Concordia Milwaukee's "Second Life"

For more than 30 years, Columbus Day week has been special for me as I head to Northern Wisconsin to spend a few days with a former prep school classmate and roommate.  We go fishing (if the weather permits), or we just "hang out" together.  It's a time to reconnect with someone I've known for almost 60 years.

The route I take to his home does not vary.  Once I've driven thru Milwaukee, I take back highways thru the Wisconsin countryside, enjoying autumn's colors and taking pictures of old Wisconsin barns (slowly disappearing from the landscape).

But my FIRST stop on the trip is ALWAYS at my alma mater--Concordia College Milwaukee (of blessed memory)--between 32nd and 33rd, Kilbourn and State Streets in Milwaukee.  Tho' the campus moved to a north Milwaukee suburb many years ago, the plot of land just mentioned is still my alma mater.  I stop here each year to walk around the campus, to remember the wonderful six years I spent here, and the give thanks for friendships that began here and have lasted for almost 60 years; for professors who modeled the life of servants of Christ and of Christ's church; and for values that were shared and instilled in me.

After Concordia left its former campus, the property was purchased by the Potawatomi Indian tribe and converted into the Indian Community School.  Several years ago, the Potawatomis moved their school to a far southern area of Milwaukee.

 About 18 months ago, something exciting began to take place on Concordia's "old campus."  Renovation of Wunder Dorm; building a new Data Holding Center; and renovation of the old classroom building are underway.

When I stopped at "Concordia" the morning of October 8, I met a remarkable CEO by name of Pepi Randolph.  Pepi graciously took me on a tour of the entire campus, much to my delight.  As we toured Wunder Dorm (the 3rd floor of which is now the office for the Potawatomi Business Development Corp); Pritzlaff Dorms A, B & C; the Refectory; the Library; and, finally, the old classroom building... memories of my six years on that wonderful campus washed over me with fondness, emotion and much joy.

Augie Rehwaldt's biology lab... "Pips" Zanow's physics classroom and lab... Room 9, where "Keats" Hattstaedt taught us ancient history in our freshman year... the chapel where we gathered morning and evening for devotions... the faculty room... the Refectory where we ate our meals family style and had pie on Tuesdays and Fridays every week... the rooms in the basements of the dorms that were barber shops, game rooms, publications rooms... the new snack bar in the basement of Pritzlaff C.

As we walked through these buildings, and the rooms that were in them, I could hear the voices that once echoed in them--the profs and the students--and the "ghosts" of years gone by.  I told Pepi stories of what I remembered happening in those buildings.  The stories helped Pepi  understand the great history of Concordia's life in Milwaukee a bit more clearly.

I documented the tour of the campus with pictures of the work that is going on right now.  You may access those pictures here.  And, if you're interested in checking out some historical information about Concordia, you can go here.

And, if you happen to be in the Milwaukee area... are a graduate of Concordia's "old" campus... and want to see a work in progress...  stop at the campus, take the elevator in Wunder Dorm to the third floor, and ask the receptionist if you can meet Pepi.  He'll be glad you stopped!

Remembering Dad

Dad's 46th birthday, June 15, 1956

  As I entered today's date and beginning mileage in my auto record book this morning, I was reminded that today is the 102nd anniversary of my dad's birth in Sodus, Michigan.
  Unfortunately for me (and the rest of my family), dad only lived another twelve years beyond the picture on the left.  We lost a wonderful dad and husband much too early in our lives.
  Several times, while I was growing up, dad's birthday anniversary fell on Father's Day (it's close this year).  Then, it was always a question of "do I get him a birthday present or a father's day present?"  Honestly, I don't remember HOW I resolved that issue :-)
  As Dad's birthday anniversary and Father's Day closely coincide again this year, I remember what a patient man my dad was.  Rarely did I ever hear him raise his voice in anger, tho' there were times when such action would have been justified.  I remember my dad as a man who wasn't afraid to tackle a difficult problem, whether it was to find a way to finance the new school that my home church built in 1952, or dig a water well next to the garage so my sibs and I could have a regular water fountain during the summer.  Dad encouraged me by way of example.  I'll never forget his words to me, right after my wife and I bought our first house in St Louis, and mom and dad came for a visit.  After supper, we walked around the property and dad took it all in.  Finally, he said, "Well, Bob, I think you and Margaret made a good deal!"  And that was his word of encouragement.
  I wish dad could have been with us many more years than he was.  I know I would have gained a lot more wisdom from him.  But, I'm grateful for the years he was my dad and for all I learned from him.
  Happy Birthday, Dad!

