Life Together, Issue 1, 2014

Life wartburg theological seminary | ISSUE 1, 2014

Pathway to Seminary PAGE 4

J-Term Reections PAGE 6

Lifting Up the Hispanic Community in Northwest Washington PAGE 10

Sharing the Gospel with Troubled Youth PAGE 14

From the President Often when I’m on campus, I look at our students and realize that I’m watching God renew the church—calling and sending people who are new to these servant leadership roles, no matter what their age. I have the same thought when I consider our newer faculty and staff. In the church and at seminary, the rich gifts of experience are to be treasured, but renewal through those who are new is equally important.

A Challenge and Privilege for Newer Servant Leaders

If, like me, you’re among the experienced and older church leaders, I invite you to join me in considering how we can encourage and support the younger and those more recently called to this service and help them look ahead.

If you are younger and/or newer in ministry and congregational leadership, I invite you to take the long view of your role. Even now as everything is fresh and surprising, I encourage you to look ahead to the day when you will be handing off the ministry to another cadre of newer and younger servants.

What will you do now to prepare for a good hand off? What will you do now to assure that the treasures of faith and church that were handed to you are still valuable and ready for those who will succeed you?

From beginning to end, the life of faith involves both preserving and adapting. Consider these three arenas: The Faith: Faith is both content and relationship.

Wartburg teaches the familiar truths and gives skills and commitments that will not only honor the familiar truths but also let their relevance be revealed in new ways. How do you serve now so that preservation and adaptation can continue for decades to come?

Lifetogether

PResiDent: eDitoR:

issue 1, 2014 wartburg theological seminary 333 wartburg Place Dubuque, ia 52003 Phone: 563-589-0200 FaX: 563-589-0229 www.wartburgseminary.edu

22

Lifetogether | issue Fall 2013 1, 2014

The Rev. Stanley N. Olson, PhD Janelle Koepke, Vice President for Mission Support

ManaGinG eDitoR:

Jill Kruse, Communication Specialist

DesiGn:

Kelly Jo Fassbinder, Imagine That!

PHotoGRaPHY:

The Rev. Shane Koepke (WTS ‘07)

Life together is a publication of wartburg theological seminary for our alumni and friends. Permission is granted for additional use in congregations. Founded in 1854 and located in Dubuque, iowa since 1889, wartburg theological seminary is one of eight seminaries of the evangelical lutheran church in america.

The institutions and economy of the church: These have changed amazingly for my generation.

They will continue to change, because God is faithful. Seminary education is astonishingly different and reassuringly familiar. The church still funds seminaries but does it now primarily through the direct gifts of individuals. Congregational life changes rapidly, but the essence of worship, learning, community and stewardship continues.

How will you lead now so that adaptation and change are still possible when you hand these institutions on to others?

The people: I rejoice when I consider the present servant leaders of Christ’s church and those who are now in seminaries being formed for this service.

How will you lead and serve now so that a seminary president or other leader thirty or forty years from now can say as I do, “I look at these people, and I see God renewing the church”?

God is faithful, and God’s people keep discovering new aspects of that truth. Wartburg Seminary intends to be a strong partner for the rest of the church, now and in decades to come. And Wartburg intends to encourage servant leaders to address present challenges while also taking the long view of God’s work and their roles.

In Christ,

Stanley N. Olson PresiDent, wartburg theological seminary

Mission stateMent wartburg theological seminary serves christ’s church through the evangelical lutheran church in america by being a worship-centered community of critical theological reflection where learning leads to mission and mission informs learning. the community embodies god’s mission by stewarding resources for engaging, equipping, and sending collaborative leaders who interpret, proclaim and live the gospel of Jesus christ for a world created for communion with god and in need of personal and social healing.

contents |

ISSUE 1, 2014

2

From the President

4

Pathway to Seminary

6

J-Term Reflections

9

Faculty Book Recommendations

10

Lifting Up The Hispanic Community

on the cover seconD-year master oF DiVinity suDent, BaRBaRa Jones, helPs with worshiP in loehe chaPel.

in Northwest Washington 12

Gospel-Rock Musical, “No Greater”

13

A Renewed Committment for Wartburg Seminary

14

Sharing the Gospel with Troubled Youth

16

Faculty/Staff Updates

18

Online Learning Opportunities

19

Alum Notes

June 23 - JuLY 3, 2014

luther academy of the rockies is wartburg theological seminary's lifelong learning education program for rostered leaders and their families with an opportunity to experience colorado’s beautiful rocky mountains. Visit www.wartburgseminary.edu and go to the lifelong learners tab to learn more or to register.

Wartburg Youth Leadership School wartburg youth leadership school continues for its 15th year this upcoming summer! high school students from across the country will gather on wartburg’s campus to worship, study, lead, and partake in adventure. led and guided by wartburg’s students and faculty, this event will help high school students look at their gifts for leadership and explore who god has created them to be.

learn more or nominate a youth today at www.wartburgseminary.edu

JUNE 15-21, 2014 Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

3

Leadership in Women of the ELCA: Pathway to Seminary While Jennifer pursued her career, she simultaneously pursued increased involvement in the Women of the ELCA, only it happened somewhat by accident. In 1995, on the invitation of two women that Jennifer knew, she joined their circle group at church. Jennifer remembers, “These women reached out to me, asking me to attend just one meeting after church. My response was often that I was too busy or that I had too much on my plate right now. But undeterred, they kept inviting me… and one Sunday, I realized that I didn’t have a really good excuse not to go. And from that first meeting, I felt welcomed and valued as part of the community.”

stuDent ster oF DiVinity a First-year ma is L ae cH Mi R Jennife esiDent For the churchwiDe Pr as e rV se to s ue anD contin 2011. e has helD since elca, a role sh women oF the

“An old saying goes that ‘you are just one YES away from your miracle,’” recalls Jennifer Michael, a first-year Master of Divinity student at Wartburg Theological Seminary. For Jennifer, that one “yes” came in 1995 when she agreed to participate in a Women of the ELCA circle group at her church. Jennifer recognizes now that that “yes” was the transformational moment that changed the trajectory of her life, putting her on a path that eventually led her to become the churchwide president for the Women of the ELCA (WELCA), a role she has held since 2011, and also to pursuing theological education at Wartburg Seminary.

