Where is Pastor Greg?

Christ is Risen!

2008-03-23T14:05:00.002-07:00

Sometime soon, I'll be back with an update and some pictures of life here at Stanford. Meanwhile:

This weekend we celebrated the heart of our faith.

On Thursday we remembered Jesus’ command to love one another, and his demonstration of that love by washing the dusty feet of his disciples.

On Friday, we remembered Jesus trial and crucifixion: the world’s rejection of its Redeemer and Christ’s unending commitment to his message. And we saw the pinnacle of Jesus’ revelation: a God who loves us to the end (no greater love is there than this, but that one lay down one’s life).

On Saturday, we gathered to hear the stories of our people’s redemption. If you listened closely, you could imagine people sitting around telling these stories to their family . . . “This is our God who loves us so much that God saved us from the waters of flood, from slavery in Egypt, from the Red Sea, from the valley of dry bones, from the belly of a whale, from the fiery furnace.”

And then, the culmination: Resurrection! John’s declaration that the power of death was no match for the power of life; that the revelation of God could not be held be the grave; that the Jesus-way is death defying to the point that the Disciples encountered Jesus even after his crucifixion.

As we move into the 7 weeks of Easter (a week of weeks: the liturgical way of giving honor to the resurrection), I invite you to take note of Resurrection life around you: forgiveness, birth, opportunity, grace, a second, third, fourth chance, the kindness of a stranger or a friend, kindness to a stranger or friend. How will the resurrection show up in your life today? How is Christ risen in you?

Peace to you in Christ who was raised for us, and who is Risen in us.

A Funeral Mass

2008-01-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

Today I went to a funeral for a Christian Brother named Brother Columban. I learned a lot today about this man whom I had admired for a number of years. He had been principal and teacher in a number of schools to thousands of people in his 75 years as a Brother. Note, that's 75 years as a Brother. Born in 1914, he was in his 90s when he died, but joined the Christian Brothers in 1932.

While I was at the funeral today, I was reminded of how much I admire these men and their dedication to the ministry of teaching. Among those gathered today were others who have spent their entire adult lives as Brothers and some who were just beginning their ministries. It's a different life than I'll probably ever know, but one that I respect tremendously.

Their vowed lives (poverty, chastity, obedience, stability in the order, and service to education of the poor) lead them into places in the world where children would go un-educated were it not for the Brothers. Indeed, there was a time in my life when I was discerning between a call to the Lutheran ministry on one hand and to the Christian Brothers on the other hand. While I ended up with Word and Sacrament ministry in the ELCA, the Brothers and their mission will always hold a special place in my heart.

New Year

2008-01-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

"You're in your second year here!" That's what a member of the congregation said to me this morning, and he's right! Happy New Year! After Christmas Eve service here at UniChu, and Christmas Day with my family on the Ranch, Gwen and I were in Minnesota for a few days to visit her family. I had the chance to go cross country skiing for the first time and also had my third serving of Lutefisk (that's three in my entire life. And, unless you looked closely, you wouldn't even have seen it on my plate!). It was in the 20s in MN and snowing, which was beautiful. Upon our return to California (where it's in the 60s), I realized how much has changed since this time last year. A new call, a new house, a new community, etc. It's great! I just love it here and love these people. Also, it was fun to note two more signs of time's march forward: A professor of mine from seminary has been called to be the Admissions Director. He will be wonderful! And, another friend has been called to a position that I was asked to consider at the same time that I was asked to consider this call. He will be good in that position (probably better than I would have been) as Special Assistant to the President for University Ministries at a fairly reputable university. So, time rolls on. And here we are approaching Epiphany. Which means I have a homily to think about . . . .

Installation

2007-12-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

My Installation as pastor of University Church at Stanford was this past Sunday . . . what a great celebration! There were family, friends, colleagues from Stanford, colleagues from other churches, people from PLTS, people from the neighborhood, and (of course!) members of the UniChu community. It was a wonderful celebration followed by a beautiful reception in our house. It was great to begin this ministry officially on the 1st Sunday of Advent . . . so many new things coming to birth!

The dean of the Peninsula Conference presided at the installation service (that's her standing with me at the altar here to the left).

My dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Pastor Jana Schofield, preached on my favorite text: John 10:10. There, Jesus says, "I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly." I love that passage because, to me, it summarizes our calling: to help people discover the live they have been given and to help them live it to the full. Here is a picture of Jana and me.

There were pastors from the various congregations in this area, as well as other clergy who have been important in my formation. Among them were: Dan Senter, Jerry Schmalenberger, Meghan Sobocienski, Sarah Isakson, Matt Smutts, Mike O'Berg, Dan Smith, Martin Mahlzahn, Rebecca Schlatter, Stacy Williams-Duncan, Jay Ford, Cora Sheel, Joanne Sanders, Corrie Lassen, Jana Schofield, Susan Scott, and Vern Jones.

Week One!

2007-11-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

This was my first week of ministry at University Church and Stanford University. I began on Monday after a 'sabbatical' of sorts: time to recuperate after 5 years of a pretty hefty travel schedule for my previous call. Monday morning, I went over to my office at the church (Office Number 1) and spent some time getting to know the property, meeting the women who run the preschool, and getting my office ready. I soon became antsy and went over to my office on campus (Office Number 2). While there, I got to know that place a bit, including the people in the Office for Religious Life. Later, I came back to Office Number 1 with the impression that I really needed to be doing something profound on my first day. I soon realized, though, that this was an opportunity to unpack, settle in, and enjoy the beginning of this very exciting new adventure!

Campus Ministry Orientation

2007-11-14T22:50:00.000-08:00

Last week, I was in Chicago (where it was 40 degrees!) for "Orientation" to campus ministry in the ELCA. of the hundreds of Campus Ministers in the ELCA, there are 16 of us who are brand new this year. Indeed, we are the Centennial Class as Lutheran Campus Ministry celebrates its 100th year this year.

While in Chicago, I got to know the rest of my class, sharing stories and enjoying each others' company. Here we are pictured on our last full day together. We are, from left to right, Tanysha, Sarah, Ben, Julia, Kurt, Yvonne, Eric, Elizabeth, Scott, Rachel, Brad, Sally, me, Marty, Jaime, Kacey, and Chaplain Paul.

On Saturday, we all said goodbye and I returned to Palo Alto (where it was 80 degrees).

Last things and first things

2007-11-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

On my last day at PLTS, the students through a wonderful (Frisbee Golf Themed) farewell party for Gwen and me. As you can see in this picture, attendees (including students, a board member, and the president) dressed in khaki pants and painted goatees on their faces!

It was such a wonderful day. Among other things, there was food and wine, a hula demonstration by a student and her daughter, and people saying nice things about me, which helped me realize the impact that my five years at PLTS has had on other people.

I will post some more pictures of my last day later, as well as a picture from my "Orientation" to Lutheran Campus Ministry.

North Cackalacky

2007-10-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well, we did travel to some wonderful spots this week. My group went to Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC as well as Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. We met with great groups of students in each place and I really enjoyed hearing the stories of how God is working in their lives.

Here is a picture we took with two of our ELCA Churchwide colleagues on the campus of Southern Seminary, where we have been meeting and staying. They are, from right to left, Paul Hanson (Fund for Leaders in Mission), Jonathan Strandjord (Vocation and Education Unit), Tom Henderson (Southern), Mark Olsen (LTSG), Louise Johnson (LTSP), Ron Olson (Luther Seminary), Jenny Tomalka (Southern), Heather McClintock (back) and Ruth Prieto (both from Wartburg), Shari Ayers (Trinity), me, and Joy McDonald-Coltvedt (Chicago). I can't express how much I will miss these fine people.

South Cackalacky

2007-10-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Columbia, South Carolina! I have been here since Sunday evening for the Annual Meeting of the ELCA Seminary Admissions Directors. In the days since I announced my leaving of this call, I've been dreading having to say goodbye to these good and faithful people. Three of them have been in this work longer than I have and are true mentors for me. Six others have joined this group since I did, and it has been wonderful to get to know them in their ministries in and on behalf of the church.

This afternoon, we split into two groups for traveling to some colleges: Lenoire-Rhyne, Appalachian State, Clemson, Newberry, and USC. In these visits, we'll meet folks who are engaged in their college or campus ministry setting and who, in one way or another, are preparing to live out the vocation to which God has called them. For some of them, this means seminary. For others, of course, it doesn't. We cherish the time with all of them as we seek to continue/expand Martin Luther's tradition of living vocationally.

More later . . . :)

Transitions

2007-09-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

It has been over a month since I've posted to this blog . . . and quite a month!

In late August, the call committee at University Church in Palo Alto, California voted to call me as their pastor and as Lutheran Campus Minister at Stanford University! In early September I accepted that call! I will be finishing up my call to PLTS at the end of October and I will begin this new call at the end of November.

