InFocus - February 2010

1995 Luther Court New Ulm, MN 56073 Address Service Requested

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The Journey to MLC 50 Years of Ladies’ Auxiliary Art in the New Chapel

In This Issue...

FEBRUARY 2010

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0000011101010100100000001010011001111101001010101001010101010 1010101011110000101000111001010010100001100001001110101010010 InFocus Staff 1011101010101001 00000111010101001000000010100110011111010010 WRITER/EDITOR behind the 1010100101010101010101010111100001010001110010100101000011000 Laurie Gauger ’86 0100111010101001010111010101010010000011101010100100000001010

By President Mark Zarling PHOTOGRAPHERS 0110011111010010101010010101010101010101011110000101000111001 William Pekrul ’80 Researching data is not everyone’s cup of tea. Some find Catherine St. John 0100101000011000010011101010100101011101010101001 00000111010 it exhilarating; others reach for the Tylenol® tablet. So I Rebecca Wilkens 1010010000000101001100111110100101010100101010101010101010111 fear that a few readers might skip the IPEDS summary COPY EDITOR in this issue. Please don’t. Please read that report. Look 1000010100011100101001010000110000100111010101001010111010101 Heidi Schoof ’86 Behind the data, see divine grace shining clearly.

01001closely.

0000011101010100100000001010011001111101001010101001010 GRAPHIC DESIGNER With John we exclaim, From the fullness of his grace we 1010101010101011110000101000111001010010100001100001001110101 Lime Valley Advertising, Inc. have all received one blessing after another.

0100101011101010101001 00000111010101001000000010100110011111 Office of Mission Advancement Consider the student-faculty ratio. Thankfully, this 0100101010100101010101010101010111100001010001110010100101000 VICE PRESIDENT means we’re giving appropriate attention to individual needs. How vital! But Jon Scharlemann 011000010011101010100101011101010101001 000001110101010010000 I submit that the true ratio is 1:1. Where the Word of God is present, the 000101001100111110100101010100101010101010101010111100001010 PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Spirit of God is present, standing with each professor and sitting with each William Pekrul ’80 001110010100101000011000010011101010100101011101010101001 000 student. Talk about individual attention! No one knows the thoughts of God ALUMNI DIRECTOR 0011101010100100000001010011001111101001010101001010101010101 except the Spirit. We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is Steve Balza ’93 from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

0101011110000101000111001010010100001100001001110101010010101 College Administration 1101010101001 00000111010101001000000010100110011111010010101 Consider the cost to attend MLC. We thank God for those Christians whose PRESIDENT 0100101010101010101010111100001010001110010100101000011000010 thank offerings keep MLC’s tuition lower than that of peer institutions. But Mark Zarling WLS ’80 011101010100101011101010101001 000001110101010010000000101001 the real cost for this college to exist is staggering: It costs the very blood of VP for ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT the God-man.

Christ’ s atoning sacrifice rescues all mankind, and that gift 1001111101001010101001010101010101010101111000010100011100101 Philip Leyrer ’80 of grace is our raison d’être. That grace inspires God’s people to give so that 00101000011000010011101010100101011101010101001 0000011101010 VP for STUDENT LIFE gospel workers are trained. We love because he first loved us. That grace 1001000000010100110011111010010101010010101010101010101011110 Jeffrey Schone WLS ’87 motivates Christian families to make financial sacrifices so that a son or 0001010001110010100101000011000010011101010100101011101010101 VP for ADMINISTRATION daughter might say, Here am I, send me.

Steven Thiesfeldt ’74 001 000001110101010010000000101001100111110100101010100101010 Consider also the percentage of our students receiving grants. True, it is VP for ACADEMICS 1010101010101111000010100011100101001010000110000100111010101 lower than that of peer institutions. We ask God to provide additional David Wendler ’70 00101011101010101001 0000011101010100100000001010011001111101 resources so that no student who desires the noble task be locked behind VP for MISSION ADVANCEMENT 0010101010010101010101010101011110000101000111001010010100001 a door of financial paucity. Yet in a broader sense, 100% of our students Jon Scharlemann 1000010011101010100101011101010101001 00000111010101001000000 receive aid—the aid of intercessory prayer. Countless Christians pray for Governing Board them as Jesus directed: Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out 0101001100111110100101010100101010101010101010111100001010001 Chairman Michael Woldt WLS ’81 workers into his harvest field.

110010100101000011000010011101010100101011101010101001 000001 Secretary Roy Beyer WLS ’76 1101010100100000001010011001111101001010101001010101010101010 Keith Bowe ’79 Finally, consider the graduation rate of our student body. We thank God for Steven Danekas 1011110000101000111001010010100001100001001110101010010101110 each graduate. Yet the prayer of each professor here is not that 100% of Jonathan Hahm ’71 our students graduate to serve in public ministry, but that 100% of our 1010101001 00000111010101001000000010100110011111010010101010 Robert Hinnenthal students are nurtured by the Spirit through the Word so richly unleashed at Scott Huebner ’82 0101010101010101010111100001010001110010100101000011000010011 Stephen Loehr this place. Our prayer is that no matter how long they remain at MLC, they 101010100101011101010101001 000001110101010010000000101001100 Barry Price remain forever in the Holy Christian Church.

Steven Rosenbaum ’86 1111101001010101001010101010101010101111000010100011100101001 Michael Schultz WLS ’89 IPEDS: I know you will learn the government’s definition of0000011101010100 that acronym 01000011000010011101010100101011101010101001 William Steinbrenner a few pages forward.

But when I ponder the blessings God has showered 1000000010100110011111010010101010010101010101010101011110000 Jeffrey Wegner WLS ’87 upon this hill, IPEDS takes a different slant for me: I Praise Emmanuel for this Charles Degner WLS ’79 1010001110010100101000011000010011101010100101011101010101001 Dedication to Scripture.

Paul Prange WLS ’88 0000011101010100100000001010011001111101001010101001010101010 Mark Schroeder WLS ’81 1010101011110000101000111001010010100001100001001110101010010 On our cover: Our 700 students Did you notice? We00000111010101001000000010100110011111010010 made our font a little larger and a little 1011101010101001 worship twice a day at chapel. darker—to make reading a little easier!

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God’s Grace

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MLC InFocus 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 exists to serve the ministerial needs of the WELS.

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Evang e lism Day 2010:

“How Shall They Hear?”

Our annual Evangelism Day is dedicated to equipping MLC students to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, both in their personal lives and their future public ministries.

In one sense, that’s what the college itself exists for.

What makes Evangelism Day special is that we bring in men and women from the front lines to talk to the students about what’s really happening out there. For the students, it’s a little like sitting at the feet of the master—or four dozen masters.

herd–The Woodlands TX) and Pastor Bill Limmer (UW-Milwaukee campus pastor).