Jennifer is a native of Pensacola, Florida who confesses that before moving to Wartburg Seminary she never spent more than a few weeks north of the Mason-Dixon Line. A second-career seminarian, Jennifer held a variety of professional jobs before coming to Wartburg, ranging from an ophthalmic nurse at a cataract and corneal surgical facility to being the executive assistant to a company president. Her career path led her to Tampa, FL; to Alabama; and even to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where she worked for a government contractor office serving the U.S. military community there.

4

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

Starting just two years later, Jennifer began serving as a congregational unit president, and then continued as conference secretary and president and as a synodical board member. In 2005, she was elected president for Florida-Bahamas Synodical Women’s Organization. But, her leadership roles within the Women of the ELCA continued, acting as a member of the churchwide executive board from 2008 to 2011. Since 2011, she has served as the churchwide president for WELCA. From the very first meeting that Jennifer attended with the Women of the ELCA, she began to uncover a greater sense of faith with the support of the community of women. Throughout her time with the organization, she says, “I was encouraged to use my gifts with communications, teaching and leading to strengthen the organization as well as to participate in our mission and ministry. Within the various expressions of Women

of the ELCA (congregational, synodical, and churchwide), I found the unpressured space that I needed to cultivate a more fully formed spiritual life as well as a sense of vocation within the life of the church. Through mentors, sisters and friends, I was nurtured and prepared.” “But even so,” adds Jennifer, “I had thought throughout this time that my vocation was solely for leadership within women’s ministry. However, I can see now that God had other plans!”

It was in 2009, while living in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba that Jennifer came to realize that she might be called to a different type of ministry in the church. While at Guantanamo Bay, Jennifer was part of a small Lutheran community there, about twenty members strong, which suddenly found itself without a chaplain. Jennifer shares, “The only option to continue our worship together was for one of us to serve as a lay minister of Word and Sacrament. Because of the relationships that I built while serving with Women of the ELCA, our group selected me and I received the special licensure from my bishop in the Florida-Bahamas Synod. And it was during that six months or so where I fulfilled the role as a lay minister of Word and Sacrament in this isolated and unlikely place that I came to realize I was being called to other work in the church. This unique turn of events was the spark to pull me towards a call to pursue ordained ministry when before this I would have never considered it.”

Though Dubuque, Iowa was a long way from home for the native Floridian, Jennifer decided to attend Wartburg Seminary in order to pursue the theological education and spiritual formation she needed for ordained ministry. “There were a couple of other seminaries that I had considered,” remembers Jennifer. “However, none of them exerted the same organic pull for me that I felt with Wartburg. It began with the Admissions staff who sought to know me… really know me from the very beginning. And this

sense continued as I corresponded with faculty about my needs to balance a first-year seminary experience with my remaining duties as churchwide president for Women of the ELCA. My service to the churchwide women’s organization was not viewed as an obstacle, but instead as a gift.”

At Wartburg, Jennifer says, “My own unique gifts and talents have been celebrated and valued from the moment I have arrived. ‘Community’ may seem like a familiar theme here at Wartburg, but for me it has made all the difference.” The Wartburg community, she says, has embraced her and shepherded her, and she feels a vital connection not only with her peers, but also with her professors. Jennifer states, “At Wartburg, the faculty are more than just academic mentors. They are truly pastors to all of us–caring, nurturing, and counseling– so that we can be the best possible leaders for the future of the church.”

Jennifer is very hopeful about the future of that church. The past few years, she has followed the progress of the “Living into the Future Together” Task Force (LIFT) for the ELCA. One of the key recommendations coming from this task force is the need for renewed focus on creating vibrant congregational ministry.

Jennifer says, “The church’s future will be revealed within parish ministry and I am excited to uncover what my role will be in this new ecology of the church once my seminary education is complete. Working for so many years within Women of the ELCA, I have seen first-hand the momentum that can be generated from just a few people with an idea. And here at Wartburg, with worship and community at the very heart of who we are, I feel that I am being formed to be in relationship with others in a way that brings cooperation, shapes vision and is, at the very core, Christ-centered. That is what will be needed for our future and that is why I am so very grateful that the Holy Spirit led me to come to Wartburg Theological Seminary.”

“I feel that I am being formed to be in relationship with others in a way that brings cooperation, shapes vision and is, at the very core, Christ-centered. That is what will be needed for our future and that is why I am so very grateful that the Holy Spirit led me to come to Wartburg Theological Seminary.”

– JenniFer michael (m.DiV., year 1) this annual seminar helD at wartburg seminary is DesigneD to ProViDe an in-DePth introDuction to the sePtember through may stuDy For the women oF the eVangelical lutheran church in america.

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

5

J-Term Reflections

J-Term is an academic session that provides students with an opportunity for immersion and learning outside of the traditional classroom. This January, WTS students traveled to the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine), Iceland, Tanzania, Guyana, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (South Dakota), Northern North Dakota, and the Texas Borderlands Area. On-campus courses on Domestic Violence and Christian Mission in Global Perspective were also held.

Responding to Issues in Domestic Violence

“self-less”

Carina Schiltz (M.Div., Year 2)

my bruised and broken body is nothing compared to my chewed-up and spit-out spirit self? i have no self. savior? he hangs on a cross and you tell me to be like him– to suffer. to hold the family together. but most of you tell me nothing. your eyes tell me to be ashamed. to feel guilty– and again i am a victim. the worst is the silence, a silence i have learned to keep because no one will believe me, a silence that i keep because i know my voice isn’t worth anything to anyone. it’s in the silence the voices scream “you are nothing”–and

As a participant in the January term class “Responding to Issues in Domestic Violence”, I come away with a greater awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence present in the world and within the church, the theological and biblical ideas that have condoned and have even been used to perpetuate violence, and tools to help reach out to those affected by domestic violence as well as tools to work toward prevention.

For one preparing to be a rostered leader, I believe this class is absolutely essential and I am so grateful to have had this experience. Traveling to Chicago, Madison, and seeing local resources in Dubuque has opened my eyes to the need for shelters, support, safety, resources, laws, and awareness to serve those experiencing domestic violence. I am more equipped to assist those affected by domestic violence, network in communities and make referrals, and spread the message that domestic violence is an issue the church should be aware of and working to eradicate.