Meanwhile, a search process is under way here at PLTS to call the next Director of Admissions. Many of you who read this blog are discerning your calls to seminary and I assure you that there will be someone here to continue those conversations with you. In the meantime, though, I continue to be here full time and trasure the opportunity to be engaged in these conversations. And, I will continue my travel schedule (to the south next week and to Washington at the end of October).

There will be times of formal goodbye here at PLTS and I will try to remember to post those times here.

Churchwide Assembly

2007-08-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Chicago, where the ELCA is meeting in Biennial Assembly. I've been pretty busy these days because of multiple roles I have here. One is as the PLTS Admissions Representative to the Assembly, together with my colleagues representing the rest of our seminaries. Another role is as host, together with President Phyllis Anderson, for the PLTS Reception at the Assembly. Finally and, franky, most exciting, I have been participating in a gathering of rostered leaders under the age of 31.

This group, largely clergy and largely PLTS grads, has been meeting for a few days to share stories, hear from each other about experiences, learn some best practices, consider our spiritual/physical/emotional health, and have a reunion! You may know that there is a growing number of pastors in the ELCA who come to seminary right out of college. In fact, this gathering was initially intended to be for pastors under age 35. But, when the budget folks found out that there are about 1,000 pastors under age 35, the age had to be lowered. PLTS has the youngest student body in the ELCA seminary system. We have the highest percentage of "young students" of all 8 seminaries and a higher number of young students than 4 of the other seminaries . . . not bad! Of course, these younger students are balanced out by the invaluable contributions of our second-career students, whose life experience gives them a rich background from which to draw for classroom conversation and contextualization.

This Assembly has been an exciting place to be. Bishop Hanson was re-elected (handily) in an affirmation of his strong, bold, and courageous leadership of this church. Secretary Almen was honored for his many years of dedicated service to this church, and was succeeded by a layman from out here in the west! Bishops were encouraged to excercise restraint in their discipline of pastors and congregations caught in the middle of the discussion/discernment on sexuality that our church is facing. And a program to study ways that Lutherans read the Bible was launched (I think this discussion needed to come before the discussion on Sexuality . . . but, hopefully, they will inform each other.). Finally, seeing the church represented in one place by its highest legislative body was (for the second time) a fun experience. Said one participant: "I have been an active member of my congregation and a participant in the ministries of my synod. But I never imagined I was part of a church that was helping to change the world."

Invitation to Service

2007-08-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

In early August, I had the privilege of being part of the Invitation to Service event at California Lutheran University. This powerful event has helped hundreds of peopleexplore and discern God's call for their life. Among other things, participants hear how others have heard God's call and been moved to use their gifts, talents and abilities in service to God's people. Through Bible study, worship, prayer, and small groups, people are invited and encouraged to be open to listening for God's calling. My role was a simple one: being part of the Have We Got A Job For You Faire. In addition, I was able to connect with some great people, play music with some friends, and spend time on a campus that I love. (I didn't go to CLU, but think of it as my alma matertera [alma mater means soul-mother . . . alma matertera means soul-aunt :) ]). Also, while at the ITS event, I was interviewed by a local paper. You can read the article at http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/aug/04/no-headline---le1fccluyouth04/ . . . they were kind enough to give me the last word in the article.

New PLTS Website!

2007-06-23T08:45:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! PLTS has updated the webpage to be easier to use, more interesting, and more visually appealing. I hope you'll check out http://www.plts.edu/ to see what we're up to. This is only a "private launch" for now, but I'll let you all in on the little secret. Our public launch won't be for another few weeks because the final edits are not yet complete. Nevertheless, check out the new look of the Admissions Sections!

Faith Active in Love

2007-06-22T15:43:00.001-07:00

Faith Active in Love is a series of three week-long sessions in the San Francisco Bay Area that immerse participants in experiential learning and theological reflection regarding a distinct justice issue each week. Students engage in the complexities of a particular topic by: listening to people affected, visiting innovative non-profit and community organizations, talking with top theologians at the Graduate Theological Union, participating in hands-on activities, discussing the issue with one another in small groups, and reflecting theologically on our Christian response. This year, we've had wonderful, wonderful students on campus for this program and are just finishing up Week 2: Immigration. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you might remember Pr. Kim Erno from Mexico City. He was our guest speaker this week as his work in Mexico has had a lot to do with immigration and workers' rights. Check back later for pictures and check out http://www.faithactiveinlove.com/ for more information.

Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

2007-06-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

(Pix coming soon.) My own synod is the Grand Canyon Synod. I am rostered there and, therefore, a voting member at that Assembly. This is the time each year when the synodical expressions of the ELCA gather in assembly to pray, to commune, to do business, and to chart the course for the coming year. It is also a wonderful time for me to connect with colleagues in that synod (many of whom were classmates of mine in seminary). My bishop, Pr. Steve Talmage, was elected just over a year ago and is leading the synod with an eye toward mission: How can the church bring the gospel of liberation, freedom, and justice into all parts of the Grand Canyon Synod . . . a fair question for us to ask ourselves about our own lives.

Southwest California Synod Youth Convocation

2007-06-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

(Pix coming soon.) I had the honor of being asked to participate in the Youth Convocation / LYO Gathering of the Southwest California Synod this year. Serving as Event Chaplain for the Convo, I also had the privelege of spending time with the leaders of the event in conversation about God's call to them in the world. It is always edifying to be reminded in what good hands the church finds itself when there are people like this in the lead. These fine leaders take their roles as Children of God quite seriously and will continue to have a significant impact on the world!

UC Berkeley Graduation

2007-05-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

The following weekend was graduation day for the Psychology Department at UC Berkeley. Ordinarily, I wouldn't care much, but it happens that my sister received her PhD that day! She studied Developmental Psychology and will continue to teach at UCB this year! Here's a picture of her after her graduation ceremony, which was at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. It was such a great day, not only to witness such a momentous occasion in the lives of so many people, but because I'm so proud of my little sis! (Yup, she's younger than I am . . . sigh.)

PLTS Graduation

2007-05-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 12th was Graduation Day at PLTS! Here is a shot of some of the graduates and faculty. Among this years 48 graduates were PhD students, MDivs, MAs, TEEM students and others. It was, of course, a wonderful celebration of these students' accomplishments and of God's faithfulness in raising up new leaders for the church and for the sake of the world. (Included in this year's class was my wife, Gwen, an MDiv graduate!)

First Call Colleague Group

2007-05-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned in previous posts my First Call Colleague Group. As we reached the end of our mandated period together, my colleagues and I gathered at Domaine Carneros between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys for our final meeting (over wine and hors d'ouvres). The regular meetings with this group has been an important reminder of how much people rely on each other in ministry. We shared joys, sorrows, puzzles, questions, doubts, discernment, struggles, and new beginnings with each other. From the left: Pastor Scott Guemmer, Christ the King in Orangevale; Pastor Katie Hines-Shah, Shepherd of the Hills in Berkeley; Pastor Sharron Lubkeman, Christ in El Cerrito (and our leader); Pastor Jeff Thiemann, St. Matthew in Walnut Creek; Pastor Gabrielle Schroeder, Our Saviour's in South San Francisco; and me.

Dorothy Day House, Berkeley

2007-05-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

I was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Dorothy Day House in Berkeley. Check the internet for ways that you can be involved in social ministries in your area.

PreviewPLTS

2007-04-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

A few times a year, apart from individual visits, PLTS hosts a group of prospective students for PreviewPLTS. This 3+ day experience gives people the chance to visit PLTS and get a sense of what seminary would be like for them here. they viist classes, stay in PLTS housing, eat with students, faculty, and staff, and worship with the PLTS community. Many people, over the years, have said that visiting PLTS has been a definitive moment in their discernment . . . check it out!

Rocky Mountain Synod Discernment Retreat

2007-04-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of being asked to be a speaker at the Rocky Mountain Synod's Spring Discernment Event. about 25 people gathered at Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver to consider their place and role in announcing God's kingdom of peace in the world. I was able to spend time talking with them about Luther's theology of vocation and the Biblical witness of being called, and responding to that call. We looked at Bible stories that don't often get lifted up in talk about vocation . . . ones in which the characters do not respond well. In all, it was a focused time to acknowledge that God calls all kinds of people in all kinds of ways and that we respond with all kinds of responses. It is this reality that opens up for each of us the possibility of recognizing God's call in our lives and the possibility that that call is to public ministry. I'm always honored to be asked to spend time with people who are wrestling with these questions!

(Here stands Madelyn Busse, a Diaconal Minister, next to a "Thinking Seminary" poster that the RMS puts up at gatherings of those thinking that way.)

