S u mm e r 2 0 0 9

Volume 27 No. 1

A Magazine for Friends of L u t h e r a n T h e o l o g i c al S o u t h e r n S e m i n a ry

Mission Focused:
Teach, Form, and Nurture

In This Issue:

Rolling Around
on Holy Ground
Formed with
a Purpose

Faces Of Faith:
My Ministry of
Presence in Afghanistan

A Complete Vision: Fulfilling

Needs Now...and Later

Next Dean Committed to

Fulfilling the Mission

and more...
In This Issue

The Seminary Scene 3

Women and Men Prepare for Public Ministry Alleluia!, 3
The Journey with Mary Sue, 4
Seminary News & Announcements, 5
Rolling Around on Holy Land, 6
Formed with a Purpose: To Do God’s Work in this World, 8

10 Faces of Faith
David Nuottila: Am I Ready for This?
My First Year as Pastor, 10
Faces of Faith in the Community: Operation Inasmuch, 11
Carl Yost: My Ministry of Presence in Afghanistan, 12

Visionary Giving 14
Seminary News & Announcements, 14
Faithfully and Creatively, Donors Lead the Way, 15
A Complete Vision: Fulfilling Needs Now...and Later, 16
Overcoming Darkness: Spreading the Light of Hope, 17

18 Southern People
Meet the New Faculty Members, 18
2008-2009 Reinartz Scholars, 19
Faculty, Staff, & Alumni Updates, 20
Coming Events, 23

Photos Above (from top): Lamont Johnson (S.T.M.) and Anthony Dicks (Senior, M.A.R.) gather outside of Christ Chapel at
orientation; Sister Marilyn Stauffer (M.A.R. ‘05) is consecrated as a Deaconness by former Bishop of the SC Synod, David
Donges at Christ Chapel April 10, 2008; The Rev. Dermont Swicegood (‘35) shakes the Rev. Dr. Julius Carroll’s hand fol-
lowing the naming ceremony at the Hillcrest Apartment Complex; Keith Getz (Senior, M.Div), wife Laura, and children Car-
oline and Owen play on the swings in the Gabriel Parish Kinsey Playground at the Hillcrest Apartment Complex.
On the Cover: Michael Beery (Middler M.Div.) prays during the Rite of Naming and Dedicating on September 12, 2008
 The Seminary Scene
Women and Men Prepare for Public Ministry, Alleluia!
One of the great joys of the Easter season is the repeated singing of
the Alleluia! that was buried for the forty days of Lent. The hymns make
it the clearest as we sing that wonderful word of victory and eternity
over and over again during the fifty days of Easter.
As followers of Christ, the resurrection is our mission statement.
Christ is raised, we are raised in our baptisms, we have the
promise of eternity, death has lost its power over us, God is
We stay focused
among us, we are sent into a troubled world with this good
news, and we taste and see Jesus’ presence every time we on our mission...
gather around Word and Meal.
This is the pattern for our life at Seminary. We stay focused on our
mission statement and come back to it over and over again. Our part in
the whole fabric of the church’s resurrection ministry is this: to prepare
women and men for public ministry.
During this Easter season we have seen vividly the result of this work
as 38 people receive diplomas, move elsewhere and take up a new call in
a parish or institution as a public minister of the Gospel. Alleluia!!
When I meet graduates of the seminary and they show me around
the church building and we ride around the parish where they serve and
I hear stories of ministry, I realize that this is the fulfillment of our mis-
sion. Alleluia!
When we are faced with financial challenges and a downturn in the
economy, we keep our eyes focused on why we are here and seek not to
let the market be our mission but keep our eyes focused on the prepara-
tion of women and men for ministry. Alleluia!
When we tell the story of the Seminary in Columbia and beyond we
stay focused on this mission of preparation. This mission is the form of
our witness to this community of Eau Claire and Columbia. Alleluia!
When we ask for your support, when we write thank you notes to
donors, when we take on new projects, when we meet with alums, when
we develop and expand curriculum, when students tutor at the local ele-
mentary school, serve meals at the homeless shelter, welcome the strang-
er, and go to field work and internship sites, when we consider applica-
tions for admission, when the faculty meets to approve candidates for
ministry, when faculty deploy to lead continuing education events, when
we gather for worship and prayer, women and men are being prepared
for public ministry. Alleluia!
Thank you for being a part of this ministry, for your support and
encouragement, and for all you do to support these women and men in
their time of preparation.
In Christ,