I have thus far participated in two cross-cultural experiences during my theological education, and each have been milestones that have propelled me to seek answers, take certain classes, and bring questions from everyday life and these experiences into each and every class that is not classified as “cross-cultural”. If possible, I would take more cross cultural classes! I seek these opportunities to continue to learn about people and the realities in which they live. Cross-cultural opportunities for seminarians are indispensable in preparing leaders to serve God in the world, as diverse, messy, terrifying and beautiful as it is.

point to the man hanging on MADISON

a cross. is that my fate, too? a call to the cops a cold corpse– i’m already dead, can’t you see that? this is no way to live–

DUBUQUE

in fear, in isolation, in punishment for my self-less-ness. i am no self. i am silent. a Poem written by carina schiltZ

6

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

“I am more equipped to assist those affected by domestic violence, network in CHICAGO communities and make referrals, and spread the message that domestic violence is an issue the church should be aware of and working to eradicate.” – carina schiltZ (m.DiV., year 2)

mytch DorVilier (m.DiV., year 2) During her J-term course in teXas. mytch is the thirD From the leFt in the Front row.

“I am a Haitian woman in the culture of the United States who has learned to embrace una cultura mestiza—a hybrid culture of mixed heritage. I have to learn to juggle cultures and develop a tolerance for contradiction, a tolerance for ambiguity.” – mytch DorVilier (m.DiV., year 2)

Texas Borderlands

Mytch Dorvilier (M.Div., Year 2) My name is Mytch Dorvilier. I am a second year student in the Master of Divinity Program at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. In January I had the opportunity to spend three weeks learning about Borderlands/La Frontera in Austin, Texas. The experience helped me to explore, learn from, and thrive in my own borderlands.

The late Chicana Lesbian poet and essayist Gloria Anzaldua acknowledged that “borderlands distinguish us from them.” As a Haitian currently living and studying in the United States, I will always be the non-African-American, black-female, who speaks with an accent. As soon as I open my mouth to introduce myself, my interlocutor always asks me that question: “Where are you from? I hear an accent.” When I travel to Haiti I am the “diaspora

woman”. Diaspora is a derogatory word in the Haitian culture to let one know that one doesn’t belong there anymore—crossover.

Neither in Haiti nor in the United States could I simply be a human being. But it is in these borderlands that I learn to transcend borders as Anzaldua puts it. I am a Haitian woman in the culture of the United States who has learned to embrace una cultura mestiza—a hybrid culture of mixed heritage. I have to learn to juggle cultures and develop a tolerance for contradiction, a tolerance for ambiguity. Given the increasing plurality of our respective communities, each one of us, whatever our color, culture, gender, must cultivate a mestiza consciousness in order to understand our own borderlands; a necessary first step toward restoring shalom. (continues on next page)

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

7

Tanzania

Nathaniel Bothwell (M.Div., Year 2) I traveled to Tanzania for J-term this year. “Safari” is a Swahili word meaning “long journey.” The root word has nothing to do with exotic animals… or even remote discoveries… though both were part of our experience. For nearly three weeks, my classmates and I went on safari... from Dubuque to Usa River... from Kilamanjaro to Iringa, and from there to the port of Dar es Salaam. We journeyed together – with all of our curiosities and expectations. For most of us, it was our first trip to Africa.

“Karibu” is Swahili for “welcome,” and this word journeyed with us. It met us in Tanzania’s everyday places. We were welcomed warmly; we were welcomed consistently – compassionately. There, in East Africa... the ancestral home of the earliest-known humans... the “welcome” we received felt more like a “welcome back.”

As a group, we toured schools, orphanages, and fair trade partnerships. In all, we traveled more than 900 miles across

Tanzania. I experienced the country’s poverty and pollution, but also the beauty of it’s protected places. Tanzania was not Germany (and yet a place called Neuendettelsau connects Wartburg to both). Tanzania was Africa: alive, challenged, and immersed in its becoming.

As I reflect on this trip, I will remember how active the Lutheran church in Tanzania is with regard to its developmental programs (guest houses, agricultural programs, educational programs, etc.). In Africa, the church is intimately involved in the doing of Christianity. The church seems acutely aware of the need not only to preach Jesus, but to be Jesus.

As I enter the classroom this spring, I’ll take the memories of this trip with me. That’s the real value of these cross-cultural experiences (for me). I’ve now experienced Christianity in the global south. I’ve tasted it. I’ve been its guest, and I’ve seen it hope - and work - and laugh - and dance. As a result of this J-term experience, my studies will come alive in new and unexpected ways - precisely because I’ve had the opportunity to live into them.

“In Africa, the church is intimately involved in the doing of Christianity.

The church seems acutely aware of the need not only to preach Jesus, but to be Jesus.” – nathaniel bothwell (m.DiV., year 2)

nathaniel bothwell (m.DiV., year 2) During his J-term course in tanZania. he is the thirD From the right in the Front row.

8

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

Wartburg Seminary Faculty Book Recommendations Dr. Thomas Schattauer, Professor of Liturgics and Dean of the Chapel - Priesthood, Pastors, Bishops: Public Ministry for the Reformation and Today by Timothy Wengert - Accompany Them with Singing: The Christian Funeral by Thomas G. Long - Writing on the Wall: Social Media – The First 2,000 Years by Tom Standage “The first is a good book on the meaning of the priesthood of all believers and public office of ministry. I’ve been reading it with firstyear students this year. The second is an important book for reshaping our thinking about the funeral. The final one is a fascinating account of social media through the centuries; connecting history to present questions.”

Dr. Norma Cook Everist, Professor of Church Administration & Educational Ministry - The Bible, Disability and the Church by Amos Yong “This is a book for all leaders and their congregations. Having viewed the recent Paralympics we need to think in a totally different way, theologically about “normism” and ablism. This book presents a theological and biblical base that is excellent and leads communities of faith into action within their congregations and, evangelically, into the parish community. The closing ceremony in Russia showed the word “impossible” turning into “I’m possible” in an amazingly beautiful way, which we saw throughout the games.

What do people see in their congregations and what are they missing seeing?”

