2014 life together issue 2

LifeTogetherForming Valued Leaders for

God’s Mission: 5 Things to Know and Share

PAGE 4

The Gospel is There for You When You Are Old

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Mission AccomplishedPAGE 8

Engaging God’s Future Campaign

PAGE 10

Explore Your Faith in New Ways

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W A R T B U R G T H E O L O G I C A L S E M I N A R Y | ISSUE 2, 2014

2 LifeTogether | Fall 2013

The November issue of The Lutheran magazine explored the impact of clergy retirements in the next decade, rightly noting that many gifted women and men will be leaving active service. Their gifts will be missed, of course. But we who serve in the seminaries of the church see daily evidence of an equally important fact—God is continually renewing the church by calling gifted and committed men and women to public ministry.

The people of the church convey God’s call by encouraging some among us to consider seminary. You are senders. I am confident that Christ’s church will continue to have faithful, creative, effective servant leaders because I see the evidence every day among those you have sent--here on campus and in our distributed-learning students.

To our students and to you, the church, Wartburg Seminary makes promises:

• Wartburg Seminary will steward God’s Living Word--constant and new. The Lutheran phrase Living Word has many nuances, but the central truth is that the God of all time continually addresses the contemporary world. The words aren’t dead on the Bible’s pages. The story of Jesus Christ isn’t old news. The Bible speaks, and Jesus Christ is always fresh news. Seminaries have a mission to know and teach God’s constancy and to know and teach how the constant can come alive in every moment.

• Wartburg Seminary will serve congregations, other ministries and the denomination by forming servant leaders who know and serve the Living Word and who have the capacity to

help others be engaged by that Word. Faithful and effective servant leaders are the outcome of the seminary’s work. They are the multipliers who help assure—generation after generation—that Christ’s church will be centered in the Living Word.

• Wartburg Seminary will explore the mission of Christ through intense study of the Living Word and its work. Our faculty members—and students and graduates with them—deliberately pay attention to Word and world. They listen to Scripture and confessions, to the people of the church, to experienced church leaders, and to returning interns. They test new ways to say and live the ancient truth—some ways are rejected, some commended, some questioned, some honed. Gospel is served!

My friends, your encouragement to potential and current students, your prayers, and your financial gifts for the mission of Wartburg Theological Seminary make a difference! They serve the Living Word. With you, Wartburg is Engaging God’s Future. With you, we are forming the next generation of servant leaders who will serve the Living Word.

Stanley N. OlsonPRESIDENT,

WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

From the President Wartburg Seminary and God’s Future

2 LifeTogether | Issue 2, 2014

LifeTogether

Issue 2, 2014 Wartburg Theological Seminary

333 Wartburg PlaceDubuque, IA 52003

Phone: 563-589-0200

FAX: 563-589-0229www.wartburgseminary.edu

PRESIDENT: The Rev. Stanley N. Olson, PhD

MANAGING EDITOR: Jill Kruse, Communication Specialist

PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN: Shelby Wartick, Director for

Communication

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.

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.

God is continually

renewing the church by

calling gifted and committed

men and women to public

ministry.

LifeTogether | Issue 2, 2014 3

Engaging God’s Future CampaignWARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

“A seminary simply cannot be sustained without a strong base of donors who are committed to giving each and every year. More than 30% of Wartburg Seminary’s operating budget comes from annual gifts. This is an essential aspect of how theological education is supported in the ELCA and it’s essential in Engaging God’s Future,” said Dr. Stanley N. Olson.

The Engaging God’s Future Campaign emphasizes building a base of foundational support for the core mission of the seminary through gifts to the Wartburg Seminary Fund.

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

contents | ISSUE 2, 2014

2 From the President4 Forming Valued Leaders for God’s Mission: 5 Things to Know and Share6 The Gospel is There for You When You Are Old8 Mission Accomplished9 Faculty Book Recommendations10 Engaging God’s Future Campaign11 Nebraska Woman Prays for Seminary Students— and Seminaries12 Explore Your Faith in New Ways13 Learning Opportunities14 Spanish Language and Hispanic Culture Intensive15 The Gift of One Percent16 Faculty/Staff Updates18 Alum Notes

on the cover

FINAL YEAR MASTER OF

DIVINITY STUDENT, JOSH

JOHNSON, STUDIES IN THE

WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL

SEMINARY REFECTORY


Forming Valued Leaders for God’s Mission: 5 Things to Know and ShareYou are our best advocates. Many pieces of information cross your desk, fill your inbox and your mailbox. It is hard to keep up with what’s new in theological education, and yet we know that more leaders are needed for the church. Take a moment to keep reading, and we invite you to continue advocating for future leaders and Wartburg’s mission.

1

3 4

Wartburg Seminary forms servant leaders for the church. Wartburg graduates are committed to the role of serving Christ’s church and specific congregations, always for the sake of the world and its changing needs.The worry when folks start seminary is often, “Does the church need leaders?” “Will there be a call for me?” We hear much about dwindling worship attendance and congregations struggling to keep a pastor due to finances. Yet, last spring, our recent ELCA assignees heard loud and clear that there is a great need for rostered leaders, that their gifts and skills are appreciated, celebrated, and will be put to use in a variety of ministry contexts.

“At the February 2014 ELCA Regional Assignment Consultation, the bishops indicated that there is a real need for rostered leaders across the church and Wartburg graduates are consistently appreciated for their readiness and willingness to be sent forth into the church,” said Rev. Amy Current (WTS ’97), Dean for Vocation. As the graduates prepared final seminary papers and exams, many were joyfully distracted by early interviewing, anticipating congregational votes, and accepting letters of call. Already in July, 75% of our assignees had begun transitioning to their first calls and now only two candidates remain active in the interview process.

The evident mission needs of the church provide an opportunity to celebrate the leaders that we have equipped thus far and an opportunity to send forth new leaders from among the baptized. There is a need for rostered leaders in the church and there will be a place for them as leaders and partners in the Gospel.

Through the rich experience of learning, living, and worshipping together leaders are formed in community at Wartburg Seminary. Intentional daily worship centers life together and creates a rhythm and ritual of gathering to worship and being sent out for God’s work in the world.

Wartburg Seminary’s pathways to learning are innovative.

Wartburg’s core curriculum centers on the formation of leaders who demonstrate the Twelve Pastoral-Diaconal Practices for the life and mission of the church: “These 12 practices have guided the faculty through our ongoing curriculum innovations, the most recent in 2013. We undertake continual assessment of our curriculum in partnership with synods to monitor the emerging developments in the church and world and make revisions that meet the needs of engaged, compassionate, and wise leaders for 21st Century church. These practices cultivate a distinctive set of highly relational leadership qualities,” said Rev. Dr. Craig Nessan, Academic Dean.

