MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE
By MLC President Mark Zarling
The words were not simply a Christian cliche. The earnestness was visible in his eyes as he slowly uttered the words, "Please pray for us." The man, a fellow believer who lives halfway around the globe, cherished our Spirit-forged bonds of faith, love, and purpose in the kingdom. Like Paul writing to the Colossians, he understood that prayer is powerful: And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message. "Please pray for us." Anyone whos visited a mission field has heard the same request. little flocks of Christians surrounded by idolatry seek the comfort that in the kingdom of God, they are not alone. "Please pray for us" is a request reflecting the big picturethe global gospel -the whole kingdom of God. By God's grace, the MLC campus becomes more global every year. Missionaries on furlough, including Missionary Bill Meier and Pastor Michael Ewart this semester, address the campus family, expanding our vision of the great commission. In addition, over the last six years, 19 professors have served in 29 different countries, teaching, speaking, consulting, and conferring- and coming back with a new outlook and more people to pray for. Our students also have such opportunities. This January an MLC student lefl for Gravatai, Brazil, to teach for six months. She joins about 50 MLC students and grads who are in 11 different countries teaching at all educational levels. We also are educating 11 students from six different countries on our campus, and another four Ukrainian students a re taking an online course. "Please pray for us." When that earnest Christian man made his request of me, I asked the same-"Please pray for us here in the States and at this college." And now I ask you. Perhaps you don't think of New Ulm as a global hotspot, but God has plans for the students here, plans to take them to every part of our country and many parts of the world Pray that the Holy Spirit keep your college faithful to the Word, dedicated to studying it, eager to share it. Pray that the Lord Jesus, our faithful Good Shepherd, protect his flock here and around the world. Pray that God open doors for our message. Please think of us as you pray, as you have for years and years, "Your kingdom come."
MLC In Focus is published by Martin Luther College Public Relations Office and is distributed free of charge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends . Owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), Martin Luther College trains both men and women to serve as teachers and staff ministers in WELS and also prepares men for pastoral training at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. Editor/Writer: Laurie Gauger Photographer: Bill Pekrul Proofreader: Heidi Schoof President: PR Director:
Mark Zarling Bill Pekrul
All correspondence should be directed to
~MLc
MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE
MLC In Focus Martin Luther College 1995 Luther Court • New Ulm, MN 56073 mlcinfo@mlc-wels.edu 507-354-8221 ext. 295 • FAX 507-354-8225
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Visit our website at www.mlc-wels.edu To subscribe to our weekly news update, send an email to mlcupdate-subscribe@mlc-wels.edu
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Evangelism Day 2008 "Should I not be concerned about that great city ?" These words of God close the book of Jonah, and they opened MLC~ Evangelism Day 2008 on January 23. Dozens of speakers- pastors, teachers, and sLaff ministers from all over the country-came to our campus and spoke to students on various evangelism topics, wiLh a special focus this year on urban ministry. Evangelism Day coordinator Professor Lyle Lange explains that the annual event provides students with a four-year, rotating curriculum of instruction on evangelism, prepared and presented in conjunction wiLh Lhe WELS Commission on Evangelism and the WELS Board for Parish Schools. Rotating topics include "Starting Spiritual Conversations," "Preparing a Personal Witness," and "Welcoming People to Our Churches and Schools." Topic-specific electives this year included "The Joy of Urban Ministry," "Evangelism in Spanish Language," and "The Hope Schools of Milwaukee." Prof E. Allen Sorum offered the keynote address, and Pastor Mark Bitler led opening chapel John Wiederhold of WEIS Kingdom Workers reaches s1ude111s aboul small ralh and body language.
Students responded enthusiastically to the day, noting it inspired them for the work they're training for: spreading the saving gospel to souls in need.
Pa5tor Micl,nel Hintz,
adminisLraLor for the WELS Commission on Evangelism, speal1s ro sLudents aboul slarLing a spiritual conversalion.
Justin Otto (Sr.Jo/111-Baraboo WI) does some role playing at his worlishop 011 witnessing.
N icole Beglinger (Mt. Calvary-
Waukesha WI) enjoys c, worl1shop 011 communication shills.
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December GRADUATION & ASSIGNMENTS Students Attend
Nobel Conference "Heating Up the Energy Debate" was the theme of the 2007 Nobel Conference attended by MLC students Nathan Nass (St. Paul-New Ulm MN), Marshall Milbrath (Salem-Owasso MI), Sarah Janke (Bethel-Sioux Falls SD) , Joe Woldt (David's Star-Jackson WI), and Jeremiah Schmiege (Eastside- Madison WI). The students heard world-renowned scientists and economists sharing their expertise in energy-related science and public policy, including the uses of oil, coal, wind-power, biofuels, and nuclear energy. The students were accompanied by Professor Richard Ash and Dr. Roger Klockziem at this, the 4 3 rd Nobel Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter MN, on October 2.
I 30 10:45 0 30 3.46
states our students hail from chapel time e\-ery morning price of 11 pm pizza made-to-order in our cafeteria members in Student Senate average GPA of freshman class
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NCAA D111 sports for men and women
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4 2.0 90 331 212 50 24
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residence halls million dollars a,vardecl in financial aid percent of our students who receive financial aid piano/organ students
196 5 123 11
students singing in a choir acres of campus hours per day residence halls are securely locked
21,240
people on campus who know some Greek dramatic productions each year years this campus has existed foreign countries our students and grads are teaching in books in our children's literature library
MARTIN LUTHE R COLLEGE M
I Brett Kriese (Pilgrim-Menomonee Falls WI) has earned the fi rst MLC Master of Science in Education degree. "I found a great deal of the course work applicable to my daily teaching," Kriese said . "And the professors were excellent. They are very dedicated, extremely knowledgeable, and they put forth trem endous effort throughout." Brett will participate in the May 17 graduation ceremony.