Dr. Samuel Giere, Associate Professor of Homiletics & Biblical Interpretation - Psalms: The Prayer Book of the Bible by Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis - Praying the Psalms in Christ by Laurence Kriegshauser, O.S.B. “I’d suggest a couple resources that I used this semester with a senior seminar on preaching the Psalms. All of these, in slightly different ways, help to think about the Psalter and more broadly the Old Testament as Christian Scripture, which can then be very informative for the preacher.”

Other Faculty Book Recommendations - In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership

by Henri Nouwen

- Martin Luther’s Catechisms: Forming the Faith

by Timothy J. Wengert

- Wide Welcome: How the Unsettling Presence of Newcomers Can Save the Church by Jessica Krey Duckworth

- The Book of Job: A Contest of Moral Imaginations

by Carol A. Newsom

- Sent and Gathered by Clayton Schmit

- Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Beginning of Spiritual Awakening by Diana Butler Bass

- The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why It Matters

by Luke Timothy Johnson - Heresy: A History of Defending the Truth by Alister McGrath

- Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Discernment by Henri Nouwen - An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith

by Barbara Brown Taylor

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

9

Lifting Up The Hispanic Community in Northwest Washington “

Rev. eMiLio Benitez (lsPs ‘11) giVes communion to chilDren During a serVice celebrating the last Day oF a camP For the chilDren oF migrant Farmworkers at la iglesia ePiscoPal De la resurreccion, which is locateD at st. Paul’s ePiscoPal church in mount Vernon, washinton. scott terrell / skagit Valley heralD

10

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

“Never forget who you are and where you come from.” This is the advice that Rev. Emilio Benitez (LSPS ’11) received from his aunt when he moved to the United States in 1995 at the age of twenty. Rev. Benitez was born in Jojutla, Morelos, Mexico. His father and his aunt were incredibly influential in his life. Both worked on behalf of the oppressed in Mexico and left a deep impression on the young Benitez who learned from a young age the dignity and worth and shared humanity of all people.

Benitez says, “From the time I was small, I was taught to meet people where they are at, no matter what color they are. I like to bring people together to work for the common good. This is what it means for me to carry on the liberating work of Jesus Christ.”

After leaving Mexico, Benitez began his life in the United States as a restaurant employee and eventually settled into the Skagit Valley region in the northwestern corner of Washington state.

There, he got involved with migrant ministry and saw that there were not enough Latino pastors working to lift up the dignity of the local migrant community. This was Benitez’s inspiration to pursue a life of ministry himself and to help meet that pastoral need. His local Lutheran community of pastors and leaders were very supportive and provided scholarships so he, and also his cousin Rev. Esau Cuevas, could receive theological education and attend the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS) in Austin, Texas, a program of Wartburg Seminary and the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Benitez finished seminary at LSPS in 2011 and was ordained a pastor the following year in 2012.

Today, Benitez lives in Mt. Vernon, Washington— located in a part of the state with a population that is over 50% Hispanic. He is a Lutheran pastor serving in both a Lutheran congregation under development, El Camino de Emmaus, in Burlington, Washington, and in an Episcopal parish, La Iglesia Episcopal de la Resurrección in Mt. Vernon.

Developing mission outreach to the local Hispanic community is Benitez’s primary responsibility at these two churches. In addition to his ministry of Word and Sacrament, Benitez’s congregations serve the local youth through the offering of summer camps and sponsoring activities that involve education, art, and music. Benitez also works closely with others in the church and community for the cause of justice and walking in solidarity with his Latino brothers and sisters.

“God starts with us where we are at and leads us to where we can go. In this way, we are all part of the Kingdom of God embodying the love of Christ wherever we are.” – reV. emilio beniteZ (lsPs ‘11)

He acts as an advocate for the Latino population, working to meet a variety of needs the community might have, ranging from access to dental care to legal assistance for those in detention.

Benitez says of his ministry, “This is more than ‘charity work.’

This is about empowering people to realize their own abilities and worth. It is also about teaching people to care for one another.”

Benitez is grateful for the support he receives from partners in the Northwest Washington Synod and at churchwide that help make his ongoing ministry with the Latino community possible.

He also credits God for giving him the ability to do this difficult but important ministry: “Most of all, I must draw upon the inspiration and strength of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said, ‘I am the vine and you are the branches. Sin me, nada pueden hacer’ (Without me, you can do nothing.).”

Benitez is also thankful for the theological education he received at the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest and recognizes how much it prepared him for the ministry he is now doing. He says it taught him the importance of the living out of your own identity and adapting to the local context. “For example,” Benitez says, “Jose was a carpenter, Maria was a woman, Peter was a fisherman. I started my life in the U.S. as a restaurant worker. God starts with us where we are at and leads us to where we can go. In this way, we are all part of the Kingdom of God embodying the love of Christ wherever we are. The Lord’s table is not vertical. It is horizontal, like the arms of Christ on the Cross opened up to welcome all. LSPS inspired and solidified my theology in preparing me to work and walk with all kinds of people in general and especially with my Latino brothers and sisters in particular. I feel called by the Holy Spirit to be a pastor and was well equipped by LSPS to do this work. Gracias a Dios!”

Gifts to the Wartburg Seminary Fund help to support the daily life of Wartburg Theological Seminary including support for student scholarships, classroom resources, technology and excellent faculty.

Make your gift today using the enclosed envelope or online at www.wartburgseminary.edu

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

11

Gospel-Rock Musical, “No Greater”

Wartburg Seminary presented the Gospel-Rock musical, “No Greater,” on the weekend of April 5-6, 2014. It was the ten year anniversary of its original debut at Wartburg. This anniversary production was directed by fourth-year M.Div. student, Arlyn Rushe; second-year M.Div. student, Dan Baldwin, acted as music director. Dr. Ralph Quere, Professor Emeritus of Church History and Theology at Wartburg, served as the faculty advisor for the performance.

The musical, “No Greater,” is based on the Gospel of John. Its script was written by Dr. Quere; Rev. Jon Anderson composed the music. “No Greater” tries to imagine what the coming of Jesus might have been like if he arrived in the 21st century rather than the 1st century. Many parts of Jesus’ life and ministry are presented, but with a modern twist. For example, Jesus feeds the multitude not with loaves and fishes, but instead with beef jerky and goldfish crackers. He is not killed by crucifixion, but rather by lethal injection. The casting for the musical does not follow traditional gender roles either, as the part of Jesus and several of the disciples were played by female students.