Another valued innovation is Wartburg’s Distributed Learning program which began in 2010 in all three of the seminary’s degree

WTS Graduates

Rooted inthe GospelCross-

CulturalDimensions Missio Dei

in Word &Sacrament

Biblical and Theological

Wisdom

EcclesialPartnership

ComplexAnalysis

Curiousity

PastoralConcern

PersonalFaith &

Integrity

Collegiality

Listening & Speaking Faith to Others

Immersionin the

Context

12 Pastoral and Diaconal Practices

RIGHT: FINAL

YEAR MASTER

OF DIVINITY

STUDENT,

ANNE VAN KLEY

2 Wartburg Seminary’s curriculum places value on the final year of learning together in community for residential and distributed learning students.

Students seeking a Master of Divinity degree, including those in the Distributed Learning program, participate in a year of study on-campus in their final year, usually following a year of internship.

Final Year MDiv, Josh Johnson, has reflected on this aspect of his formation and already can see the benefits. He sees it as just one of many ways Wartburg Seminary takes its mission statement seriously by being a seminary where learning leads to mission and mission informs learning. He said, “We learn in community, we go out and serve (in diverse internship contexts), and we come back to reflect and share, all of which informs our continued learning.”

The benefits of the final year are significant for the entire community. Students who come back from internship provide leadership and bring back new outlooks from service in the church. As Josh said, “It helps keep things fresh around here.”

Josh shared, “It is a gift to be able to come back to this community, rejoin faculty and classmates, and think theologically about our internship and fieldwork experiences. I’ve learned more about myself and my internship site in the past two months than I did over the entire internship year. We’re also reflecting with peers and learning from their experiences.”

As theological education continues to adapt to changing needs of the church, formation in a worship-centered community continues to be an important pillar of theological education at Wartburg Seminary.

Wartburg Seminary has made great strides toward financial sustainability through the partnership and gifts of many. Wartburg Seminary works hard to minimize student debt by keeping costs low, through financial coaching, and awarding scholarships to 100% of eligible students

5programs. These students now make up 17% of our degree candidates. This program combines online coursework, on-campus intensives, and for Master of Divinity students, a final residential year on campus for a more fulsome immersion in Wartburg’s dynamic worship-centered teaching and learning community. Formation for ministry is thereby opened to gifted people who previously could not consider beginning a theological education program.

WTS Graduates

Rooted inthe GospelCross-

CulturalDimensions Missio Dei

in Word &Sacrament

Biblical and Theological

Wisdom

EcclesialPartnership

ComplexAnalysis

Curiousity

PastoralConcern

PersonalFaith &

Integrity

Collegiality

Listening & Speaking Faith to Others

Immersionin the

Context

12 Pastoral and Diaconal Practices

LEFT: FINAL YEAR MASTER OF DIVINITY STUDENT, JOSH JOHNSON

Wartburg has completed 5 successive years with a positive cash balance.

Wartburg’s per student educational cost is consistently among the lowest of all ELCA seminaries.

On average Wartburg students incur lower levels of debt and below the “level of concern” for ELCA seminarians.


O

O

O


In Omaha, a Wartburg Seminary Graduate Demonstrates

The Gospel is There for You When You Are OldMichael L. Sherer

[email protected]

“Residents in care centers have special needs and concerns,” says Oleson. “They’re working at finding meaning in life. Everyone does that, of course, but these folks are aware that life is moving toward its ending.”– REV. BOB OLESON (WTS ‘77)

The graying of America is a well-documented phenomenon. The care of souls becomes a specialized task when church folk enter their later decades. And, when the elderly enter care communities, pastoral ministry goes there too.

A case in point is Immanuel Communities, a multi-campus ELCA-affiliated ministry in and around Omaha, Nebraska. Founded by a Lutheran clergyman in partnership with several deaconesses 127 years ago, Immanuel became a hospital, then added a care center for the elderly. After selling the hospital in recent years to a local Roman Catholic medical care system, Immanuel now focuses on eldercare.

The modest ministry founded in 1887 by the Rev. E.A. Fogelstrom was intended to provide “acts of mercy.” It still does that. To attend to the spiritual needs of 1,200 residents at Immanuel’s nine locations — in Omaha, Lincoln and Papillion — along with the PACE ministry, helping seniors remain in their homes, the network employs seven full-time ELCA clergy and one part-timer.

One of the seven, a Wartburg Seminary graduate, is the Rev. Bob Oleson (WTS ‘77). Now 64, he is moving toward the same sort of

retirement he observes being lived out among his “parishioners” every work day.

“Residents in care centers have special needs and concerns,” says Oleson. “They’re working at finding meaning in life. Everyone does that, of course, but these folks are aware that life is moving toward its ending. What does it mean in that context?”

With a growing awareness of one’s own mortality, a person may begin to ask questions not previously asked, Oleson observes. “People [who reside] here are experiencing losses. The sense of loss has led some of them to question their faith. They lose mobility, experience declining health, and face other life-changing issues. They may be inclined to ask, ‘Why is this happening to me?’ I get to help them work through questions like that.”

One method Oleson uses is what one could call “group therapy.” Seniors at Immanuel are invited to join sharing groups, where they can talk. “I listen to what they have to say,” Oleson explains. “It gives me an opportunity to remind them that their faith is a resource for what they’re experiencing — and what may lie ahead.”


JUNE 22 - JULY 2, 2015

Luther Academy of the Rockies is Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Learning for Life 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.

Immanuel is a Christ-centered ministry. It has maintained its Lutheran ties from its founding. These days it’s an affiliated ministry of the ELCA’s Nebraska Synod. Those ties are very close. In fact, the synod has recently decided to relocate its offices to one of Immanuel’s Omaha facilities, where it now rents space.

Oleson’s specific tasks, like the other clergy on the eight-person chaplaincy team, includes leading worship, Bible study, group sessions, pastoral counseling, visiting residents on a need basis, and helping, when appropriate, with end-of-life issues.

“When a person is facing death, I may be involved in ministering to them,” Oleson says, “but if they’re Lutheran, their own pastor in the Omaha area will most likely provide pastoral care for them.”

Wartburg Seminary prepared Oleson in many ways for the ministry he now does. He says seminary helped with spiritual formation. But so have those with whom he’s interacted over nearly four decades in ministry. And now, as he finishes his active ministry at Immanuel, he’s still being spiritually shaped. “Some of the folks I serve aren’t much older than I am,” he admits. “And some, of course, are decades older. I’m really impressed with the examples set by some of these seniors. Advancing age hasn’t slowed them down, or made them cynical.”

He thinks of Millie, age 97. “She’s in better shape than I am,” he admits. “We have another resident who is currently age 103.” People like these, Oleson says, can be great examples of how faith can be celebrated.

Register today at www.ruralministry.com

SHERER IS A 1967 GRADUATE OF WARTBURG SEMINARY. A RETIRED RELIGION JOURNALIST AND EDITOR, HE LIVES IN WAVERLY, IOWA.


LEFT: HANNAH BENEDICT (WTS STUDENT) WITH JOSIAH (HUSBAND) AND EVE (DAUGHTER) STANDING IN FRONT OF NEWLY RENOVATED HOME. RIGHT: BENEDICT HOME PRIOR TO RENOVATIONS.

