Western Mission Cluster Network Gathering, 1/19-21/2007

It's my second year attending this gathering, held annually in January at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ. This event gathers together individuals working in institutions that contribute to the theological education of the baptized in Regions 1, 2, and 3 of the ELCA. Representatives from colleges, seminaries, campus ministry, Augsburg Fortress, lay schools of theology, and numerous others were in attendance to learn what each other is doing, to network around common projects, to gain knowledge and inspiration, and to deepen or begin relationships across this vast expanse of the ELCA.

I attended with my colleagues, Ron Olson, Patricia Lull, and Jose Antonio Machado. Our colleague from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS), Greg Schaefer, was unable to join us; he was in Mexico City with seminary students on a cross-cultural experience. But all of us are working together on a million dollar grant given to both PLTS and Luther Seminary from the Lilly foundation. Though the grant has many facets, we are the team that is focusing on recruitment for each seminary, with emphasis toward recruitment of underrepresented communities: people of color, people whose primary language is other then English, and new immigrants.

We all piled into the rental car to head toward the Phoenix airport for our return flight home. I drove. The conversation flew non-stop as we each shared the benefits and insights we gained in attendance at this event. We were all on such a roll I got us lost. (I need to work on those multi-tasking skills.) But needless to say, expect to see all of us in Carefree next January, hopefully with Greg, to meet and gather at this event. It truly gave our group a nice boost for the ministry we carry out in the theological education of the baptized.

Concordia College, 1-17-07

	Last week I had the opportunity to visit my alma mater, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. It is always nice to be back on campus and see the changes and let the memories return from days past. The bell tower (see photo) was built my senior year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the college; it is quite the landmark.
	I returned this day to meet prospective students of Luther Seminary. My day began with preaching in chapel; always a delight. Then throughout the morning and into the afternoon I had multiple conversations with young men and women about seminary study.
	A new opportunity for me was an invitation to visit a religion class. Professor Ernie Simmons invited me to his class in the afternoon and was kind enough to give me time to talk to the entire class about seminary study, the vocation of ministry, and answer a few questions; what a gracious thing to do. Thank you Professor Simmons.

When I visit with prospective students I answer many questions concerning the logistics of seminary study: application, candidacy, degree programs, scholarships, financial aide, housing. I also speak to students about what they are looking for in a seminary and what type of ministry they think God is call them to. But one thing I have decided to add or at least work into the conversation is my own testimony about ministry and what a wonderful calling it has been for my life. I am not sure they hear that enough from ministry professionals. I am sure they have experienced ministry in a positive way or have seen others enjoying their vocation in ministry, but I want them to know that it really is a great vocation of which to be a part.

Gracious God, be with Sarah, Eric, Chris, Jason, Sarah, Jonathan, Seth and Dan as they continue to discern their career vocation. Amen.

Midwinter Convocation 2007

Last week was Luther Seminary's version of homecoming, called Convocation. It's a time when alumni are invited to return and meet old friends, see changes around campus and participate in some excellent continuing education.

I was eating supper with a few current students the night before Convocation began and I overheard a few talk about it as a time when all the "old fogies" return to campus. I laughed. I am sure I felt that way as a student when I was young and knew everything there was to know about being a pastor and leading a congregation, when I couldn't imagine myself returning to campus for my 10 year reunion. But this year I was. I had reached the "old fogie" stage.



Yes, I reached the 10th anniversary of my ordination and graduation from seminary in 2006 and had an opportunity to celebrate these milestones with a number of my classmates and colleagues last week. I have to admit none of us looked too old fogie-ish. Actually most of us looked the same way we did when we graduated, but truly much wiser.

It feels good to have 10 years under my belt. I still love the vocation of being a pastor and am grateful I have been called to be a part of God's kingdom on earth in this way. The last ten years have seen their challenges, mistakes and pain, but those have been outweighed by the joys, accomplishments and relationships that have happened along the way. I think and hope most of my classmates would say the same and pray that we feel this way at our 20th anniversary.

Lord God, I give thanks for those whom you have called to the vocation of ministry within your church. Keep them faithful in their callings. Give them the wisdom and resources they need to lead your people in the Gospel. Keep them healthy and safe. Bless their families. And as others discern such a calling, send your Spirit to lead and guide them in their decision. In Jesus name, Amen.

View from Vining, Ice Fishing 1-5-07

Even though our winter in Minnesota has lacked snow, it certainly has not lacked ice; at least not in our neck of the woods. The roads and the lakes are covered in the stuff. This is bad news for those of us trying to get around town, but good news for the ice fishing folks.

My husband, John and I were invited for an afternoon of ice fishing with one of John’s parishioners, Andy. It was a beautiful sunny day, the ice was a foot thick on East Battle Lake, and we had hopes the fish (big fish) would be biting.



Andy’s fish house was 6’X8’ with four fishing holes, one in each corner; a gas stove for heating (we were plenty warm); two small windows for sunlight and ventilation; a small counter, and just enough room for three chairs and three of us.

The bait that day was minnows. Once the hooks were baited and set it was just a matter of waiting for the bell to ring. Andy has the lines set with a bell at the top. So when a fish went for the bait and jiggled the line the bell would ring and the fun would begin.

I did not participate in the fishing aspect of this day—I didn’t get a license. But I enjoyed the company, the time to catch up on some reading, the snacks and watching the action; which was pretty slow. In three and half hours, three fish were caught. I won't embarrass my husband by telling you how big (pictures speak louder then words) but they were all Northerns.

Despite the catch of the day (which most fisherpeople know is out of your control & has no ill reflection on our host Andy), it was a lot of fun. It certainly does force a person to be patient and to just enjoy the peace and quiet of the house (except when the ice is moving or forming; then it gets a little noisy). I would do it again.