Pennsylvania

2007-03-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

I hadn't made the Pennsylvania trip in a while but was finally able to do so this year. Having served my internship in New Jersey, it was like going "home" for me! I was on the campus of Muhlenberg College in Allentown, where Pastor Peter Bredlau and a group of students joined us for dinner and conversation about vocation, seminary, and what might be next in their lives. These terrific students are actively discerning their vocation and are open to the fact that public ministry may be the thing to which God is calling them. It's hard for us, sometimes, to come to terms with that. As Luther said, sometimes we have the hardest time beleiveing we are holy.

At Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Chaplain Mark Radecke and another fantastic group of students met us for dinner and conversation at a local place called BJ's. We were with them until midnight! (Though we didn't start dinner until 9:00 because they were all participating in the 30 Hour Famine that day!). The diversity of interest in this group was really interesting to me. A couple of Church Music/Organ majors, philosophy majors, primarily religion majors, etc. I included the picture of the SU Crew because I was on the crew in college and miss those days! (Unlike soccer, there's not a lot of "pick-up rowing" that goes on!)

We had, as usual, such a good visit to these two ELCA colleges and I am excited for the future of the church based on the promise and potential of the students we met. Then it was off to Penn State for another great visit with Pastor Marsh and Alicia and their students for lunch, worship, conversation, and dinner. The Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at Penn State is the Ministry building for the entire university and, as such, is home to many communities. As we sat and ate and talked with these students, I thought about how well they will do at PLTS/GTU having this background!

I had to include this shot of Pr. Tom Henderson and me standing in front of some snow. He's my colleagues from Southern Seminary so he and I were particularly excited to see snow!

Challenge your mind, nurture your spirit, and engage the world!

2007-03-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Come to our summer session in sunny Berkeley, California sponsored by the Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS). Our summer session is designed explicitly for clergy and lay leaders who want to broaden their theological understanding and strengthen their skills for effective ministry. Each weeklong course runs for five days (mornings or afternoons). Summer session runs July 5 – 27 and will be held on the CDSP campus in Berkeley. Participants earn two Continuing Education Units (no academic credit is awarded). For course descriptions and information about housing, see the Summer Session web site http://www.cdsp.edu/center_summer.php. Can’t get away this summer to attend a classroom-based course? Enroll in an online course! See http://www.cdsp.edu/center_online.php

Southern California!

2007-03-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Southern California! Some of you regular readers know that the Admissions Directors of the ELCA Seminaries travel together in demonstration of our collegiality and the cohesiveness of the ELCA Seminary System. This past week, it was my turn to host the colleagues in California, as we made our way from Fuller Seminary, to CLU, to San Diego State University, and points in between. We spent a good bit of our time at California Lutheran University, up on the Ventura Coast of Southern California. There, we had dinner with the fine students you see above, as well as Pastor Scott and Dr. Paul Egertson of the CLU Faculty. Both of these guys are strong supporters of Lutheran education as well as of the spiritual lives of their students. Pastor Scott and Pastor Melissa (a PLTS-grad clergy couple) have the best job in the world (apart from mine), serving as the University Pastors at CLU. The passion they have for ministry and the love they have for their students is obvious in every encounter I've had with them. They are two of the (greatest people and) best pastors I know.

Do yourself a favor and find an opportunity to meet them.

We also spent some time with students at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena. These students have begun their education at a seminary outside of the ELCA and, so, will need to attend one of our ELCA seminaries in order to be ELCA pastors, diaconal ministers, or associates. We had lunch with them at the Westin Hotel in Pasadena, which afforded us this nice picture of Fuller students, Fuller faculty, and seminary colleagues.

San Diego: We also had the chance to go down to San Diego. There, we spread the wealth a bit by splitting up into three pairs and joining three different congregations at worship. Jenny (from Southern) and I were at College Lutheran Church where Pastor Doug (a PLTS graduate) invited us to join the congregation for their mid-week Lenten supper and worship. I preached a bit on Psalm 139, in keeping with their series of looking to the Psalms during our Lenten journey. Liza from Luther and Mark from Gettysburg went to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, where they spoke to the confirmation class and preached at worship. Ruth from Wartburg and Joy from Chicago spent the evening with students at San Diego State University, preaching the Word at their evening worship. We all met back at SDSU's Agape House (that's right, South Dakota . . . we have an SDSU, too!) just in time for Eucharist and a visit with Pastor Molly (also a PLTS alumna) and the students at the (soon to be rebuilt and greatly expanded) Agape House.

Lest you think we work all the time, I did pull off the freeway for a few minutes to show my colleagues the newly built Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles (the Angels. In fact, the full name of that huge city is La Ciudad de Nuestra Senora, Reina de Los Angeles . . . The City of our Lady, Queen of the Angels. You can see why we call it LA!) Anyway, this is us in front of that beautiful, modern cathedral. If you find yourself in the area, stop by . . . it's well worth your time.

So, that's it from here. I'll use this space to make another plug for PLTS's Faith Active in Love program, as well as the PreviewPLTS weekend that is coming up in April. Send us an email for more information!

East Bay Cancer Support Group

2007-02-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

My family supports the Easy Bay Cancer Support Group and, though this is not directly related to the ministry to which I'm called at PLTS, I wanted to include it here. My grandmother is one of the founders of the organization (that's her in the flashy pink number) and it's become an important part of our philanthropy. The Group provides counseling and care for people impacted in any way by Cancer.

California Lutheran University

2007-02-23T22:13:00.000-08:00

I had the good fortune of representing PLTS at the Installation of CLU's president Dr. John Sladek. I was also able to spend some time with some CLU students who are considering coming to PLTS in the next couple of years. Here is a shot of me with Pastor Scott Maxwell-Doherty who, with his wife, Pastor Mellissa, is a PLTS graduate and one of the University Pastors.

Hiking

2007-02-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

Some of you who have been considering coming to PLTS have asked what the weather is like in the winter. My wife and I went hiking one February day and stopped to take this picture. It was about 80 degrees and just a fantastic day! So, bring shorts and short sleeves! :)

The Youth Ministry Extravaganza

2007-02-05T16:37:00.000-08:00

The Youth Ministry Extravaganza was in Tampa, Florida this year and the Seminaries were asked again to have a presence there! This was our BOLD CALL table of information. We had a great visit there and lots of good conversation with people who are engaged in and/or preparing for Youth and Family Ministry at a seminary . . . like PLTS, for example!

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity

2007-01-27T13:45:00.000-08:00

Though it doesn't really have to do with my work in Admissions, I wanted to mention a project that my wife and I have been involved in. We volunteered, through our local Thrivent Office, with Habitat for Humanity on a home that was build in a neighboring town. On this day, we were there for the dedication with Pastor Dan Senter (PLTS '91) presiding and presenting the family with a Bible as a reminder of the stories of ancient people struggling for a better life. May it be the story of the family moving into this house.

Pictures

2007-01-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

An Update about pictures: Instead of clogging up this webspace with pictures, I've moved them to another site (see http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=ij9vmbt.1cqb511h&Uy=-w3x6zm&Ux=1) and kept this space for journaling/reflection. Check out the pictures . . .

Day Fourteen

2007-01-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, January 18th we watched a video on globalization and militarization called “Guns and Greed,” which was followed by a session with Pastor Kim called “Globalization and the Gospel.” After lunch, I assigned a paper to the group and we met by seminary groups to discuss our individual and collective Action Plan for taking what we’ve learned back to the US. Here is the PLTS Crew. After some free time, shopping, packing, picture taking, etc, we had our Closing Worship Celebration.

Day Thirteen

2007-01-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, January 17th we went to the city of Xochimilco, the last vestige of Aztec culture in the Valley of Mexico. Here, transportation is still largely via the city’s waterways, which is how people got around when this was a lake. There, we visited the Community Center of Enlace, Communicación y Capacitación (Connection, Communication, and Training). They run many programs, about which I will write when I have my notebook in front of me. Afterward, we took a boat right, which is where I encoutered this little guy!

Day Twelve

2007-01-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, January 16th we heard from Pastor Kim about the “Liberating Role of Our Lady of Guadalupe” before heading out to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe to tour the Basilica and its grounds and have some time for meditation. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has an interesting story. On 9 December 1531, Juan Diego (not his given name, but his Christian name) was traveling between Tlateloca and Tepeyac and heard music that led him to an encounter of an apparition of the Virgin Mary near the road. She told him that this spot should be a place of worship. She continued to speak to him over the course of the next 3 days and finally, on the 12th, she appeared in the middle of the road, told him that his uncle who had been sick would survive, and told him to climb a particular hill to pick some roses, which would have been out of season in December. When he did, he loaded them up in the front of his cape and took them to the church, dropping them at the bishop’s feet. To their great surprise, the image of the virgin was imprinted on Juan Diego’s cape!

