2023 Baccalaureate and Commencement Program

You Will Be My Witnesses (Acts 1:8)

+ COMMENCEMENT + 163rd Academic Year of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Baccalaureate Service Augustana Lutheran Church Saturday, May 20, 2023 + 4:00 p.m.

Commencement St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church Sunday, May 21, 2023 + 2:30 p.m.

Artwork by Ann Gerondelis

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+ BACCALAUREATE SERVICE +

GATHERING SONG*

Qué Alegría Cuando Me Dijeron (I Rejoiced When I Heard Them Say) Tony Alonso, composer

The Rev. Erik Christensen, presiding Dr. Marvin Wickware, preaching Krystle Moraska, assisting

Items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate that the assembly is invited to rise in body or spirit.

Text that is bold marks the assembly’s responses.

GATHERING The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.

GATHERING SONG*

Freedom Is Coming

(A leader may sing the words in parentheses) (Oh, freedom,) Freedom is coming. (oh, freedom,) Freedom is coming. (oh, freedom.) Freedom is coming. Oh, yes, I know.

(Oh, freedom,) Freedom is coming. (oh, freedom,) Freedom is coming. (oh, freedom.) Freedom is coming. Oh, yes, I know.

(Oh, yes, I know.) Oh, oh, yes, I know.

(Oh, yes, I know.) Oh, oh, yes, I know.

(Oh, yes, I know.) Oh, oh, yes, I know. Oh, yes, I know.

(Oh, yes, I know.) Oh, oh, yes, I know.

(Oh, yes, I know.) Oh, oh, yes, I know.

(Oh, yes, I know.) Oh, oh, yes, I know. Oh, yes, I know.

Oh, Jesus.

Jesus is coming.

Oh, yes, I know.

©2020 GIA Publications Inc. All rights reserved.

Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.

GREETING* During this time, the presiding minister and the assembly greet each other.

Alleluia! Christ is risen.

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

Text: South African; transc. Freedom Is Coming, 1984 Text © 1984 Peace of Music Publishing AB, admin. Walton Music Corp., a div. of GIA Publications, Inc., giamusic.com. All rights reserved.

THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM* The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

The service continues with gathering song. As a reminder of the gift of baptism, the assembly may be sprinkled with water during the singing.

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SONG OF PRAISE*

Filled with Hope and Gratitude

WORD God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.

FIRST READING: Acts 1: 6-14

Paul Willey, lector

This reading is part of the introduction to the narrative of the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost. These verses tell of the risen Lord’s conversation with his disciples on the eve of his ascension, in which he promises that they will receive the power of the Holy Spirit.

6 When the apostles had come together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by divine authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9When Jesus had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11They said, “You Galileans, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

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Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

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Word of God, word of life.

Thanks be to God.

Text: Paul Damico-Carper, b. 1981, based on Luke 1:46-55. Music: ADVENT MAGNIFICAT, Paul Damico-Carper.

Text and music ©2013 Augsburg Fortress.

Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.

PRAYER OF THE DAY*

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PSALM: Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

Thomas Pavlechko

The psalm for the day is sung by the choir. The assembly joins on the refrain.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION* The assembly rises to welcome the gospel.

Psalm refrain reproduced from Psalm Settings for the Church Year: Revised Common Lectionary. ©2008 Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced by permission for local use only.

Refrain ­ et God arise, and let God’s enemies be scattered; L let those who hate God flee.

2 As smoke is driven away, so you should drive them away; as the wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3 But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them also be merry and joyful.

4 Sing to God, sing praises to God’s name; exalt the one who rides the clouds; “I AM” is that name, rejoice before God! Refrain In your holy habitation, O God, you are a parent to orphans, defender of widows; 6 you give the solitary a home and bring forth prisoners into freedom; but the rebels shall live in desert places.

7 O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, 8 the earth quaked, and the skies poured down rain, at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9 You sent a bountiful rain, O God; you restored your inheritance when it languished.

10 Your people found their home in it; in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor. Refrain 5

Words: Traditional. Music: Soahuku traditional melody, Seram Island, Indonesia; adap. Christian I. Tamaela.