The most inspiring part of the day, according to MLC student Lisa Pappalardo (St. John-Wauwatosa WI), “was how excited and enthused the speakers were, how passionate they were about their topics and about spreading the Word to many different types of people.”

Here’s just a few of the speakers and topics the students enjoyed:

Professor Richard Gurgel of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary preached at the opening service (pictured), followed by a panel discussion on worship and evangelism conducted by Pastor Mark Bitter (Good Shep-

Dana Leyrer (St. John-Wauwatosa WI) Using Preschools for Evangelism

Donn Dobberstein (Our Savior's-Port Orange FL) Fostering a Christian Worldview in a Post-Christian Culture

Jamie Luehring Joe DuFore (Hope Christian School-Milwaukee) Hope (Fox Valley LHS) Schools of Milwaukee Technology and Evangelism

Joel Schulz (Cross of Life-Mississauga, Ontario) Strategies to Reach the Unchurched

Minori Yamaki (St. Matthew-Niles IL) Work in a Multi-Cultural Setting

Richard Warnecke (WELS Kingdom Workers) Small Talk and Listening Skills

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here on the College Choir Sings Brahms’ “German Requiem” Not every college choir can master a work as demanding as Brahms’ “German Requiem,” but the Martin Luther College Choir, under the baton of Dr. Kermit Moldenhauer, did just that.

Although requiems were traditionally Latin liturgical works for Roman Catholic funeral masses, Brahms wanted his 1868 requiem to have a broader reach. He wrote it in German, using Luther’s Bible translation, and he was happy to have it sung in English as well.

(D)MLC choirs have tackled the work just five times in our musical history, but each time has left a lasting imprint.

“Doing this work creates memories that last a lifetime,” said Moldenhauer, who sang it under Professor Meilahn Zahn in the 70s. “The emotional presentation of Scripture speaks to the depths of human life. The work concentrates on two truths: sinful man will die, but God has won eternal life for

2010 requiem

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Daniel Brands DMLC 1995 Saginaw MI College Martin Luther

Mary Schoeneck DMLC 1965 Rhinelander WI

Directed by Emil D. Backer and accompanied by Martin Albrecht and Hertha Sievert, the 1928 DMLC Mixed Choir sang the Requiem in German in the new chapel-auditorium at the dedication of the Administration Building (now the Wittenberg Collegiate Center). The 2010 College Choir will sing the piece in the new Chapel of the Christ one week after its dedication, on April 18, 2010, at 2:00 pm.

John Schmidt NWC 1970 Brownsville WI

Donald Holzhueter DMLC 1955 Waterloo WI

sinful humanity; though earthly life will come to an end, life in eternity with God is reality, and it is certain because of the work of Christ.

“The choir attacked the work with enthusiasm and drive and performed it admirably,” he continued. “I hope they will remember the thrill of proclaiming the gospel in song.”

Comments from choir members indicate that they certainly will remember: Andrew Loescher (KML): In learning Brahms’ “Requiem,” a 96-page work full of varying musical themes, expressive melodies, and glorious highs and foreboding lows, I found myself standing in awe of God’s grace, for blessing us with the ability to present such a beautiful message of hope.

Ellen Raasch (SCLHS): This experience has again shown me how wonderful it is to have a choir filled with those who share our faith. It will be my favorite memory from College Choir.

Rachel Wendland (LPS): The requiem became a huge part of our lives, the topic of discussion at the lunch table, in the dorm room, and even with our families at home. One of the many things I learned is that God works wonders through the use of music.

The German Requiem at (D)MLC 1928 St. Paul-New Ulm and DMLC Administration Building (Wittenberg Collegiate Center) dedication

Director: Emil D. Backer Accompanists: Martin Albrecht & Hertha Sievert

1955 DMLC, in memory of Prof. Richard Janke

Director: Emil D. Backer Accompanists: Myrna Kiecker & Otto Schenk

1971

DMLC Backer Memorial Organ festivities

Director: Meilahn Zahn

Accompanists: Carl Nolte & Otto Schenk

1977

Director: Meilahn Zahn

Accompanists: James Engel & Otto Schenk

2009-10

St. John-New Ulm and MLC Chapel of the Christ dedication festivities

Director: Kermit Moldenhauer

Accompanists: John Nolte & Brianne Jeffers

1928 requiem

Katherine Schuetze DMLC 1975 Mequon WI

Donald Zimmerman DMLC 1945 Flint MI

Soloists: Kathryn Wurster, Jonathan Laabs & Michael Marquardt

Judith Wantoch DMLC 1960 StantonMartin NE Luther College

Leroy Martin NWC 1965 Mason City 5 IA

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here on the

Meeting Ministry Needs

By Vice President for Academics Dr. Dave Wendler

Martin Luther College exists to meet the ministry needs of WELS. As those needs change, MLC responds. Two areas currently under study are the teaching of Mandarin and the need for expanded early childhood facilities.

Mandarin language training: Interest in teaching Mandarin has existed on campus for some time, due in part to feedback from the approximately 70 MLC students and graduates who have served in China, teaching English. For several years, native Mandarin speakers, one from the Twin Cities and one an MLC student (see photo), taught the language here.

A 2009 Synod Convention resolution encouraged Mandarin training, thus endorsing our burgeoning program and spurring the college’s Curriculum Oversight Committee, in coordination with the Board for Ministerial Education, to give Mandarin training further study.

Expansion of early childhood education program: The number of early childhood ministries in our synod has surpassed the Alex Chworowsky Reeder ‘08 taught Mandarin number of while a student here. She’s now teaching elementary schools, Mandarin at Wisconsin Lutheran College. and the Conference of Presidents has asked MLC to prepare more early childhood educators. To accomplish this, a two-part study is underway. The first part, to implement a

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Anthony Schultz NWC 1975 West ChicagoCollege IL Martin Luther

Wilma Schultz DMLC 1940 Truman MN

An early childhood major, Stephanie Humann completed a clinical experience with infants and toddlers at another facility in New Ulm.

four-year early childhood major, is completed. Since changing from a five-year, double-major program (early childhood and elementary education) to the four-year, single-major program, enrollment has increased from 62 students (2006) to 88 students (2009), a 42% increase.

The second part of the study, now in progress, deals with facilities. To accommodate the larger enrollment and provide appropriate clinical experiences (including work with infants and toddlers, see photo), we need a larger early childhood center. The current facility, licensed for 30 children ages 3-5 and not licensed at all for infants and toddlers, simply cannot accommodate our program.

We must decide whether to renovate the current facility or build a new facility.

We ask God to guide us as we study these questions and provide the curricular changes that will best prepare our students for the needs of the synod.

New Secondary English Education Major In 2010-2011, students can enroll in our new four-year Secondary 5-12 Communication Arts and Literature major, qualifying them to teach grade 5-12 English. “This new major lends credibility to our already-solid English program,” says Professor Larry Czer. “Students here are excited; 30 are transferring into the program.”