Made convenient through its b1ick-and-click (on-campus and online) format, the masters program now has 50 students enrolled.
MLC Students
Mentor Com,nunity Students Who would've thought you could teach a fifth grader cursive writing with pretzels and melted chocolate7 Actually, former MLC student Leah Raddatz thought it- a nd tried it-and made it work. Leah is one of dozens of MLC students who have worked as tutors th rough New Ulm '.s Pro Kinship for Kids. This after-school program con nects MLC students with pub lic school child ren who need one-on -one academic mentoring to help them get organized, master basic skills, and develop confidence. MLC student Jaime S1ei11brecl1er (St. Paul-Musl1ego WI) tutors t wice a week at Wasl1illgton Elemeniary in New Ulm.
This particular student could not master cursive writing no matter what his teachers tried So Leah melted chocolate, spread it in a pan, and had the child use a pretzel to trace the cursive letter in the chocolate. W hen he wrote a letter correctly, he could eat the chocolate-covered pretzel.
"This is just one of the great success stor ies of the MLC students working with us to do Academic Mentoring," says Kari Beran, director of the program. An elementary school teacher agreed : "The tutors helped keep my students cu rrent with their work and helped enhance their understanding of reading and math. Wow, d id we miss the tutors when they took their school breaks!" And the parents, who have monthly contact with the tutors, also see a difference: "My ch ild looks forward to her tutor sessions and is much more organized with her homework." Kari Beran tells the MLC students that this is the time to try out what they're learning in their college pedagogy classes. This is a time for them to gather an arsenal of tools that they can put to use in their own classrooms someday. And mostly i.t's a time for them to help a student who really needs them. "lt is a great learning experience for the MLC students and it is great for us to work with them," she says. "Every academic mentor we have had from MLC has been cooperative and a pleasure for me to work with as we try to help these students who really need us all."
"Why are we getting 5 magazines?" Some or you han: written or callee.I with this question. \Ve·rc sending fi,-c magazines to each congregation so that you can possihly . . . • display them in your nanhex; • gi,·e one to a studrnt who might be interested in the ministry: • show one to a new member who wants to learn about our ministry-training system: • hand one to a member who wants w gi,-c a gift to the college: or • discuss an article in Bible class or Sunday school. And sending them separately-thats because it·s actually less expensi\'C than having them bundled and sent in one mailing.
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Wind Symphony Mini-Tour Works by Edvard Grieg, Norman Delio Joio, Claude T. Smith, and Minnesota composer John Zdechlik will mark the program of the Wind Symphony's February mini-tour. Pictured: John Eckert (Mt.
Calvary- Waukesha WI) • Feb 7
7:30 pm
Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel, UW-Madison • Feb 8
2:00 pm
Michigan Lutheran Semina,y • Feb 9
7:30 pm
Huron Valley Lutheran High School • Feb 10
3:00 pm
Michigan Lutheran High School • Feb 13
7:30 pm
Home Concert, MLC Wittenberg Collegiate Center 6
Three Christmas Plays MLC Forum presented three Christmas plays December 7-8. The Vision by William Grandgeorge told the story of a Bavarian shoemaker who sees a vision of Christ.
The Ballad of King Windowglass by Jack Kurtz was a comedy based on the legend of King Wenceslas. MLC students Greg Hein (Mt. Lebanon-Milwaukee WI) and Karl Schauland (St. John-Lewiston MN) wrote the third play, HIStory (pictured), which revealed the promise of Christ in personal accounts of Biblical figures.
MARfIN LUTHER COLLEGE M c Upcoming
Convocations Ill
February 22 David Bendix (Pasto,; Shepherd of the Lakes-Fairmont MN): Serving a daughter congregation fresh out of the seminary
Andrew Neumann (P,·esident, Hope Christian School-Milwaukee): The Hope Schools' mission and ministry
March 23 Joel Gawrisch (Pastor, Christ- North St. Paul MN): A pastor's thoughts about the Lutheran elementary school
Rhoda Wolle MLC Graphic Arts staff, Rachel Siunn, John Ring, and Ly nn Boesch
(D)MLC Graphic Arts Beginning Its 40th Year of Service John Ring and his assistants, Lynn Boesch and Rachel Sturm, are carrying on a tradition of Christian service and printing excellence that began on our campus in 1969. John's father, Lester Ring, a DMLC grad, established the DMLC Print Shop and then passed the mantle to John when Northwestern College and Dr. Martin Luther College amalgamated in 1995. In its four decades of service, the Print Shop has provided copying, mailing, graphic design, and printing services to the college, WELS congregations and schools, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. In an industry that is by nature behindthe-scenes, they have quietly produced almost every kind of print product imaginable-brochures, books, music, posters, newsletters, programs, tickets, flyers, business cards, large-format pictures and banners, postcards, envelopes, catalogs, and more. And although the equipment has changed in 40 years, from mimeographs and spirit duplicators to high-tech digital full-color printing and web-to-print services, the mission has remained the same: to provide quality services that enhance communication .
(Education Therapeutic Specialist-Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Family Services): Differentiated learning
Veterans' Day Phil Ewerdt (St. PaulIxonia WI) spoke to MLC
students, faculty, staff, fellow veterans, and other visitors at a special convocation Monday, November 12. "Be thankful for all that veterans have endured so that you can remain in relative peace and comfort unknown in so many parts of the world," said Ewerdt, who served as a Specialist in Iraq from April 2006 to July 2007. Veterans were also honored by the MLC Wind Symphony and MLC adjunct instructor Kathy Wurster's singing of (\II/ "The Sm-Spangled Bann«."