John 17:1-11

GOSPEL*

On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prays to his heavenly Parent, asking that those who continue his work in this world will live in unity.

The holy gospel according to John.

Glory to you, O Lord.

After Jesus had spoken these words to his disciples, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

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Sing to God, O nations of the earth; sing praises to the Lord.

33 You ride in the heavens, O God, in the ancient heavens; you send forth your voice, your mighty voice.

34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel; whose strength is in the skies.

35 How wonderful you are in your holy places, O God of Israel, giving strength and power to your people! Blessed be God! Refrain 32

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“I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.

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“And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”

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An assisting minister leads the prayers, ending each petition, “…let us pray.” The assembly responds, “Have mercy, O God.”

PEACE

The gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION*

The peace of Christ be with you always.

And also with you.

Dr. Marvin Wickware

Assistant Professor of Church and Society and Ethics

The people may greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace, and may say, “Peace be with you,” or similar words in the many languages spoken within our community.

The assembly is seated.

Silence for reflection follows the sermon.

HYMN OF THE DAY*

Great God, Your Love Has Called Us

MEAL God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.

OFFERING The offering taken this evening will go to support the humanitarian and development work being carried out by the Lutheran World Federation. For more information, visit www.lutheranworld.org. To make a donation online, go to https://lstc.edu/make-a-gift-chapel/ or scan the QR code.

During this time, the table is set. Children from the LSTC community will make an offering of dance during the collection.

After the offering is gathered, the assembly stands. Bread, wine, money, and other gifts may be brought forward.

OFFERING PRAYER* GREAT THANKSGIVING* The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Text: Brian A. Wren, b. 1936. Music: RYBURN, Norman Cocker, 1889-1953. Text © 1977, rev. 1995 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Music © Oxford University Press. Used by permission. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

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ú

Arranged by

4 & b 4 úú úú úú úú ÏÏ ÏÏ ÏÏ ÏÏ 4 ைன க ளு ைட ய க ர் த் த ர் & b 4 ேúú ச úú úú úú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Së nai ga lu dai ya karth thar ú ú ú ர் 4 Ïக ளு ÏÏய HOLY)* ைன க த úú ர் த் b 44 ேúú ச ? ÏÏ ைÏÏ டHOLY, PARISUTHAR, (HOLY, & PARISUTHAR, únai úú Ïga Ï úPARISUTHAR ú b 4 Së Ï luÏ dai thar Ï Ïya karth ú ú ú Ïக ளு Ï ைன க த ர் ú ர் த் ? & bb 4444 ேúú ச ÏÏ ÏÏÏ ைÏÏÏ ட ÏÏÏய ú ú ú Së nai ga lu dai ya karth thar ú ú ú ர் Ïக ளு ைன க த ú ர் த் ? b 44 ேú ச Ï ைÏÏ ட ÏÏய 4 Ï ú ú ú Ï dai ya karth Së nai ga lu thar ú ú ú b ú ú Ï Ï & ? 4 Ï ú úú ú Ï ÏÏ Ï Ï Ï ú 4 Ï b 4Ï ú Ï ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ïப Ï ரி ரி சுúத் தúர் ; சு த் த ர் ; b ப ú ú & Ï Ï Ï 4 ú Ï Ï ú Ï ú ú pa ri su thar; ri su thar; Ïpa Ïரி சுúúத் தúர் ; ப ரி சு த் த b பÏÏ ? Ï ú ர் ; ú Ï & Ï ú ú Ï Ï b paÏ 4 Ïri nsuú ú Ï ú ú thar; pa ri su thar; Ïப Ïரி சுúúத் தúர் ; ரி சு த் த ? Ï ú ú ர் ; Ï & bb பÏÏ Ï úú úú ÏÏ Ï n ú Ï Ï ú pa ri su thar; ri su thar; Ïpa Ï ú ப ரி சு த் த ர் ; ப ரி சு த் த ? Ï ú ú ர் ; úú ÏÏ 7 Ïri nsuú úsu b paÏÏ thar; pa ri thar; ú î &b Ï ÏÏ ú Ï Ï Ï ú úú Ï ú ÏÏ úú úú 7? ú Ï Ï ú b nú த ன ú ர் î úவ ா & b பÏ ÏÏ முÏ ம் Ïரி Ï சுúத் 7 ú Ï Ïri 2 suú ú pa thar Vaa na Ï mum ரி Ï சுúத் த ர் வா ன முÏ b பÏÏÏ îî ? ÏÏ ம் Ï ú ú & ÏÏ mum Ï b pa ú 7 thar Vaa na Ï Ïri 2 suú ú Ï முÏÏ ம் த ன îî ? ÏÏரி Ï சுúúத் úú ர் úவ ா & bb பÏÏÏ Ï Ï mum Ï Ïri 2 su ú pa thar Vaa na Ï சுúத் த ன முÏ ? b பÏÏ Ï ம் ÏÏரி úú ர் úவ ா 10 î Ï ú pa ri Vaa na mum ÏÏ thar ÏÏ ÏÏ ÏÏ ÏÏ suúÏÏ ÏÏ ÏÏ ÏÏ Ï úú ÏÏ & b úÏÏú ? Ï ú ú 10 Ï î Ï b பூ úயு ம் úம் மு மி உ ைட ய ம கி ை ம ய ா ல் Ï Ï úú Ï ú b boo Ï Ï Ï 13 & Ï Ï Ï Ï Ïya Ï yum Ïum mu Ï dai mi Ï Ïma Ïgi Ïmai úúyaal 10 ÏÏ ம் úúமு ÏÏ ம யúா ல் bb úúபூÏÏ ÏÏ ைÏÏÏட ÏÏ ÏÏய ÏÏ ÏÏம கிÏÏ ww ை & ÏÏ மிÏÏ ÏÏயுÏÏ ம் Ï ÏÏ உ ?

