OCTOBER 2008
In This Issue... A World of Opportunity Breaking Ground Alumni In Focus
You are the light oĆ’ the world. A city on a hill
cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14
By MLC President Mark Zarling
D E
Is Before You
V O N
In one lifetime, God has moved us from sitting in a pew and watching a missionary’s slide show to daily interaction with people of other languages and cultures even in rural America. A world of opportunity is before us. See it clearly. Prepare for it with the Savior’s heart of compassion.
I
I think of that Scripture almost everywhere I go. Like no other time in my life, nor perhaps in the history of the world, has the Lord allowed Christians the evangelism opportunities we have. If you think I’m speaking only about MLC’s Daylight International program, through which dozens of MLC grads and students are teaching around the world, you’d be wrong. I thought of that Scripture when I saw a lady in a sari walking along a Minnesota village sidewalk . . . when I heard Chinese in the hallway of a rural Nevada hotel
T
. . . when I heard Russian—or perhaps Ukrainian—in a city supermarket . . . when I met students from the Sudan who attend an LES in neighboring Mankato. . . whenever I hear Spanish in the agribusiness area of the Great Plains, or Hmong and Laotian in the fields of Wisconsin . . . and whenever I see international students attending American colleges.
O
The holy writer sees a glorious scene. After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes . . . they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
Share the gospel of the Savior with your new global neighbors, and let the Spirit do the rest. On our cover: MLC senior Sarah Sauer (left), who teaches at Colegia de Los Ángeles in Colombia; MLC senior John Raasch; Cory Olson ’05; Tim Wrobel ’05; and Pastor Dan Schmidt ’01.
MLC In Focus is published by Martin Luther College Mission Advancement Office and is distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends. Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Martin Luther College trains both men and women to serve as teachers and staff ministers in WELS and also prepares men for pastoral training at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon WI. President...................................Mark Zarling VP, Mission Advancement..........Jon Scharlemann Public Relations Director...........Bill Pekrul Editor/Writer.............................Laurie Gauger Photographer............................Bill Pekrul Proofreader................................Heidi Schoof
All correspondence should be directed to MLC In Focus Martin Luther College New Ulm, MN 56073 mlcinfo@mlc-wels.edu 507-354-8221 ext. 295
Alumni of DMLC, NWC, and MLC who will celebrate their reunions of 5, 10, 15, 20 . . . 75 years in 2009! Photos courtesy of Alumni Director Steve Balza.
Visit our website at www.mlc-wels.edu To subscribe to our weekly news update, send an email to mlcupdate-subscribe@mlc-wels.edu
Dustin Bergene MLC ’04 Sturgeon Bay WI
Maria Habben DMLC ’89 Tokyo, Japan
3
here on the Breaking Ground By God’s grace, the construction of a new chapel at Martin Luther College began this summer. Shell construction is targeted for early October, with the completion of the exterior shell planned for early December. (To view construction progress or to read a full Q & A, go to mlc-wels.edu.)
Governing Board Meets
New MLC DVD!
The MLC Governing Board held their semi-annual meeting September 18-19 on campus.
MLC: A World of Opportunity is our newest DVD for students interested in attending Martin Luther College.
View
the exc this DV can off iting opp D to dis ortun cover er ities campu you . . MLC . on s, and aroun campus, ©Mart off d the in Lut world her Col ! lege 200 8
DVD
View th
Ese dol Compa ea aut um ent pra tibility pat pra estrud : venit, t.Ip el sequis sit, quamc summodit on vol ea or
is DV the ex can of citing opp D to dis co or camp fer you . . tunities ver us, an M . d arou on campu LC s, nd th e wor off ld!
Produced by the Emmy Awardwinning Boettcher Media Group, this fast-paced video reveals the opportunities MLC offers its students on campus, off campus, and around the world—opportunities to serve and learn, to have fun, and to discover whether or not the public ministry is the career path for them! 3
1995 Luthe New r Ulm, Court MN 56 07
(Left to right) MLC President Mark Zarling, Barry Price, Steven Rosenbaum, Scott Huebner, Roy Beyer, Robert Hinnenthal, Michael Schultz, Keith Bowe, Stephen Loehr, Minnesota District President Charles Degner, Jeffrey Wegner, Chairman Ralph Scharf, William Steinbrenner, Jonathan Hahm. Not pictured: WELS President Mark Schroeder, Steven Danekas.
4
Harold Wicke NWC ’34 Fond du Lac WI
John Kaesmeyer DMLC ’89 Saginaw MI
The DVD is suitable for high school classes, youth groups, families, and anyone who wants to know more about MLC, particularly high school students. It will be sent to all juniors and seniors in the Admissions Department database, and it will be included in the “Tool Box” of future WELS Connection videos, which are sent to WELS congregations. To request your own copy, contact Jan Pelzl in the Admissions Office at 507.354.8221 x280 or pelzljn@mlc-wels.edu.
Charles Vannieuwenhoven NWC ’94 Appleton WI
Jacquelyn Horton MLC ’04 Watertown WI
Daylight USA: MLC Students in Florida By Pastor John Huebner* (Shepherd of the Lakes—Land O’ Lakes FL)
“What a team of wonderful, dedicated workers—three guys and one girl from Martin Luther College! They helped us with our outreach effort for about a week and a half last spring. The team delivered over 2,400 flyers at homes in the area. . . . [They] spent each morning and evening planning and preparing for the [Easter for Kids] event. . . . One taught the group and individual sessions, one taught the younger children, one took care of the technological needs, and one led the music on guitar. Their varied gifts were put to good use. “We hoped to have about 15 children in attendance . . . we had over 35. The Easter for Kids event has made a big difference for our future. Precious connections are being made with people in the community. We can’t thank the MLC team enough
The MLC Daylight USA team at Land O’ Lakes FL: Adam Winkelmann (Grace—Lowell AR), Ryan Halter (Shepherd of the Hills—Inver Grove Heights MN), Chelsea Fraley (St. Stephen—Adrian MI), and Brent Miller (Prince of Peace—Traverse City MI).
for all its work. We commend them for their work ethic and zeal for the project! Thank you!” *Reprinted by permission from WELS Kingdom Workers Update, Summer 2008, Volume 21, Issue 2. More than 80 other MLC students spent last Spring Break serving WELS congregations from New York to Texas to California—all the experiences funded by WELS Kingdom Workers. These opportunities for hands-on learning allow our students to “do” ministry while still training for ministry.
Seeking Your Comments Martin Luther College invites comments from the public in preparation for its regular evaluation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
related to the quality of the institution and its academic programs. Comments must be in writing and signed. Comments cannot be treated as confidential. Please send your comments by February 28, 2009, to . . .