Marcus Miller, President

The Seminary Scene
The Journey with Mary Sue
Bob Hawkins is the Leonora G. Mary Sue was my companion during the last days of Lent, thanks
McClurg Distinguished Professor of to her obituary. The South Carolina resident’s body was discovered
Worship and Music and the Dean of
Christ Chapel at the seminary.
in her home some seventeen months after her death. Tax bills went
unpaid; electricity was cut off. Neighbors seemed unconcerned be-
cause “...she kept to herself.” No person missed her or was con-
cerned about her until after her property was sold at a delinquent tax
auction. Mary Sue was the forgotten, unexpected part of the sale.
Mary Sue continues to remind me of what I’ve been called to do: to
assist in the formation of women and men who not only become pro-
claimers and servants of Christ and stewards of God’s
mysteries [I Cor 4:1-2], but people who have learned
to remember, to hold precious those whom God holds
dear. In turn, seminarians are sent out to assist in form-
ing others to embody and proclaim God’s love and con-
cern for creation, even the parts all too easily forgotten.
Mary Sue reminds them and me that the life of faith is
not simply knowledge about the Bible and the Church,
but a way of living which becomes our very fabric of be-
ing, our actions, and our memory.
Forgetting Mary Sue remains an indictment on us
who have heard God’s gracious call and have failed to
remember its consequences. In a culture which pre-
sumes the life of faith to be an individual, private mat-
(Left to Right) Dr. Hawkins, Wade Roof (Senior MDiv), ter, among Christians content to “keep to themselves,”
Rev. Wayne Kannaday (‘79) and Andrew Bansemer (Se- authentic formation for ministry demands an exceed-
nior MDiv), rehearse in Christ Chapel prior to the Bap-
tism of Roof’s daughter, Anna Grace. ingly complex and thorough engagement not only with
ones own religious tradition, but with Christians across
the ecumenical spectrum, and with life as it is encountered any day on
any street corner.
Liturgical formation, particularly for those who are called as the
Church’s servant-leaders, is a daily undertaking. This ecu-
No person menically diverse seminary community not only studies to-
missed her or gether, but finds that it must pray together in order to work
together as Christians. We see in scripture that those who
was concerned
worked together prayed together, too. Simply going our sepa-
about her... rate ways after class each day and on Sunday results in a min-
isterially debilitating isolation.
As awkward as it is to gather this racially, confessionally, theological-
ly, and liturgically diverse seminary community together frequently for
prayer, it affords us the opportunity as well as the challenge to be formed
by the equally diverse prayers, songs, sermons, and pieties of those who
gather. Such formation can also, over time, form a people who no lon-
ger will forget Mary Sue. May she now at long last rest in peace.
4
 News & Announcements
Budget Crunch
Hits Seminary
The impact of the global eco-
nomic recession was felt in full-
force on the seminary campus.
The fall of the securities mar-
ket meant that most of the 34%
of the budgeted income usually
seen from endowment earnings
would not be available this year.
In January, four non-instruc-
tional staff positions were elim-
inated. In April, another staff
position was eliminated due to
attrition.
Over 80% of the remain-
ing faculty and staff voluntarily
agreed to a 10% pay reduction
and reduction in employer pen-
sion contributions to help the
seminary cut expenses.
Spending has been cut dra-
matically and every expenditure
is evaluated towards its impact
on the seminary’s mission before
it is authorized.
The accelerated debt reduc-
tion on the Hillcrest Apartments
continues, as additional payment
on debt would create more flex-
ibility for operational support.
These measures, combined
with the faithful gifts of support-
ers are helping the seminary nav-
igate this economic downturn.
For more news see page 14 or visit www.ltss.edu
Institute for Church
Leadership
The Department of Lifelong
Learning at Southern Seminary
will offer the inaugural Insti-
tute for Church Leadership this
fall in two locations: Columbia,
South Carolina, and Waynes-
boro, Virginia.
The Institute for Church
Leadership is designed for busy
lay persons and their rostered
leaders to deepen their engage-
ment in the Christian Faith and
God’s engagement in the world.
Courses in Bible, theology,
and leadership will be offered
on two Saturday sessions led by
seminary faculty, and four small
group sessions led by other ros-
tered leaders.
To earn a Certificate in Mis-
sional Leadership, participants
must complete 2 courses per year
for a 3 year period.
Individuals may register in-
dependently or register as a con-
gregational group with others
(group rates available).
The first classes will be of-
fered in October/November 2009
with more details, dates, and lo-
cations to be released soon.
For more information and for
registration details please visit
www.ltss.edu/churchleadership
Military Chaplaincy
Workshop a Success
Eighteen students, current
pastors, prospective students,
pastors, and spouses attend-
ed the Southern Seminary’s first
Military Chaplaincy Discern-
ment Workshop on April 17-18.
Over the two-day workshop,
participants toured Fort Jack-
son (including the Army Chap-
lain Training Center and the fu-
ture locations of the Navy and
Air Force Chaplain Training
Centers), met with current and
retired military chaplains, at-
tended lectures by seminary fac-
ulty, and learned about the steps
required to become a military
chaplain candidate.
The event is a precursor to
a planned January 2010 course
that is an intensive course ex-
ploring military chaplaincy.
The workshop and J-term
course are part of the the Mili-
tary Chaplaincy Program that is
being developed by grant fund-
ing from the Thrivent Financial
for Lutherans Foundation. The
grant was awarded in 2008 to
assist the seminary as it explores
ways to assist military chaplains
in professional development and
encourage discernment among
seminary students.
5
The Seminary Scene
Rolling Around on Holy Ground
This article is written by Sarah
Flatt, Middler MDiv seminarian
from the Southeast Michgan
Synod.
How often are we able to look back at our life, and point to spe-
cific places in which we feel as though we have been standing on “holy
ground”? For some, it is an empowering moment to realize that the
place you are, whether geographically or metaphorically, truly is in the
presence of God. For others, it is intimidating to admit that there is a
God who has and continues to break into our world, lessening our con-
trol on circumstances. And still, it is overwhelming, regardless, when
you find yourself in the presence of the Lord. While I could tell many
stories in which I felt all of the emotions above, one in particular comes
to mind during my time here at Southern.
A bit of background, though, first. I have served and am still called
to serve as an advocate for those who have disabilities within the church.
I was the chairperson for a Definitely-Abled Advisory Committee to the
national Board of the Lutheran Youth Organization while in high school,
seeking ways to integrate young persons with different abilities into all
areas and aspects of the Christian community. This was holy ground.
I participated in a speakers’ bureau, “Beyond the Ramp,” which was
an interactive workshop-based training for Lutheran churches and com-
munities to educate themselves on how they can seek out the gifts and
abilities of persons with disabilities among them. Each work-
shop or speaking opportunity was holy ground.
I currently am a young adult member of the planning team
for the Definitely-Abled Youth Leadership Event, being held
in New Orleans before the National Gathering this summer;
youth with definite-abilities will come together, being iden-
tified or called as leaders or potential leaders within their
churches. The planning, and upcoming event, have been,
are, and will be, holy ground.
In each of these experiences, I have been humbled to
be called and recognized as an advocate, with no special
knowledge or insight into this ministry other than personal
experience: I am a young adult who lives and experiences life
from a wheelchair.
So, when I realized Southern Seminary is where I was being called,
I was a bit confused: the beautiful, old buildings that make up the
majority of our classroom and office spaces, situated on the top of a
hill in South Carolina don’t exactly lend themselves to physical ac-
cessibility. And yet, there were enough ramps in place, new housing
to live in, and most importantly, a hopeful and determined attitude of the
faculty, staff and community to make this place as inclusive, and there-
fore as accessible, as possible. This was holy ground.
This past summer and fall, a new piece of holy ground was in-
 The Seminary Scene
stalled between the ground and first floor of Beam hall, a building that
used to hold the entire Seminary within its 3 stories. Beam now houses
the Development and Contextual Education departments, the commu-
nity pastor’s office, and dorm rooms for many students. An indoor lift
now accesses the first two stories! While on a metal platform, pushing a
button that elevated me from the first floor to the second floor, I realized,
more concretely than I had in a long time: I
was sitting on holy ground.
This lift is the first of many more hoped-
for projects to come that will give greater,
easier access to all of campus for all peo-
ple. I am not the first, the only, nor the last,
student with a physical disability to attend
Southern. The sense of community tran-
scends the sometimes frustrating access,
but the community continues to realize its
work is not done, yet. This attitude of in-
clusion, advocacy and progressive move-
ment extends beyond the immediate com- Amy Witt, Ricky Inman, and Sarah Flatt visit outside of the
munity of LTSS this year. It reaches out to Voigt Classroom Building. Already accessible on the first floor,
the alumni classes and those who are yet new preliminary plans will also make the upper level accessible.
to come. It is entangled within the prayers and support of pastors, lay
leaders, friends and others connected to this place. The community is
the body of Christ, here in this place, among us. We are certainly walk-
ing, rolling, and standing on holy ground.