The goal of “No Greater” was to present the message of Jesus Christ in a way that might resonate with a modern audience, especially today’s youth. Dr. Quere said of the performance, “Our hope was that the audience could read themselves into the scenes of this modern musical and better experience the message of Christ’s death and resurrection.”

“This musical, for me, was a gift.

And I experienced a deeper understanding of God’s compassion for us through John’s perspective on Jesus’ life with the disciples.”

—D. Patti meyer (m.DiV., year 4) PlayeD role oF “Peeta”

“I am very thankful for my experience in the musical. Playing the ‘bad guy (or gal)’ brought to light for me a different perspective of the very familiar story. Hate can be a very powerful thing. This is still true today that people unite quickly when there is a common enemy, with little thought of reason or logic or compassion. I wonder who it is we ‘crucify’ in today’s world. ” —rhia strohm (m.DiV., year 4) PlayeD role oF caiaPhas

12

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

A Renewed Commitment for Wartburg Seminary Rev. Marvin Hartmann graduated from Wartburg Seminary in May of 1958. Hartmann recollects, “except for the occasional mailing from the seminary, I virtually disconnected from the seminary for nearly 50 years.”

Like many graduates, Hartmann’s first call wasn’t in close proximRev. MaRvin HaRtMann ity to the seminary. Upon (Wts ‘58) graduation he, his wife Marion, and their youngest son moved to his first call in Hecla, South Dakota. He returned to campus after about 12 years to interview a graduate whom the congregation he was serving called as an Associate Pastor.

Another 38 years went by until Hartmann was invited to attend his 50th Reunion on the Wartburg Seminary campus. With renewed interest in the seminary and reconnecting with classmates Marvin and his wife Marion attended their 50th and 55th class reunions.

“We were especially interested in learning about the current state of the seminary and we continued to reflect on what a huge educational, spiritual and emotional impact our teachers and mentors in the faith have had on us throughout our ministry.

We had been irregular donors to the annual fund but wanted to do more,” shares Hartmann.

The Hartmanns began to think seriously about how they could impact the current needs of the seminary after learning how funding has changed for seminaries over the years as well as the ways students are impacted when incurring significant educational debt. By learning more about how things had changed the motivation to do something was even more compelling.

Through conversation with staff from the seminary and their own attorney, the Hartmanns were assured that making a change to their will to include a bequest for Wartburg Seminary would be best for their situation and would be easy to do.

Though disconnected for a time, Hartmann has become an advocate for Wartburg Seminary and has renewed energy for doing what he can to help. He shares, “We will continue to give to the annual fund and though the gift through our will won’t provide for all of the seminary’s needs, we want to give in recognition of the important role Wartburg Seminary had in my pastoral preparation but also with the goal of continuing this mission at Wartburg for generations to come.”

If you would like to more information about including Wartburg Seminary in your will or other estate plans please contact the Office of Mission Support at (563)589-0336 or visit us online at www.wartburgseminary.edu.

“We will continue to give to the annual fund and though the gift through our will won’t provide for all of the seminary’s needs, we want to give in recognition of the important role Wartburg Seminary had in my pastoral preparation but also with the goal of continuing this mission at Wartburg for generations to come.”

– reV. marVin hartmann (wts ‘58)

reV. marVin hartmann (wts ‘58) reconnecteD with wartburg seminary aFter returning to camPus For his 50th class reunion in 2008.

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

13

In Mandan, North Dakota, Wartburg graduates are

Sharing the Gospel with Troubled Youth

Michael L. Sherer mlsherer @ yahoo.com

reV. renee sPlichal larson (wts ‘10) Praying oVer quilts beFore they are PresenteD to young PeoPle who worshiP at heart riVer.

“Almost half the members of the congregation on any given Sunday are incarcerated youth. They come to worship voluntarily.”

– reV. renee sPlichal larson (wts ‘10)

The Rev. Renee Splichal Larson (WTS ’10) didn’t want to go to Heart River. The 2010 Wartburg Seminary graduate wasn’t sure she wanted a call anywhere. She’d been in Haiti when an earthquake killed her husband, Ben, also a member of her seminary class. The horror of that event broke her heart — and almost ended her plans for parish ministry.

But then something unexpected happened.

She received an invitation to interview for a part-time call to ministry at Heart River Lutheran Parish in Mandan, North Dakota. It’s one of the most unconventional ministry calls in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

“After Ben’s death, I was surviving,” she says. “I wasn’t looking for a call. I agreed to interview for a half-time position at the North Dakota Youth Correctional Center (NDYCC), located in Mandan. I was hesitant about going there. But after the interview, I knew it was the right place for me to be.”

14

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

What’s a Lutheran congregation doing on the campus of a state correctional facility for troubled youth? Larson explains, “There has been a chapel on the campus of NDYCC since 1964. It was called Hope Chapel. We [as an ELCA congregation] were invited to be there by the Correctional Center administration.”

Lutherans in the Bismarck-Mandan community were visionary when embracing the opportunity. Their ministry puts the members of the small Heart River Lutheran parish in direct and immediate contact with the incarcerated youth who are, as Larson puts it, “just one step away from prison.”

Almost half the members of the congregation on any given Sunday are incarcerated youth. They come to worship voluntarily.

Larson estimates around 90% of those eligible to attend actually show up. Why do they come? Says Larson, “It’s an opportunity to be social, to feel normal. Some really want to worship. Many participate as worship leaders.”

A inister SHER Diaconal m stor Pa D an ts ‘10) NESHEIM (w (w ts ‘10) N O AL LARS RENEE SPLICH in er th ge to Do ministry . rth Dakota manDan, no

north Dakota youth correctional

center

It didn’t take the leadership at Heart River Lutheran long to decide that more could and should be done for the young people in their midst, beyond connecting with them at Sunday worship.

That led to the creation of Heart River Bridges of Hope, a re-entry ministry designed to help young people who leave the correctional facility stay out of trouble once back ‘on the outside.’

Heading up Bridges of Hope is a colleague of Larson’s. Shera Nesheim (WTS ’10), a consecrated diaconal minister, attended Wartburg Seminary the same years as did Larson. Also part-time at Heart River, she coordinates programs designed to make re-entry a good and successful experience for the troubled youth at NDYCC. Among other things, she reaches out to congregations and other non-profit groups across the state, inviting partnership and financial support.

