about, our purpose and potential. You may also know a few of the challenges we face—and not just us, but all seminaries. Of course, each school is distinctive and must engage its own special issues, but in a larger sense we’re all in the same boat about overall trends—in enrollment, costs, funding, and the vitality of the churches we serve. Some respond to this is with a kind of miseryloves-company approach. We’re no worse off than others, they might say, so we just have to hang in there and hope to survive. Far from a compelling reply, though, I find this a dispiriting form of fatalism that evades our responsibility to the seminary’s mission and our role in the larger church. A healthier course in these difficult days is to return to a very basic, hard question about our entire enterprise. In short, just what are we trying to do at a place like LSTC? If we can’t answer this credibly, we have no business expending the time, money, and effort that we do. Naturally, LSTC’s mission statement offers a place to begin. Simply parroting this as an answer is not sufficient, however. So just exactly what does it mean to say that LSTC forms visionary leaders to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ? If that’s just a pious way of saying we crank out professionals to run the religious machinery, I want nothing to do with it. For me, though, the really important focus of our mission is the end of the phrase, the part about bearing witness. Yes, LSTC seeks to prepare bold and innovative ministers, but why? To what end? Because we have something to say that won’t be heard otherwise. I’ve been reading a fine book called The God Problem, by renowned Princeton sociologist Robert Wuthnow. That title makes it sound like one of those atheist tomes on the best-seller list, but Wuthnow’s aim was quite different. Through painstaking interviews, he wanted to hear how ordinary Americans speak of their faith in ways that make sense to themselves and others. We all face a “God problem” because belief in God can sound dubious. It’s a bit peculiar to say you trust an unseen God whose existence is unproven and whose ways are a mystery we never fully know. Yet people do it every

James Nieman

day, and amidst forces that sometimes make such believing seem either strident or stupid. How does that happen? Wuthnow learned that faithful people have ways that make belief sound “reasonable.” He didn’t mean they solve the God problem by avoiding or simplifying deep and challenging issues. Instead, being “reasonable” means you have an account of God’s place in your life that is able to connect with others. It’s a plausible account that merits further attention, even if people still disagree with you. And this kind of account doesn’t just drop from the sky. It’s strongly shaped by active faith communities, especially their leaders. That brings me back to what we are trying to do at LSTC. All that we have here—programs and facilities, personnel and endowment—all of it exists to equip leaders who can bear witness so others can do likewise. We have something to say that won’t be heard otherwise. I want our students to be able to engage the faith that people already declare, enrich their accounts with deeper insights, and encourage them into more robust forms of public witness. That’s a mission I care deeply about preserving and increasing, even amidst the many challenges in theological education today. It’s also what our faculty, staff, and students are committed to doing. I hope you’ll find ways to join us in that common purpose as well.

James Nieman President

FEATURES LSTC

EPISTLE

WINTER 2013 • Volume 43 • No. 1 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 1-800-635-1116 for more information about LSTC’s programs, conferences and special events. Editor Jan Boden Designer Ann Rezny Contributors Terrence Baeder Jan Boden Paul Landahl Esther Menn James Nieman Richard Perry Jr. Mary (Joy) Philip LSTC Board of Directors Michael Aguirre Clarence Atwood, Secretary Myrna Culbertson Gregory Davis Melody Beckman Eastman Kimberlee Eighmy James Fowler Trina Glusenkamp Gould, Vice Chairperson J. Arthur Gustafson Kathryn Hasselblad-Pascale Greg Kaufmann John Kiltinen Mark Klever Susan Kulkarni Dale Landgren Michael Last Roger Lewis Gerald Mansholt Sandra Moody Harry Mueller, Treasurer Melinda Pupillo Gerald Schultz Sarah Stegemoeller, Chairperson Harvard Stephens Jr. Keith Wiens Jean Ziettlow The LSTC Epistle is published three times a year by the Communications and Marketing Office. Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks Cover: Rev. Donald Ciesielski, Tatsumosuke Kokubo (Saitama, Japan), the Rev. James Morton (Urban Center director), and Homer J. Tucker (Newark, N.J.) discuss LSTC’s urban immersion experience. Archive photo from June 1965 Epistle. Photo credits: Jan Boden, Ashley Hochhalter, Tricia Koning, LSTC Archives, Cynthia Stewart (SCUPE), Dirk van der Duim

LSTC Gospel Choir circa 1989

3 Reformation Jubilee Envoy Margot Kässmann to visit LSTC 4 News from LSTC Zygon Center receives Templeton Foundation grant

5 2013 Distinguished Alumni 7 What does a wise pastor look like? A conversation with Terry Baeder and Paul Landahl

9 “Listen as those who are taught”

Lutheran-Reformed Festival Worship Service at Rockefeller Chapel in 1998

13 Many Voices, One Story: LSTC 1983 - 2002 16 “Unseen” financial aid helps students through seminary 17 Advancement office seeks Seminary Advocates

Departments President’s letter inside cover Opportunities at LSTC

Faculty urban immersion explores ways to respond to context

Faculty notes

Class notes

Transitions & accomplishments 24

by Richard Perry Jr.

11 Partnership with Mar Thoma Church of India enriches Church and LSTC by Esther Menn and Mary (Joy) Philip

Opportunities at LSTC April Stewardship Workshops at LSTC

shares his journey from being a notoriously bad steward to discovering the biblical pathway “from duty to delight.” This workshop will help you identify tools and insights to continue the stewardship journey, lead members to see biblical stewardship differently, and to understand that stewardship is about enjoying a closer relationship with God. It is not just about fundraising—it is a way of life. Registration is $30 before April 15, then $35 at www.mcselca.org. Fee includes lunch and a copy of Powell’s book, Giving to God.

Between Economy and Ecology April 6, 9 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. James Martin Schramm, author of Climate Justice: Ethics, Energy and Public Policy (Fortress, 2009), and professor of religion at Luther College, will demonstrate how energy saving and production of solar energy is a form of good stewardship. He will introduce Luther College’s large-scale solar energy project and efforts to become a carbon-neutral community. He will also present options for small solar projects for residences. Afternoon workshop topics include energy efficiency in urban housing, simple living, funding for energy-efficient lighting projects in Metro Chicago Synod, and eco-theology and urban areas. Lunch will be made from locally grown foods. This free day of lecture and workshops for seminarians, pastors, and congregational leaders is sponsored by the Tithing and Stewardship Foundation, Stewards of Abundance, and Green Zone. Register by emailing greenzone@lstc.edu.

Eighth Annual Sacred Texts Conference On Sunday, April 21, 2013, 2 – 5 p.m., scholars from the three Abrahamic traditions and those who attend discuss “Human Diversity: Blessing or Curse?” from the perspective of the scriptures of each religion. This year’s conference will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Ill.

Faithful Living & Joyful Giving April 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. What the Bible teaches about stewardship is surprisingly good news. Bible scholar Mark Allan Powell

Choir alumni are invited to perform with the LSTC Gospel Choir

Dr. Keith Hampton, Director Ms. Patricia Bartley, Founder ©Sandy Poenitch

25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Concert proceeds support The Grover Wright Scholarship and The Rev. Carole A. Burns Scholarship For more information contact Pat Bartley at 773-256-0717 or pbartley@lstc.edu

Many Voices, One Story: Celebration! Free Admission – Freewill offering

Sunday, April 14, 2013 4:00 p.m.

www.lstc.edu

Augustana Chapel at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago 1100 East 55th Street, Chicago

Reformation Jubilee Envoy Margot Kässmann to visit LSTC Theologian and leader in the A sought-after speaker, Dr. Evangelical Church in Germany Kässmann is an influential leader in (EKD), Dr. Margot Kässmann, now the international ecumenical moveserving as Special Envoy for the ment. Throughout her ministry she Reformation Anniversary Celebration has broken age and gender barriers. In 2017, is making LSTC one of just a 1983 she became one of the youngest few stops during her trip to the U.S. members of the board of directors of in June. On Wednesday, June 5 at 2 the World Council of Churches. She p.m. she will present “Challenges of is the author of more than 40 books the Reformation Jubilee 2017.” This on spirituality, the quest for Christian lecture, with ecumenical responses, unity, Christian social engagement, will mark the beginning of LSTC’s and Bible study. The Rev. Dr. Margot Kässmann celebrations of the Reformation Jubilee Dr. Kässmann studied theology and highlight the seminary’s relationat Tuebingen, Edinburgh, Goettingen ship with global Lutheranism. Visitors may also tour and Marburg Universities. She was ordained in LSTC’s Rare Book Collection, especially works of 1985 and finished her doctoral studies in 1989 at Luther and other 16th Century Reformers. Ruhr-University in Bochum. She was a Visiting Dr. Kässmann served as Chairperson of the EKD Distinguished Theologian-in-Residence at Emory (leading Germany’s 24 million Protestants) from University’s Candler School of Theology and a 2009 – 2010 and as the first female bishop of the Distinguished Fellow of The Claus M. Halle Institute Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover—the largest for Global Learning. Lutheran church in the world—from 1999 until 2010.

153rd Commencement of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Sunday May 19, 2013 2:30 p.m. Eucharist Service and Commencement St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 5472 South Kimbark Avenue, Chicago, Illinois The Rev. Dr. James Wind, President of the Alban Institute, preacher A reception at LSTC immediately follows the service

James Wind

News from LSTC Grant to LSTC’s Zygon Center for Religion and Science will help students integrate science and religion

environment. It is a partnership of LSTC and the Center for Advanced Study in Religion and Science (CASIRAS). ZCRS offers several lecturebased courses each year. The general public is invited to attend the lectures for free. Master’s level students at LSTC may earn an emphasis in religion and science and the Th.M./Ph.D. program includes a specialization in religion and science. ZCRS also hosts an Annual Student Symposium on Science and Spirituality, which draws student speakers from universities and seminaries across North America. The topic for the March 2013 symposium was “Science and Spirituality in University and Seminary: Research, Religion, and Institutions of Higher Learning.” Learn more about Zygon Center for Religion and Science at www.zygoncenter.org.