Faith Formation: It takes a Community

As is tradition, every Thursday night, the seminary community gathers for the Eucharist. For the
Spring semester, this service was moved to an hour earlier to accommodate more families who wanted to
attend. The community took advantage of the extra hour of daylight and warm spring evenings to break
bread together and to visit in fellowship with classmates, professors, and their families.
The MAR degree students prepared a meal and shared with the community their emphasis area of
study and special plans for their future ministries. As each individual went around a circle and talked
about their calling for ministry, the community learned more about the various and important roles these
students will soon be fulfilling in church and organizations across the country.
On another night. the spouses group and Development of-
fice offered a dessert reception to honor student scholarship and
award recipients and the donors who made the awardings pos-
sible (for more information, see page 14).
Time spent in community, whether in the classroom, in wor-
ship, on the sidewalk, or over a shared meal, continues to be a
crucial element in faith formation for the seminary.
Students, faculty, and their families gather at the MAR
provided meal following a Thursday night Eucharist.
7
 Judith A. Aebischer Jason T. Antley G. Daniel Bacon Andrew C. Bansemer John A. Barichivich H. Lawrence Boudon

Joseph M. Boutte Kristy R. Buyok Jared A. Carson Lawrence M. Dabeck Erik W. Dailey Anthony A. Dicks, Jr.

Craig A. Falvo Keith W. Getz

Now you are the body of Christ

Margaret L. Gross
and individually members of it. Philip H. Harkey

1 Corinthians 12:27

Emily M. Hartmann
Class of 2009 Candise M. Heinlein

Lamont Johnson Barbara A. Koch Elizabeth A. Lowder W. Ryan Lyles Jan M. S. Olson Pauline F. Pezzino

Michael L. Rhyne Wade T. Roof, III Rebecca D. V. Smith Harry E. Tedrow Michelle M. Terry Stephen Troisi

Jacqueline Utley Allison R. Ward Cynthia A. Werner Sheryl V. Williams Mary Kay Wood

8 Not Pictured: C. Rachelle Blake, Bridget W. Kokolis, James F. Mauney, Nathan H. Yoder
 The Seminary Scene
Formed with a Purpose: To do God’s Work in this World
It is difficult to describe just what has happened to the Class of 2009 This article is by Michael Rhyne, the
in the 4 years (for M Div. students) and 2 years (for MAR students) as Class of 2009 President. Michael,
a native of North Carolina, came to
we have journeyed here at LTSS. the seminary as a candidate from the
In the course of study, discernment, and spiritual formation at South- Southeastern Synod. He has recently
ern we have come to the place where we are not quite the same as when accepted a call to the Geeseytown/
we arrived. We have been stretched, challenged, given the opportunity Newry Lutheran Parish in Blair
County, Pennsylvannia.
to grow, and have been changed by our experience and training in the
Seminary.
We came here as people who felt this tug of God’s call to ministry and
we leave here as leaders in Christ’s church who will soon be consecrated
and ordained for our various ministries among God’s people.
This was part of the reason that many of us came
to LTSS. Southern Seminary has a reputation for form-
We came here as
ing very good pastors and leaders who are able to care
for God’s people and who are able, in all things to point people who felt this
to Christ. I believe that has been what we have found tug of God’s call to
here. ministry and we leave
In this unique place we have worked with faculty and here as leaders in
administrators who understand that all that we do is Christ’s church
for the purpose of serving God and by working to serve
God’s people.
This does not mean that Southern is some type of nice sweet “Pas-
tor Mill” which holds us for a few years and then unleashes us on the
church. LTSS is a seminary with a rigorous academic load and which is
seriously committed to ensuring that its graduates are ready to meet the
challenges of the parish (as much as any seminary can prepare us for the
demands of the parish). But all of this academic work is focused through
the lens of how the work we do in seminary is for the purpose of our
ministry.
So we leave here prepared. Which is a good thing.
Most of us are going out to first calls where we will be the resident
theologian, pastoral care provider, church historian, worship expert,
counselor, and administrator. We can go into these new positions with a
firm foundation which was formed here at Southern.
Now, as the rubber meets the road, our true education will begin. We
take what has been formed in fieldwork, classrooms, and on internship
and to our true teachers and professors – the people of God.
We do not know where the Holy Spirit will lead and the experiences
into which it will take us. But we thank God for the gift of our training
here that has prepared us to be part of God’s work in this world.

9
Faces of Faith
Am I Ready for This? My First Year as Pastor
This article is by David Nuottila What a difference a year makes. This statement is perhaps an over
graduated from Southern Seminary used cliché, but as I look back on the year since my seminary graduation
in 2008. He now serves St. Barnabas
it is definitely most appropriate. As graduation neared, I had already be-
Lutheran Church in Charleston,
South Carolina. gun the call process and looked to the future with great anticipation.
Yet, along with anticipation also came a number of questions. “Who
am I that I should be someone’s pastor?” “Have I really sensed God’s
call to ministry or is there something else I should be doing?” And the
one question that most often popped into my mind, “Am I really pre-
pared to handle the difficult tasks required of a congregation’s pastor?”
Of course, none of these questions would be answered until I actually
received my first call and I could put the lessons I learned to good use.
Last summer, I received and accepted a call to St.
...although I was Barnabas Lutheran Church in Charleston, SC. I remem-
newly ordained, ber during the first week amidst unpacking my boxes of
people knew me best books and seminary notes wondering how often I would
as Pastor David. use any of them.
When I came upon my Pastoral Care notebooks from
Dr. Tony Everett’s classes, I suddenly recalled seeing these same books
placed in prominent places on the shelves of other pastors I have come
to know. I decided that I would follow suit. Surely those notebooks
were in such retrievable positions for a reason.
As I finished unpacking and settled into my office, several mem-
bers of my new church family stopped by to say hello and welcome.
With each person I met I realized new relationships were forming and
although I was newly ordained, folks knew me best as Pastor David.
Learning my way around also meant learning more about this new
community I serve, and learning how to be a campus minister for the
Lutheran students at The Citadel, South Carolina’s military academy.
Again the questions, “Who am I?” and “Am I ready for this?” popped
into my head.
After a few more weeks I came to realize that I actually serve
three distinct congregations. There is the congregation that
called me to be pastor, the congregation I serve at The Cita-
del, and the unemployed or homeless people who gather on
the sidewalk each morning. I couldn’t say definitively that
seminary prepared me for such a variety in my ministry.
Then I remembered those two Pastoral Care notebooks
on my shelf. Could they possibly shed any light?
It didn’t take long for me to realize why so many
of my peers keep these two books at hand. Flipping
through the pages and the notes that I had made in
the margins, one common thread soon became clear.
Dr. Everett referred to this thread as W and the five
 Faces of Faith
W’s. In each of the roles I occupy, the questions of identity are really the
same questions we covered in our first year of seminary.
Who and whose are we? What kind
of community are we? What difference
does it make? What’s going on here?
Where is God in all this?
Throughout years of seminary in-
struction these questions formed the
framework for our discussions centered
on pastoral identity. Each of these ques-
tions also helps form the framework of
my ministry. As we proclaim Christ cru-
cified and risen, we remember that we
are united with Christ through our bap-
tism and called by God to extend the love
of God in Christ throughout the world. Pastor David Nuottila shares the Bread of Life during
The pastor and people in the sanctuary Holy Communion at St. Barnabas, Charleston.
on Sunday have the same need to hear the gospel as do the folks who
gather on the steps of the church on Monday morning. The students
in my campus ministry group have the same need to feel the power of
God’s grace as do the homeless and hungry in our community.
A year removed from the classrooms at LTSS, I continue to consult
the notes and books I accumulated during my seminary education. De-
pending on the situation, there are several memorable quotes from my
former professors that quickly come to mind. Yet, the lesson of W and
the five W’s is one that seems to permeate all that I do as pastor.
In reality, the statement “What a difference and year makes” would
best be summed up another way. Given the wide variety of ministry op-
portunities and experience of only one year as pastor, I can honestly say,
“What a difference my seminary education at LTSS has made.”

