'08 Grad Lands in Cape Verde with Peace Corps

ANN ARBOR, MI –Lutheran Campus at the University of Michigan is pleased to announce that 2008 graduate Andrew Bracken will spend the next 27 months working in Community Development and Environmental Education as a Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa.

A native of East Lansing, Michigan, Andrew earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a minor in the Program in the Environment from the University of Michigan. While in college, he joined Lord of Light Lutheran Church where he was active in Lutheran Campus Ministry, served as manager of the men's track team and Co-Chaired Outreach and Education for Michigan Students Advocating Recycling (MSTAR).

The desire to serve comes naturally to Andrew. “My parents encouraged volunteer work,” he says, “practicing what they preached by giving their time and talent to East Lansing Public Schools and to my home congregation, University Lutheran Church. When I got to Michigan I did some volunteer work and in 2006 I spent an incredible month in Ghana with the University of Michigan’s Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates (GIEU).

“Our group of 12 students developed and implemented plastics recycling programs in Accra and Senya-Beraku. I consider it the best four weeks of my life, and the main reason I chose Peace Corps over the other options.”
When people ask why he’s chosen to go abroad when there is so much need in the U.S., Andrew responds, “Going to Ghana opened my eyes to the new realities. Seeing crippling poverty in person - not on TV or in pictures - hammers it home. I remember walking down an alley along a canal. Within 100 meters we saw people drinking the water, washing clothes in it, and defecating in it.

“I do not want to marginalize the problems faced by millions in the US, or exaggerate living conditions in the developing world, but I believe I can do the greatest good with my education overseas. In Power Politics Arundhati Roy put it aptly: "Once you've seen it, you can't unsee it."The following summer, Bracken served as an intern with Nike, which he describes as “an incredible place to work.” And yet, found the corporate world unfulfilling; that experience further convinced him that, “If I did not feel happy there, no traditional job could satisfy me.”

You can keep up with Andrew's work in Cape Verde by logging onto his blog: Sunburned in Cape Verde (http://abrack6.blogspot.com/)

'08 Graduate Headed for Jerusalem

ANN ARBOR, MI –Lutheran Campus at the University of Michigan is pleased to announce that 2008 graduate Chelsea Mathis will be serving in Jerusalem with ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission from August, 2008 through July, 2009.

A native of Monroe, Michigan, Chelsea grew up at St. John Lutheran Church, Dundee and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Biology with a Music Minor from the University of Michigan. While in college, she was active in Lutheran Campus Ministry, serving for two years as a Peer Minister and regularly sharing her musical gifts in Sunday worship and at various liturgies of the Southeast Michigan Synod.

“I first felt God’s call in my life while on mission trips to Washington D.C. and Toronto with my high school youth group,” says Chelsea. “In 2005, I traveled to the Holy Land with the first youth delegation from the Southeast Michigan Synod. Walking in my Palestinian friends' shoes through checkpoints and amidst guns, tanks, and barriers, I was touched by their enduring commitment to hope and peace.

“Upon returning to the States, my life was changed from one of egocentrism and naiveté to one of activism that has driven me to lead workshops about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, enroll in classes, deliver sermons and attend and facilitate lectures, movie screenings and discussions. I attended the 2007 Churches for Middle East Peace Advocacy Days where I spoke with my representatives and their aides about this church’s commitment to peace and a shared two-state solution. I look forward to serving my brothers and sisters in Christ while living their daily challenges and celebrations.”

While at Michigan, Chelsea was active throughout the community, volunteering at Safehouse Center, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, playing bassoon in the Ypsilanti Community Band and working at the University of Michigan Medical Center’s Cancer Genetics Clinic. In her free time, she enjoys playing the bassoon, traveling, and cooking.

Through an intensive application and rigorous interview process, Young Adults in Global Mission screens applicants and assigns them to service locations that match their gifts and passions with local needs. For the first time in its ten year history, volunteers with Young Adults in Global Mission will be serving in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Chelsea and five other young adults will be working with the churches, schools, and programs of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) under the guidance of Bishop Munib Younan, Country Coordinator Martin Shoffner and the directors of ELCJHL programs in Palestine.

