Southern Bulletin Winter 2010

 

A M AG AZI N E   F O R   F R I E N D S  O F   L U T H E R A N  T H E O L O G I CAL   S O U T H E R N   S E M I N ARY

Continuing the Historic Mission to

Teach

In This Issue:

The Holy Tasks of Teaching and Learning What Do the Words of Sermons Do to You? Faces of Faith: Teaching Strengthens my Faith Teaching Meets Giving: The Example of Stewardship Faculty Books Extend Learning Beyond the Classroom and more...

 

In This Issue  The Seminary Scene 

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Continuing the Historic Mission to Teach, 3 What Do the Words of Sermons Do to You?, 4 Seminary News & Announcements, 5 The Holy Tasks of Teaching and Learning, 6 Learning from One Another, 8

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Faces of Faith

Kelly Derrick: Teaching Strengthens My Faith, 10  James Thomas: Thomas: Bringing Bringing the Message of of Peace and Love in Colombia, 11

Visionary Giving

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Seminary News & Announcements, 14 Teaching Meets Giving: The Example of Stewardship, 15 “Ordinary” People, Making a Difference, 16 Seminarian Partnership: Building Relationships, 17 

18 Southern People Faculty Books Extend Learning Beyond Classroom, 18 2009 Reinartz and Greninger Scholars, 19 Faculty, Staff, & Alumni Updates, 20 Coming Events, 23

Photos Above (from top): Seminarians listen to the beginning of Mulitculutral Ministry in Context class (see page 8); The Rev.. Dr. Rev Dr. James Thomas poses with a displaced Colombian woman and a member of the Peacemaker Delegation he joined in the summer of 2009 (see pages 11-13); Members of the Our Saviour Luther Lutheran an Church “Elderberries” in front of C Christ hrist Chapel during durin g their campus tour given by Laura Ward (Middler, MDiv.); The Rev. Bob Byrne, Secretary Secreta ry of the Board of Trustees, and President Marcus Miller install the Rev. Dr. Ginger Barfield as Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Opening Eucharist in Christ Chapel. On the Cover: Dr. Dr. Robert Hawkins addresses his Worship Worship Practicu Practicum m class in Christ Chapel.

 

The Seminary Scene  Continuing the Historic Mission to Teach In the opening pages of A Goodly Heritage,  the history of Southern Seminary written by Susan Wilds McArver (Class of ‘80) and Scott H. Hendrix (Class of ‘67), one can read the account of John Bachman’s work to establish Southern Seminary 179 years ago. At the South Carolina Synod gathering in 1830, he argued against those who claimed that Jesus’ disciples were simply uneducated fishermen by saying, “Peter, Andrew, James and John may have started out as simple fishermen, but Jesus himself ‘was the in- ...we continue structor of the Apostles … [yet] it was three long years before the mission he considered them qualified.’ With such a ‘professor’ as the of teaching Divine Savior himself, one would expect that these thes e men did not at Southern remain simple, uneducated fishermen for long.” Seminary. Students who come to Southern Seminary today could hardly be considered uneducated. Nearly all of them come with a degree, many with advanced degrees in their field. Some are scientists, others educators, some lawyers, others accountants. While Bachman urged the synod to prepare Lutheran men for ordained ministry, today we welcome Methodists, Baptists, women and men, for study toward a Master of Divinity degree, along with the Master of Arts in Religion and the Master of Sacred Theology. One thing, however, however, remains the same as it was in 1830. These candidates and students are here to study and learn. They learn theology and Biblical languages, they are immersed in the Scriptures and in the liturgies of the church, they read and study denominational confessions and read ecumenical theology, they learn the stories of the forbearers of the vocation and learn to appreciate missionary servants who have gone before. In this issue you will read how we continue the mission of teaching at Southern Seminary. Seminary. You will read how we seek the finest teachers and read of their dedication to the task. You will read how students are challenged and also supported in their studies. By the time you get to the end of this issue, you will read how students who come to Southern S outhern Seminary are changed by their studies during their time here. Recently,, some pastors told me ho Recently how w they continue to remember things their professors told them. I remember those words also and so will these future ministers of the church remember what wha t their professors said in class. I hope you enjoy this issue and hear in this issue our continuing thanks for your prayers and support of this ministry of teaching. In Christ,

Marcus Miller Miller,, Presiden Presidentt

 

The Seminary Scene  What Do the Words of Sermons Do to You? This article is by the Rev. Rev. Shuana Hannan, Assistant Professor of Homiletics.

What happened to you as you listened to last week’s sermon? While that may not be the usual question you ask yourselves or one another as you leave the sanctuary on Sunday morning, it has become a key question in our preaching classes here at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Seminary.. Curiously,, it is one of the most difficult questions to answer Curiously answer.. It is easier for people to describe what a sermon is about  than   than to complete the sentence, “The sermon _______ me.” Despite the challenge to fill in this blank, it is not an impractical effort since every sermon seeks to do something. In preaching parlance, this is called a sermon’ sermon’ss “function.” Words “do things.” What do the words of sermons do to you? A theological basis for this question is

The Rev. Rev. Shauna Hannan leads her class, Exegetical Options for the Preacher.

loquens that ). And whenour ourGod Godspeaks speaks,(deus something happens. When God said, “Let there be light,” there was light (Genesis 1:3). Wow ow,, that is some powerful speech! The Psalmist reminds us, “For God spoke, and it came to be; God commanded, and it stood firm” (Psalm 33:9). And then God speaks a word, in fact, is  the word that changes us all forever. er. “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God” (John 1:1).

ourincarnate God is a loquacious God. Our God speaks through Jesus Indeed, Christ, the word of God. Our God speaks through Scripture, the written word of God. Our God speaks through the proclaimed word. And when our God speaks, something happens. Thank God for that. When God speaks to you through the proclaimed word, ...when our what happens to you? Are you comforted? convicted? moclaimed? aimed? humbled? enlivened? PreachGod speaks, tivated? challenged? cl ers hope that something will happen when they preach. They something trust that God’s Spirit will work so that the words proclaimed happens. will not fall on deaf ears. They trust that God’ God’ss word will not return to God empty, but will accomplish that which God purposes (Isaiah 55:11). Next time you hear God speak to you through throu gh the proclaimed word, consider how God is actively at work in you by completing this sentence, “The sermon ________ me.” Better yet, fill in this blank, “God ________ me through this sermon.”