Faces of Faith in the Community: Operation Inasmuch

Bishop Herman Yoos (‘79) encouraged the entire South Carolina Synod to participate in “Operation
Inasmuch” on May 2, 2009. This statewide day of service sent Lutherans into the communities in which
they serve to fix leaking roofs, clean local parks and playgrounds, apply
fresh coats of paint, organize hymn-sings at senior facilities, and more.
The students, faculty, and staff of the seminary answered the call to
help. Across the midlands of South Carolina, seminarians took a break
from final exam preparation and papers to give back in their home con-
gregations and in the communities of field work and internship sites.
Over 2,000 Lutherans participated in Operation Inasmuch in its first
year in the South Carolina Synod. To learn more about this national
program, visit www.operationinasmuch.com.
Amy Witt, a first year MAR student from Michigan,
helped fix-up a home in Chapin, South Carolina.
11
Faces of Faith
My Ministry of Presence in Afghanistan
Carl Yost (‘83), Pastor at Community in Christ Lutheran Church, in Cornelius, North Carolina, and a chaplain in the Air
Force Reserves. Last year at the Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Chaplain Yost served side by side with Army and Navy
Chaplains to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, NATO, and contractors in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The calling of military “He Took My Place” the horrific event which lead to
chaplain is referred to as a One day in the ER, a their injuries. I continued to be
ministry of presence. I often tell Marine Captain was brought present with him as his Captain
others it can better be identified in, the victim of an IED blast. was wheeled into surgery.
as an “incarnational presence.” A fellow Marine had escorted A few days later while at
Here is just a glimpse of what the Captain. Together we breakfast, the young Marine
I experienced serving as the whispered prayers to the Lieutenant having recovered
Wing Chaplain of the 455 Air critically injured Marine while came up to me and said thanks.
Expeditionary Wing at Bagram his life slipped away. After a I asked, “Why?” He told me,
Airfield: few moments of silence, the “You, chaplain, are the only
escort looked at me and said, one I remember from the ER the
Just Where We Can Expect to “He took my place.” I inquired day they brought us in.”
Find Jesus in Our Midst what he meant and he informed
The summer before I me that he was to be on patrol The Counseling is 24/7
deployed, I recall training with that morning but his friend and Counseling in today’s
security forces in preparation fellow Captain stepped in and deployed environment offers
for going into Iraq and took his place. In the midst of unique challenges. One
Afghanistan. At the conclusion his grief, guilt, and relief, we moment you are dealing with a
of the training, I proclaimed retreated to the chaplain’s office possible enemy threat and the
at the Sunday worship how to talk. next, you are helping someone
most people would believe discern an issue from home.
that the places where we were The Only One I Remember With today’s global technology,
headed would be like “hell on Another day in the ER, immediate communication
earth.” I then reminded them two trauma cases came in by from home brings issues and
is just where we can expect to medivac chopper. A young concerns across thousands
find Jesus in our midst. This Marine Lieutenant was suffering of miles in an instant. From
missionary ministry to the from a blast concussion. I failed relationships to failed
military is truly an incarnational moved up to his gurney and car batteries, the counseling is
ministry of presence. as he lay there gathering his 24/7. From advising seasoned
senses, he described in detail commanders and sergeants to
Photos: Yost in Afghanistan

