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Bishop's installation will be a major event |
Lutherans across the Synod are preparing for a major event---the installation of Pastor Robert F. Humphrey as bishop, following the retirement of Bishop Emeritus Jim Mauney. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will lead the service at First Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro on Sept. 9, at 1 p.m.
Five ELCA bishops, two Episcopal bishops and high-ranking officers of several denominations, the Virginia Council of Churches and Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, as well as most of the Synod's pastors, are expected to be in the procession. The church has a seating capacity of about 600. Doors will be opened at noon.
A brass ensemble, organ and piano music and a choir of members of Grace, Waynesboro, Muhlenberg, Harrisonburg, and Christ, Staunton, will be featured. Members of the Lutheran Youth Organization will participate. Bishop Eaton will be joined by two other bishops for the historic succession in the laying on of hands.
After the service, a reception will follow at Grace Lutheran, two blocks away on South Wayne Avenue. First Presbyterian is at 11th Street and Wayne. Parking at First Presbyterian is limited but street parking and three nearby lots are available. Three buses will be available to run between the two churches.
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Let's get started!
by Bishop Bob Humphrey
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One of the great gifts of our Lutheran theology is the joyous realization that each new day begins with the sign of the Cross and Luther's proclamation, "I am baptized!"
As we begin this new chapter in our "journey together" as the Virginia Synod, ELCA that is how I want to start... like every new day - bathed in the comfort that I am a baptized, forgiven, and cherished child of God. I will sometimes fail and fall short of my own expectations and yours. But, together, by God's grace and power, we will also discover and create amazing new opportunities for mission and rise to address the challenges facing our congregations, synod and world! It is an exciting time to be the church!
Let me begin by saying how grateful I am for the many gifts and blessings God has bestowed on us through the three decades of devoted leadership from Bishop Jim Mauney and his staff. May God bless Jim and Lynda as they enter this new phase of life.
We now enter a time of prayerful discernment, study, conversation and planning. I look forward to hearing about your hopes and dreams as well as your fears and concerns. Together we will find ways to articulate a vision of where we feel God leading us.
In the meantime, while I certainly don't expect you to recall what I said in my five-minute presentation at our June synod assembly about what I would do "If I Were Bishop," I have found it to be a helpful touchstone during the past two months. So, as a way of getting to know me better and offer insight to some basic ideas, let me rephrase:
As Bishop...
- I will have really high hopes and expectations of what God is up to in the Virginia Synod:
- for myself, and those who serve with me on staff and in leadership at every level, (all rostered leaders, elected leaders, Deans and leaders throughout the ELCA):
- to be faithful, joyful and growing in our own personal faith and serving;
- to be willing to take risks; demonstrate our very best every day; admit our mistakes, and relate to others with honesty, integrity and humility; to offer care and compassion when needed, but also willing and ready...
- to boldly speak and act - proclaiming God's love and mercy for ALL - especially those who are oppressed, marginalized or abused! (Micah 6:8) I'd encourage you to do the same - And, when you do - I'd have your back!
I will also have really high hopes and expectations
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- of our remarkable lay leaders, youth and faithful members in every congregation:
- in addition to those things I've already mentioned... to work with you...
- to break down barriers existing in our church: between the ELCA, synod and congregations; rostered and lay members. We Are Church Together!
- to always be looking for new and creative ways to proclaim the Gospel - by developing ever wider and deeper circles of worship, welcome, witness, education, discipleship, care and service.
As Bishop...
- I will do my best to build a bridge from the richness of the past to the incredible potential I believe God has in store for the future! Think about it...
- The Virginia Synod has it all! From the Beach to the Blue Ridge, the Valley, to Appalachia...Incredible history, beauty, culture and people in every conference of this synod! We are positioned for growing communities and thriving congregations and ministry sites of every size on all fronts... But, it isn't easy, is it? Not in today's world. So...
As Bishop...
- I will try to help us meet the real challenges and guide the hard conversations and choices many of us, our congregations, communities, nation and world are facing... with honest, effective strategies and genuine compassion, patience, hope, faith & thankfulness.