A Year's Difference

A Year's Difference



One year ago, Chicago was digging out from the third largest snowfall in the city's history--23 inches. The storm began on January 31 and didn't end until the morning of Groundhog Day.

One year later, Chicago basks in the 10th warmest winter we've had.

The pictures above show similar scenes in front of our condo in Oak Park at roughly the same time in the morning on February 2, 2011 and February 2, 2012.

Advent Vespers

It's the First Sunday of Advent once again, that season that has changed--liturgically speaking--from the days when I was a kid. In those days, the color was purple; the mood was penitential; there were no flowers; we did not sing "alleluia." It was, in effect, a mini-Lent.

That has changed since Vatican II. Advent is now a time of hope and anticipation. The color is blue. Our look is to the return of our Lord at the end of time. And, if we happen to make it to December 24/25, we'll again celebrate the anniversary of our Lord's first coming in the flesh at Bethlehem.

Advent has changed a great deal for me since we arrived in Chicago in 1976. Sometime in the early 80s, I happened to see an announcement for Advent Vespers at the Cathedral of the Holy Name (aka "Holy Name Cathedral") at State and Superior Streets in Chicago. What caught my eye was the fact that Vespers was to be sung with the use of Gregorian chant. That intrigued my wife and me. Though we attended on a Sunday late afternoon in 1983 (probably for the first time; it's the earliest service folder I have in my file), we didn't start participating in Advent Vespers until about 1990.

Since that time, Advent Vespers has become a "must" part of our Advent devotional life. With the exception of Choir anthems, there is little difference in the service from year to year. We know our parts pretty much by heart. But, it's the quiet time we spend at prayer, in the surroundings of a magnificent cathedral, that becomes a refuge from the busyness of the world's preparations for "their" celebration of Christmass.

And so, this afternoon at 3:30 we were in our "usual" pew in the cathedral for the half-hour organ concert that precedes Vespers. Then, shortly after 4 pm, we heard the handbell announce the tone for the solo voice to sing the O Antiphon for Advent I, O Sapientia... "O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and reach from one end of the earth to another; mightily and sweetly ordering all things: come and teach us the way of prudence."

And then the Gallican Chant, "Alleluia! I look from afar. I see the power of God coming and a cloud covering the whole earth. Alleluia"

Once more, I am taken beyond myself into the awesome presence of the One on whom we wait, even our Lord Jesus Christ.

A wonderful evening at prayer. If you're in the Chicago area, you might want to come and see and share in the wonderful opportunity. Each Advent Sunday ... Organ concert at 3:30 ... Advent Vespers at 4:00.

Easter Eggs

This morning I carried out a "ritual" that I started about five years ago when my granddaughter had just turned three. I had bought empty plastic Easter eggs which I intended to fill with things that a three-year old could eat: marshmallows, Fruit Loops, etc. On my way home from Easter Vigil that Saturday night, I stopped at the local Jewel to get my "supplies."

The next morning, before leaving for worship, I hid the eggs in obvious places in our condo. When my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter came over for Easter dinner later that day, Sophia found all the eggs and had a great time opening them and discovering what "goodies" Grandpa had put in them.

Five years later, Sophia has a four-year-old brother who also gets involved in the Easter egg hunt. And, we've grown from just a dozen or so eggs to many, many more. To solve the problem of one kid getting more than another, Grandpa has decided that each child gets three different colors of eggs. That way, they can pick up as many as they find, but at the end of the "hunt," eggs are divided by color; each kid gets exactly the same.

The eggs are all filled--with mini-marshmallows, fruit snacks, goldfish crackers, little boxes of raisins, jelly beans, Fruit Loops, and some other "goodies." I won't hide them until tomorrow morning. It's great fun and definitely "grandpa's thing."

