God Will Dwell With Them
(Revelation 21:1-6)
COMMENCEMENT +
165th Academic Year of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Baccalaureate Service Augustana Lutheran Church
Saturday, May 17, 2025 + 4:00 p.m.
Commencement
St. Paul and the Redeemer Episcopal Church
Sunday, May 18, 2025 + 2:30 p.m.
+ BACCALAUREATE SERVICE +
The Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen, preaching Lyndsay Monsen, assisting
Items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate that the assembly is invited to assume a posture of reverence, which might include standing or sitting, hands raised or at rest, or other postures. Text that is bold marks the assembly’s responses.
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
*GATHERING SONG Christ Is Living (ACS 934)
Text: Nicolás Martinez, 1917-1972; tr. Martin A. Seltz, b. 1951. Music: CENTRAL, Pablo D. Sosa, 1933-2020, arr. Robert Buckley Farlee, b. 1950. Spanish text ©1962 Blanca Staude de Martinez. Tune ©1962 GIA Publications, Inc. giamusic.com. All rights reserved. English tect and arr. ©1999 Augaburg Fortress. Duplication in any form prohibited without securing permission from copyright administrator or reporting usage under valid license.
*THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
The assembly stands. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Your steadfast love fills the earth. Your steadfast love fills the earth.
The service continues with gathering song. As a reminder of the gift of baptism, the assembly may be sprinkled with water during the singing.
*GREETING
During this time, the presiding minister and the assembly greet each other.
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.
*SONG OF PRAISE Caminemos con Jesus (ACS 1061)
Text: Tony Alonso, b. 1980. Music: CAMINEMOS CON JESÚS, Tony Alonso. Text and music ©2020 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 OF THE DAY
Response after the prayer: Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING: Acts 11:1-19
Veronica Mwakasungura, lector
Peter defends his decision to preach to the Gentiles by sharing a vision from God declaring all people and creation clean, leading him to welcome them into the faith. Witnessing the Holy Spirit at work among the Gentiles, the believers praised God for granting repentance and life to all.
1Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. 2So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, 3saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” 4Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, 5“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance, I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. 6As I looked at it closely, I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8But I replied, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9But a second time the voice answered from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call profane.’ 10This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. 11At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. 12The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; 14he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.’ 15And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. 16And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17If then God gave them the same gift that God gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” 18When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, “Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.”
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
PSALM: Psalm 148
The psalm for the day is sung.
1Hallelujah! Praise the Lord | from the heavens; praise God | in the heights.
2Praise the Lord, | all you angels; sing praise, all you | hosts of heaven.
3Praise the Lord, | sun and moon; sing praise, all you | shining stars.
4Praise the Lord, heav- | en of heavens, and you waters a- | bove the heavens.
5Let them praise the name | of the Lord, who commanded, and they | were created,
6who made them stand fast forev- | er and ever, giving them a law that shall not | pass away. R
7Praise the Lord | from the earth, you sea monsters | and all deeps;
8fire and hail, | snow and fog, tempestuous wind, do- | ing God’s will; 9mountains | and all hills, fruit trees | and all cedars;
10wild beasts | and all cattle, creeping things and | flying birds; 11sovereigns of the earth | and all peoples, princes and all rulers | of the world;
12young | men and maidens, old and | young together. R
13Let them praise the name | of the Lord, whose name only is exalted, whose splendor is over | earth and heaven.
14The Lord has raised up strength for the people and praise for all | faithful servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near the Lord. | Hallelujah! R
SECOND READING: Revelation 21:1-6 Venesia Sarah Laura Hutabarat, lector
John sees a vision of a new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with humanity, wiping away all tears and bringing an end to death, mourning, and pain. From the throne, God declares, “I am making all things new,” offering the water of life as a gift to all who thirst.
1I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals. God will dwell with them; they will be God’s people, and that very God will be with them, 4and will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”
5And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new,” and also said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6Then the one seated on the throne said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.”
Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.
*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The assembly rises to welcome the gospel.
*GOSPEL John 13:31-35
As Jesus prepares to depart, he speaks of his glorification and gives a new commandment to his disciples: to love one another as he loved them. He declares that their love for one another would be the defining mark of true discipleship. The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord.
31 When Judas had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son-of-Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in God's own self and will glorify him at once. 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Judeans so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON
The Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen John H. Tietjen Chair of Pastoral Ministry; Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care; Director of MDiv, MA, and MAM Programs; Director Of ELCA Candidacy
Silence for reflection follows the sermon.