Chelsea's adventures in Israel-Palestine can be followed through her blog: Life in Jerusalem: A Young Adult in Global Mission (http://sites.google.com/site/chelseamathis/).

A New Roof for LOL!

We have a new roof!

Loading the supplies was quite a proposition! At one point, I was sitting in the administrative office when an 800 pound load was dropped not-quite-as-gently-as-planned on the roof. I just about gave myself whiplash at the thud!

It's been quite a learning process. 'In the 50s, catch basins for drains like the ones featured above, were sealed with lead - which cracked, allowing leaks. The drain in the rear has been repaired but the one in the foreground needs some work in order to prevent any additional leaking into the apartment bathroom and the ground floor janitor's closet beneath it. Once that's done, we should have an airtight roof for another 20 years or more!

Thanks be to God!

The Night the Ceiling Fell

From time to time, non-profit organizations are confronted by the dual challenges of encouraging regular giving among their constituents and requesting assistance in responding to emergency needs. This is one such time for Lutheran Campus Ministry.

For many months, we have been addressing the challenges of a leaky roof. Members of our Facilities Team – especially our “resident engineer,” Mark Mau - have spent an inordinate amount of time sealing leaks and doing their level best to keep our aging roof going well beyond its anticipated life expectancy. We had hoped to be able to maintain the current roof until we are in a position to undergo major renovation of the entire campus ministry center. Alas, that was not meant to be.

As if to reflect nature’s sense of humor, on Tuesday, April 1st, a portion of the ceiling in the bedroom of the caretaker’s apartment came a tumblin’ down. Thanks be to God, no one was physically injured (just a tad emotionally traumatized). A local roofing company was called in and the roof evaluated. The result? We can no longer wait to replace the roof.

Mark Mau did yeoman’s work, obtaining and evaluating estimates from several local roofing companies. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the Board voted to transfer $30,000 from the endowment to cover the cost of the new roof. In addition, the Board directed that alumni and friends be asked to contribute to the cost of the new roof with funds raised to replenish those transferred from the endowment. Thus, with this newsletter we bring you not only news of Lutheran Campus Ministry and our regular request for support of the ministry’s programs but an additional request for financial support in order to off-set the cost of the purchase and installation of a new roof that could not be delayed.

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to ensuring that the ministry that has served the University community well for 91 years will continue to offer students a unique setting in which to integrate their Christian faith with their studies and vocational plans. We remain committed to being careful stewards of your financial gifts.

Yours in Gratitude,

Sue Sprowls
Campus Pastor

Spring Break: The Final Entry!

Days 6 and 7: The Track, the Kids, the Trip Home

Our last full day in Louisville began with a full morning as we learned from Chaplain Ken Boehm about the Racetrack Chaplaincy at Churchill Downs (above is the recently built Christ Chapel), home of the Kentucky Derby. We saw for ourselves the “backside” of track life and heard from Chaplain Boehm about the many challenges facing those work behind-the-scenes doing the myriad of unglamorous tasks that make thoroughbred horse racing possible. Racktrack ministry is a truly holistic form of ministry that requires chaplains to be well-versed not only in the basics of most forms of pastoral ministry but also in social work, mental health, immigration law and the nuances of the racing world. Due to the comprehensive nature of the community being served, the chaplain must be flexible - pastorally, liturgically, sacramentally - willing to set aside his/her own inclinations in order to serve the needs of a community that serves Christians across the spectrum. The theological diversity of the ministry is astounding; more than most, this form of ministry requires diplomacy and the ability to articulate theological perspectives and to clarify misunderstandings in order that the ministry may witness to the unity of the Gospel.

During the racing season, Chaplain Boehm’s day begins with three hours of walking the barns, visiting with the grooms, “hot walkers,” trainers and others whose paths he may cross. (As we made our way around the grounds, it was clear that everyone knew Chaplain Boehm.) He then prays with the jockeys - not that they may win but that they and their horses might remain safe - before returning to the chapel and engaging in other tasks (visiting the hospitalized, providing pastoral care, attending to people’s needs for food and clothing, assisting with immigration processes and more). In addition, he offers a “Minute with God” each day, broadcasting over the P.A. system heard around the racetrack (and beyond!); it includes a scripture reading, story and prayer. Folks in the neighborhood around the track who can hear the broadcast have come to include it as an important element as they start their days.

