Events

November 2009 trip to visit LSTC, Wartburg and Luther

This November, the Campus Ministry teams of Finlandia University and Northern Michigan University teamed up to offer a discernment vocational/education trip to visit three nearby seminaries: Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, and Luther Seminary in St. Paul. 

There were 5 participants overall, coming from a wide range of backgrounds, and in search of that next possible step in discerning their future.
Participants included:

  1. Soren Schmidt – University Chaplain, Finlandia University / NMU Alumni
  2. Casey Clowers – NMU Alumni
  3. Dave Hendrickson – Finlandia University
  4. Molli Skauge – Finlandia University
  5. Rinne Uljala – Finlandia University

The trip began with Finlandia students packing up their van and driving over to stay the night at Lothlorien. There, NMU students graciously welcomed all of us and offered a great night of discussion, pizza and laughter prior to the next day's breakfast and early send off. Each day began with a different participant leading us in devotions. Each seminary had their own unique formats and allowed students to freely and faithfully gather and formulate their thoughts. Hosts, admissions staff and seminary employees were all very pleasant and willing to offer their advice. We received many eye-opening examples of why people (students, employees, etc.) 'liked it where they were'.

Each seminary offered their own unique version of events and activities which included seminary tours, admissions & financial aid discussions, meals, time with current students, classroom visits, and evening activities. We all felt comfortable and much at home at each place when faculty members, pastors, and students would stop in just to chat with us, welcome us and share their faith stories.

At LSTC, we all attended a fantastic “Jesus and the Gospels” course presented by Barbara Rossing. They began with Greek biblical translation and interpretations, and then discussed John 14 – more particularly, ‘the rapture’. We met up with (NGLS Candidate) Kristin Rice, watched “Gran Torino” and discussed change in individuals and what brings about positive and negative impactful changes to the person and a community/group.

At Wartburg, we attended a “Holden Evening Prayer” event in their beautiful chapel along with a handful of students and friend (NGLS Candidate), Eric Grayvold. Pr. Shane Koepke took a 15 minutes drive up to visit with the students and share in his jovial thoughts about Wartburg, seminaries, a faithful life…and a little teasing of Soren. ;-)

At Luther, after a great day of tours, visits, and classes, we had the opportunity to be invited to a dessert gathering at Patricia Lull’s house (Dean of Students). We shared in a great discussion of discernment, Luther stories, and friendships gathered throughout our trip. My sister, Emily Nesheim joined us for the event and then took us for a night tour of the Twin Cities, including visiting the famous Guthrie Center for the Arts.

Overall, through the van travels, information gathering and discussions over pizza, wings and burgers...Christ was present, along with ten eyes looking at their future and seminaries in a whole new light then when they began the trip. In this group....could there be new pastors, a new missionary, a parish nurse, a liturgical minded artist?