MLC is fully accredited by the commission. A commission evaluation team will visit the college March 30-April 1, 2009, to review its ongoing ability to meet the commission’s criteria for accreditation.
Public Comment on Martin Luther College The Higher Learning Commission 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, IL 60602
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college. Comments should address substantive matters
Michelle Steffenhagen MLC ’04 Glendale AZ
Margaret Puttin DMLC ’44 Pine River WI
Caleb Schoeneck MLC ’99 Federal Way WA
Leslie Kehl DMLC ’44 Columbus WI
5
The Resident Assistants helped the first-year students move in.
here on the
First Year—First Impressions We welcomed 224 first-year students in August. We were very impressed with them. What did they think of us? I was very impressed, very quickly. We met President Zarling right away, and he was so friendly. It was amazing that he took the time to help us to move in. He’s the president and one would expect him to be doing other things . . . Anne Zietlow (Great Plains LHS) Amazing. I love it! My mom wishes she could’ve gone here for school . . . Stephanie Teeples (Michigan Luth. Sem.) It is a very friendly, very beautiful place. I’d never been here before, and I think it’s great . . . Michelle Hintz (Independence High—Tennessee)
Right away when we pulled into MLC, our car was completely surrounded by people (RAs) with bull’s-eye shirts. At first I was scared because I had just woken up from a nap, but then it was awesome because all my stuff was carried to my room! . . . Lauren Leyrer (Luther Prep) MLC emanates Lutheranism. I like the Luther statue . . . Joe Ebert (Rocky Mountain LHS) Everyone is so friendly . . . Justin Danell (Minnesota Valley LHS) It really helped going on Focus on Ministry trips here. It helped me know what I needed ahead of time and what to expect . . . Malissa Smatlak (Kettle Moraine LHS)
This place looks like a park! . . . Michelle’s dad
MLC “Showcase College” for Fitness Technology MLC is one of four national “Showcase Colleges” for Polar, a global leader in computerized physical fitness technology. The Polar TriFIT/Body Age Assessment System, including 35 heart rate monitors, enables MLC users to receive instant feedback, assess their performance, exercise at the proper intensity, and set customized fitness goals. “We like that our students are on top of the technology that is available for use in educational and personal settings,” says Physical Education Professor Jack Gronholz, “and that our graduates will be prepared to impact the lives of the students they teach through the use of the latest technology.” The system, which was purchased through a Faculty Initiative Grant, is used by classes, teams, and individual students, and is available to any WELS member who makes use of our Fitness Center.
Professor Jack Gronholz demonstrates the computerized fitness technology now available at MLC.
To read more about this technology at MLC, go to polarusa.com/education/college and click on “showcase colleges.”
6
Carol Benacker DMLC ’69 South Haven MI
Kathy Underwood MLC ’99 Baraboo WI
Marie Bode DMLC ’39 Courtland MN
Ruth Schleusener MLC ’99 Utica NE
Students Publish
Academic Journal MLC Pre-Seminary students Aaron Jensen (St. Mark— Watertown WI) and Andrew Hussman (St. Stephen— Fallbrook CA) have been appointed editors of the recently re-launched Studium Excitare, The Journal of Confessional Language Studies at MLC.
This quarterly magazine, first published in hard copy in 2002, has since transitioned to a completely online journal (studiumexcitare.com). Aaron Jensen and Andrew Hussmann are the new editors Studium Excitare is Latin for of Studium Excitare. “to arouse zeal,” and that’s what the magazine does—arouses zeal for orthodox Lutheran writings in the confessional languages (German and Latin), especially those writings not yet translated into English. The first issue in 2002 contained a translation by MLC student Souksamay Phetsanghane ’05: C. F. W. Walther’s “There Is Nothing New Under the Sun” from the journal Lehre und Wehre. Since then, students have published biographies and writings of many Lutheran fathers, including Martin Luther, Johannes Brenz, David Chytraeus, Nikolaus Selnecker, George Stoeckhardt, August Pieper, and Adolf Hoenecke. Some of the original editors, Nathaniel Biebert ’05, Caleb Bassett ’06, Ben Foxen ’05, John Dermé ’05, and Kirk Lahmann ’05, who are students at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, remain the steering committee of the journal. Along with MLC faculty advisors Professors Keith Wessel (Latin) and Jim Danell (German), they are looking forward to working with the new editors, Jensen and Hussman. “I think I can speak for everyone,” says Biebert, “when I say that these translations have immensely helped us to grow in our knowledge of God’s Word and so also in our faith, as well as familiarizing us better with Lutheran history. All of this in turn has given us a head start in our classes at the Seminary, and will also, we pray, bless us in any future fulltime calls God may be pleased to extend us.”
Deborah Garbow DMLC ’74 Edmore MI
Naomi Nitz DMLC ’54 Waterloo WI
MLC Students
Stage Original Musical Kent Reeder (St. Paul—Menomonie WI) and Dan Johnston (St. Paul—Beverly Hills FL) collaborated to write a musical that will debut on the MLC stage in November. The Sundance Kid tells the story of Butch Cassidy, Sundance, and the rest of the Wild Bunch. “I hope that the people involved with The Sundance Kid each learn about hard work and dedication,” says Reeder, who is directing the show, “and about the joys and challenges of creativity, and about what it takes to do something excellently and wholeheartedly— and then take that feeling, that lesson, into their ministries.” Kent is assisted by other members of Forum, MLC’s Drama Society: Producer Adam Mathiak (David’s Star—Jackson WI), Assistant Producer Alexandra Chworowsky (St. John—New Ulm MN), Choral Director Emily Sell (St. Mark—Watertown WI), and Choreographer Amy Georgson (St. Paul—Ixonia WI). Show times are November 7 at 7:30, November 8 at 7:30, and November 9 at 2:00. Call 507.233.9114 for reservations. Other Forum productions for 2008-2009: Frankenstein Radio Play (Readers’ Theater), December 5-6 Musical Comedy Murders of the 1940s February 20-22 The Three Fairy Godmothers (Children’s Theater), April 24-25 Hamlet (Outdoor Classical Theater), May 1-3
Philip Sievert NWC ’89 Janesville WI
Russell Wilke DMLC ’74 Menasha WI
7
In Focus SARA McKEY ‘03
Spanish Teacher, Illinois Lutheran High School Walking past Sara McKey’s Spanish classroom at Illinois Lutheran High School, you might hear students singing “Padre Abraham (had many sons . . .).” Sounds fun, but it’s also serious business, because the song is helping students memorize body parts in Spanish. This combination of fun and academic challenge may be why so many ILHS students take Sara’s Spanish classes; in fact, only 40 students in the whole school don’t study Spanish.
