KnightWatch - February/March 2007

knightwatch M a r t in Lu t h e r Coll e ge

feb/mar 2007

MLC

Feb/mar 07

• Evangelism Day • Winter Carnival • Facebook at MLC

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID OWATONNA, MN 55060 PERMIT #110

Just Give Me a Sign, Lord!

by Phil Leyrer, Vice President of Enrollment Management

Janet was a high school senior who was uncertain about what she wanted to do with her life, and the anxiety had become crushing. One night, exasperated, she asked God for a sign. The Bible seemed like a logical place to look, so she opened it to a random place and there read “Feed my lambs” (John 15:15). A great sense of relief came over her. Surely God was telling her to study for the teaching ministry.

Had God given Janet a sign? More likely is that Janet wanted a sign so badly she was willing to see one.

Certainly God can use signs. Remember Gideon’s drip-dry fleece or Hezekiah’s backward shadow?

And our desire for a sign or some other clear direction that we can point to is understandable.

After all, if God has spoken, then the burden of decision-making is off us, and we might find peace in feeling “called.” But the truth is that God does not typically work this way.

Studying for the public ministry is a choice we make, like so many others. Of course, we want to decide with our God in mind, but we should not expect God to make the decision for us. In his love he has given us a free will, and often more than one God-pleasing path is open to us.

Because he is omniscient, God knows the choices we will make; that does not mean, however, that he removes our freedom to choose.

KnightWatch is published by Martin Luther College and is intended to inform, inspire, and motivate young people who are considering enrolling at MLC to prepare for public ministry in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

Comments are welcomed and should be directed to Martin Luther College, Attn: Laurie Biedenbender, 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm, MN 56073

Rather than looking for a sign, seek guidance through . . .

1. Prayer: We can ask the Lord to give us a growing sense of how we might serve him with the gifts we’ve been given.

2. God’s Word: When we turn to the Scriptures in a regular and devotional way, we place ourselves under their holy influence.

3. Intelligence: God has given us brains that allow us to think logically and practically, and he does not want us to ignore what makes sense to us.

4. Conscience: Our consciences can tell us when we are listening to our sinful natures more than we should.

5. Counsel: God puts wise and loving fellow Christians of all ages in our lives. We do well to use them.

God’s love for you in Christ is certain. From that secure place, may God bless your decision-making.

On our cover: Katelyn Peter, Sarah Sauer, and Steve Lehman enjoy some broomball during Winter Carnival.

Vice President, Enrollment Management: Prof. Phil Leyrer Director of Admissions: Prof. R. Brutlag Admissions Counselor: Sarah Zahrt Admissions Counselor: Mark Gnewuch Editor/Writer: Laurie Biedenbender Photographer: Prof. Bill Pekrul

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Meet

Mark Gnewuch MLC welcomes Admissions Counselor Mark Gnewuch (Guh-NAY-vock). He just graduated from MLC himself, and we know you’ll find him fun, funny, and easy to talk to about your future. Mark has a passion for MLC and for ministry that is definitely catching. But he’s not someone who always knew he wanted to be a teacher or pastor.

“He has a great life story,” says fellow Admissions Counselor Sarah Zahrt. “He had doubts about his future, as do many students we meet with.”

“Mark will relate to those students who are not sure whether ministry is for them,” adds Director of Admissions Brutlag. “And his love for ministry will show once the students meet him.”

He’s already on the road, visiting high schools, so many of you have already met him, and the rest of you will very soon.

“I’m so excited to travel around the country,” he says, “telling people about my story and the joys of ministry.”

Grade School: St. Paul, Fort Atkinson, WI High School: Luther Preparatory School What he’s been doing since high school: MLC student Warehouse employee U.S. Air Force weatherman Window washer UW-Whitewater student MLC student (again) MLC admissions counselor Favorite . . .

Music:

Indie rock The Arcade Fire The Umbrella Sequence The Beatles

Hobbies: Golfing, disc golfing, reading Foods:

Brats and Brussels sprouts

Sports: On TV: Football In person: NASCAR Athlete:

Brett Favre

Movie:

A Hard Day’s Night

TV show: The Wonder Years

My Road to Ministry

by Mark Gnewuch

“How do I know whether I should go into the public ministry?”

