Commencement service at MLC

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM--Martin Luther College officials bestowed upon 207 graduates bachelor of arts and science degrees during its 2003 Commencement Service in the college gymnasium Saturday morning.

Fifty graduates received bachelor of arts degrees and are headed for the seminary. The rest received bachelor of science degrees in either elementary education, elementary-secondary education, elementary-early childhood education, elementary education and staff ministry or staff ministry.

"Don't forget your peas" when facing challenges was the advice offered by the Rev. John Guse, WELS South Atlantic District president, guest preacher at the service.

He reminded graduates their parents "had always given you good counsel and lots of good advice, 'If you want to grow up healthy and be big and strong, don't forget your peas.'"

Although the advice may have varied a bit over the years to fit the situation--'Don't forget to study'--as they grew up, "it really hasn't changed a whole lot from when I had my parents giving me a lot of advice," Guse explained.

"Our Heavenly Father's advice hasn't changed very much. In fact, the same advice and counsel he gave to his children 2,700 years ago, that's the same counsel he gives to you today. He says, 'Don't forget your peas.'"

In other words, Guse continued, "as we read in your class verse, 'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'"

When the graduates are filled with fear and trepidation "and not sure of this and not sure of that, don't forget your peas," Guse said. "So do not fear and look this way and that way and be concerned about what's all around you."

Graduates with teaching and staff ministry degrees received their assignments to WELS schools and parishes at a "Call Service" Saturday afternoon.