- To be: Christ-centered and Mission-focused... Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,we can't reclaim the past and frankly, we need to stop trying to do so. God is out in front of us... and right here beside us - doing a new thing through both ancient and not-yet-imagined ways - and we get to be a part of that! I'd try to lead us by responding to every challenge with more joy & excitement than sadness or reluctance -with bold faith & hope overcoming our fears & anxiety!
- I wouldn't try to do it all - or even much of it - by myself! There are plenty of folks far more gifted in any number of areas... ready and willing to serve! We have wise, seasoned vets and a whole new generation of leaders I would lift up and empower.
SO... LET'S GET STARTED!
May God inspire our prayerful conversations and discernment! Come, Holy Spirit! +Amen
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Lutherans in the news
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B. Davis
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Both pastors at
Muhlenberg, Harrisonburg, were honored at a farewell luncheon Sunday, Aug. 27.
Pastor Brett Davis has accepted a call to
Georgetown Lutheran Church in Washington, D. C., effective Sept. 5.
Pastor Robert Humphrey resigned at the end
of August and will be installed as Synod bishop on Sept. 9; Davis, who has served at
Muhlenberg for five years, grew up in Christ the King in Richmond, served on the staff at Caroline Furnace and graduated from Philadelphia Seminary. Her husband, Evan Davis, is Synod treasurer.
Rev. Martha "Marty" Wagner was ordained by Bishop Jim
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Wagner
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Mauney at Advent Lutheran, Jacksonville, Fla., on Aug. 13. She has accepted a call to serve Church of the Good Shepherd, a Lutheran-Episcopal congregation at Galax. A recent graduate of Southern Seminary, she and her husband, Ron, have lived in Jacksonville, Fla. For 20 years. The Wagners, both retired from Navy service, have three children and five grandchildren.
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J. Davis
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Rev. James B. Davis has been called to part-time service at St. Timothy, Vinton. He follows Pastor Judy Tavela, who retired. A former Southern Baptist pastor, Davis has retired from the Quicksburg Parish for six years. He's a graduate of Samford University and he holds master's and doctoral degrees from Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville. He previously served at St. Peter's Lutheran, Ocean City, MD. He and his wife, Olivia, live in Vinton. They have two children and six grandchildren.
On Aug. 26, orientation began for approximately 630 new Roanoke College students. They come from 33 states and 20 countries.
Pastor Richard Carbaugh retired July 30. In his 36 years at Christ, Fredericksburg, conducted 461 baptisms, 369 confirmations, 229 marriages and 237 funerals. He welcomed 1,780 new members and delivered about 1,500 sermons. Cindy Carbaugh, his wife, is retiring as a Spotsylvania County teacher.
Gettysburg
and Philadelphia Seminaries consolidated to become United Lutheran Seminary---one seminary, two campuses. The two seminaries "marked the end of their respective communities with prayers, joy, sadness, mourning, memories, reflection and fellowship."
On Sept. 15, retired Pastor Mark Radecke, Waynesboro, will start as interim pastor of Muhlenberg, Harrsonburg, following the election of Pastor Bob Humphrey as bishop and Pastor Brett Davis's acceptance of a call to Georgetown Lutheran, Washington.
Dr. Mickey L. Mattox,
a Roman Catholic Lutheran scholar and professor of historical theology at Marquette University, will give the annual Dr. James R. Crumley lecture at Roanoke College on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. His topic will be "Scholarship as a Christian Vocation."
Pastor Brett Davis, who is moving from Muhlenberg, Harrisonburg, to Georgetown Lutheran Church, Washington, will lead an All Lutheran Women's Retreat at Fredericksburg Hospitality House & Conference Center on Oct. 13-15. Important biblical stories will be the theme. For information, visit: [email protected].
Saturday, Sept. 2, will be Lutheran Visit Day at Roanoke College. Lutheran high school students engaged in the college search process will visit the campus, meet students and hear about campus life and admissions and financial aid.
Retired Pastor James G. Cobb
has donated four books he has written to the Williamsburg Regional Library. They are "Lutheran DNA," "New Pastor, New Parish," "Reformation's Rib" and "Sermonic Sidewalks." Cobb, formerly serving at First, Norfolk, and Christ, Fredericksburg, and churches in Maryland and Michigan, also was associate dean for admissions and church relations at Gettysburg Seminary.