The Zygon Center for Religion and Science (ZCRS) at LSTC has received a grant of almost $200,000 from the John Templeton Foundation. It will be used to teach the next generation of religious leaders to relate religious wisdom and scientific knowledge. Under the leadership of Dr. Lea F. Schweitz, director of ZCRS, LSTC will develop new curricula to teach religion and science in existing required courses. “For 25 years, the Zygon Center has helped religious leaders address questions involving scientific knowledge. We will bring this experience into a renewed partnership with the excellent teaching faculty of LSTC,” said Schweitz. “Religion and science raise profound questions of reality, meaning, and value, and each addresses those questions in different ways. Religious leaders frequently are called on to address them in faithful, creative ways. Through this partnership, we will help our graduates relate science and religion by bringing scientific questions into required courses in biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, spiritual formation, preaching, and ministry.” A larger aim of the 30-month “Teaching Religion and Science across the Seminary Curriculum” project is to create resources and a replicable model for other seminaries to use. The project will also contribute to active efforts at LSTC to revise the master’s level curricula. “This innovative project shows how LSTC is a leader among theological schools in addressing profound questions in religion and science. We are thankful that the John Templeton Foundation has recognized the work of ZCRS in this arena and its promised impact on seminary teaching,” said President James Nieman. “Through the historic commitments of the Zygon Center, LSTC will be better able to equip its graduates share the gospel in a changing world.”

About the John Templeton Foundation Serving as a “philanthropic catalyst for discoveries relating to the Big Questions of human purpose and ultimate reality,” the John Templeton Foundation provides funding and also shares research and dialogue on those questions. The Foundation’s vision is based on the visionary optimism of its founder, the late Sir John Templeton, who wrote extensively on spirituality and the role that scientific research could play in expanding the spiritual horizons of humankind. Learn more about the John Templeton Foundation at www.templeton.org.

25 years of yoking religion and science Zygon Center for Religion and Science (ZCRS) has been bringing together scientists, theologians, and other scholars for 25 years to gain insights into the origins, nature and destiny of humans and their

2013 Distinguished Alumni use varied gifts in varied settings Five alumni who, together, serve in every expression of the ELCA, were presented with the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Awards on March 11 at LSTC. They are the Rev. Dr. Javier R. Alanis, the Rev. Richard Bruesehoff, the Rev. Emmanuel Jackson, the Rev. Nancy Feniuk Nelson, and the Rev. Linda Norman. “These five distinguished alumni witness to the breadth and depth of service of LSTC graduates in the church and the world,” said President James Nieman. “We give thanks to God for the many ways they witness to the good news of Jesus Christ through their varied ministries and for their wise leadership that inspires others to live faithful lives.” The Rev. Richard Bruesehoff teaching a 2010 Leadership Conference workshop at LSTC

LSTC’s 2013 Distinguished Alumni The Rev. Dr. Javier R. Alanis (1998, Th.M.; 2002, Ph.D.), recipient of the Witness to the World Award, is the executive director of the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (www.lsps.edu). Dr. Alanis was pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas, before beginning graduate studies at LSTC. He chaired the multicultural and anti-racism teams in the Southwestern Texas Synod and was both a supervisThe Rev. Dr. Javier Alanis ing pastor and a teaching assistant while at LSTC. He currently serves on the boards of the Texas Lutheran University Corporation, the Texas Interfaith Center and the Seminary of the Southwest (an Episcopal seminary in Austin, Texas). Prior to entering seminary, Dr. Alanis practiced law in Austin, Brownsville, and Edinburg, Texas. He holds a J.D. from the University of Texas Law School (Austin). He also holds a master of international business administration from the American Graduate School of International Management (Glendale, Ariz.).

served as director of lifelong learning of the ELCA and as assistant to the bishop for the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, where he helped start the synod’s Lay School of Ministry. He served as pastor at several congregations in Wisconsin and was a staff member for the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Pastor Bruesehoff is a founding member and part of the leadership team of the Grace Institute for Spiritual Formation based at Luther College. After completing the Shalem Institute Spiritual Guidance Program he became a spiritual director and retreat leader. Pastor Bruesehoff is the author of two books, Clergy Renewal: The Alban Sabbatical Planning Guide (Alban Institute) and Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work (Augsburg Fortress). He and his spouse, Naomi, are the parents of two adult children. The Rev. Emmanuel Jackson (2008, M.Div.), who received the Emerging Voice Award, was recently called as senior pastor of Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy, Texas. Pastor Jackson and his family immigrated to the United States in 2001 as refugees from the civil war in Liberia, West Africa, and settled in Hastings, Neb. He attended Carthage College (Kenosha, Wis.) as one of the first Bridges Scholars, a program of Carthage and LSTC. He graduated with a degree in international political economy and sociology. After graduating from LSTC, he received his first call in August 2008 as associate pastor at Living Word Lutheran Church. The congregation “voted overwhelmingly” in 2012 to call him as their senior

The Rev. Richard Bruesehoff (Christ SeminarySeminex, 1974, M.Div.), recipient of the Faithful Servant Award, currently serves as outreach coordinator for Portico Benefit Services. He previously

pastor. Pastor Jackson and his spouse, Annick, have two sons.

Norman joined the staff of the ELCA churchwide organization in 2006, serving first as controller and then chief financial officer for the ELCA Foundation. In February 2011, she became controller and assistant treasurer for the ELCA. In 2012 she became the ELCA’s treasurer.

The Rev. Nancy Feniuk Nelson (1979, M.Div.), recipient of the Called to Lead Award, has been bishop’s associate in the Sierra Pacific Synod since 2008, where she is the chief of staff. Pastor Feniuk Nelson is the synod’s expert on mobility, candidacy, first call, interim ministry, leadership teams, and conflict resolution. She has served as pastor/evangelist at parishes in Illinois and as an intentional interim minister in California. Pastor Feniuk Nelson has also been an adjunct faculty member at LSTC. Before joining the Sierra Pacific Synod staff she was a redevelopment pastor in Half Moon Bay, Calif., for nine years. She and her spouse, Jim, are the parents of an adult son.

The Rev. Linda Norman

LSTC’s Annual Alumni Awards Each year, LSTC’s Alumni Board invites nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Awards and chooses the most outstanding candidates to receive awards in several categories. Past recipients are listed at www.lstc.edu/alumni-friends/resources/awards.php on LSTC’s web site. To nominate an alumnus for a Distinguished Alumni Award, contact Rachel Wind at rwind@lstc.edu.

The Rev. Linda Norman (2006, M.Div.), who received the Specialized Ministry Award, is the treasurer of the ELCA. She earned degrees in business administration and accounting and worked as a CPA before enrolling in the master of divinity program at LSTC. In 2006, she accepted a call to Bethel Lutheran Church in Chicago where she served until 2009. She remains a member of that congregation. Pastor

Robert L. Conrad, LSTC professor emeritus of educational ministry, dies The Rev. Dr. Robert L. Conrad, Christ SeminarySeminex Professor Emeritus of Educational Ministry at LSTC, died at his home in Iowa City, Iowa, on Wednesday, February 27, 2013. In addition to serving as professor of educational ministry, Dr. Conrad was director of the doctor of ministry and extension education programs at LSTC from 1983 until his retirement in 1998. He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, their three children, Joy, Karin, and Christopher, and four grandchildren. A memorial service was held March 9 at Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City, Iowa. “We were deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Conrad’s death, even as we trust the resurrection promise that sustains us all during this time,” said President James Nieman. “Robert Conrad’s contributions to the field of Christian education were vast and wise, and so we are grateful to God for giving us such a fine teacher to know and cherish in our journey together.”

Robert Conrad was born and raised in Kansas. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., in 1956, and began his career as a pastor in Townsend, Wash. He returned to Concordia Seminary in 1961 to serve as assistant professor of Christian education. As a member of the Christ Seminary-Seminex faculty, Conrad chaired the Department of Practical Theology. He directed the Doctor of Ministry Program and emphasized the need for pastors to take seriously their own need for continuing education, the education of members of their congregations, and the development of a deeper commitment to the Christian faith. He derived great satisfaction from guiding pastors through the doctor of ministry program. A tribute to Dr. Conrad will appear in the next issue of the Epistle.

What does a wise pastor (rostered leader) look like? students are doing—helping them blossom—finding the seeds within them that lead to wisdom. Sometimes they blossom because of the academics, sometimes it’s field work that helps them blossom. That’s one of the things I love about the system.

This new series will explore, with a variety of people, the question addressed by President Nieman in his inaugural lecture in October 2012 and by the panel discussion that preceded it. In early February, two LSTC colleagues, Terry Baeder, director of field education, and Paul Landahl, coordinator of candidacy, shared their thoughts on the topic.

PL: One of the things that the Episcopal Church does that the ELCA does not do is to have the seminarian’s congregation commit to support the student. Those congregations also provide background and affirmation. Some of our students don’t come out of congregations—they may find Jesus and discern their call to ministry when they are in college. There are more and more applying to seminary with very little experience in Lutheran congregations.

Paul Landahl: I think wisdom begins with a compassionate heart—having a heart for people. Wisdom has to do with finding where the person’s heart is in all of this. Terry Baeder: And that’s not something that develops—it’s the core, it’s the underlying piece. Pastoral wisdom is something you can’t define. Biblically, the wisdom material is undefined—it’s beyond “we’re going to give you some skills”; beyond teachable concepts. I agree that it has to do with having a compassionate heart. There’s another piece. Any student can say “I have a compassionate heart.” But part of what we’re doing in candidacy has to do with both the “inside call” and the “outward call”—what other people see in the candidate. Are other people saying to that student, “You would be a good pastor”?