This is a question that has weighed very heavily on me for many years. I graduated from Luther Preparatory School in 1998. All my friends were going to Martin Luther College, and my family told me that I would make a good teacher. So I decided to try this MLC place out.

After a year and a half, I left MLC and told myself I would never return.

I worked for a semester at a school supply warehouse. Then, in July of 2000, I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a weatherman. I was based in Biloxi, MS, and I truly loved it. After about a year, I was diagnosed with a reactive arthritis in my right hip, and after going up against many medical boards, I was honorably discharged—one month before 9-11.

Things seemed to come crashing down on my life. Everywhere I tried to go, it seemed like it would fail.

After working as a window washer for three years, I finally decided to enroll in the teacher program at the University of WisconsinWhitewater. After about a year there, I did the unthinkable: I enrolled at Martin Luther College—the place I promised never to return to. I honestly cannot give you a reason why I did it. All I can say is that I did.

I enjoyed MLC. I made new friends, I liked the professors. I met my bride, Beth. But I still had many serious doubts about whether teaching was for me. It seemed like everyone wanted this for me— except me.

Then, like a ton of bricks, along came a class during my junior year called Teaching Reading. I didn’t think much of reading, and I definitely didn’t think I’d enjoy teaching it—after all, I am a social studies emphasis. But something happened when Dr. Wendler, our professor, read children’s literature books to the class. His ability to capture everyone with the use of his voice was something that made me say: “I want to do that. I myself—without anyone telling me to—I want to do that.”

This was truly a joy for me. I would practice reading to Beth’s nieces and nephews (and sometimes even Beth). I would take books along to my teaching experiences every chance I could. Once, teachers from other classrooms actually asked me to read to their students.

Soon I realized all the other joys that ministry has to offer: mainly, the joy of working with children. Believe it or not, it can be fun.

So, how did I know whether I should go into the public ministry?

Well, I didn’t. But God did. He had his plans for me. Here I am at MLC, and no matter where I go next in life, I know that my Savior will keep me safe in his embrace.

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Unique In Purpose—Unique In Preparation

Martin luther College “I have always wanted to be a called worker, and MLC was a place where I could have fun and study God’s Word in depth. If Men’s Choir, intramural basketball, and being in a rock band aren’t enough to keep me busy, the Christian fellowship I have with my good friends here is. There is no fun like good Lutheran fun, and it’s Bible study and fellowship with these redeemed children of God that encourages me and helps me focus on my goal of being a pastor.”

Matthew Borck

Coming to MLC puts you in a community of people who share your vision and your vocation, your faith and your future. Like Matt, all the students at MLC are pursuing the public ministry of the gospel in its various forms. That creates a strong connection, a bond. They’re sisters and brothers, encouraging each other on the path to this high calling—and having some good fun along the way.

matthewborck Freshman Pre-Seminary Studies Lakeside Lutheran High School Men’s Choir Intramural basketball

Martin Luther College

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1995 Luther Court • New Ulm, MN 56073 www.mlc-wels.edu M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

IDENTIT Y The MLC Edition

Match ‘em up!

By Micah Ricke (Wisconsin LHS)

It’s Good,

n Alex Chworowsky

n Brandon Hinrichs

and We’re Not Kidding

n Anna Bourman

n Mishaal Al-Eisa

We know you won’t decide to become a pastor or teacher based on the quality of MLC’s cafeteria. And you shouldn’t.

If you do decide to come here, though, believe us when we tell you our food service is great.

n Jake Schwartz

n Carol Niemi

n Phil Eich

We’re not kidding. A normal lunch might feature lasagna, chicken wraps, and meatloaf with mashed potatoes as the main entrees. Not interested? Then stop at the taco bar, the pizza oven, the deli sandwich grill, the stir fry skillets, or the waffle maker. Add two soups, a full salad bar, and a hot vegetable bar. Then finish off with three cake/torte choices, ice cream or soft-serve, coffee, and cappuccino.

1. This year’s “Mr. Concord,” who captured the judges’ votes by unveiling his freakishly accurate Elmo impression and cat-like dance moves 2. MLC’s Reggie Bush replica 3. The College’s Mandarin Chinese linguistic expert 4. The senior sometimes falsely mistaken for Arnold Schwarzenegger

Pumpkin carving (see Jared Wales, St. Croix LHS, pictured), cook-off challenges, and “Give us your mom’s recipe and we’ll make it” add even more fun.