There are special surprises in six of the eggs: grandpa empties out the loose change bucket in his office and put that change in six of the eggs.

I hope I'm able to carry on this tradition for a good many years to come.

The Baptism of our Lord

Early in my retirement, my wife and I were privileged to receive an invitation from the Bishop of the Protestant Christian Church of Bali to serve one of its English-speaking congregations on that Indonesian island. For three months, we lived among the Balinese people near Kuta Beach (on the Indian Ocean) and served the congregation in Nusa Dua.

For three months we experienced a very different culture from our own. We learned of the openness and gentleness of the people of Bali, particularly the Hindu population (which predominates in Bali).

One of the remarkable people we met was a Balinese man by the name of Ketut Lasia. Ketut had grown up in a Hindu family who, by his own admission, were simple rice-farmers. Ketut wanted no part of farming; he wanted to be a painter. At age 18 he moved from his family and moved to the home of a painter in his village. From him, Ketut learned how to do Balinese paintings. He also "eavesdropped" on conversations that occurred between his Hindu teacher and friends of his teacher (who were also Christians). The conversations did not begin to make sense to Ketut until years later when he met a Dutch pastor who began to plant the seed of the gospel in Ketut.

In 1967 Ketut heard for the first time God's call to him. Another year of conversations resulted in Ketut's request for baptism in 1968, a decision which resulted in Ketut's complete isolation from his family and friends. Ketut now considered how he might honor God and proclaim the gospel. He was led to the decision to use his artistic ability to paint individual scenes from the gospel accounts, and to do so in a Balinese context, as though Jesus had lived and taught in Bali. In this way, painting became Ketut's means for telling of Jesus and proclaiming the Good News.

During our stay in Bali, my wife and I were able to visit Ketut in his home in Denpasar. His "studio" was located in his home, and there he had displayed the many paintings he had done that told the story of many aspects of Jesus' life. Particularly impressive to us were his paintings of Jesus' birth, baptism by John, last supper and crucifixion. With Ketut's permission, I took digital photos of his paintings.

On the Eve of the Baptism of our Lord, it seemed a good time to share Ketut's Balinese rendition of Jesus' baptism. I hope his rendition provides you with new insights into the Biblical account of Jesus' baptism.

A Special Christmass Eve

When my daughters were much younger, I made it a practice to write them a short letter on Christmass Eve before I went to bed, recalling the "good" and the "bad" of that year. Most of all, I reminded them of my love for them ... of my gratitude for their continuing growth in faith ... and of God's love for them in the new-born Christ child.

Now, one of those daughters has a daughter of her own--my granddaughter. Tonight, as a 2nd grader, she participated in her first Christmass Eve Children's Service at the church where we worship.

What a joy it was for me to watch and listen to her as she joined with other children in proclaiming the story of sin and redemption and of God's promise fulfilled in the Incarnation of God's Son. Once again, I became a child, listening to that "old" story with new ears ... seeing the excitement of the story-tellers with new eyes.

And, the "frosting on the cake" was that my granddaughter's artwork was chosen to be on the cover of the worship folder tonight!

So much to be grateful for ... so much to rejoice in ... so much to reflect on.

A Blessed and Merry Christmass to all!

A Mini-Reunion

I just returned from a weekend in Sheboygan Falls WI where I participated in a "mini-reunion" of my junior college graduation--now 51 years ago. The weekend was intended to be an extension of our 50th reunion last year. Some of us felt that the conversation that started last year needs to continue. And, what's better than the conversation of good friends, especially when it's shared over good food and drink?

Tho' there were only six of us who gathered for the "continuing conversation," the weekend will be one of this summer's highlights for me. A bond of friendship that was forged when we all began high school together at Concordia in Milwaukee in September of 1953 continues to be strengthened each time we get together.

As we reminisced about those six years we spent together at Concordia in Milwaukee, we were reminded again of God's goodness and grace that took young boys and formed them into proclaimers of the Gospel. We remembered the godly teachers we had during those six years who helped to shape and form us. Tho' they also had their flaws, they helped to shape our spiritual lives.