The [candidacy] process engages a lot of people working with and looking at how the students are doing…finding the seeds within them that lead to wisdom. TB: The system of formation is important. It is a process of folks encouraging students to develop from within. The candidacy system allows a lot of people to be part of that process of formation. There’s an academic aspect to pastoral wisdom— the need to understand scripture, confessions, our history and to figure out how each of those connects, through compassion, to people in congregations and in the world. There also are markers along the way in the candidacy process—entrance, approval, and endorsement papers, CPE and other supervisors’ reports— official assessments. And there are informal assessments every time a student is in a class—a faculty or class member who will affirm what someone has to say or express a concern about it.

PL: When I served as a bishop’s associate and then as a bishop (in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod), there were times when pastors used poor judgment or showed a lack of wisdom. That experience has made me much more sensitive to how I do my job here. If I am going to be an advocate for students, I want to get to know them. I invite them to meet with me. I want to know what makes them tick. I want to see if all the pieces of their formation are coming together. I’ve been here six years and I’ve seen students develop while they’re here—but I’ve also seen some regress. TB: One of the things that’s right about the candidacy process in the ELCA is that it’s a cooperative process between the seminary, the candidacy committees, Ministry in Context supervisors, internship congregations and supervisors. The process engages a lot of people working with and looking at how the

PL: Sometimes one student will bring a concern about another student to me and I think, “I guess I need to talk with the student about this” because this is the

talking about trust. Trust is another word for faith. Does the congregation trust the pastor? It’s never a given. It’s a continual relationship. Every day it’s a new process. You’re constantly building trust in a relationship. Seminary can and can’t teach that. We’re helping folks understand that this is part of their education. Sometimes it’s the experience piece that teaches them this. Sometimes it’s just not going to happen. That’s where the partnerships with all the other folks in the candidacy process are vital. It’s not just up to Paul [Landahl] or to the internship supervisor to decide that this person [won’t make a good pastor.]

sort of thing that they need to be aware of now. I’ve seen students make huge transformations by becoming more aware of their own character or personality and how it is affecting others around them. TB: Part of what we’re looking at here has to do with character, personality, and how people relate to others. Sometimes the personality will get in the way. Pastoral wisdom has to do with how people relate to others.

[Wisdom] is not what I think and what I’m doing, but being sensitive to the context.

PL: Courses always should be taught with an eye on how each student is going to be as a leader in the church. Faculty play a crucial role in the candidacy process of students—as advisors and as teachers.

PL: (Pastoral wisdom) starts with a compassionate heart—but sometimes you need to cut through the personality in order to see it. Sometimes faculty members will see [the student’s heart] before others do and they will urge me to work with the student. It’s important to be able to assess how you are coming across to the person you’re relating to.

TB: We’re an academic institution, but we’re forming pastors and rostered leaders. That’s unique. When you look at the panoply of people who are part of the process, you see that each one comes from a different place on this. I’m grateful for [former LSTC President] Jim Echols’ vision for spiritual formation. I take it back to the design of the chapel—where it was located and having the baptismal font as a focal point of it. His pastoral wisdom was that faith formation and spiritual formation are at the core of seminary education. I’m grateful for his vision of spiritual formation—that students needed opportunities to engage in spiritual formation and faith formation as part of their seminary education.

TB: Having the ability to know how the other person is hearing what you’re saying. PL: That is a part that can be developed—that’s a learning—being able to understand, to be aware of how you are coming across to people. TB: I’m reminded of conversations you and I have had about a new pastor coming into a congregation with programs that he or she are going to run rather than coming in and listening to who the people are. [Wisdom] is not what I think and what I’m doing, but being sensitive to the context.

PL: I have had a long relationship with LSTC, so I may be a little prejudiced in its favor, but when I was on the synod staff and as bishop, I was always impressed with the quality of candidates from this place. There’s something about this place that clicks. TB: As I’m out and about in the church, I meet pastors who seem really bright or well-put-together— and then I find that they’re LSTC graduates. We’ve got some good pastors out there.

PL: It’s important to always read the context of what’s going on at that moment. If you’re going to be effective you have to be able to read the moments. TB: So it’s what the context is versus what my ability is.

You may watch a video of President Nieman’s lecture at www.lstc.edu/voices/videos/2012-10-27-inaugurallecture.php. Watch or listen to the panel discussion at www.lstc.edu/voices/videos/2012-10-27-ministerialwisdom.php or www.lstc.edu/voices/podcasts/201210-27-forum.php.

PL: You have to love the people first—listen to them, get to know them, develop trust. TB: The pastoral relationship is built around trust. When you talk about faith relationships, you’re

Listening as those who are taught

Faculty urban immersion explores ways to respond to context by the Rev. Dr. Richard Perry Jr., associate professor of church and society and urban ministry; coordinator of the urban ministry emphasis At the beginning of every new school year, the LSTC community goes through various rituals. During the last week of August, all new students participate in Orientation Week. There are a variety of activities, meetings and social events. New students meet faculty members, begin to navigate the city, and learn where to buy groceries. Returning students and spouses, especially those returning from clinical pastoral education (CPE) and internship, have stories to tell each other about their experiences. And new students have an immersion experience in the Hyde Park, Kenwood, Washington Park, and Woodlawn areas, four neighborhoods close to LSTC. After Labor Day, classes begin and the Opening Convocation is held in Augustana Chapel. Then there is the annual Fall Faculty Conference. Usually these conferences focus on some subject of importance to the faculty. Many faculty members and spouses reconnect after a summer of speaking engagements, research, writing, traveling, preparing for the new school year, and of course, some relaxation. The beginning of the 2012-2013 school year saw the same rituals, except this year there was a new excitement on campus. Our new president, the Rev. Dr. James Nieman, began his tenure. And, the LSTC Faculty did something all new students do— they participated in an immersion experience. They used this opportunity to listen to new voices in the Chicago context as “those who are taught.”

experience could be integrated into it. What an awesome opportunity!

“Listen as those who are taught” Our day began with devotions. Dr. Barbara Rossing turned our attention to Isaiah 50, especially verse 4: “The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher (an alternate reading could be “of those who are taught”) that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he awakens my ear to listen as those who are taught (emphasis added).” What marvelous words about the vocation of a teacher! The dual function of the role of a teacher is to bring a word to those who are weary but also to listen to the weary and what they have to teach us. Ministry in the urban context so often is just that: listening to those who are weary, weak, or downtrodden by the burdens of trying to eke out a meaningful and sustainable life. Ministry in the urban context is also listening to what God is doing, through God’s people, in the neighborhoods and communities. “In listening as those who are taught, what we are going to do is messy,” commented the Rev.

Exploring context and the issue of race Plans for the immersion began with a request by the Faculty Executive Committee to the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE) to organize an immersion experience for the faculty. (LSTC is a SCUPE member and our students benefit greatly from the courses SCUPE offers.) There were two purposes of the faculty’s immersion experience: 1) exploring how to read the context and 2) exploring conversation on the issue of race. These two purposes contributed to a much larger conversation about institutional assessment, teaching, and learning. Faculty members were asked to think about a course they were going to teach during the fall semester and how the immersion

The Rev. Ramon Nieves, pastor of Humboldt Park United Methodist Church in Humboldt Park (Logan Square), talks about the congregation’s ministries.

plays which empower Latina women. Our visit culminated with a walk to the Borinquen Restaurant on North California Avenue for Puerto Rican food. Our next stop was Lawndale Community Church, (www.lawndalechurch.org) located in an African American community on the west side of Chicago. The faculty met with Pastor Phil Jackson, who leads The House Covenant Church, a hip-hop church for young adults. A partnership between the Evangelical Covenant Church and Lawndale Community (a non-denominational church), The House Church is an opportunity for the life experiences of young adults to be affirmed and respected. Faculty members also had opportunities to visit the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (www.lcdc.net/) and the Lawndale Health Center (www.lawndale.org/), two community ministries of the church. I visited the health center. Lawndale Health Center is often the first and only place health needs are met for people in the community.

Dr. Shanta Premawardhana, executive director of SCUPE, one of our guides for the day. Listening as those who are taught would be an opportunity for us to “step into the shoes of the other.” After Dr. Shanta’s orientation to the day, the faculty headed off to listen to people in Chicago’s Humboldt Park (Logan Square) and Lawndale neighborhoods.

Two congregations respond to their context Our first visit was with Humboldt Park United Methodist Church (www.humboldtparkumc.org), pastored by the Rev. Ramon Nieves. We heard some of the stories of the people from the congregation.

Incorporating context into coursework The immersion concluded with a conversation with two SCUPE faculty members, Dr. Howard Wiley from the Center for African American Theological Studies (CAATS) and Dr. Daniel Rodriquez from the Advanced Latino/a Theological Education (ALTE) program. They shared with LSTC’s faculty how they incorporate the context of Chicago into their teaching. Key points highlighted by Wiley and Rodriguez included knowing the right questions to ask, encouraging students to help shape courses, offering different content so students can serve the context, and valuing the experiences of the students. “Listening as those who are taught” happened on that September day. While the contexts of Humboldt Park (Logan Square) and Lawndale are different racially, there are similarities. Both congregations listen to the voices of the people in their neighborhoods. Both congregations have a multitude of ministries which relate to what they hear from the people. Both congregations have ministries which are biblically grounded. The challenge and opportunity for us at LSTC is how we incorporate the voices of people in the neighborhoods of Chicago into the courses we teach. Chicago is urban, multicultural, ecumenical, rich and poor. The preparation of ministerial students for service in and through God’s church will be enhanced as we build relationships with people in our context.

The Rev. Phil Jackson, pastor of a hip-hop church, The House, talks about ministering to young African American men and women.