Spanish. Sara’s enjoyed four MLC immersion trips, including this summer’s to Ecuador. (See more on this trip on page 18.) In 2006, she took 11 students on her own to Costa Rica. Like other MLC-trained teachers, Sara’s goals for her classes are grounded in sound educational research and her Christian worldview. She adheres to the guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language: COMMUNICATE with others, appreciate Latino CULTURE, make CONNECTIONS to other disciplines, make COMPARISONS to our own culture, and use the language in the COMMUNITY. And at the top of the list she adds another goal: live for CHRIST and communicate CHRIST.
Sara says her teaching is guided by the philosophy of MLC Spanish Professor Paul Bases: “The best way to learn and teach Spanish is by doing it. We use as much Spanish as possible through reading, writing, listening, speaking, and partner activities every day. I appreciate how Profe (pro-fay: Spanish for Professor) Bases made us use Spanish every day, even if it was hard at times.”
“Spanish is the official language of so many countries around the world and is becoming more and more necessary in the United States,” she says. “While many are of the opinion that people should have to learn English, the gospel cannot wait that long. If we already know a second language, we can share the love of Jesus with them as soon as possible.”
One way Sara and other past and present MLC students have mastered the language is through annual immersion programs, where they spend five weeks in a Spanish-speaking country, studying language and culture and speaking nothing but
Join Us for Homecoming 2008! Friday, October 24 1 pm 3 pm 8 pm
Women’s Soccer vs. Northwestern Men’s Soccer vs. Northwestern MLC Homecoming Talent Show Traditional “Burning of the M” and Root Beer Social
Saturday, October 25 10 am Tailgate tent opens/Parent registration Continuous family events on the grounds: kids’ play area, face-painting, caricature portraits, geocaching, concessions 11 am MLC Information Hour with the Admissions Dep’t 11 am Cross Country Invitational (Flandrau State Park, New Ulm) 12 pm Women’s Soccer vs. Crown 1 pm Football vs. Macalaster 2 pm Men’s Soccer vs. Crown 7:30 pm Parent/Alumni reception (Historic Lind House, New Ulm)
8
David Kolander NWC ’79 Montello WI
Crystal Russell DMLC ’84 Waukegan IL
Ronald Freier NWC ’54 Oshkosh WI
Elise Sauer DMLC ’84 Kewaunee WI
In Focus Jon enter ‘00
Jon Enter MLC ’00 has served Hope—West Palm Beach FL since 2004. In the last four years, God has given Hope incredible growth. Attendance has grown by 50%. The church hosts a fellowship meal every Sunday. The parsonage is a social center as Jon and his wife, Debbi, regularly host meetings, parties, and dinners. Described as “contagiously happy,” Jon says he “loves people, loves life, and loves the Lord.” MLC InFocus spoke to Pastor Enter about his joy-filled ministry and how MLC prepared him for it.
What do you find the most meaningful part of your ministry? Sermon preparation. It’s a special honor and privilege to spend quality time with the Lord in deep contemplation of his Word. I try to place myself and my listener within the context of Scripture—to feel the shaking of the ground as the lions roared in Daniel’s lion’s den, to weep with Mary at Jesus’ tomb, and then to leap with uncontrollable joy at Christ’s resurrection. It’s simply awe-inspiring to watch God’s holy, inspired Word heal the hearts of the hurting and penetrate the hearts of the proud. As a pastor, I have a front-row seat to witness the power of God’s Word. Youth work also receives a lot of my time. I remember how faith-strengthening it was for me as a teen to be involved in Bible studies and to enjoy the encouragement of fellow Christians. When I attended the WELS International Youth Rally in Estes Park CO in 1993, I was blown away. My life changed. That teen experience led me to create a faith-enriching environment for our teens. My wife and I built a game room within the parsonage. The youth have supper at our house, dig into prayer and Bible study, and then enjoy some fellowship time in the game room. Their hearts are drawn to relevant and personal ministry that speaks to the issues that are troubling their lives.
John Sprain NWC ’84 Denver CO
Lawrence Czer DMLC ’79 McAllen TX
How did your ministerial training at MLC prepare you for all this? At the same time you’re getting a wonderful Christian education at MLC, you’re also getting a wonderful liberal arts education that can serve you your entire life. You take classes like biology and wonder why it’s important to know what a stamen is, but years later you end up meeting a botanist and you don’t sound like a complete idiot. Cross Cultural Ministries with Paul Wendland helped me understand the melting pot that I live in known as South Florida; we have 12 different nationalities in our church. Psychology with Charles Cortwright helped me understand the emotions and thought processes people go through when faced with difficulty or grief. Writing courses were invaluable to communicate well God’s Word to God’s people, to develop a style that aims to penetrate the heart, not go over the head. Music class helped me understand how major and minor keys affect the power of hymns. And examining the original Greek and Hebrew Scriptures for grammatical subtleties that shed an even brighter light on the gospel has increased the power of my sermons and given me the ability to pepper the sermon with potent illustrations. I can’t say enough about MLC. The liberal arts education is top-notch. Thanks, Alumni Archive Committee: (From left) Prof. em. Art Schulz ’50, Paul Fritze ’61, Clarice Fastenau ’64, Paul Willems ’64, Lois Willems ’64, and Char Fritze (not pictured) have logged 150+ volunteer hours at MLC this year, creating a display of (D)MLC archival materials.
Ronald Siemers NWC ’84 Des Moines IA
Luther Weindorf NWC ’54 Artesia NM
9
All over the World? Do MLC Graduates Really Teach
Yes! Through MLC’s Daylight International, about three dozen students and grads are teaching in Albania, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico, and Southeast Asia. They teach at every level, from preschool to adult. Some teach God’s Word in their classrooms and assist local missionaries. All are living witnesses for Jesus.
Look where these 2008 grads are teaching right now:
Jacquelyn Colletta: Leah Dose: Rebecca Finke: Tim Matthies II: Claire Natsis: Sarah Priestap: Elizabeth Strong: Shanna Stubalt: Ben Workentine:
With the exception of Japan, these positions are jobs, not calls. Our students apply for them like 100s of other applicants all over the world. Being from MLC is an advantage in the application process, however, because these schools know and respect our students.
If you have any questions about Daylight International, you can contact Pastor John Boeder at boederjc@mlc-wels.edu or 507.354.8221 or Professor Thomas Hunter at huntertn@mlc-wels.edu or 507.354.8221. If you know someone who is considering MLC and wondering whether they’d be eligible for the Daylight International program, the answer is yes!