So tonite I give thanks for Abie and Ungie, for Joel, Truebs and Juice--good friends for 57 years. I'm glad we could share the weekend together (along with our spouses) and "keep the conversation going."

Holy Lent 2010

Tonight I began my 72nd journey into Holy Lent, though I have no recollection of the very early journeys when I was an infant and small child.

My earliest memories of Holy Lent are wrapped in feelings of sorrow and darkness and lack of joy. I recall sad hymns, sung during mid-week Lenten services. It was almost like attending a funeral every week for six weeks. And the focus during those six weeks was always on the suffering and death of Jesus. At every mid-week Lenten service (tho' they were actually held on Friday nights during my childhood!!), we always heard a portion of the conflated story of our Lord's passion and death, pieced together from the Synoptics and John.

Thank God for Vatican II, as well as for the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship (and its wonderful production, Lutheran Book of Worship,) for reserving the major focus of our Lord's suffering and death to Holy Week ... and for making of Holy Lent a time of the Christian's participation in the discipline of Lent--repentance, fasting, prayer and works of love--which help me to wage spiritual warfare during this season.

And, as ashes, in the form of a cross, were traced on my forehead tonight, I am reminded again that I am mortal and will return to the dust from which I was taken.

I am grateful for another opportunity to join fellow pilgrims during Holy Lent 2010.

My Childhood Church's Christmass Decorations

Since I had some "extra" time yesterday morning while I was in Saint Joe, I drove over to my childhood church [Trinity Lutheran] where I had participated in many School Christmass Eve services as a child. Wondered how the church would look 56 years after I graduated from grade school.

The chancel of the church is even more beautiful than it was when I was a child. The Christmass trees are now artificial (and didn't seem as tall as they were when I was a child). Small white lights have replaced those big old 9 1/2 colored bulbs that were popular in the 40s thru the 60s. Chrismons have replaced the ornaments of old.

All in all, I was very pleased with what a saw, and the scene brought back lots of fond memories for me. I can still "smell the smell" of Christmass Eves of the past, hear the sounds, and taste the goodness of the "bags" of goodies we received from the Men's Club after the service.

What great memories!

A very Merry Christmass!

In Memoriam--David George Truemper

Today--October 30--I remember a good friend--David Truemper--whose untimely death occurred five years ago.

David and I met as freshmen in high school at Concordia College-Milwaukee in September 1953. For 51 years,our lives would intertwine and intersect. We considered each other's parents our own. For 30+ years, we had a"standing date" for the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University, which, for 20 of those years, Dave served as Director.

Dave was a theologian. He was a Doctor of the Church. Though his own church body rarely recognized the great gift God had given them in David, theologians world-wide recognized Dave's scholarship, particularly his insights into the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Today I give thanks to God for God's gift of David to the Church and for David's relentless pursuit of "telling the story" of the Gospel.

But, even more than that, I thank God for God's gift of David to me--as a dear friend, a colleague, a confidant.

"Rest eternal continue to grant to David, O Lord,

and let light perpetual shine upon him."

Anticipation

This has been a week of anticipation for me. Months of planning for the 50th reunion of my junior college class is about to come to fruition this Saturday and Sunday as we gather in Oconomowoc WI.

Concordia Milwaukee's Class of 1959 numbered 62. Ten members of the Class of 1959 have died. We were not able to locate two others. Of the remaining 50, 28 will gather to remember and reminisce and give thanks for all these years of friendship that began on the campus of Concordia High School and College in Milwaukee.

Saturday, June 27, will also mark the 44th anniversary of my ordination to the Office of the Public Ministry of the Church.

This will be a great weekend of remembering and gratitude.

Semana Santa [Holy Week] in Antigua Guatemala

This was the first of almost daily processions that Margaret and I saw as we observed Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Antigua Guatemala.

Each of the many Roman Catholic churches in Antigua has a "float" (anda is the Spanish word for it) that can be almost two car lengths long, can weigh up to 3 tons, and is carried in procession by anywhere from 80 to 100 men. Those who carry the anda change every block.

Each anda has the figure of the suffering Christ on it. Each procession will have its own "band" that will follow the anda and will play funeral dirge music. There's lots of incense (the boys and young men try to outdo each other in how much smoke they can create!).