A significant feature of the outreach to troubled youth is a mentoring program. Another involves quilt gifting. Says Larson, “We ask congregations to donate quilts. We bless them and give them to the kids.”

Diaconal minister shera nesheim (wts ‘10) sPeaking at “restoratiVe Justice”, a training session For Volunteers in bismarck. it was the seconD Part oF a two-Part series, the First oF which FocuseD on interVention anD PreVention oF chilD abuse anD neglect.

Larson and Nesheim have followed paths that have had some interesting intersections, stretching all the way back to childhood.

Both were baptized at the same font at St. Paul ELCA in Garrison, North Dakota. Both attended college during the same years in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area (Larson at Concordia College, Nesheim at Moorhead State and North Dakota State, in Fargo).

Both served (although not at the same time) at Camp of the Cross, an ELCA ministry in western North Dakota.

Nesheim joined the Heart River ministry in 2011. She and Larson share leadership tasks at the congregation, and both work to make the re-entry program work. It’s a struggle, because funding is tenuous. Nesheim’s salary comes from contributions and subsidies provided by agencies and individuals with a commitment to the work she’s doing.

(continues on next page) Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

15

Stepping out in faith, the congregation earmarked $5,000 for the re-entry program. Larson says, “I asked the ELCA’s Eastern and Western North Dakota Synods, along with the North Dakota Council of Church, each to match our $5,000 for three years. I was almost shocked when all three said yes.”

A grant has also come from the ELCA churchwide office, but those funds decline by half each year until they eventually disappear. So fundraising is a constant challenge for the ministry.

But Larson and Nesheim appear to thrive on challenges. Says Nesheim, “The greatest challenge for me is when these kids end up ‘on the outside’ once again, and they hear other voices that lead them in directions that are not healthy. They get caught up in old patterns. Sometimes it’s even a challenge just to stay in touch with them after they leave us.”

“Wartburg Seminary taught us to be contextual in our ministry,” says Larson. “I don’t know another congregation like this one, not in any sense. It’s a massive amount of work. Creating something sustainable is a real challenge.”

Nesheim believes seminary prepared her well for her calling.

“Wartburg teaches us to put our ear to the ground, to get the lay of the land — and to listen for the leading of the Spirit.” heart riVer lutheran Parish

sherer is a 1967 graDuate oF wartburg seminary. a retireD religion Journalist anD eDitor, he liVes in waVerly, iowa.

In Mandan, North Dakota, the Spirit is leading in unexpected directions. And the ministry team at Heart River Lutheran appear ready, and eager, to follow.

Faculty & Staff Updates Rev. Dr. James L. Bailey, wagner Professor emeritus of biblical theology, led workshops for pastors on “Preaching and Practicing the gospel of matthew” in november in billings and boseman, mt and spokane, wa. in missoula, mt, Dr. bailey conducted an afternoon workshop that introduced the interactive bible study method used in his book Contrast Community: Practicing the Sermon on the Mount. later in coos bay, or, he preached and led sessions on the sermon on the mount at gloria Dei congregation where rev. Jon stasman is pastor. Dr. bailey introduced his book in various locations in the madison, wi area an adult forum at midvale community lutheran church in madison on January 26, a weekend workshop at madison community church in madison on February 28-march 1, and a leadership education and Development workshop on “adult 16

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

learning: interactive engagement with the scriptures” at evangelical lutheran church in mt. horeb, wi, on march 8. he also led two adult forum sessions on the sermon on the mount at holy trinity lutheran church in Dubuque.

Rev. Dr. Nathan C.P. Frambach, Professor of Pastoral theology, is happily on sabbatical for the 2013-14 calendar year. he is intentionally traveling less and at home more. central to Dr. Frambach’s sabbatical was a desire to get re-connected to leadership in ministry in a congregational setting, so he is currently serving as pastor pro tem with the people of god at new hope lutheran church in Farley, iowa. he is also grateful for the opportunity to teach the “heart. soul. mind” adult bible study on a weekly basis at st. Paul

lutheran church in Davenport, iowa. both of these opportunities will help him grow and develop as a teacher in his call as Professor of Pastoral theology at wartburg seminary. Dr. Frambach is working on a couple of writing projects, chief among them a manuscript with the working title of “social media, self-aggrandizement & sin.” he also will be editing the February 2015 edition of Currents in Theology and Mission, the working title of which is, “whither now emergence?” the essential purpose of the edition is to build on the excellent work of Phyllis tickle (and many others), and further narrate the current conversation about emergence christianity from a variety of scholarly, theological, and disciplinary perspectives. any interested potential writers should contact Dr. Frambach for further information at nframbach@wartburgseminary.edu .

Rev. Dr. Craig Nessan, academic Dean and Professor of contextual theology, has authored “wilhelm loehe in Deindörfer’s history of the iowa synod,” in Dietrich blaufuss, editor, Wilhelm Loehe: Theology and History (neuendettelsau: Freimund, 2013). he was the co-editor with Dr. ann Fritschel, Dr. samuel giere, and Dr. winston Persaud of the Festschrift for Dr. Duane a. Priebe, Currents in Theology and Mission 41 (February 2014). he is also the author of “law, righteousness, reason, will, and works: civil and theological uses,” in Currents in Theology and Mission 41 (February 2014): 51-56. Dr. nessan will be a presenter at regensburg alumni meeting in regensburg, germany on July 21-24, 2014. he will also present at the triennial meeting of the international loehe society in neuendettelsau, germany on July 24-27, 2014. Dr. nessan is also editor and contributing author for the book, God as Trinitarian Source of Life in Response to Structural, Cultural, and Religious Violence against Humans and Creation, volume 2 in the international project, “radicalizing reformation,” in response to the 550th anniversary of the reformation in 2017. he will take part in the meeting of the radicalizing reformation Project in halle, germany, august 3-7, 2014.