Barbara Gass DMLC 1980 Appleton WI

Todd Zietlow NWC 1985 Anchorage AK

How Does MLC Compare?

By Public Relations Director Bill Pekrul

The annual IPEDS Data Feedback Report is one way we can evaluate how we’re doing as a college. IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) collects data from nearly 6,700 American institutions for use by the colleges themselves, by parents and students, and by governmental agencies that develop educational policy.

MLC’s comparison group consists of 25 colleges similar in size, location, and programs, including the schools in our athletic conference. The highlights of the 2008 data below compare MLC with the comparison group mean (CGM):

Student-to-faculty ratio:

Average amount of grant aid received by above-mentioned students: MLC – $6,028, CGM – $10,759 (We offer the same federal and state aid as other colleges. The large gap is due to smaller institutional aid resources. Gifts to student assistance can help us increase this number.)

Graduation rates of first-time, degree-seeking undergrads: MLC – 67%, CGM – 56% (This number is a tribute to the commitment of our students to pursue the public ministry.)

Full-time, non-faculty professional staff:

MLC – 11, CGM – 13

MLC – 4, CGM – 43

(MLC has large class sizes for some courses and smaller class sizes in some specialized programs. We continue to investigate ways to increase class sizes where appropriate.)

(The reason for this low number is that MLC’s professors assume many of the duties for which other institutions hire specialized staff.)

Tuition and related fees:

Percent distribution of core expenses:

MLC – $10,350, CGM – $19,198 (We’re committed to keeping our tuition low so that no student who desires to pursue the public ministry is impeded by financial constraints. Note that this total does not include room and board.)

Percentage of full-time, first-time, degreeseeking undergrads receiving grant aid: MLC – 92%, CGM – 98% (We would like to increase this percentage by making more merit-based scholarships available to our students.)

Bethany Doelger DMLC 1985 Caledonia MN

Thomas Hunter DMLC 1975 St. Paul Park MN

Instructional: MLC – 38%, CGM – 36% Academic support: MLC – 19%, CGM – 8% Student services: MLC – 30%, CGM – 23% Institutional support: MLC – 13%, CGM – 26% (MLC targets the majority of its resources to those areas that directly support the educational experiences of our students.)

MLC in an aerial view from 2008. The Chapel of the Christ has been added to the campus view. It is now located near the blue pond in the photo.

Bill Favorite NWC 1980 Eagle River WI Luther College Martin

Thomas Glende NWC 1995 Columbus7OH

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here on the In Memoriam Dr.

Glenn R. Barnes (1927-2010)

By Professor Emeritus Dr. John Isch

On Saturday, January 16, 2010, the family, friends, colleagues, and former students of Glenn Barnes gathered to recognize and rejoice that he has joined the Church Triumphant.

Pastor Wayne Laitinen guided the congregation in reflecting on the crown of life God promises in Revelation 3:10.

The one thing Glenn would never have wanted from people when he was alive was a crown. He was a gentleman without affectation. He was a scholar without arrogance. He was a gifted teacher and administrator, and he combined those gifts with a sense of humility and kindness, showing what God can do in and for those who serve him.

He taught at (Dr.) Martin Luther College for 26 years in the classroom and as registrar. Hundreds of students

learned their psychology of learning and philosophy and history of education from him. For those students, he listened, he taught, he counseled, and he consoled.

And when he finished, it was as if a friend as well as a teacher had spoken to them.

With his colleagues, Glenn encouraged, wryly joked, praised, and prodded, so they too went away from his conversations as from a friend and a teacher.

To his family—his wife, Sylvia; his children, Ann, Rachel, Timothy, and Steve—he gave love, encouragement, and unwavering support. And they too went away from his conversations as from a loved and cherished friend and teacher.

Toward the end of his life, Glenn didn’t talk much any longer. Perhaps he was listening more. Or perhaps he was beginning those eternal conversations he was going to have with his Lord and Savior. In any case, Glenn has his crown, one he would be the first to say he did not deserve, but one that awaits all who hope for the Lord’s coming.

Wendler Receives Award Dr. David Wendler ’70 was commended by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Chicago, for his “leadership and innovation in accreditation.”

North Central is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The Higher Learning Commission accredits degree-granting educational institutions in the 19 states of the North Central region.

Wendler recently completed a four-year term on the Higher Learning Commission’s Advisory Council.

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Thomas Dobberstein DMLC 1970 Tuckahoe NYCollege Martin Luther

Cheryl Noll DMLC 1980 Athens GA

Seth Haakenson MLC 2000 Sierra Vista AZ

John Schaadt NWC 1945 Flint MI

Continuing Education at MLC

December graduates Andrea Schmeling Dolan, Michelle Aaberg, and Justin Krause

The Gift of MLC-Trained Teachers Sometimes it takes a person from the “outside” to remind us that we are uniquely blessed.

Rosie Bartels, the director of religious education and youth ministry in the Roman Catholic diocese of Green Bay, was a member of an accreditation team that evaluated Trinity Lutheran School, Brillion WI. (Accreditation guidelines require an “out-of-jurisdiction” representative.)

In the January 2010 edition of WELS Connection, Bartels stated how impressed she was with Trinity, noting especially the leadership and the “Lutheran identity” of the school. “I just marveled at the way that you could walk from one classroom to the next in the morning, and the first thing that happened was the faith development. I just thought it was what a faith-based school should be.”

Here’s where MLC comes in. Bartels gave partial credit for Trinity’s success to the fact that the teachers were trained at (Dr.) Martin Luther College. “One of the things that I always say we’ve lost in our Catholic schools—and we’re really working very hard as a diocese right now to put it back—is our Catholic identity. If we had schools like you do in New Ulm, Minnesota, for our Catholic teachers, we would be better off. [Our teachers] come from secular schools. They are very, very strong academically, but they don’t understand the Catholic faith.

And that’s what you have—the gift of getting your people from an accredited Lutheran college.”

Pastors, teachers, staff ministers, congregational assistants, and lay members, MLC offers courses for your professional and spiritual growth.

• Master of Science in Education Degree (online) • Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure • Synodical Teacher Certification • Certificate of Educational Computing (new!)

• WLS Pastors’ Quarter Satellite Courses • MN District Pastors’ Institute • Hebrew Institute • Hebrew Review • Staff Ministry Certification • Congregational Assistant Program • In-Service Courses for Principals, LES, ECE • Online Courses • On-Campus Courses • Off-Campus Courses Over 900 people enrolled in 2009. For opportunities in the summer of 2010, go to www.mlc-wels.edu and click on “Continuing Education.”

To view the WELS Connection, go to www.wels.net and type “WELS Connection” in the search box. Look for the January 2010 “Accreditation” edition.