5. The freshman who serenaded the student body with an angelic voice and jaw-dropping ukulele skills at the Fall Talent Show

On a scale of 1-5, a recent visitor from Lakeside LHS gave our cafeteria a 6. “Awesome!” he wrote.

6. The talented student who brought a slice of Broadway to campus by directing the musical Bye Bye Birdie

“What’s MLC’s most prized possession?” writes Student Senate President Keith Schleis (Fox Valley LHS). “Marty? The Sprinter? Lake Olsen?* Nope, it’s the kangaroo at home BB games.”

Answers: 1. Mishaal Al-Eisa (Michigan Lutheran Sem), 2. Jake Schwartz (Luther Prep), 3. Alex Chworowsky (Luther Prep), 4. Brandon Hinrichs (Nebraska LHS), 5. Carol Niemi (Luther High School), 6. Phil Eich (Michigan Lutheran Sem), 7. Anna Bourman (Luther Prep).

Roo Crew!

7. The first female runner in school history to compete at the NCAA Division III National Cross Country Meet

If you’ve been to our basketball games, you’ve seen it: the inflatable kangaroo, the kangaroo song (sung to “Go Tell It on the Mountain” while hopping up and down on the bleachers), students’ goofy antics with the kangaroo—and now “Roo Crew” t-shirts, which you can find online at www.mlc-wels.edu.

Are we replacing the MLC Knight? No. The Knight is still our official mascot, and if you look closely at the 5 t-shirt on Jon Huebner (St. Croix LHS), you’ll find it—right in the kanga’s pouch. statue of Martin Luther, The Sprinter—statue of a runner, inherited from Northwestern College campus, Lake Olsen—drainage w w w . m l c - w e l s*Marty—campus .edu pond affectionately named for President Ted Olsen

Interested in

Early Childhood Education?

For Unto Us

a Child is Born All four MLC choirs—Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Chorale, and College Choir—sang “For Unto Us a Child Is Born,” a chorus from Handel’s Messiah, at the Christmas Concert December 17.

“Silent Night,” in its original form as penned by composer Franz Gruber, was another highlight. The Wind Symphony and Handbell Choir also performed in the annual concert.

This year, 62 students are enrolled in the early childhood education (ECE) major. One day they could be called as an ECE teacher or director, like ’04 grad Jessica Manthey (pictured), who directs the Hope Lutheran Early Learning Center in Manhattan, Kansas. If you choose this program, you’ll do your student teaching at the MLC Early Learning Center a few blocks from campus. At present, students in this program graduate with a double major, ECE and Elementary Education, preparing them to teach at both levels, but MLC is actively pursuing a four-year, single-major program.

We’ll keep you up to date on the progress.

The Things They Carried All MLC Forum productions are student-directed and student-produced. This fall’s drama, The Things They Carried, was even student-written. Brad Snyder (Michigan Lutheran Sem) adapted Tim O’Brien’s novel on the Vietnam War for an MLC Readers’ Theater production.

Pictured are Dan Niemi (Luther High) and Kevin Boushek (Luther Prep) assisting wounded soldier David Zuberbier (Fox Valley LHS). Snyder directed the show, and Kent Reeder (Luther Prep) produced the show.

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If you enjoy drama, either on the stage or behind the scenes, you’ll find an outlet for your talent in our fall musical, winter play, readers’ theater, outdoor classical theater, or children’s theater productions.

M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

Evangelism Day Why would Pastor Ross Stelljes of Littleton, Colorado, talk to MLC students about Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, the Columbine murderers? Because that crisis, which occurred right in his backyard, gave his congregation an opportunity to evangelize in their community.

Pastor Stelljes and others from all over the country shared evangelism stories and insights at our January Evangelism Day. Topics included The Joy of Urban Ministry, Outreach through the Christian School, and Starting a Spiritual Conversation, which is what Ryan Kolander (Wisconsin LHS) and Elyse Limpert (St. Croix LHS) are practicing in our photo.

“This will really help in my ministry,” said Kaitlyn Schumacher (Wisconsin LHS). “It makes you remember why you’re here at Martin Luther College,” added Carrie Ewings (Lakeside LHS). “Afterwards, we were all back in the dorm, talking about how excited we are to graduate and go out and serve.”

There’s Nothing Better Professor John Schmidt leads morning chapel.