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November's production of The Wizafl of Oz featured the munchkins, a funky wizard contr,ltion, and the Tin Man, Dorothy, and er little dog, Toto, too! ever-lovable Scarecrow,
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Our four admissions counselors, Sarah Zahn, Mark Gnewuch , Ross Stelljes, and Dustin Sievert, have been visiting grade schools, in addition to high schools, to talk about becoming a pastor or teacher. "Its never too early to start encouraging students to use their gifts in the public ministry," says Sarah Zahn. "It's also neat to see the students and teachers recognizing gifts in each other and encouraging each other. Its more about ministry than MLC." Some quotable quotes from WELS s tudents:
• First grader, Mt. Olive-Appleton WJ: 'T ve wanted to be a
pastor since I was 6 years old . I'm now 6-1/2 and I think 1'll still want to be a pastor when I'm 7."
• First grader, Faith-Fond du Lac WI: "Wh en I grow up, 1 want to be a princess and a role modeler." • Third grader, Trinity- Bay City Ml: "A pastor needs to find the proper balance between spending time with his congregation and time with his family." • Second grader, Calvary-Dallas: "A pastor has to be able to stand in front of a group of people and talk for al least 20 minutes."
Focus on Ministry About 200 area Lutheran high school students and several public school students visited our campus for Focus on Ministry events in late October and early November. During these two-day visits, they attended college classes, stayed in the dorms, toured campus, swam at Vogel Arena, heard min istry presentations, and attended the musical or other college events. The visiting area Lutheran high schools were Evergreen, Fox Valley, Great Plains, Huron Valley, 11\inois, Kettle Moraine, lakeside, Luther, Michigan, and Nebraska. In addition, students from our two prep schools- Luther Prep and Michigan Lutheran Seminary-made visits to
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campus, and many other individuals and families took advantage of our Open House and other personal visit opportunities. We welcome anyone and everyone to stop by campus and visit us. If you wish to set up a personal tour and appointment, please call 507.354.8221. Focus on Ministry students are invited to write an essay on the person who has most influenced them to pursue the public ministry. The essays reinforce to us the huge impact a single conversation or event can have in persuading a high school student to consider becoming a fulltime minister of the gospel.
MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE
1f't.J1Jrr ~ r C'.1Wn11 rrLl BnTrrrings Jrw-1 MLC students relished Lhe snow and cold with Lhe annual Winter Carnival. Under the theme "Knight at the Museum," students dove into winter games, contests, and competitions: •
Manhunt
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Speedball
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Class Videos
Broomball Tournament (pictured)
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Penny War
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Wrestling Tournament
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Snow Sculptures
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3-Point Shoot-Out
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Beard Contest
The busy week culminated with the annual MLC-Wisconsin LuLheran Seminary hockey match, the coronation of the Winter Carnival King and Queen, the Scavenger Hunt, and the Talent Show.
An idea from One student wrote the following about Pastor Thomas Unke, St. Paul-Howards Grove WI:
When he pulled me out of class that day and drove me Lo the nursing home, something in the conversations we had made the first real spark of interest in pursuing the ministry. That spark continued to grow into a blaze as that night I witnessed firsthand some of the true love in a pastor's heart for his people as he read a simple devotion, distributed communion, and blessed this blind,fragile man.
St. Paul-Livonia MI "We have a portion of our nanhex bulletin board dedicated to MLC. There we display our members' pictures who attend the college, with Lheir printed, selfadhesive address labels, encouraging our congregation to send messages or cards. Hopefully this gives our young people a visual influence to consider doing the Lords work in the field of ministry, as well as reminding others in the congregation to keep these young adults in their prayers. This is also where we post the MLC updates and other articles from MLC publications." Thanks for your support of MLC!
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1. How will a chapel benefit MLC? MLC is the one synod school that serves nearly all future
called workers, and yet it has no dedicated worship space. The MLC family worships in an audito1ium, which is often booked with other events, and sometimes chapel is moved to the gym or canceled.
2. Why isn't the $7.5 million redirected to other pressing needs? This $7.5 million was given for one purpose only: lo construct a chapel on the MLC campus. The money cannot be used for other pu rposes, such as supporting other synod programs or ministries. Furthermore, we want to keep trust with the donors who gave their gifts specifically for a chapel. Chapel Building Committee Members: Dr. Kermit Moldenha11e1; D1: Mar/1 Lenz, Prof. Keith Wessel, CFO Gary Sonnenberg, PastorJohn Boeder, D1: Wayne Wagner; Pres. Mad, Zarling, Prof. Jonathan Balge
For complete answers, go to mlc-wels.edu and type "chapel questions" in the search box. 10
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3. Will we stay within the $7.5 million available? Yes, the Governing Board and the Synodical Council have directed us to stay within the $7.5 million budget, and we are committed to doing so. There are no plans to use any MLC special funds (i.e., unrestricted monies held by the school) for the chapel project.
4. What are the general requirements for this chapel? •
Capacity: 1000 worshipers, an additional 100 choir; and overflow seatingfor 200
• Sacramental focus: baptismal font, free-standing altar; triptych (work of art divided into three sections, generally behind the altar), suspended crucifix, and ambo (pulpit/lectern) • Vestry, sacristy, and adequate storage • A pipe organ • Ample and flexible space for choirs and instrumentalists • Superior acoustics: a space as live as possible • Audio-visual control and unobtrusive screens for projection • An octagon shape (a symbol of "the eighth day"-Resurrection and eternity) • Full basement • As much natural light as possible
5. What is the purpose of a baptismal font in the chapel? We want our worship space to reflect the basic truth that God works through the means of grace, the gospel in Word and Sacrament, ancl a font would help accomplish that.