There is, of course, much debate about the validity of this claim. Was it really an apparition? Was it a hoax by the church to convert the indigenous? There is a saying here of the “Mexico Profundo,” or the “Deeper Mexico” that lies at the root of Mexican history. In this case, the images in this story are quite symbolic of Mexico, including the use of music and flowers to bracket the story, because a word that indigenous people use for Truth is, literally, flower-music. The message about Juan Diego’s uncle is symbolic of the inheritance that passed from uncles to nephews in this part of the world. And, the image of Mary herself is one of dark skin, standing before the Sun, standing atop the moon, with stars on her cloak. These are all local images of native people. In other words, God speaks to them through their own people. To remember this, I bought a brown-thread rosary at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. By it, I’ll be reminded that messages from God are couched in our own experiences and our own realities. (By the way, one sees the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe by passing by it on a conveyor belt in the basilica!)

After time at the Basilica of OLG, we left for the Ancient City of Teotihuacán, about 30 miles northeast of the city, for a picnic lunch among the cactus and a tour of this ancient pyramid site. The most striking thing to me here was that it, unlike many other ancient temples and things in Mexico, was not built over by a Christian church. The reason is that it is pre-hispanic in origin . . . it was built about 1500 years ago. It was abandoned in the 7th century, though no one knows why, and was inhabited by various tribes including the Mexicas (me-SHEE-cas), after whom this country is named. It was discovered some 500 years after its most recent inhabitants died so there was no culture to conquer and it was left standing by the Spaniards.

We returned to the Lutheran Center for dinner and an introduction to “Solidarity Economics” with Sister Elba Flores Nuñez, a Missionary of the Immaculate Conception who works at the Centro de Estudios Ecumenicos. Sr. Elba talked about the goal of an economy in which we think about tomorrow and the needs of our descendents. In Solidarity Economics, every created thing has a right to exist. The principles of harmony, necessity, and relationship are key to the ways that a Solidarity Economic is laid out. In it, people things of the producers and the consequences of their purchasing power. For example, if someone, in desperation, is trying to sell something for much less than I know it is worth, the right thing to do is pay them what it’s worth . . . buy justly, sell justly. In Mercado Economics, I look for the lowest price to buy and the highest price to sell. Solidarity Economics is an effort to raise the consciousness of consumption, and it is (according to Sr. Elba) urgent, necessary, and possible.

Day Eleven

2007-01-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

On Monday, January 15th we began the day by watching “The Mission,” a movie with Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons on the Jesuit mission activity in the Americas. Following that us, we heard a lecture called “Indigenous Cosmovision: Hope for a New World Order” by Dr. Carlos Lenkersdorff, professor of linguistics at UNAM (the National Mexican Autonomous University), based mostly on his work in the indigenous language of Tojol abal. Then, after lunch with Dr. Lenkersdorf (Hermano Carlos, as he calls himself), we heard a lecture called “Mother Earth Theology” by Dr. Rebecca Montemayor, a pastoral theologian with the Baptist Church of Mexico and the first (and so far only) ordained Baptist woman in all of Mexico. She talked about the importance of caring for the earth, saying that “What we do to the Earth, we do to ourselves” and asking “La tierra es una inherencia o una mercancia? (The Earth is an inheritance or a commodity?)” She also talked about the Cycle for the World: Recibir, Defender, Perder, y Volver a Luchar (Receive, Defend, Lose, and Return to Fight). Following this, 9 of us went out to Chapultapec to Buen Pastor (Good Shepherd) Lutheran Church, where PLTS Student Lara Janssen is serving her internship. We had a tour of the place and Holden Evening Prayer in the Sanctuary, followed by a bus/subway/bus ride back to San Angel for dinner and margaritas (the first we’ve had since coming to Mexico!). Side note: Being back in the big city has its disadvantages: my breathing is labored again . . . 25 million people produce a lot of pollution!

MLK Day in the US

2007-01-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up... live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will they be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right down in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plains and the crooked places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.

With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.

With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God's children be able to sing with new meaning "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!"

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
But not only that, let freedom, ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tenneessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi, from every mountainside.
Let freedom ring,

And when this happens,and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old negro spiritual, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last."

Day Ten

2007-01-14T22:40:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, January 14th we had breakfast with our host families and then went to the colony’s chapel for Community Reflection and Celebration of the host-family program. Following that, we met with Agustina Reyes, who is the leader of the Christian Base Community in Santa Fe and who talked to us about the history and methodology of the Christian Base Community Movement. After saying goodbye to our dear families, we returned to the CCIDD for lunch and a sale by a local Artisan’s Cooperative. Many of us spent quite a bit on the beautiful, hand-made things that these folks had to offer. And, even if one didn’t want to buy, the artists were still proud to show us what they’d made. We departed Cuernavaca after a Eucharistic Celebration in the CCIDD chapel, in which we remembered the interweaving of our lives with those of people of all times and places. We returned to Mexico City for dinner and the Ballet Folklorico, which is a world-famous experience of traditional Spanish dancing . . . not to be missed!

Day Nine

2007-01-14T22:32:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, January 13th we had a lecture on Liberation Theology and a tour of the Cathedral of Cuernavaca. Afterward, we left for Santa Fe, where we met our Host Families! Santa Fe is a community built into a ravine in Cuernavaca. We walked up and down over ¼ mile of stairs four times to reach our host family’s home! Three students and I were to stay with the Familia Garcia-Hernandez. We arrived too early at the home and, instead, walked back up out of the ravine and visited for a few hours with some other folks, who also fed us lunch. While out for a walk (more stairs), we did meet our host-mom, and she took us to her home, after we first walked down the stairs to get our things at the other house, then back up to where she was waiting, then down other stairs to her house. There, she, Evelina, and Antonio Garcia-Hernandez welcomed us into their home and, together with their daughters Ana and Adriana and their son David, made us feel like part of the family. We began the evening by sitting out on the patio visiting for a few minutes and then decided to go for a walk (more stairs!) around the community (Colonia Popular). While out, a neighbor (the one who fed us) asked our hosts if he could cut some sugar cane from their yard. That seemed like a good idea so, when we returned, we did the same, standing outside in the stairs (which function as the sidewalk) eating fresh sugar cane. Afterward, we walked up to the house where some other students were staying and brought them a taste (then walked back down again, stopping at the store for micheletta supplies!). We sat in the back yard of this four-room home drinking micheletta, which is beer and lime juice. We made tortillas for dinner and sat in the yard laughing, talking, eating, drinking, showing pictures, exchanging gifts, looking at a scorpion on the wall, and getting to know one another. Of the 4 of us, only one student and I speak Spanish, so we were the official translators, which is exhausting! After hours of talking and laughing, we went to bed . . . all four of us in one room, while the rest of the family shared the other bedroom. Let me describe this house: It is cinder blocks and concrete, built into a ravine, with two bedrooms for five people, one bathroom with no door and no running water (showers involve a bucket, water drawn from barrel, and a drain in the floor, while flushing the toilet involves the same bucket and same water drawn from the barrel being poured into the toilet), and a beautiful backyard with a shrine to Nuestra Señora de (Our Lady of ) Guadalupe. Humble digs, for sure. But, the hospitality and generosity of this family was amazing.

Day Eight

2007-01-14T21:59:00.000-08:00

On Friday, January 12th we visited the Community Center and Families of the La Estación neighborhood of Cuernavaca. First we visited with a young family of 6 who live in a house that the wife constructed out of cinder blocks while the husband was working in the United States for a year. He crossed the border with a visa and was able to work at a country club in Houston and make enough money to send home. In Mexico, minimum wage is 48 pesos per day, which is about $5.00 per day . . . per day. In the US, minimum wage was just raised to $7.25 per hour. So, a minimum wage worker in the US makes in about 45 minutes what a minimum wage worker in Mexico takes all day to make. The thing is, prices are not lower here. In other words, milk, bread, and utilities cost the same (if not more) than they do in the US. So, a person would have to work for 5 days to buy a $25 pair of shoes. The second family we visited was a single mother and her children. The mom works from home preparing corn for sale to provide food for the family, the boy takes out people’s trash in the neighborhood for tips, and the girl makes beaded jewelry so that she can have money to go to school. In the afternoon, we watched “Zapatismo,” a video on the indigenous struggle in Chiapas and the Zappatistas there, who named themselves after Ermilio Zapata who, with Sancho Panza, led a revolution in 1917, which resulted in a New Constitution. Later, we met a woman from an organization called SERPAJ (Servicio/Paz/Justicia or Service/Peace/Justice) to talk about People’s Movements in Mexico. After dinner, we had a free evening to enjoy all that Cuernavaca has to offer.