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News & Announcemen Announcements ts

Board Welcomes New Trustees

Interim Director at LTCA Appointed

Planning for the Seminary’s Future

At the October 22-24, 2009 meeting of the Board of Trustees, the trustees welcomed (above, left to right) Mr Mr.. Kenneth L. Childs, Esq., the Rev. Dr. Robert F. “Bob” Humphrey, and Mr. Robert E. Long as members of the board. Dr. Humphrey, member of the class of ‘81, is one of two representatives appointed by the Virginia Synod. He currently serves as pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Waynesboro. Mr.. Long is o Mr one ne of two representatives appointed by the South Carolina Synod. He iiss the General Manager for Resource Planning at SCANA Services, Inc. in Columbia. Mr. Childs is one of five members of the board representing the ELCA Vocation and Education Unit. He iiss an attorney and partner with Childs & Halligan, P.A., in Columbia. The new members are serving three-year terms, ending in 2012. The board consists of 24 members, representing the ELCA Vocation and Education Unit, the six synods of ELCA Region 9, and members members at large. The body meets twice annually annually..

The seminary named the Rev Rev.. Dr. Beverly R. Wallace as the interim director of the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta (LTCA) (LTCA) beginning September 15,

Trustees and members of the administration of the seminary— prior to the fall 2009 meeting of the LTSS Board of Trustees— participated in a retreat for the assessment of institutional health and long-term planning. The retreat assessed four areas of the seminary’s operational structure: authority structures, enrollment management, financial management, and educational systems. The assessment revealed certain strengths and capabilities for current operations. At the same time, long-term planning challenges remain. In order to be best prepared to meet the challenges of the future, the board authorized the formation of a long-term planning task group to report back to the board at the March 2010 board meeting. The group will take into consideration four primary areas of institutional health and develop strategies to sustain the seminary’ss historic mission to teach nary’

2009. “We believe that Dr. Wallace brings the gifts that [[L LTCA] needs during this time of transition and new beginnings,” said President Marcus J. Miller Miller.. As the interim director, Wallace will lead the center, which is administered and governed by the seminary, in its mission to collaborate in the preparation of leaders for the ELCA. “This seven-month assignment will allow me to assist in hopefully the revitalizing and the re-invigoration of this very important, and perhaps under-utilized resource,” said Wal Wallace. lace. Wallace, a 1996 LTSS graduate, currently serves as Assistant to the Bishop in the Southeastern Synod. She will continue her role in the synod during this part-time, interim appointment. LTCA is located on the campus of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, the largest African American seminary in the United States.

and serve in forming and nurturing women and men for public ministry and Christian leadership.

For more news see page 14 or visit www.ltss.edu www.ltss.edu

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The Seminary Scene  The Holy Hol y Tasks of Teaching and Learning This article is written by Jennifer Krushas, Middler, Master of Divinity seminarian from the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA.

Before coming to seminary at LTSS, I was a high school English teacher in Southern California. As I prepared for that career in my teaching credential classes, I learned about pedagogy, learning styles, lesson planning, and classroom management. As I memorized information for tests and wrote papers about Gardner,, Kohler ner Kohler,, and Piaget Piaget’’s educational theories, I became aware that while this information was important, it didn’t seem to speak to the weighty responsibility  of teaching. While I was doing well academically, I was burdened with the idea that I would be shaping students’ minds each day day.. Who was I to think I could step into that role and influence people in such a fundamental way? When I shared this concern with my pastor, he reached for his Bible and turned to the fourth chapter of Exodus. From my pastor’ pastor’ss lips (my teacher’s lips), I heard the very Word of God teaching me that my doubt and fear were in the company of Moses’ doubt and fear fear.. God called Moses to a task that felt like too heavy a burden. He was sure he was not up to the job. And there it was, in verse 12, just what my heart needed to t o remember remember.. God made a promise, saying, “Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” I kept this verse close at hand during a decade of teaching. Teaching and learning at L LTSS TSS is holy holy.. Our foundation, our purpose is God. The subject of our study is G God. od. Our context is the story of God’s God’s people. To find myself called to learn all I can about God’s God’s story, love, and promises in order to be a teacher of these things is nearly too much to bear bear.. There is more to learn and know about God than my human heart and mind can manage. My words to God’ God’ss people have tremendous power,, whether I speak them ffrom power rom the pulpit, beside a hospital bed, or in a Bible study classroom. Who am I to think I can step into this role and influence people in such a fundamental way? Without G God, od, I simply cannot. And so, I reach for my Bible, and I turn to Exodus, chapter four. four. My eyes and spirit rest on the promise of verse 12. I hear the same “Who am I…?” question echoed by some of my peers who are away on internship. Parents themselves the same and fear. fearfind . Who am I tocarrying think I can parentdoubt well, shaping young lives in such fundamental ways? God’ss promise to Moses is a promise to each of us God’

 

The Seminary Scene  in the various roles and moments of our lives. “Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” “Now therefore go, and I will Many LTSS professors open each class session

be with your mouth and teach  you what you you shall speak.” 

with prayer. prayer. They are aware of the weight of this task of teaching. They have been called to teach, form, and nurture leaders in the church. By asking the Holy Spirit to dwell in our sacred learning moment, reminding us of of our Lord’s promise to be with us always, and wrapping our sometimes weary brains with the comfort of shalom, our professors teach us by example. When we are working in churches, communities, and our families, trusting God to be present and teaching is always a good place to start. (Left to Right) Jennifer Krushas and Ann Kelly Kelly,, Middler Master of Divinity seminarians, discuss their Hebrew assignment assignment prior to class. class. Both  Jennifer and Ann have have also served as te teaching aching assistants while in seminary.