Samantha DiBiaso, a member of First, Norfolk, has started service as a Young Adult in Global Mission in the Western Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa.
Retired Pastor Floyd Addison, former president and CEO of Virginia Lutheran Homes and now a tutor at Minnick School, has been named interim pastor at Bedford Lutheran.
A Martin Luther
documentary will be shown on Public Broadcasting System stations Tuesday, March 12. The theme, exploring Luther's lasting impact on the world, will be "Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World."
Retired Pastor Ken Ruppar and Pastor Lou Florio, Messiah, Mechanicsville, both volunteer police chaplains, attended a week-long training conference of the International Conference of Police Chaplains in Norfolk.
Minnick Schools have announced a Back-to-School Supply Drive. Glue, colored pencils and scissors become tools for learning chemistry at Minnick Schools. With an Amazon Wish List, supplies are delivered to the schools. If supplies are purchased and donated to a Minnick School, contact Ellen Bushman at [email protected] or 540-774-7100, Ext. 1302, to make arrangements.
A Luther Exhibit and Behind the Scenes Tour and Talk will be offered at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore on Saturday, Sept. 15, 1-3 p.m. "Uncertain Times: Martin Luther's Remedies for the Soul" focuses on the ways in which Martin Luther comforted the distressed souls of his contemporaries by approaching them as a father, husband and a friend, rather than as a priest or theologian. Twenty works will be on view.
A benefit concert to improve and expand the music program at First English, Richmond, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. Pianist Salvatore Lupica and guest Corinne Birriel will present a concert for the congregation's Music Endowment Fund.
Four high school students at College Lutheran, Salem, joined Presbyterian students for a week of service. They started with a discussion of a Bible passage in relation to their service at the Rescue Mission, a food pantry, Habitat store and Ronald McDonald House.
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by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton
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Old recipes are precious things. They give instructions about how to prepare a dish, but they are so much more. They are filled with memories. They connect families as they are passed from one generation to the next. They bring events and people from long ago right into the present.
I am looking at a recipe card that has that effect on me. It's my mother's recipe for stuffing for turkey. It's written in her neat hand-a skill I never mastered. It's a basic recipe, just bread and butter and onions and celery and poultry seasoning. I don't even have to read it now when I make stuffing, but I like to look at it because it puts me right back into Thanksgivings past.
Thanksgiving in our family was an event. The Eatons have been gathering for Thanksgiving dinner for nearly 70 years. We traded off between our house and my aunt and uncle's home. When it was our turn we got up early and started cooking.
Out came the recipes and equipment. There were no food processors in those days. We had a cast iron food grinder that clamped on to the edge of the kitchen table. It was kept in its own special box. It only made an appearance once a year and its emergence signaled that Thanksgiving had arrived. Grinding the celery was no problem. Onions were another story. My brothers and I spelled each other at turning the crank until we were overcome by the fumes.
My parents and my aunt and uncle established this tradition shortly after World
War II. We have always had three and sometimes four generations present. A lot has gone on in our family and in the world these past decades. Marriages, children, moves, deaths, war, recession, elections, the '60s. We are a lively bunch and none of us lacks an opinion or the ability to express it. Conversations were spirited and sometimes heated. My father and my uncle served in the army during World War II. My older brother and older male cousins didn't support the Vietnam War. We belong to different political parties. We are Lutheran and Catholic and members of the Unification Church and unchurched. We are liberal and conservative.
But no matter what, when my mother or my aunt announced, "Supper's ready," we all came to the table together. We were family, we shared our lives, we loved each other.
A lot is going on in our church and in the world right now. We are a changing church, which brings its own tension. We live in a wired world where news is instantaneous and continuous. We don't agree on everything. We belong to different political parties. We have varied ethnicity. We're liberal and conservative and everything in between. We're in an "either/or" world. And we are contending with cultural forces that exacerbate division. But by the tender love of God, by this ceaseless pursuit of the Spirit, we are members of the body of Christ. We are family. We share our lives. We love each other.