13 ú & Ï ை றyum Ï dai கி ன்Ïya ற Ïma Ïgiன Ïmai úyaal Ïந் தி Ïum ரு க்mu b boo நி mi 10 ú Ï Ï Ï Ïம கிÏ ww ை ÏÏ ம யúúா ல் b Ï © Ï பூ மி யு ம் Ï Ï உ ம் ú மு ைÏட Ï Ï ய Ï Ï & Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú Ï b ? Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú 13 Ni raindh dhi ruk kin ra na & b boo ÏÏ Ï Ï Ïya Ï ÏÏma Ïgiw Ïmai úyaal Ï ைÏறyum Ïum ருúக்mu Ï dai Ï Ï mi ÏÏ உ நி ந் தி கி ன் ú Ï Ï Ï ÏÏய றÏ ©Ïம கிÏ ன ÏÏ ம யúா ல் b Ï ? Ï ú ww ை பூ மி யு ம் ம் மு ை ட Ï Ï Ï Ï & b úÏ Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ? Ï Ï Ni raindh dhi ruk kin ra na Ï yum Ï um úmu dai Ï ya Ï Ï ma Ï giw mai úyaal Ï b boo Ï mi நி ைÏறÏந் தி ரு க் கி ன் ற Ï Ïன ú ú Ï Ï Ï ? Ï ú w ÏÏ © Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï raindh dhi Ï Ï raÏ Ï Ï na ? b úÏÏ Ï Ni ruk kin Ï b ú Ï Ï ú Ï Ï © w Ï Ï ú w ?b 16 Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ÏÏ Ï b úú ú úú úú & úú Ï 16 ú ன த ஓ ú ன் ÏÏ ங் கÏ ளி ல் ú úú úúசிsi & b உUn úú ú Ï na dhang ga lil ôú 16 úú ன் úú ÏÏ ங் கÏÏ ளிúல் úúசி úú உ ன த ஓ ? Ï & bb Un úú ú úsi ú Ï na dhang ga lil ôú ú ன் úú Ï ங் கÏ ளிúல் úúசி ú உ ன த ஓ ?b ú Ï ú Ï Un na dhang ga lil ôú si ú ú Ï Ï ú ú ú ?b ú ú ú Ï 19 ú Ï ú j & b wú ww ÏÏ .. ÏÏ ÏÏ ú 19 ÏÏ ய ன் னா க ர் த் தj ரி ன் நா b & wú ÏÏ .. ÏÏ rin ww ú ÏÏ 19 ÏÏ yan na karth tha naa w . j w Ï Ï Ï ய ன் ன ா க ர் த் த ரி ன் ந ? Ïா ÏÏ .. ÏÏ & bb wyan ú www ú ÏÏ J Ï . na karth tha rin naa Ï. Ï w w Ï Ï Ï ய ன் ன ா க ர் த் த ரி ன் ந . w ?b w ÏÏ ா Ï Ï J Ï yan na karth tha rin naa 10 ww ÏÏ .. ÏÏ Ï ? b ww ÏÏ 22 jÏ J j Ï. Ï Ï ÏÏ &b Ï Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï.