Generally, after a year or two, the graduates come back and make themselves available for assignment to a stateside WELS school, with minds and hearts more responsive to a world hungry for the Word.
In the Following Pages: Thalassa Prize: For the second year, international teachers competed for this $1000 prize, which is awarded to the best photo-and-essay submission. The prize money, which is given by an anonymous donor who has chosen this method to support MLC’s global mission and ministry, is divided equally between the winner and a foreign mission of the winner’s choice. Thalassa [THAH- lah-sah] is Greek for “the sea.”
10
Santiago, Dominican Republic Southeast Asia Southeast Asia Southeast Asia Southeast Asia Santiago, Dominican Republic Southeast Asia Ashikawga, Japan Southeast Asia
A World of Opportunity
• • • •
MLC to Albania MLC to Mexico MLC to Japan MLC to Dominican Republic
A World of Opportunity— In Our Own Backyard
• MLC to Local Hispanics • MLC to Local Sudanese
2008 Thalassa Prize
MLC’s Second Annual Contest
2008 Winner:
“One in Christ” By Rachel Kionka—Malawi
The joy hits before you even get out of the truck. The choir sways out of the small brick church, clapping and dancing. Then they begin to sing. It is a sound you’ve never heard before; the harmonies are more brilliant, more penetrating. Stepping down onto the dirt, you realize you will never be the same again. The choir, children, and elders greet you and follow you into the church. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the darkness of the humble room. Sitting on a small dirt bench at the front of the church, you are surrounded by young children with piercing eyes. They smile shyly, and love holding your hand, staring at the beautiful differences.
What have you found? Here are your brothers and sisters in Christ. Here they give their all to praise our gracious Lord. Here they show their love through song, and often that is all they can give. By earthly standards they have so very little. Looking into their eyes, you see a glimpse of
the greatest strife and sorrows in this world. But you will also see peace and joy. Joy in their Risen Lord. While the service often lasts over two hours, I can only pick out a handful of Chichewa words, and though the dirt benches are hard, I never tire of going to visit our bush congregations here in Malawi. These services cause tears to run down my face every time. Our backgrounds, cultures, languages, and skin colors might be different, but as we stand together and speak the Lord’s Prayer, sing “Create in Me,” and celebrate Holy Communion, we are unified with something stronger than words can explain. Christ is our Leader and we are His Church. Rachel Kionka ’07 taught at Sir Harry Johnston International School and volunteered at Grace Orphan School in Zomba, Malawi, from July 2007 to July 2008. 11
2008 Thalassa
By Rachel Meyer—Southeast Asia [Excerpt] . . . Watching a professional calligrapher is a captivating experience. His wrinkled face and hands stand testament to his decades of experience. The calligrapher’s deliberate strokes are precise. He commands respect as the onlookers stand in quiet admiration. When his work is complete, he marks it with his personal stamp to declare ownership. As the calligrapher marks his work, so also our gracious Father has marked His words, and for that I am grateful. Though many miles from home, I continue to live as His instrument, using His Word as my tool. Our Father has blessed my time here with numerous opportunities to share His message with those who live void of His eternal promises. Frequently, they ask in amazement, “How can you be certain?” . . . The Good Shepherd gives my listeners and me confidence because He has not left behind the words of man to lead others to His flock, but rather His own words. These words emanate from the very Voice that created the universe, healed the troubled and sick, and ignited the hearts of His followers. . . . Words that are sealed with His promise: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” He has spoken to us. It’s stamped and certain. Rachel Meyer ’07 began teaching in Southeast Asia in 2007.
12
By Rachel Kionka—Malawi [Excerpt] . . . The children are orphans, many due to HIV/ AIDS . . . at Grace, an after-hours school for these 3-16 year olds, giving them lessons in English, math, health, and religion. . . . Most of these children, my students on Wednesday afternoons, have no more than one set of clothes, one pair of flimsy sandals. They most likely sleep on grass mats on dirt floors. Without money, they cannot go to secondary school and have little hope for a stable job. They might not know where their next meal will come from, and they have no father or mother to go to for help. But they are loved . . . by their Heavenly Father. Rachel Kionka ’07 taught at Sir Harry Johnston International School and volunteered at Grace Orphan School in Zomba, Malawi, from July 2007 to July 2008.
“Let the Little Children Come 2 0 0 8 S u b m i ss i o n
2 0 0 8 S u b m i ss i o n
“Stamped and Certain”
2 0 0 8 S u b m i ss i o n
“By God’s Grace”
[Excerpt] . . . Two-year-old Michele was the youngest child at just learned that Jesus is her greatest treasure. Each week nearly 200 children hear about the love of Jesus right from the escolinhas, or “little schools,” are one of the many tools that th and strengthen the faith of these little ones. . .
Julie Jabs ’10 taught in Brazil the second semester of her sopho
Prize
MLC’s Second Annual Contest
By Rebecca Seeger—Southeast Asia [Excerpt] Take a good look at the bottom of your shoes. Not a pretty picture. Think about the dirt and debris ground into the cracks and crevices of your soiled shoe and multiply it by ten. That sums up the filth we accumulate from the Chinese ground. No one in their right mind would dare touch our feet or our shoes, except the shoe shiners. They have the overwhelmingly humiliating task of washing the gritty, grimy shoes of higher class citizens who, on their way to cushy office jobs, had to endure rubbish filled city streets and side alleys. Shoe shining, it’s a lower class job no one wants. Yet, our Savior chose it. The Author of Life became a foot washer. . . .
Rebecca A. Seeger ’05 has been teaching in Southeast Asia since 2006.
to Me”
By Julie Jabs—Brazil t escolinha, yet she too had in rural Dourados, Brazil, eir neighbors’ homes. These he Holy Spirit uses to work
omore year (January to July 2007).