Seminary Community: Life Outside of the Classroom The holy tasks of teaching and learning are taken seriously around campus, but somewhere in between the classroom and the library library,, other events help mold the lives of seminarians. These events are built around fun and fellowship, and serve to strengthen the feeling of community on campus. Each fall brings the excitement of the annual voyage of the Fighting Doves flag football team to Gettysburg, PA to partake in “Luther Bowl” with other seminaries from around the country. The event captures the attention of campus as the team practices each Friday afternoon (Pictured right). Team t-shirts are made and sold, along with special spec ial grants from the Seminary Auxiliary Auxiliary,, to raise money for the travel expenses. (Shirts featured on bottom right by Seniors Jessica and Seth Gibson and Ben Lucas.) Another tradition is the Hoffmeyer Homecoming celebration, lovingly named after the late Pastor Bill Hoffmeyer (Class of ’82). This year the celebration included tasty barbeque by Bobby Morris (Class of ’99), karaoke, live music by students, costume contests, and a variety of games for the entire family. The evening also included an outdoor worship service of Holden evening prayer prayer.. Other events challenged the seminary community to give back to the larger community, such as a blood drive for the American Red Cross, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, and hosting a meeting with the Rev Rev.. Art Simon, the founder and former chairman of the organization, Bread for the World.

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The Seminary Scene  Learning from One Another  Being from Minnesota, I grew up in a land where it was assumed

This article is by Mark Peterson, a Senior, Master of Divinity seminarian from the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA. Mark serves as the President of the LTSS Student Body. Body. (Pictured on opposite  page, center picture picture on the far right.) right.)

that one was Lutheran otherwise corrected. thus quite natural that when it came until time for me to decide uponItawas seminary, I would choose to travel across the country. country. Though what ultimately was the deciding factor in my discernment was the opportunity for a life without snow—this call of the Holy Spirit has made a great deal of difference in my spiritual, academic, and professional formation. Since I came to seminary in 2006, I have been formed in many ways, the greatest of which has come from being around people who have grown-up in contexts that were much different from my own. During my time at LTSS, I have learned the importance of grits, college football, and the proper use of “y’all.” This Southern experience has helped to illustrate to me how the gospel is not only active in a diverse world, but also a diverse country country.. In addition to the experience of living in the South, I have also been blessed by the diverse seminary community. community. Within the context of my classes I have heard, discussed, and learned from a group of people that includes Methodists and Baptists, traditionalists and revisionists, black and white, male and female, and old and young. These opportunities, which are a unique feature of the intentional relationships LTSS has Guest lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Donnella, formed, have stretched me to grow in my underChaplain, Gettysburg College, and the Rev. Dr. standing of discipleship, and the incredibly diCarroll, Associate Profess of Contextual verse church in which I am called to be a leader.  Julius Education, discuss VirginProfessor IslandorLutherans with These experiences have culminated in the the Multi-Cultural Ministry in Context class. Multi-Cultural Ministry in Context class that I am currently taking as a senior. senior. In this class, taught by Dr. Dr. Carroll, we are learning about the many diverse people who make up the ELCA and learning specific ways in which the ELCA prescribes the undertaking of ministry towards these diverse groups. This class has called upon the expertise of pastors that are called to a ...being around wide cross-section of cultures, in order to share shar e with students  people who what multi-cultural ministry looks like in the world that surhave grownrounds us. The greatest gift that LTSS offers to students is its com- up in contexts mitment to communicating the faith stories of all who have walked across its grounds. Through this diverse cloud of witnesses, I have been given the gift of a God which surpasses both my understanding and perceptions.

that were much different from my own. 9

 

Faces of Faith  Teaching Strengthens My Faith When I graduated from Southern in 1997, I was fully convinced that I would never be a pastor. pastor. Instead I felt called to teach. She is a pastor at St. Philip Lutheran Now, 12 years later, I am both an ordained pastor in the church as Church in Roanoke, Virginia, a well as an adjunct professor of rreligion eligion at Virginia W Western estern Community discernment advocate for Project Connect, and adjunct professor College in Roanoke, VA. VA. I have been teaching in the Virginia Commuat Virginia Western Community nity College System for 11 years: two years at Germanna Community College, in Roanoke, Virginia. Virginia. College in Fredericksburg, Fredericksbu rg, V VA, A, and 9 yea years rs at Virginia Western. I LOVE to teach! So much so that when I finally was ordained two years ago, I continued to teach at the communi community ty college. I teach Religions of the W World orld I, Eastern Traditions, and Religions of the World II, Western Traditions. Each semester as classes begin, my students inevitably want to know something of my own story as I begin to share with them the wonder of the various faith traditions that tha t surround us here in the Roanoke V Valley alley,, in the United States and around the world. I share with them that I am and have always been a Lutheran Christian. However, I was raised to respect people for who they are. Even as a pastor today today,, I still respect the magnificence of faith that I see all around me – whether through my ChrisThe Rev. Kelly Derrick lectures on world religions at Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke, Virginia. tian sisters and brothers or through my sisThis article is written by the Rev. Kelly D.B. Derrick (Class of ‘97).

ters and brothers of other faiths. Occasionally, ly, my students find it intriguing that an ordained pastor teaches World Religions. I share with my students – and most certainly with my colleagues in rostered ministry in the church – that learning about and teaching world religions has served more to strengthen ...learning about my own faith rather than to diminish it. and teaching world Sometimes my own faith is strengthened because I religions has served am forced to consider what others other s believe and why I dismore to strengthen my agree. But more often my faith is strengthened by seeing own faith rather than the awesomeness of God at work in the lives of faithful people of various traditions all over the world. It has

to diminish it.

been experience most people of faith taketotheir faith my as seriously as that I take mine. Hence, I want respect them for what they believe – even if I disagree with their beliefs. One of the greatest aspects of teaching world religions has been a

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Faces of Faith  renewal of the wonder and majesty of my own Christian tradition that perhaps I had lost over the years. When I teach about the Muslim fast at Ramadan, I am reminded of the Lenten fast and the call for introspection that is inherent inherent in the C Christian hristian life. When I teach about the austere meditative practices of Buddhism, I am reminded of the beauty of contemplative prayer. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach outside the church – both so that I can encourage understanding and respect among religious traditions and also so that my own faith life is enriched by the faith of those around me. The Rev. Kelly Derrick, an ordained pastor, also enjoys teaching. She has taught in the Virginia Community College System for 11 years.