Day Seven

2007-01-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, January 11th we watched a documentary produced by Pastor Kim, the director of the ELCA Center here in Mexico City. The film is called “The Wall and the Desert” and takes a close look at immigration from Mexico to the United States. Pastor Kim and his colleagues spent time on the border, interviewing people and learning about the conditions in which people put themselves for a chance to cross into the United States. After the film, we had a Biblical reflection on Jesus and the Disciples “Crossing to the Other Side.” After lunch we departed for Cuernavaca, the Land of Eternal Spring. What a beautiful city it is! We stayed at the Centro Cuernavacense Intercultural de Dialogo sobre Desarollo (the Cuernavaca Intercultural Center for Development Dialogue). There, we participated in a dialog with the rest of the documentary team, Professors Armando Villegas and Pablo Gleason from La Salle University, a Christian Brothers school here in Mexico. We heard of their passion for the subject matter, their hopes for the immigration policies of the US, and their hope that people would make pirate copies of their film so that it would be seen by very many people.

Day Six

2007-01-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, January 10th we watched a very informative and interesting video on global trade and food security called “Global Banquet.” Afterward, we went to a Campesino Organization called – Unión Nacional de Organizaciones Regionales Autónomas (UNORCA) to talk about the Impact of Free Trade on the Countryside. After lunch back at the Lutheran Center (the food here is absolutely fantastic, by the way!), we had a great time of fellowship and reflection with some Mexican Lutheran seminary students, together with games, Biblical reflection, and dinner. In the evening, we watched the film “Romero” on the prophetic witness of Monseñor Oscar Romero in El Salvador. I also went over to the local Farmacia to get some drugs to clear up my nose, head, and chest. All of us are suffering from the altitude (7300 feet) and the fact that this is the most polluted city in the world. But, my nose is now clear . . . This was a great day!

Days Three, Four, and Five

2007-01-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, January 7th we visited the Historic Center of Mexico City including a tour of National Palace and its magnificent murals of Mexico History by Diego Rivera, the Mexico City Cathedral, and Templo Mayor, an ancient Aztec temple which was built and rebuilt 7 times because of the sinking of the center of the city. For years, the Aztecs had walked around the Valley of Mexico looking for an omen: an eagle sitting on a cactus with two colored snakes in its beak (see the image in the center of the Mexican flag). In 1325, when they finally found it on an island in the middle of a lake in the valley, they built the city of Tenochtitlán. This temple was their ceremonial center. Check out the link to the right to see more pictures! After lunch, we returned to the Lutheran Center before departing for worship at San Pedro Martir Parish. The ELCA group was introduced and invited to sing a song for the congregation! Afterward, we returned and had pizza for dinner!!

On Monday, January 8th we were at the Lutheran Center all day. We played a game called “Star Power,” which is a simulation exercise on power and decision making. This was followed by an introduction to Globalization by our host, Pastor Kim Erno. We talked a lot about the IMF and World Bank and the impact that they have had on Mexico. What is referred to here as Neoliberal Economics is a politically conservative, economically liberal approach to economics. Whereas Adam Smith believed in free competition based on supply and demand, and Marx believed that capitalism exploits the workers, and FDR in the New Deal believed that the state should intervene in economy for the common good (like setting minimum wage, imposing taxes and labor laws, paying subsidies, etc.), Milton Friedman believed that the market rules and that the government should stay out of it. It’s what we might call Reaganomics. It has attracted foreign investment to Mexico as well as trade agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), under which goods flow free of tariffs. What this has meant for Mexico (and the US, for that matter) is that cheaper goods come in at the expense of the local producers who can’t mass-produce. So, what ends up happening is that a giant corn producer from the US comes to Mexico with cheap corn and the people who grow corn here are put out of their jobs. They often resort to 1) moving to the “informal economy” of selling things on the street, or 2) moving to the United States. (The result is the brain-drain that Dr. Gandy mentioned on Saturday night.) After lunch we heard from Ben Cokelet of the Centro Solidaridad Sindical, who talked with us about “Labor Rights and Struggles in Mexico” as well as naming for us some companies that have high verification when it comes to labor practices, including The Gap, Nike, Levis, Limited, Express, Addidas, Reebok, and Volkswagen. All of these companies can be checked out online and they often have a public relations liaison for labor information. This day was capped off by a Biblical Reflection on the “Workers in the Vineyard: A Living Wage.”

On Tuesday, January 9th we spent the day in Ajusco with the people of Amextra (The Association for Mexican Transformation) and the Community Center they have established there. This center provides microloans to families, day care and preschool for children of working moms, values counseling for young women, and Peace Education, which is a non-violence training for families. We visited with the children in the school, as you can see here: After lunch with the Amextra staff, we visited the home of Vilma Fernandez, a political refugee and former Salvadoran Lutheran church worker who told us of the assassination of her brother (Pr. David Fernandez) by his government, about her family’s flight to Mexico with young children, and about the Lutheran ministry she has established here in Mexico.

Mexico Pictures

2007-01-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

Rather than overload this Blog with pictures from the Mexico Trip, I thought I'd open a second page. So check out http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=ij9vmbt.1cqb511h&Uy=-w3x6zm&Ux=1 to see some more pictures like the one to the left, which is of some sun beams shingint through a window in the Roman Catholic Cathedral here in Mexico City!

Arrival in Mexico y El Dia de los Tres Reyes!

2007-01-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Mexico City! Today is the Feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany) and we went out for a walk through the Bazar del Sabado (the Saturday Bazar), which has beautiful art and food. This evening we will have an introductory lecture called “Mexican History from the Revolution to the Present” by Dr. Ross Gandy, political science professor at UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autonima Mexicano). Among the very interesting things that Dr. Gandy talked about, he refered to Mexico City as an eco-catastrophe, along with Beijing and New Delhi, due to its 4. 5 million cars. We also learned that, because of the poor water quality, Coke replaces water (with 2x the sugar and caffeine) and, therefore, 1/3 of the Mexican people are diabetic. One half of all electricity in the country is stolen directly off the lines. It is ok with the government because they want people to be able to see television. Only 4% of Mexican people buy books and only 2% read newspapers. The taxes for services are equal to only 10% of the GDP, compared to 45% in Canada. Internet is a bit of a challenge, but I'll keep updating with pictures and commentary as often as I can. Blessings and Peace.

Mexico City - ELCA Center

2007-01-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

From the 5th to the 19th of January, I will be leading a group of 16 seminary students (from PLTS, Luther, LSTC, Wartburg, and Southern) on a January term course to Mexico City! I'll do what I can to make regular posts here, including picutres, in case you'd like to keep track of what we're up to!

Pacific Lutheran University

2006-11-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to preach at Pacific Lutheran University on Reformation Sunday this year. Here's a shot of me at the altar after worship.

Annual Meeting

2006-10-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

As you may know, the Admissions Directors of all 8 ELCA seminaries meet together annually to talk about our work and plan for the coming year. This year, the good folks at LSTC were our hosts and we had a great time in Chicago during the 2nd week of October. HOWEVER, I'll give you one guess who was in Chicago for a week with sandals and short-sleeves! Standing next to me there is the Associate Director of Admissions at LTSS . . . California and South Carolina . . . who expects snow in October?!?!?!?! And, in case you're wondering why we are squinting . . . they don't call it the Windy City for nothing! Freezing wind blowing into the eyes and throat makes for unflattering pictures!

Synodical Discernment Events

2006-10-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

In mid-September, I was in Carefree, Arizona with the Candidacy Coordinators for all of the Synods of Region 2. It was a great conversation about how the synods and PLTS can coordinate our efforts to help people think vocationally. We have committed ourselves to making a concentrated effort to provide discernment events in our synods for people considering either public ministry or any other vocation. It was a good reminder for me of the partnership we all share in the Gospel.

Western Mission Cluster

2006-10-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

PLTS, together with Luther Seminary, has appointed Rev. Jose Antonio Machado as the new Coordinator for Vocational Formation in the Western Mission Cluster, a partnership between Luther and PLTS. Machado, a graduate of Luther Seminary, has served parishes in Puerto Rico, Miami, Florida and most recently Minneapolis-St. Paul. The Coordinator for Vocational Formation is a three-year call. Having accepted this call, Pr. Machado will collaborate with the admission staffs of both Luther and PLTS to expand existing recruitment efforts to young women and men who discern that they are called by God for public leadership in Christ’s church, and to position the seminaries of the Western Mission Cluster as their first tier choices for theological education. Special attention will be given to work in faith communities and institutions that have significant ministries with persons of color, languages other than English and new immigrants. Read about this and other news at http://www.plts.edu/admissions/eletter/eletter200610.html#coordvoc.