Ask MLC students, “What’s the best part of college life?” and you’ll hear one response again and again: Chapel.

Morning chapel (10:45 to 11:00), evening chapel (6:55-7:10), and Monday night Compline (10:00 pm) offer students a chance to hear the Word, pray, and sing in harmony with 700-800 other Christians.

Chapel is a fairly common thing on Christian campuses, but MLC’s chapel is unique, because all our students are aspiring to public ministry. “Chapel presenters take this opportunity very seriously,” says History Professor Paul Koelpin, “delivering thoughtful, well-prepared, relevant, meaningful devotions for colleagues and students who serve or aspire to serve in the church.

This worship among hundreds on a daily basis is an encouraging, faith-building experience.” We hope you’ll get to experience it some day.

Did You Catch the Band?

Stephanie Buege (Illinois LHS)

Professor Miles Wurster and the 48-member Wind Symphony stopped

by St. Croix, Manitowoc, and Shoreland Lutheran High Schools during their early February mini-tour. Pieces by Aaron Copland, Eric Whitacre, and Henry Fillmore headlined the program. A home concert February 7 capped off the tour, and we’re looking forward to hearing them again at their April 14 concert.

Jon Weber (Michigan LHS)

Looking for a Lead Guitarist

Improper Diphthongs, Awkward Silence, Skinny and the Pigs: Novels? Websites? Blogs?

No, they’re campus garage bands at MLC, like Half of the Equation (pictured)—Jason Strong (West LHS), Tony Barthels (Fox Valley LHS), and Ian Watson (California LHS). These bands perform for talent shows, play sets in the Round Table (our student union snack bar), or just jam in the Concord dorm basement.

If you play guitar, drums, or keyboard, they’ll find you a spot. Or you can launch your own band. “Every year the number of bands grows,” says Watson. “A good percentage of MLC guys play guitar. I know people here are musically talented. I mean, we are Lutherans.” w w w.mlc-wels.edu

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Let It Snow!

“Isn’t there a lot of snow in Minnesota?”

Our admissions counselors hear this all the time. And the answer is, “Yes. But how else would you ice skate, play broomball, cross country ski through Flandrau State Park, and sled down Hermann Hill on a cafeteria tray after dark?”

Winter MONDAY

TUESDAY

Opening Ceremonies. Pep Fest.

Speedball. Penny War starts in the cafeteria. Snow Sculpture contest begins. And the Broomball teams hit the ice below the hill.

More Broomball. The ever-popular Beard Contest: Longest, Scruffiest, Best Goatee, Best Tutor Hacker beard.

And of course the Talent Show!

We’re not afraid to celebrate winter here, and that’s what Winter Carnival is all about.

Katelyn Peter (Northland LHS) bends down to take a shot as Sarah Sauer (Luther Prep) and Steve Lehman (Luther High) hope for the best.

Becky Schmill (Manitowoc LHS) sings to Ian Watson’s (California LHS) guitar at the Talent Show.

SUNDAY Manhunt begins. It’s a little hard to explain: wanted lists, squirt gun “killings,” distrust of your closest friends.

Steve Lehman (Luther High) thought his Packer gear would bring him luck on the ice.

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” has never been sung quite like this: Kyle Bitter, Lucas Bitter, Sam Schlicht (all Luther Prep), and Safari Hunter Paul Kanzenbach (Great Plains LHS).

First place: Rebecca Rixe (Great Plains LHS) Second place: Bethany Saatkamp (Luther Prep)

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Carnival WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

Class videos after evening chapel.

Wrestling tournament in the Summit dorm basement.

The yearly Martin Luther College – Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary hockey match.

The Carnival Class Couples are named.

Winners

Lightweight: Frank Rose (Winnebago Lutheran Academy) Middleweight: Brad Jensen (Fox Valley LHS) Heavyweight: Blake Sorcic (Luther Prep)

Freshman couple Liz Meier (Luther Prep) and Ryan Halter (Prior Lake High–Minnesota)

Sophomore couple Brian Gephart (Michigan LHS) and Amanda Polzin (Rhinelander High–Wisconsin)

Junior couple Dan Waldschmidt (Luther Prep) and Jaymie Bergmeier (Michigan Lutheran Sem)

THURSDAY Open Skate at indoor rink. Threepoint shootout in the gym. And the freshmen take the Broomball Championship.