Bringing the Message of Peace and Love in Colombia In July 2009, the Rev. Dr. James Thomas, Associate Professor of Church and Ministry, joined eight other men and women in a peace delegation to Colombia, sponsored by the Christian Christ ian Peacemaker T Teams eams (CPT) organization. CPT is an initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Quakers) with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denominations. CPT has had a continuing presence in Colombia since May 2001, where the organization promotes peace through organized, non-violent grassroots initiatives. Essentially Essentially,, delegates risk their own safety and security to teach peace and God’s love in a country filled with violence. During Dr. Thomas’ two-week journey through the cities and countryside of Colombia, he met with church leaders and human rights organizations. The people there face a nearly four-decade-old cycle of violence and severe poverty poverty.. More than 3.5 million Colombians have been displaced from their lands and livelihoods because of this violence. Conversations with the CPT delegation and the farmers help bring this issue, and others like it, to the attention of United States and Canadian officials. They also provide an opportunity for the delegation to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to a poverty-stricken people. Dr.. Thomas documented his journey with photoDr graphs, some of which are displayed on the following pages. While the delegation may not have signed an elaborate peace treaty or filled a mega-church full of church-goers, his journey to Colombia made an impact in God’s world by teaching hope for peace and the news of salvation to the people of Colombia. The Rev. Dr. James Thomas Associate Professor of Church and Ministry

 

Faces of Faith  Photo Journal: Peace and Love in Colombia 1

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(1) Dr. Dr. Thomas and the delegation stop to take a breath while hiking to reach residences in the town of San Pablo. The delegation identified themselves by wearing blue vests and red caps while in Colombia. (2) A number of socially conscious, multi-disciplinary community projects with youth were visited by the delegation. CPT members spoke with children living in conditions of social marginalization. (3) Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is the third highest city

in the world at 8661 feet above sea level. level. This picture is taken from Monserrate, a historic Catholic church that is  perched on top of mountainside mountainside that rises above the city. city. (4) A gathering of displaced Colombian women tells of their suffering during violent civil conflict in Colombia that is nearly four decades old. (5) Father Bob Seguin, of the Congregation of St. Basil, leads worship with the delegation at Casa Annonay, Annonay, a scholasticate (seminary) in Bogotá.

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Faces of Faith  4

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(6) The delegation listens to local farmers in Alto San  Juan, in the town of San Pablo. Forced displacement, and therefore taking away the livelihood for farmers and their families, is the primary way to seize land in Colombia. (7) Dr. Dr. Thomas and the delegation listened to displaced  persons in the city city of Barrancabermeja Barrancabermeja to hear firsthand what life is like to be disenfranchised and displaced in communities that are caught in the crossfire.

(8) The CPT delegation participated in non-violent public witness in Bogotá. Bogotá. Here a member of the delegation stands with demonstrators holding a sign that reads “Network of women of Southern San Pablo of Bolivar in a demonstration for life and peace.” See Page 11 to learn more about the Rev. Dr. James Thomas and his particpation in the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) grassroots campaigns in Colombia.

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News & Announceme Announcements nts

Alumni Giving Goals for 2010

Troutman Joins Development Team

Update: New Life Fund

The alumni of Southern Seminary are continuing their strong commitment to supporting their seminary. In fiscal year 2007-2008

The Rev. Dr. Gerald (Gerry) Troutman (Class of 1960) has joined the seminary development team as a Development Associate. In his work, he will

By every measure, operational support giving during academic year 2008 – 2009 was incredible. One thousand and thirty-one people, congregations,

(July-June), participation in giving toalumni the seminary was 21%. The Alumni Association officers met with the goal of increasing that figure to 25% during fiscal year 2008-2009. As the year ended, the alumni participation rate had surpassed the goal, to nearly 27%. Not only had the number of donors grown, but the total dollar amount given by alumni also grew from $160,658 to $282,129. The average gift per alumnus/a was increased from $474 to $708. Included in the fundraising was a gift of $26,289 given at Alumni Day 2009 from the class of 1959 in celebration of their 50th anniversary. (See picture above) This year, year, the Alumni Associate Officers have set the goal of 30% alumni participation. To view a video message from the Alumni Association officers, please visit the Alumni section of www.ltss.edu.

focus to develop seminary relationships in the greater Atlanta area. “I pray that our efforts will continue helping Southern and its important mission of preparing persons to share the wonderful news of God’ God’ss love and care in a world that needs this message so desperately des perately,” ,” says Dr.. Trout Dr Troutman. man. Dr. Troutman lives in Newn-

trusts andrecord foundations set a new, one-year by providing $709,564 to teach, form, and nurture seminary students. That momentum has carried into the current academic year,, with oper year operational ational support donations setting a new record for the first quarter of the academic year. year. With synods and the ELCA Churchwide organization under considerable pressure to

an, GA, and serves asLutheran interim pastor at Advent Church in LeGrange, GA. He is also the former Secretary, President, and Bishop of the Southeastern Synod. “Because of his familiarity with the Atlanta area, Dr. Troutman will help us fulfill this important part of our strategic plan so we can more effectively serve the many and varied needs in our region,” said President Marcus J. Miller. “We warmly welcome him as a part of our development team.”

maintain historic support donor support is filling thelevels, gap. “The burden of funding theological education is now solidly in the hands of the people and congregations who rely on the seminary to prepare compassionate, capable, and committed leaders to work with them in God’s God’s vineyard. These may be difficult times, but with Jesus leading the way and His people at the seminary’s side, the future is in very good hands,” says Ron Walrath, Vice President for Development.