The anda with the suffering Christ on it will be followed by another (smaller) anda that will have the figure of the weeping Mary and will be carried by young women.

The processions are marks of devotion on the part of those who participate, but they are also a marks of "penitence."

The procession from La Merced church on Good Friday leaves the church at 4 am and does not return until 2 pm--10 hours later.


The procession in this video came past the home where we were staying about 3:00 in the afternoon of Palm Sunday. It was one of 4 or 5 that came past our home that week--one of them as late as 1:30 on Easter morning!

The Final Sunday

It was with a mixture of sadness, and hope for the future, that 20+ members of Immanuel gathered for their final worship service on December 28, 2008. As the year 2009 begins, the "diaspora" of Immanuel's members will have begun.

Based on the Gospel for the day (St Luke 2:25-40), Pr Burke concluded his homily by saying, "And now it is time to bid farewell to the ministry that you have so faithfully carried out at this place. It's time for us to join Simeon and Anna in saying, 'Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word.' I'm ready, Lord, for whatever may come. You've shown even me how much my life is in your hands. So, what can disturb me now? Life is good, but the best is yet to come!"

At the conclusion of the service, plaques, recognizing continued service to Immanuel over the years, were presented to LC Cook (head elder); Kelley Schau (organist); Lester Busse (usher and "jack of all trades"); the Viveros siblings (Nicholas, Rebecca, Cynthia, Melinda and Sarah) for their service as acolytes; Dana Aseves; Art Arellano (president of the congregation); and Pr Burke for his 5 1/2 years of providing Word and Sacrament ministry.

Then, members were invited to come to the Christmass treee and remove an ornament of two to take home, as a reminder of their participation in this last service.

Final Sunday for Immanuel

Sunday, December 28, will mark the final Sunday of worship for the members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in South Chicago. Effective January 1, 2009, Immanuel will cease to exist as a congregation, and the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS will take title to the property.

Remaining members of Immanuel have been planning for this end-of-the-year closing and have been choosing new communities of faith where they will transfer their membership.

As we gather for our last service around Word and Sacrament, we give thanks to God for God's blessing during the 135+ year ministry of Immanuel, as well as for the faithful pastors, teachers and lay persons who were God's instruments in Gospel ministry in South Chicago all these years.

Resident pastors who served Immanuel during her 135 year history include:

H P Duborg - 1873 - 1879
C Eissfeldt - 1879 - 1896
Ferdinand Sievers - 1896 - February 7, 1918
W C A Martens - November 1918 - 1947
Walter Greve - 1947 - June 18, 1951
H W C Luedke - November 7, 1951 - 1971
F Robert Modr - July 1972 - January 1975
James Foley - June 1975 - September 1992

Non-resident pastors who served Immanuel
for extended periods of time since 1992:

Andrew Wiesner
Matthew Becker
Stephen Knapp
Robert F Burke

Additional Photos from November 2 Celebration

Here are additional candid pictures of Immanuel's celebration of ministry on November 2.

Greetings from Pr Matt Becker

Dear saints in Christ Jesus at Immanuel:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

I was pleased to have served you as your vacancy pastor during the early 1990s. I was then also a fulltime student at the University of Chicago and a part-time assistant pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran in Dundee, Ill. Those were busy days, but good ones, full of many blessings. Not only did your kind remuneration help to put food on my table but, more importantly, your sharing in the gospel and your faithful service in rather uncertain times were a great inspiration to me. That remains the case today.

My wife, Detra, and I will always remember with great fondness how you rented a bus so that you could attend our wedding in Dundee. Your participation in that event truly made the whole day more joyful and memorable for us. I still laugh when I think of how I told you a few months later that Detra was sick that Sunday morning and could not join us for worship. Almost immediately several of you started giggling and whispering among yourselves, "She must be suffering from morning sickness ... " While your suspicion that day turned out to be incorrect, since the Lord did not bless us with a child until a few years later, that occasion was a clear example to me of how you all enjoy a good laugh from time to time! (BTW, our son, Jacob, is now 9 years old.)