Senior couple Aaron Goetzinger (Luther Prep) and Becky Langebartels (Michigan Lutheran Sem) MLC and Sem play their traditional hockey match.

2007 Victor: MLC.

Fiona Matlock (Galena City School–Alaska) exhibits some freestyle figure skating at halftime of the hockey match.

SATURDAY The Broomball Champs: (back row) Jon Huebner (St. Croix LHS), David Starr (Michigan Lutheran Sem), Ben Stellick (Michigan Lutheran Sem), Joe Fetcenko (Michigan Lutheran Sem); (front row) Carol Niemi (Luther High), Karen Luehring (Lakeside LHS).

A Scavenger Hunt. The three-point shootout championship at halftime of the Knights men’s and women’s basketball games vs. Northland College.

Three-point winners:

Dan Waldschmidt (Luther Prep) beat Jason Fry (Lakeside LHS).

Katelyn Peter (Northland LHS) beat Emily Lemke (Fox Valley LHS).

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w w w.mlc-wels.edu

Martin Luther College is different from other colleges—even from other Lutheran colleges.

The heart of everything we do is ministry.

OUR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING allows students to “do” ministry while they train for ministry.

OUR PROFESSORS have years of ministry experience to share.

You don’t just sit in a classroom here. Every year you’ll enjoy an Early Field or Ministry Experience, applying what you’re learning in a real ministry setting.

No “career professors” here.

They’ve been there and done that—in the pulpit and the classroom. So their coursework is not just theoretical, but immensely practical—and peppered with stories about real ministry to real people.

You can also teach VBS in California, New York, or Texas. Lead a youth group just down the road.

Or help out with relief efforts in disaster areas.

It’s all part of our Daylight service program.

Thinking more global? Through our International Teaching Opportunities you can teach in Mexico, Thailand, Brazil, or a dozen other countries.

We Call It

“Ministry-Based Instruction” OUR CURRICULUM is keyed to the needs of the church.

Of course, the foremost need of the church—and of the whole world—is for the gospel. Here you’re taught to see the soul first.

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We also anticipate and respond to other needs. For instance, we provide multi-cultural education because communities are more diverse. We train you for ministry to seniors because the over-65 group is growing. And we teach the very latest in educational research, an ever-changing field, so that you can be the kind of highly trained professional our congregations need.

OUR STUDENTS are ready to serve wherever they are called.

This makes our student body distinctive. At MLC, Graduation Day is also Call Day. After four years here—and another four at the seminary for future pastors—you’ll receive a ministry assignment specially chosen for you.

Knowing this, you and the other students share a special bond. You’re brothers and sisters, encouraging each other on the path to this high calling. What could be better?

M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

I n t e r n a t i o n a l

Teaching Opportunities

Almost 50 MLC Knights are teaching around the world—in all subjects and at all grade levels, from preschool to high school. Mike Schneider (Salina High South-Salina, KS), Julie Jabs, and Beth Marggraf (both Luther Prep) are the newest students involved in ITO (International Teaching Opportunities). Mike just began a year of teaching English in Mexico. Julie and Beth recently landed in Brazil for a six-month teaching stint.

The work of ITO teachers varies. Some teach Word of God at their schools. Some teach English in international schools and work with nearby WELS missionaries. Some hold Bible studies in their homes. Some teach native pastor candidates.

Although international schools may receive hundreds of applications from all over the world, many of them come directly to us, specifically requesting MLC students and graduates. In recent months, in fact, we’ve received such requests from Thailand, Mexico, Japan, and Malawi.

These opportunities are available to all MLC students. If you enroll here and you have the desire to share the gospel outside our borders, you’ll get your chance!

Taste of China These students will visit China over spring break:

Ben and Becky Foxen (both Luther Prep) teach in Czech Republic.

Czech Republic

Andrew Babinec (Michigan Lutheran Sem) Preston Heuer (Luther Prep) Rachel Nass (Shoreland LHS) Margaret Polzin (Wisconsin LHS) Sarah Priestap (Rocky View Virtual School) Bethany Rossman (Luther High)

Japan Mexico

Dominican Republic Colombia

Chile

Katie Lange (St. Croix LHS) teaches preschoolers in Thailand.