Humboldt Park, a Latino/a neighborhood, is changing. Like so many neighborhoods in cities across the nation, Humboldt Park is being gentrified. In the midst of this dynamic, Pastor Nieves shared his own excitement about ministry. Immigration reform is a top concern for the pastor and congregation. The congregation also is a member of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and sponsors Humboldt Park Social Services, a multi-program agency. One of the members of the congregation told us about the housing it provides for homeless people. We also heard from a member who writes

Partnership with Mar Thoma Church of India enriches Church and LSTC by Esther Menn, Ralph W. and Marilyn R. Klein Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible; Director of Advanced Studies and Mary (Joy) Philip (2004, M.A.; 2006, Th.M.; 2009, Ph.D.) Through its mission of educating scholarly leaders for the worldwide church, LSTC enjoys a number of ongoing partnerships with regional churches across the globe. One of those partnerships is with the Mar Thoma Church of India. One of the oldest groups of practicing Christians in the world, the Mar Thoma Church traces its origins to the eastward mission of one of Jesus’ original disciples, St. Thomas. The Mar Thoma Church is distinctive in that it belongs to the Eastern Reformed Tradition that theologically blends the Christian heritages of both East and West. Based in Kerala in southwestern India, today the denomination has over one million members worldwide. The Mar Thoma Church has two theological seminaries, the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary, in Kottayam, and Dharmajyoti Vidyapeedom, in Faridabad, plus a number of Bible colleges in India. In addition, the Mar Thoma Church cooperates in ecumenical organizations and theological institutions with sister denominational churches in India and abroad.

Monica Melanchthon (1995, Ph.D.), also encouraged him to undertake doctoral studies with LSTC’s distinguished faculty.

The Rev. Yahu Vinayaraj

Vinayaraj’s passion is Dalit theology, and he has already published extensively. His books include Re-imagining Dalit Theology: Post Modern Readings (2008) and Revisiting the Other: Discourses on Postmodern Theology (2010). His dissertation will be entitled Toward a Subaltern Theology in India. Upon returning to India, Rev. Vinayaraj intends to resume his ministry in the church and in ecumenical relations. As a doctoral student, Vinayaraj values LSTC’s commitment to cultural diversity and academic rigor. He finds Chicago’s south side “the right location for me to do my theological studies in conversation with the pain, pathos, and hopes of the African American community” and in close proximity to “academic institutions like the University of Chicago.” Vinayaraj finds inspiration in community life at LSTC, which he characterizes as “ecologically green, ecumenically rich, and economically hospitable.” Vinayaraj receives support for his studies through scholarship and fellowship awards. He is confident that his experience at LSTC will help him to equip the Mar Thoma Church and the ecumenical movement in India.

Long and deep relationship The roots of the relationship with the Mar Thoma Church extend back to the doctoral program at Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary (Maywood), one of LSTC’s predecessor seminaries. During a visit to LSTC in April 2012, current supreme head of the Mar Thoma Church, His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan recalled a personal family connection with LSTC. His uncle, Prof. Palakkunnathu Mathew Titus, earned his doctorate in theology from Maywood in 1939.

The tradition continues LSTC has the reputation of being the institution that has mentored the largest number of doctoral candidates in the area of Indian Christian Theology outside of India. The Rev. Yahu Vinayaraj, a priest from Mar Thoma Church, is currently in the Ph.D. program at LSTC in the field of systematic theology. The Metropolitan recommended that Vinayaraj seek admission because of the long relationship between the Mar Thoma Church and the seminary. Alumni in India, Dr. George Zachariah (2006, Ph.D.) and Dr.

Distinguished graduates serve around the world

Groaning World: Climate Injustice and Public Witness (Tiruvalla/ Nagpur, CSS/NCCI, 2012).

Alumna Dr. Joy Philip notes that LSTC’s faculty is the single biggest draw for graduate students from the Mar Thoma Church: “The diversity and depth of their knowledge is immense and their openness to ‘other knowledges’ is refreshing.” During his visit to campus, the Metropolitan extended his gratitude to LSTC for equipping the ministers of the Mar Thoma Church who come here for their graduate studies, for enriching their vision and mission for the growth of the kingdom of God in this world. Those graduates have fulfilled that mission with distinction in both their own denomination and the worldwide church. They include: • The Rev. Dr. Ipe Joseph (1984, Ph.D.), who came to Chicago to lead the growing Mar Thoma congregations in the area. He went on to serve as General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in India. • The Rev. Dr. T. M. Philip (1985, Ph.D.), who combined congregational ministry in India with ongoing engagement in the fields of theological publication and scholarly translation. His own book is entitled The Encounter between Theology and Ideology (1986). • The Rev. Dr. Cherian Thomas (1987, Ph.D.), who led the Mar Thoma Church as secretary and as a professor of New Testatment at the Mar Thoma Theological Seminary. He currently serves as the vicar general of the church and as the director of the Ecumenical Christian Centre, Bangalore, India. • The Rev. Dr. Moni Mathew (D.Min. 1998), who continues to serve Mar Thoma congregations in Chicago. • The Rev. Dr. P. P. Thomas (1997, Th.M.; 2000, Ph.D.), who returned to congregational ministry in India and now serves as an Old Testament professor in the Serampore College, Kolkata, India. • The Rev. Dr. George Samuel (1999, Th.M.; 2002, Ph.D.), who served the church as the general secretary of the Sunday School Association. • Dr. George Zachariah Kidangalil (2002, ThM.; 2006, Ph.D.), who is a professor in the department of theology and ethics and the Dean of Graduate Studies at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai, India. Ecological hermeneutics is one of his special interests. He is the author of Alternatives Unincorporated: Earth Ethics from the Grassroots, Cross Cultural Theologies (London: Equinox, 2011), and Gospel in a

Two recipients of the Ph.D. at LSTC from the Mar Thoma Church are now active members of the ELCA: • Dr. Mary (Joy) Philip (ELCA) (2004, M.A.; 2006, Th.M.; 2009, Ph.D.), who is an independent scholar and lecturer. Her Seal of the Mar Thoma Church forthcoming book is entitled, Can Humanization be Salvation: A Journey with the Musings of Juan Luis Segundo, Madathiparambil Mammen Thomas and Arundhati Roy (Wipf and Stock, 2013). She engages in collaborative work with Dr. Vitor Westhelle and is the assistant in the LSTC Offices of Advanced Studies and the Registrar. • Rev. Dr. Philip Mathai (ELCA) (2002, Th.M.; 2009, Ph.D.), who serves as the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lanark, Ill. Dr. Mathai and Dr. Philip were the first married couple to earn their Ph.D. degrees in the same year at LSTC. LSTC has also provided seminary education for congregational ministry in the local Mar Thoma Church: • The Rev. Biju P. Simon (2006, M.Div.) is currently working as the assistant vicar of the Mar Thoma Church, Chicago. Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Shelley emphasizes that the relationship is reciprocal. “LSTC greatly values our long relationship with the Mar Thoma Church, and we are committed to building our connections into the future. It is an important part of LSTC’s mission to offer high quality academic programs for the sake of the worldwide church. Our partnership is not one-way, though. International students, many of whom are pastors and leaders in their home churches, enrich the academic and community life of the seminary. It is an honor and a blessing to host representatives of the worldwide church at LSTC.”

Many Voices, One Story: LSTC 1983 to 2002 number of international students and how intentional When ten faculty members from Christ SeminaryLSTC was about trying to diversify its faculty in gender Seminex came from St. Louis and Minneapolis to and race,” said Dr. Linda Thomas. “LSTC has eduLSTC in 1983, it had an incredible impact on the cated a great number of students who are now leaders school. “The LSTC faculty then was roughly the size in their national churches and also in their governit is now—19,” Dr. Kurt Hendel told the crowd gathments,” she added. ered for the second LSTC Hear a podcast of the 50th Anniversary Faculty forum at www.lstc.edu/ Forum on February 7. voices/podcasts/2013And it was not only 02-07-50th-faculty.php. faculty who came, but Seminex administration, 1983 staff and students. Christ Seminary-Seminex “I recall tremendous deploy faculty, students, and hospitality from the administrative resources to LSTC faculty and comLSTC in anticipation of the munity,” Hendel said. 1988 church merger. Faculty “Remember, LSTC, itself, included Mark Bangert, was a young institution, Edgar Krentz, Kurt Hendel, it was only 21 years old, Dr. Ralph Klein, circa 1983 Ralph Klein, Robert Conrad, and it still consisted of a and Paul Manz. faculty merged from its predecessor schools.” 1986 At the February forum, Yoshiro Ishida Dr. Peter Vethanayagamony accepts invitation to facilitated discussion head a new Center among Dr. Kurt Hendel, for Global Mission Dr. Kadi Billman, Dr. Linda at LSTC Thomas, and Dr. Vitor Westhelle. Each spoke 1987 about what brought them Evangelical Lutheran to LSTC and their first Church in America memories of the school. is formed from Billman was drawn to the merger of the LSTC because of its urban, American Lutheran global, and ecumenical Church (ALC), marks. During her first Dr. Yoshiro Ishida leads a Missionary Orientation session at LSTC in the late 1980s. the Association of semester teaching at LSTC, Evangelical Lutheran she was part of a ChristianChurches (AELC), and the Lutheran Church in America Buddhist dialogue gathering in Thailand. “I had never (LCA). Unification of LSTC and Christ Seminary-Seminex experienced anything like that before. To be part of a takes place on December 31, 1987, to enter into the global conversation was an incredible gift.” new ELCA as a unified school on January 1, 1988. The Vítor Westhelle first came to LSTC as a doctoral new ELCA has eight seminaries and two additional prostudent in 1978. He recalled the vitality of the stugrams, the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest dent body. “In 1981, students built a tent city in the (Austin, Texas) and The Lutheran Theological Center LSTC courtyard to give board members a sense of (Atlanta, Georgia). what conditions were like in Soweto, South Africa, and to protest the seminary’s investments there. I The LSTC Gospel Choir is formed in response to Patricia think that action influenced the board to divest.” Bartley’s invitation to students and staff to honor Dr. “Two things that stood out for me as I considered Martin Luther King Jr. in a special worship service accepting a faculty position at LSTC were the large