We saw the dormitories (Chaplain Boehm is pictured in a dorm room, above) segregated by gender, where the workers stay as well as the tack rooms (where equine equipment is stored) and rooms above the barns that are sometimes home to workers. We heard about the educational and health care programs provided by the track in partnership with other organizations. We stood on the famous track and Churchill Downs and posed in the starting gates that send forth champions. After spending the morning with us, Chaplain Boehm graciously offered to arrange for us to tour the Kentucky Derby Museum, which was wonderful. I’ll always grow teary at the sound of “My Old Kentucky Home.”

After our morning at Churchill Downs, we went to the largest of the Salvation Army’s Boys and Girls Club after school programs, where we helped supervise homework, recreation, basketball and the computer lab. Ask us about “stranger danger,” pool sharks and monitoring surfing to MySpace. It was an adventure!

But that wasn’t all! We stopped for dinner at Lynn’s Paradise Cafe, which describes itself as “a quirky independent restaurant with a national reputation.” Since a couple of people had recommended that we stop at Lynn’s, we were eager to see its “ugly lamp” collection and sample its food and ambiance. It was an enjoyable last meal in Louisville.

Just when we thought our adventures had come to an end, we returned to the Salvation Army to discover that a water main across the street had broken and we were without water for our last night in Louisville! The water company provided us with 3 gallons per person and we managed to do just fine. It was a good reminder of how fortunate we are to be able to access clean water nearly all of the time.

On Friday morning, we were up and packed when Jim Garrett (pictured above) came in and asked for help with one last chore: boxing and bagging up paper for the shredding company. One more task and we were on our way - via a quick stop at Transylvania University (would I kid you?)!

Despite the calls warning us of snowy weather and slippery roads, we made it home in good stead, with traffic posing the most significant challenges along the way. It was awfully nice to be home to enjoy a good bed and a hot shower.

As always, there’s more to tell! Do join us on Sunday, March 9th when brunch will offer “A Taste of Joel Ray’s” and more pictures and stories of our adventures in Kentucky!

Y’all Come!

Sue

Days 4 and 5: Tuesday in the Warehouse, Wednesday Moving Stuff

Tuesday and Wednesday have been relatively light work days for us. On Tuesday, we went to the warehouse that serves as the storage facility and staging area for the regional Angel Tree Project. (N.B.: The copyright for the term “Angel Tree” is held jointly by the Salvation Army and Prison Fellowship Ministries; use by any other entity is a violation of copyright. Enforcing that is part of Jim Garrett’s job!) In 2007, the local Angel Tree Project provided at least three toys, an outfit of clothing and a Christmas stocking to each of nearly 15,000 children. Distribution takes place at the made pace of 50 families per 15 minute interval. Following the Christmas rush, there are toys and clothes leftover, people bring in items late or take advantage of after-Christmas sales to purchase gifts for the following year. As a result, it takes until approximately March 1st to sort through and to package up the gifts and clothing that will be held for the following Christmas.

In addition to warehousing materials for the Angel Tree program, the warehouse behind the thrift store also serves as the clearinghouse for regional Salvation Army disaster response. In order to facilitate the latter, it’s important that as much space as possible be made available in anticipation of a regional (or, as in the case of Hurricane Katrina, national) disaster.

Through the early afternoon on Tuesday, the gang of four sorted toys while I sorted clothing. Perry had the fun of driving the forklift while Brian merely hauled pallets from one area to another. Barry enjoyed being in the thick of things but he was mostly in the thick of the very dirty warehouse floor. He was so dirty that I bit the bullet and arranged for him to visit the grooming salon at the local PetsMart for a bath and brush. He was much improved afterward!