*HYMN OF THE DAY
When Charity and Love Prevail
Text: Latin hymn, tr. Omer Westendorf, 1916-1997, alt. Music: MARTYRDOM, Hugh Wilson, 1764-1824. Text ©1960 World Library Publications. All rights reserved. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.
*PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
An assisting minister leads the prayers, ending each petition, “Merciful God.” The assembly responds, “receive our prayer.”
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.
OFFERTORY I Am the Vine (Allen Pote)
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. 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.
Së nai ga lu dai ya karth thar
Së nai ga lu dai ya karth thar pa ri su thar; pa ri su thar;
pa 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
pa ri su thar Vaa na mum
boo mi yum um mu dai ya ma gi mai yaal
Tamil:
Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar
English:
Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts
Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal
Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal
Niraindhirukkinrana
Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna
Sënaigaludaiya karthar parisuthar, parisuthar, parisuthar
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Vaanamum boomiyum ummudaiya magimaiyal
N iraindhirukkinrana
N iraindhirukkinrana
U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna
Hosanna in the Highest
K artharin naamathinaal varugiravar
U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna
Kartharin naamathinaal varugiravar
Sthôtharikkappattavar
Unnadhangalil ôsiyanna
Sthôtharikkappattavar
K artharin naamathinaal varugiravar
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord
Sthôtharikkappattavar
U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna
Hosanna in the Highest
U nnadhangalil ôsiyanna
The presiding minister continues, with the assembly offering the following responses: as we proclaim the mystery of faith. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. ... 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
Response after the prayer: Amen.
Anointing, Fall on Me (ACS 1013)
*SENDING SONG
Abba, Abba, Hear Us (ACS 1072) MUSIC DURING COMMUNION
*DISMISSAL
The assisting minister sends the assembly into mission. Go in peace. Share the good news. 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.
“Parisuthar” (Holy, Holy, Holy) is from the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church hymnal and order of service. LSTC Music Ministry and Friends of the Program
GATHERING SONG Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones (ELW 424)
Text: J. Athelstan Riley, 1858-1945. Music: LASST UNS ERFREUEN, Geistliche Kirxhengesänge, Köln, 1623. Outside USA: Text from The English Hymnal, © Oxford University Press 1906. All rights reserved. Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.
ACADEMIC PROCESSION
+ COMMENCEMENT +
Mark N. Swanson, Faculty Marshal
The graduates, faculty, board, and guests enter LSTC Festival Procession Arranged by Keith Hampton
GATHERING SONG Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones (ELW 424)
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Response after the prayer: Amen. The assembly is seated.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Michael Cooper-White, Interim President
THE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Bishop Yehiel Curry Metropolitan Chicago Synod
MUSIC SELECTION: Anyhow Spiritual arranged by Evelyn La Rue Pittman LSTC Music Ministry and Friends of the Program
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES, DIPLOMAS, AND AWARDS
INTRODUCTION
PRESENTATION OF GRADUATES
Linda Thomas Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs
Michael Cooper-White
Candidates for the Certificate in Theological Linda Thomas 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
Brooke Petersen
Brooke Petersen
Mark Swanson
Mark Swanson
Mark Swanson
Karri Alldredge
PRESENTATION OF THE JAMES KENNETH ECHOLS Christian Scharen PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN PREACHING
PRESENTATION OF THE BIBLE AND LUTHERAN FAITH PRIZE
Esther Menn
PRESENTATION OF THE LEANDER RUFUS Ariana Strahl VETHANAYAGAMONY MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIP Philanthropic Engagement Officer
RECOGNITION OF THE LSTC FACULTY AND STAFF
PRESENTATION OF THE 2025 CLASS GIFT
WELCOME FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD
BLESSING
Response after the prayer: Amen.
RECESSIONAL: Toccata from Symphony #5
Michael Cooper-White
Emily Moentmann
Michael Fick (2004, MDiv) Alumni Board Chair
Charles-Marie Widor
+ THE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER +
Bishop Yehiel Curry of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod has had a long and fruitful association with the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC). He recently completed a three-year term on the Board of Directors as the Region 5 Bishops’ Representative and continues to be a vital voice in the life of the seminary.