1994 First draft of ELCA statement on human sexuality is released; LSTC faculty write a response and participate in discussion and revision of the document

The LSTC Gospel Choir in Tanzania James Kenneth Echols was elected president of LSTC in 1997

1995 LSTC becomes part of the Covenant Cluster with Wartburg Theological Seminary and Trinity Lutheran Seminary

1988 Chicago Center for Religion and Science moves offices to LSTC 1989 Under the leadership of Dr. David Rhoads, students, and staff, LSTC becomes a Green Zone and a model of good environmental practices for other seminaries and institutions

1996 LSTC establishes its first endowed chair, The Axel Jacob and Gerda Maria (Swanson) Carlson Chair of Homiletics

1990 Laura Gross is the first woman to earn a Th.D. from LSTC 1992 LSTC receives $100,000 Arthur Vining Davis grant to build new strategies to meet all of the seminaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial needs

McCormick Seminary President Cynthia Campbell (center, in red chasuble) and LSTC President James Echols (right of center in red stole) lead the Lutheran-Reformed Festival Worship Service at Rockefeller Chapel

1993 Hispanic Ministries Program at LSTC has 35% of the total number of ELCA M.A. and M.Div. students enrolled in Hispanic ministry studies

1997 James Kenneth Echols is elected the fifth president of LSTC. He is the first African American president of a North American Lutheran seminary.

LSTC Gospel Choir goes on a singing tour in Tanzania, West Africa ELCA becomes full communion partners with the Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America and the United Church of Christ

LSTC begins to offer evening classes on and off campus for lay people and commuter students

Scholars and leaders from around the world at the Lutheran World Federation 50th Anniversary: Front row: Vitor Westhelle, Monica Melanchthon, Dorothy Marple, Prasanna Kumari, Molefe Tsele; second row: Barbara Rossing, Wanda Deifelt, Mitri Raheb, Paul Rajashekar, Mark Thomsen, Stacy Kitahata Groundbreaking ceremony for LSTC/McCormick construction projects brought together the presidents of the two seminaries and the leaders of the two denominations

1998 More than 450 people from around the world gather at LSTC for the Lutheran World Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50th Anniversary celebration and conference, "Envisioning a Lutheran Communion: Perspectives for the 21st Century" 1999 LSTC enters dialogue with McCormick Theological Seminary about shared facilities 2001 Construction begins on Augustana Chapel at LSTC, McCormick Theological Seminary building, and underground parking garage 2002 LSTC receives $1.67 million grant from Lilly Endowment to establish Youth in Mission program

Demolition of LSTCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel Auditorium

“Unseen” financial aid helps student through seminary by Jan Boden Seminary wasn’t in Ashley help ease the financial burden of Hochhalter’s plans. She visited LSTC tuition and living expenses. She also has worked at least two jobs each in early 2009 with her sister, who semester she’s been on campus. She was trying to decide which seminary says, “I’m not happy that I have all of she would attend. “I thought I was this student loan debt, but the edugoing on vacation with Kaila while cation I’ve received has been totally she toured seminaries,” Hochhalter worth it.” recalls. “Boy was I wrong about my ‘vacation’ because in those first moments on campus I knew that this “Unseen” financial aid eases was where I was called to be and with loan debt every step, the call grew stronger.” Hochhalter is grateful for all of the After the tour, she talked with “unseen” financial aid that LSTC Ashley and Kaila Hochhalter several people about the school, its provides for her. She says, “I realprogram, and its community. She ize that students pay just a fraction recalls sitting in the LSTC guest apartment that eveof the actual cost of our education and that the rest ning, shedding tears of joy. “I knew I had reached a comes from the ELCA, synods, congregations, and point of no return and for reasons I couldn’t even donors. Without that ‘unseen aid,’ I would have had explain: God was calling me to seminary; God was to borrow much more in order to attend LSTC.” calling me to LSTC.” Annual Fund gifts to LSTC provide approxi “My first year and a half was really scary, trying mately one-third of the seminary’s income; tuition to figure out how I was going to pay for seminary. provides only 20%. Approximately 20% comes from I’m a very practical person and going to seminary ELCA and synod benevolence with the balance from meant that I went from being self-supporting and LSTC’s endowment and other sources of income paying off my student loans to having to take out such as grants. more loans to pay for school,” says Hochhalter, who is now a senior in the M.Div. program. Trusting God’s call Both Ashley and Kaila Hochhalter will finish their

Funding challenges for “first in their family” students

studies in December 2013. They plan to be part of the fall 2013 assignment process and hope to be interviewing for first calls late in the year. Hochhalter adds, “When it gets scary, I just have to keep trusting that this is where God is calling me and to follow that call.”

Ashley and Kaila are the first ones in their family and among the first in their congregation to attend seminary. That put them at a disadvantage, compared to some other students. “We didn’t know about the scholarships that are available through the ELCA and through the synod. Our congregation and synod really wanted to help, but because of their finances, the assistance they gave each of us was about $1,000 a year. We were very grateful for that help, but that doesn’t cover the cost of one course. I spent a lot of time with Dorothy [Dominiak, director of financial aid] the first year I was here!” Hochhalter has kept her student loans to a minimum and this year has received Fund for Leaders in Mission and Munderloh Foundation scholarships that

Your gift to the LSTC Annual Fund assists every student Give now and your gift can do more, thanks to the Helge Matching Challenge. All first-time gifts will be matched dollar for dollar. Any increase to your latest gift will be matched. Learn more at www.lstc.edu/alumni-friends/giving/impact/annual-fund.php or phone 773-256-0712 Thank you!

Advancement Office enlisting Seminary Advocates This spring, LSTC will be recruiting a new type of volunteer, Seminary Advocates. They will work in their congregations, conferences and synods to spread the word that everyone has a role to play in supporting theological education. “Two-thirds of the real cost of seminary education—the part that’s not covered by tuition—is underwritten by gifts to LSTC from individuals, congregations, synods, and the ELCA,” said Mark Van Scharrel, LSTC vice president for advancement. “Those gifts keep seminary tuition very low compared to other graduate-level professional programs. Everyone in the church benefits from leaders who are well-prepared. That’s why we believe that everyone has a role to play in supporting seminaries.” The initiative is part of the way LSTC is using a Stewards of Abundance grant from the ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit. “We

want to get the message out to many more people about the importance of theological education to our church. Certainly we want LSTC to benefit from more people understanding that—but we want all of the ELCA seminaries to benefit from that understanding,” said President James Nieman. The “job description” for Seminary Advocates is a work in progress. “We are going to begin the program in a few synods to gather ideas and test the effectiveness of new ways of working with congregations and synods,” Van Scharrel said. Seminary Advocates’ tasks may range from scheduling Seminary Sundays in their congregation to advocating for more financial support from their synod. If you are interested in being a Seminary Advocate, please contact Mark Van Scharrel at mvanscha@lstc.edu or 773-256-0676.

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go to currentsjournal.org 17

FACULTY NOTES Klaus-Peter Adam, associate professor of Old Testament, was the session organizer of “Meal culture in Palestine: Local traditions and foreign (Western) influences” at the November Society of Biblical Literature meeting in Chicago. Also in in Chicago at the Society of Biblical Literature meeting, he led the Pentateuch Section with the theme “Genesis 22: The Binding of Isaac,” and presented the paper, “Private enmity as social status in Biblical Law” at the Biblical Law Section. Joan Beck, Cornelsen Director of Spiritual Formation and pastor to the community, presented the adult education forum “Matthew 18: Shalom Work, the First Step in Outreach” at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Chicago, Nov. 11. She served as observer and bestowed awards upon participants at the Indo-American Christian Children of Chicago and North America Bible Spelling Bee on Nov. 17 in Elmhurst, Ill., at the invitation of the Rev. Omega Sabbithi. In January, Beck did three presentations on spiritual practices and formation for the new missionary orientation of the Global Mission unit of the ELCA. Beck published four articles in the December 2012 – January 2013 volume of the Lectionary Homiletics, “Pastoral Implications: Epiphany of the Lord,” “Pastoral Implications: Baptism of the Lord (First Sunday after Epiphany),” “Pastoral Implications: Second Sunday after the Epiphany,” and “Pastoral Implications: Third Sunday after the Epiphany.”