Once we’d run out of things to do at the warehouse, the students were eager to get moving, so we came back to the SA headquarters (SAHQ?) to clean up, catch our collective breath and get a bite to eat. (Meanwhile, I took Barry to the spa and explored the nearby mall.) Later, we went to the movies (“Atonement”) and visited Heine’s coffee (two of our group made a return visit to Graeter’s) before returning to catch up on the news (“The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report,” of course!).

Today, we helped with the office move, hauling stuff from one part of the old building to another and then helping to unload the trucks at the new building. We were hosted at lunch by members of the local chapter of the University of Michigan Alumni Association, which was a lot of fun! We completed our work at the new building by 3, after which the guys went to the Frazier International Museum while the women went to the Muhammed Ali Center. As I write, we’ve finished dinner and are contemplating our evening plans. (I for one need to get some WORK done!)

Peace, Shalom, Salaam,
Pastor Sue

Days 2 and 3: Louisville Sluggers, Lexington Lute-Episcs, Thrift Shop Joys

Sunday, Sunday, continued...

Our game plan did indeed involve baseball in the form of a tour of the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum. It was really neat to see how they select and harvest the trees and make the bats. I had no idea of the differences between the bats made for amateurs and those made for the pros. The latter can choose from about a thousand different designs for their bats, not counting the cupping, finishing and labeling of the bats. Since 2006, MLB players have used pink bats at games played on Mother’s Day with the profits from sales of the bats going to breast cancer research. There is talk about (probably blue) bats to raise monies for prostate cancer research but MLB and the Louisville Slugger folks have yet to come to a consensus about that. It occurs to me that a little well-placed pressure from the public might encourage them to put that into practice. Each of us received a mini Louisville Slugger at the end of the tour.

Following our visit to the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum, we got a bite to eat and then hit the road for Lexington, where we worshiped, ate and visited with the good people at the Lutheran Episcopal Ministry Center (LEMC). Barry Neese, the pastor, and I became acquainted while mucking out houses and uprooting dead trees at the regional campus ministry gathering in New Orleans in 2006. As it turns out, Barry was serving in ministry in Logan, Utah, when Perry was in Price. Small world, eh? We enjoyed Holden Evening Prayer and dinner with the students. With so many engineering majors, we felt very much at home! Each week, a congregation in the community (Lutheran or Episcopal) provides food for the community meal. It’s very cool to emerge from worship and find the food ready to go! We very much appreciated the hospitality offered by Pastor Barry and the students at LEMC. Finally, we began a new photographic tradition: Taking pictures of T. Barry with the human Barrys we meet. Barry Neese is the first. (We’ll have to pick up pix with our local Barrys when we return home.)

Back at the SA headquarters, we were joined for the night by a group of 45 from John Carroll University who are participating in a program called, “Students Today, Leaders Forever.” Begun a few years back at the University of Minnesota, JCU has just joined the program. They travel by bus from city to city, doing team building within their group and community service in each community they visit. Naturally, Barry made the rounds visiting all of the young people in the group and welcoming them to their home for the night!

Day Three: The Thrift Store and More

We spent the majority of our time today helping out at the Salvation Army Thrift Store. SA, as many know, pioneered non-profit thrift stores. The one in Louisville serves as a clearing house for a wide geographic area. Jessie, Laura and I were assigned the task of tidying up the clothing racks: sorting clothing by item and color, hanging them in a tidy manner and removing empty hangers. Brian and Perry replaced damaged ceiling tiles, a process that required Brian to climb up on a high ladder; we suggested that spending time in the air would be good training for our young, aspiring pilot!

This evening, we attended worship on the “backside” of Churchill Downs, which is the only race track chaplaincy erved by a Lutheran pastor. Two worship services take place simultaneously: one in English and one in Spanish. Following worship, the two groups commingle over dinner, which is provided by one of 46 area congregation. It’s a very interesting and intensive ministry. We’re hoping to visit him at Churchill Downs and to learn more about the people he serves.

Before heading back to the SA, we stopped at Graeters, the local premium ice cream shop. I may pay for the indulgence but it sure was yummy! This morning (Tuesday), we're off to sort toys!

Peace, Shalom, Salaam,

Sue

Light from Louisville!

Spring Break 2008: Day 1: The Adventure Begins!