6. Why do the chapel plans include a pipe organ? A pipe organ, because of its depth, volume, and resonance, can be powerful and authoritative in a way no other instrument can, thus making it ideal for leading congregational singing. We also would use this organ for instruction; we presently teach 150 organ students per yea,: A reasonable, limited budget for an organ has always been part of the considerations.
7. Why not move the old organ into the new structure? Such a move would cost almost the same as a new organ, and we would be disappointed in the result. The Memorial Organ is not appropriate for the new chapel's configuration or acoustic features, nor is it large enough to fill the new chapel with adequate sound.
8. What is the tentative project timetable? Friday, May 16, 4 pm
Groundbreaking
May/June 2009
Substantial completion of building
August 23, 2009
First service with students (opening of the new school year and also the 125th anniversary of this campus) MI\RIIN llJI I IIRCOll l(,I
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By MLC Alumni Director Steve Balza
Alumni Association First Annual
Alumni Reunion JULY 25-27, 2008 Come back 1 See what's changed. See what's stayed the same. And reminisce about your years here on the h ill. Everyone is welcome, but a formal invitation will he sent to all classes (NWC, DMLC, tv!LC) ending in 3 or 8: 2003, 1998, 1993, l 988 .. . Enjoy Mini-courses taught by current and former professors ... Athletic contests .. . Campus & community tours . Worship (including an alumni choir) .. . Individual class gatherings on Saturday evening _ .. Meals in our popular cafeteria ... Plenty of time to become reacquainted with old friends and make some new ones1 Bring the kids along' Help them create positive memories of the campus . Help them foster friendships with children of other alumni .. . Let them play at our daycare or enjoy special activities planned j ust for them . . . Talk to them about how the Lord may lead them to follow in your footsteps. Stay overnight- at a hotel, in the dormitory, or at a local campground. Extend your stay and attend the WELS National Worship Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College in nearby St. Peter beginning July 28 . Coordinate specific Saturday night events for YOUR class. Contact Alumni Director Steve Balza at 507.217. 173 1 or alumni@mlc-wels.ed u.
Tal<:es Steps The newly formed Martin Luther College Alumni Association, thanks to the efforts of a special alumni task force, has developed a mission statement, constitution, and by-laws. Several events are in the planning stages. lf you'd like to get involved, we are putting together p lanning teams for orientation, homecoming, commencement, reunion weekend, and archive preservation. Contact the alumni office at alumni@mlc-wels.edu or 507 .217. 1731.
Alumni ""Shorts" Congratulations, Coach Walz Basketball coach Dale Walz of Wisconsin Lutheran High School -Milwaukee earned his 500th career victory on December 7. A standout cager for the Lancers, Dale (DMLC '67) began his minist ry at SL John-Waterloo WI and his high school coaching career on the sidelines at Lakeside Lutheran High School-Lake Mills Wl. Not only has Coach Walz influenced many young men on the sidelines, he also has four sons who have followed him into the teaching ministry: Jason (DMLC '93), Ryan (MLC '97), Justin (MLC '01), and Micah (MLC '04). Congratulations, Coach-and nice legs! Do you know who the other two students in this photo are? Do you have news about a former student or graduate of MLC, DMLC, or NWC that you'd like to share? if so, p lease email us at alumni@mlc-wels.edu.
Mystery Plioto
Our tipsters were a little uncertain about the people on this 1969 Arbor Day tug-o-war team, but this is what we've got: ifrom left) Christine Schultz, Kathy Klitzke, Bob Bock, Jerry Kastens, and Sandy Hunter. And is one of those hidden guys Dennis Needham'
MYSTERY PHOTO FROM N OVEMBER 2007 12
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Notes from a first-year band director at Winnebago Lutheran Academy It looked so simple on the May 2007 Assignment Sheet: Sarah Schaub-Winnebago Lutheran Academy-band.. Bul Sarah Schaub has found thal "band" includes quite an astounding array of duties. Her day begins at Winnebago Lutheran Academy (WLA), rehearsing the high school band and teaching another class. Then shes on the road, giving individual lessons to budding musicians in grades 5 to 8 at some of the 16 Lutheran elememary schools in WLA's association. After school, shes back al Wl.A to rehearse the Jazz Band or help with the Handbell Choir. ln the evening she may direct the Pep Band at a basketball game And she doesn't sleep in on Saturdays, because thats when she meets with the WLA Explorer Band (beginning students), Cadet Band (6th-8th grade students), and Grade School Jazz Band. It's a demanding schedule that requires a wide range of administrative, teaching, musical, and personal gifts. In a single clay, Sarah may revise a lesson schedule al a grade school; prepare a few rehearsal plans; teach 20 grade school students how to play the flute, tympani , trombone, lrumpet, sax, and oboe; repair a sticky valve or missing pad on an instrument; finish composing a new piece for a wind ensemble; rehearse a brass group for an area congregation; and spend half an hour lending a supportive ear to a high school student.