22

yan w ?b w 22

&b

ÏÏ

ம த்

math

?b Ï Ï & b ÏÏ 25 பட் & b pat ÏÏ Ï ? b பட் Ï pat Ï ?b Ï 25

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& b úú & b ஓúú ô ? b ஓú ôú ?b ú ú

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Tamil:

ÏÏ ..

ww

ú

ய ன்

னா

ÏÏ

தி

thi

Ï Ï ÏÏ ட ÏÏ ta Ï ட Ï ta Ï Ï

Ï. Ï.

ன ா ல்

naal

ÏÏ .. úú வர் úú var úú வர் var úú

ú ú சி ú ú si சி ú ú si ú ú

வ

vaj

Ï Ï

ரு

ru

கி

gi

ற

ra

வ ர்

var

ÏÏ ÏÏ ÏÏ ú ú úú ú உன் ன ú úúna úun ú úú உன் ன úun ú úúna ú

ww யwன் w yan யúன் ú yan úú

úú úú

English:

ரி ன்

ÏÏ J

karth

Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ú

ÏÏ

த

ÏÏ ..

ww

na

j ÏÏ ÏÏ

ÏÏ

க ர் த்

Ï Ï

tha

Ï. Ï.

ஆ

ÏÏ

நா

rin

naa

j Ï Ï Ï Ï

ÏÏ

Ï Ï

சீ ர் வ தி க் க

seer vathik Ïka

aa

Ï ÏÏ .. ÏÏ Ï ÏÏ ÏJ úú Ï தங் க ÏÏ Ï ளில் úú Ï dhang ga lil Ï Ï தங் க ளில் úú Ï Ï dhang ga lil Ï Ï úú Ï Ï w w னா w na w ன wா na w w w

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar Heaven and earth are full of your glory Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya Vaanamum boomiyum magimaiyal Sënaigaludaiya karthar ummudaiya parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar magimaiyal Niraindhirukkinrana Niraindhirukkinrana Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna Hosanna in the Highest Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna Niraindhirukkinrana Kartharin naamathinaal varugiravar Blessed is the one who comes naamathinaal Unnadhangalil ôsiyannavarugiravar Sthôtharikkappattavar Kartharin in the name of the Lord Sthôtharikkappattavar Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna Hosanna in the Highest Kartharin naamathinaal varugiravar Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna Sthôtharikkappattavar Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna

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The presiding minister continues, with the assembly offering the following responses:

Stay with us, for it is evening.

Stay with us, for it is evening. ...

Our hearts burn within us as we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. ...

Into our deepest night, come, Lord Jesus.

Come, Lord Jesus. ...

(Twelve Disciples)

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION

Salai Aung Thin, composer Char Laywa, singer

in rest for the weary, come, Holy Spirit.

Come, Holy Spirit.

COMMUNION HYMN

Christ, Our Peace

LORD’S PRAYER* Gathered into one by the holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us, in the many languages and traditions by which we have been blessed: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION* The assembly may be seated.

COMMUNION Text: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Music: CHRIST, OUR PEACE, Marty Haugen. Text and music © 2007 GIA Publications, inc., giamusic.com. All rights reserved. Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.