12

young troops, the counseling is
diverse and constant.
The Thirst for Word
My “incarnational”
ministry included duties of
worship leadership, Bible
studies, counseling, visitation,
ceremonies, and “ministry
of presence.” The worship
consisted of numerous
services offered as Liturgical,
Contemporary, Gospel,
Protestant, Roman Catholic,
Orthodox, Muslim, and Jewish.
I personally led or assisted in
three each Sunday: liturgical,
contemporary, and protestant.
I specifically let the chaplain
staffs know that as a Lutheran,
I could handle a variety of
traditions and expressions.
The Bible studies were
numerous. The 24/7 operation
tempo provided opportunities
for morning, noon, or night
for small group studies. The
“desert” environment made for
an excellent thirst for Word and
diverse fellowship.
On Christmas Eve, we
celebrated with two liturgical
candlelight services and one
celebration with the Gospel
and contemporary faith
communities combined. There
in the land of the wisemen we
sang, “O Holy Night” with
thousands of voices in the cool,
night air.
The Moments of Solemnity
Being a member of a “ramp
ceremony” is a sacred honor for
a chaplain. The ceremony is for
a fallen service member where
the whole airfield community
lines the streets as the caisson
was brought to the plane to
be carried home. I will always
remember standing shoulder
to shoulder with fellow service
members over a dozen times
in the midnight air, offering
prayers and Scripture as the
bagpipes played Amazing
Grace. The solemnity is
indescribable.
Joyful Duties
One of our joyful duties was
assisting with humanitarian
relief to the Afghan people. It
was fantastic to deliver and
share donated clothes, shoes,
coats, blankets, etc. to people
so needful, yet thankful. I
particularly enjoyed this
ministry because many of the
items came from my home
Faces of Faith
congregation and congregations
I previously served.
The home support was all
grace, not only in gifts for the
Afghan people but in the many
morale items of coffee, candies,
cookies, and comfort items
donated for the troops. I was
a popular guy in being able to
deliver these small comforts.
Every week I delivered 20+ lbs.
of coffee to the “lighthouse
coffee” ministry, a 24-hour free
coffee house built by an army
chaplain and his unit.
Reflection
My first grandchild was
born 3 days after I redeployed.
I thought how a couple of
months earlier an Afghan baby
was born in the airfield hospital.
It will be my prayer that both
these babies grow up in a secure
and peaceful world.
Two of the last three
Labor Days I have left for
deployments. I thank my
family and my church family
for their support in this calling.
Hopefully Labor Day 2009
will be one of rest and retreat,
but readiness is a constant in
this calling to the ministry of
presence.
13
 News & Announcements
Scholarship Donors
Honored at Service
On April 30, 2009, the sem-
inary community and honored
guests joined in worship to hon-
or the recipients of donor-provid-
ed scholarships and those who
made those scholarships possible
for the 2008-2009 school year.
During the 2008-2009 School
year, 98 students received schol-
arship gifts totaling more than
$470,000. 30 students recieved
between $5,000 and $9,999 and
an additional 12 recieved more
than $10,000 in scholarship
awards.
President Marcus Miller wel-
comed the donors present at the
service and introduced them to
the congregation. Also during
the event, students were recog-
nized for individual awards and
for departmental honors.
Following the Holy Eucharist
in Christ Chapel, donors and the
seminary community joined in
fellowship on the seminary quad
for desserts and punch, hosted
by the Development Office and
the Seminary Spouses Group.
There, the donors were able to
meet and get to know their stu-
dent recipients for the scholar-
ships they funded.
14
Taylor Receives
Bachman Award
William E. “Ol’ Bill” Taylor
of Tallahassee, Florida, received
the Bachman Award for Distin-
guished Leadership on March
19 at the weekly Eucharist ser-
vice in Christ Chapel.
Taylor was presented with
the award by President Marcus
Miller and the Rev. Dr. William
Trexler, Chair of the Board of
Trustees.
In attendance were special
guests the Rev. Dr. Edward Be-
noway, Bishop of the Florida-
Bahamas Synod, the Rev. Roy-
all A. Yount, former Bishop of
the Florida-Bahamas Synod, and
Taylor’s son, William H. Taylor.
Taylor is a longtime advocate
and volunteer for the seminary.
He actively shares his passion
and energy for theological edu-
cation well into his ninth decade
on Earth. In addition to being a
loyal donor to the seminary him-
self, he encourages others to sup-
port the seminary.
The Bachman Award is
named for the Rev. Dr. John
Bachman, founding benefac-
tor of the seminary. The award
recognizes those exhibiting the
same vision as those shared by
the seminary’s founders.
For more news see page 5 or visit www.ltss.edu
Charles A. Cannon
Legacy Continues
The Charles A. Cannon
Charitable Trusts of Concord,
North Carolina, announced a
grant award of $100,000 to sup-
port the operations of the semi-
nary in March 2009.  The grant
will be applied to the seminary’s
New Life Fund.
“The current economic chal-
lenge is a test for all of us and
our institutions,” says Presi-
dent Marcus Miller.  “It would
be easy to become discouraged
but we continue to see generous
and faithful friends like the Can-
non Trusts support this ministry
and work with their gifts.  We
all thank the Trust and its lead-
ership for this wonderful dona-
tion.”
The Charles A. Cannon
Charitable Trusts and the Can-
non Foundation are the legacy
of the late Charles A. Cannon,
President and Chairman of Can-
non Mills Company for more
than 50 years.
Since 1987, the Cannon lega-
cy has funded $970,000 in grants
and awards to Southern Semi-
nary.  The seminary is a benefi-
ciary of the trust, and is eligible
to apply for but is not guaran-
teed, grant funding each year. 
 Visionary Giving
Faithfully and Creatively, Donors Lead the Way
Faithfully (and often creatively) the visionary supporters of South-
ern Seminary have found ways to lift up the seminary during a period of
global economic uncertainty.
• The Evangelism Committee at Transfiguration Lutheran Church in
Cayce, South Carolina, created an Easter Tree in the narthex of the sanc-
tuary and challenged each member, young and old, to take an empty egg
home during Lent and prayerfully consider bringing
it back with an Easter offering for the seminary. On
Easter morning, the children, parents, and grand-
parents of Transfiguration stacked their eggs in an
Easter basket, filled with $1,750 in offerings.
• St. Paul Lutheran, Columbia, felt called to
help. Pastor Tony Metze (‘85) and the congregation
worked together on how they could faithfully an-
swer the call to help. They later awarded the semi-
nary a $50,000 grant for operational support.
• Jonathan Weant, a native of Gastonia, North
Carolina, and student at the seminary, spent his Jan-
uary volunteering in the seminary offices. He then
wrote congregations, family, and friends to ask them
to pledge a wage for each hour he worked, of which
100% would go to the seminary. Jonathan’s creativ-
ity and time resulted in almost $2,000 in gifts.
• Two authors also creatively supported the Stephanie Sturkie, member of Transfiguration
seminary. Cristy Fossum, author of the Sunday by Lutheran in Cayce, SC takes an egg for the
Sunday book series, and Nola Garrett, a poet from congregation’s “Easter tree” offering.
Florida and member of the seminary Board of Trustees, donated a por-
tion of proceeds from their new works to the seminary.
• The Florida-Bahamas Synod saw the need to support theological
education. They held a synod wide “Seminary Sunday” on March 22,
decided to donate Synod Assembly offerings to the seminary, and pledged
full support to the seminary.
• An anonymous graduate of the seminary faithfully walked into the
development office one afternoon. After already giving $10,000 to help
the seminary, this proud graduate felt called to do more and wrote an-
other check. This time for $75,000.
These are just a few examples of faithful and creative ways ordi-
nary people have done extraordinary deeds. Since 1830, the seminary
has persevered through hard times and prospered in good times because
ordinary people, like the ones above, have had the faith and the will to
make it so. Today is no different. Every day the seminary is blessed with Contributing Author,
Andrew Boozer, seminary Director
donors who have the vision to give of their time and possessions of all of Communications.
sizes. Thanks be to God for each and every gift.
15
 Visionary Giving
A Complete Vision: Fulfilling Needs Now...and Later
Scott Ness has been associate The Rev. Scott Ness, Class of 2005, and his wife Deanna have recent-
pastor at St. John’s in Grove City,
ly made a generous contribution to the seminary’s New Life Fund and
Ohio since August of 2008. He
and his wife, Deanna, have a son the establishment of a scholarship fund.
Ethan, a daughter Elanna, and “Our time at seminary was very meaningful,” Pastor Ness explains.
are expecting another child this “Not only did it form and equip me for ministry, but it was a special
summer.
time in our lives. The lessons learned and friendships formed have deep
value and meaning to both of us. Recently, we found ourselves at a point
where we could contribute financially to ensure that these lessons and
friendships will benefit future generations of seminary students.”
When the couple first spoke with Vice President for Development
Ron Walrath their intention was solely towards establishing a scholar-
ship. They were aware of tight budget is-
sues, but they wanted their gift to help more
students over a longer period of time.
However, Scott says, “When Ron high-
lighted ongoing expenses the seminary has
on a daily basis, Deanna and I were moved
to support current operations as well. We
saw and heard the need and wanted to do
what we could to help.”
With deep appreciation for the Ness fam-
ily’s open, giving spirit, Walrath emphasizes
the importance of financial support for to-
day and tomorrow and tells how that con-
cept is interpreted to donors.
“We present a both-and opportunity
rather than an either-or. Scholarship endow-
ments such as the one Scott and Deanna
The Rev. Scott and Deanna Ness presenting their gift have established ensure the future mission
to President Marcus Miller. of the seminary, while their contribution to
the New Life Fund enables that mission to happen immediately.”
Pastor Ness reflects on their decision-making process. “I could quote
scripture and give you one of my better stewardship sermons on the
reason for our gift, but I think the motivation goes much
We saw and heard deeper than proof texting stewardship verses. More than
any reason, our gift was our devotion of walking in faith
the need and
with our Savior. (Maybe that is a stewardship sermon.) The
wanted to help Lord put the desire in our hearts, and we could not deny
his leading. It is nice to know that our gift helped current
and future students, it is nice to be recognized, it is even nice to have an
article written about us—but the true blessing that we receive is in our
joy-filled hearts of walking with Jesus where He leads us.”