Kathleen Billman, John H. Tietjen Professor of Pastoral Ministry: Pastoral Theology; director, M.Div. program, published “Pastoral Implications: Fifth Sunday in Lent and Palm Sunday/ Passion Sunday” in Lectionary Homiletics, (February-March 2013). Philip Hefner, professor emeritus of systematic theology; senior fellow, Zygon Center for Religion and Science, was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Hyde Park Kenwood Interfaith Council, representing Augustana Lutheran Church. He is also chairing the interfaith Sharing Sacred Spaces Project at Augustana, and led an adult forum there in October on sacred spaces. He gave a lecture, “The Physicist and the Poet,” at Montgomery Place in Chicago in December. Hefner published “A Fuller Concept of Evolution—Big Bang to Spirit,” in Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science, (June 2012). His article, “Mobility: Disability and Life in the Spirit,” appeared in DIALOG: A Journal of Theology, (Fall 2012). Ralph Klein, Christ Seminary-Seminex Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, presided at the Society of Biblical Literature Chronicles-Ezra-Nehemiah Section in Chicago in November. In January he served as the moderator for an interfaith dialogue on peace-making and becoming peacemakers, held at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chicago. In January and February, Klein presented “How Christians Have Read the Bible” at Our Saviour’s

Lutheran Church, Naperville, Ill. In February he presented “The Changing Face of Chronicles” at the Midwest Section of the Society of Biblical Literature and “Biblical Stories as Illustrated by Art” at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Chicago. Klein’s 10-week online Select Learning course “Introduction to the Old Testament” began Feb. 4. During Lent he is leading a Bible study on Ephesians at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Chicago. Klein led seven group tours of LSTC’s Rare Book Collection in January, February and March. Edgar Krentz, Christ Seminary-Seminex Professor Emeritus of New Testament, in November and December, led a sixsession adult forum on Acts at Augustana Lutheran Church, Chicago. Carol Schersten Lahurd, lecturer in world religions, was a panelist for the Society of Biblical Literature Qur’an and Biblical Literature Section, “Reading in Tandem: Pedagogical and Hermeneutical Issues in Analyzing Parallel Biblical and Qur’anic Texts with Lay Persons and Students,” at its November meeting in Chicago. In January she presented the threeweek series “Children of Abraham: Exploring Islam, Christianity and Judaism” at Edison Park Lutheran Church, Chicago. Wilhelm Linss, professor emeritus of New Testament, conducted the German service at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Naperville, Ill., on Jan. 6 and the English services at

Trinity Lutheran Church in Park Forest, Ill., on Jan. 13. Esther Menn, Ralph W. and Marilyn R. Klein Professor of Old Testament/ Hebrew Scripture; director of Advanced Studies, presented “Christian, Feminist, Post-Holocaust Engagement with Scripture” at the Society of Biblical Literature's Ethics and Biblical Interpretation Section “Comparing Christian and Jewish Moral Uses of Scripture,” in Chicago in November. In January she served as a panelist for an interfaith dialogue on peace-making and becoming peacemakers, held at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chicago. Menn participated in the Christian Leadership Initiative Alumni Study Retreat sponsored by American Jewish Committee and Shalom Hartman Institute in Los Angeles in February. James Nieman, president, attended the Seminar for New Presidents in ATS Institutions in New Orleans, La., in December. He preached and led an adult forum at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Ill., on Dec. 9. In January he attended the Louisville Institute board meeting in Louisville, Ky., and the ATS Presidential Leadership Intensive Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Nieman and Roger Haight published “On the Dynamic Relation Between Ecclesiology and Congregational Studies” in Explorations in Ecclesiology and Ethnography, Christian B. Scharen, ed., (Eerdmans, 2012).

FACULTY NOTES Ray Pickett, professor of New Testament, in January taught an adult forum on "Gospel Stories of Forgiveness" at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, Ill. He and his spouse, Liz Muñoz, are leading a Bible study and discernment process with a Latino group from Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Chicago. Barbara Rossing, professor of New Testament, at the Society of Biblical Literature meeting in Chicago in November, was a respondent for the Ecological Hermeneutics Section “Ecology, Economy and the Bible,” and a respondent for the John’s Apocalypse and Cultural Contexts Ancient and Modern Section “Apocalyptic and Political Rhetoric: Election 2012.” In January, Rossing gave a keynote lecture, “Challenging Christian Zionism,” at a LaCrosse Area Synod event and preached on Luke 5 at two services at First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, Wis., for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day worship service. Listen to the sermon at http://www.firstlutheranonalaska.org/media. php?pageID=41. Craig A. Satterlee, Axel Jacob and Gerda Maria (Swanson) Carlson Professor of Homiletics, presented “‘The Intimate Link’: The Ecumenical Contribution of Fulfilled in Your Hearing” at the Academy of Homiletics Section “Narrative and Imagination Group and Worship and Preaching Group” in Chicago in November. That month he preached at Grace Lutheran Church, Muscatine, Iowa, for Kelli Schmit’s ordination. In January, Satterlee preached at and served

as president for the 2013 Annual Meeting of the North American Academy of Liturgy in Albuquerque, N.M. That month he gave a series of lectures on “Preaching Lent,” first at Peace Lutheran Church, Slidell, La., and then aboard the Carnival Glory Eastern Caribbean. He taught “Preaching Weddings and Funerals” at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and presented “Leading the Church in Times of Transition” for the Winter Leadership Conference of the Southeastern and North/ West Lower Michigan Synods at Hope Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills, Mich. In February, Satterlee presented “I Am the Bread of Life” at the 90th Annual Gathering of Lutheran Men in Mission at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Mooresville, N.C. Satterlee published “Commentaries on the Gospel Readings for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, First Sunday of Christmas, and The Epiphany of Our Lord” on http://WorkingPreacher. org. His “There’s Good News in Metro Chicago on the First Sunday in Advent!” appeared in Let’s Talk: Living Theology in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, (Advent 2012), http://www.mcsletstalk.org/17.4/satterlee/.

and Twenty-first Century Science.” She also presided at the business meeting of the Science, Technology, and Religion Group with the theme “Stimulating Spirituality? Technological Possibilities and Theological Challenges.” In January Schweitz led a two-week series on Issues in Faith and Science at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hinsdale, Ill. In February, she presented “Are Science and Faith Incompatible?” with Dr. Jerry Coyne at the 13th annual Celebration of Darwin Week in Charleston, to be held at the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. Schweitz was one of the people featured in the cover story “New Thinkers in the ELCA,” in the February 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine. Michael Shelley, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs; director of A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice, published a dialogue with David Grafton (Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia), “Deeper understandings: American Muslims,” in the

January 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine. Ben Stewart, Gordon A. Braatz Assistant Professor of Worship, presented a two-week series on worship renewal at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hinsdale, Ill., in November. In January he served as director of the liturgy for the 2013 Academy Liturgy at the annual meeting of the North American Academy of Liturgy in Albuquerque, N.M., where he also presented the paper “The Role of the Earth in Funeral Rites: Some Theological Implications” at its Ecology and Liturgy Seminar. Stewart also preached for the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord at Holden Village in Chelan, Wash. Stewart’s review of Gordon Lathrop’s book, The Four Gospels on Sunday: The New Testament and the Reform of Christian Worship appeared in Worship (January 2013). Stewart was one of 14 people featured in the cover story “New Thinkers in the ELCA,” in the February 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine.

James A. Scherer receives American Society of Missiology Lifetime Achievement Award On June 16, 2012, the American Society of Missiology presented the Rev. Dr. James A. Scherer, Professor Emeritus of Mission and Church History, its Lifetime Achievement Award. A tribute to him, written by Larry Nemer of Yarra Theological Union, Box Hill, Australia, appears in Missiology: An International Review (41). It provides an overview of Scherer’s career, from his experiences as a Yale English teacher at the Yali Middle School in Chianga, Shunan, in the late 1940s to his contributions to mission studies and supervision of international doctoral students at LSTC. LSTC offers its heartfelt congratulations on this welldeserved honor!

Lea Schweitz, assistant professor of systematic theology/religion and science and director of the Zygon Center for Religion and Science, in Chicago in November, presided at the American Academy of Religion Open and Relational Theologies Group and Science, Technology, and Religion Group with the theme “Miracles in Theology

FACULTY NOTES

Mark Swanson, Harold S. Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies and Interfaith Relations, presided at the business meeting of the Middle Eastern Christianity Group with the theme “The Arab Spring and Its Aftermath: Reactions by Middle Eastern Christians (On Both Sides of the Atlantic)” at the November American Academy of Religion meeting in Chicago in November. Swanson’s 2006 essay “Folly to the Hunafa: The Crucifixion in Early Christian-Muslim Controversy,” has been republished as Chapter 5 of The Routledge Reader in Christian-Muslim Relations, ed. Mona Siddiqui (London: Routledge, 2012).

Peter Vethanayagamony, associate professor of church history, presented “When the Marginalizer is Marginalized: The State and Squirms of Telugu Sudra Converts to Lutheranism” at the Religious Conversions Group “Dynamics of Conversion, Deconversion, and Marginalization” meeting at the American Academy of Religion conference in Chicago in November. He was a panelist for the Society of Biblical Literature Asian and Asian-American Hermeneutics Group session “Bible Translations in (South) Asia” also in Chicago in November. Vítor Westhelle, professor of systematic theology, was a panelist for the Bible in Racial, Ethnic, and

Indigenous Communities Group with the theme “The Bible and Colonialism: Latin America and the Caribbean” at the American Academy of Religion meeting in Chicago in November. He presented “Luther in Latineinamerika und Boff in Deutschland: Lutherische Theologie in Lateinamerika und ihre Anfragen an Europa” at the Lateinamerika Symposium of the Luthers Unvollendete: Relevanz lutherischer Theologie aus europäischer und lateinamerikanischer Perspektive conference in Neuendettelsau, Germany, on November 30.

ESSSAT meeting in Estonia in July 2012. She was also invited as a speaker at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Clergy Laity Congress in Phoenix, Arizona in October 2012 and served as a panel chair at the Orthodox Christian Laity meeting in Washington, D.C. in November. Woloschak also spoke at the American Academy of Religion in Chicago in November 2012. Woloshak and and Daniel Buxhoveden, are the editors of Science and the Eastern Orthodox Church, (Burlington, Vermont: Ashgate Publishing Company, October 2011),

Gayle Woloschak, adjunct professor of religion and science; associate director, Zygon Center for Religion and Science, was the invited plenary speaker for the

For a list of LSTC faculty articles that appeared in recent issues of Current in Theology in Mission, see www.lstc.edu/about/faculty/ currents/.

Relief and the Feed My Starving Children program. For more information or to purchase the book, visit www.qkapublishing.com or contact Pastor Hedlin at 815-485-5327 or dhedlin@ peacenewlenox.org.

director of LSTC’s Pero Multicultural Center, was one of the organizers for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Conference of International Black Lutherans (CIBL) held at LSTC November 14-16, 2012.