Here is another simple recipe: flour, water, wine, the body and blood of Jesus. A meal of healing, forgiveness and thanksgiving. No matter what, when our Lord tenderly and urgently invites, "Supper's ready," we all come to the table. There in our common brokenness we meet each other in Christ.
A monthly message from the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Her email address:
[email protected]. This column originally appeared in the September issue of Living Lutheran. Reprinted with permission.
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From the Front Lines
by Pastor Viktoria Parven
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Pastor Viktoria Parvin of St. Mark and Pastor Lauren Miller of Peace, Charlottesville, were asked to report on the impact of the Aug. 12 racial confrontation in their city.
The events of the Charlottesville Rally are behind us, and if you visit our town you might only notice that some of the monuments are covered. But underneath the quiet and peace, you know that the people here changed.
St. Mark Lutheran Church and its people are not the same. Some of our church family told me that they were changed forever by the experience. We look back and try to understand what happened to us and where will it lead us. All who were at the rally were there because they wanted to protest peacefully. No one wanted violence.
As we recount the experience as a community, we create our narrative for the past and for our future:
Nancy: "My plan was to stay far away from the rally Saturday, but when I saw the torchlit march Friday night with white supremacists surrounding student protesters at UVA, I decided that I needed to go. I wanted to stand up for those who needed it, and to show the racists that they were outnumbered by those who believe that all of God's children are equal."
The decision to stay away from the rally or go was difficult. Although all church members were advised to stay away from downtown as police asked, even days later people still asked questions about faithful responses.
Paul: "At times that decision (to stay away from the rally) seemed wise and at others, cowardly. At times it felt like we should just ignore the haters and not give them any more publicity and at other times it felt like silence = consent."
Those who were there were not at all prepared to face violence and hate as they did.
Patty: "My brother, who is a well-known local photographer and runs a website on which he shares both historical and current images of Charlottesville, was directly in front of the car driven by the white supremacist who killed Heather Heyer. A widely shared picture taken by a reporter for our local newspaper shows him leaping out of the path of the oncoming car. He was alerted by the reactions of the protesters around him, and was able to jump out of the way seconds before he would have been hit."
All of our community and our church felt violated and attacked whether or not we were downtown. You can hear the accounts of friends and family and you immediately feel the anger, grief and fear that is very personal.
Nancy: "As the white supremacy groups marched in, they were met in the streets by counter-protestors. I joined the counter-protestors to block the street as one particularly large group marched in. It was scary - my knees were literally shaking. When the two groups met, the white supremacists started pushing counter-protestors out of the way with their shields and weapons. We were also pepper sprayed by the white supremacists."
We are victims and we are warriors; we are protectors of our community that needs healing from racism and also a community that confesses that racism is present still.
Patty: "For the first time since my husband and I moved with our two young daughters to Charlottesville 18 years ago, I feel uneasy. My husband is black and I am white. My daughters are bi-racial. We live in Crozet and my daughters attended Western Albemarle schools, which are almost entirely white. We've always felt accepted in our community. I keep telling myself that the people who are supportive and stand for equality and justice way outnumber those who do not, but at the same time I'm frustrated by people who remain silent and let racism go without response. Silence is agreement, in my opinion."
Would our community begin to heal and change? Maybe it can start by reflection on who we are here in Charlottesville.
Paul: "Walking around the UVA grounds the following Monday, I found myself looking at everyone differently - especially white folks. Were they haters? Then I realized others might be thinking the same of me. Then I wondered if that uncertainty was something that people of color faced all the time."
Megen: On the one hand it is difficult not to speak up when a coworker supports racist arguments and views; on the other hand we worry about job security. I wonder about neighbors and colleagues and the human race as a whole. Standing up for coworkers who are African American and speaking up is important. Making our narrative of hurt and transforming it to hope and action is not easy. And yet we have a community coming together that is listening to voices and creating necessary changes.
Patty: "It feels like instead of progress, we've just taken a giant leap backward. The St. Mark community, as well as close friends and colleagues, give me hope but we have a long way to go.
As cards of support arrive from congregations from around our country, I know that we are not alone in our struggle for racial equality and building up the body of Christ.