Mission Accomplished


In May a building project known as “Mission Possible – WTS” began at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa and the Northeastern Iowa Synod teamed up on this project to contribute funds and labor for updates to ten single family housing units located on the Wartburg campus. This fall they accomplished their mission by completing all the homes by adding insulation and replacing the original windows, exterior doors, siding, and soffits on all ten of these student housing units, built in 1968, to improve their energy efficiency.

The total project cost was $49,439 and with the support of many generous donors and congregations including Nazareth Lutheran Church more than $44,500 was raised to cover those costs. The cost of the project came from supplies including: siding, windows, doors, and building permits.

Twenty-six volunteers (nicknamed “The Naz Builders”) worked 2,680 hours from the start of planning in January 2014 until completion of the houses this October. Hank Wellnitz, one of the lead members of the Naz Builders team, says, “What excited me most about this project was seeing how God used people from different backgrounds to accomplish His purposes. Everyone that came on these trips (to Wartburg Seminary) felt so blessed to be able to be a blessing to someone else. I think the project was a living example of what the church can and should be- people working together trying to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.”

Just as the volunteers felt blessed to be part of the project, Wartburg Theological Seminary students, faculty, staff and supporters are thankful for the generous support of the Naz Builders and all those who contributed to the project. The students who have moved into the completed houses have commented that it is like moving into a new home and have expressed their gratitude in the work of the volunteers. The Naz Builders have not only provided more comfortable dwellings for the students, but also made it possible for Wartburg to be an even better steward of resources, as the new siding on the homes will eliminate the need to paint the exterior every eight to ten years, and the new siding and the energy efficient doors and windows will reduce the amount of energy students use to heat and cool their residence.

On Tuesday, October 21, Wartburg Theological Seminary, in partnership with Nazareth Lutheran Church and the Northeastern Iowa Synod, held a special service to dedicate the newly renovated homes.

“Everyone that came on these trips felt so blessed to be able to be a blessing to someone else. I think the project was a living example of what the church can and should be- people working together trying to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.” – HANK WELLNITZ (LEAD MEMBER OF NAZ BUILDER TEAM)


Mission Accomplished

Prof. Susan Ebertz, Assistant Professor of Bibliography and Academic Research and Director of the Reu Memorial Library - Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker J. Palmer- Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life by Henri Nouwen

“I’m reading these two books with two first-year students. Even when we are in an occupation which we love, we still wonder whether we are where we should be. These are books which will help you in continually discerning your call and understanding your vocation. Our vocation is not just a job but it is where our “true self” can speak and where we can see God at work in our lives.”

Rev. Dr. Nathan Frambach, Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of the Center for Youth Ministries - It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens by danah boyd- Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen by David Walsh- This Day: Collected & New Sabbath Poems by Wendell Berry

“The first book is important reading for anyone interested in the continuing impact of emerging technologies and life in a technologically mediated world. I referenced the second book when speaking at a conference a couple of years ago and received a handwritten thank you a few weeks later from a couple of parents who attended the event (enough said?). The final book, a recent release from ‘America’s farmer poet,’ is nourishment for the soul.”

Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud, Professor of Systematic Theology, Director for the Center for Global Theologies, Holder of Kent S. Knutson and UELC Chair in Theology and Mission

- Wounded Visions by Jonas Jonson“Jonas Jonson, a consummate ecumenist from the Church of Sweden, provides the reader with a personal reflection on the historical, religious, socio-political journey and landscape of the life and work of the World Council of Churches over the past 40+ years, beginning with the 1968 Uppsala Assembly.” -The Christian World by Martin Marty“Martin Marty’s welcome, illuminating historical survey of the global history of Christianity in terms of episodes: Asian, African, European, Latin American, North American…, which concludes with “Unfinished Episodes,” invites the reader to ponder the indispensable, generative Christological center of Christianity.”

Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben, Assistant Professor of New Testament

- Reading the Bible for All the Wrong Reasons by Russell Pregeant“A highly-readable discussion of many unchecked assumptions about the Bible.”

- Mediating Faith: Faith Formation in a Trans-Media Era by Clint Schnekloth“A theoretical reflection on the significance of media for ministry, with thought-provoking insights on an emerging landscape.”

- Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor“A readable reflection on matters pertinent to a theology of the cross, but without using ‘churchy’ language.”

Wartburg Seminary Faculty Book Recommendations


Engaging God’s Future Campaign

Wartburg Theological Seminary publicly launched a $22 million fundraising campaign on September 4, 2014. The Engaging God’s Future Campaign will strengthen the church through the formation of servant leaders for God’s mission at Wartburg Theological Seminary.

Graduates of Wartburg are valued for their strong faith, theological depth, practical wisdom, collegial spirit, and love for people. These leaders emerge from Wartburg Seminary, called to serve Christ’s church, nurturing faith, and engaging God’s future in the hearts and lives of God’s people.

“The Engaging God’s Future Campaign gives me the opportunity to talk to people about Wartburg’s unique story in mission. It also challenges me to support what WTS is and does: forming faith leaders for God’s future. It is a privilege to give back in these ways for the many gifts Wartburg has given to me, and the church,” said Campaign Co-Chair, Rev. Dr. Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl (WTS ’77).

The Engaging God’s Future Campaign is an invitation to invest in God’s mission and in the formation of leaders at Wartburg Theological Seminary through gifts to sustain mission, enhance innovation in learning, increase scholarships for students, and strengthen the future of the church through theological education.

“Campaigns represent transformational moments for institutions. This Engaging God’s Future Campaign comes at a transformational moment for Wartburg. Much hard work and the partnerships of many have contributed to a strong financial turnaround for Wartburg Seminary. The launch of the public phase of this campaign is an opportunity to continue building on this success,” said Rev. Dr. Stanley N. Olson, President of Wartburg Theological Seminary.

Many friends and partners have given and pledged generously in the quiet phase of the campaign. This has allowed Wartburg to announce the public campaign with $12.5 million already committed towards the campaign goal of $22 million.

Chair of the Board of Directors and Campaign Co-Chair, Rev. Dr. Stephen Cornils (WTS ’70), said, “Wartburg is in a very good place after finishing its fifth consecutive year with positive cash balance. This is a result of careful spending and generous giving and now we have great momentum for building toward Wartburg’s preferred future through the Engaging God’s Future Campaign.”

President Olson concluded, “Engaging God’s Future is an invitation to all who care about the future of Christ’s church—congregation and community members from the areas Wartburg serves, all our own graduates, and others. Wartburg is in its 161st year of service, and we have effective and efficient programs, sustainable financial strength and the church has a growing need for new servant leaders. I invite all to be part of the mission opportunities God is providing.”