16
 Visionary Giving
Overcoming Darkness: Spreading the Light of Hope!
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5) So we hear and so
we believe about Jesus, the Christ. Christ’s light shines brightly at the seminary, through students and fac-
ulty and through you, the people who make it possible for your seminary to teach, form and nurture the
next generation of public ministers and Christian leaders.
The darkness that has gripped the American and world economies has worked
to create fear and doubt in almost all people, Christian or not. Jobs and homes
have been lost. Careers and plans have been derailed. Retirement and investment
accounts and endowed funds like the seminary’s have suffered significant losses,
creating cash flow deficits for people and institutions of the church alike. By al-
most all measures, these are dark days.
An amazing thing has happened in the past year, however. People like you and
congregations like yours have responded to the seminary’s financial crisis with
incredible generosity and resolve. Hundreds of ordinary folk have become new
helpers in the seminary’s ministry. Hundreds more have increased their help. Ad-
ditional hundreds have maintained their help in the face of uncertainty.
Your seminary is humbled by your generosity. The light of Christ shining
brightly through you is scattering the darkness of economic and financial uncer-
tainty. Yes, we have a long way to go before we fully recover, but where gloom
and despair reigned just a few months ago there is now hope.
Thank you for being bearers of hope and living reminders that we can do all
things in Christ who strengthens us. Together, with Christ to help and guide the
way, we are emerging from this dark night into a bright new day.

Ron Walrath, Vice President for Development

He also mentions the influence of the late Virgil Summer, who had
served as chair of the seminary board, and his wife Vera. “During my
field education at Our Saviour, West Columbia, I had the opportunity to
meet many faithful people, including the Summers. When Virgil died, I
was deeply blessed by time spent with Vera. Through our connection I
realized the vital impact they have had on Southern Seminary. Their sup-
port, dedication, commitment, and financial generosity helped the semi-
nary succeed in its mission. They understood the gift of stewardship and
taught others of its blessings by their actions.”
Now, the Ness family applies the lesson learned from the Summers
and are leading by their own actions. President Marcus Miller expresses
gratitude for the two-fold gift of this young couple. “I am very grateful
for the generous gift that Scott and Deanna have made but even more
grateful for the opportunity that I had to get to know them in this pro-
cess. Their remembrances of Southern Seminary help me get more deep-
ly connected to the story of this wonderful place. Their desire to further Contributing Author,
the mission of Christ’s Church in Grove City, through the ministry of the Cristy Fossum, author of the
Sunday by Sunday book series.
Seminary, and beyond is an example to all of us.”
17
Southern People
Next Dean Committed to Fulfilling the Mission
The Rev. Dr. Ginger Barfield says that about a year ago she started to
discern a call from God that she never expected. It was similar to the call
to ministry she vividly remembers from when she was in college, and to
the call she heard in seminary to be a professor. After much discernment
and conversations with those around her, this Baptist minister and New
Testament professor realized that everything in her life had led her to be
the Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the seminary.
A native of Kershaw, South
Carolina, Dr. Barfield started
working at the seminary in 2003.
Since then she has worn eight dif-
ferent “hats,” including, Night
Instructor of Greek, the Inaugu-
ral Director of the Baptist Stud-
ies Program, Adjunct Professor of
Baptist Studies, Associate Dean,
Director of Institutional Effec-
tiveness, Registrar, Director of Fi-
nancial Aid, and Associate Profes-
sor of New Testament and Baptist
Studies. Her new role will make
number nine, but she will also re-
Middler MDiv students (From left) Nathaniel Anderson, Stephen Friedrich, Lisa tain many of the same responsibil-
Beery and Michael Beery, meet with the Rev. Dr. Ginger Barfield as part of a ities already under her care, includ-
student government meeting with the seminary administration.
ing teaching 1-2 classes a year.
As she takes office, she is highly optimistic about what the seminary
can be. “Ever since I first came here, and I don’t know why, but I felt like
this seminary is on the brink of being what it could be: vitally important,

What is Dr. Root Going to Do?

Dr. Michael Root, who has served as Dean since 2003, will step back
into a half-time faculty position for Systematic Theology, beginning July 1,
2009. While he has eased his time commitments at the seminary, he has a
full schedule planned for the next 18 months.
This summer (after spending a few weeks in golf school) he will join the
International Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue for their first meeting in Germa-
ny. In September 2009, he will give a lecture in Toyko, Japan for the 100th
Anniversary of the Japan Lutheran Seminary. In Spring 2010, he will take
a leave of absence to accept the McCarthy Visiting Professorship at Grego-
rian University in Rome. He will follow that with a sabbatical to complete
a commentary on the Johannine Epistles. He will then plans to rejoin the
faculty halftime in Spring 2011.
Dr. Michael Root lecturing at the seminary.
 Southern People
not just to Lutherans, but to this city and this state,” she remarks. “We
are the only mainline seminary in the state and we can live up to the po-
tential that offers.”
To maximize that potential as Dean, Dr. Barfield will lead the fac-
ulty and help build upon an already successful academ-
ic program. She is continuing the initial stages of a cur-
riculum review, as a self-study and as preparation for the
2013 accreditation review by the Association of Theologi-
cal Schools.
Dr. Barfield is also meeting with faculty members indi-
vidually to help refine roles so that each professor can bet-
ter utilize their gifts and resources within the institution.
She is committed to engaged classroom settings where stu-
dents are motivated to learn. She hopes that in refining fac-
ulty roles, it will create better opportunities for study, re-
search, and to network with theological peers. “We are the
academic arm of the church and we are supposed to be ex-
citing and creative,” she remarks.
Not deterred by the current economic situation, Dr.
Barfield sees the financial challenges that face the seminary
as an invitation for creativity that can be a gift to the insti-
tution. “Having just come through the strategic planning
process to clarify who we are and what is our mission in
this time and place, makes us focus on what is central to
our mission, and let go of tangential elements.” She goes
on to explain, “Five to ten years from now it will be a huge
gift, it does not feel like it now but it can prepare us to be
more of what we can potentially be than if we hadn’t had
to look at ourselves—and not just in belt tightening but in
fulfilling our mission.”
While she looks forward to helping lead the seminary
in fulfilling its mission, Dr. Barfield realized this spring that Dr. Barfield uses her
she needed to take precautionary steps to give her opportu- walks around campus
nities to unwind. With this thought came two additions to with her dog, Luther, as
her life: a personal watercraft and Luther, a beagle puppy. stress relief and to have
casual conversations with
“Not only is Luther stress relief, but he gets me out of the of- seminary and Eau Claire
fice to walk him around campus,” she says. “People flock to community members.
him, and so while they are playing with Luther, I have con-
versations and learn what is going on around campus and in the neigh-
borhood.”
Dr. Barfield’s enthusiasm for the seminary, and now for her new call
as Dean, is a sign of her commitment to see this place thrive in the years
to come. She joins an administration team that is capably leading the Contributing Author,
seminary to fulfill its mission to teach, form, and nurture women and Andrew Boozer, seminary Director
men for public ministry. of Communications.