1981

1982

Richard Bliese (Christ Seminary-Seminex, M.Div.; 1992, Th.M.; 1995, Ph.D.) resigned as president of Luther Seminary on December 14, 2012. He served on the LSTC faculty as the Augustana Heritage Associate Professor of Global Mission and Evangelism and as director of LSTC’s graduate studies program before he was called to lead Luther Seminary.

Ron MacLennan (Th.M.; 1991, Ph.D.) will retire as professor of religion at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan., at the end of the spring 2013 semester. He became campus pastor at Bethany in 1984 and joined the faculty in 1989. In 2005 he was awarded the Bethany College Mortvedt Award for Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership. Before going to Bethany, Dr. MacLennan served as assistant and then acting director of continuing education at LSTC.

CLASS NOTES 1957 Robert Seltz (Concordia Seminary, M.Div.) has published Between the Corn Rows: Stories of an Iowa Farm Family’s Survival in the Great Depression (iUniverse, 2012). It is available from Amazon. 1974 Gerald Mansholt (Christ Seminary-Seminex, M.Div.; 1989, D.Min.) was quoted in the article, “Council endorses concept of anniversary campaign,” in the January 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine. Ron Neustadt (Christ Seminary-Seminex, M.Div.) was featured in the article “Living together: LutheranEpiscopal congregations model Christian love under one roof,” in the February

2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine. James P. Wind (Christ Seminary-Seminex, M.Div.; 1981, S.T.M.), president of the Alban Institute, has been chosen to serve as chair of the National Interfaith Cable Coalition (NICC), America’s largest multifaith media organization. Wind has been an NICC trustee since 2006. 1978 David Hedlin (M.Div.) and members of his congregation, Peace Lutheran Church, New Lenox, Ill., have published the book Questions Kids Ask about God. The illustrated book is geared toward 5–11 yearolds and is based on actual questions children have asked him. All proceeds from the book will be split between Lutheran World

Cheryl Stewart Pero (Th.M.; 2003, Th.M.; 2010, Ph.D.)

CLASS NOTES 1984 Kim Beckmann (M.Div.; 1999, D.Min.) at the invitation of Equality Illinois, testified before the Illinois Senate Executive Committee on January 3, 2013, about the Religious Freedom and Marriage Equality Act, to speak on behalf of the bill. During the new legislative session, she is working part-time with Equality Illinois to do field organizing with Lutherans. Beckmann was quoted in a December 24, 2012, New York Times story, http://www.nytimes. com/2012/12/24/us/260in-illinois-clergy-callfor-legal-gay-marriage. html?pagewanted=1&_r=2. 1986 Jonathan Schmidt (M.Div.) and his spouse, Pastor Jean Schmidt, were featured in a December 15, 2012, article in the Escanaba Daily Press. Both of them concluded their calls in Gladstone and Perkins, Mich., in December. They began serving as full-time co-pastors of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Salem, Wis., on Jan. 4.

1988

1995

David Housholder (M.Div.) hosts an afternoon drivetime live radio show, “The Bottom Line,” that reaches all of California. The current events program with a faith perspective originates from KBRT 740 AM in Los Angeles and KCBC 770 AM in San Francisco. Housholder is also pastor of Robinwood Church in Huntington Beach, Calif. His “Lutheran-friendly” catechism for adults, The Blackberry Bush Course, based on Galatians, is used across North America. Housholder reports that he “surfs too much and is eternally one week away from finishing restoring his ’71 VW Bus.” Find more at www.DavidHousholder. com.

Monica Melanchthon (Ph.D.) delivered the Lutheran Heritage Lecture at LSTC on November 26. Her topic was “The Reformer, Biblical Women and Other Asias.” Listen to the podcast at www.lstc. edu/voices/podcasts/201211-26-melanchthon. php. Dr. Melanchthon is professor of Old Testament as a member of the United Faculty of Theology, MCD University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia.

1989

Jennifer Ginn (M.Div.) was quoted in the article, “Interns learn ropes, congregations witness growth,” in the January 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine.

Durk Peterson (M.Div.) began a new call in November as the senior pastor of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minn. Prior to accepting this call he served a threeyear interim call at Alleluia! Lutheran Church, St. Michael, Minn.

1998 Frank Honeycutt (D.Min.) published “Even prophets get the blues” in the February 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine. 2000

Timothy Muse (M.Div.) was quoted in the article, “The Shrinking Church,” in the January 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine.

Mladen Turk (Th.M.; 2009, Ph.D.) received tenure at Elmhurst College, where he is an assistant professor in the Religious Studies Department. 2001 Seth Moland-Kovash (M.Div.; 2012, D.Min.) published “Preaching Helps: First Sunday of Advent – Third Sunday after the Epiphany” in the October 2012 issue of Currents in Theology and Mission. 2002 Jessica Nipp Hacker (M.Div.) was quoted in an article on the ELCA Malaria Appeal in the January 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine. Carmelo Santos-Rolón (M.Div.; 2004, Th.M.; 2010, Ph.D.) was featured on the cover and in the article “New Thinkers in the ELCA,” in the February 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine. 2004 May May Latt (Th.M.; 2012, Ph.D.) presented “The Proclamation of the Restoration and the Rebuilding of the City, Zion/Jerusalem, in the so-

IN MEMORIAM Arvid E. Anderson 1923 – 2012 Augustana Class of 1949 Pastor Anderson was ordained in 1950 and served his first call, Christ Lutheran Church in Waterford, Mich., until 1961. He was called to the staff of the Board of Parish Education of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) and served there until 1977, traveling throughout the church to introduce a new parish education curriculum. He also served as a consultant to the

Lutheran World Federation in curriculum development in South Africa, Tanzania and Liberia. He returned to parish ministry in 1977. Pastor Anderson became director of the Department for Research for the newly-formed ELCA. He retired in 1988, and he and his second wife, Nancy, served as chaplains at the Mary J. Drexel Home in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of

the ELCA. He is the author of The Inescapable Presence: Reflections on the Book of Psalms as a Guide for Our Faith Journey. Pastor Anderson died on October 29, 2012. A funeral service was held on November 10, 2012, at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler, Pa. He is survived by his wife, three children, and six grandchildren.

CLASS NOTES called ‘Cyrus passages’ and Third Isa” at the Society of Biblical Literature Formation of Isaiah Group; Theme: Isaiah 40-66 during its conference in Chicago in November 2012. 2005 Stephanie Quick Espinoza(M.Div.) has been selected as the director of evangelical mission (DEM) and minister for expanding vision in the Rocky Mountain Synod. The position is funded by the Congregational and Synodical Mission unit of the ELCA. She began her new position in February. Quick had been serving as pastor of New Hope Lutheran Church in North Aurora, Ill., since 2009. From 2005-2009, she was a missionary/pastor in Costa Rica through ELCA Global Mission. 2006 Stacey Jutila (M.Div.) is now vice president of mis-

sion and spiritual care for Advocate Children’s Hospital in the Chicago area. She will administer and oversee all strategy, planning and programs for mission and spiritual care services at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge and Oak Lawn, Ill., and for pediatric care programs throughout the Advocate system. Peter Perry (Th.M.; 2009, Ph.D.) published a review of Hebrews: Chisastic Structures and Audience Response by John Paul Heil in the October 2012 issue of Currents in Theology and Mission. Carolyn Waterstradt (M.A.) published the book Fighting the Good Fight, Healing and Advocacy after Clergy Sexual Assault. The book is based on research Waterstradt conducted with 18 survivors representing three religions and 11 denominations. Waterstradt offers the hope that healing is possible and

that if practical strategies are implemented by religious institutions and legislators, incidences of assault and its aftermath can be greatly reduced. Fighting the Good Fight is available from www. CarolynWaterstradt.com or Amazon.

panelist at the American Academy of Religion conference Wildcard Session with the theme “Theological Aesthetics in ‘Chicago’ Theology” at the November 2012 meeting in Chicago.

2007

Matthew Frost (M.Div.; 2011, Th.M.) presented “The Novelty of Universalism: Shifting the Target of Inclusive Exclusivism” at the Theology and Religious Reflection Section, Theme: Universalism: A Contested Question in Theology at the American Academy of Religion meeting in Chicago in November. He also presided at the Wildcard Session, “Theological Aesthetics in ‘Chicago’ Theology.”

Elonda Clay (Th.M.) was one of the American Academy of Religion Graduate Student Committee members to organize a conference event for emerging scholars, Religion Beyond the Boundaries. They presented two panels at area seminaries, one at LSTC, “Religion and Politics,” and “Religion and Economics” at Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary. The group's purpose is for presenters to “drop the academic jargon and present the word in ways that can be understood and engaged by people outside of the academy.” Robert Saler (M.Div.; 2009, Th.M.; 2011, Ph.D.) was a

2008

Erin Clausen (M.Div.) was featured in an article in My Suburban Life on November 20, 2012. The article describes her call and her leadership at St. James Lutheran Church in subur-

IN MEMORIAM William E. Berg 1910 – 2013 Augustana Class of 1937 LSTC’s oldest living alumnus died on February 11, 2013, surrounded by three generations of his family. Pastor William E. Berg was 102 years old. In 2011, he received LSTC’s Faithful Servant Distinguished Alumni Award. Pastor Berg began his ordained ministry at First Lutheran Church, Rock Island, Ill., in 1937. His ministry was marked by a passion for people, evangelism, and preaching. He spent 14 years on the professional Evangelism staff of the Augustana Lutheran Church. Pastor Berg is the author of eight books and, until the last week of his life, continued his writing, preaching, and personal correspondence. A memorial service was held on February 23 at Normandale Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn. An additional service was held on February 25 at the Augustana Care Center Chapel. Pastor Berg was preceded in death by his wife, Marta, and a daughter. He is survived by a daughter and son and their families, including seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

William E. Berg in 2010 after preaching at Augustana Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn., on his 100th birthday

CLASS NOTES ban Western Springs, Ill. She has served there since July 2009. 2010 Matt Holmes (M.Div.) and Rachel Wind (M.Div.) are the proud parents of Hugh, born January 2, 2013. He weighed 9 pounds and was 21.5 inches long. Everyone is doing well and learning how to live with very little sleep. 2011 Brian Robison (M.Div.) was featured in the article “Living together: LutheranEpiscopal congregations model Christians love under one roof,” in the February 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine.