We picked up the mini-van on Friday and Perry carefully loaded his car-top carrier. On Saturday morning, Perry, Casey and Jessie arrived bright and early and ready to go. One problem: The folks at Enterprise had failed to tell us that the van locks itself - even when its running - and that’s exactly what it did. While we put a call in to AAA, Perry went in to A2 to pick up Brian and Laura. Naturally, it took the guy 30 minutes to arrive and 2.5 seconds to unlock the van. The rest of the group soon arrived, the luggage was loaded and we were off!

The GPS dubbed, “Simone,” we made our way south through Ohio and into Kentucky. Jim Garrett caught up with us by phone and directed us (with Simone’s capable assistance) to the Salvation Army’s outgoing headquarters in Louisville. A word about that.

SA is currently in the process of moving from one facility to another. And when I say “in process,” I mean we’ve been told to be careful to label stuff or it’s likely to get shipped out with the next load! The items that do remain are labeled and awaiting removal to the new location, an old high school just a few short blocks away. The move will put the administrative offices in close proximity to its shelters as well as provide a larger and more updated space. Over the past 90 years, the current facility has served as a home for pregnant teens, a birthing hospital, a rehabilitation center and, currently, the Salvation Army headquarters. For most of the week, we’ll be the only volunteers in residence, though this evening we’ll be joined by 45 students who are passing through. After settling into our new digs, we headed south to Hodgenville where we met the Garretts for dinner and the show at the Lincoln Jamboree.

Elvis and Friends

“Those people up north don’t know what they’re missing.” So said the gentleman sitting in front of me at the Lincoln Jamboree! And he’s right! We had a rousing good time enjoying the sounds of the Jamboree Gang and the entertainers for the week. We were particularly impressed with the teenagers who performed and agreed that no one should be surprised to hear more from Blake Whitlock in the years to come. If you enjoy country, bluegrass and gospel music, you’ll want to put the Lincoln Jamboree on your itinerary! (You’ll want to be sure to leave time to take a close look at the country music memorabilia on display.) We received a very warm welcome from Joel Ray and all the good people in Hodgenville who truly epitomize “southern hospitality.”

A Visit with Joel Ray

Pump it up: The Jamboree is an event, so, it was about 1AM by the time we returned to our “home away from home” at the Salvation Army. Perry and Brian settled into a little VIP apartment on site, with Perry taking the bed and Brian the couch. With the transition to new quarters underway, beds had already been moved and Jim couldn’t get his hands on mattresses for the night. He graciously provided us with air mattresses from home. Well, pumping up those air mattresses was an adventure but we stepped up to the task. Jessie and Laura in particular did a bang up job of establishing the right connections and getting the air flowing. Before 2, we were all tucked in and Barry was learning a new concept, “slumber party.”

Day 2: Sunday, Sunday!

Since we’ll be worshiping with the Lutheran-Episcopal Campus Ministry at UK in Lexington this evening, we all enjoyed sleeping in this morning. (What a luxury!) Perry went off to the urgent care to have a weepy eye checked (it turned out to be allergies rather than pink eye) and we’re establishing our game plan for the day. (It's likely to include the Louisville Slugger Factory!)

Pastor Sue

Reflections on the NIU shootings

Dear Friends,

By now, you've heard of the shootings on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.

We are aware of one alumna who serves on the NIU faculty. I have been in touch with her and, thankfully, she is safe. She was in a building next to Cole Hall where the shootings took place and could see the emergency personnel as they responded to the tragedy.

The Lutheran Campus Ministry at NIU could not be in a more central location, caddy-corner from Holmes Student Center and in close proximity to Cole Hall. It is my understanding that the Presbyterian, Methodist and Episcopal Ministries are currently housed at the Lutheran student center which has naturally become a gathering place for students, faculty, staff, families and members of the community. Campus ministry staff of all faith traditions are hard at work tending to the pastoral needs of a community that has been shaken to its core.

I trust that you are keeping the entire NIU community in your thoughts and prayers.