“Walking through the Door” 2 0 0 8 S u b m i ss i o n
2 0 0 8 S u b m i ss i o n
“Shoe Shiner”
By Zachary Seeger—Southeast Asia [Excerpt] . . . A long walk offers a world of new experiences. This country is packed with people, temples, markets, and doors. Doors? I see dozens on my daily walk home. Enormous iron gates tower over tiny openings in concrete walls. Solid, elegant entryways embarrass flimsy unhinged boards. . . . Despite the temptation, I’ve never opened one. . . . After all, it’s a long walk and home’s door is the only one worth entering. That’s where my life is. However, I’m not alone on my walk. A nation of millions treads the same trail I do. They notice the same doors I see. . . . Doors called Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and the gorgeous gate titled self-righteousness. The curious enter and get comfortable—deadly comfortable. . . . It’s devastating to watch wayward walkers enter the wrong door. How can I stop them? I can’t, but He can. . . . I invite them through the door into my home and point them to the Way. He knows how to lead on life’s road because He’s walked it himself. . . . His resurrection opened the narrow door for us, and He promises it’s the only one worth walking to. It leads to our eternal home. Enter through Him. Zachary P. Seeger ’05 has been teaching in Southeast Asia since 2006. 13
From MLC to Japan By Beckie Gilbert ’08 Monday, August 25, 2008: I arrived safely in Japan. . . . Many interesting adventures . . . During orientation over at school I felt my first earthquake. . . . On Friday we journeyed off to Utsunomiya for the Summer Bible Camp, which they have once every summer here in Japan. . . . It was there that I experienced my second earthquake. We were on the third floor and it was during an English Bible Study, of all times. God kept all of us safe through that one as well. Tuesday, September 9, 2008: Well, the First Day of School has come and gone. . . .I am extremely tired but very pleased with how the day went. . . . I also started taking Japanese classes. . . . I was so lost, and I’m sure my face described quite fully my frustration at myself and my complete cluelessness. Right now I have learned the vowels, how to write them, and some general greetings in Japanese. My installation was on Sunday. . . . Pastor Stahmann did parts of it in English so that I would know what I was agreeing to do, but the rest of it was in Japanese to go with the rest of the service. Afterwards we had fellowship time where I was able to meet some of the members, who are extremely friendly. . . . Read more on Beckie’s blog: www.beckie-in-japan.blogspot.com.
“Despite the daily challenges and language barriers,” says Sarah, pictured with Livan and Lia, “the kids are amazing and give me hugs and kisses every day.”
From MLC to Dominican Republic By Sarah Priestap ’08 Although Sarah Priestap ’08 has just begun teaching her 12 kindergarten students at St. David School in Santiago, Dominican Republic, she can see already that her year there will be a study in contrasts. The country is vibrant, she says. “You often see people dancing and listening to music. The scenery is very beautiful, with mountains in the background, and we are blessed to live in a beautiful apartment.” In contrast, however, “Down the road a family lives in a shack with hardly a roof over their heads.” Her classroom, too, is a study in contrasts. Her students speak very little English, yet that is the language she teaches in. And though she has been trained at MLC to integrate God’s Word into every subject, at St. David she is not able to do so. “But I hope that through my actions and words, the students can learn that I love them dearly, as they are a blessing from God,” she says. On Sundays, Sarah attends a French service, for Haitians, at the WELS worship center. She especially treasures her weekly Bible study with the missionaries—in English. Although every day is an adventure, Sarah’s up to it. “MLC prepared me by offering a variety of teaching experiences in Lutheran and public schools,” she says. And this year she’s gaining even more experience—global experience—that will serve her well when she is assigned next year to a WELS school here in the States.
14
Jody Enstad DMLC ’79 St. Paul Park MN
Leanne Larson DMLC ’89 River Falls WI
Arden Wentzel DMLC ’54 St James MN
Paul Fuerstenau DMLC ’39 Hazel SD
From MLC to Albania By Emily Bey ’07 I am living in Tirana, Albania, teaching English. Although we don’t talk about God during the lessons, I invite my students to stay after for Bible studies with Agron Mece, a man who has been with the Albanian church since its beginning. We also invite the students to our church services on Saturday mornings. Steisi and her mom, Bardha, (pictured with me below) come every week to classes as well as our church services. Unfortunately we won’t be seeing them as much since they received visas to move to Italy to be with her husband. She’s told us she will miss coming to our church and she hopes we’ll start a church in Italy by her. Neda, Ledio, and Olsa Huna are very special to me. They were first introduced to our church through the English classes and then learned about the Savior when they stayed after for devotions. Although I am mainly a teacher and a friend to most students, Olsa, Neda, and Ledio have become my little Albanian sisters and brother. They have brought a whole new meaning to me when we talk about being ‘brothers and sisters in Christ.’ Although we may never see each other after I’m finished working in Albania, we do know we’ll see each other in heaven one day! What a blessing God has given us! In June I’ll most likely be back in the United States. It’s just as important to spread the Word of God in my home country as in a foreign country, so no matter where I end up, I humbly pray to God that he uses me as a tool to spread his saving message to those who have yet to hear it.
Taylor with friends Carmen Montoya and Olga Madrid
From MLC to Mexico By Taylor Bentz (MLC sophomore) I’m an English teacher at Redeemer in Torreón. I’m midway through my second year at Martin Luther College. I am studying to be a high school Spanish teacher. I’m planning to start again during the spring semester of 2009. Here in Mexico, I teach eight classes throughout the week. I teach two different introduction levels and one conversation class. . . . I have about 80 or 90 students. But my main purpose is not to have a class full of perfect English speakers, but rather to build bridges and make connections with the students. The Lord has blessed our work here beyond our expectations. We have had a number of students coming to services . . . and Pastor Sanchez is very busy conducting Bible studies with students who have expressed interest in the church. As far as myself personally, my eyes have really been opened to the world around me. . . . there are a host of things that I never realized or that I’ve always taken for granted. . . . It isn’t always easy being away from family and friends and everything that I’ve known all my life, but knowing that God will always be there for me is always sufficient to get me through the day.
For more information, email Emily at dancelupedance@hotmail.com.
This excerpt comes from Taylor’s blog: http://missiontorreonmexico. blogspot.com. You can email Taylor at bentztt@mlc-wels.edu. Or go to LutheransinMexico.com, the blog of Rachel Hartman, wife of Missionary Mike Hartman.
Gerald Dament NWC ’59 Pembroke, Ontario
Mark Bitter NWC ’74 Howards Grove WI
Eric Hartzell DMLC ’69 Whiteriver AZ
Charlene Cloute DMLC ’59 Ft. Atkinson WI
15
...in MLC’s own From MLC to the Sudanese in Minnesota
very comfortable interacting with each other, no matter what the color of their skin,” Greg said. “One may expect to see certain barriers, but there were none in my experience.”