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Let's work together
by Pastor Lauren Miller, Peace, Charlottesville
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"How is Charlottesville?" I keep hearing from friends and colleagues around the country. This is understandable, given the shocking images they've all seen on the news the past few weeks.
I'm never quite sure how to answer that question. As a local rabbi commented at a recent clergy gathering: "I'm hearing two things when I talk to people. Most of the white people I'm talking to are saying, 'Oh, this isn't the real Charlottesville, I can't believe this happened here.' But then when I talk to people of color, they say, 'Oh, we aren't surprised at all. This is how Charlottesville has been for a long, long time. It's just now that it's out in the open for everyone to see.'"
I, too, have heard very different responses from people based on the color of their skin. Many of the white folks just can't wait for things to "go back to normal" in our town. Meanwhile, the black folks are saying, "This kind of hatred against us IS the normal in our lives." And here's the thing. I bet people in any part of the country would say the same thing. This isn't just a Charlottesville issue.
So rather than talk about how Charlottesville is doing, I'd like to challenge us all to be listening deeply, learning from those who are different from us, and most of all, to be talking about race and racism in our congregations. The reality is that most of our ELCA congregations are majority white. We have the privilege of being able to ignore racism if we choose. But we cannot ignore the ways in which our silence has continued to support and sustain white supremacy in our country and in our own communities.
These are not easy conversations. I know I have felt terribly inadequate at times,
especially as I've realized my own complicity in unjust systems. But the church needs to be leading the way on issues of race, and that requires us as leaders stepping out into hard spaces and inviting others to join us.
Seeing our city turn into a hashtag and a symbol of something far greater than UVA basketball or gorgeous mountain views has been hard to process. But the racism, hatred, and division we're dealing with in Charlottesville is everywhere. Let's work together to make sure this is a turning point for our country that leads us to justice.
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Many serve in September
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 Lutherans across the Synod are planning a variety of activities for the annual ELCA Day of Service, under the theme, "God's Work Our Hands," this month. Members of First English, Richmond, plan to spruce up Monument Avenue and Lombardy Park, wearing yellow shirts.
Muhlenberg, Harrisonburg, will collect funds to feed breakfast for children at Minnick School and some members will join Grace, Waynesboro, in assembling and packaging dehydrated meals for distribution, with a goal of finishing 10,000 meals at 33 cents each. Volunteers at St. Mark, Roanoke, will work in the kitchen and dining room at Roanoke Rescue Mission. Bedford Lutheran members plan to host a picnic and provide music for a Lutheran Family Services group home.
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Three Synod staff are retiring |
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| Milton |
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Along with Bishop Jim Mauney, three Synod staff members are retiring. Pastor Phyllis Milton, synodical minister for Christian formation, and Ellen Hinlicky, stewardship specialist and campaign director, have stepped down at the end of August. Pastor Chris Price, assistant to the bishop, will continue until his retirement at the end of the year. New staff members will be appointed by Bishop Bob Humphrey after his installation on Sept. 9.
Milton is known for her work with Roots and Wings, a monthly family resource, and the ACTS lay study program, recognized by the ELCA for its state-of-the-art technology to support lectures by theologians to remote locations. She started five years ago with master's and doctoral degrees in Christian education and experience as a consultant and presenter in brain-based teaching and learning and as an adjunct seminary professor. She has provided adult theological education, workshops for parents and grand parents and sessions on Christian education/faith formation for churches. She will continue as a pastor at Gloria Dei, Hampton, a post she has held for three years. She has primary responsibility for chapel services, pastoral care for students, staff and families and as resource teacher for 6th-8th grade Bible classes.
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| Hinlicky |
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Hinlicky has had a varied career, working in Slovakia with her professorial husband, Dr. Paul Hinlicky of the Roanoke College religion and philosophy department. Since they moved to the Roanoke Valley in 1999, she has worked in development at Virginia Lutheran Homes and Roanoke College, joined her husband at the New River Parish and served on the Synod staff since 2012 as director of Lutheran Partners in Mission and then in stewardship and as campaign manager for ForwardingFaith. Bishop Mauney described her work as "the face of the campaign...in contact with many pastors and leaders." Under her leadership, the campaign is in sight of its goal of $2.5 million, needing $233,000 to finish. In retirement, she plans to work on a book on Slovak food and culture and continue working with her husband on a Roanoke
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| Price |
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County farm where they have cattle, chickens and bees and they manage wildlife habitat.
