Commencement service held at MLC

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Smiles of the 191 graduates lit up the packed Martin Luther College gymnasium during the college's 2004 Commencement Service Saturday morning.

In addition to those receiving bachelor of arts or science degrees, four individuals received staff ministry certification within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and four others were recommended for synod certification.

While this year's graduation class was slightly smaller than last years, according to MLC President Ted Olson, the numbers were indicative of the increasing enrollment at the college.

A total of 54 male graduates received bachelor of arts degrees, certifying them for the WELS seminary program. Graduates receiving bachelor of science degrees in elementary education numbered 89.

Twenty-seven graduates received BS degrees in elementary-secondary education, and there were 15 graduates who received BS degrees in elementary-early childhood education. Three of the remaining six graduates received BS degrees in elementary education and staff ministry, and three received BS degrees in staff ministry.

The Rev. Vilas Glaeske, president of WELS South Central District, compared the graduates' work for their Lord to being in the military during these times of Sept. 11 and the war in Iraq.

"When you were baptized, you enlisted in the church militant, and you are now declared to be combat-ready by Martin Luther College," Glaeske said, in his commencement sermon.

"Just as our country is at war against terrorism so surely is the church militant at war against evil. The conflict is between spiritual enemies, those who follow the Lord and forces of evil, and they promote a new social order that aborted any moral responsibility. The result is people who are trapped within their sin. You are officers in this war," Glaeske continued.

He said that as the story of Joshua relates, "the Lord Jesus Christ was the commander as the Lord God said, 'Have I not commanded you?'"

Then, Glaeske drew the connection between Joshua and the MLC graduates.

"You know you're here this morning by the grace of God, don't you? He doesn't say I've taken you this far, and now you're on your own. 'Have I not commanded you?'" Glaeske explained.

"He puts in your hand the sword of the word of God. That's no small thing. You can advance the colors of the church boldly, but there will be those that will take shots at you. But be confident in your commission for you have been commissioned by the Lord God himself."

Glaeske urged the graduates to listen to those who are experienced in the war of the church militant.

"The beautiful twin towers that adorned the New York landscape are no more, and even the best neurosurgeons will eventually stand by the grave of their patients, but the work that you do has value for all eternity. The Lord will go with you wherever you go. Be confident of that," Glaeske said.

"Advance the colors of the church militant and know your position as an officer under the Lord Jesus Christ. I hope you're poised and ready to go."

Seven faculty members who are leaving the school were recognized during the service, including four tenured professors, two tutors and one adjunct faculty member.

A Call Service, at which time graduates receive their assignments for next year, was held Saturday afternoon on the campus.