Partner Congregation Profile
In the midst of Advent we are reaching out to The Lutheran Church of the Master in Pasco to talk with Pastor Karen Bates-Olson. This congregation became a Partner Congregation before Karen began to serve there within the past year. As a PLU graduate, class of 1980, she was pleased to know that people there were actively in support of PLU!
There are other PLU alumni who desire to increase awareness of PLU's resources as a "faith based institution of higher learning". The presence of people who have experienced the educational community at PLU has fostered the idea that PLU offers a view of the world that is larger than the individuals who study there or give their support; but also a part of each person who has lived, studied, worked, struggled, changed and been nurtured at PLU.
Pastor Karen is thankful for the relationship that the Partner Congregation program brings her church through Confirmation Scholarships, Prayer Partners, educating students, academic resources and connecting with other alumni. She also appreciates the opportunity to tell others about the influence that the faculty and staff have on the students to make PLU an engaging experience.
THANKS Pastor Karen for your time, your thoughts, your experiences and your enthusiasm for PLU!
PLU Prayer Partner Congregation
Here is a letter I recieved from Grace Lutheran Church in Port Townsend, WA to their PLU Prayer Partner dated November 2, 2007. I was pleased to see that Grace Lutheran had taken the initiative to correspond with their prayer partner church, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Boise, ID.
"Pastor Lee Kluth from the Office of Congregation Relations at PLU has informed us that we have been paired with you as PLU Partner Congregations. At his suggestion I am enclosing a copy of our brochure and the current issue of the Voice of Grace. Your congregation has been added to our mailing list.
While the distance between our congregations will most likely make it quite difficult to do any direct sharing, we will be glad to be in whatever kind of relationship we can make happen.
We do not currently have any students from our congregation attending PLU but we do cherish their ministry among us. So we will enter this relationship to be supportive in any and all ways that enhances PLU's presence and ministry in Region 1."
Peace and Joy!
Howard A. Fosser
Pastor
Who Are Your Students At PLU?
What is your major? I'm a freshman majoring in Computer Science.
Are there any other students from your home congregation studying at PLU? There are a few people from my church here at PLU. My sister Caroline O'Connell as well as Megan Kautzman, Lauren Thiele and Kajsa Swenson.
Do you have any classes in Morken? What is it like having classes in the newest building on campus?
I have a lot of classes in Morken. I think the building is great and very nice. All the tools are brand new and up-to-date. It is the cleanest building on campus.
Are you taking a J-term class? I am taking a J-term class. It is Computer Science 190. It is about privacy. You learn about privacy on the internet and privacy of your personal information. I learned a great deal about the people who have lost every piece of privacy there is; the homeless. One of the class requirements is to work with the homeless for three hours a week. I volunteer at the Tacoma Rescue Mission Men's Shelter. It is a blast. I help people if they need personal hygiene products and I answer the phone. I do whatever I can do in my power to help people who come through the door. It is my favorite part of the class.