COMMUNION SONG

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION* Response after the prayer: Amen.

SENDING God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING*

Response after the table blessing: Amen.

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SENDING SONG*

Caminemos con Jesús (Let Us Walk with Jesus)

DISMISSAL* The assisting minister may send the assembly into mission.

Go in peace to the ends of the earth, bearing witness to all that God has done.

Thanks be to God.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND SOURCES Many materials contained within this order of worship are protected under copyright laws and are used with the express permission granted by One License, License Number A-721113. All rights reserved. All Augsburg Fortress copyrighted liturgical texts, liturgical music, and service music is licensed under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License number SAS019574.

Translation of Spanish refrain: Let us walk with Jesus, let us walk with his cross, let us walk the path illuminated by his light.

Traducción del Estribillo en Inglés: Como compañeros en el camino, vivamos las palanras que oramos. Con todos los que han sido rechazados por el mundo, caminemos... © 2020 by GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

The setting of Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 by Thomas Pavlechko is from Psalm Settings for the Church Year, © 2008 Augsburg Fortress.

The intercessory prayers for this service have been prepared by Cecie Suknaic Saulnier, Class of 2023.

The gospel acclamation, “Haleluya, Puji Tuhan,” (Praise the Lord) is found in Sound the Bamboo: CCA Hymnal 1990, published by the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music and the Christian Conference of Asia (1990), “Parisuthar” (Holy, Holy, Holy) is from the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church hymnal and order of service.

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COMMENCEMENT GATHERING SONG

+ COMMENCEMENT +

Founded on Faith ACADEMIC PROCESSION

Mark N. Swanson, Faculty Marshal The graduates, faculty, board, and guests enter

LSTC Festival Procession

arranged by Keith Hampton

GATHERING SONG

Founded on Faith

PRAYER OF INVOCATION

Erik Christensen Pastor to the Community & Director of Strategic Initiatives

Response after the prayer: Amen. The assembly is seated.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

James Nieman, President

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS: Hewing Stones of Hope from Mountains of Despair: the Call of Ministers of the Gospel

President, Catholic Theological Union Seminary

Sr. Barbara Reid

MUSIC SELECTION: You Will be my Witnesses

Joseph Martin, composer LSTC Music Ministry and Keith Hampton Singers

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS, AND AWARDS INTRODUCTION

Esther M. Menn Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs

PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES

James Nieman

Candidates for the Certificate in Theological Education for Emerging Ministries

Scott Chalmers Director of TEEM Programs

Candidates for the Master of Arts Degrees

Brooke Petersen Director of Master of Arts and Master of Divinity Programs

Candidates for the Master of Divinity Degree

Brooke Petersen

Candidates for the Master of Theology Degree

Mark Swanson Director of Advanced Studies Programs

Text: Paul D. Weber, b. 1949. Music: FOUNDED ON FAITH, Paul D. Weber. Text and music © 2017 Paul D. Weber, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.

Candidates for the Doctor of Ministry Degree

Mark Swanson

Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Mark Swanson

PRESENTATION OF THE EDGAR KRENTZ PRIZE FOR GREEK EXEGESIS

Esther M. Menn

PRESENTATION OF THE JAMES KENNETH ECHOLS Kimberly Beckmann PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN PREACHING Auxiliary Faculty in Homiletics and Ministerial Leadership PRESENTATION OF THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS AWARD

Mark Swanson

PRESENTATION OF THE BIBLE AND LUTHERAN FAITH PRIZE

Esther M. Menn

RECOGNITION OF THE LSTC FACULTY AND STAFF

James Nieman

Harold S. Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies and Interfaith Relations

PRESENTATION OF THE SENIOR CLASS GIFT WELCOME FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD

Kyle Duff and Kelsey Johnson Michael Fick (2004, MDiv) Alumni Board Chair

BLESSING

Erik Christensen

Response after the prayer: Amen. The assembly is seated.