19
 Southern People
Updates and News from the Southern Community
Ryan Rapert (1985-2009)
Ryan Rapert, a Junior Master of Divinity student from Marion, Ohio, died
on April 15, 2009 from complications following an emergency appendectomy.
Ryan was the son of Debra Key Rapert and the late Gary Rapert. He was
a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Marion, Ohio where he was a wor-
ship assistant. While in seminary, Ryan attended Ascension Lutheran Church
in Columbia, South Carolina where he also assisted with worship. He was also
an active member of Little People of America.
Ryan had a very generous, giving and loving spirit who helped anyone he
ever met. He was an active member of the seminary community and he will al-
ways be remembered by those who had the honor to know him.

American country. CPT Colombia and honoring the ministry of this

Faculty, Staff, & Emeriti
The Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Miller,
President
The Eau Claire Community Council in
Columbia, South Carolina, awarded
President Miller with the 2009 Dorcas
J. Elledge Award at its 14th annual
awards and appreciation dinner on
March 28, 2009. He was presented
the award by Mayor Bob Coble of
Columbia.
The Rev. Dr. Daniel M. Bell, Jr.
Associate Professor of
Theological Ethics
Dr. Bell’s article “God does not
demand blood” was featured on the
cover of the February 10, 2009, issue
of The Christian Century. The ar-
ticle is adapted from his “God Does
Not Demand Blood,” in God Does
Not, edited by D. Brent Laytham and
published by Brazo Press, a division of
Baker Publishing Group.
The Rev. Dr. James Thomas,
Associate Professor of Church and
Ministry, Director of African
American Ministries
In July 2009, Dr. Thomas will
travel with Christian Peacemaker
Teams (CPT) Colombia to the South
has worked for a peaceful end to
the country’s 40-year-old civil war
through fasting, public prayer, and
nonviolent action in threatened com-
munities, primarily in the Magdalena
Medio region.
Dr. Susan W. McArver
Professor of Church History and
Educational Ministry, Director of
Center on Religion in the South
and
The Rev. Dr. Brian K. Peterson
Professor of New Testament
Dr. McArver and Dr. Peterson were
promoted to the rank of full fac-
ulty by the Board of Trustees in their
Spring meeting after a faculty review
and recommendation by President
Miller. These tenured professors were
acknowledged for their excellence in
teaching effectively, professional devel-
opment, and involvement in the life of
the seminary and the church.
The Rev. Dr. Carl Ficken
Professor of Theology and Culture,
Emeritus
Dr. Ficken is the editor of Honucopia:
Selected Writings of Henry E. Horn,
published by The University Luhteran
Association of Greater Boston in 2008
prominent Lutheran campus pastor,
liturgical scholar, and historian. Dr.
Ficken is also co-author of Crossings
for Kids, a Sunday School Curriculum
for Grades 1-6, published by Logos
Productions, released in 2009 and
2010.
The Rev. Lawrence J. Clark
Executive Director of Lutheran
Theological Center in Atlanta (LTCA)
Pastor Clark announced in April that
he will be leaving LTCA to accept the
call of pastor at St. Mark’s Lutheran,
Chicago, beginning July 1, 2009. No
immediate plan for Clark’s successor
have yet been announced.
Alumni
George Moore, ‘57
George published his fourth book,
Luke, Ambassador of the Word. It
is the life story of a man who wronte
one-fourth of the New Testament, the
Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.
The book was published by Xlibris.
He now lives in Hickory, North
Carolina.
Robert M. Weeks, ‘60
Robert was installed as Pastor
Emeritus of St. Andrew Lutheran,

20

New Bern, North Carolina on
February 15, 2009 by Bishop
Leonard Bolick (‘72), and the Rev. Dr.
Theodore Rust, Pastor at St. Andrew.
A retired Navy Chaplain, Robert
was recognized and honored for his
years of service to the church and his
community. Additionally, the church
honored him and his wife, Sylvia,
by renaming the Fellowship Hall as
Weeks Hall. The couple have been
active members of the congregation
for over 20 years.
Gerald S. Troutman, ‘60
Gerry was awared the Clarence L.
Pugh Distinguished Alumnus Award
from Lenoir-Rhyne University on
April 4, 2009. He and his wife,
Marihope, live in Newnan, Georgia.
They are parents to three children and
grandparents to six.
Scott Hendrix, ‘67
This year, Scott will release two new
books, Luther and Early Protestant
Spirituality, both published by Paulist
Press. After retiring from teaching at
Princeton Seminary, he and his wife,
Emilee, have settled in Fearrington
Village, North Carolina and sing in
the choir at Holy Trinity Lutheran in
Chapel Hill.
Bill Trexler, ‘70 and ‘91
Bill serves as Senior Pastor at First
Lutheran, Norfolk, Virigina. This
summer he will retire, having served
as a pasotr and bishop during his 39
years of ordained ministry. He and
his wife, Karla, are building their
retirement home at Lutheridge.
Charles Zimmerman, ‘74
On May 8, 2009, Charlie received an
honorary doctor of divinity degree
from Lenoir-Rhyne University. He
serves as Pastor at First Lutheran
Church, Greensboro, North Carolina.
He serves as Secretary of the North
Carolina Synod, and his term expires
in 2009.
Robert Schoffner, ‘74
Bob’s congregation, Holy Trinity
Lutheran, Hickory, North Carolina,
celebrated the 35th anniversary of his
ordination on May 17, 2009. As part
of the celebration, the congregation
collected an offering as a gift to the
seminary, given in honor of their
pastor.
Southern People
G. Reginald Cruse, ‘81
Reggie is serving as Chaplain for
the South Carolina Department
of Corrections at the Broad River
Correctional institution (BRCI), where
he has served since May 1, 2008.
BRCI is a maximum security facility
which houses 1450+ male inmates,
including 400 living with HIV/AIDS.
Frank Honeycutt, ‘85
Frank is pastor at Ebenezer Lutheran,
Columbia and has published two
essays in the April 7, 2009 issue of
The Christian Century. A third essay
in the magazine will appear later in
2009. He will be writing a new book
on sabbatical this summer, due out
from Brazos Press in 2010.
John D. Stirewalt, ‘88
John accepted a call as Senior Pastor
of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Tampa,
Florida. He had previously served
Holy Trinity Lutheran, Nashville,
Tennessee.
Brian Hiortdahl, ‘97
Brian’s church, Resurrection Lutheran,
Chicago, received the 2008 Illinois