Wartburg Theological Seminary Launches Fundraising Campaign

• Gifts That Sustain Wartburg Seminary Fund

• Gifts That Enhance Program Innovation

• Gifts That Endure Scholarship Endowment and General Endowment

REV. DR. STEPHEN CORNILS (WTS ‘70) AND REV. DR. ANDREA DE-GROOT-NESDAHL (WTS ‘77) , CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS, ANNOUNCE THE ENGAGING GOD’S FUTURE CAMPAIGN


Engaging God’s Future Campaign Lutheran Magazine Article Got Her Started

Nebraska Woman Prays for Seminary Students — and Seminaries

Michael L. Sherermlsherer @ yahoo.com

“I knit five-inch ‘prayer squares’ that people can hold onto in times of crisis. The recipients know I prayed over them as I made them”– DIANE CONE

Wartburg Seminary is a prayer target. It’s been in the sights of a Fremont, Nebraska, laywoman for the past several years. Actually, two ELCA seminaries — Wartburg and Pacific Lutheran — have been targeted by Diane Cone. That’s because two clergymen — her present and a previous pastor at her ELCA congregation — attended Wartburg and Pacific Lutheran respectively.

Cone, an active ELCA Lutheran and a busy grandmother, got the idea to pray for the two Lutheran seminaries and their students after reading an article in her monthly denominational publication, The Lutheran.

“In 2007 there was an article with the title, ‘Let us pray for our seminary students,’” Cone remembers. “I read the article and I knew I needed to pray for the seminaries.”

She decided to go public with the project. “I bought a package of eight greeting cards and wrote a note in each one. It explained that I was praying for whoever received the card. I sent four to Wartburg and four to Pacific Lutheran.”

Over time, two students responded — one from each seminary. Cone says she still communicates with one of them, Wartburg Seminary graduate Rev. Laurie Betz now serving in Wisconsin.

Cone has found other creative ways to make her prayers concrete. “I knit five-inch ‘prayer squares’ that people can hold onto in times of crisis. The recipients know I prayed over them as I made them.” She also knits prayer shawls for individuals facing challenging circumstances. Some of the shawls are given to parents of infants being baptized. The infants receive “prayer blankets.” So far, Cone has made and distributed over 600 prayer shawls and blankets.

Members of her congregation, Salem Lutheran in tiny Fontanelle, Nebraska, nine miles north of Fremont, became aware of her efforts when she agreed to tell a “faith story” at worship on Thanksgiving Eve several years ago. Her family is also well aware of what she’s up to. “In church one Sunday,” she recalls, “My grandson saw a woman seated in front of us. He said, ‘Look, grandma, there’s one of your shawls. You made that.’”

Some time after beginning her prayers for seminaries and their students, Cone paid a visit to the Wartburg campus in Dubuque, Iowa. “I spent ten days there,” she remembers. “I wanted time to get away. I had a sort of personal retreat. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wartburg Seminary is a really neat place. Being there is good for the soul.”

Why does Diane Cone persist in her prayer projects? “I’ve learned to listen to what my heart says,” she explains.

“Wartburg Seminary is a really neat place. Being there is good for the soul.”– DIANE CONE

Wartburg Theological Seminary’s reputation of providing solid theological education for forming missional leaders to serve God’s church in the world has been around since this institution was formed over a century ago. While historically theological education, and seminaries in particular, have been thought of as training for professional ministry only, reality has us thinking very differently. It is time to break open that stereotype, to begin to see theological education as formation for the whole church. Since students of Wartburg have always been learning to be critical thinkers and being formed for a life of participating in God’s mission in the world, we need to broaden our understanding of who these students are. Theological education is no longer limited to those training for church leadership positions. Theological education is for the whole church. Formation is for all the baptized. Learning is for Life. Seminary is for Everyone.

Throughout the decades, Wartburg has been offering lectures, workshops, and events for the wider church. While these will continue, and be expanded through new partnerships, we have come to believe that it is not enough. Formation for ministry, the ministry of the baptized is more than an event, it is a lifelong endeavor. Learning is for Life. Seminary is for Everyone.

Wartburg is embarking on a new venture. In 2015, Wartburg will be offering over a dozen new courses for people in all vocations

to explore their faith deeper. Offered as both online courses and on campus intensives, these opportunities will provide a learning environment to go deeper in one’s study of the Bible, theology, Lutheran confessions, discipleship, and so much more. For some participants these offerings might be a great way to get their feet wet, taking one, two or more courses. These offerings are called Exploring Faith: Entry Level courses. Options are available for students taking several courses over a few years to put them together and earn a certificate.

Others might be looking for something more challenging. For those that have studied theology before, or are a professional minister looking for continuing education opportunities, Wartburg is also offering new five-week courses on a variety of topics, from stewardship to Karl Barth. We refer to these courses as Exploring Faith: Advanced Level. CEUs for these courses are available upon request.

For a complete listing of the Learning for Life events, Exploring Faith course offerings, and certificate programs go to www.wartburgseminary.edu/learningforlife. We invite to you embark on this new venture with us, to explore your faith in new ways as you continue to be formed as a disciple of Christ.

“Wartburg Seminary offers learning that is open to everyone not just pastors in training.” – Carolyn Browning Helsel, WTS Adjunct Professor for Exploring Faith Courses

ADJUNCT PROFESSORS HAVE BEEN RECRUITED TO TEACH COURSES IN THE EXPLORING FAITH CURRICULUM

FRONT ROW (L TO R): ALLISON DEFOREST, MAN HEI YIP, TIMOTHY SNYDER, DENNIS CRESWELL, AND TERRA ROWE

BACK ROW (L TO R): DWIGHT DUBOIS, PHILIP FORNESS, DAVID HAHN, NATE DAWSON, CAROLYN BROWNING HELSEL, NEAL ANTHONY, NELSON RABELL-GONZALEZ, JAN RIPPENTROP, JERRY FOLK, AND BURTON EVERIST

By Dr. Kristine Stache, Associate Professor of Missional Leadership, Director of Learning for Life



January 7-14, 2015 Youth & Family Ministry Cert School (Texas)

Jan 24 - Feb 14, 2015 Daring to Be Disciples: Meet the Apostle Paul

January 30, 2015 Come to the Castle

February 6, 2015 Financial Workshop for Clergy

February 12-13, 2015 Lutheran-Catholic Celebration of 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

March 1-3, 2015 Rural Ministry Conference

March 20, 2015 Come to the Castle (Bishop Elizabeth Eaton)

April 8-10, 2015 Three Year Reunion (Class of 2012)

April 16, 2015 Children of Abraham Presentation

May 8, 2015 Come to the Castle

May 20-21, 2015 Women of the ELCA Bible Study Seminar

June 22 - July 2, 2015Luther Academy of the Rockies

July 11-21, 2015 Wartburg Youth Leadership School (WYLS)

October 18-20, 2015 Re-formation and Renewal

Visit www.wartburgseminary.edu/learningforlife to learn more and register.

Wanting to strengthen your understanding of Scripture? Theology? Ministry?

Whether you are new to theological education or a professional minister looking for an advanced course, Wartburg Theological Seminary has a Learning for Life program that is right for you.

2015 Spring Exploring Faith Online Courses:Exploring Faith: Entry Level 8 - Week Courses Entry level courses are designed for individuals wishing to explore matters of faith and theology at a deeper level.