RECESSIONAL: Toccata from Symphony #5 16

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Charles-Marie Widor

+ THE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER + Sr. Barbara E. Reid, O.P. is a Dominican Sister of Grand Rapids, Michigan and holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She is President of Catholic Theological Union and Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies. She has taught at CTU since 1988 and served as Vice President and Academic Dean from 2009-2018.

CANDIDATES FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN

+ THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION FOR EMERGING MINISTRIES + Llewellyn S. Dixon

Jason Williams

Sean Ramsey

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ MASTER OF ARTS +

She has led may study tours and retreats in the Holy Lands.

She is author of twelve books and numerous articles, most recently the two-volume commentary on the Gospel of Luke that she co-authored with Prof. Shelly Matthews in the Wisdom Commentary series (Liturgical Press, 2021; see wisdomcommentary.org;), for which she is also General Editor.

Ji Bu

Kalpana Christian Bharat Sharma

Arisbe A. Gomez Centeno (L)

Stephen Styles

Char Laywa (B)

As well, she is one of the General Editors for the new Jerome Biblical Commentary for the Twenty-first Century (Bloomsbury Press, 2022).

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ MASTER OF ARTS IN MINISTRY + Sylvia Noelle Owen Johnston

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ MASTER OF DIVINITY + Kathleen Yvonne Butler

Israel Alejandro Mejia Porras (L)

Kyle Alexander Duff (E,I)

Christopher Rajkumar Raman

Nathan Houstin (B)

Cecilia Lee Suknaic (B)

Sharai Joella Jacob*

Jepenri Tambunan

Kelsey Louise Johnson (I)

Taylor Joyce Walker* (B)

Terence Kilens

Paul Samuel Willey (I)

Krystle Jeanne Moraska (E,L)

Harley R. Windle

B Completed requirements for Biblical Studies Emphasis E Completed requirements for Environmental Emphasis I Completed requirements for Interfaith Emphasis L Latinx Ministry and Theology Emphasis * In absentia

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CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ MASTER OF THEOLOGY + Sam Paul Israel Bose

Amornrat Kuhakatipob

Immanuel Paul Vivekanandh Karunakaran

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ DOCTOR OF MINISTRY + Sarah Kathryn Dymund

Michael Rinehart

Dissertation Title: Proclaiming Our Sacred Stories:

Dissertation Title: From Struggle to Gift: Listening for the

Preaching a Narrative Connection between the Bible, the

Promise of Demographic Change in Congregational Settings

Past, and the Present Call to Ministry at Trinity, Regina.

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ ECUMENICAL DOCTOR OF MINISTRY + Thorgeir Arason

+ RECOGNITION OF SERVICE + Bob Berridge: In Gratitude Bob Berridge has been managing the Lutheran School of Theology’s (LSTC) facilities for nearly 40 years. He joined the staff at LSTC in 1984 as the director of building services after coming to Chicago with and working at Christ SeminarySeminex then completing an MA in theology. Lisa, his wonderful spouse, also worked at Seminex and LSTC until 1989. In 1992 he was appointed associate vice president for administration and finance, later advancing to the role of vice president for administration and finance in 1998. For the last 18 years, Berridge has served as vice president of operations and senior project manager of facilities. He retires from this position June 30, 2023.

Berridge personifies what it means to be a dedicated employee and an all-around good human. Beneath his calm zen-like presence is a focused mental force strategically guiding the operations, maintenance, and planning of the LSTC’s main campus and housing. This is no small feat, and yet Berridge executes his job with precision and grace.

Most recently, Berridge has held the dual responsibility for the day-to-day facility operations while overseeing the move from LSTC’s main building to Catholic Theological Union (CTU) and beginning the construction for LSTC’s new location at CTU. The details of each aspect of his job are pages-long, but Berridge, who is known for “getting it done,” is a careful planner who works tirelessly until the job is complete.