China Taste of China: These students will visit China over spring break: Thailand

Andrew Babinec (Michigan Lutheran Sem) Brazil Preston Heuer Malawi (Luther Prep) Rachel Nass (Shoreland LHS) Margaret Polzin (Wisconsin LHS) Sarah Priestap (Rocky View Virtual School) Bethany Rossman (Luther High)

Sara Schuessler (Michigan Lutheran Sem) and her fiance, Daniel Lange (St. Croix LHS), attend a Sumo wrestling match in Japan.

Sara teaches in Tsuchiura.

w w w.mlc-wels.edu

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Here Am I—Send Me?!

Dr. Gene Pfeifer explains how MLC graduates are assigned to their first calls.

Flashback: “Gene Pfeifer has been assigned to St. Matthew Lutheran School, Niles, Illinois,” read the WELS President.

“Niles!” I, a Wisconsin boy, thought. “The only Nile I know is a river in Egypt.

Where is God sending me?”

2006 Assignment: Aaron Krause ‘06 was assigned to Bethany, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Back to the present.

It was God’s plan to use my wife, Carrie, and me to help spread the gospel to the families of St. Matthew and the diverse community of Niles, near Chicago. Although we had never thought of serving in the big city of Chicago, we look back to that time and say with confidence that God used us at the right time and in the right place for his service. It was his will, and we served him in our “Assignment Call” for nine years.

2006 Assignment: Renee Pastorek ‘06 was

MLC students trust that God will have them serve at the place that best makes use of their talents.

God has called many to serve him, including Abram (Genesis assigned to St. Paul, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

12) and Moses (Exodus 3-4). God uses WELS fulltime called workers in the same way he used Carrie and me. Look around your school and church. My assumption is that many of your teachers, pastors, and staff ministers are not originally from your area, but they now consider that place their home, and they gladly serve, confident that God is directing their lives for his purpose.

As MLC candidates consider their assignment into God’s ministry, they do so with the same confidence.

Through their years at MLC, they grow in their trust that God will have them serve at the place that best makes use of their talents.

Yes, MLC candidates for ministry can share their assignment preferences with their college supervisors and MLC advisors to the Assignment Committee. Most candidates elect to make themselves available for service in any location. Some, generally for reasons of marriage or health, request service in a limited area. Others choose to defer their Assignment Call in order to pursue further education or to serve in an international ministry setting.

All, however, place their trust in God’s wisdom, knowing that wherever and whenever they serve in God’s exciting mission field, that is the place God wants them.

Dr. Pfeifer serves as MLC Director of Clinical Experiences and MLC Advisor to the WELS Assignment Committee.

How the Process Works: •

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•

As graduation approaches, the MLC Director of Clinical Experiences compiles a profile for each candidate. The profile, which is based on input from the candidate’s teaching supervisors and college professors, includes an assessment of the candidate’s . . . o personality, o teaching and classroom management skills, o suitability for different grade levels, o ability to perform different duties, such as coaching or playing organ.

All the profiles are gathered into the “Book of Candidates.”

•

At a formal meeting, the Assignment Committee (which is made up of WELS leaders and the 12 district presidents of the WELS) receives the Book of Candidates.

•

Praying for God’s guidance and hearing the input of selected MLC faculty, the committee uses that information to assign each candidate to a congregation or school, matching up the needs of the congregation with the gifts and abilities of the candidate.

•

These assignments are then announced at the MLC Call Service, which follows the graduation service.

Facebook: The Good . . . The Bad . . . The Adiaphora

By Nicky Richmond (Michigan Lutheran Seminary)

When I was home over the last break, my parents were horrified to see that I was updating what looked like an online dating profile. I heard the “you’re still in college” and “don’t get desperate” speech approximately three-quarters of the way through before they paused for breath long enough for me to say, “It’s not a dating site! It’s Facebook!”

Yup, that’s right kids. Facebook. Even 23-year-old fifth-year seniors are active members of the self-proclaimed social networking utility. (Before you call me “old,” just wait till you’re a 23-year-old fifth-year senior. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.)

Now, before you go around proclaiming Facebook.com or MySpace.com as a social savior, there are a few things to remember—even at a campus like MLC. The following are what I like to call “Facebook: the good, the bad, and the adiaphora.”

The Good: Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with friends.