Introduction to Theology: Grace in the Middle of ThingsIntroduction to Theologies of Worship Spirituality & Discipleship Lutheran ConfessionsEthics In Lutheran Perspective Imagining Rural Ministry El Pentateuco; muchas voces, un solo Dios

Exploring Faith: Advanced Level 5 - Week CoursesAdvanced Level Courses are prefect for rostered leaders or those who have studied theology before.

Global Christologies: The Many Faces of Jesus Stewardship in This New Age of Mission

Mark Your Calendar for These Events:

2015 Spring LSPS Courses: Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS) Ethics Eclesiologia en Contexto [Spanish]

Visit www.wartburgseminary.edu to learn more and register.

LSPS

LU T H E R A N S E M I N A R Y P R O G R A M I N T H E S O U T H W E S T


In May of 2014, the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS) in Austin, Texas hosted the third annual Spanish Language and Hispanic Culture Intensive. The intensive is a resource for Lutherans and those of other denominations who recognize the growing need for competency in the Spanish language and an understanding of Hispanic culture in light of the increasing Hispanic population in this country and in the church. The course focuses on the study of Spanish and on different aspects of Hispanic culture, and each of the instructors at the intensives bring with them a specialized topic.

Dr. Regina Musselman, a socio-linguist, taught Spanish at this year’s intensive, while helping participants put it into practice using special services like Baptisms, Weddings, Healing, Funerals, and Eucharist. During the week students planned a Eucharistic celebration; all course participants took part in the various aspects of the service utilizing the Spanish and some of the Hispanic songs learned during the intensive. The Eucharist was followed by a Fiesta of traditional, delicious foods and lively music and dance.

Thirty-five individuals from six states participated in this summer’s Spanish Language and Hispanic Culture Intensive, including one Episcopal and two Lutheran bishops. Cindy Klein from Everson, Washington was one of those who participated in this summer’s intensive in Austin. She and her husband, Robert, came to Austin to take part in the intensive as a way to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Their interest in Hispanic ministry and the Hispanic culture started many years ago when both of them went on a dental mission trip to Guatemala. Cindy and Bob learned Spanish, and as they did so, they became more involved in helping local pastors in providing bi-lingual ministry, such as translating services and sermons into Spanish and helping with Quinseaneras.

Cindy and her husband first became aware of LSPS when they met Rev. Dr. Jay Alanis and Rev. Dr. Eliseo Perez who were teaching a course at Holden Village in Chelan, Washington during the summer of 2011. Later, Cindy and Bob learned of TEEM when they met Rev. Emilio Benitez (LSPS ‘11) and his cousin, Rev. Esau Cuevas (LSPS ‘11) who both serve parishes in Washington state.

The weeklong Spanish Language and Hispanic Culture Intensive at LSPS was an all-around great experience for Cindy and her husband. Cindy says she enjoyed the teaching styles of Dr. Alanis and Dr. Perez and says the highlight of the intensive was the visiting presenters: Rev. Jesus Escamilla (LSPS ‘11) and Rev. Al Rodriguez. Each of these presenters spoke of their faith communities in Texas and the changing demographics. Rev. Escamilla is a pastor of a rapidly growing Hispanic congregation in North Texas and Rev. Rodriguez is an Episcopal priest with 25 years’ experience in dual language parishes in Central Texas.

Cindy enjoyed meeting people from all over the country and hearing their stories of Hispanic ministry. She recommends this weeklong intensive to others whether they are currently actively involved in Hispanic ministry, planning on doing so in the future, or simply want to learn more about the richness of the Hispanic culture for their personal enrichment.

The Spanish Language and Hispanic Culture Intensive is open to Rostered Leaders and congregation members. For more information on the 2015 Intensive and to register call Consuelo at 512-477-2666 or email: [email protected].

Spanish Language and Hispanic CultureIntensive: A Week of Celebration and Learning

By Rev. Elizabeth (Liz) Stein, D.Min,Acting Executive Director

LSPS Upcoming Intensives:Spanish Language and May 24 - 29, 2015 Hispanic Ministry Intensive Building Congregational June 7 - 12, 2015Capacity for Hispanic Ministry (Level II Intensive) Hispanic Ministry Summer Term May 24 - July 1, 2015

To register call Consuelo at 512-477-2666 or email: [email protected].


Each year, the graduating class of Wartburg Seminary comes together and agrees on a class gift, some way they want to collectively give back and make a lasting contribution to the seminary. Before they graduated this past May, the Class of 2014 decided that they wanted to do as several other recent classes have done and undertake a 1% giving challenge – pledging as individuals to give 1% of their income to the seminary each year as a gift. Janelle Koepke, Vice President for Mission Support, says of the 1% challenge, “I am always humbled by the commitments of the graduating class as they rarely have a letter of call when making their pledge to give. The 1% challenge was initiated a few years ago and includes a commitment to give 1% of their income throughout their ministry and encourage congregations where they serve to do the same. This is an incredible gift to the seminary and demonstrates how passionate graduates are as they leave this place that others continue to be blessed by Wartburg Seminary.”

An impressive 56% of the Class of 2014 has made the commitment to participate in the 1% giving challenge. One member of the class who made that commitment is Rev. Jason Adams, first call pastor at Reformation Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Adams explains why the Class of 2014 decided that the 1% giving challenge was how they wanted to give back to Wartburg Seminary, “The class of 2014 wanted to give a gift that would directly support everything that Wartburg Seminary is already doing so well, and to give the administration the flexibility to proceed with plans for the future. Rather than making a designated gift tied to a particular event or initiative, we chose to give to the Wartburg Seminary Fund and allow the dedicated leadership at the seminary to move forward.”

For Adams, the motivation to participate in the giving challenge stems from his desire to make sure the same positive and life-changing experience that he and his family encountered at Wartburg is made available to other future leaders of the church. He shares, “One percent of a new salary seemed intimidating at first, especially with a growing family and after four years as a full-time student, but after discussion with my spouse and prayerful consideration, we were comfortable committing to begin at that level of giving. The gift that Wartburg Seminary gave to us as a family following God’s call to ministry was that of a nurturing community of faith, and we want to see that continue for others in the future.”

Rev. Emily Shipman, also a member of the Class of 2014, feels much the same way. Shipman, along with her husband, is now serving a five-point parish in Western North Dakota, serving churches in the communities of Alamo, Wildrose, Ambrose, Fortuna, and Crosby. She says of her decision to participate in the giving challenge in support of the seminary, “Wartburg has had a tremendous influence on me and my call. When I first arrived at Wartburg I wasn’t sure what my long-term plan was, I just wanted to show up and learn. In very little time I realized my call to rostered ministry, and in time grew into it as I lived together with those in the Wartburg community. It is a valuable place of learning, formation, and discovery. I know financial reasons play a big factor in many people’s decisions, and if I can participate in eliminating (or lessening) this barrier for people, I absolutely want to do so.”