Ronald Ertner DMLC 1965 Kenosha WI

Daniel Schmidt NWC 1990 Noblesville IN

Laura Hatter DMLC 1995 Jacksonville FL

Darin Stewart DMLC 1990 Lincoln NE

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here on the ML C G ra p h i c A rts :

Business with a Mission

When St. Paul’s in St. James MN wanted a large banner to advertise their Hispanic outreach, they called John Ring in the MLC Graphic Arts Department. They were comfortable working with someone they could trust, they got a great price, and they felt good knowing they were supporting the college.

The MLC Graphic Arts mission is to enhance communication by providing high-quality materials at a competitive price. “We’re here to serve the college first,” John says, “and then we also serve churches, schools, synod entities, and other nonprofits. All revenue from external projects helps support the college.”

They run a full-service print shop in the lower level of Old Main. But don’t let that 125-year old location fool you. It’s filled with the latest in printing technology:

Recent clients include Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society, WELS Investment Funds, Luther Prep School, and congregations all over the Midwest.

John and his assistants, Lynn Boesch and Rachel Sturm, quietly and efficiently fulfill their mission by doing good business. It’s a win-win for everyone.

If you’d like to place an order, discuss a project, get an estimate, or find out more about what MLC Graphic Arts can do for you, contact John Ring at ringjl@mlc-wels.edu.

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• Large-format, full-color printing of banners, posters, and photos • Binding and printing of full-color school yearbooks • Printing of glue-bound and spiral books—your own “vanity press” for quantities big and small • Variable data printing for targeting markets • Embossing, foil stamping, die-cutting, and other embellishments • Professional printing, copying, binding, and mailing services

ML C O NLIN E B O O KST O R E

It’s new! Click to visit the catalog, place your order, and you’ll be drinking coffee from that MLC mug before you know it! Go to mlc-wels.edu and type “bookstore catalog” in the search box.

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Keith Wordell DMLC 1985 Sheboygan Falls WI Martin Luther College

Larry Sellnow DMLC 1980 Belle Plaine MN

Ron Roth NWC 1960 Morris MN

Linda Ekhoff DMLC 1970 Steger IL

MLC Athletes Earn All-Conference Honors 1=First team; 2=Second team; HM=Honorable mention

Cross Country Nathan Loersch (1, St. Mark-Watertown WI) Loren Milbrath (1, Salem-Owosso MI) Libby Haasch (1, St. James-Cambridge WI)

Volleyball Emily Boldt (HM, Christ-Big Bend WI) Renee Peters (HM, St. Peter-Weyauwega WI)

Golf Isaac Crass (1, St. Luke-Watertown WI)

Soccer Jon Huebner (1, Crown of Life-West St. Paul MN) Evan Chartrand (HM, Bethlehem-Manassas VA) Brian Gephart (HM, Grace-St. Joseph MI) Kadie Drake (HM, St. Stephen-Adrian MI) Abigail Horn (HM, St. John-Mazeppa MN) Bonnie Whittaker (HM, St. Paul-Saginaw MI)

Football Leslie Arthurton (2, St. John-St. John’s, Antigua) Andrew Becker (2, Morning Star-Jackson WI) Luke Beilke (1, Mt. Olive-Mankato MN) Taylor Bentz (1, Bethany-Appleton WI)

Nate Buchner (2, Bethany-Manitowoc WI) Justin Eternick (2, St. John-Waterloo WI) Chuqee Fletcher (1, Garden Homes-Milwaukee WI) Bill Fuerstenau (2, Morning Star-Jackson WI) Steve Gurgel (1, Calvary-Thiensville WI) Greg Holzhueter (2, St. Mark-Mankato MN) Ryan Kolander (1, Christ the Lord-Brookfield WI) Joe Lindloff (1, St. Luke-Saginaw MI) Ben Reichel (1, Ascension-Mitchell SD)

Matt Rothe (1, St. Matthew-Oconomowoc WI) Aaron Voss (1, Memorial-Williamston MI) Ben Zuberbier (2, St. Peter-Fond du Lac WI)

Randy Cox

Named New MLC Baseball Coach Randy Cox has accepted the position of head baseball coach at MLC. For the last 14 seasons, Cox was head coach at Michigan Lutheran High School, where he racked up a 275-113-2 record, 11 conference championships, and seven district championships. At DMLC, he was a three-time AllConference performer in football and baseball.

“I have a strong passion for the game of baseball, and I am excited to coach the Knights of MLC,” Cox said. “I look forward to the challenges and hard work in the off-season conditioning program to develop and maintain a solid baseball program.”

Cox, who has also coached football for 18 years, is married to Professor Rebecca Cox, MLC’s new physical education professor and volleyball coach.

They Hit the Books Too The UMAC also tracks athletes’ GPAs. Martin Luther College athletes outsmarted the other conference colleges in five of eight fall sports. The five teams’ GPAs were as follows: men’s cross country 3.587; volleyball 3.507; women’s soccer 3.397; men’s soccer 3.194; football 2.972.

Individually, 54 MLC athletes in all eight fall sports posted GPAs of 3.5 or better, earning them a spot on the Academic All-Conference team. We’re grateful to our Lord for all our faithful students!

Martin Luther College

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Martin Luther College This 92 x 80 inch canvas is the center painting in Melanie Schuette’s triptych. A triptych is a three-paneled altarpiece.

Beauty

Truth and

Chancel Art in the Chapel of the Christ

K

eats famously wrote, “Beauty is truth; truth beauty.” Poet, artist, philosopher, and theologian alike might parse that proverb and find it wanting, but it does point to an important principle for the Christian craftsman: When creating something for God, one must be concerned about both beauty and truth.

In the Chapel of the Christ at Martin Luther College, the chancel art and furnishings are astonishingly beautiful, but the beauty is more than canvas deep; it conveys substantial truth— God’s truth. Pastor Nathan Pope and his daughter, Melanie Pope Schuette, have crafted wood and stone, paint and canvas into pieces that not only please the eye, but also inform and inspire the spirit—all to the glory of God.

The Altar: Nathan built the freestanding altar with quartersawn white oak resting on 12 cut stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. Symbolically, stone represents the Stone which the builders rejected, while the wood stands for the altar of the cross.

“Wood on stone is a late Gothic arrangement common in the German Lutheran lands,” he says. In fact, all the furnishings are classically Lutheran, “something Martin Luther would easily recognize were he somehow to return and make an inspection of the chapel.”

Quartersawn oak is premium wood. Quartersawing, he explains, “is an extravagant way to cut wood, exposing the tree rings to create astonishingly beautiful looks. I believe God’s house deserves the best, and I was happy that the chapel committee was of the same mind.”

A family ministry: Nathan’s wife, Patty (pictured), and Melanie’s husband, Matt, are also part of the artistic team, assisting with woodworking, finishing, and, as pictured here, gold-leafing.