Sarah is grateful for the wonderful teachers throughout her life who have prepared her for this work. (Former) MLC Professor Paul Wendland taughl her how to play all the band inslruments, assessed her conducting skills, and modeled rehearsal techniques. All the hours spent analyzing chords in Professor Ron Shilling's music lheory and counterpoint classes are now paying off. Professor Robert Potralz supplied handbell techniques and further organ instruction. Drs. Cindy Whaley and Davi.cl Wendler taught her everything there is LO know about lesson plans, classroom management, and teaching strategies, she says-and they also kept humor in the classroom to remind us leachers lhat learning should be fun . Professor Ron Ohm, her college supervisor, and Mr. Jim Rupprecht, her supervising teacher at Luther High School, allowed her to put into practice everything she'd learned in her classes and gave her many helpful suggestions of their own too. It's the kind of education thats given her both ample preparation and also proper perspective: "1 love my students dearly," she concludes, "and with God's help will do all that I can LO make sure my students are physically and spiritually ready to meet lhe obstacles they ,vill face throughout their entire lives."
"Meeting the educational needs of such a di.verse group, both in ages and abilities, is a challenge that constantly keeps my life interesting," she says. "As a teacher, I am concerned about more than if my students can play every note of a song with good tone and correct rhythms; I am concerned about my students' physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Certainly I want my students to play well and develop their God-given musical abilities Lo the fullest, but I also realize that my stuclems are more than just developing musicians; they are precious children of God "
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Clinical Experiences A Mainstay ofMLC's Program
Hannah Gumm (I-lope-West Chicago IL) student taug/11at First German- Man itowoc WI.
Jessica (Scl1lepp) Bo/1I (Cluist the Vine-Temecula Kristin Strong (Salem-Loretto MN) student CA) student wught at Bethany-Manitowoc WI. taugh t at Emmanuel-New London WI.
(D)MLC education students have had student teaching experiences for decades. At first, they taught "down the h ill" in the classrooms of SL Paul Lutheran Elementary School, right here in New Ulm. ln 1964 they began spending 8-10 weeks off-campus in midwestern Lutheran elementary schools, experiencing congregational life and practicing their teaching skills under the mentorship of an experienced WELS teacher and the supervision of an MLC education p rofessor. This year, fo r the first time ever, some MLC teachers-intraining will complete their capstone clinical experience outside the Midwest. Emily Mayer (St.john- Mukwonago WI) and Jere miah Drews (SL. Stephen- Adrian MI) will student teach at Holy Trinity- Des Moines WA; and
Alissa Alonte (St. John-Milwaukee) and Leah Dose (St. John- New Ulm MN) will student teach at St. MauhewSpokane WA. Their experience began February 4. "The purpose of th is program is to provide elementary student teachers the opportunity to teach in school settings outside the Midwest," explains Director ofClinical Experiences Paul Tess, "in part, providing experiential training for todays diverse WELS classrooms." The student teachers wi.ll also participate in these congregations' outreach ministries, including making evangelism calls, assisting with teen outreach activities, or helping host open house events for the community. A Faculty Initiative Grant is funding the program .
REFLECTIONS FROM A " ROAD WARRIOR" Dr. Carla \klcndy. Pro!. Jack \lmch. and Pro!. Ron Ohm spend the majority of the school year on the road supcn·ising student teachns in Lutheran and public school classrooms. l'wl. \! inch explains thei r daily ,,·ork: "\lcctings w ith super\'isors and student teachers may lwgin hy 7 a.111. Then, during the day, we ohscrw the student teachers. taking notes on their lesson preparation and prcscntatiun, classroom management. and instruction methods. Alter-school discussions ,,·ith the student teachers and classroom supcr,·isors fol low. "Back at the motel, we Iii] out reports regarding our ohscr\'ations and meetings, some required hy the state for licensurc purposes and some used hy l\1LC to assist the ,-\ssignment Committee as they assign
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graduates to their first cal l. We try to keep things mo,·ing smoothly through phone and email contacts with host families. student teachers, and classroom su1x-r,·isors. And \\'e may speak at conferences, PTO, or other congregational meetings. "MLC appreciates the w illingness ofcongregations to open their schools and homes to the l\lLC students. \\'ithout the support of congregations, supenising teachers, and host families , the program could not continue. ,\ml we feel blessed with this llppllrtunity to sec student teachers grow in their faith as well as in their teaching and management skills. Working with classwom teachers and congregations to prepal'l' the next generation of \VELS teachers is a pleasure and a pri\'ilegc."
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7;~k~ m~n;:i Mason .
1t) student taught ic school under the telissa Wick.
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Clinical Experiences Student teaching and tutoring in Lutheran elementary schools is a key component of our education program. ln 2001, MLC students began adding two additional clinical experiences to their resume, both com pleted in public schools: Junior Clinical, a one-semester, one-day-a-week experience in connection with their language arts courses, and Student Teaching II, a fullt ime five-week experience. While public school clinical experiences could never replace student teaching in a WELS school, they do enlarge the students' understanding and enhance their teaching skills, their people skills, and their confidence. "Some have never been in a public school setting," says Education Professor Dr. Cindy Whaley, "so it opens their eyes to the educational system itselL They see a much more d iverse student body-different cultures and also special needs of all kinds-and learn to adapt their teaching to meet every childs needs."
Rachel Duncan (Trinity-Nicollet MN) j ust finished teaching first grade at Jefferson Elementary, New Ulm, under the supervision of Ms. Melissa Wick. "My Student Teaching II experience in the public school has been extremely beneficial," she says. "One benefit is a larger faculty. More teachers means more ideas and more helping hands. I've also learned a great deal about how to teach reading. The pu blic school really focuses on test
scores because of NCLB [No Child Left Behind], and therefore they devote a good chunk of the school day to the language arts. "Teaching in the public school has also been a great op portunity for me to challenge myself to share my faith," she continues. "Even though I couldn't start up a conversation with a sLUdent about Jesus, l could still set a positive example for the sLUdents in the way l treated everyone around me. My students definitely noticed my attitude, and many shared personal information about their church and beliefs with me." New Ulm "It's a way for our students to humbly let their light shine, wherever they are," adds Dr. Whaley.