While it may be easy to think that our small expressions can make little difference, nothing could be further from the truth. Time and time again, people who have suffered as the result of violence (9-11, Virginia Tech, etc.) have shared how very much the emails, cards, notes, prayers and expressions of concern have helped to bolster their spirits during these seasons of grief. What may seem a small gesture - when combined with those of many others - amounts to a tidal wave of care. As the baptized people of God, it is appropriate that we participate in such expressions of God's love.

Should you wish to be in touch with the members of the Lutheran Campus Ministry community, you may do so as follows:

The Rev. Diane Dardon

Lutheran Campus Ministry

401 Normal Road

DeKalb, IL 60115

815-756-7700

e-mail dianedardon@gmail.com

I will share that this event is having a deeply personal effect on me.

• My mother earned both her master's degree and doctorate from NIU and we lived on the edge of the campus for a year while Mom took courses toward her doctorate.
• The NIU campus was my playground and I honed my research skills in its library.
• My beloved English teacher from senior year in high school is now a Professor of English at NIU; thanks be to God, he is safe.
• My dearest friend is an NIU alumna and native of DeKalb; her mother is a retired member of the counseling staff who has been called in to care for those affected by the shootings.

My ties to this community are many and my awareness of the landscape acute. I am reminded that, though we often think such tragedies are happening to "someone else," "somewhere else," what affects some affects all; for we are one in Christ.

Tomorrow, when we gather for worship, we will read the reassuring words of Psalm 121:

I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore.

Amen.

Yours in Faith,
Pastor Sue

KEN MEDEMA: A Concert for Christian Unity

Well, it's finally happened! The event we've been publicizing and anticipating without pause for the past three months has come and gone. In just a few short hours, all that we had hoped would happen had taken place - and I could do little more than stand, dazed and amazed at the event. It was a bit like standing in the middle of the dozens of unwrapped packages on Christmas morning.

Ken in action!

Ken and Bev, his manager, were just delightful, gracious and fun. Rick had a challenge in getting the sound system working after some construction workers had dis-assembled its major connections but he kept his cool and made it work. Whew! That was close!

As I watched folks singing and dancing together - with joyful, careless disregard for denominational or theological differences - I realized that we were experiencing a foretaste of the feast to come.

It was a wondrous celebration of Christian unity on the occasion of the 490th anniversary of the Reformation. I think (hope) that, looking down on this assembly, Luther smiled in satisfaction saying something like, "Now THAT'S what I intended to accomplish"! Amen.

Pastor Sue

A Visit from Larry Rasmussen

Dr. Larry L. Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics, Emeritus, from Union Seminary, New York, was with us the weekend of October 18-21, first to participate in a panel discussion at the U of M's Conference on Religion and Climate Change, then for worship and an afterword and to deliver the 22nd Kauper lecture on Sunday.

It was a beautiful fall weekend, a great time to reflect on God's call to stewardship of creation and to celebrate the baptism of Norah Ann LeCloux. Sometimes, I wish there were a little camera on my shoulder during baptisms. Norah was remarkably attentive as I spoke and I found myself thinking that those who were in any position other than mine were losing out. What a privilege it is to preside at the Sacrament!


Pastor Sue

Cell Phone Sins?

I found this article in the online version of The Lutheran to be more than a little interesting...

Cell Phone Sins

It’s one thing to forget to turn off your cell phone during worship and quite another to use it to read e-mail or send text messages during that sacred hour. But in an AOL survey in 20 cities, that’s exactly what some confessed to doing. Those in Atlanta (22 percent) led, with Houston and Denver tied for second (19 percent).

Voting members at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August were warned by Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson to not use their Blackberries or phones to send text messages. “I can see from the way your arm is moving whether you’re sending text messages,” he joked.


In response to a staff blog at The Lutheran's Web site on the subject, Ida Hakkarinen, former ELCA Church Council member, said use of cell phones or texting devices on the assembly floor is prohibited by the rules of procedure. She said the practice deserves a closer look, especially if such devices are being used to strategize.


At a suburban Chicago church where she worshiped prior to the assembly, Hakkarinen witnessed a worshiper reading e-mail on his PDA during the sermon. “One of the most prevalent sins of our modern era is our persistent ‘distractedness,’ ” she said.