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For more news see page 5 or visit www.ltss.edu

 

Visionary Giving  Teaching Meets Giving: The Example of Stewardship You just knew that Kevin Strickland was going to be a strong stewardship leader for the church. Shortly after graduation in May 2008, Pastor Kevin was called as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maryville, TN. St. Paul Lutheran is a growing congregation, not only in terms of membership, but also in terms of ministry ministry.. The congregation recently became a homeless sanctuary, providing temporary housing and meals for a few weeks each year as part of a larger civic and ecumenical partnership in the Blount County area.  And, the congregation is generous in its financial stewardship. St. Paul sent the ordination offering for Pastor Kevin to the seminary, choosing to honor their new pastor with gifts of operational support and a gift to Pastor Kevin’s graduation class scholarship. St. Paul named August as Southern Seminary emphasis month and gathered a love offering, hosted their seminary partner, and welcomed Dr. Susan McArver (‘80) as a guest preacher and lecturer.. Additionally lecturer Additionally,, St. Paul strongly Pastor Kevin Strickland teaching the children of supports the Southeastern Synod of the St. Paul Lutheran in Maryville, TN. ELCA with synodical support gifts.  During a recent breakfast with Pastor Kevin, the subject of stewardship came up. When asked why he thought the congregation was moving forward so strongly in its stewardship of God’s bounty, Pastor Kevin said, “We talk about it – not just once in a while from the pulpit but in our recurring conversations. Every sermon that proclaims the gospel is telling the story of what it means to be a steward, a caretaker of God’s God’s gifts. Stewardship cannot be something Stewardship cannot be that we think about once a year during the stewardsomething that we think ship campaign – it has to be part of our lives every about once a year during day.. The people at St. Paul understand that baptism day makes us disciples of Jesus and stewardship of our the stewardship campaign whole lives is the living out of that call to disciple– it has to be part of our ship. Stewardship is not just about money; it is about lives every day. life in action, ministry in motion, and providing for a hungry world the palitable experience that comes only from God.”   Pastor Kevin credits his professors, while a student at Newberry College and then at Southern Seminary, for his boldness in talking about stewardship and what it means to be a steward of God’s gifts. For Pastor Kevin, generosity is a virus that he hopes he can pass on to everyone he meets.

Contributing Author, Ron Walrath, Vice President for Development 

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Visionary Giving  “Ordinary” Making a Difference “Ordinar y” People Making Our Saviour Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC, has been a supporter of Southern Seminary since the congregation was a developing mission in the 1950s. The Rev. Rev. Virgil A. Cameron (Class of ’36) was its mission developer develope r and the congregation’s first pastor pastor.. As the church was trying to plant its roots in the Saluda Gardens area of West Columbia, Pastor Cameron enlisted the help of seminarians from just across town. Students helped survey the land for the future building and they also canvassed the surrounding neighborhoods, inviting others to the new church. As the church has grown and has become a fixture in its community, relationships with the seminary have remained strong. The congregation has been an active partner in forming seminary students. The congregation participates in the contextual education program at the seminary by serving as a site for student fieldwork. They also recently called a first-call pastor, the Members of the “Elderberries” group at Our Saviour Lutheran Rev.. Lance Henderson (Class of ‘08). “The Rev Church talk with seminarian Blake Hobratschk (Junior MAR), the congregation’s field worker, on their visit to the seminary congregation trusts the seminary and what campus for a tour and lunch with the students. it does,” said Pastor Henderson. This year, Our Saviour and many other congregations across the region took special actions to help the seminary further its mission to teach, form, and nurture the future Christian leaders of the church. Over the summer, the congregation held a yard sale to benefit the seminary.. The items sold that Saturday morning were nothing major seminary or elaborate, just a wide assortment of items that collect in households over time that were ready for a new home and a new life. As the items found buyers, the sales quickly grew into the th e thousands of dollars. The men and women of Our Savior Savior,, by working together and bringing forward their time and possessions, created a significant gift to the seminary’s New Life Fund. But the people in the congregation still felt the call to do more for the seminary.. They invited the semiseminary

held a

nary’s pres ident, president , the and Re Revv.preach Dr Dr.. Marcus Miller, Miller , to visit aatt the congregation on Sunday, August 30. While there, they congregational appeal for

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Visionary Giving  Seminarian Partnership: Building Relationships Seminarian Partnership is a program of relationships. When your congregation joins the program, it is paired with a current seminary student to gain a perspective on what it means and what it is like to at-

tend seminary seminary. Through thischurch. relationship, your congregation can also appreciate more fully the role the seminary plays. in the larger The partner seminarian also benefits through gifts of encouragement and financial support. In addition, the seminarian partner is granted yet another view of ministry in action through corresponding with your congregation, and, if possible, visiting. To participate in Seminarian Partnership, the congregation pledges $500, to be applied to the student’s seminary expenses (tuition, books, on-campus meals, etc.) and supports the student in other ways throughout the academic year. year. The program is open to all seminarians and they participate voluntarily with no connection to academic work. Seminarian Partnership  is one of many ways a congregation can make an immediate impact at Southern Seminary Seminary.. It provides congregations with a unique and affordable opportunity for friendship and support with a Southern seminarian. To enroll, or for more information about how your congregation Holy Spirit’s  Seminarian Partner: can be a part of the program, contact the program coordinator, Sandra Rick Reiten Cline, at (803)461-3252 or [email protected]. Partner congregations receive a poster of their seminarian. Rick  Master of Divinity Birthday: February 12 Lindsay, Wife Birthday: February 16