Superit1Le11de11t of Public Scl,ools Harold Remme values the systems partnership with MLC.
And according to New Ulm Superintendent of Schools Harold Remme, the MLC partnership with New Ulm public schools has been a positive experience for them too. "Student teacher participants from MLC are well prepared academically, well grounded in teaching methodology, enthusiastic and professional in their relationships \'lith students, staff and parents," he says. "MLC students are a positive addition to providing educational services Lo our youth . Independent School District 88 is proud to be connected with MLC and its teacher preparation program in every way"
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INTERNATIONAL
This school year, Emily Bey '07 isn't teaching reading in a first-grade classroom somewhere in Wisconsin, or music in a fifth-grade classroom in Florida, like some of her classmates. Through MLC Daylight International and the funding of WELS Kingdom Workers, Emily is Leaching only English-English as a second language-to students in Tirana, Albania. Emily is one of some 50 MLC students and graduates teaching in 11 countries all over the world. In the following excerpts from Emily's emails, she tells us about enjoying Thanksgiving far from home, preparing a Chrisunas service with Albanian children, traveling, and doing the gospel work God's given her to do: 1 gave my family a call over Thanksgiving and this is what I found out: I actually celebrated
Thanksgiving at home in Illinois. I guess they pul a framed picture of me on the table, then brought "me" into the living room for the Packers/Lions game. Ii was probably the first whole football game that I've ever actually watched. The Monclay after Thanksgiving Laura Jahnke (left), our friend Lejda Hoxha (center), and l (right) went to Kruja, a little touristy town. We had Jun dressing up in traditional Albanian costume. These are some of my students. Although we don't talk a.bout God during the English lessons, them to stay after for Bible studies with Agron, a man who has been with the Albanian church since its beginning. We also i.nvite the students to our church services on Saturday mornings. And some of these students are also involved with the Christmas service. T invite
For the Ch,istmas service, Laura played the piano, l he/peel teach the songs, and Vitori Mece, an Albanian friend, ma.de sure the children knew their lines since it's in Albanian. Seeing the children excited about the birth of their Savior was ve,y encouraging. They were eager to make this service special, and they invited fliends and family to come to our Christmas service so that more people could hear about the Savior's birth too! Gezuar K1ishlindjet! Merry Christmas from Albania! We went to Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Greece over Ch,istmas break. In Sophia, Bulgaria, we walked around my old neighborhood (Emily's dad was a missionary in Bulgaria], by our old church, and saw the tourist attractions, like Sveli Sedmochoislentitsi. Athens was amazing! We saw the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Areopogus, where the Apostle Paul did some work with the Greeks. We also had a.n "Olympic Day" where we saw the old Olympic Stadium Jrom the first modern Olympics, and then the stadium from tl1e 2004 Olympics. I also had to stop at a. Starbucks ... twice ... since I miss them Living in a different country is quite an experience, but teaching about Goel is even belter! In June I'll most likely be back in the United States. No matter where I encl up, I humbly pray to God that he uses me as a tool to spread his saving message to those who have yet to hea,-it.
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MARIIN LUrHERCOIIFGI
Congratulations to these !(nights who earned All-Conference honors! â–
FOOTBALL First team: Seth Scheuerlein (Calvary-Thiensville WI) Sam Schlicht (Immanuel- Black Creek WI) Benjamin Olson (St. Paul- New U1m MN) Jake Schwartz (named twice) (St. John-Waterloo WI) Taylor Bentz (Bethany- Appleton WI) Ben Reichel (Ascension-Mitchell SD) Caleb Free (Divine Word- Plover WI)
Second Team: Dan Laitinen (St. John- New U1m MN) Matt Rothe (St. Matthew-Oconomowoc Wl) J oel Voss (Memorial- Williamston MI)
~,,. Caleb Free (also first team) (Divine Word-P~ver Wl)
Ben Zurberbier (St. Peter- Fond du L~fWI) Honorable mention:
Josh Janke (Bethel-Sioux Falls SD) Greg Holzhueter (St. Mark-~ank Leslie Arthurton (St. John-S Jo n
With 71 tackles (35 solos, 36 assists), its no surprise Seth Scheuerlein that (Calvary-Thiensville
WI)
claimed this year's UMAC Defensive Player of the Year award. Congratulations!
MARI I N l LJ I Ill R COi 1 1(,1
T
17
With Gratitude to our Donors, Who Make Such a Difference
Children
Congregations
Make a Difference
Make a Dijjerence
Our students wished to make a Thanksgiving Day offering to MLC to say 'thank you' to the Lord for the gift of their teachers. We used special offering boxes and collected $242. 72.
God has seen fit to bless us. By the generosity of our congregation, and with the guidance of our Heavenly Father, He has given us the opportunity to help others. Please accept this humble donation. ... to further spread the Word of our Lord.
Letter received Spring 2006
Letter rece_ived from church in Michigan, February 2007
To help people learn about]esus
Note accompanying $5 from a third grader who won a contest and sent his prize money toMLC
Last fiscal year, Lutheran elementary scho9ls gave MLC more than $50,000. Those quarters, dimes, and nickels come from hearts on fire for Jesus, and we accept ~ ~
them mth gratitude.
~
Last fiscal year, 143 churches sent us special gifts of almost $200,000. They gave these gifts in addition to their regular Congregational Mission Offerings, which went to WELS and were distributed among the many vital ministries of our synod .