The Class of 2014 believes that their class gift will have a positive impact, not only on Wartburg Seminary and the future students who attend WTS, but on the future of the church itself. Adams says, “Each future leader that passes through the halls at Wartburg Seminary is equipped and prepared to lead the church of the future, and knows the importance of sharing what has been so generously given to us by God. I see the one percent challenge as but the first step in embarking on this life of ministry, trusting in all that God has done, is doing, and will do in the future.” Shipman adds, summarizing the class’ motivation for the giving challenge, “Wartburg contributes positively to the church, so contributing to Wartburg was a no-brainer for us.”

The Gift of One Percent

REV. JASON ADAMS AND REV. EMILY SHIPMAN, CLASS OF 2014

“Each future leader that passes through the halls at Wartburg Seminary is equipped and prepared to lead the church of the future, and knows the importance of sharing what has been so generously given to us by God. I see the one percent challenge as but the first step in embarking on this life of ministry, trusting in all that God has done, is doing, and will do in the future.” – REV. EMILY SHIPMAN (WTS 2014)


Faculty & Staff UpdatesRev. Amy Current, Dean for Vocation, was invited by the US Navy Recruiting District, Minneapolis to participate in an “Educator Orientation

Visit” at Point Loma Naval Base, San Diego, CA in June 2014. She said of her visit to San Diego, “The trip was simply fantastic. I was the only pastor and joined with high school counselors, principals, coaches, and college professors for a five day Navy tour spanning the intricacies of damage control on ships, Fleet and Family Services, meals in the galleys, touring the USS Carl Vinson air craft carrier, a submarine, and a Wolf Pack Blackhawk helicopter among others. The Skipper/Commanding Officer of our group assured that I was given the opportunity for private conversations with chaplains and lay religious leaders. I believe for me personally this trip and these conversations reinforced the deep commitment, numerous opportunities, and the call to service shared by those who serve in the military but particularly of the significant and important role of chaplains. My hope is to be able to assist interested students to a greater depth in discerning a call to serve in military or federal chaplaincy. A highlight of my trip was the visit to the chapel on the USS Carl Vinson, where I was delighted to find that the ship’s bell had just been used for a baptism. What a beautiful tradition!”

Prof. Susan Ebertz, Assistant Professor of Bibliography and Academic Research and Director of the Reu Memorial Library, served on a panel entitled

“Small Libraries Getting Organized in the Archives” at the American Theological Library Association annual conference in New Orleans, LA, on June 19, 2014. She was also re-elected as the Treasurer of the Dubuque Area Libraries in Consortium, an organization of academic, public, and special libraries in the greater Dubuque area.

Rev. Dr. Samuel Giere, Associate Professor of Homiletics and Biblical Interpretation, recently authored “‘It shall not return to me empty’ (Isaiah

55.11): Interpreting Scripture in Christ for Proclamation,” in Currents in Theology and Mission, October 2014 issue.

Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann joined the Wartburg Seminary faculty this fall as the new Assistant Professor of Lutheran Confessions and

Heritage, after having served as pastor of Christ Ascension Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania since 2009. This was his third pastorate. Lohrmann has also served as adjunct professor or guest lecturer at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Reformed Episcopal Seminary, LaSalle University, Gwynedd-Mercy College, and Wartburg Theological Seminary. Lohrmann is the author of various publications, including Bugenhagen’s Jonah: Biblical Interpretation as Public Theology (Lutheran University Press, 2012), and is also the co-editor of Reformation Commentary on Scripture: 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings and 1-2 Chronicles (InterVarsity Press, expected in 2015). Lohrmann is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary (M.Div., 2004), where his studies included matriculation at Augustana Theologische Hochschule in Neuendettelsau, Germany (2001-2002). He holds a B.A. degree in history and humanities (1999) from Valparaiso University, and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (2010).

Rev. Dr. Craig Nessan, Academic Dean and Professor of Contextual Theology and Ethics, is co-editor and contributing author of the book: Theology

in Engagement with Church and Politics. Hans Schwarz on the Occasion of His 75th Birthday. Matthias Heesch, Thomas Kothmann, and Craig L. Nessan, Editors. Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 2014. Nessan was preacher and presenter on the theme, “Shalom Church: Being Body of Christ in Evangelizing and Serving” at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny, Iowa on September 20-21, 2014. He was also the retreat leader at Faith Lutheran Church, Marion, Iowa on October 10-11, 2014. Nessan will lead Wartburg Seminary’s January immersion course to Germany: Luther, Pietism, and Bonhoeffer from January 4-25, 2015.

Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud, Professor of Systematic Theology, Director for the Center for Global Theologies, Holder of Kent S. Knutson and UELC Chair

in Theology and Mission, taught: “The Bible and God’s Mission: A Theological Reading,” in Wartburg Theological Seminary Youth Leadership School (WYLS), June 15-21, 2014; made his annual trip to Guyana, July 11–August 5, 2014, which included preaching in three parishes, giving the Bible studies at a Week of Renewal at Redeemer LC and the ELCG Annual Youth Camp, and teaching a day-long Theological Intensive (July 26, 2014), “Witnessing to Jesus Christ Today,” for pastors, deacons, lay leaders/preachers in the ELCG’s Theological Education for Authorized Ministries program, and led three sessions (Sept. 21, 28 & Oct. 5, 2014) on the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church) in the Adult Education Class, Holy Trinity LC, Dubuque, IA. He attended: the Augsburg Fortress Publishers Board of Trustees meeting, Oct. 17-18, 2014, a meeting of the Dialog Advisory Board, Nov. 21, 2014, in conjunction with attending the AAR/SBL Annual Meeting, Nov. 21-24, 2014, San


Diego, CA, and Central States Candidacy Committee meeting, Kansas City, Dec. 5-6, 2014. This fall, he continues his teaching of the courses HT198W Justification and Justice (with Prof. Ann Fritschel); HT264W Readings in Theology — JDDJ and L-RC Dialogue documents: The Word of God: Scripture and Tradition, Papal Primacy and the Universal Church, and Teaching Authority & Infallibility in the Church; HT350W The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, and HT396W The Contemporary Crisis of Defining and Confessing the Gospel.

Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben, Assistant Professor of New Testament, was a lecturer on “The Spirit at Work in Church and in Mission” at the

Lutheran Academy of the Rockies in Allenspark, CO, this past June. He was the keynote presenter at the Oklahoma-Arkansas Rostered Leaders’ Gathering in September (presentation: “The Beloved, Devoted, and Confused: Engaging the Disciples Among the Four Gospels”), and will be a presenter at the Northwest

Ohio Synod Leaders’ Conference January 20-22, 2015. He also presented two papers at the Annual Society of Biblical Literature conference in San Diego, Nov 22-25, 2014, entitled “Open Doors: The Legacy of Mark’s Ending” and “Having Our Cake and Eating It Too: The Conflicted Interests of Readers in Ancient Narrative Endings.” He is assisting with teaching at the Western Iowa Synod lay school, giving presentations at a pastor’s gathering in Fort Dodge, IA, on “Worship Dynamics in Corinth” in October (2014) and on “The Book of Acts and the Easter Season” in March (2015), and serving as the keynote speaker at Called Together in Mission, a gathering of the SE Iowa Synod at First Lutheran church in Cedar Rapids next March. Besides writing some book reviews for Review of Biblical Literature, Currents in Theology and Mission, and Lutheran Quarterly, he has also contributed to the new resource Sundays and Seasons: Preaching, Year B, 2015 (Augsburg: Oct 2014), the entry “Luke as Historian” for the Lexham Bible Dictionary (online), and commentaries for workingpreacher.org. This October he also attended the ATS Roundtable Seminar for Newly Appointed Faculty in Chicago.