Invitation to Service

2006-10-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

Once again this year, I was able to spend time with the Invitation to Service for the Sierra Pacific, Pacifica, and SWCalifornia Synods. This event gathers high school students to consider vocation, ministry, and their place in God's world. I was asked to be the preacher at closing worship. I met wonderful students who are discerning their vocations and was reminded of the promise that exists in the church and God's world.

Traveling

2006-07-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

As you know, I do quite a bit of travleing in my role as Director of the Admissions Center for PLTS. I thought I'd get a little creative and (thanks to a dear friend who showed me this map program a long time ago), I made a visual representation of my travels. Of course, not all of these visits were Admissions related (note Hawai'i, for example). But, nonetheless, these are the states I've been to. If yours is missing, let's fix that!

National Youth Gathering and Lutheran Youth Organization

2006-07-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

I'm just back from the first week of the ELCA's National Youth Gathering AND the Lutheran Youth Organization's meeting, both in San Antonio, Texas! It was truly inspiring to see that many people who are excited about thier faith and who are exploring ways to make it relevant . . . to clear up the misunderstanding that much of society has about what it means to be a person of faith!

Faith Active in Love

2006-06-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

This was the first week in PLTS's 2nd Summer of Service program called Faith Active in Love. Our focus this week was on Hunger and Homelessess and we had 7 college students come to PLTS to spend time with people who are or have been homeless, visit soup kitchens, shelters, and transitional housing, and encounter some of the causes of homelessness and the challenges of overcoming them. I was so impressed by the committment that these students made to seeking ways of bringing about the Kingdom of God in the world. I feel good about the future of the church, knowing that there are people as fine as Malory, Chris, Jodi, Sara, Jenni, Adam, and Drew who are stepping up to positions of leadership and I'll treasure them as colleagues.

One of my favorite parts of the week was time spent in the State Capitol in Sacramento with Mark Carlson, who is the Director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy. You may remember my comments from a few months ago about the important work that Mark does there. We even ran into California's own Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Another highlight was the day we went kayaking. You may know the links between homelessness and environmental protection and water rights. This was a great way to see San Francisco Bay, to talk about the necessity of and right to clean water, and to show the ocean to some people who had never seen it before! Sadly, I can't manage to upload the picture of me getting ready to kayak by putting on a "spray skirt" (yes, indeed, a skirt!) that keeps the water and sun out of the cockpit of the kayak. It didn't do too much good, though, since I and 3 brave souls took a dip in the Bay before heading in to port!

Coordinator for Vocational Formation

2006-06-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

One of the exciting collaborations between PLTS and Luther Seminary, the 2 seminaries that make up the Western Mission Cluster, is a grant from the Lilly Foundation through which we are able to extend a call to a pastor who will serve both Admissions Centers as Coordinator for Vocational Formation. Last week, I was in Minnesota for the final interviews with our top two candidates. What a testimony to the partnership of these two schools, and our shared commitment to ministry in the West, that we are able to do this work together. This person will be a representative of both seminaries, on the staff of both, and deepening the existing connections between PLTS and Luther on the one hand and the camps, campus ministries, and congregations of the west on the other.

While I was there, I was able to join Liza Okan (from Luther) for lunch,
together with her new husband, John (he's taking the picture). We went to this great place, Tavern on Grand, where they specialize in a fish called Walleye (not A Fish Called Wanda). It was pretty good stuff, I must say. In fact, when Premier Gorbachev visited the US, he ate walleye from here! I think that's what brought an end to the Cold War! I also had a great tour of St. Paul, which is a beautiful city.

OH, here's a Minnesota law that may surprise you: One can carry a gun into any place that does not have a sign specificaly prohibiting it. So, what this means is, colleges, stores, restaurants, churches, and even the Tavern on Grand have posted signs like this one:

Well, anyway, there are some shots from Minnesota. Stay tuned for the announcement of the new staff member in our Admissions Center!

Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

2006-05-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

PLTS, like the other seminaries of the ELCA, is supported in prayer and mission by our surrounding synods. One of the synods with whom PLTS has a close relationship is the Grand Canyon Synod (Arizona and Las Vegas). I had the priveledge of representing PLTS at the G.C. Synod Assembly this past week in Tucson. Among the highlights of the week were hearing Bishop Mark Hanson preach (if you haven't yet heard his challenging message of boldness and ministry, you don't know what you're missing!), meeting Alton and Marlene Zenker (the interim bishop and his wife), meeting Bishop Mindaugas Sabutis, the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lithuania (whose election at age 29 required ammendment of the church's consitutional age restriction before he could assume the office to which he had been elected), witnessing the election of Pastor Steve Talmadge as bishop of the synod, speaking to the assembly to thank them on behalf of PLTS for their partnership and to debut the new PLTS DVD, and catching up with a number of our alumni who serve in that synod, as well as a number of prospective students who live there. Another highlight was conversation with pastors and other leaders who firmly believe that seminary education is a gift to future leaders, the cost of which is the responsibility of their home congregation. It was heartening to know that folks are taking this ministry seriously and see it as their gift to the church.
On the other hand, it was 108 degrees there in Tucson, so I did spend a bit of time in the pool! And, I played in the Bishop's Golf Tournament on Tuesday afternoon. The whole week was a great experience and a reminder for me of the many, many partnerships that PLTS is blessed to have.

Living Together in the 21st Century as ELCA Lutherans

2006-04-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Hein-Fry series of endowed theological lectures is coordinated by ELCA Vocation and Education in cooperation with the eight ELCA seminaries to foster original scholarship and enrich theological dialogue throughout the church. This year's lecturers were the Rev. Dr. Herbert W. Chilstrom (right) and the Rev. Dr. H. George Anderson (left), former presiding bishops of the ELCA. The ELCA’s current presiding bishop, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson (center) served as respondent.

Instant communications and global travel make being together in the 21st century easier than ever. But living together in genuine community remains a complex and even elusive task. We remain a United States, but we also seem fractured into red states and blue, with both scholars and pundits debating whether we are in fact one nation. Our Christian communities are as vibrant as ever, yet we also long for a deeper embrace of life together as the beloved community.

Lutherans in the United States are not exempt from these realities, and challenges to our life together seem to abound. At the same time, Lutheranism in the United States remains vital, with a deep well of resources. The 2006 Hein-Fry Lectures addressed the challenges to “living together in the 21st century as Lutherans in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America” and explored the resources within our tradition for tackling those challenges.

The Rev. Dr. Robert Harry Smith

2006-04-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

On the 16th of March, the Rev. Dr. Robert H. Smith, Christ Seminary-Seminex Professor of New Testament died at his home in El Cerrito, California. He had been teaching his class on the Gospels for this semester despite his diagnosis of Leukemia. I encourage you to read about his life at http://www.plts.edu/people/smithobit.html. A faculty search was already underway as Dr. Smith had announced his retirement. The Rev. Dr. David Balch will join the PLTS faculty in the fall.

WELCOME TO KARIN!

2006-04-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

PLTS has been fortunate to receive a grant from the Lilly Foundation to do some major development in two of our campus programs. One is the TEEM program: Theological Education for Emerging Ministries. This program is an alternate route to ordination for people who fit a very specific profile. The other is the Admissions Center! What will be most noticeable to you is that Jane Phillips has gone to work full time for the TEEM program which gave us the opportunity to bring Karin Schermerhorn on board as the new administrative assistant in the Admissions Center. Please feel free to send a message of greeting to Karin at admissions@plts.edu. And, of course, she and I are always ready to answer any questions that you have about PLTS.

Southern Swing

2006-04-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

As you know, the ELCA Seminary Admissions Directors travel together around the country. We end up spending quite a bit of time on the road and, consequently, have grown quite fond of each other. In fact, we've been on vacation together twice!

In late March, we were in the South for a time. I had the opportunity to preside at worship at Newberry College, visit students and go to a baseball game at the University of Georgia, and have dinner and long conversations with the folks at Clemson University. Many of them were interested in PLTS for seminary in the next year or two. And some are considering our summer program called Faith Active in Love. See our website (www.plts.edu) for more information about that!

California Lutheran University

2006-04-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 12 March, I spent time at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. I worshipped with the student community on Sunday night, the 2nd Sunday in Lent, and then spent the evening with the Campus Pastors there, the Revs. Scott and Mellissa Maxwell-Doherty (PLTS Alumni). The next morning, I had the chance to meet with some students who, at various stages, are considering the call to ministry. Pastor Scott gave me his office for the morning and I had the chance to meet with the students there. Then, he walked me around campus to meet the Religion faculty, the Music faculty, the President, and some other administrators. The partnership between CLU and PLTS is a natural one, as we are the centers of Lutheran higher education in California. The partnership is also a delight because of the dedication and ministry of the faculty and staff at both institutions.