Home Congregation: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Rice Lake, Wisconsin

www.ltss.edu

4201 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29203

funds, and gathered an another other,, even larger larger,, gift for the seminary seminary.. “I was surprised at the amount we were able to raise for the seminary.. As a member of the congregation and as a board member at the nary seminary,, it makes me very proud,” said Steve Ni seminary Nivens, vens, a member at Our Saviour for over 30 years and treasurer tr easurer of the seminary’s Board of TrustTrustees. As the funds were gathered, Pastor Henderson wrote to his congregation in his monthly newsletter, “Perhaps the most impressive thing about this gift is just how far reaching it is. “A gift to LTSS is a A gift to LTSS is a gift that bears fruit not just today today,, but  gift that bears fruit in generations to come. Reflect on the previous gifts this not just today, but in congregation has given LTSS like offering ourselves as a  generations to to come.”  congregation for the training of field education students and consider how those former f ormer students are aatt work in the church ttoday oday.. Passing the knowledge and faith learned, in part, at OSLC throughout the wider church. It is amazing fruit.” The story of Our Saviour is similar to ones that are taking place around the region. Southern Seminary is a seminary of the church and its people. Its extraordinary mission to provide lleaders eaders of the church is Contributing Author, only accomplished because of the support of “ordinary” people peop le found in Andrew Boozer, Director of the pews each Sunday... and hosting yard sales on Saturday mornings. Communications

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Southern People  Faculty Books Extend Learning Beyond Classroom While most may think of teaching as an act that happens in the classroom between professor and pupil, the faculty at Southern Seminary has demonstrated their ability to spread their impact outside of the classroom in many other ways, including writing and publishing books. In the summer of 2009, fifteen current and emeriti members of the seminary faculty released Proclaiming the Gospel: Preaching for the Life of the Church , an inter-disciplinary book focused on the tradition of preaching. “This collection will help readers to think more deeply about a central part of the ministry of the Word—that of preaching—from all of those disciplines of theological study,” says the Rev. Dr. Brian K. Peterson, Professor of New Testament and editor of the book. “It will help them to see all of the ways in w which hich preaching is shaped and formed in the faithful ways by the biblical, systematic, historical, and pastoral dimensions of the church’s theological tradition.” The Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Miller, President of the sem...to teach not only the inary, writes in the book’s foreword, “From our variseminarians in their classrooms, ous disciplines and backgrounds, teachers at Southern but a variety of audiences. Seminary offer their perception and understanding of preaching. It is not intended to burden the preacher fur-

LTSS Faculty at 2009 Commencement at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Columbia, South Carolina.

ther with one more perspective to which you must attend, but, rather, to assist the preacher in seeing and hearing again from teachers of the

Reinartz and Greninger Scholars This academic year, year, four individuals were honored with the Greninger and Reinartz scholar programs. Congratulations to these outstanding servant leaders of the church! The Reinartz Scholar Program recognizes pastors in Region 9 of the ELCA who have demonstrated excellence in ministry. ministry. Recipients are awarded a week of study and renewal on the seminary campus. This year’s Reinartz Scholars are the Rev Rev.. Katherine Pasch (‘90) , St. John Lutheran, Griffin, GA, and the Rev.. Doug Stowe (‘69) , Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hampton, V Rev VA. A. Unfortunately Pastor Stowe entered the Church Triumphant prior to his ability to come to campus. Ms. Connie Schmucker, AIM, of St. John Lutheran The 2009 Scholars Luthera n Church, Park, FL, and Greninger Mr.. Andrew Mr More are (‘90), AIM, of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Columbi Columbia, a, SC. SimilarWinter to the Reinartz Scholar Program, the Greninger Scholar Program recognizes rostered roster ed lay leaders in Region 9 and offers leaders a week of individual study and renewal on the seminary campus.

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Southern People  church the importance of your task.” Proclaiming the Gospel  is   is published by Fortress Press and is available for order through Augsburg Fortress. The Rev. Dr. Dr. Daniel M. Bell, Jr Jr., ., Associate Professor of Theological Ethics released  Just War as a Christian Discipleship: Recentering the Tradition in the Church rather than the State . The book examines the just war tradition and connects it to the practices and challenges of the Christian life. It is a primer that emphasizes that it is not enough to know the tradition, but it must be lived even in the stress and complexities associated with war. war. Dr.. Bell says of the book in h Dr his is introduction, “It is written not primarily for specialists and scholars of just war, from whom I have learned, and continue to learn, much. Rather, it is written for nonspecialists, for ordinary folks as an introduction to the just war tradition. More specifically, it is written for Christians—laity cally, Christians—laity,, educators, p pastors, astors, seminarians, soldiers, and so on—who want help in thinkt hinking about justice in warfare as Christians, who want to know how just war relates to the Christian life and Christian discipleship.” The book’s foreword is written by Chaplain Lt. Col. Scott A. Sterling, a 2002 graduate of of L LTSS TSS and an army cha chaplain plain who has served ttwo wo tours of duty in Iraq. The book is published by Baker Academic & Brazos Press and is now available for purchase. The Rev. Dr. Tony Everett, the Dewey F. Beam Professor of Pastoral Care, has written Show and Tell! Sermons on the First Readings Readin gs for Sundays in Lent and Easter, Cycle A.  CSS Publishing Company Company,, Lima, Ohio, plans to haveDr. theBrent bookDriggers, availableAssociate in late summer 2010. Professor of New Testament, is working on a book that will offer a critical assessment of the way historical criticism engages the New Testament Gospels with respect to both the “historical Jesus” and the issue of canonization. The Rev Rev.. Shauna Hannan, Assistant Professor of Homiletics, is currently co-authoring Fortress Press’ New  Proclamation Commentary, Year A. Dr. Dr. Michael Root, Professor of Systematic Theology Theology,, is working on a commentary on the Johannine Epistles for Brazos Press’ Theological Commentary on the Bible series. Other faculty members are also in the process of working on books of their own. These books, written by the seminary faculty, highlight the commitment of the faculty to teach not only the seminarians s eminarians in their classrooms, but a variety of audiences. This commitment helps the church and iits ts people to develop further theological discussions and understandings in today’ss contex today’ context. t.