Nathan filled the altar with Trinitarian symbolism, derived largely from Revelation 5. When looking at the front of the altar from ground level, worshipers will see three panels: a hand holding a scroll (the Father), a Lion (the Son, the Lion of Judah), and a sevenfold spirit of flames and eyes (the Spirit). “This will be one of the few altars that you will ever see where Jesus is represented as a Lion,” Nathan says. “It’s a very rare symbol in church art.”

From the top, worshipers will see a mosaic of the Lion turned into a Lamb, inspired by Revelation 5:6: “Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne.” Framing the mosaic is the word ‘FINISHED’ incised in English, German, Latin, and Greek—the historic languages of the American Lutheran church. “LOOK, THE LAMB OF GOD” is incised in the same four languages in the four quadrants of the altar.

Nathan explains that he also incorporated sacred geometry and numerology into the altar to tell the story of the atonement. Ten wooden squares represent the Ten Commandments, with the grain

Martin Luther College 1314) (Continued on page

of the first three running vertically and the last seven horizontally to illustrate the two tablets of the law. The use of a square, Revelation’s symbol for all the earth, reminds us that God commands all people to keep his commandments. The squares are then surrounded by triangles representing the Trinity, reminding us that the Ten Commandments are God’s will. The squares are made from a deep red tropical wood called Bloodwood, pointing to the sacrifice necessary because we’ve broken the commandments.

The Ambo: The pulpit-lectern, or ambo, is made of quartersawn oak, like the altar. Nathan also added another unifying element, a molding frieze featuring a chevron pattern. “The Normans filled their cathedrals with this distinctive pattern,” Nathan says. “The equilateral triangles are a wonderful way to repeat the symbol of the Holy Trinity.” On a much lighter note, he adds, “You might consider this a symbolic signature, signifying our College of Ministry’s location in the state of Minnesota. What do I mean? The Normans, as we learned in school, were really the Northmen, the descendants of, yes, the Vikings.”

The Triptych: Melanie painted the canvases in the three-paneled altarpiece, called a triptych, using the theme, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” These words, which run across the top of the piece, appear to be painted on stone, but they are actually painted on canvas in the trompe l’oeil (literally, “fools the eye”) style.

The left panel of the triptych, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, represents Jesus as the Way. The larger middle panel, the 12-year-old Jesus in the temple (pictured on page 12), represents Jesus as the Truth. And the right panel, Mary and Martha, represents Jesus as the Life.

The three paintings are also united with a subtheme, Jesus as the Bread of Life. A loaf of bread figures in each painting, and careful viewers can observe how participants in the visual stories are responding to Jesus and his message—for “Man does not live by bread alone.”

The Croce Dipinta: Literally “painted cross,” the croce dipinta will be suspended above the altar at the Chapel of the Christ, as was traditional in the late Middle Ages in Italy. But this crucifix is unique. First, it holds two corpuses, the dying Christ (pictured) and the risen Christ, both painted by Melanie.

Further, Nathan was determined to create a Lutheran crucifix. “It shows the corpus of Jesus while also illustrating the truth of Hebrews 10:12, that Jesus had to die only once to take away sins.” In fact, if you follow the line of the crucifix downward, you’ll find that 14

Martin Luther College

it points directly to that important word carved into the altar top: ‘FINISHED.’ For the corpus, Melanie used her brother Nick as her model. “Though we don’t have a detailed description of Jesus’ appearance in the Bible,” she says, “I don’t want people to be uncomfortable in seeing him portrayed radically different from how he usually is. Nick comes close to what people are used to.”

She drew the figure of Jesus on the board and had her dad cut it out. She then primed it with gesso and painted the corpus directly on the wood. It will be hung on the cross Nathan crafted to create a three-dimensional look.

The Process: How does the artist get from a blank canvas to a fully realized idea? Melanie says the first step is brainstorming with her dad, the former pastor. They study Scripture together to formulate a visual image that’s accurate and that conveys a theological message.

When she has a concept and composition in mind, she uses her friends, family, and church members as live models. She dresses them in costume and takes hundreds of photos of them.

“Taking pictures of live models makes my paintings much more accurate and realistic,” she says. “It helps me to control how the light source hits their skin and clothing. And I can work with them to make the pose or expression that I want. Some complain of aching limbs, but most are honored to be ‘immortalized’ in a painting!”

The Grace and the Gratitude: “This experience of contributing paintings that I pray will inspire future called workers has seemed at times daunting and overwhelming,” Melanie says, “yet I feel so humbled and honored by this opportunity.”

“I too am both humbled and honored,” Nathan says. “I hope I helped to make a worship setting that fills worshipers with the thinking and feeling that they will be meeting again the Almighty One in his Word and sacrament . . . that they feel he is the Lord of all, high and holy, but also know that he stooped so low to restore us to himself.”

The croce dipinta is made up of two separate pieces: the body of Christ and the cross of Christ. The body, or corpus, is actually two-sided, one side showing Christ dying and the other showing him risen. The cross (not shown here) is also a two-part invention: a rugged realistic cross framed within an artistic cross gilded in gold, silver, and copper.

M

T he A rtists elanie Pope Schuette

A graduate of Shoreland LHS-Kenosha WI and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting), Melanie began her art career by painting murals for individuals, businesses, and schools. But she wanted to use her art to inspire others in their faith—and got the opportunity when she was invited to work with her dad on paintings for Faith-Antioch IL. The 11 altar paintings she did for Faith took several years. Since then, she’s also completed paintings for Resurrection-Verona WI, Christ-Pewaukee WI, Shepherd of the Hills-Duluth MN, St. Peter-Fond du Lac WI, and now Martin Luther College’s Chapel of the Christ.

“I try to paint in a way that first grabs the viewer by the drama unfolding in the subject matter,” she says, “then holds their interest with smaller, subtler details. In this way I strive to create artwork that will be interesting to view over time. To the best of my ability, I pour my creativity and talents into paint and canvas in order to give glory to God and to display his message.”

N

Although Melanie has done liturgical art for many churches, the triptych for the Chapel of the Christ is the largest. She had to move her studio from her sunroom to her dining room to accommodate the work.

athan Pope

A parish pastor at St. Mark-Citrus Heights CA (1977-1980) and First Evangelical-Racine WI (1980-2004), Nathan took an early retirement four years ago. Theologically trained and always interested in art—though not a trained artist or woodworker— he wondered if someday he might merge his interests to serve God in a new way. “I find it kind of amazing how Jesus worked all this out,” he says. “It’s all about grace, as Paul says in Ephesians 2:10: ‘For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.’

“I want to put my skills at the disposal of Christ and his Church by translating theological truths into artforms,” he says. “Liturgical art is not ars gratia artis, art for the sake of art. Liturgical art has an end; it aims to preach Biblical truths, and to do it as beautifully as possible. That turns liturgical art into a preaching of sorts, which appeals to me as a pastor, because now I can create sermons in wood or mosaics that will go on preaching after I’m gone.”