I frequently message my summer coTwo Kettle Moraine LHS girls, Mandy Behm (left) and April Cook (right), became friends workers and friends with Laura Lundgren (Shoreland LHS) on who go to other MySpace before they came to MLC. colleges—and they message back! It fits right in the niche between instant messaging and e-mailing. I also have frequently messaged a roommate, when she’s in our room, sitting 4.32 feet away from me, updating her own Facebook profile.

The Bad: You can procrastinate on papers, and some use it to avoid actually talking to friends in real life. I’d need more fingers than I’ve got to count the times I’ve heard laments akin to “I Facebooked her last night, and she didn’t Facebook me back yet!” Seriously. Just call the girl if you want to hear from her so badly!

The Adiaphora: “Should I add him to my friends or wait till he adds me?”

The Good: Friends can keep up on your life. I have many friends who have started faith-oriented and prayer groups. Facebook does allow for a quick, easy way to share prayer needs with friends and family. Free photo sharing is another plus to being a member of the Facebook community.

The Bad: It can—if you aren’t careful to set your security settings high enough—allow people who aren’t your friends to gain access to information you do not want them to have. Trust me, stalkers—friendly or otherwise— get irritating after a while. Facebook may also lead to an inflated perception of popularity. The age-old adage about not knowing the number of your friends until a crisis arises is blown apart by Facebook. Now you can have the number of your friends right in front of you every time you log in.

The Adiaphora: Because Facebook allows for quick, easy sharing of personal information, changes in relationship status are broadcast immediately—especially thanks to the infamous “mini-feed.”

The MLC family has a large presence on Facebook. (At the time this article was written I had 165 “friends” just at MLC.) And even prospective MLC students like you can hook up with other prospective students.

Last year, an “MLC Freshmen 2006” group started up on MySpace. “We talked about what classes we were going to take,” said freshman Amanda Behm (Kettle Moraine LHS), “and we laughed about people coming to MLC just to get married, and we discussed why we chose MLC over other schools.” Amanda, who has now upgraded to Facebook, even connected with her roommate and got to know her before they came to campus.

Facebook (and MySpace) can provide great online fellowship. Remember though, no internet site can replace the real MLC experience, and, just in case you’re wondering, the real Martin Luther never had a w w wFacebook . m l c - w e profile. ls.edu

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SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS•SPORTS

Knights basketball

Bonnie Whittaker (Michigan Lutheran Sem)

Nate Nass (Minnesota Valley LHS)

Our Knights men have posted a 7-3 UMAC record, putting them in third place with a good chance to make the post-season tournament. Standouts include Caleb Free (Luther Prep), Jake Schwartz (Luther Prep), Nathan Nass (Minnesota Valley LHS), Jeff Dolan (Minnesota Valley LHS), and Brian Gephart (Michigan LHS).

Leann Swogger (Luther High)

Keith Schleis (Fox Valley LHS)

Led by Emma Babinec, last year’s women won the UMAC post-season tournament. This year, senior Sarah Seelow (Michigan Lutheran Sem) leads the way, along with the strong play of Lissa Babinec (Luther High), Jamie Boldt (Luther Prep), Abby Hosbach (Kettle Moraine LHS), and Hannah Bode (Michigan Lutheran Sem).

MLC Leads Conference in Scholar-Athletes MLC placed 39 athletes on the fall Academic All-Conference list, making us the conference leader for the second year in a row. These 39 cross country, soccer, football, and volleyball athletes earned a GPA of 3.5 or better to qualify for the list: Paul Kanzenbach (Great Plains LHS) Timothy Matthies Jr. (Lakeside LHS) Jeremy Seeger (Manitowoc LHS) Anna Bourman (Luther Prep) Anna Horneber (Michigan Lutheran Sem) Gretchen Kock (Michigan Lutheran Sem) Kelly Mellgren (Lincoln-Lake City, MN) Bethany Warnecke (Luther Prep) Brett Bengel (Fox Valley LHS) Adam Frey (Nebraska LHS) Daniel Gawrisch (Wisconsin LHS) Andrew Haag (Winnebago LHS) Seth Jaeger (Lakeside LHS) Daniel Laitinen (Luther Prep) Matthew Scharf (Luther Prep) Joel Voss (Michigan Lutheran Sem)