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  s   s   e   r    P   s   o   z   a   r    B   y    b    d   e    h   s    i    l    b   u    P

Contributing Author, Andrew Boozer, seminary Director of Communications.

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Southern People  Updates and News from the Southern Souther n Community Faculty, Staff, & Emeriti The Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Miller,

history” of the Lutheran experience in this country.

President 

The Rev. Dr. Tony Everett,

-&Dr.. Michael J. Root, Dr

Dewey F. Beam Professor of Pastoral Care While on a sabbatical in the spring and summer of 2009, Dr. Everett began reading initial research being conducted on the relationship of memory and perception. One aspect of the study is how spirtitual beliefs and pratices may enhance changes in the brain, and also may enhance health and well being.

Professor of Systematic Theology  President Miller and Dr D r. Root both traveled to Tokyo, Japan in September to represent Southern Seminary in the Centennial Celebration of Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary. Seminary. The Lutheran churches in Japan and the South Carolina Synod have a long history of work, including many missionaries that were educated at Southern Seminary. Seminary. Dr. Root also delivered a guest lecture on the state of Lutheran-Roman Catholic relations while at the seminary.

Dr. Susan W. McArver (‘80) Professor of Church History and Educational Ministry, Director of Center on Religion in the South During the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA in Minneapolis, MN, Dr. McArver was elected to serve a six-year term on the ELCA Church Council.. Additionally, Council Addition ally, Dr. Dr. McArver recently completed an essay “The

Historiography of Lutheranism in America” to be published in Companion to Religion in America. The essay explores the “history of the

The Rev. Dr. James R. Thomas Associate Professor of Church and Ministry Dr. Dr. Thomas presented at an international conference entitled, Being There: Short-Term Short-T erm Missions and Human Need , held at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, from July 30-August 1. He presented to the conference his paper “Short-Term “Short-Term Missions and Global Peacemaking,” which was based on his recent work in Colombia with Christian Peacemaker Teams (see pages 12-13)

The Rev.ofDr. Paul T. Professor Theology andJersild Ethics, Emeritus Dr. Jersild’s book The Nature of Our

Humanity: Ethical Issues in Genetics and Biotechnology, was recently

published by Fortress Press. The book brings a Christian perspective to such topics as biological evolution, Intelligent Design and creationism, scientific materialism, and reductionist views of human nature.

Alumni Ted Goins, ‘56 Ted was inducted into the LenoirRhyne University Sports Hall of Fame at the Homecoming Weekend Weekend Celebration on Saturday, Saturday, October 10. Before coming to seminary, seminary, he lettered and started three years on the Bears’ football team, and earned all-conference honors. During that that period the team earned a record of 26-4, won two North Carolina State Championships, and played in two bowl games.

Carl Fisher, ‘56 Carl delivered the sermon at the opening ceremony of the 39th Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore. He was recognized for his prior service as bishop of the church. The five-day festival was held in Mayalasia and included the dedication of a sevenstory Lutheran complex and the

Ficken Receives Greever Award The James R. Crumley, Jr. Archives honored the Rev. Dr. Carl F.W. Ficken, Professor of Theology and Culture, Emeritus, with the Walton H. Greever Award at its Annual Banquet on Friday, November 6, 2009. Dr.. Ficken received the award for his distinguish Dr distinguished ed service to church and society.. In addition to serving as a professor at L ety LTSS, TSS, he has been a parish and campus pastor, pastor, Director of LTCA, and professor at a number of colleges, universities, and seminaries. He is also a past president of the Crumley Archives Board. The Walton H. Greever Award is given annually to a recipient who exhibits the service characteristics of Dr. Greever, an author, publisher, editor, seminary professor,, pastor, businessman, and philanthropist. professor

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Southern People  Dwight DuBois (‘81 & ‘99) Dwight DuBois is the Director of the Center of Renewal (www.renewingchurch.org), a cooperative ministry of Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa, and the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA. He has held the position since October 2006, and focuses on the renewal of the church for three core tasks: rediscovering the ability to discern,  proclaim, and  participa  participate te in God’s redemptive mission in the world. He credits much of his preparedness for the position to his post-graduate work at L LTSS TSS with the Rev. Dr. Phil Baker, faculty emeritus, while completing his Masters of Sacred Theology (STM) degree in missiology. The Center promotes discussion, offers events, and provides services designed to foster and support renewal in congregations. Dwight has recently overseen the creation of the Sacred Practice Leadership Series (SPaLSh - www.sacredpracticeseries.org), a six-series course over two years that seeks to answer one question: What would it mean to (re)employ sacred practices in the leadership of a congregation? Dwight also is looking for people to “test-drive” conversation starters for the center in the online community of Facebook. To join the conversation, use the Facebook search for “Center for Renewal.” Then become a fan and you’ll receive notice about the continuing conversation. Everyone is welcome! Dwight addresses attendees at the orientation for the first session of the Center on Renewal’ Renewal’ss new SPLaSh program.

ordination of 11 new pastors. He was accompanied on the trip by his wife Miriam, and one of their sons, Jeremy.

Leonard Bolick, ‘72 Leonard was re-elected as Bishop of the North Carolina Synod of the ELCA, receiving 442 of the 544 votes cast. He and his wife, Rita, are the parents of two grown children and live in Salisbury, NC.

Roy Riley, ‘74

Neil Alexander, ‘80

Terri Stagner-Collier, ‘90

Neil, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, was elected as the 23rd chancellor of the University of the South (Sewanee) at the October meeting of the university’s board of trustees. He has served served on the board board of regents since 2005 and has been a trustee since 2001. Prior to his service on the board, he was the Norma and Olan Mills Professor of Divinity at Sewanee’s School of Theology.

Terri is serving as the secretary of the Southeastern Synod Synod of the the ELCA. She serves as senior pastor at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Ocean Springs, MS.