I don't expect anyone would surf or text during worship at Lord of Light - mostly because it's too small a space in which to do so without being noticed. But I have noticed an increase in the number of folks who are distracted by these practices during meetings, classes (yes, even at church and campus ministry events).


What do you think?



Pastor Sue

CROP Walk 2007

Many thanks to all who sponsored the "Augusta Victors" in today's CROP Walk! We are most grateful for your support!

In an unusual lapse, I left my camera at LOL and so don't have any pix of our wonderful team (Chelsea Mathis, Kelle Parsons & Christina Sadler). However, I do have an illustrative photo of the boys taken once we returned to church:

That about says it! It was hot (88 degrees) and humid. We trust you'll understand why we walked the "shorter" route.

Again, heartfelt thanks for your support!

Sue

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada Elects Susan Johnson National Bishop

Delegates at the Eleventh Biennial National Convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) have elected Rev. Susan Johnson, Assistant to the Bishop of the Eastern Synod, as the new National Bishop of the ELCIC. The election occurred on the sixth and final ballot for Bishop.

Bishop-elect Johnson will succeed National Bishop Raymond Schultz who announced in January of this year that he will retire as of September 1, 2007. Bishop Schultz has been serving as National Bishop for six years. He was elected for a four-year term at the 2005 Convention but announced his retirement half-way through the term due to personal and health reasons.

Bishop-elect Johnson is not new to the work of the National Office, from 2001-2005, she served as Vice-President of the ELCIC. In addition to her role as Assistant to the Bishop of the Eastern Synod (which she has served since 1994), Bishop-elect Johnson has served as an advisor to The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Council since 1998, as a member of the North American Regional Committee for LWF since 2005, on the Leadership Development Task Force from 2005-2006 and on a variety of boards and committees both at the national and synodical level.

"I'm just overwhelmed and honoured by this incredible honour," said Bishop-elect Johnson upon the announcement. "I promise to be all that I can to help us together to be In Mission for Others."

Delegates have been deliberating on the election of the National Bishop for most of Friday; business sessions on other matters, such as the introduction of a new Stewardship of Creation Initiative (an environmental action plan for the church) and greetings from a number of international partners and guests have been interspersed between ballots.

Further information of the Eleventh Biennial National Convention is available online at: http://elcic.ca/In-Convention/2007-Winnipeg/default.cfm

LOL Pastors Gather in Chicago

It was great to have all of the previous LOL pastors and their spouses at the Lutheran Campus Ministry Centennial Worship Service and Banquet in Chicago on Thursday, June 28th. Enjoy the photos!

Three "generations" of Lutheran Campus Pastors & Spouses:

Gordon & Lois Ward, Galen & Kris Hora, Ruth & John Rollefson

Lois & Gordon Ward

Galen & Kris Hora

Ruth & John Rollefson

Centennial Celebration of Lutheran Campus Ministry

Alumni/ae and Friends from Far and Wide gathered in Chicago for a time of reunion and growth. Here are some shots form this evening's festivities:

Lois and Gordon Ward

Galen and Kris Hora

Ruth and John Rollefson

A Former Intern Pays Obeisance to the Master

It was a great gathering of folks from around the ELCA, a joy to have the opportunity to visit - however briefly - with friends and colleagues from far and wide. These occasions are increasingly rare these days, so we must make the most of them.

Enjoy!

LOL/LCM Campus Pastors to Gather in Chicago

All of the living campus pastors who have served LOL/LCM will be in attendance at this week's Campus Ministry Centennial Celebration, including:

Gordon (and Lois) Ward
Galen (and Kris) Hora
John (and Ruth) Rollefson
...as well as current campus pastor Sue Sprowls.

Many other distinguished alumni of Lutheran Campus Ministry will also be in attendance. Stay tuned for more reports from the Magnificent Mile!

PS

LOL/LCM Campus Pastors to Gather in Chicago

All of the living campus pastors who have served LOL/LCM will be in attendance at this week's Campus Ministry Centennial Celebration, including:

Gordon (and Lois) Ward
Galen (and Kris) Hora
John (and Ruth) Rollefson
...as well as current campus pastor Sue Sprowls.