After Pastor Chris Price retired from almost 30 years of service at Epiphany, Richmond, he was called to serve part-time as assistant to the bishop, working in evangelical mission with congregations in the eastern conferences of the Synod. Bishop Mauney said Price visits congregations "creatively seeking to help support, strengthen and even begin new ministries." He fosters conversations about planning for the future. He has led the Candidacy Committee and First Call program. Price grew up at Hebron, Madison, graduated from Roanoke College and served on its board for 25 years. He graduated from Gettysburg Seminary. At Epiphany, he led the congregation through three major campaigns that led to growth in programming, staffing, facilities, membership and discipleship.
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Growing New Leaders for Ministry
by Pastor Philip Bouknight and Dalton Ruggieri
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Dalton Ruggieri
has discerned a call to leadership in the Church. We asked Dalton to tell us about this new step in his journey of faith.
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Ruggieri
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I just graduated from William and Mary with a major in mathematics and a minor in Judaic Studies. The next step in my journey is to attend the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) in the fall, as I work toward a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and ordination. Before I go, this summer, I will be a camp counselor at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp. Right now, I'm home for about two weeks. During this time, I would like to catch up with my home church. Pastor Philip has provided prompts for me to respond.
How did you discern that God was calling you to the ministry?
The big change occurred 5 October 2014. I was a freshman at William and Mary, and I had been praying to know what was the next step in my life. I wanted to know what kinds of classes I should be taking, and why I should take them. I was praying about these after church in the pews when the word "seminary" came. I pushed it aside, but doing so made me feel guilty. It took a long time for me to be comfortable with this calling. I began to have conversations with family, friends, and mentors, which helped to affirm this calling. Even though I knew my calling, I still didn't fully accept it until the beginning of this year. When I finally did, I had a lot of work to do: applying to seminary and navigating the candidacy process.
How did you decide upon a seminary?
I knew that I wanted to attend an ELCA (Lutheran) seminary for two connected reasons, both a result of growing up at Trinity. The first is that I never really understood what it meant to be Lutheran. The second is that I recognize the importance of ecumenism, and the ELCA is the most ecumenical denomination. This criterion meant that I only needed to consider seven seminaries. Combined with advice I received from other Virginia seminarians and checking out the seminaries' websites, I chose three to visit over spring break. At each of the three seminaries, I spent at least 24 hours to get a feel for them. On my visit to the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, I started to feel the Holy Spirit drawing me there. That feeling only grew stronger with time, until I finally committed on the 28th of April.
(This is an edited version of an article which appeared in "Together in Christ," a quarterly publication of Trinity Ecumenical Parish. Bouknight is pastor of Trinity.)
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The Importance of Seminary
by Pastor Phil Bouknight
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At this point in time it is critical that we have persons entering the seminary on a path to ordination. This year alone, 350 to 400 Lutheran pastors will retire in the ELCA. Last year, the ELCA only ordained 84 new clergy. We are headed for a clergy shortfall and in some parts of the United States, we are already experiencing significant issues with clergy appointments.
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Candidates learn of Lutheran identity |
Thirty participants in the Synod Vocations Conference Aug. 18-19 were challenged to think through how Lutheran identity is able to speak to the variety of contexts that ministry requires. The Synod Candidacy Committee, sponsor of the event at Eagle Eyrie, met with candidates and inquirers and learned how they are continuing to discern their call to ministry in the church.
A feature of the conference was presentations by three new pastors on what ministry has been like for them. Pastor Anna Havron spoke of her experience at Mt. View Parish, a dual site ministry of Mt. Zion and St. Luke at Woodstock. Pastor Drew Tucker of Christ, Radford, told of the unique opportunities created by his church to make sure that he is able to have an active presence in campus ministry at Radford University and Virginia Tech. Pastor Tim Crummitt, describing his ministry at St. Paul's, Hampton, told how the work by transient military personnel early on helped to create a unique worship experience focused on fostering community in the heart of Hampton.