Nathan Pope fashioned the altar mosaic after Zurbanan’s (17th C. Spanish painter) ‘Agnus Dei,’ using a rare rainforest wood.

Martin Luther College

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Last summer 74 kids learned a bit more about soccer—and a whole lot about their Savior.

Pastor Mike Kuschel WLS ’07, former MLC tutor Dave Naumann WLS ‘06, and MLC students Jessica Aulich and William Lomker (both Cross of Life-Mississauga, Ontario) coached at the weeklong “212 WELS Soccer Camp,” so called because four WELS congregations along Minnesota Highway 212 sponsored it.

Pastor Kuschel got the idea for the camp from Cross of Life-Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, where Will and Jess are members and where he and his wife, Beth, had volunteered for several years while students at MLC. In fact, Jessica had become a member of Cross of Life in part due to the soccer camp.

Reminder to all international teachers: Submit your favorite photo and a brief reflection, and you could win the $1000 Thalassa Prize, to be split between you and your overseas mission. See mlc-wels.edu/go/thalassa for details.

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Jeff Mahnke NWC 1990 Cedarburg Martin LutherWI College

Kids at the soccer camp ran and kicked in the sunshine, then took a break for a devotion and skit on the theme “He Scored, We Win.” “It was very much a pleasure to work with Jess and Will,” said Pastor Kuschel. “They had a good handle on the game of soccer. But what we appreciated most was the fine Christian attitude they displayed. The love of the Savior and their desire to share the message of our Savior’s love was clear— and it continues to shine as they have come a long way to attend MLC to train to be public servants in the kingdom.”

This spring break, about 80 MLC students are going on Daylight USA trips all over North America.

Jonathan Martens MLC 2005 Guayama PR

Jessica Mantey MLC 2005 Port Orchard WA

Marilyn Baer DMLC 1975 Milwaukie OR

Daylight USA: “212 WELS Soccer Camp”

Marie Joel some MLC friends home to Arizona.

Brianne Jeffers brings Ferguson MLC 2000 Fond du Lac WI

John Brenner NWC 1940 Milwaukee WI Luther College Martin

Nelson DMLC 1970 Minneapolis MN

Marie Meyer DMLC 1965 Fort Morgan 17 CO

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th e

J

y e n r u o

to M L C

Adapted from MLC KnightWatch, January 2010

From Public High School When public high school graduates step onto MLC’s campus, they enter a whole new world. Making up about 10% of our student body, they’re not afraid to say they sometimes feel a little “other.” Without four years of high school religion on their transcripts, they may find MLC religion classes a little intense. And those first trips to the cafeteria can be intimidating when it seems that the Lutheran high grads all know each other already. But these difficulties don’t last long.

Michelle Hintz (Independence HS-Tennessee, 1600+ students) said she quickly grew accustomed to religion classes because she “loved having them.” “And there are so many people here that are willing to help,” added Jessica Henning (Redwood Valley HS-Minnesota, 400+ students).

As for making friends, it doesn’t take long—and it’s so worth it. “I am so thankful that I have friends who I can share my faith with and can honestly open up to,” said Jill Anding (Neillsville HS-Wisconsin, 400+ students). “I know these friendships will last a lifetime.”

Public school graduate Jill Anding is grateful for friends at MLC who share her faith, including (pictured here) Carol Niemi, Jon Randall, and Laura Spaude.

son Liebenow (Romeo HS-Michigan, 1900+ students), “was the fact that Jesus came up in everyday conversation. Some of my friends will just randomly suggest that we do a Bible study. It´s awesome.” And the verdict is unanimous: Chapel is the best. “Going to chapel and sitting by friends who believe the same thing is an amazing and energizing feeling,” said Danny Rick (Wonewoc-Center HS-WI, 160+ students).

“My favorite thing during chapel,” said Kathleen Van Orman (Sparkman HS-Harvest, Alabama, 1700+ students), “is when the students are singing harmony.

You’ve never heard ‘Abide with Me’ until you’ve heard over 600 students sing it in four-part harmony a cappella.”

To all public high students contemplating the new world of MLC, Jessica has nothing but encouragement: “Don’t worry about making friends,” she says. “They honestly come find you! Don’t worry about classes; the professors take you under their wing and ensure that you are well educated.

And finally, just don’t worry! Because whether you come from public school or a Lutheran high, you’re still a child of God preparing for the public ministry, and he will make sure that you are well prepared!”

“One thing that amazed me when I got here,” added JaPublic school graduates consistently say that MLC chapel services are a highlight of their college experience.

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Darvin Raddatz NWC 1955 Olivia MN College Martin Luther

Richard Kuckhahn NWC 1960 Hamburg WI

Renate Pape DMLC 1950 Manitowoc WI

David Haugly NWC 1985 North Mankato MN

From Thousands of Miles Away

From Next Door

Although some high school students shy away from MLC because of its distance from their homes, these MLC students see it as a plus:

For some college-bound students, MLC is right in their backyards.

Brianne Jeffers (Cross of Glory-Peoria AZ) once again spent 3-1/2 hours in a plane to get home to Phoenix this Christmas. “As a freshman, I felt very independent going to school so far from home,” she said. “I can’t say that I’m a big fan of the cold winters, but I do love getting to experience all four seasons. It’s also fun to have friends come down and spend their breaks at my house in the warm weather!”

Carrie Fritzler (St. Paul-Mayville MI) drove 13 hours— plus some stops—to see the fam and put her presents under the tree in Deford MI. “Being far away from home makes you really appreciate the time you do get with your family,” she said. “It can also give you a good idea of what it will be like if you get a call far from home.

It’s the perfect steppingstone to being on your own fulltime.”

Brianne Jeffers brings some MLC friends home to Arizona.

Raymond Duehlmeier DMLC 1935 Corvuso MN

Josh Danell (St. John-New Ulm MN, pictured) can holler home to his mom for clean socks if he wants.

His house is on the other side of an MLC parking lot.

“I do live in the dorms,” he said, “learning how to be more independent. So even though I live so close, MLC is still a new and great experience.”

Josh Danell, pictured here at the Minnesota state track meet, only traveled a few dozen yards to go to college at MLC.

Alyssa Siverly (St. Mark-Mankato MN) lives just 30 minutes away and has an older sister on campus, so coming to MLC was hardly a leap into the great unknown for her either. Yet, she says, “MLC is a whole new atmosphere with new opportunities and exciting experiences. You shouldn’t base your decision on how near or far a college is, but on where you can best use the talents and abilities God has given you to let your light shine!”

MLC Student Population by the Numbers: 99 Students from Minnesota 350 Students from Wisconsin 104 Students from Michigan 60 Students from other Midwestern states

(Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota)

99 Students from everywhere else

Diane Bernier DMLC 1985 Torrance CA

Rachel Zahn MLC 2005 HowellMartin MI Luther College

Julie Gaertner MLC 2000 Oklahoma 19 City OK

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By Paula Windschitl, Ladies’ Auxiliary President

What do a giant food mixer, a tuba, paraments, and scholarships have in common? They’re a few of the items the Martin Luther College Ladies’ Auxiliary, founded in 1960, has funded to support the ministry of the college.