MLC sophomore Greg Holzhueter (St. Mark—Mankato MN) had a chance to work with people of another country and culture—without even leaving Minnesota. It started six years ago when Pastor Keith Siverly of St. Mark—Mankato MN teased two boys sharing one bike as they rode across St. Mark’s parking lot. “I hope you don’t have to go too far, riding like that!” Siverly hollered. The boys’ response was completely unexpected: “Well, we want to join your church!” The boys, Sudanese natives, rode home and brought their mom back to meet Pastor Siverly, and so began the ministry of St. Mark—Mankato to the Sudanese in their own backyard—and in MLC’s backyard as well. When St. Mark held their VBS this summer, Greg Holzhueter was a group leader. He says that maybe the most extraordinary aspect of working with the Sudanese students was that there was nothing extraordinary about it. “All the students were
Both Holzhueter and Pastor Siverly noticed that the Sudanese loved to learn. “Right from the beginning, the Sudanese really liked the Christian education we offered them,” said Siverly. “We decided not to charge any school tuition. We thought that we’d take them in as members first, and then worry about the details later.” Since then, all the families have taken adult Bible information class. Pastor Siverly has baptized ten babies in the last six years, and six children are currently enrolled in St. Mark’s school. Working with people from other cultures is a learning experience, Siverly says. “You learn about them, and you learn about yourself too. Eventually, you don’t see other colors or other cultures. You see people.” And if you look around, Siverly says, you’ll find lots of opportunities to do global ministry right in your own backyard.
MLC students ministering already Like Greg Holzhueter, the vast majority of MLC students—whether studying to be teachers, pastors, or staff ministers— volunteer for service and ministry projects at schools and congregations, their own and others around the country. These Early Field Experiences bring countless blessings. The congregations they serve gain an extra hand—a youthful, energetic one at that. The students themselves gain a taste for
ministry, which helps confirm their decisions to be called workers. And the congregations they are later assigned to—perhaps yours— receive graduates who have had many different ministry experiences already. “Any time you spend working with individuals and learning about ways to interact with them,” says Greg, “is valuable for future service in the public ministry.”
Greg Holzhueter was a group leader at the St. Mark—Mankato MN VBS, which included several Sudanese children.
16
Macord Johnson MLC ’99 Mankato MN
Bonnie Voth DMLC ’59 Goodhue MN
Ronald Mehlberg NWC ’69 New Ulm MN
James Raabe DMLC ’59 La Crosse WI
backyard From MLC to Hispanics in Minnesota By Rod Concha* (MLC senior, Pre-Seminary Studies) . . . God calls us to bring the gospel to our brothers and sisters wherever they are. It is hard to bring Hispanic people to church, where the language and the customs are not familiar. Instead, we bring the church to them. We go to the fields, to their homes, to their places of work. As we get to know our neighbors as people with unique circumstances and needs, God opens doors for us to minister to them with the gospel. . . .
project of the Minnesota Valley Chapter of WELS Kingdom Workers in New Ulm. We want our congregations to see the Hispanic community as a mission field, and we want the Hispanic community to see our churches as a place where they can go to hear the gospel. *Reprinted by permission from WELS Kingdom Workers Update, Summer 2008, Volume 21, Issue 2. The Kingdom Workers national grant for Hispanic outreach is $23,500. To learn more about Kingdom Workers opportunities, go to www.welskingdomworkers.org.
Recently, I met a woman who was struggling to work, care for her family, and learn English. Many days, she survived on two to three hours of sleep. I am now teaching English classes to her at work along with two of her friends. She does not miss a class. These classes have given me the opportunity to talk to her about her life, her problems, and her Savior. We continue to reach out to other Hispanic people and become their friends. . . . This is the goal of the Hispanic outreach
Rod Concha (right) works with Hispanics in south-central Minnesota.
Through Early Field Experiences, he says, “MLC really has shown me that this is the place I want to be with the gifts I feel I’ve been given. I think I have been shown that the teaching ministry and coaching is the place where I can use those gifts to the fullest.” *MLC Education students are required to complete many hours of Early Field Experience, some of them with minority cultures and people with special needs.
Minnesota Hispanic children on their way to VBS.
Stephen Boehm NWC ’64 Jenera OH
Elisabeth Albrecht DMLC ’64 Mequon WI
David Waege DMLC ’64 Stockholm SD
Herbert Prahl NWC ’69 Germantown WI
17
Guinea pig, anyone? “They’re considered a delicacy,” says Sara McKey ’03. “Looks gross, but actually has pretty good flavor!”
Español in Ecuador: Immersion 2008 Every summer MLC Professor Paul Bases takes Spanish students and grads (from MLC and elsewhere) to a Spanish-speaking country where they immerse themselves in the language for five weeks. By most estimates, Spanish is the world’s second most-spoken language by native speakers—and, therefore, an important vehicle of the gospel. Having gone on four MLC Spanish immersion trips, Illinois LHS Spanish teacher Sara McKey, MLC ’03, knows the benefits: “Nothing pushes you to the next level in a language like immersion. Immersions are also a wonderful way to see how God has created us all alike, but different, and also a great opportunity to spread the gospel.”
They woke up every morning to Spanish class with native speakers—either one-on-one or in small groups. While weeks 1, 2, and 4 were in a Spanish school, class week 3 was in the rainforest and week 5 on the beach.
Afternoons took them to the city: the market, churches, museums, cafes. As in any immersion trip, they spoke only Spanish the entire time.
By the way . . . The most-spoken language in the world is Mandarin Chinese, which is also taught at MLC. Senior Alexandra Chworowsky, a native speaker, offers two levels of classes to interested MLC students.
18
Aaron Kjenstad MLC ’04 Aberdeen SD
Adelbert Voight DMLC ’49 Hutchinson MN
The third weekend the group rode horseback, hiked, and zip-lined at Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Other weekends took them to the Equator, the ocean, and the capitol city of Quito.
Clara Oswald DMLC ’34 Grand Island NE
Charlyn Shoemaker DMLC ’49 Milwaukee WI
SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS SPORTS Knights at a Glance Looking Back to Spring ’08 Spring 08 All-Conference Tennis Dan Laitinen (St. John—New Ulm MN) Jon Kehl (Atonement—Milwaukee) Elise Henrich (Atonement—Milwaukee)
These students posted a 3.50 GPA or better, earning them a spot on the UMAC Academic All-Conference team.
Basketball
Track Peter Metzger (St. John—Gladwin MI) Nicole Lehman (First—La Crosse WI)
Softball All-Conference: Carol Niemi (First—La Crosse WI) Honorable Mention: Jamie Boldt-Schwartz (Jerusalem—Morton Grove IL) Jessica Henning (St. John—Redwood Falls MN) All-Defensive: Jamie Boldt-Schwartz (Jerusalem—Morton Grove IL)
Baseball All-Conference: Steve Gurgel (Calvary—Thiensville WI) Honorable Mention: Zach Pudlo (Fount of Life—Colorado Springs CO) Tyler Morgan (St. Paul—New Ulm MN)
Senior Athlete Award Winners Say “I Do”
Senior Athletes since 1995
The MLC seniors chosen as Male and Female Athletes of the Year at the end of the 2007-2008 school year know each other quite well. Jake Schwartz and Jamie Boldt-Schwartz walked the same hallways all through high school (LPS) and college. And then they decided to walk down the aisle too. They’re now living in Mequon WI, where Jake is starting his first year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.