The Board of Directors of Wartburg Theological Seminary, having accepted the retirement notice of its 13th president, the Rev. Dr. Stanley N. Olson, now invites recommendations and applications for the calling of its next president.

Leadership needed from the President of Wartburg Seminary1. To inspire Wartburg Seminary to advance its distinctive educational vocation

to form leaders for the church in worship-centered communities of theological reflection in new and varied contexts where learning will continue to lead to mission and mission will continue to inform learning.

2. To invite Wartburg’s constituencies to invest their funds, gather and send their sons and daughters, and sustain the seminary’s mission with their prayers that the church and world may be blessed.

3. To advance Wartburg’s heritage of using its strengths to serve the congregations, synods, institutions, and agencies of the ELCA, its ecumenical partners, and global communions.

4. To strengthen Wartburg Seminary’s administrative disciplines in stewardship of human and financial assets, actively collaborating with others and tracking Wartburg’s efforts, programs, and departments to accomplish the work effectively and to build financial sustainability.

5. To demonstrate the competence, character, courage, and commitment needed to serve Wartburg’s apostolic vocation in the church.

Connect with WTS via Podcasts

Go to www.wartburgseminary.

podbean.com

Sermon podcasts are from Wartburg Seminary’s daily chapel

service which is central to Wartburg’s worship-centered community of learning. The

sermons are given by Wartburg Seminary faculty, staff, and guests.

Wartburg Theological Seminary Announces Search for President

To learn more about this opportunity or recommend an individual as a candidate, please visit our website at www.wartburgseminary.edu/presidentsearch


Alum NotesWartburg Theological Seminary‘42Mrs. Ruth Ellen Graf, wife of Rev. Adam Graf, died July 6, 2014.

‘46Mrs. Lorraine L. Grunke, wife of Rev. Marvin Grunke, died August 2, 2014.

Rev. Ralph Fischer died August 26, 2014. He served Parishes in Texas and Washington.

‘47Rev. Max Diemer died August 29, 2014. He served congregations in Atilissa, IA; and Andrew, IA, but served most of his time in the ministry in Papua New Guinea. He also served briefly as in-terim pastor at Trinity LC, and for 20 years as a hos-pital chaplain at Memorial Medical Center.

‘50Mrs. Wauneta (Nita) Wie-deraenders, wife of Rev. Robert Wiederaenders, died April 1, 2014.

‘52Rev. Ernest W. Collard died March 28, 2014. He served Good Hope, Gifford, ID; Peace, Ta-coma, WA; Our Savior, Issaquah, WA; St. Paul, Quincy, WA and Zion, Fairfield, WA. He also served two years as as-sistant chaplain at the VA Hosptial, American Lake, WA.

Mrs. Irma Fallon, wife of Rev. Donald Fallon, died April 19, 2014.

‘53Rev. Gilbert Mueller died October 7, 2014.

‘54Rev. Richard Bahe died May 3, 2014. He

served congregations in Rosthern/Hague, Saskatchewan, Canada; rural Marshfield, WI; rural Tama/Marshalltown, IA; Raymond, MN; Sher-wood/rural Kenmare; and New Leipzig.

Rev. Willfred F. Bigott received recognition from the ELCA for his 60th anniversary of his ordination at a reception held at Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, TX, his alma mater. Afterreceiving his Masters in Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary, he served as the Executive Director in the Christian Camping ministry, serv-ing in Texas, then in Min-nesota, and completing his camping ministry in Washington State. Later he received his Masters in Family and Marriage Counseling from St. Mary’s University and added counseling to his list of accomplishments. He continues to serve today as chaplain at Sid Peterson Regional Hos-pital, Kerrville, TX.

‘56 Rev. Melvin Blobaum died April 3, 2014. He served St. Peter, Bas-sett, NE; First, Ohio, IL; St. Paul, Gifford, and St. John, Anchor, both in IL.

Mrs. Margaret Hannemann, wife of Rev. Eugene Hannemann, died April 12, 2014.

‘59 Rev. Gerald Brown died May 8, 2014. He served churches in Yorktown, TX; St. Paul, Harmony, Granger and Myrtle, MN; Malcom and Tama, IA.

Rev. Dr. Richard A. Jen-sen died on November 19, 2014 in Lakeville, Minnesota. Jensen was a graduate of Trinity Semi-nary in Blair, Nebraska, one of the predecessors of Wartburg Seminary. Jensen earned a PhD at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in Dubuque, Iowa and taught system-atic theology at Wart-burg Seminary. Jensen was a popular preacher, teacher and author throughout the church in the United States and abroad. Jensen was a co-founder of Mekana Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he taught from 1962-65. Upon his return to the United States, he taught at three of his alma maters: at Dana College from 1965-72, at Wart-burg Theological Semi-nary from 1972-81, and at LSTC from 1997-2002. He also briefly taught at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. From 1982-1993, Jensen was the host and director of the Lutheran Vespers radio program, which reached millions of people world-wide.

‘60Rev. Ray W. Heidtke died November 15, 2013. He served churches in eastern North Dakota, including Fredonia, Fargo, Valley City, and Verona.

‘61Dr. Charles Dickson is the author of a new book entitled, Experi-ments in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. The book is his eleventh publica-tion and his fourth in the field of chemistry. Dickson has also written previous books in other

areas including theol-ogy, history, and Scan-dinavian studies. One previous book entitled, A Protestant Pastor Looks at Mary, was published by Our Sunday Visitor Press, the largest Catho-lic publishing company in the country. In addi-tion to books, Dickson also writes for newspa-pers and periodicals, including the Wall Street Journal and the Christian Science Monitor. Dick-son is a Lutheran pastor and has served parishes in Florida and North Carolina. He has been on the Executive Board of the North Carolina Council of Churches and as Chairman of the Com-mittee on Ecumenical Relations. He is currently the interim pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lenoir, NC.

Rev. Donald N. Ober-dorfer died September 20, 2014.

Rev. Milton Ost is the author of a new book entited, Tumbleweeds Burning.

‘64Rev. Kenneth C. Schlu-eter died July 2, 2014. He served as a fulltime and interim Pastor at nu-merous churches. Many of those years were spent as the Chaplain at Northland Lutheran Retirement Community, Marinette, WI.