1960. Some of us weren’t even born yet. Some of us were in school, getting married, or raising a family.

A particular group of dedicated WELS members was establishing a ladies’ auxiliary.

The Beginnings: A planning committee—made up of Mrs. Donald Schroeder, Mrs. Martha Hill, Mrs. Vaughn Kuyper, Mrs. Theodore Malz, Mrs. Herman Krueger, and Mrs. August Kruger—met to make arrangements for the first annual meeting in October. They developed three purposes for the new organization: to promote greater interest in (D)MLC, to promote Christian fellowship, and to give financial support to (D)MLC.

The first Executive Board. Seated, from left: Mrs. Leonard Mueller, 2nd vice president; Mrs. Oliver Teske, secretary; Mrs. Philip Carlsberg, president; Mrs. E. A. Seifert, treasurer. Standing, from left: Rev. Emil F. Peterson, pastoral advisor; Mrs. Irene Meyer, Red Wing conference; Mrs. Victor Voecks, New Ulm conference; Mrs. Harold Just, Redwood Falls conference; Mrs. Gerhardt Tessmer, Crow River conference; Mrs. O. C. Kexel, Mankato conference; Professor Delmar Brick, DMLC faculty advisor.

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Karena Wice MLC 2000 Lansing MI College Martin Luther

Paul Rydecki NWC 1995 Stevensville MI

About 800 women attended that meeting October 19 and elected their first officers (see photo). They selected projects worth $2,465, including that giant food mixer for the kitchen.

Three years later they started the first standing projects, a $250 Scholarship Fund and a $200 Library Fund.

Those projects have grown to annual gifts of $3,000 for scholarships and $1,250 for library support—some of it funded by early scholarship recipients like Lois (Luetke) Kluender DMLHS ’63, who, years later, returned her scholarship money to the auxiliary as a thank-you gift. A third standing project was added as recently as October 2009, when the members approved a $2,500 Outreach Support Fund.

Fifty Years—Hundreds of Projects: The auxiliary has also funded 377 annual projects, totaling more than $408,000. They include . . .

• outdoor basketball court • 85 copies of Handel’s Messiah • women’s lockers (twice over the years!)

• choir robes • Ellison dies • handbell cases • fitness center equipment • Greek dictionaries • Smartboard • wireless microphone • partial sound system for the The Auxiliary gave the science soccer venue department a video camera • $5700 worth of and monitor that linked up to a microscope—advanced equipment and technology in 1986. furnishings for the Academic Success Center

Unchanging Purpose: Since 1960, the ladies’ styles may have changed, but their hearts have not. Even in

Douglas Weber NWC 1970 Beaver Dam WI

Paul Marggraf NWC 1980 Guatemala City GT

50 Ye ar s o f D ed i c ated S u p p o rt The early church grew through the work of the Holy Spirit as believers shared the good news by word of mouth. Fifty years ago the Ladies’ Auxiliary also grew because women eagerly spoke of this opportunity to support the ministry of the college.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary officers in 1971 on the DMLC campus: Mrs. H. Berg, president; Mrs. Philip Carlsberg, 2nd vice president; Mrs. E. A. Knief, treasurer; and Mrs. Paul Fritze, 1st vice president.

Like the founders, we rest today in quiet confidence that the Lord has guided our efforts and will continue to do so. How do we know this? By word of mouth.

His mouth.

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end” (Psalm 48:14).

1971, when the twelfth annual meeting took place (see officers’ photo), most of these women were not working outside the home. They quietly collected their dollars and cents for the projects. Today, the Lord continues to touch the hearts of these moms, grandmas, aunts, sisters, and friends who understand that contributing to the projects is still their way of “holding up the prophet’s hands.”

Usually, 100 or more will attend the annual October meeting at MLC. In addition, local auxiliary groups hold their own spring meetings to worship, get updates from the auxiliary board, learn about new projects, hear interesting reports from students and our faculty advisor, Professor Bill Pekrul, and enjoy some fun and fellowship.

A recent contribution to the auxiliary came from Stephanie Chartrand, Manassas, Virginia. She stated that she had visited the auxiliary welcome tent on campus. “I was touched by the freely given efforts of these ladies to promote the college and auxiliary, and wanted to show my support as well,” she said. She used a matching grant from her employer, Scitor Corporation, to maximize this gift.

Still Growing—and You Can Help: Work is currently underway to communicate our mission across the country. You can help. Would you send us your email address? Would you ask your friends and relatives to do the same? And, most important, would you pray for the college, the students and the auxiliary?

Paul Eva some MLC friends home to Arizona.

Brianne Jeffers brings Glaeske DMLC 1990 Houston TX

Benidt DMLC 1960 Goodhue MN

The 2009 Board: Front row, left to right: Doris Rosenberg, Elaine Otterstatter (2nd vice president), Crystal Pochardt, Edie Ash; middle row: Paula Windschitl (president), Marilyn Benz, Debbie Mayer, Ila Possail (treasurer), Karen Kohls (secretary), Joyce Neyhart, Helen Wischstadt; back row: Sue Post (1st vice president), Bev Finke, Pat Parker, Pat Grabitske, Ardys Muetzel, Rev. Richard Kuckhahn (pastoral advisor), Professor Bill Pekrul (faculty advisor). Not present: Elaine Prieve, Carol Bilitz, Meg Stumpf, Gayle Krause, Arlene Post, Mickey Petersen, Claire Roberts, Joan Guillaume, Lois Stein-Bowers, Barbara Naumann.

Interested in Ladies’ Auxiliary?

Please join us at our next annual meeting Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at MLC. To be put on our email list, send an email to djneyhart@mchsi.com. To contribute, please make your check out to Martin Luther College and put “MLC Auxiliary” on the memo line. Then send to Martin Luther College, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm MN 56073.

For more information, go to mlc-wels.edu and type “Ladies’ Auxiliary” in the search box.

George Barthels NWC 1935 Michicot WI Martin Luther College

Myrna Naumann DMLC 1960 Milwaukee21 WI

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Minnesota Couple

Still Giving—With a Plus Harold and Beverly Bartz (St. John-Sleepy Eye MN), friends of MLC for many years, have always made the most of their AAL and Thrivent GivingPlus® matching gift opportunities.

For years they gave gifts to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, St. John Lutheran School in Sleepy Eye, and Martin Luther College. Their gifts, with matching funds, constituted a most generous donation.

As of 2010, Thrivent’s GivingPlus® matching program no longer exists. The needs at MLC, however, remain.