Rev. Dr. Winston D. Persaud, Professor of systematic theology, Director for the center for global theologies, and holder of the kent s. knutson and uelc chair in theology and mission, gave two presentations on “the Person and work of the holy spirit,” adult ed. Forum, First lc, cedar rapids, ia, october/December 2013. he preached at the ordination and installation of rev. Janai robinson (wts, mDiv, 2013), Fellowship lc, tulsa, ok, and at the morning worship services, november 10, 2013; emanuel lc, strawberry Point, ia, march 2, 2014; and Peace lc, Pasadena, tX, during the orientation weekend, march 7-9, 2014, for youths and adults for their mission trip to guyana scheduled for august of 2014. he taught two adult ed. sessions, “the Doctrine of the trinity,” holy trinity lc, Dubuque, ia, January 26/February 2, 2014. he attended a meeting of the Dialog advisory board, while attending the aar/sbl annual

meeting, baltimore, mD, november 2013. he gave two presentations, “lutheran Distinctiveness for grounding Diaconal ministry: trinity and the theology of the cross and Vocation and two kingdoms,” and preached in the chapel, January 9, 2014, at the elca Diaconal ministry Formation event, lts at gettysburg. his installation lecture, “the evangelical necessity of creedal confession in a world of empire,” was published, Dialog, 52, no. 4 (winter 2013), pp. 357-64, and his article, “the theology of the cross as christian witness: a theological essay,” in Currents in Theology and Mission, 41, no. 1 (Feb. 2014), pp. 11-16. he gave a lecture, “scripture, creed, and empire: negotiating the challenges to Find norming norms,” at the sbl midwest regional meeting, olivet nazarene univ., bourbonnais, il, February 7, 2014, and a bible study on acts 10 to youths and parents with Pr. nick barootian of st. Peter lc, Prairie du chien, wi, on campus, February 21, 2014. he chaired the search committee for an assistant Professor of lutheran confessions and heritage, spring 2014. he was a keynote speaker on “luther and the catechism: the sacraments,” northeastern mn synod assembly, may 3, 2014.

Janelle Koepke has been appointed Vice President for mission support at wartburg theological seminary. she began her official duties on February 1, 2014. President stanley n. olson said of the new Vice President for mission support, “i am delighted that Janelle has accepted this new role. she knows wartburg seminary very well from several perspectives and is an effective advocate for its mission. Janelle is already enabling expanded collaboration in telling wts stories and inviting people to engage as senders, supporters and participants.” koepke has held several leadership roles at wartburg seminary since joining the mission support team in 2008. most recently she served as the Director for mission support and communication.

Prior to coming to wartburg she was the Director for annual giving at the university of Dubuque and Director of Development at area residential care. koepke’s husband, shane, is a 2007 graduate of wartburg seminary and now serves two congregations in lamotte and st. Donatus, iowa. originally from

nebraska, koepke is a graduate of Dana college in blair, ne and earned her master’s degree in organizational communication and leadership from the university of Dubuque in 2011. koepke says of her appointment, “i look forward to partnering with alumni, friends, and congregations to share the wartburg story and building relationships that will impact and sustain the mission of wartburg seminary.”

Molly Weber, student services specialist, was elected treasurer elect for the 2014-2015 academic year and treasurer for the 20152016 academic year by the iowa association of student Financial aid advisors.

Rev. Karla Wildberger, Director for admissions, serves on the communication committee for the elca Deaconess community and on the interactive learning team with wts professor, Dr. kristine stache, for the 2015 elca national youth gathering and most recently has been nominated to serve on the board of ewalu camp and retreat center in strawberry Point, ia.

connect with Wts via Podcasts go to www.wartburgseminary. podbean.com

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

17

Mark Your Calendar for These Events:

Online Learning Opportunities

May 21-22, 2014 women of the elca bible study

Do you ever contemplate why we have four gospels and what the difference is between them?

May 25-30, 2014 spanish language and hispanic ministry intensive May 25-July 2, 2014 hispanic ministry summer term June 2-6, 2014 emotional intelligence workshop

Do you sometimes think about what being church is really about?

Do you crave time in reading and conversation with people asking similar questions?

2014 Fall Online Offerings:

engaging the Gospels: Perspectives on following Jesus Dr. troy troFtgruben

June 15-21, 2014 wartburg youth leadership school June 23-July 3, 2014 luther academy of the rockies

Join Professor Troftgruben in a basic introduction to the four Gospels. By focusing on Mark, Matthew, and Luke—often designated as “the Synoptic Gospels” because of their similar portrayals of the Jesus story-students will learn how each of them tells the same basic story, yet each Gospel has its distinctive features, including how it portrays the figure of Jesus and what it means to be his disciple.

An optional 2 week unit on Revelation is available at no extra charge for students participating in this course!

God and the World in christ: the christian narrative Dr. Duane Priebe

Alumni Reunion News

Save the Date!

Re-formation and Renewal october 19-21, 2014 all alumni are encouraged to attend, and the following class years will celebrate class reunions: 2009, 2004, 1999, 1994 1989 – 25 Year Reunion 1984, 1979 1974 – 40 Year Reunion 1969 1964 – 50 Year Reunion 1959, 1954, 1949 Note: The 40 and 50 year reunions will be celebrated at this event.

This ten week course explores the Nicene Creed and how it briefly summarizes the basic Christian narrative of God’s engagement with the world. It runs from creation through redemption in Jesus Christ to the ultimate consummation of all things in the power of the Holy Spirit in the resurrection of the dead. This is the story of all creation it also is the story of each one of us. This course will examine this basic story and ways of bearing witness to God’s engagement with the world in Jesus Christ.

Beyond Maintenance to Mission Dr. craig nessan This course will provide a foundation for constructing a theology of the congregation.

Special attention is given to understanding and articulating a congregation’s identity and mission. Components of a proposed model include worship, education, fellowship, stewardship, evangelism, global connections, ecumenism and social ministry. Practical implications for congregational implementation will also be examined.

every fall and spring Wartburg Theological Seminary offers 8 week online courses, taught by seminary faculty that are open to anyone with a curious mind.

Classes start this September. registration is available. Visit www.wartburgseminary.edu.

Alum Notes

Wartburg Theological Seminary ‘50 Rev. Eugene Wekander died september 26, 2013. he served in churches in Dannebrog, ne; st. Paul, ne; elk horn, ia and new richmond, wi.

‘52 mrs. mae muschinske died February 26, 2014. she is the wife of Rev. George Muschinske.