Pacifica Synod Discernment Event

2006-04-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of being in the Pacifica Synod for their Entrance and Discernment Event. It never ceases to amaze me how people hear the call to ministry in different ways. As I led the Bible study that morning, we talked about the calls of Mary, Ananais, Paul, Moses, Samuel, and Jesus. And, in the midst of those stories, people began to catch glimpses of their own stories. It was a good reminder for me that everyone experiences the call of God differently.

More About Education

2006-03-06T20:33:00.000-08:00

Some of you know that I get pretty passionate when it comes to education. The man in the center of the picture to the left is St. Jean Baptiste de la Salle, founder of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and Patron of Christian Teachers. Born into a devout and influential family, de la Salle joined a monastery at age eleven and was named Canon of the Reims Cathedral at sixteen. Though he had to assume the administration of family affairs after his parents died, he completed his theological studies and was ordained priest on 9 April, 1678. Two years later he received the doctorate in theology.

Meanwhile he became tentatively involved with a group of rough and barely literate young men who wanted to establish schools for poor boys. Almost by accident, the young De La Salle gradually assumed the leadership of the small group of lay teachers. Moved by the plight of the poor who seemed so "far from salvation" either in this world or the next, he determined to put his own talents and advanced education at the service of the children "often left to themselves and badly brought up." To be more effective, he abandoned his family home, moved in with the teachers, renounced his position as Canon and his wealth, and so formed the community that became known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

His enterprise met opposition from the ecclesiastical authorities who resisted the creation of a new form of religious life, a community of consecrated laymen to conduct gratuitous school "together and by association." The education establishment resented his innovative methods and his insistence on gratuity for all, regardless of whether they could afford to pay. Nonetheless De La Salle and his Brothers succeeded in creating a network of quality schools throughout France that featured instruction in the vernacular, students grouped according to ability and achievement, integration of religious instruction with secular subjects, well-prepared teachers with a sense of vocation and mission, and the involvement of parents. In addition, De La Salle pioneered in programs for training lay teachers, Sunday courses for working young men, and one of the first institutions in France for the care of delinquents. Worn out by austerities and exhausting labors, he died at Saint Yon near Rouen early on Good Friday, only weeks before his sixty-eighth birthday.

I really believe, as did St. la Salle, that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Our missional activities need to be followed by solid and lasting forms of education that empower people, giving them the tools to break out of the oppressive cycle and into the cycle of life-giving discovery.

Should I take a year off to volunteer before going to seminary?

2006-03-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

Many forward thinking, justice-minded people ask this question as they begin considering seminary for their future. The benefits of volunteering are many: There are benefits to the less fortunate who depend on the generosity of individuals and of charitable agencies. There are benefits to society when people are clothed, fed, housed, educated, and given medical care. And, of course, there are benefits to the volunteer … benefits that are not often realized going in. And, when a person gets to seminary with a year of volunteering under his or her belt, the practical applications of theology become much more alive and present.

On the other hand, there are certainly benefits to taking some theological education into the world of service. Scriptural, pastoral, and theological knowledge can provide deep insight for a person’s career as a volunteer, deepening a person’s faith, challenging their mind, expanding their heart, and energizing them for mission.

At PLTS, we honor both of those callings and make it easy for to you accomplish both. If you begin a degree program at PLTS and take a year off to volunteer, you can return to your degree program a year later without penalty and without loss of credits.

Your future, your calling, and your options are unique to you. Be in touch with one of our Admissions Counselors to begin a conversation on discerning what will work best for you.

Northwest House of Theological Studies

2006-03-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to spend time with a group of students at the Northwest House of Theological Studies in Salem, Oregon. This is an ecumenical community that meets on Friday evenings and Saturdays for theological study. Many of them eventually transfer to PLTS to complete and MDiv. My colleague Liza and I joined the group for worship on Saturday morning and then facilitated a discussion on the Lutheran understanding of the Eucharist. What a wonderful group of people! These were mostly second career students and include a lawyer, a law professor, a teacher, a lay minister, and people from many other professions. They were Lutheran, Episcopalian, Methodist, Presbyterian, UCC, and others. It was a wonderful way to spend the morning and a great reminder of the many, many paths that people take to public ministry!

Presidential Listening Post

2006-03-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago, the PLTS faculty completely revamped the MDiv program curriculum. They did so by spending time listening . . . listening to alumni, pastors, bishops, laity, congregational leaders, and others who have ideas about "who our pastors should be." The listening resulted in an invitation from the PLTS faculty (see http://www.plts.edu/academics/invitation.html for details).

Since then, we have taken this process of listening more and more seriously. President Phyllis Anderson, joined by the president of Luther Seminary, have been traveling around the country hosting "listening posts" in congregations. This weekend, I joined them at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Portland (served by PLTS alumna Pr. Kit Neeley) for a listening post. It was so interesting to hear the input of local pastors and laity toward these questions: What does the church need in future leaders? What can the seminaries do to be a resource to you? What kind of leader will your congregation need in order to thrive?

U of A

2006-02-09T17:30:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, we drove down to Tucson to have lunch with students at the University of Arizona. What a great group . . . musicians, teachers, etc. Pastor Ron Rude facilitated conversation about seminary, candidacy, courses, ministry, financial aid, etc. All three of these Arizona ministries are just wonderful and the pastors care deeply for their students. I hope that all of you are blessed with pastors as wonderful as these.

NAU

2006-02-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon, we made the beautiful drive north to Flagstaff where we worshipped (I preached again) with the students at Northern Arizona University. Afterward, we went to Granny's Closet for a meal and to watch the Superbowl (I'm glad I didn't have any money on Seattle!). The students there were interested in ministry and seminary and we had great conversations. The next morning, we drove back down to Phoenix (with Heather Devine from Wartburg and I making a stop for 18 holes of golf!).

Arizona State

2006-02-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

On Sunday morning, I preached at University Lutheran Church in Tempe, AZ: the Campus Minstry for ASU. Pastor Gary McCluskey invited me to be the preacher for the morning service (visit www.plts.edu to read my homily from that morning). After church, we gathered with students from ASU and talked about ministry, seminary, and candidacy and answered the questions that they had.

Youth Ministry Extravaganza

2006-02-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

PLTS was invited to the Youth Ministry Extravaganza in Phoenix, Arizona this year where I met with people engaged in the important ministry with youth. While there with my colleagues, we facilitated 2 workshops, met individually with students, had conversations with youth ministers, and displayed PLTS materials on a table. Folks interested in Youth and Family Ministry can come to PLTS for a certificate or degree in Y/FM with the resources of many religious traditions, specially funded youth and family research projects, and a culturally diverse faculty and student body. Courses include: Christian Education in the Parish, Theologies of Childhood, Empowering Laity for Ministry, Family, Christians and Citizens, Catechesis in a Multicultural Church, Youth Spirituality, Issues for Urban Ministry, Baptism and Practical Theology, and others. For more information on our Y/FM programs, please be in touch with the Admissions Center!

Education

2006-01-22T19:49:00.000-08:00

Because my ministry setting is particularly in the field of education, education is something about which I spend a lot of time thinking, hypothesizing, and wondering. It seems so clear that education is the answer to so many of the world's problems. AIDS in Africa, crime, violence, poverty, and the cycle that develops from those. To quote, "Education is the silver bullet. Education is everything. We don't need little changes. We need gigantic revolutionary changes. Schools should be palaces. Competition for the best teachers should be fierce. They should be getting six-figure salaries. Schools should be incredibly expensive for government and absolutely free of charge for its citizens, just like national defense." Then I think, "It's not just education, dummy. It's compassion." Getting people to know and getting them to care are not the same thing. How do we get people to understand the root cause of poverty and give a damn about it. How do we liberate folks (including me) from a wicked case of incurvatus in se and turn, instead, toward each other. If the church continues merely as assent to a creed rather than a collective action for good, a constant pushing for change that is deep in our bones, it's doomed. Assent and socializing are not the future of the church. The Xers and millenials won't stand for it. If the church is to become the living out of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news of God's unconditional, irrevocable love for us, then the church will have to bring the Jesus-way into all aspects of life: political, social, economic, and, indeed, educational. Pray for us at PLTS. Pray that our students will continue to go forth from this place ready and energized to make a difference in the world. Pray that your own education would lead you to deeper reflection on the way things work and that, coupled with the Spirit's movement of your heart, it would help bring about the Kingdom of God. Peace. Pastor Greg.

Colleague Group

2006-01-18T17:46:00.000-08:00

One of the blessings of being a first-call pastor is the opportunity to meet, every 6 weeks, with my first-call colleagues from around the Sierra Pacific Synod. Today, we met at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in South San Francisco and talked about the issues that face new pastors. It was a good time for sharing, listening, empathizing, celebrating, offering advice, praying, eating, and sharing the eucharist. One of the things that I do during that time is think of you, the people in the church who are considering a vocation in public ministry. And we hold you in prayer.