Lok And Maxey Receive Honorary Degrees

Two Doctor of Divinity honorary degrees were conferred at the 2009 Com-
mencement Service. Receiving the degrees were Michael Creed Maxey, President of
Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia, and the Right Reverend Philip Lok Oi Peng,
Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia and Singapore (LCMS).
“We realize that we cannot do the work of a seminary in isolation from other
servants and so Southern Seminary is committed to building bridges to our many
partners throughout the church and the world. Mr. Maxey and Bishop Lok are ex-
amples of these partners whom we cherish and, with this degree, honor,” stated the
Rev. Dr. Marcus Miller, President of the seminary.
The seminary awards the degree of Doctor of Divinity to individuals who have
provided outstanding service to the seminary’s mission to teach, form, and nurture
women and men for the ministry of Christ’s church.
The degree recognizes persons who have provided leadership in the church and
in academia. The mission of the seminary depends on the cooperative labors of per-
sons in many fields. By awarding this degree, the seminary honors partners in the
task of education for ministry and builds bridges to those who share its goals.
Pictured left (starting at the top): Michael Creed Maxey, Bishop Philip Lok
Southern People
Call For Nominations

Southern Seminary asks that you prayerfully consider nominating significant

people in your life for seminary awards such as:
• Jacob Luther Mauney Award - Given for exceptional contributions to the
ELCA, ministered graciously among the whole people of God, and provided
exemplary leadership in service to the gospel.
• Bachman Award for Distinguised Leadership - Given for exhibiting the same
vision as those shared by the seminary’s founders.
• Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) - Given to individuals who have provided
outstanding service to the seminary’s mission to teach, form, and nurture wom-
en and men for the ministry of Christ’s church.
For more information or to nominate someone, please contact Ron Walrath at rwalrath@ltss.edu.
Environmental Hero Award from Philip Bouknight, ‘04
then-Lieutenant Governor (now Philip and his wife, Tara, were Editor’s Note:
Governor) Pat Quinn. The church featured in Mozart’s “Requiem Mass Living Our Mission.
received the recognition for being the in D minor” opera performance at Despite worldly events on
first church in the city of Chicago with Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta, Wall Street, and their impact
solar hot water. He has served the Virginia. The couple, who live in
congregation since 2001. felt here at our campus on
Wirtz, Virginia, have performed
with numerous opera companies North Main Street, we remain
David N. Young, ‘97 throughout the United States and committed to living our mis-
David received his Doctor of Mnistry abroad. Philip serves St. Mark sion as a seminary.
in Preaching from the Lutheran School Lutheran in Willis, Virginia, and Zion As an institution, we are liv-
of Theology at Chicago in May 2008. Lutheran in Floyd, Virginia. ing our mission: We teach,
His thesis was, “Growing Deeper:
Preaching with Passion, without Fear, form, and nurture women
Laura R. Carson, ‘07
and within Grace,” and was chosen Laura was commissioned as an and men for public ministry
as one of three outstanding theses. Associate in Ministry by Bishop Dean and Christian leadership.
He serves at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Nelson in the Southwest California When you and I face person-
Cincinnati, Ohio. His wife, Deidi Synod. She has served as the Director al times of uncertainty, I pray
David-Young is currently serving of Christian Life and Faith Formation
an internship and will fulfill her that we take the time to apply
at First Lutheran, Torrance, California
“Lutheran year” at Trinity Seminary since September 2008. Her husband that same resolve in our lives.
next year. They have two sons, Micah Jared (‘09) has also been assigned to Today, take a moment and
and Noah. the Southwest California Synod and is discern your mission as an in-
awaiting his first call. dividual and as a member of
Jay Gamelin, ‘01 the body of Christ.
Jay is the pastor at Jacob’s Porch,
the Lutheran Campus Ministry The daily grind and 24-hour
of The Ohio State University. He (or less!) news cycle should
was a presenter at the 2009 Winter not define us. Steal a page
Ministry Institute at Trinity Lutheran from your seminary: Discover
Seminary. He currently travels around your mission and live it daily.
the country speaking to thousands of
youth and adults. He and his wife, Andrew Boozer,
Tia, have two sons, Abel and Roman, Director of Communications
and they live in Columbus, Ohio. AndrewBoozer@ltss.edu
(803) 461-3296

22
 for more events and information visit
www.ltss.edu Coming Events

Fall Classes Begin Sept. 9

Orientation, September 8
Fall break, October 19-20
Reading/CPE Day, October 21
Thanksgiving Break, November 25-27
Last Day of Classes, December 16
Exams, December 17-19

Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27

Lay School of Religion
Three classes will be offered for each Tuesday in October.
Individuals may register for one class. Courses will be taught
by the Rev. Shuana Hannan, the Rev. Dr. Charles Sigel, and
the Rev. Dr. James Thomas. For more information, email
sandrah@ltss.edu or call 803-461-3263.

Oct 25-27 Seminary Days

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

Apr. 2
Hein-Fry Lecture Series
Dr. Mary Hinkle Shore, Professor and Associate Dean at
Luther Seminary, will present Hearing the Word: Lutheran
Perspectives on Biblical Interpretation. This theme will engage
the crucial conversation facing the ELCA concerning various
Lutheran approaches to scripture and what resources and
challenges those approaches bring to diverse contexts.
Photos Above (from top): The Rev. Dr. James Thomas leads a class about Mission in Stavros Hall; The Rev. Shauna Hannan
leading a workshop held for pastors to help prepare for the season of Lent; Prospective military chaplains partcipate in a
Q&A with active duty chaplains from the army, navy, and Marines at Fort Jackson, SC; Jennifer Jackson, Junior MDiv Stu-
dent provides music at the Rev. Dr. Dan Bell’s post-tenure lecture in Christ Chapel.
Back Cover (from left): Keith Getz (Senior MDiv) and family; Lamont Johnson (STM);
Amy Witt (Junior MAR); and Kristopher Litman (Middler, MDiv).
 www.ltss.edu

Southern Seminary’s Mission:

To teach, form, and nurture women and men
for public ministry and Christian leadership
in a context that is Christ-centered, faithfully
Lutheran and ecumenically committed.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, October 24 , 2008

Non Profit
Organization
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PAID
Columbia, SC
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4201 Main Street

Columbia, SC 29203-5898
www.ltss.edu
Contact Us:
(803) 461-3219 or (803) 786-5150
Fax: (803) 461-3272
(USPS 8846-2000)
Published by Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 4201 North Main Street,
Columbia, SC 29203.
Mr. Ron Walrath • e-mail: RWalrath@ltss.edu
Vice President for Development
Editor/Design: Andrew Boozer • e-mail: AndrewBoozer@ltss.edu
Director of Communications
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is an Equal Opportunity
Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race
or religion. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary admits men and women.
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is in compliance with Title IX of
the Higher Education Act of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.