Daniel Niemi (Luther High) Kevin Boushek (Luther Prep) Joel Fischer (Luther Prep) Joseph Greefkes (Kettle Moraine LHS) Jeffrey Grundmeier (Luther Prep) Timothy Grundmeier (Luther Prep) Christopher Treder (Michigan LHS) Alissa Alonte (Wisconsin LHS) Leah Dose (Minnesota Valley LHS) Amanda Dunn (Carroll-Grapevine, TX) Elizabeth Greenlee (Tara-Baton Rouge, LA) Kate Hieb (Luther Prep) Julie Jabs (Luther Prep) Sarah Janke (Luther Prep) Jennifer Joecks (Wisconsin LHS) Rachel Learman (Luther Prep) Beth Marggraf (Luther Prep) Laura Merklinger (Heritage-Littleton, CO) Emily Buck (Minnesota Valley LHS) Jessica Burmeister (Arizona Lutheran Academy) Shawna Mehlberg (Kettle Moraine LHS) Rachel Meyer (Luther Prep) Amanda Polzin (Rhinelander-Rhinelander, WI)

14 M a r t i n L u t h e r C o ll e g e

Huge at MLC

Intramurals

Intramurals is the biggest student activity on campus, with 400+ students competing in 14 sports every year. That’s really good news if you love to play soccer, for instance, but don’t want to commit to the rigors of the college team’s schedule. Or if you’re an ace at bowling, which our conference doesn’t offer.

The competition is fierce and not-so-fierce. Mark Thiesfeldt (Minnesota Valley LHS), president of the Intramural Board, explains: “In basketball, tennis, and volleyball, upper and lower leagues are offered. The upper league is where competition gets more intense and the teams are usually more skilled. The lower league is more recreational, for teams who are just looking to have some fun.”

Intramural teams like “The Shooting Cowboys” and “The Benchwarmers” hit the court and field throughout the year. Pictured in red is Faith Schmitzer (Michigan Lutheran Sem) and in blue are some senior girls. (Photos by Ian Watson, California LHS)

Fall

Intramural Sports Offered:

Men flag football, tennis, 3-on-3 basketball Women volleyball, tennis, 3-on-3 basketball Coed disc golf

Winter

Spring

Men indoor soccer, basketball

Coed softball, volleyball

Women indoor soccer, basketball Coed bowling at Concordia Lanes

French, Too? Oui, Oui! A January posting on the MLC Portal, our student bulletin board, announced the first meeting of a new club on campus: French Club.

French Club joins German Club, Renaissance Club, Photography Team, Student Senate, Outdoor Adventure Club, Forum, Meet Math, Sign Language Club, Aulic, Studium Excitare, Dorm Council, AVCO, Astronomy Club . . . We could go on and on.

Whatever your interest, you’ll probably find other people who like it too. And if there isn’t already a club on campus, you can get together and organize your own. Sounds good, n’est-ce pas? w w w.mlc-wels.edu

Renaissance Club organizes a yearly Ren Faire, complete with music, magic, human chess, and humongous pretzels.

Meet Math is a club that creates and corrects math quizzes for a synodwide competition. Members (from left): Jaime Steinbrecher (Wisconsin LHS), Hannah Zimmerman (Lakeland Union High—Minocqua, WI), Karen Luehring (Lakeside LHS), Rachel Struck (Michigan Lutheran Sem), Linden Valus (Michigan Lutheran Sem), Beckie Gilbert (Shoreland LHS), Nathan Zastrow (Luther Prep), and Seth Georgson (Luther Prep).

15

Unique In Purpose—Unique In Preparation

Martin luther College “I chose MLC because being a teacher has been my goal throughout life. Now that I’m here, I enjoy the social aspect very much.

Being away from home is also exciting because of the new-found freedoms. And the professors are not only willing to help you with any problem, but they create an environment where we aren’t afraid to voice our opinions.”

Beth Boche

bethboche

College isn’t like high school. You discover freedoms you never had. You make choices without talking to your parents first. You meet friends from all over the country. And you’re asked to voice your own opinion, not just recite other people’s. MLC is a great place to test out these new waters. The profs and fellow students are much like you— Christians who’ve decided to pursue public ministry—and the environment is safe but not rigid, supportive but not smothering.

It’s a great place to grow, develop, train, prepare. In fact, MLC has the very best kind of ministerial training—the kind you’d expect from the WELS College of Ministry.

Freshman Secondary Ed—Spanish Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School Basketball Dorm council Intramural volleyball

Martin Luther College

1995 Luther Court • New Ulm, MN 56073 www.mlc-wels.edu