Dissertation Title: His Night Gives Us Light: The Interplay of Darkness and Light in the Worship of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Iceland and Its Implications for Racial Ideas and Spirituality

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF

+ DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY + Chrisida Anandan

Benjamin Arthur Taylor

Dissertation Title: Sin and Impurity in Priestly Rituals and

Dissertation Title: The Idol of Whiteness: The Social and

Psalm 51

Political Implications of Martin Luther’s Critique of Idolatry

Sweety Helen Chukka Dissertation Title: Mixed Marriages in Ezra 9-10: An AntiCaste Reading to Unravel the Intricacies of Caste

Among his many celebrated accomplishments, Berridge was responsible for overseeing the 2003 renovation of the Augustana chapel, the 2016 HVAC renovations, and significant upgrades to the campus housing throughout the years. He gives thanks for being a part of LSTC’s antiracism efforts throughout the seminary’s history–especially being a part of the formation of the current Antiracism Transformation Team (ATT). He is proud that during these four decades he’s seen and helped LSTC to sustainably respond to tumultuous and significant changes in higher education, the Church, and how people gather.

Bob has reported to five LSTC presidents and been a member of the executive cabinet and countless board committees during his time at LSTC. Berridge gives thanks to God for the privilege of working side-by-side with world-renowned life-changing administrators, faculty, staff, and students and feels their passion. He especially gives thanks and is in awe of the ingenuity, skill, faithfulness, and care of the laborers, janitors, tradespeople, engineers, and technicians with whom he has worked.

To the LSTC staff, students, faculty, alumni, board members, and donors, Berridge offers this wisdom: “Keep celebrating the gifts of God in all people and living as people of compassion.”

Through his work supporting the recent move, Berridge has gained insight and adds: “Don’t wait until you’re about to move to clean out the basements, attic, and closets in your life— both physically and emotionally.”

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+ FACULTY +

+ DISTINGUISHED AFFILIATE FACULTY +

Klaus-Peter Adam

Barbara R. Rossing

Ghulam-Haider Aasi

Craig A. Satterlee

Professor of Old Testament

Professor of New Testament

Distinguished Affiliate Professor

Distinguished Affiliate Faculty

Candace Kohli

Mark N. Swanson

Mercedes García-Bachmann

Audrey West

Assistant Professor of Lutheran Systematic Theology and

Harold S. Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies

Distinguished Affiliate Faculty

Distinguished Affiliate Faculty

Global Lutheranism

and Interfaith Relations

Antje Jackelén

Gayle E. Woloschak

Esther M. Menn

Linda E. Thomas

Distinguished Affiliate Faculty

Distinguished Affiliate Faculty

Ralph W. and Marilyn R. Klein Professor

Professor of Theology and Anthropology

of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible

Peter Vethanayagamony

Brooke Petersen

Carol Schersten LaHurd Distinguished Affiliate Professor

Professor of Modern Church History

Lecturer

Marvin E. Wickware, Jr.

MDiv/MAM/MA Program Director and Candidacy

+ ADJUNCT FACULTY +

Assistant Professor of Church and Society and Ethics

Coordinator

(KVALIFICERAD FORTBILDNING PREDIKAN, SIGTUNA SWEDEN)

+ EMERITI FACULTY + Terrence Baeder

David M. Rhoads

Director Emeritus of Field Education

Professor Emeritus of New Testament

Kathleen D. Billman

José David Rodríguez

John H. Tietjen Endowed Chair in Pastoral Ministry:

Augustana Heritage Professor Emeritus

Pastoral Theology, Professor Emerita of Pastoral Theology

of Global Mission and World Christianity

Carl E. Braaten

James A. Scherer

Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology

Professor Emeritus of Missions and Church History

Philip Hefner

Michael Shelley

Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology

Director Emeritus of A Center of Christian-Muslim

and Senior Fellow, ZCRS

Engagement for Peace and Justice

Kurt K. Hendel

Harold S. Vogelaar

Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Ministry

Professor Emeritus of World Religions

Professor Emeritus of Reformation History

Christine Wenderoth

Richard J. Perry Jr.