Following the full-communion agreement with The United Methodist Church, the New Jersey Synod started an ecumenical engagement program called Take a Methodist to Lunch. Roy,, the bishop of the synod, accepted Roy

Mark Cerniglia, ‘82

the challenge and arranged for lunch with Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar of the New Jersey Conference of the UMC.

immigrants and not punishing children for the illegal actions of their parents. The forum also discussed other immigration-related issues such as taxes, healthcare, and language.

Mark was a presenter at a community forum on immigration at Clayton Memorial Unitarian Universalist Church in Newberry Newberry,, SC. He spoke in favor of educating the children of

Edward Waldrop, ‘00 Edward is a chaplain at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, GA. He has formed an innovative new support group for returning combat veterans and their spouses. The group works through issues such as mental health, separation and reintegration, and the long-range impact on veterans’ marriage. marriage. He hopes that other VA hospitals will adopt similar programs.

Emil H. Klatt, III, ‘01 Emil has received a Doctor in Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland

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Southern People  OH. He serves as pastor at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Lancaster, OH.

of first year LTSS semnarian Ingrid Schalk). Michael is is the Cantor at Grace Lutheran Church and School.

Travis Norton, ‘03 Travis and his wife, Victoria, recently Travis celebrated the birth of their first child, Luke James. He was born on September 3, weighing 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 20 inclues long. Travis Tra vis serves as Associate Pastor at Community in Christ Lutheran Church in Cornelius, NC.

Michael Costello, ‘06 Michael conducted the Grace Lutheran Church Choir (River Forest, IL) in their performance “Music of Carl Schalk: Hymn Festival” on October 18th. The event honored Dr. Schalk, who is a renowned author, musicologist, and composer (and is the father-in-law

David Edenfield, ‘07 Emily Hartmann Edenfield, ‘09 David and Emily were married on Saturday, October 24 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenville, Greenville, SC. He serves at the church as Associate Pastor. She is current awaiting her first call.

Alumni, Please send your News & Updates to Sandra Cline, Associate Director of Development and Alumni Relations, at [email protected] or 803-461-3252.

Alumni Day 2010 Plans are underway for Alumni Day 2010, to be held on Thursday, Thursday, May 13. Be sure to mark your calendar to join the anniversary classes (1950, 1960, 1960 , 1985, and 2000) and all other alumni for a day a fellowship and learning opportunities. This year, the Yost Lectures will be given by the Rev. Dr. William T.

Rev. Dr. William T. Cavanaugh

Cavanaugh, Associate Professor of Theology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. His lectures are scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM in Stavros Lecture Hall. In addition to the Yost lectures, a variety of ministry workshops will be held in the afternoon on campus. Detailed topics, times, and workshop locations will be announced

later in the spring. Also, be sure to plan to attend the Alumni-Senior Class luncheon withprior the Class 2010 and the service Alumni-Student picnic dinner to theofBaccalaureate in Christ Chapel. Right: Alumni, spouses, and former faculty members gather around campus during Alumni Day 2009

Editor’s Note: This issue is the first of a three-part series of the Southern Bulletin. Over the next year we will dissect the core of the seminary’s mission statement to teach, form, and nurture. The next issue will tell stories of how the seminary forms women and men for ministry, and also tell how people form others in their ministry. If you have an example of ways you were formed at seminary, or have seen someone form others, please let me know so that I can capture your story for the next edition.

Andrew Boozer Boozer,, Director of Communications [email protected] (803) 461-3296

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for more events and information visit  

www.ltss.edu

Coming Events 

 Jan. 25

Spring Classes Begin 

 J-Term/Cross J-T erm/Cross-Cultural Cultural Experience Experiences, s, January January 4-24 Spring Break, March 1-5 Easter Break, March 29 - April 2 Last Day of Classes, May 7  Exams, May 8, 10-11 Graduation, May 14

  Classes &  Workshops Iconology Workshop - January 24-30 Confirmation Day - March 13 Career Crossroads - March 19-21 Bishops School - June 20-26

Mar. 14-16 Seminary Days  Join prospective prospective students students from from across the country country as they they discover what life is like in our seminary community. community. Attend classes and lectures, learn more about financial aid, and enjoy the fellowship that Southern Seminary has to offer. Room and board are provided. Contact Jenny in Admissions at [email protected] or 803-461-3297 for more information.

 Mar. 11  Hein-Fry Lecture Dr. Margaret Krych, “Hearing the Word: Teaching the Bible in the Parish (and Beyond)”

Beacham-Hall Lecture

Mar. 26 

Dr. Richard A. Horsley, “Jesus and the New World Disorder” Photos Above (from top): David Fox (Intern, MDiv.) MDiv.) and Nathaniel Anderson (Intern, MDiv.) meet at the seminary for an internship conference with their supervisors and the Rev Rev.. Dr. Dr. Julius Carrol, Assoc. Professor of Contextual Education; Seth Gibson (Senior, MDiv), Angel Onley (Junior, MAR), and Jessica Gibson (Senior, MAR) meet with the Rev. Dr. Beverly Wallace, interim director of LTCA LTCA (see page 5); Seminary Community welcomes prospective prospective students to dinner at Fall 2009 Seminary Days; First-year students gathered in Stavros Lecture Hall for orientation prior to the fall semester semester.. Back Cover (from left): Peter Morey (Junior MDiv.); Deanna Scheffel (Middler, MDiv.);

Rogers Mtui (STM) and family; and Susan Jackson (Senior, MAR).  

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4201 Main Street Columbia, SC 29203-5863 www.ltss.edu Contact Us: (803) 461-3219 or (803) 786-5150 Fax: (803) 461-3272 (USPS 8846-2000) Published by Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 4201 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203. Mr. Ron Walrath • e-mail: [email protected] Vice President for Development Editor/Design: Andrew Boozer • e-mail: [email protected] Director of Communication Communicationss Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race or religion. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Seminary admits men and women. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Seminary is in compliance with Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

www.ltss.edu

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary’s Mission:  To teach, form, and nurture nur ture women and men for public ministry and Christian leadership in a contextt that is Christ-centered, faithfully Lutheran contex and ecumenically committed.