MLC
MARTIN LUTHER COLLEGE
Matchi~g Gifts
All Gifts
Make a Difjerence
Make a Difference
This is a benefit y our company offerslike health insurance ... so not using matching gifts is like not taking advantage of your vacation time or y our health insurance. I think it's a great way of helping out the sy nod's educational sy stem and maximizing each dollar as far as possible for the glory of God.
I would like to use this money to help a student who you can see is faithful in his studies and also know is struggling financially. There is no need to let him know where the money came from. Please just give it to the financial office to be credited to his account. Letter received November 9, 2006, containing $350, no signature, no return address
Jack and Deborah Cox
In 2007, we received $350,000 in • matching gifts, the majority from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the others from donors' employers and businesses. 18
~ MARTIN l U I HI R COLLFGF
Last fiscal year, we received, on average, 10 gifts every business day. Almost 94% of those gifts were $ 1000 or less. To us, every gift is a valuable gift.
MLC
LADIES' AUXILIARY March 8 Good Shepherd- Burnsville MN April 5 Living Water-Dawson MN
Considering a
April 12 lmmanuel- Hutchinson MN
Senior Housing Project
April 12 Immanuel- Lake City MN April 14 St. John- New Ulm MN April 16 St. Paul- Seaforth MN April 26 Shepherd of the ValleyWest Fargo ND April 28 St. Peter-St. Peter MN
1. Auxiliary Scholarships $2,000 Funded
2. Library Fund
$1,250 Funded
3. ECLC Computers
$1,200 Funded
4. Outdoor Event Tent
$1,500 Funded
5 . Ellison Die Cuts
$ 500 Funded
6. Large screen TV
$1,500 Funded
7. Fitness Center Equipment 8. Student Social Interaction Pilot Program
$4,350 Awaiting funding
$1,500 Awaiting funding
Last September Vice President of Mission Advancement Jon Scharlemann proposed to the Governing Board that MLC and The Lutheran Home Association of Belle Plaine MN work together to construct a senior housing complex on MLC's campus. Scharlemann noted that many colleges have built such complexes on their campus, both to serve senior citizens in their communities and to create and strengthen relationships between seniors and students. As Christians, we have a deeper understanding of intergenerational relationships, as Psalm 78 reminds us, "We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD." At the Governing Board's request, MLC's master site plan was updated Lo determine the feasibility of the project. In December the new plan showed that two campus locations-each slightly under three acres-could adequately provide for such a complex. The next steps include informally gathering input on the idea, clarifying how senior housing would enhance MLCs mission and ministry, and then moving ahead with a professional market study. "We're asking God for wisdom and guidance," said VP Jon Scharlemann, "as we consider this idea, which could be a great blessing to so many." Send your comments or questions to VP Jon Scharlemann at scharljj@mlc-wels.eclu.
MARIJN LUIHrRCOI IFGF
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19
Instructor Beth Balge served as pianist in the
Professor Lyle Lange has written "The Law of God,"
WELS Ch1istian Worship: Supplement recording project in October.
a Bible study for WELS Prison Ministry. He presented a survey of the Mosaic Law for the pastors of the New Ulm and Mankato MN circuits in September, and "Christ ls the Key to Spiritual Wellness" at the MLC Womens Wellness Seminar in October.
Professor Jack Gronholz presented "The Six C's of Christ-Centered Classroom Management and Discipline" and "Early Childhood Motor Development" at the Michigan Teachers' Conference in Adrian MI in October.
Professor Cheryl Loomis presented "The Role of the Teacher in Children'.s Play" at the Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers' Conference in October.
Dr. James Grunwald represented MLC at a Forum on Online Education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in December. He also presented training sessions on "Using PowerPoint Effectively in the Classroom" to the Minnesota Valley LHS faculty in February.
Professor Susan
Haar taught a one-credit
cou rse, Operating and Managing Early Childhood Programs, at the Arizona-California Teachers' Conference in November.
Dr. Carla Melendy presented an in-service workshop, "Standards and Math instruction," to St. Paul Lutheran Elementary School, New Ulm. ""'11111
Professor em. Dr. Rolland Menk presented an in-service workshop, EDU8204 Teaching Spelling, for the North Atlantic District teachers in Falls Church VA in November.
Professor Mark Paustian received his Master of Professor R. F. J(lindworth serves on the Minnesota Non-Public Education Council. He has recently writLen a revised set of application criteria used by the Minnesota Department of Education to approve accrediting organizations for non-public schools. Professor em. Arnold Koelpin led a 20-hour seminar on Luthers Reformation Treatises of 1520 for the Hispanic Students Program at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary January 7-11. As part of the seminary's continuing education program, he also led a six-hour seminar on Luther's The Bondage of the Will for the Fox Valley-Manitowoc Pastors' Conferences in Sturgeon Bay WI January 28-29.
Arts in Speech Communication from the University of Minnesota- Mankato. This fall he presented "Narrative Witnessing" at a San Diego evangel ism workshop in September and at a missionaries' conference in Wisconsin Dells in November, as well as "Luther's Doctrine of Vocation" at the Wisconsin Area Lutheran Educators' Conference at Wisconsin Lutheran College in October.
Vice President Jeff Schone was selected to take part in the Blandin Foundation's Community Leadership Program, the goal of which is to foster effective leadership in rural Minnesota communities.
Professor David Sellnow authored the five-part Bible study "Creating Youth-full Churches," for use by congregational leaders, parents, and youth, published on\ine at www.wels.net. Sellnow serves as MLC's representative on the WELS Commission on Youth Discipleship.
Dr.