Alyce Yorde (M.Div.) completed a Th.M. degree at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in August 2012. She is very pleased to be fulfilling her call to teach at an Episcopal high school in Atlanta, Ga.

2012, at Grace Lutheran Church, Elmwood Park, Ill. Wayne Miller, bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, presided and the Rev. Dr. Terry Baeder preached. Sandra Barnes (M.Div.) was featured in the article, “Interns learn ropes, congregations witness growth,” in the January 2013 issue of The Lutheran magazine.

2012 Carolyn Albert (M.Div.) was ordained February 16 at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minn. She has been called to serve as assistant pastor of child, youth and family ministry at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas.

Teri Ditslear (M.Div.) was featured in an article that appeared in the Indianapolis Star on January 9, 2013. She is now serving as associate pastor of the newly formed Cross of Life Lutheran Church in Noblesville, Ind.

Kevin Baker (M.Div.) was ordained and installed as pastor on December 8,

Carmen Retzlaff (M.Div.) was ordained December 7, 2012, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas. She has been called to serve as pastor/mission developer at New Life Lutheran Mission, Dripping Springs, Texas. Kelly Schmit (M.Div.) was ordained November 25, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church, Muscatine, Iowa. Bruce Burnside, bishop of the South Central Synod of Wisconsin, and the Rev. Gary MacManus presided. The Rev. Dr. Craig A. Satterlee preached. Pastor Schmit has been called to serve as associate pastor of McFarland Lutheran Church, McFarland, Wis.

IN MEMORIAM Drell E. Bernhardson 1919 – 2013 Augustana Class of 1945

Karl J. “Jack” Danielson 1925 – 2012 Augustana Class of 1952

After his ordination in 1945, Pastor Bernhardson served five congregations in Nebraska, Minnesota, and North Dakota. He and his wife, Adeline, established the first Distinguished Endowed Chair in Lutheran Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College, creating a model that has been emulated by other Lutheran colleges. They also provided for scholarship funds at three colleges. In 2008, the two were awarded honorary doctorates by Gustavus Adolphus College. Pastor Bernhardson died January 19, 2013. He is survived by his wife, their three sons, 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held on January 19 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Moorhead, Minn.

Before entering seminary, Pastor Danielson worked as a drafter for the Ford Motor Company’s Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti, Mich. That experience helped shape his ministry. After serving parishes in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and West St. Paul, Minn., Pastor Danielson was called to be a consultant for the Lutheran Church in America’s Commission on Church Architecture in New York City to assist congregations around the country with their building plans. Upon his return to the Midwest, he became a mission developer. In retirement, he moved to the West Coast, where he enjoyed a wide range of hobbies including gardening, travel, attending the symphony, doing artwork, and being a consultant to entrepreneurs. Pastor Danielson died on July 6, 2012, at Columbia Lutheran Home in Seattle, Wash. A memorial service was held on July 12 at Our Saviour’s

Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, Mich. He is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Paul “Chip” Gunsten Class of 1999 (D.Min.) Pastor Paul “Chip” Gunsten died from complications of chemotherapy on December 11, 2012, at Duke University Hospital, Roanoke, Va. He had been battling lymphoma for over three years. He had served as assistant director of Koinonia Lutheran Camp, Highland, N.Y., and as pastor of two congregations in Virginia before becoming assistant to the bishop in the Virginia Synod of the ELCA. He is remembered for his passion for ministry, infectious sense of humor, and being a model of the grace that he preached. A Celebration of Life was held on December 15 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, Roanoke. He is survived by his wife, Kristin; two daughters; and one granddaughter.

TRANSITIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Finance Office transition Jon Klausa, chief financial officer, has been promoted to assistant director for the Not-for-Profit Division of Quatrro FPO Solutions. Since January 2012, Klausa has been overseeing LSTC’s financial operations which are provided by Quatrro. His new position means that he will no longer be at LSTC on a regular basis, but will continue to oversee the Quatrro employees who serve in the LSTC Finance Office. David Weisz, will succeed Klausa as CFO for LSTC. David has more than 20 years of accounting experience. He has managed financial teams at two social service agencies and for a professional membership association. In February, David began working with Jon to make a smooth transition in LSTC’s Finance Office.

Admissions & Financial Aid Office realignment Kate Fitzkappes, who has been assisting students

with loans since 2010, is now the assistant director of financial aid. LSTC’s Admissions and Financial Aid Office is in the process of filling a new position, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. Dale Nettnin, assistant vice president for advancement and senior regional gift officer, and the North Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission (NCLMM) were featured in the North Carolina supplement in The Lutheran magazine. Nettnin is president of NCLMM. The NCLMM’s goal is “Building Men for Christ” by establishing a men’s group in each North Carolina congregation. The group offers workshops and retreats for men and guidance on how to build a men’s group in a congregation. The organization recently raised $77,000 to renovate the Walter Yount Retreat Lodge at Camp Agape/Kure Beach. For more information about NCLMM, visit www. nclmm.org.

Accomplishments Vance Blackfox, director of Youth in Mission, preached at the ordination service of the Rev. Carmen Retzlaff on Dec. 7, 2012, in Austin, Texas.. In its January issue, The Lutheran magazine noted that he helped facilitate the Cherokee language becoming Google’s 57th language. In January 2013, Blackfox attended the Cal-Pac Ecumenical Dialogue on Native American Ministry hosted at Claremont School of Theology and the ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza in Anaheim, Calif. In February, he was part of the Covenant Cluster Consultation on “Intercultural Education for the Sake of the Gospel: What Can We Do?” at

Ben Randall, director, food services, was featured in a Hyde Park Herald article, “Lutherans go sustainable” published February 13, 2013, about the refectory’s green initiatives:

equipment that is more energy-efficient; a compost bin maintained by the Green Zone; biodegradable cups, carry-out containers and utensils; and working towards serving locally-grown and organic ingredients. Randall says, “I don’t necessarily think of sustainability as a movement so much as just how I operate. And I hope to raise my kids with that same concept, that same ethic.” Read it at http:// hpherald.com/2013/02/13/ lutherans-go-sustainable/ Daniel Schwandt, cantor to the seminary community, led a workshop for the Chicago Chapter of the American Guild of Organists on creative service playing called, “Let the People Sing!” at LSTC on Jan. 19. Sara Trumm, program coordinator of A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice, was a panelist at an interfaith dialogue event at North Park University in Chicago on Nov. 14, 2012.

Godspeed to Dorothy Dominiak as she retires Dorothy Dominiak, director of financial aid and assistant director of admissions, retired February 28. Dorothy joined the Admissions Office in August 1989. Since then she has welcomed 23 classes of students and helped hundreds of seminarians find ways to pay for their education at LSTC. Renowned for her graciousness, hospitality, attention to detail, and dedication, Dorothy has, in her unassuming way, played a huge role in forming leaders for the church. She is retiring to spend more time with her spouse, Bob, their children and grandchildren. We are grateful for her ministry among us these last 23 years and wish her every blessing as she focuses on her other vocations as spouse, mother, and grandmother. The LSTC community gave thanks for Dorothy’s ministry during worship and at a reception on March 6. She will be doing some contract work for the Admissions and Financial Aid Office during the month of March.

Dorothy Dominiak and Dean Michael Shelley share a laugh after worship

Life at LSTC

Clockwise from upper left: Professors Kadi Billman and Kurt Hendel at the Many Voices, One Story 50th Anniversary Faculty Forum; worshipers receive the sign of the cross on their foreheads from Dr. Vitor Westhelle and middler M.Div. student Sara Suginaka on Ash Wednesday; Daniel Baldwin conducts the Luther College Symphony Orchestra in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC; LSTC M.Div. students Mauricio Vieira and Ann Marie Gonyea-Alexander, the Rev. Dr. Daniel Rodriguez and President Frank Yamada of McCormick Seminary, and Metropolitan Chicago Synod Bishop Wayne Miller lead the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Worship Service; middler M.Div. student Ryan Gerlach directs and records students, faculty and staff doing Gangnam dance moves for his video â&#x20AC;&#x153;LSTC Styleâ&#x20AC;?

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Calendar of Events All events are at LSTC unless otherwise noted. For a complete listing and details, visit www.lstc.edu/events Ongoing through Spring Semester Mondays, 6:30 p.m. Advanced Seminar in Religion and Science, “Situated Brain and Mind.” For details visit www.zygoncenter.org. March Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month See www.lstc.edu/multiculturalcenter/events/ for details April European-American Heritage Month See www.lstc.edu/multiculturalcenter/events/ for details 6 9 a.m. “Between Economy and Ecology” stewardship workshop featuring James Martin Schramm

14 4 p.m. LSTC Gospel Choir 25th Anniversary Concert 21 2 p.m. Sacred Texts Conference, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights, Ill. 22 Earth Day American Indian/ Alaskan Native Worship 27 9 a.m. “Faithful Living & Joyful Giving” LSTC/Metro Chicago Synod stewardship conference featuring Mark Allan Powell. Register at www.mcselca.org. May 10 Spring Term Ends 18 Class of 1963 Reunion 19 2:30 p.m. Commencement at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 20 Maymester classes begin

June 5 2 p.m. “Reformation 2017” public presentation by Dr. Margot Kässmann 24 ACTS D. Min. in Preaching Program residency August 25 - 27 Entering students’ retreat 26 - 27 Returning students’ retreat 28 - 30 Orientation September 3 Fall Semester begins 4 Opening Convocation