’95-’96 Jason Zain, Stacy Walker
Arthur Glende DMLC ’34 New Ulm MN
Spring Semester Academic All Conference
’96-’97 Amy Bauer, Christopher Johnson ’97-’98 Benjamin Lawrenz, Danette Gartner ’98-’99 Rachel Orlinger, Benjamin Blumer ’99-’00 Daniel Ross, Laura Otto ’00-’01 Kelly Gawrisch, Micah Martin ’01-’02 Ben Kuerth, Emily Hahnke ’02-’03 Anne Uecker, Mike Novotny ’03-’04 Joel Schwartz, Beth Ibisch ’04-’05 Crystal Mielke, Jon Ross ’05-’06 Daniel Unke, Katherine Valleskey ’06-’07 Jenny Joecks, Caleb Kurbis
Martin Petermann NWC ’49 Milwaukee WI
Jamie Boldt-Schwartz (Jerusalem—Morton Grove IL) Kimberly Nicoline (St. Paul—Round Lake IL) Hannah Bode (St. Paul—Saginaw MI) Nathan Nass (St. Paul—New Ulm MN) Micah Ricke (Star of Bethlehem—New Berlin WI) Aaron Schultz (Zion—Allenton WI)
Baseball and Softball Greg Holzhueter (St. Mark—Mankato MN) Jamie Boldt-Schwartz (Jerusalem—Morton Grove IL) Jill Anding (St. John—Neillsville WI) April Cook (Bethlehem—Menomonee Falls WI) Carol Niemi (First—La Crosse WI)
Tennis Philip Hunter (St. Andrew—Middleton WI) Mark Thiesfeldt (St. John—New Ulm MN) David Wendland (St. Stephen—Beaver Dam WI) Daniel Laitinen (St. John—New Ulm MN) Sarah Enstad (Cross of Christ—Coon Rapids MN) Kristi Slovik (St. John—Mukwonago WI) Elyse Limpert (Christ Our Rock—Rochester MN) Laura Fritzler (Salem—Owosso MI)
Track & Field Timothy Matthies (St. Luke—Watertown WI) Andrew Hussman (St. Stephen—Fallbrook CA) Nathan Loersch (St. Luke—Watertown WI) Jeffrey Grundmeier (LPS) Peter Metzger (St. John—Gladwin MI) Benjamin Reichel (Ascension—Mitchell SD) Sasha Bolwerk (Trinity—Genera OH) Elise Wordell (Salem—Loretto MN) Amanda Nitz (St. John—Slades Corner WI) Carol Putz (Redeemer—Fond du Lac) Nicole Lehman (First—La Crosse WI)
Homer Schweppe NWC ’39 New Ulm MN
Scott Scriver DMLC ’94 Kenosha WI
19
The Mark
Ohr Memorial Scholarship Fund
Mark Ohr (DMLC ’86) died of a brain tumor while still in the prime of life. His family established a fund in his name, and they continue to add to that fund. The following letter was received from Mark’s brother, Paul, last spring.
got low, I would bring up Dr. Martin Luther College in conversation, and for a few minutes he was there again, young and healthy.
I am sending a check to be deposited in my brother Mark’s memorial fund. My wife and I, along with my mother, Elizabeth, fully intend to add to Mark’s fund for the rest of our lives. My mother fought a long, losing battle to restore Mark’s health, and the letters from the students who benefit from Mark’s memorial fund greatly lift her spirits.
So you see, I pray that the place does not forget him either. That somewhere on that beautiful campus, when the Mark Ohr (DMLC ’86) spring has come and the warmth returns, that somewhere on a sunny day, a shadow is cast that looks like him. Or a student, grateful for a small scholarship, spends a few quiet moments on a bench wondering about the young man, too soon gone, who made it possible. Thank you so very much, and may God bless you and the work of all the people at Martin Luther College.
My brother’s time at Dr. Martin Luther College was the apex of his life. During his ten-year struggle with a brain tumor, he and I would often talk of his college days, and the friends he had there, and the hope for the future that those times provided. And just the thought of the place restored him. So much so that when he
Bringing Their First-Fruits When Mobridge SD farmers Norm and Ella Frey delivered this year’s sunflower crop to the elevator, they directed that 70 acres of sunflowers be sold not in their name, but as a gift in the name of Martin Luther College, Great Plains Lutheran High School, and other charitable organizations. This sale resulted in very generous donations, and, since the crop was sold in the name of MLC and other charitable organizations, the Freys paid no income or social security tax on those 70 acres’ worth of sunflowers. Vice President for Mission Advancement Jon Scharlemann says, “Deuteronomy 26:1-2 tells us, ‘Take some of the first-fruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land . . .’ That’s exactly what the Freys and other farmers like them are doing, and it is reaping great benefits for MLC and other ministries in the WELS. We greatly appreciate all these incredible gifts—as well as all the prayers offered to God for Martin Luther College and for the students training for the public ministry.”
20
Richard Jungkuntz NWC ’39 Jefferson WI
Ione Huebner DMLC ’44 Manitowac WI
Tamara Aita MLC ’99 Grosse Pointe Park MI
Susan Walther DMLC ’74 San Fernando CA
The MLC Shepherd Society MLC has established a way for God´s people to offer memorial gifts to MLC to thank Jesus for the gospel in our midst and to more formally acknowledge the gospel ministry of particular called workers. We´re calling it The Shepherd Society. Each member of The Shepherd Society will be someone who has given a thank offering to Martin Luther College in appreciation of a particular pastor, teacher, or staff minister whom God has used to make a difference in his or her life. MLC will give special recognition to the called workers so honored. They will receive a letter of gratitude from the MLC president, a personalized “Certificate of Appreciation” noting their name and the donor´s name, and a copy of the donor´s `Words of Gratitude.´
Your Name____________________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________City_____________________ State________ Zip______________ Phone____________________________ Email (opt)__________________________________________________
My gift of gratitude to MLC:
$_____
$50
$75
$100
$150
$_____
I’m giving this gift in honor of ________________________________________________________ (Name of WELS pastor, teacher, or staff minister)
My Words of Gratitude: “I’m grateful to this called worker because_ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ _______________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ _________________________________________ __________________________________________ Please remit to The Shepherd Society, Martin Luther College, New Ulm MN 56073
William Zell NWC ’44 Mishicot WI
Christiana Pasbrig DMLC ’94 Crete IL
Alumni of DMLC, NWC, and MLC who will celebrate their reunions of 5, 10, 15, 20 . . . 75 years in 2009! Photos courtesy of Alumni Director Steve Balza. 21
Instructor Bethel Balge presented to the piano teachers of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (southwest district) September 19. She performed and discussed advanced piano literature from the 2009 Piano State Contest List. Professor Daniel Balge presented the essay “Thoughts on Tensions between Core and Choice in Curriculum” to the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary faculty May 1. Professor Ron Brutlag taught Teaching Religion to the teachers of St. John’s Lutheran School in Antigua this summer.