Many other distinguished alumni of Lutheran Campus Ministry will also be in attendance. Stay tuned for more reports from the Magnificent Mile!

PS

LOL/LCM Campus Pastors to Gather in Chicago

All of the living campus pastors who have served LOL/LCM will be in attendance at this week's Campus Ministry Centennial Celebration!

These include:

Gordon (and Lois) Ward
Galen (and Kris) Hora
John (and Ruth) Rollefson

As well as the current campus pastor, Sue Sprowls.

We'll try to get a group photo for the archives!

Also appearing will be Mark Knutson, Mary Olson's brother and another distinguished campus pastor as well as a host of other wonderful folks who have been involved in campus ministry through the years.

Stay tuned for more reports from the Magnificent Mile!

PS

Celebrate 100 years of Lutheran Campus Ministry!

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 25, 2007

Lutheran Campus Ministry Celebrates Centennial June 25-2907-111-LL*

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church inAmerica's (ELCA) Vocation and Education unit will celebrateLutheran campus ministry's centennial anniversary, which willcoincide with the annual continuing education conference atLoyola University Chicago, June 25-29.

"The centennial theme is comprised of three phrases, each emphasizing the ongoing mission of campus ministry: expanding minds, deepening faith, and inspiring service. These themes will be lifted up at our conference and echoed by our keynote speakers and various workshop presenters," said Sue Rothmeyer, director of campus ministry, ELCA Vocation and Education. She said that 100 campus ministry staff members from a number of campuses are registered to attend.

On June 26 Sharon Daloz Parks, director of Leadership forthe New Commons - an initiative of the Whidbey Institute,Clinton, Wash, will serve as the keynote speaker. Daloz Parks hasheld faculty and research positions at the Harvard DivinitySchool, Harvard Business School, and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. She alsoserves on the project staff of the Valparaiso Project on theEducation and Formation of People of Faith. Valparaiso is an independent Lutheran institution. Daloz Parks is the author of several books.

Christian Scharen, director of the Faith as a Way ofLife/Pastoral Excellence Program and assistant professor(adjunct) of Congregational Studies and Practical Theology, YaleDivinity School, New Haven, Conn., will speak on June 26. His most recent book, "One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God," is a theological evocation of the Christian faithseen through the lens of the rock band, U2.

The conference and centennial celebration will culminate on June 28 with worship to be held at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, will preach and a celebration will follow the service.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to share experiences through a number of workshops and recognize alumni inattendance with awards of recognition for their contributions to campus ministry.

Lutheran Campus Ministry began in 1907 with the calling ofthe Rev. Howard Gold to the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

"It's the first time the Lutheran church identified a pastorspecifically to be in ministry to and with the students on apublic campus," said Rothmeyer. By 1921 Lutheran student groups and individuals were interested in holding a national meeting. Thirty-nine students from 16 colleges and universities attended a conference at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP). LTSP isone of eight ELCA seminaries.

In 1922 the former LutheranBrotherhood of America sponsored a gathering of students to an organizational meeting in Toledo, Ohio. At that meeting theLutheran Student Association of America, now the Lutheran Student Movement, was formed, according to Rothmeyer.

One hundred years after its beginning, ELCA Campus Ministrycontinues to focus on student ministry from the base of Word andSacrament. Its mission is to "invite people in academic settings more deeply into Jesus Christ and the community that bears hisname, so that they can discover and fulfill their vocation asdisciples."

There are 190 campus ministry agencies across the country,working with more than 400 Lutheran congregations. These efforts attract an estimated 4,400 students to worship each week, according to Rothmeyer.

Hanson reflected on his experiences with campus ministry inthe introduction to "A Centennial Book of Essays Honoring Campus Ministry's 100th Year." "My personal gratitude for campus ministry has deepened throughout my ministry. As the pastor of a large congregation at the edge of a Big Ten university campus, as bishop of a synod committed to deepening its relationship to campus ministry, and now from the perspective of the presiding bishop of the ELCA, I have rejoiced in campus ministry's mission to expand minds, deepen faith, and inspire service," Hanson wrote.