2023 Baccalaureate and Commencement Program by LutheranSchoolofTheologyatChicago

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

+ BACCALAUREATE SERVICE +

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, 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.

Text: South African; transc. Freedom Is Coming, 1984

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.

GATHERING SONG*

Qué Alegría Cuando Me Dijeron (I Rejoiced When I Heard Them Say)

Tony Alonso, composer

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.

3 2

PRAISE*

PRAYER OF THE DAY*

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.

6When 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.

10While 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.”

12Then 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.

Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

4 5

SONG OF

Filled with Hope and Gratitude

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.

PSALM:

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

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

Thomas Pavlechko

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION*

The assembly rises to welcome the gospel.

Refrain

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

2As 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.

3But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; let them also be merry and joyful.

4Sing to God, sing praises to God’s name; exalt the one who rides the clouds;

“I AM” is that name, rejoice before God! Refrain

5In your holy habitation, O God, you are a parent to orphans, defender of widows;

6you give the solitary a home and bring forth prisoners into freedom; but the rebels shall live in desert places.

7O God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness,

8the 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.

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

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

32Sing to God, O nations of the earth; sing praises to the Lord.

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

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

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

GOSPEL* John 17:1-11

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.

1After 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.

6“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.

6 7

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

11“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.”

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON

Silence for reflection follows the sermon.

HYMN OF THE DAY*

Dr. Marvin Wickware Assistant Professor of Church and Society and Ethics

Great God, Your Love Has Called Us

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION*

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

PEACE

The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

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.

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.

8 9

PARISUTHAR, PARISUTHAR, PARISUTHAR (HOLY, HOLY, HOLY)*

Së nai ga lu dai ya karth thar

nai ga lu dai ya karth thar

ri su thar; pa ri su thar;

pat ta var un na dhang ga lil

ri su thar; pa ri su thar;

Së nai ga lu dai ya karth thar pa ri su thar; pa ri su thar; pa ri su thar Vaa na mum boo mi yum um mu dai ya ma gi mai yaal

na mum boo mi yum um mu dai ya ma gi mai yaal

si yan na

yum um mu dai ya ma gi mai yaal

na mum boo mi yum um mu dai ya ma gi mai yaal

Tamil:

Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar

English:

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts

Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar

Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal Niraindhirukkinrana

Heaven and earth are full of your glory

Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal

karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar

N iraindhirukkinrana

Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal

Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna

N iraindhirukkinrana

U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna

Kartharin naamathinaal varugiravar Sthôtharikkappattavar

U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna

K artharin naamathinaal varugiravar

Hosanna in the Highest Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord

Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna

Sthôtharikkappattavar

K artharin naamathinaal varugiravar

Hosanna in the Highest

U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna

Sthôtharikkappattavar

U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna

10 11

& ? b b 4 4 4 4 ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 4 Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú n ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 7 Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú î ú ú î ú ú Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï & ? b b 1 0 ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú © A rranged by ேச ைன க ளு ைட ய கர்த் தர் ப ரி சுத் தர்; ப ரி சுத் தர்; ப ரி சுத் தர் வா ன மும் பூ மி யும் உம் மு ைட ய ம கி ைம யால் Së

Vaa

& ? b b 4 4 4 4 ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 4 Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú n ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 7 Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú î ú ú î ú ú Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï & ? b b 1 0 ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú © ேச ைன க ளு ைட ய கர்த் தர் ப ரி சுத் தர்; ப ரி சுத் தர்; ப ரி சுத் தர் வா ன மும் பூ மி யும் உம் மு ைட ய ம கி ைம யால் Së nai ga lu dai ya karth thar pa ri su thar; pa ri su thar; pa ri su thar Vaa na mum boo

& ? b b 4 4 4 4 ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 4 Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú n ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 7 Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú î ú î ú ú Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï & ? b b 1 0 ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú © ேச ைன க ளு ைட ய கர்த் தர் ப ரி சுத் தர்; ப ரி சுத் தர்; ப ரி சுத் தர் வா ன மும் பூ மி யும் உம் மு ைட ய ம கி ைம யால்