Professor James Danell taught The Theology of Adolf Hoenecke at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary’s Summer Quarter. Dr. James Grunwald represented WELS at the meeting of the Commission on Instructional Technology and Distance Learning (CITDL) of the National Council for Private School Accreditation in Maryland this June. Professors Paul and Arnold (em.) Koelpin team-taught Luther’s Doctrine of the Two Realms Applied, a Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Summer Quarter course, at Nebraska Lutheran High School in July.
Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer taught Lutheran Worship at St. Sophia Seminary, Ternopil, Ukraine, last spring. Instructor Lanita Nolte wrote and helped present “Your Corner, My Corner, To All Corners,” a workshop in skit form, to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society convention in Tucson AZ.
Professor Thomas Nass was elected secretary of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference at their triennial convention held in Ukraine this summer. He also presented the essay “Issues in Ministry—With a Special View toward our Sister Synod, the ELS” at the Nebraska District Convention. Professor Lyle Lange served as chairman of the Theological Commission of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference (CELC), which presented The Eternal Word: Article IV, The Person and Work of Christ to the CELC in Kiev, Ukraine, in June. (The CELC is a fellowship of 20 churches, including WELS, ELS, and confessional Lutheran churches in Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and Australia.) He also taught Sanctification in the Lutheran Confessions at St. Sophia Seminary, Ternopil, Ukraine, last spring.
Professor Ron and Instructor Carlotta Ohm, along with three high school students, assisted Trinity— Omak WA with its VBS in June.
Dr. Lawrence Olson was awarded the STM (Master of Sacred Theology) degree in Exegetical Theology by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in May. He acted as facilitator for the Annual Planning Day of Living Hope—Omaha NE in August. He is also a member of the WELS Continuing Education for Called Workers Committee. Professor Mark Paustian presented Luther’s Doctrine of Vocation at the Dakota-Montana District Convention. As liaison to Russia on the WELS Board for World Missions, he led a planning summit on the WELS Mission in Russia and will visit Russia this October.
Professor James Pope has authored A Lutheran Looks at Episcopalians, a Northwestern Publishing House book.
Professor Kurt Wittmershaus directed, planned, and taught the New Ulm German Language Day Camp on behalf of the New Ulm Sister Cities Commission. He is also a member of the WELS Continuing Education for Called Workers Committee.
German Camp
22
Martin Luther College
Thirty children attended the weeklong New Ulm German Language Day Camp, taught by MLC Professor Kurt Wittmershaus.
Welcome, New Faculty Joyce Diels (Math), Jonathan Roux (Education), Dan Gawrisch (P.E.), Jeff Wiechman (Education), Jesse Stern (Tutor), John Meyer (Director of Graduate Studies), David Schroeder (History)
Professor Joyce Schubkegel was commissioned to write two compositions: “Walk in the Light of the Lord” for the 2008 Women’s Retreat in Stillwater MN and “Our Lord and God, Oh, Bless This Day,” a wedding composition. Professor David Sellnow’s five-part series on youth discipleship, “Youth Voices,” will run in Forward in Christ September 2008 through January 2009.
Dr. Wayne Wagner is helping the WELS Commission on Worship develop and pilot an Organ Mentoring Program for organists with minimal training.
2008 WELS National School Leadership Conference Professor Cheryl Loomis (right) and several other MLC professors presented at the Leadership Conference in Waukesha this June: • Professor Mark Paustian (Keynote) Encouraging Colleagues through Biblical Narrative • Dr. James Grunwald Internet-Based Sources of Rich Classroom Content • Professor Cheryl Loomis The High/Scope Preschool Curriculum • Dr. Carla Melendy Keys to Quality Classroom Assessments
WELS National Conference on Worship, Music, & the Arts MLC professors contributed in various ways to the Worship Conference in St. Peter MN this summer: • Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer presented (1) Variety in Hymn Singing and (2) Christian Worship: Supplement—Highlights for Musicians. • Professor Joyce Schubkegel composed the music for “The King Will Come at Age’s End,” which premiered at the conference. • Dr. Wayne Wagner was a member of the Planning Committee and presented Hymn Playing Basics. • Professor Kurt Wittmershaus sang with the WELS chamber choir Canticum Novum. • Instructor Kathryn Wurster presented Voice Lessons for the Choir Director. • Professor Miles Wurster played viola in the Festival Orchestra.
Christian Worship: Supplement The new WELS publication of hymns, psalms, liturgy, and other worship materials made its debut at the WELS Worship Conference. Several MLC professors contributed in large ways to this publication: Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer served as Supplement Committee Chairman, and Professor Keith Wessel was the Rites Subcommittee Chairman. Dr. Moldenhauer, Professor Joyce Schubkegel, and Professor Ronald Shilling contributed music, and Professor Wessel provided a psalm paraphrase.
• Professor David Pelzl Activities in Using the SmartBoard • Professor David Sellnow The Hybrid Classroom • Dr. Cindy Whaley (Planning Committee) Motivating Students in the 21st Century • Professor Kurt Wittmershaus Integrating Quality Literature in the Social Studies Classroom
Martin Luther College
23
The Face of MLC
Whose Face Could You See Here?
Whose Face Could You See Here?
If you know someone who’d be a great teacher, pastor, or staff minister, please let us know! Mail this to Martin Luther College Admissions, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073. Prospective Student’s Name:_________________________________________ High School_____________________________ Home Address:_________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_____________________________________ Phone (if available):________________________ Email (if available):________________________________________________ Please provide your name (including maiden name, if applicable):___________________________________________________ Did you ever attend DMLC, NWC, or MLC?_______ If yes, which school?___________________ Graduation year:__________ Your phone:______________________________ Your email:______________________________________________________ Have you spoken to this student about MLC?________Your relationship to student:___________________________________