GTU-Wide Open House!

2006-01-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday, the Admissions Directors of the GTU schools met at the CDSP (the Epsicopal Seminary) to plan the 7-9 April open house that we will all sponsor! That's right: Our Spring PreviewPLTS will coincide with the open house of all GTU schools! This is another example of the way that the schools of the Graduate Theological Union work so closely together. To sign up for the weekend, send an email to PreviewPLTS@plts.edu.

ELCA Seminary Admissions Directors' Retreat

2006-01-18T16:34:00.000-08:00

In early January, the Admissions Directors of (most of) the ELCA Seminaries gathered in Sonoma, California for our bi-ennial Professional Development Retreat. The retreat was facilitated by Sarah Cozzi, a PLTS alumna and founding director of Celebrate Living (www.celebrateliving.org) and focussed on the "dance" that our Admissions vocations involve: the dance between "working for" God and "trusting in" God. The retreat also provided us a "time away" for reflection, communion, and prayer, as well as a bit of time to get to know each other better and enjoy each others' company.

LSM Gathering

2006-01-18T16:28:00.000-08:00

In late December, I was with the LSM Gathering in San Diego. What a great gathering of promising individuals, clearly committed to the life of the church. It was great to hear speakers such as Pr. Kim Erno and Sunitha Mortha talk about their ministry experiences, as well as to hear from the LSMers about theirs! The Seminaries were able to sponsor two discernment workshops for about 40 people, as well as set up tables to display materials about our schools. After the event, about 12 people came north for a few days in Berkeley on PLTS's campus. The wind and record rain we had that week didn't discourage them! For more information about LSM, visit www.lsm-usa.org.

GTU Admissions Directors' Meeting

2005-11-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

Some of you will remember that the ELCA Seminary Admissions Directors met in Gettysburg last month for our Annual Meeting. This month is the Annual Meeting of the GTU Admissions Directors and it is right here on PLTS's campus. Our main order of business is the planning of the (first ever) joint visitation weekend. That's right! All of the schools of the GTU will coordinate a visit weekend so that you who are considering more than one GTU seminary will have the opportunity to visit all of them at the same time. Worship, meals, presentations, discernment conversations, and social activities will be planned together. Contact the Admissions Office of your favorite GTU school (it better be PLTS!) for more information!

PreviewPLTS and Board Meeting

2005-11-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

The first weekend in November was a busy time on campus! We had 14 prospective students on campus as well as the 25 members of the PLTS Board of Directors. Coordinated events included a barbecue, Vespers, Compline, a cocktail party, and informal conversation time. Both groups of people, together with current students, faculty, and staff, say that it was a great introduction to other facets of the seminary community! For privacy reasons, we'll leave off pictures of our prospective students. But, to the left is a picture of Dr. Judy Larsen, the Rev Bob Quam, Dr. Herbert Anderson, and Dr. Jonathan Stranjord. And, to the right is a picture of Bishop Chris Boerger and President Katy Grindberg of the PLTS Student Association. (The Yellow Hats are now Standard Issue for the Board!)

Post-wedding aside

2005-11-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned, I won't normally include personal activities on the Admissions Center blog. But, So many people have asked for a picture from the wedding, I thought I'd include one. Check back next week for an update on the most recent PreviewPLTS weekend!

Wedding/Vacation/Etc

2005-10-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

A personal note this time. I will be away from campus until November 2, 2005. During this time, I will be packing, moving, getting married to my best friend Gwendolyn, and taking a vacation to the Hawaiian Islands. Please remember us in your prayers as we celebrate our love for and committment to each other.

Back in California

2005-10-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

I am back in the Bay Area now and it is Fleet Week in San Francisco. The Blue Angels and lots of ships, planes, and helicopters are filling the water in and the air above San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. There's a pretty good shot of a jet above the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Meetings in Gettysburg were great! It is good for the Admissions Directors to gather once a year and talk about ways we can improve our collaboration so that you, the students, are better served by the Seminary System.

This week I am in the final (2 weeks) countdown toward my wedding! So, I'll be taking some time off of work and off of the Blog! But, check back in a few weeks for updates!

Admissions Directors' Annual Meeting, Update

2005-10-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

We just finished the Annual Meeting of the ELCA Seminary Admissions Directors. The location of the meeting rotates from seminary to seminary and this year it is being held at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, in Gettysburg, PA of all things. Whose claim to fame, by the way, is that more people have died on the campus of this seminary then any other ELCA seminary (probably ANY seminary for that matter, let’s hope). For those of you who are a little concerned at the moment and have just temporary forgotten your American history, a major Civil War battle (more men died here than in any other battle fought in North America) was fought in Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) and the seminary sits on a portion of that field. Anyway, we finished the meeting and tonight we had dinner with 10 wonderful students from Susquehanna University who are considering their vocations to various things.

Admissions Directors' Annual Meeting

2005-10-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

This week, I am on the campus of our sister Seminary in Gettysburg, PA. The Admissions Directors and staff of all 8 ELCA seminaries work together during the year to effectively present the options of the Seminary system to interested persons. Once a year we gather on one campus for our business meeting. Check back later in the week for more pictures!

(no subject)

2005-09-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I returned to my alma mater, Saint Mary's College of California, to represent PLTS at the Inauguration of SMC's new president, Brother Ronald. What a wonderful day as representatives of colleges, universities, and seminaries (including the schools of the Graduate Theological Union) processed and offered prayers of support for Brother Ron and Saint Mary's College. You'll remember that PLTS just celebrated such an event in the Chapel of the Cross as the Rev. Dr. Phyllis B. Anderson was inaugurated president of PLTS.

UC Santa Cruz

2005-09-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

At U of C Santa Cruz we met up with Lutheran Campus Minister Pat Puder who took us on an extensive tour of the sprawling, heavily wooded, BEAUTIFUL campus. It's quite similar to PLTS, in fact! After touring that campus and having a lovely supper on the wharf overlooking Monterey Bay, Pat, Liza, and I shared extensively about our ministries and what each can offer the other. This was our view during dinner.

Mt. Cross Lutheran Camp

2005-09-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

We made a quick stop at Mt. Cross. (See picture: I think Liza and I both qualified for the width and weight limit for the camp). There we met up with interim director and former ELCA Director for Camps Jerry Olstad. Jerry gave us a history of the camp, an update on its current situation, and a tour. One of the unique camping experiences they offer is “tree house camping.” WAY COOL! After saying goodbye to Jerry, we were off to University of California, Santa Cruz.

Stanford University Visit

2005-09-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Liza and I had good visits while she was in the Bay Area. We started off at Stanford University. Our intentions were to meet with Pastor Richard Foster, Lutheran Campus Pastor for the University, but he had family obligations that day. (Relatives who were evacuees from hurricane Katerina were staying with him and he was tending to their needs). So Julie Steinbrenner (not related to George) was kind enough to host us for the day. Julie and her boyfriend Greg are both Ph.D. students at Stanford in the Mechanical Engineering program (very smart people). Julie is a graduate of Valparaiso University. She's from Illinois and Greg is from the Denver area. Julie and Greg are both active in the Episcopal Lutheran Campus Ministry (ELCM).

Western Mission Cluster

2005-09-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Rev. Liza Simpson was on our campus this week. Liza is the Associate Director of Admissions at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, PLTS's partner in the Western Mission Cluster. Liza was here to visit PLTS for the first time, to get to know the Bay Area, and to see the Graduate Theological Union (www.gtu.edu) in action during the Opening Convocation. We also made visits to the Campus Ministry sites of UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and UC Santa Cruz as well as to Mt. Cross Bible Camp and the Lutheran Volunteer Corps Berkeley Community. These five students (Dan, Sarah, Chelsee, Emily, and Megan), all recent college graduates, will spend the next year working in non-profit organizations as volunteers. These organizations include the YWCA, legal aide, elderly low-income housing, and juvenile chemical dependency. It was a delight getting to know them and hearing about their placements with LVC, their backgrounds, and their future ambitions--which may or may not include seminary. I was impressed by these young people's willingness to take a year out of their lives to make a difference in the life of someone else; they are a testament to us all of what it means to be a servant of Christ.

All of us in admissions (from all eight ELCA seminaries) tell perspective students we meet with that the best way to decide which seminary will fit you best is to visit. Luther and PLTS share the same goal: to raise up theologically trained leaders for the church. Yet we do so in different ways. As “sister seminaries” we are a good pairing. Because of those differences we can greater meet the needs of those wishing to study in the West.

First Blog Post

2005-09-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Admissions Center blog for Pastor Greg Schaefer! During travels on the road and hosted events on campus, Pastor Greg will post images and anecdotes about people, places, events, and the goings-on of life in the Admissions Center. Check back often!