Vaa

& ? b b 4 4 4 4 ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 4 Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú n ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 7 Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú î ú î ú ú Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï & ? b b 1 0 ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú © ேச ைன க ளு ைட ய கர்த் தர் ப ரி சுத் தர்; ப ரி சுத் தர்; ப ரி சுத் தர் வா ன மும் பூ மி யும் உம் மு ைட ய ம கி ைம யால்

pa ri su thar

& ? b b 1 3 Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï w w w w & ? b b 1 6 ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 1 9 wú ú w w w w w w . . Ï Ï Ïj Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï . . Ï Ï J Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï 2 நி ைறந் தி ருக் கின் ற ன உன் ன தங் க ளில் ஓ சி யன் னா கர்த் த ரின் நா Ni raindh dhi ruk kin ra na Un na dhang ga lil ô si yan na karth tha rin naa & ? b b 1 3 Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï w w w w & ? b b 1 6 ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 1 9 wú ú w w w w w w . . Ï Ï Ïj Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï . . Ï Ï J Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï 2 2 2 நி ைறந் தி ருக் கின் ற ன உன் ன தங் க ளில் ஓ சி யன் னா கர்த் த ரின் நா Ni raindh dhi ruk kin ra na Un na dhang ga lil ô si yan na karth tha rin naa & ? b b 1 3 Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï w w w w & ? b b 1 6 ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú & ? b b 1 9 wú ú w w w w w w . . Ï Ï Ïj Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï . . Ï Ï J Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï & b 2 2 Ï Ï . Ï Ïj Ï Ï Ï Ï ú Ï Ï Ïj Ï Ï Ï Ï 2 நி ைறந் தி ருக் கின் ற ன உன் ன தங் க ளில் ஓ சி யன் னா கர்த் த ரின் நா Ni raindh dhi ruk kin ra na Un na dhang ga lil ô si yan na karth tha rin naa & ? b ú ú w w w w w w . Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï . Ï Ï J Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï & ? b b 2 2 Ï Ï Ï Ï . Ï Ï Ïj Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï . . Ï Ï Ïj Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï ú . . Ï Ï Ïj Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï . . Ï Ï J Ï Ï Ï Ï Ï யன் னா கர்த் த ரின் நா மத் தி னால் வ ரு கி ற வர் ஆ சீர் வதிக் க yan na karth tha rin naa math thi naal va ru gi ra var aa seer vathik ka & ? b b 2 5 Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú & ? b b 2 8 ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú w w ú ú ú ú w w w w Sënaigaludaiya

பட் ட வர் உன் ன தங் க ளில் ஓ சி யன் னா pat ta var un na dhang ga lil ô si yan na & ? b b 2 5 Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú Ï Ï Ï Ï ú ú & ? b b 2 8 ú ú ú ú ú ú ú ú w w ú ú ú ú w w w w

பட் ட வர் உன் ன தங் க ளில் ஓ சி யன் னா

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.

... in rest for the weary, come, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit.

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

COMMUNION SONG

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION (Twelve

Disciples)

Salai Aung Thin, composer Char Laywa, singer

COMMUNION HYMN Christ, Our Peace

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.

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.

12 13

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.

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...

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.

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.

14 15

COMMENCEMENT GATHERING SONG

Founded on Faith

+ COMMENCEMENT +

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: Sr. Barbara Reid the Call of Ministers of the Gospel President, Catholic Theological Union Seminary