‘66Rev. Frederick Hamil-ton died June 17, 2014. He served two parishes, St. John, Wilson, and Elizabeth, Caldwell, both Texas, and after earning a degree in education in 1974 taught govern-ment, coached golf and

aided in administration at Seguin High School until retiring in 2000.

Rev. Paul I. Petersen died August 24, 2014. He served ministries at Syracuse, Lexington, Avoca, Lincoln, Palmyra and Pickrell, NE and Ft. Collins and Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, CO.

‘70Mrs. Larrel Clefisch, wife of Rev. Lewin Clefisch, died April 6, 2014.

‘74Rev. Karl A. Divine-Koch died December 30, 2013. He served St. Michael’s, Waltham, MN; as a Lutheran Campus Pastor in Fresno, CA and Iowa State University, Ames, IA; and at Zion and Gloria Dei, both in Iowa City, IA.

‘76Rev. Michael Baucom died April 11, 2014. He served Trinity, Green Bay, WI; as a Chaplain at Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh, WI; and at McFarland and Christ, Sedalia, MO.

‘88Mr. Jesse Chisholm is semi-retired from his ministry, but still occa-sionally does weddings for family and friends. Last year, he presided over the memorial service for his brother, Grey Chisholm. He also performed the wedding ceremony for his eldest brother, Mark Chisholm, who married Kelly (nee Greene) on March 15, 2014.

‘89Rev. Richard Inglett accepted a call at Sugar Creek, Elkhorn, WI. He


Wartburg Youth Leadership School & ELCA Youth GatheringYou are invited to join youth from across the country for an ultimate faith journey as you share in adventure, service, study, music and worship. Learn more today!

www.wartburgseminary.edu | [email protected] | 563.589.0272

Join us July 11-21, 2015Registration opens February 1, 2015

previously served Beth-lehem, Portage, WI.

‘90Mr. George Bergquist died May 9, 2014. He served University of Texas, San Antonio.

‘96Ms. Diana Hedegaard, wife of Rev. James “Scott” Hedegaard, died September 15, 2014.

‘03Rev. Karen Capel died October 11, 2014. She served Easter, Eagan, MN and St. James, For-reston, IL.

Rev. Laura Koppen-hoefer has authored the book, Notes on the Journey: Living with Sar-coma & Hope. The book is a compellation of her “posts” from the Carep-age.com journaling she has done through the first years of living with a rare cancer, known as sarcoma.

‘07Rev. Andrea Myers has accepted a call at Zion, Lake Crystal, MN. She previously served Grace, Albert Lea, MN.

‘13Rev. Joshua Brecht was ordained on May 3, 2014. He has accepted a call at Pilgrim, Lexing-ton, SC.

Rev. Lisa Heffernan was ordained on June 28, 2014. She accepted a call to Trinity, Chamber-lain, SD.

‘14Rev. Jason Adams was ordained on June 5, 2014. He accepted a call at Reformation, Las Vegas, NV.

Rev. Alyssa Augustson was ordained on July 19, 2014. She accepted a call at Zion, Hoople, ND.

Rev. Matthew Barn-housewas was ordained on June 22, 2014. He accepted a call at Mt. Hope, El Paso, TX.

Rev. Jacqueline Belzer was ordained October 19, 2014. She has ac-cepted a call at Iglesia Luterana Pueblo de Fe, West St. Paul, MN. Rev. J. Wade Brinkopf was ordained on June 6, 2014. He accepted a call at First Lutheran and American Lutheran, Circle and Richey, MT.

Rev. Charles Clement was ordained October 26, 2014. He has ac-cepted a call at Memo-rial, Texas City, TX.

Rev. Jacqueline Cook was ordained on August 3, 2014. She accepted a call at St. Paul’s, Hector, MN.

Rev. Kirsten Curtis was ordained on August 16, 2014. She accepted a call at St. Martin’s, Cross Plains, WI.

Ms. Anna Dykeman was consecrated on August 10, 2014. She accepted a call at Peace Lutheran and St. John Episcopal, Dickinson, ND.

Rev. Donald Glanzer was ordained on June 21, 2014. He accepted a call at St. Peter’s, Logan-ville, WI.

Rev. Erik Grayvold was ordained on July 27, 2014. He accepted a call at Bethlehem, Chester-ton, IN.

Rev. Traci Maass was ordained on June 29, 2014. She accepted a call at Gloria Dei Lu-theran Church, New Holstein, WI.

Rev. DeAnn Patricia Meyer was ordained on September 23, 2014. She has accepted a call at St. Paul’s of Meriden, Waseca, MN and Zion, Ellendale, MN.

Rev. Daniel Morris was ordained on September 21, 2014. He has ac-cepted a call at St. Timo-thy, Naperville, IL.

Rev. Seth Nelson was ordained on June 7, 2014. He accepted a call at Faith, Ronan, MT.

Rev. Minna Quint was ordained on September 13, 2013. She has ac-cepted a call to Capitol Hill, Des Moines, IA.

Rev. Michael Rahlf was ordained on June 28, 2014. He accepted a call to Zion and Our Savior’s, Radcliffe, IA.

Rev. Paul Rosin was ordained on July 6, 2014. He accepted a call to All Saints, Austin, CO.

Rev. Erik Rundquist was ordained on June 8, 2014. He accepted a call to Svea Lutheran, Svea, MN.

Rev. Donna Runge was ordained October 13,

2014. She has accepted a call to Our Savior’s, Pla-inview, NE.

Rev. Arlyn Rusche was ordained on June 21, 2014. He accepted a call to Lyman County Parish in Kennebec, Presho, and Vivian, SD.

Rev. Emily Shipman was ordained on June 15, 2014. She accepted a call to the Northwest United Lutheran Parish, Crosby, ND.

Rev. Zachariah Ship-man was ordained on July 13, 2014. He accepted a call to the Northwest United Lu-theran Parish, Crosby, ND.

Rev. Rhia Strom was ordained October 15, 2014. She has accepted a call to Bethlehem, Ab-erdeen, SD.

Rev. Amy Waelchli was ordained on June 22, 2014. She accepted a call to Faith, Marion, IA.

We invite you to consider your call with us at Wartburg Theological Seminary. No matter where we are in life, in age or career, God calls us all. Wartburg offers residential and distributed degree programs, as well as on-campus and online courses and programs. To schedule a campus visit, attend a “Considering Your Call” event or learn more about exploring your discernment, call 563.589.0203 or email [email protected].

CONSIDERING

gather... experience... explore...

your callUpcoming Events

February 7, 2015

Exploring More Retreat

February 16 - March 17, 2015Exploring Seminary Online Course

March 14-16, 2015Considering Your Call Weekend

Upcoming Events:

March 1-3, 2015Rural Ministry Conference

March 20, 2015Come to the Castle

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

May 17, 2015WTS Commencement

May 20-21, 2015Women of the ELCA Bible Study Seminar

June 22-July 2, 2015Luther Academy of the Rockies

For more information on these events,

visit www.wartburgseminary.edu

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2014 life together issue 2

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