Bishop Curry has been a frequent speaker and panelist at special events at LSTC, including most recently at Homecoming 2021, where he participated in a panel on “Equity, Eco-Healing, and Human Health.” He returned to campus in April 2024 as the preacher for the closing worship service of LSTC’s Homecoming and Seminex 50th Anniversary celebration. His bold vision and commitments resonate deeply with the public church values that LSTC lifts up.
During the September 2023 meeting of the Conference of Bishops, Rev. Curry was elected to a four-year term as chair of the conference, further reflecting the respect he commands as a leader in the ELCA and beyond.
Prior to his election as Bishop in 2019, Bishop Curry served as pastor at Shekinah Chapel Lutheran Church in Riverdale, IL (2013–2019), where he had previously worked as a mission developer (2007–2012). Shekinah Chapel grew out of Safe in My Brother’s Arms (SIMBA), a youth development and mentoring initiative for African American youth on the South Side of Chicago. It was through his work in this ELCA initiative that Bishop Curry became affiliated with the denomination.
He completed the TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) program at LSTC in 2009 and went on to earn his Master of Divinity degree in 2013. Since then, he has championed the TEEM program and helped guide its growth. LSTC now has two TEEM cohorts currently progressing through the program, in no small part due to his support.
Bishop Curry is the founder and advisor of Riverdale Organized for Change (ROC), which works to address chronic flooding issues caused by inadequate sewer systems in Chicago’s south suburbs. He also serves on the Policy and Organizing Board for the Community Renewal Society in Chicago.
His work and witness have been recognized through numerous awards, including the LSTC Emerging Voice Distinguished Alumni Award, the LSTC Distinguished Service Award, the Metro Chicago Synod Strategy Team Spirit of Timothy Award, and the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Tom Hunstad Award.
He earned his BA from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, and spent several years working in social services and teaching sixth grade social studies before entering ministry.
Bishop Curry and his wife, LaShonda Curry, have three daughters: Shemiah, Ashirah, and Shekinah. LSTC is especially delighted that Shemiah Curry is following in her father’s footsteps as a student in the Master of Divinity program.
CANDIDATES FOR THE CERTIFICATE IN
+ THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION FOR EMERGING MINISTRIES +
Dennis J. Debrie Concepcion A. Ortega
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF ARTS +
Jan Frando Purba Adele Lynn Stuever
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF DIVINITY +
Juan Manuel Arias Perea (H)
Kylee Sue Bestenlehner
Timothy Edward Colón-Geistlinger
Shemiah K. Curry
Sharei Angelica Green
Hannah Emily Johnsrud
Gail Ann Kenny
Jayme Lynn Kokkonen
Jacqueline Paige Miller
Emily Jane Moentmann (I)
Trenton Davis Ormsbee-Hale*
Aquilino Perez III*
Rachel Perkins-Gama
A Completed requirements for African Descent Emphasis
B Completed requirements for Biblical Studies Emphasis
C Completed requirements for Christian Theology and Ethics Emphasis
E Completed requirements for Environmental Ministry Emphasis
H Completed requirements for Hispanic Ministry Emphasis
I Completed requirements for Interfaith Emphasis
*In absentia
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + MASTER OF THEOLOGY +
Venesia Sarah Laura Hutabarat Philip Maikkula*
CANDIDATES FOR THE DEGREE OF + DOCTOR OF MINISTRY +
Joseph Ki Fat Chu
THESIS-PROJECT: The Dividing Wall of Hostility: Reducing Political Polarization by Cultivating an Ethos of Shared Discipleship within ELCA Congregations
Carin Magdalena Hedman
THESIS: Comfort Ye My People: Preaching Comfort and Hope in Difficult Times
Mathilde Karlgren*
THESIS: Preaching the Old Testament for a Change
Veronica John Mwakasungura
THESIS-PROJECT: The Church's Contribution to Community Development: Identifying the Benefits and Contributions of Lutheran Diakonia Ministry to the Community of Post-Genocide Rwanda
Cecilia Nyberg*
THESIS: When the Word Comes Alive: Ignatian Spirituality in the Sermon
Marie-Louise Riise
THESIS: Embodied Preaching and a Word of Hope: Proclaiming Vulnerability and Grace. An Exploration of Incarnational Preaching, Authenticity, and Christian Hope
Rev. Dr. Ralen M. Robinson
THESIS: The Avenue: Uniting Congregations in Cultural Inclusivity
Jenny Sjögreen
THESIS: For the Life of the World: Catechumenal Preaching as Formation and Transformation Beyond the Individual