MUSIC SELECTION: You Will be my Witnesses

Joseph Martin, composer LSTC Music Ministry and Keith Hampton Singers

PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS, AND AWARDS

INTRODUCTION

PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES

Esther M. Menn

Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs

James Nieman

Candidates for the Certificate in Scott Chalmers

Theological Education for Emerging Ministries

Candidates for the Master of Arts Degrees

Candidates for the Master of Divinity Degree

Candidates for the Master of Theology Degree

Candidates for the Doctor of Ministry Degree

Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

PRESENTATION OF THE EDGAR KRENTZ

PRIZE FOR GREEK EXEGESIS

Director of TEEM Programs

Brooke Petersen

Director of Master of Arts and Master of Divinity Programs

Brooke Petersen

Mark Swanson

Director of Advanced Studies Programs

Mark Swanson

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

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

PRESENTATION OF THE BIBLE AND LUTHERAN FAITH PRIZE

RECOGNITION OF THE LSTC FACULTY AND STAFF

PRESENTATION OF THE SENIOR CLASS GIFT

WELCOME FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD

BLESSING

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

RECESSIONAL: Toccata from Symphony #5

Esther M. Menn

James Nieman

Kyle Duff and Kelsey Johnson

Michael Fick (2004, MDiv)

Alumni Board Chair

Erik Christensen

Charles-Marie Widor

16 17

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.

+ 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.

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.

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

Llewellyn S. Dixon

Sean Ramsey

CANDIDATES FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN

+ THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION FOR EMERGING MINISTRIES +

Jason Williams

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF ARTS +

Ji Bu

Arisbe A. Gomez Centeno (L)

Char Laywa (B)

Kalpana Christian Bharat Sharma

Stephen Styles

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

Kyle Alexander Duff (E,I)

Nathan Houstin (B)

Sharai Joella Jacob*

Kelsey Louise Johnson (I)

Terence Kilens

Krystle Jeanne Moraska (E,L)

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

Israel Alejandro Mejia Porras (L)

Christopher Rajkumar Raman

Cecilia Lee Suknaic (B)

Jepenri Tambunan

Taylor Joyce Walker* (B)

Paul Samuel Willey (I)

Harley R. Windle

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CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF THEOLOGY +

Sam Paul Israel Bose

Immanuel Paul Vivekanandh Karunakaran

Amornrat Kuhakatipob

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + DOCTOR OF MINISTRY +

Sarah Kathryn Dymund

Dissertation Title: Proclaiming Our Sacred Stories: Preaching a Narrative Connection between the Bible, the Past, and the Present Call to Ministry at Trinity, Regina.

Michael Rinehart

Dissertation Title: From Struggle to Gift: Listening for the Promise of Demographic Change in Congregational Settings

+ 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.

CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + ECUMENICAL DOCTOR OF MINISTRY +

Thorgeir Arason

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

Dissertation Title: Sin and Impurity in Priestly Rituals and Psalm 51

Sweety Helen Chukka

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

Benjamin Arthur Taylor

Dissertation Title: The Idol of Whiteness: The Social and Political Implications of Martin Luther’s Critique of Idolatry

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.

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 +

Klaus-Peter Adam

Professor of Old Testament

Candace Kohli

Assistant Professor of Lutheran Systematic Theology and Global Lutheranism

Esther M. Menn

Ralph W. and Marilyn R. Klein Professor of Old Testament/Hebrew Bible

Brooke Petersen

Lecturer

MDiv/MAM/MA Program Director and Candidacy Coordinator

Barbara R. Rossing

Professor of New Testament

Mark N. Swanson

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

Linda E. Thomas

Professor of Theology and Anthropology

Peter Vethanayagamony

Professor of Modern Church History

Marvin E. Wickware, Jr.

Assistant Professor of Church and Society and Ethics

+ EMERITI FACULTY +

Terrence Baeder

Director Emeritus of Field Education

Kathleen D. Billman

John H. Tietjen Endowed Chair in Pastoral Ministry:

Pastoral Theology, Professor Emerita of Pastoral Theology

Carl E. Braaten

Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology

Philip Hefner

Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology and Senior Fellow, ZCRS

Kurt K. Hendel

Bernard, Fischer, Westberg Distinguished Ministry

Professor Emeritus of Reformation History

Richard J. Perry Jr.

Professor Emeritus of Church and Society and Urban Ministry