Check Out These

A lu m n i E v e n t s For registration, go to mlc-wels.edu and click on “Alumni.” Or contact Alumni Director Steve Balza at alumni@ mlc-wels.edu.

Twins vs. Brewers May 21-23: Target Field in Minneapolis. Pregame fellowship. Discounted reserved seats for any or all three games.

Creation Museum Tour June 21-25: Leave from Green Bay. Multiple pick-up points. Led by Professors Lyle Lange and Steve Thiesfeldt. Includes Indiana’s Amish Country and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.

Black Hills Tour June 28-July 2: Leave from New Ulm. Led by Professor Earl Heidtke. Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, Custer State Park, Bear Country, Reptile Gardens, Deadwood, and Spearfish Canyon.

Reunion Weekend July 23-25: MLC campus worship, banquet, entertainment, tours, college mini-courses, childcare. Early-bird discounts available until April 15.

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“MLC is special to us,” they continued, “because we know that it has trained our future pastors and teachers to be the very best in their field. Education is becoming more and more costly, and we do not want the cost to deter any student from fulfilling their dreams.”

“We’re so thankful to Harold and Bev,” said VP for Mission Advancement Jon Scharlemann. “This is a beautiful application of Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians: “But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7).

Not ones to hold themselves up as examples, the Bartzes humbly say: “We are only returning a little of what the Lord has given us to manage!”

VP for Mission Advancement Jon Scharlemann urges all potential donors: “Please don’t forget that many employers—like 3M, Kraft, IBM, Xcel Energy, and others—still offer excellent matching gift opportunities. Please contact MLC if you would like a list of companies that offer such gifting opportunities.”

Alumni at the reunion weekend 2009

Michelle Meihak DMLC 1990 Wabasha MNCollege Martin Luther

Knowing this, the Bartzes made a crucial decision. They increased their gift to the amount it would have been if it had been matched. Essentially, they matched their own gift. “We felt that if we and others could increase our offering to that same level to compensate for this loss, it could decrease the stress on the school’s budget,” they said. “It reminded us of an old saying: ‘Light is the task where many share the toil.’

George Orvick NWC 1950 Garner IA

Michal Bauer MLC 2005 New Ulm MN

Harold Hoeppner NWC 1965 Mukwonago WI

“Eight years.” I often repeat that refrain to relatives and friends. “Eight long years.” That’s how long it takes to become a Wisconsin Synod pastor—four years at Martin Luther College (MLC) in New Ulm, Minnesota, and four at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS) [in Mequon, Wisconsin]. The truth, however, is that as I progress through my fifth of those eight years, I realize what a blessing it is to spend eight years in preparation for God’s work as a pastor.

I also realize what a blessing it has been to study at both MLC and WLS, two schools with unique purposes and one common goal—the preparation of pastors who are ready to preach God’s Word.

My whole life has been preparation for the ministry, from when I watched my pastors as a young boy to my 12 years at WELS elementary and high schools. That subtle, lifelong preparation officially met the classroom at Martin Luther College.

Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t sit silently through endless lectures on dogmatics at MLC. That would have been too much for any 19-year-old to handle. In reality, I took a unique combination of courses which taught me both the liberal arts and the tools I would need for an in-depth study of God’s Word at WLS. I took four years of Greek and two years of Hebrew at MLC. I labored through the memorization of countless vocabulary words, and I relished the chance to use those original languages to study the Bible during my junior and senior years.

MLC, however, is more than a little theological bubble on the Minnesota prairie. I also took courses in biology, philosophy, literature, history, and English, and those classes shaped my Christian perspective of the world. They will help me relate with people from all walks of life when I become a pastor.

What’s more, MLC offered me the chance to experience normal college life. I played college basketball. I went to plays and concerts. I forged friendships with the men and women who will be my coworkers in the public ministry.

I was blessed to meet and marry a wonderful Christian woman. MLC taught me valuable life lessons and enabled me to mature from a teenager to a college graduate.

Two Schools

One Goal

By Nathan Nass, MLC ‘08 Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary student

Yes, it takes eight years of study after high school to be a pastor in the WELS. Thankfully, those eight years are split between two unique schools. Each has its own special purpose, yet MLC and WLS work together for one common goal: to provide the WELS with pastors who are both firmly grounded in God’s Word and ready to relate God’s gospel message to the world. May God bless the valuable work of MLC and WLS! Article reprinted with permission from Preach the Gospel, A Magazine of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, 2009, Vol. 6.

Michael Heidi Brianne Jeffers brings some MLC friends home to Arizona.

Hennig MLC 2005 Green Bay WI

My education at MLC prepared me for theological study at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Here there is no science or math, because the curriculum at WLS has a specific focus: the study of God’s Word and the skills needed to share that Word with the world. Some aspects remain the same. I continue to study the Bible in its original languages of Greek and Hebrew, and I continue to nurture friendships with my classmates.

The narrower focus of WLS, however, means that I am also exposed to many new areas of study. In my first year, I have learned about church history, the Augsburg Confession, Christian education, and the Lutheran liturgy.

I preached my first sermon to a group of classmates before Christmas 2008.

I have also gained valuable on-the-job experience through work with a congregation in Milwaukee.

Arndt DMLC 1995 Menasha WI

Melissa Townswick MLC 2000 Madison WI Martin Luther College

James Behringer NWC 1975 Newton Heights 23 WI

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Please celebrate with us as we dedicate

M art i n L u ther C ollege

April 10-11, 2010 Saturday, April 10, 2010

Dedication Service Reservations

11:15-11:45. . . .

1:00-3:00. . . . . .

1:00-3:00. . . . . .

4:30-6:00. . . . . .

To reserve a seat for one of the dedication services, please call 877.MLC.1995 or email us at gartneml@mlc-wels.edu.

Children’s choir mini concert Organ Open Console Seminars: Walking Tour: History of Worship on This Campus Christian Art and Architecture: A History WELS Ministerial Education Solus Christus Juried Art Exhibit Opening Campus Tours

7:00. . . . . . . . Chapel Dedication Service 8:30. . . . . . . . . . Presentations in chapel:

Art and furnishings in Chapel of the Christ

Building of the organ in Chapel of the Christ

Sunday, April 11, 2010 2:30. . . . . . . . Chapel Dedication Service 4:00. . . . . . . . . . Presentations in chapel:

Art and furnishings in Chapel of the Christ

Building of the organ in Chapel of the Christ

We have added a Saturday evening dedication service for those coming from a distance. Worshipers closer to New Ulm are encouraged to attend the Sunday service, if possible. The services are identical.

Chapel of the Christ seats about 1000. Your reservation ensures that you will have a seat for the service you choose. Those who have made reservations may pick up their tickets in the Luther Student Center the day of the service. Thank you!

Also on campus: Solus Christus Art Exhibit Juried show of WELS and ELS artists See call for submissions at mlc-wels.edu/go/art.

History of Worship Archival Display

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Martin Luther College