I am also grateful for the work of ministry that friends Andrew Wiesner, Steve Knapp, and Bob Burke have provided you through the years. These pastors are great blessings to the Lord's church. I know that today you join me in expressing a heartfelt "thanks" to them, these good and faithful servants!

And now what of your future? We are, each one of us, like the thief on the cross. Every day we can only exclaim, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Thankfully, that future kingdom is greater than any earthly building or piece of turf. That divine and certain future is inclusive of all the saints who have gone before us and who will come after us. The Lord knows and remembers his own. He does not forget anyone who calls on his name. Indeed, the only things the Lord promises to forget are our sins! Thus, I am confident that the one who has begun a good work in you on the south side of Chicago will bring it to completion on the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. We all share in his grace through our holy baptism. Despite our physical separation from one another, he keeps us united in his body, the church, and through his holy communion he nourishes and feeds us with that which will last for all eternity. No matter what the immediate, earthly future might bring each of you, the Lord promises to guide you and keep you forever.

Detra and I wish we could be with you today, to help you remember and celebrate Immanuel's past and also to offer a word of encouragement and hope. Alas, we must stay here in Germany. Nevertheless, please know that you will remain in our prayers. We are praying that your love may overflow more and more for one another and that the Holy Spirit will guide you in the weeks to come. The grace of Christ be with you!

In his name,

Matt Becker


Matt, Detra & Jacob Becker
Munich, Spring 2008


Matt Becker,
with bust of Martin Luther
Erfurt, Germany | Fall 2007

Immanuel Celebrates

Sunday, November 2, marked the day for Immanuel Lutheran Church of South Chicago to celebrate her 135 year ministry, to give thanks and praise to God for God's steadfast love during those years, and to prepare to close her ministry at the end of 2008.
The Rev Dan Gilbert, Bishop of the Northern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, preached the sermon and pronounced the benediction. Former resident pastor, James Foley, was assisting minister. Prs Don Gourlay and Stephen Knapp also participated in the service. Robert Burke, who has provided Word and Sacrament ministry for the past 5+ years,
presided at the Eucharist.

Pr Bob Burke, Pr Don Gourlay, Bsp Dan Gilbert, Pr Steve Knapp

About 80 people were present for this service, most of whom stayed for a luncheon that was provided for all who came, including long-time members Herman & Lille Eicke and Ruth Harsany, below.

As an act of gratitude to God, Immanuel presented checks of $6000 each to representatives of Walcamp and Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, to assist in programs of those two institutions.



Among those responsible for arranging for the luncheon were Chris Arellano and her mother June Aseves, below.

Immanuel Celebrates 135+ Year Ministry

On All Saints' Sunday, November 2, 2008, Immanuel Lutheran Church of South Chicago (90th and Houston) will give praise and thanks to God for God's steadfast love during the 135+ years of her ministry in South Chicago. Former members and friends of Immanuel have been invited to come and join in worship that day.

Guest preacher for this special service will be the Rev Dan Gilbert, Bishop of the Northern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Pr Jim Foley, last resident pastor of Immanuel, together with Pr Stephen Knapp and Pr Don Gourlay will share in leadership of worship that day. Pr Robert Burke, who has provided Immanuel with Word and Sacrament ministry on a regular basis since May 2003, will preside at the Eucharist.

A catered luncheon will follow the service.

By the end of this year, Immanuel will conclude her ministry in South Chicago.

Welcome to the Schau Family

Immanuel Lutheran Church welcomed Matt & Kelley Schau, together with their daughter Emily into membership with the congregation during worship service on Sunday, July 15.
The Schaus transferred their membership to Immanuel from Saint John Lutheran in Forest Park.

The Schau family is not a stranger to the congregation.

Kelley grew up at Immanuel during the time that her father, the Rev Jim Foley, was pastor here.

Since about 2002, Kelley has been Immanuel's regular organist for worship on Sunday.

Matt is on the Faculty at North Park College on Chicago's North Side. His field is molecular biology.

Emily, now three, is eagerly anticipating the arrival of a sibling during the first week of August.

Immanuel is glad to have the Schau Family as a permanent part of our community of faith.

Welcome aboard!