Director Emerita, JKM Library;

Professor Emeritus of Church and Society and Urban Ministry

Associate Professor Emerita of Ministry

Niclas Blåder

Tina Johansson

Caroline Edlund

Carina Sundberg

Ola Fornling

Johan Svedberg

+ AUXILIARY FACULTY + Carol Albright John R. Albright

Craig Mueller

Elyse Ambrose

Richard Perry

Chrisida Anandan

José David Rodríguez

Ruben Duran

Rosanne Swanson

Tom Gaulke

Benjamin Taylor

Javier Goítia Padilla

Christine Wenderoth

Andrew Guffey

Gayle Woloshak

Kurt K. Hendel

Mayuko Yasuda

+ ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF +

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James R. Nieman

Elaine Bonner

President

Access Services Manager, JKM Library

Samantha Adindu

Abimbola “Abbie” Brown

Events Coordinator

Registrar

Bob Berridge

Carlos Carillo

Senior Project Manager, Facilities

Senior Staff Accountant

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R. Scott Chalmers

Burmaa Kaylin

Dean of Student Services; Director of TEEM Programs

Technical Services Assistant, JKM Library

Erik Christensen

Rhiannon Koehler

Pastor to the Community and Director of Strategic Initiatives

Assistant Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications

Aaron Copley-Spivey

Bianca Leoni

Director of Human Resources; Title IX Coordinator

Housing & Student Employment Manager

Vimary “Vima” Couvertier-Cruz

Esther M. Menn

Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice

Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Debra Cronin

Sandra H. Nelson

Director, Educational Information Technologies

Vice President for Advancement

John Damer

Cassandra Oliver

Director of Advancement Operations

Director of Admissions

Patti DeBias

Arthur C. Petersen

Assistant to the President

Editor, Zygon Journal of Religion and Science

Samantha DeBias

Emilie Pulver

Accounting Coordinator

Metadata Librarian, JKM Library

Keisha Dyson

Nathaniel Ramsey

Executive Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications

Director of Financial Aid

James Foster

Marji Shannon

Director of Safety, Security, and Visitor Services

Director of Contextual Education

David Glover

Mike Reese

Editorial Assistant, Zygon Journal, Project Administrator,

Controller

Zygon Center

Jennifer Stone

Keith Hampton

+ 2023 COMMENCEMENT THEME AND ARTIST INFORMATION + You Will Be My Witnesses (Acts 1:8) The artist commissioned to produce materials for this year’s program is Ann Gerondelis AIA, IDSA. Ann is the Head of the Design Department in Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. A passionate design evangelist and inclusive leader, she draws on her broad range of experiences in educational innovation and design in multiple disciplines.

Reflecting on her design for this year’s commencement, Ann said, “This artwork is from a drawing I created for LSTC a few years ago when we were exploring the theme Sent into the World. While working on it, I said this prayer: Courageously and tenderly, may we bear witness to God’s call. Let us step out in confidence, stirring up the dust, bringing the joy of God’s light and love to all the earth.”

+ LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT + LSTC recognizes that our school stands on the lands of the Potawatomi, Miami, and Peoria peoples.

For thousands of years before their forced removal, this was their traditional homeland, and it continues to hold their ancestral stories and wisdom. We honor and thank the elders of these and other nations, past and present. These lands are still home to many indigenous people, and we are grateful to learn in this place.

Data Service Analyst

Cantor to the Seminary Community

Sara Trumm

Marvis Hardy

Director, A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for

Staff Accountant

Peace and Justice

Barry Hopkins

Gloria Vicente

Interim Director of JKM Library

Advanced Studies Coordinator

Cheryl Hoth

Richard Vivian

Assistant to the Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Vice President for Finance and Operations

Jessica P. Houston

Rob Worley

Alumni Services I Congregational Engagement Manager

Director, Language Resource and Writing Center

+ RECONCILING IN CHRIST SEMINARY + As a Reconciling in Christ seminary, LSTC seeks to offer hospitality and welcome to all who enter LSTC’s academic programs. Following Jesus Christ, whose reconciling love bridged barriers and made strangers friends, we seek to welcome and learn from one another’s particularity—including but not limited to one another’s race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical ability, social status, and theological diversity.

Michael Huckelberry Director of Maintenance and Engineering

Peter Iversen Philanthropic Engagement Officer

Judith Jean-Michel Advancement Department Administrator and Project Manager

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