‘53 Rev. Paul Donald Lohnes died april 8, 2013. he served many parishes in neligh, ne; garden city, ks; Filley, ne; ashkum, il and altenburg, mo.

served as missionaries for 12 years, he taught at the secondary school in numan and served as principal of the lutheran seminary in lamurde, where he also started the first english-speaking seminary for the lutheran church of christ in nigeria. he was also the academic dean of the theological college of northern nigeria in bukuru.

‘57 Rev. Walter A. Behrens died march 15, 2014. he served five lutheran churches in iowa.

‘56 Rev. Elroy Dietrich died February 18, 2014. he served churches in elizabeth, il; marine city, mi; toledo, oh and rogers city, mi.

‘59 Rev. Donald L. Beckman died December 6, 2013. he served congregations in chillicothe, il; loves Park, il and lincoln, il.

Rev. Gilbert Olivarez died January 12, 2014.

Rev. John D. Deines died november 11, 2013. he served salem, correctionville, ia; Zion, Davenport, ia and as campus pastor at the lutheran student center – university of northern iowa.

Rev. Mark W. Thomsen died January 20, 2014. he served as first executive director of global mission at the elca churchwide organization.

Following his retirement from the elca office he joined the lutheran school of theology at chicago as director of the Doctor of Philosophy program and master of theology studies from 1997-2006. he also served as director of the chicago center for global ministries. earlier in his career, he was on the faculty of luther northwestern seminary, st. Paul, mn; pastor of st.

Peter, Dubuque, ia and on the faculty of Dana college. he and his wife mary lou traveled to nigeria where they

Rev. Paul Knecht died august 30, 2013. he served lutheran children’s home, waverly, ia; executive Director of wernle children’s home, richmond, in; President of iarcca.

Mr. Carl Volkmann died october 11, 2013. he served tri-city high school in buffalo; lincoln library. he served on numerous boards and commissions including the senior citizens commission, the lincoln memorial garden Foundation, the Dana-

thomas house Foundation, the sangamon county historical society, opera theatre of springfield, the illinois library association, the community Volunteer center and the lincoln library Foundation.

‘61 Rev. Jerome Petersen died october 4, 2013. he served st. Paul evangelical, warren, il and grace, grafton, il. he served on two boards, Division for service and mission in the elca and luther manor in wauwatosa.

‘65 Rev. Frank Howard Schroeder died march 9, 2014. he served st.

James, garden city, ia; hope, tulsa, ok; Zion, loveland, co; american, kellogg, iD; st. John’s, atkinson, ne and st. Paul, byron, ne.

‘69 Rev. Alfred Kruse died september 22, 2013. he served bluffs trinity, Fremont, ne; st. Peter, eldorado, ia; st. John, cushing, ia; immanuel, carthage, il; st. matthew, readlyn, ia; readlyn area Parish, readlyn, ia and First augusta, lockridge, ia.

‘70 Rev. Maynard Schneider died august 22, 2013. he served christ, heche, nD; First, Vista, ca and messiah, Phoenix, aZ. ‘73 Rev. Daniel J Wissman died January 15, 2014. he served st. John, windsor, co; good

shepherd, bismarck, nD; st. John, royal, il; brommen hospital, normal, il as chaplain; immanuel, lincoln, il; holy cross, Decatur, il and Zion, oshkosh, wi.

‘97 Rev. Timothy Maybee has accepted a call to bethany, iowa Falls, ia. he previously served Fjeldberg and huxley, ia.

Rev. William Nielsen has accepted a call to st.

John, nashua, ia. he previously served st Paul, anamosa, ia.

‘99 Rev. Samuel Kemp Jones has accepted a call to good shepherd, wausau, wi. he previously served our savior’s, oshkosh, wi.

‘01 Rev. Yvonne Marshall as accepted a call at our saviour’s, whitehall, wi.

‘08 Sister Elizabeth Castner died January 25, 2014.

‘09 Rev. Katherine Bollenbach was ordained February 2, 2014. she has accepted a call to scandian grove, st. Peter, mn.

Rev. Jon Aaron Richter has accepted a call as assistant to the bishop for new Jersey synod. he previously served st. bartholomew, trenton, nJ.

‘13 Rev. Andrew Dietzel was ordained on october 25, 2013. he has accepted a call to alma evangelical, mead, ne and edensburg evangelical, malmo, ne.

Rev. Lee Gable was ordained February 14, 2014. he has accepted a call to new centerville lutheran Parish, new centerville, Pa. Rev. Raymond McKechnie was ordained January 11, 2014. he has accepted a call to american, grand Junction, co.

Rev. Youngshim Mason was ordained February 23, 2014. she has accepted a call to st. mark’s, washington, il.

Rev. Ethyl Mae Nelson was ordained october 13, 2013. she has accepted a call to bethlehem, noonan, nD. Rev. Carolyn Pflibsen was ordained november 16, 2013. she has accepted a call to st.

Paul’s, hector, mn.

Rev. Janai Robinson was ordained november 10, 2013. she has accepted a call to Fellowship, tulsa, ok.

Rev. David Tonn was ordained February 9, 2014. he has accepted a call to First english, ortonville, mn.

‘10 Rev. Jonathan Splichal Larson was elected by the 2013 elca general assembly to serve on elca church council.

Lifetogether | issue 1, 2014

19

non-ProďŹ t us Postage PaiD Permit #477 Dubuque, ia

333 wartburg Place Dubuque, ia 52003

Upcoming Events: May 18, 2014 wts commencement May 21-22, 2014 women of the elca bible study seminar May 25-30, 2014 lsPs spanish language and hispanic ministry intensive June 15-21, 2014 wartburg youth leadership school June 23-July 3, 2014 luther academy of the rockies for more information on these events, visit www.wartburgseminary.edu

F O R M I N G VA L U E D L E A D E R S F O R G O D ' S M I S S I O N Do You Know of Someone Who is Considering a Call to Ministry? encourage them to: 1. take our 6-week online course Exploring Seminary June 2 - July 11, 2014 2. consider attending an Exploring More Retreat (please contact admissions for more information) 3. attend Conference on Ministry november 8-10, 2014 4. arrange a Visit to our campus admissions@wartburgseminary.edu fill out a Refer a student form if you’d like to refer a student to us! Look for the link on the Wts homepage: www.wartburgseminary.edu