Dr. Ned Wisnefske, Roanoke College professor and committee chair, led the conference.
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Dr. Raymond Bost dies at 91
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Dr. Raymond Bost, 91, former president of Lenoir-Rhyne and Newberry colleges and of Philadelphia Seminary, died July 10 at Hickory, NC. Bost also served in administrative posts at Southern Seminary, as author of Lutheran histories in North and South Carolina and as pastor of churches in Nortth and South Carolina.
Surviving are two sons and a daughter. A memorial service was held in Hickory on Aug. 16.
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Benne book studies Christian
higher education at Roanoke College
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Despite the "winds of secularism," recent presidents of Roanoke College "have stood firmly behind the building of ...a strong Christian intellectual presence on campus," said retired professor Bob Benne in a new book, Keeping the Soul in Christian Higher Education A History of Roanoke College. Benne explores the variables of Christian higher education throughout the 175-year history of the college.
As the college has grown in numbers and quality, it still believes in the famous statement of founder David Bittle that "the most momentous duty of one generation
to another is its education." The "soul" he is following is defined as "the discernible spirit of the school."
Benne examined two approaches to heritage. In one interpretation, a glass is half-empty. The Christian heritage continues in "some small corners of the curriculum and faculty but one can avoid it if one wishes to." The atmosphere of the college is "decidedly secular" and "Far more students sleep in on Sunday mornings than go to local churches."
However, in an optimistic approach for a glass half-full, religion and philosophy professors are unsurpassed and many students have had their faith deepened. Benne supports a third view for a stronger Christian presence in every facet of the life of the college.
He gives a critical commentary of 10 college presidents, omitting Thomas Dosh, who served only one year and had little impact on the college. The cover has a close view of the new Martin Luther statue in front of he Cregger Center. The book, priced at $26, was published by William B. Erdmans Publishing Co.
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Copies of Lutheran portraits
presented to Holy Trinity, Lynchburg
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Reproductions of marriage portraits of Martin Luther and  Katharina von Bora, by Lucas Cranach the Elder (c. 1472-1553), were presented to Holy Trinity, Lynchburg, by a group of German youth who visited in June and July. The reproductions were painted by Holzminden artist Dr. Reiner Boke, with the permission of the Wartburg Castle, where the original portraits are displayed. The special present celebrated the youth visit and the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
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Peace volunteers take three mission trips
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A team revisited Dickenson
County center.
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Volunteers at Peace, Charlottesville, participated in three multi-generational service and learning experiences this summer. Their trips were to Washington, Dickenson County and Honduras.
Starting in June, they visited their long-time mission partner, the Gerizim mission near Tegucigulpa, Honduras, where they hosted multiple medical clinics and worked with local schools. In
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| Peace members learned of racism in Washington. |
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early August, a group of youth and adults explored issues around racism in Washington, D.C. They went to workshops at the Steinbruck Center at Luther Place Church and visited the National Museum of African History and Culture.
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Volunteers worked at medical clinics and schools in Honduras.
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In late August, a team of 20, ranging in age from12 to the mid-70s, spent a week working at the Binns-Counts Community Center in Dickenson County. They renewed relationships built over a number of years as ministry partners and engaged in home repairs throughout the area.
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Lutheran-Catholic speakers
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A headline from St. Stephen, Williamsburg, reads:
After 500 Years: Catholics and Lutherans Together on the Way
On Sep. 39-30, St. Stephen and St. Bede Catholic Church will host
two church leaders who have been working together. Dr. Kathryn Johnson, director of ecumenical and inter-religious relations for the ELCA, and Bishop Denis Madden of the
Archdiocese of Baltimore will speak on two themes. On Friday night at St. Bede, they will talk on "How far have we come?" and on Saturday morning, the topic will be "Where could we be going?" in a session at St. Stephen.
Maden was the Roman Catholic co-chair of the team that produced the joint Catholic-Lutheran document, "Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry and Eucharist."
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