Alan Spurgin presented "The Lutheran
Elementary School Including Children Beyond the Norm" at Wisconsin Lutheran State Teachers' Conference in October.
Professor Paul Tess presented "Moving Beyond the Text in Science" and "Assisting Beginning Teachers" at the Michigan District Teachers' Conference in October. He also concluded his work as the WELS School Accreditation consultant for St. Mark-Citrus Heights CA.
Professor Jim Unke ended his eight-year tenure on the New Ulm Park and Recreation Commission in December. He has also served as the Commissioner of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference for 10 years.
Dr. Wayne Wagner served as organist in the WELS Christian Worship: Supplement recording p roject in October.
Dr. David Wendler served The Higher Leaming Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, our accreditation agency, as a mentor and trainer of new team chairs and new consultant-evaluators in November.
Dr.
Cindy
FACULTY
INITIATM GRANTS Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, MLC has awarded the following Faculty Initiative Grants, totally $25 ,000: • Lutheran Elementary Student Teaching in Outlying Districts • Luther lnterprelive Trail and Environmental Site • Using Technology to Empower the MLC Family to Make Healthy Fitness Choices Tn fall 2006, five such grants were awarded : Tasle of China Trip, GPS Receivers for Geography and Physical Education, Fitness Center Equipment, and two grants that were awarded again in 2007: Luther Interpretive Trail and Envi ronmental Site and Lutheran Elementary Studem Teaching in Outlying Districts.
Whaley presented a
three-hour workshop on reading al the Minnesota State Teachers' Conference in October.
Professor
Kurt Wittmershaus presented "History- Memorizing Facts or Leaming the Past" at lhe Wisconsin Area Lutheran Educators Conference at Wisconsin Lutheran College in October, and "Picture Books- Not J usl for Primary Language Arts" at the Wisconsin Lutheran Stale Teachers' Conference, also in OcLOber.
Professor ] ad, Gro11holt demo11s1ra1es the high-Lech Polar TriflTI
Body Age Assessment Sys1em,Ju11ded by a Facully /11itialive Grant.
Professors Gary Dallmann and John Micheel will retire this year. We wish them Gods richest blessings.
Gary Dallmann graduated from Minnesota UniversityMankato in 1964 and was asked Lo teach and coach for one year at Dr. Manin Luther College. Much Lo his surprise, he coached not at the high school, but the college level-mens soccer, mens basketball, and baseball. The following summer he accepted a permanent call to DMLC. He received his masters degree from Mankato in '69, was appointed Athletic Director in '72, and in '95 began an eight-year tenure as physical education division chair. Over the years he has taught a variety of p.e. and health classes, and also coached women's basketball and men's and women's tennis.
MLC PROFESSORS ASSIST PARISHES Several MLC professors have served congregations as consultants through WELS Parish Assistance. Professors John Boeder, John Isch (em.),
Roger Klockziem, Phil Leyrer, Ron Ohm, Lawrence Olson, Steve Thiesfeldt, and Dave Wendler have been invited to help congregations carry out their ministries more effectively through Parish Assistances step-by-step plan of direct, personalized guidance.
Drs. Roger I<.lockziem and Lawrence Olson along with Wisconsin Lutheran College Dr. Rober~ Anderson, taught Marine Ecology at the Discovery Bay Marine lab facilities at West Indies University in Jamaica. Students from both Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Luther College participated in the December 27, 2007 - January 7, 2008, course.
MLC professors bring to us many years of experience and wisdom," said Pastor Elton Stroh, Director of WELS Parish Assistance. "At the same time, stepping out of their classrooms into our congregations as consultants helps them to personally encounter current reality in our church body. This benefits them as instructors of our future called workers. We share a common outreachoriented philosophy of ministry, which is what today's and tomorrow's proclaimers of the gospel must possess in these changing and challenging times."
John Micheel has served on this campus for 44 years. He was called to Dr. Martin Luther High School in 1964 during his final semester of studying math at South Dakota State University. He taught high school math and physics, and coached track, basketball, and football for five-and-a-half years. In 1970 he switched to the "college division," teaching DMLC mathematics and computer courses, coaching basketball, and later doing computer su pport work. He earned his B.A. in Computer Science and M.S. in Mathematics, both at Mankato State University, and he has served in many venues in his church and commu nity.
COMING TO MLC IN 2008 We're happy to announce the addition of four faculty members:
David Schroeder (WJSConsin UiS) has accepted the call for history professor.
Jeffery Wiechmann (Shoreland LHS) has accepted the call for education professor and student teacher supervisor.
Joyce Diehls (Minnesota Valley LHS) has accepted the call for mathematics professor.
Jonathan Roux
(Divine
Peace Lutheran School-Largo
MD) has accepted the call for education professor.
Professor Jack Minch taught a four-day English class at the Buehl Realschule in Dornstadt, Gem1any, May 29-June 1, 2007. The 22 students, age 12-15, gave up a week of their Pfingsten (Pentecost) vacation to attend the conversational English class. The class centered on American education and American food. Minch taught the studems about New Ulm, Martin Luther College, the American school system, and the WELS school system. The children cooked and ate foods they prepared from American recipes, after converting them to German measurements. They went to a grocery store to choose foods for a meal and calculate their costs. They learned about American restaurants and how to order off American menus. They ate at McDonald's after ordering their food in English. And they wrote articles about all their activities in German and English for Dornstadt and New Ulm newspapers. 'Tm grateful to the faculty of the Buehl Realschule for the opportunity to teach at their school," said Minch. Plans are now developing for possib ly teaching at other schools in Germany.
A call. A congregation. --- It starts with a college. ---....
New
Ulm,
MN
I
www . mlc-wels.edu