Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of North Dakota Summer

Christus Rex
Lutheran Campus Ministry
at the
University of North Dakota
Summer 2016
COFFEE HOUSE
CHANGES
Kyle Thorson has taken the reins of Archives
Coffee House here at Christus Rex.
With the retirement of Bruce & Rachel Kopp,
Kyle has begun a new model of business for
us.
Christus Rex
is on Facebook !
Keep updated on what’s
happening at Christus Rex
or go to our website:
www.christus-rex.org
Staff
Kathy Fick
Director/Campus Minister
Chad Brucklacher
Campus Pastor
Thorson’s goal is to transform Archives into a
social business — a for-profit business that
cares about social mission and focuses on
service to the community. Each month,
Thorson plans to use proceeds from Archives
to give back to non-profits in the Grand Forks
community.
“I’m excited about the possibility of creating a
place where everyone can bring their whole
selves and by means of every day purchases
make a difference here in Grand Forks,”
Thorson said. “I look forward to the partnerships and relationships we’ll develop
with UND and Grand Forks.”
Jan Kurtyka
Administrative Assistant
Delphine LaMoine
Yen Lee Loh
Music
Lauren Anderson
Florian Stifel
Student Residents
Our thanks to Bruce and Rachel for
their 10 years of faithful care for
this important outreach on the
campus.
Joy to you in your newly discovered
leisure time!
Summer Worship
Wednesday — 5:30 pm
Archives Coffee House
Summer Hours:
Sunday: Noon - 7:00pm
Monday - Friday
7:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-7:00pm
Welcome, Kyle, and thank you for
this new opportunity for service in
the community of Grand Forks.
Thank you for this vision of love
for our neighbor and the grace of
hospitality to all who enter here.
ON THE COVER:
Archives is a cozy place both day and night!
In Loving Memory of Ruth Lerud
The ministry of Christus Rex began at UND in 1942 under the
leadership of a young woman named Ruth Lerud. She had just
graduated from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and at the
ripe old age of 22, began her work with what was then the National
Lutheran Student Service. She was charged with beginning a
Lutheran ministry on the campus of the University of North Dakota.
The initial meetings were held in Merrifield Hall and Ruth began what
grew to be a thriving campus ministry. She found a true calling in
this work and spent the next 19 years of her life in campus ministries
across the country. Ruth not only worked at UND, but Hunter
College and Columbia University in New York, the University of
California –Berkeley, the University of Iowa, and North Dakota State
University.
A lifelong learner, Ruth also received Master’s degrees from
Columbia and the University of Tennessee. She also taught at St.
Olaf, Valparaiso and Stevens Point, WI. Her heritage was dear to her
and she was passionate about her Norwegian roots, so she attended
folk schools in Norway and traveled extensively throughout Europe.
Ruth moved to Denver in 2006 to be closer to her younger sisters,
Joanne and Phyllis, who cared for her in her later years. Ruth died on
December 23, 2015.
Ruth’s sisters shared some of these wonderful photographs with us for this issue of the newsletter.
We give thanks for the faithful ministry of a courageous young woman whose legacy is a community
of faith that has touched and transformed many lives. We will plant a tree in Ruth’s memory during
our final summer worship here at Christus Rex. Blessed be the memory of Ruth Lerud. May light
perpetual shine upon her.
Interfaith
Week
April 10—16th, 2016
This year UND and Christus Rex celebrated our 6th Annual Interfaith Week complete with 25
events. We featured two Islamic Imams from both the Sunni and Shia tradition, L.S.S. Refugee Panel
talking about bringing their faith to Grand Forks, a multi-faith panel on spiritual displacement, an interfaith potluck event, two service events, and much, much more.
Each year, Interfaith Week celebrates what brings people together and what sets them apart through
exploration and conversations about different faiths and religious traditions. Many who go to these interfaith events are pleasantly surprised at how people from different religions and philosophical backgrounds can COEXIST. This year we featured a local artist, Hillary Kempenich, who offered us original
COEXIST artwork to reflect our overall theme (see artwork above).
Our role as Lutheran Christians is to create a world where all God’s people can find a welcome and
where we can be part of the faith conversations that
inspire people to wonder what God is up to and how God
is bringing the world together in wholeness and healing.
We are blessed to be part of these kinds of
opportunities that reflect God’s vision of Shalom where we
can sit down around the table together and share God’s
Creation with all our neighbors!
Young Adults in Global Mission
The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program
invites ELCA young adults ages 21-29 into a transformative, year-long journey in international service.
As they offer themselves in service, ELCA young
adults are shaped by the witness of our global
neighbors. They share in the journeys of companion
churches and organizations in one of nine countries
around the world.
A year of service through the Young Adults in Global
Mission program invites young adults to become the
hands and feet of Jesus in the world, providing critical support to ministries and projects in communities
of need. It also invites volunteers into a journey of
self-reflection, providing space to consider their
sense of identity, God’s work in the world, and their
place within it all.
Kylie Oversen, a deacon at Christus Rex, was featured in the May issue of Living Lutheran, the official publication of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA), in their “I’m a Lutheran” feature. A portion of that story is highlighted
here. Kylie graduated from the UND School of
Law in May, is a North Dakota legislator in the
House of Representatives, and is the chair of the
North Dakota Democratic-Nonpartisan League
Party. We are happy to share this feature with
you.
I found my faith when I came to college and to
Christus Rex. My faith developed alongside my passion
for social justice. Campus ministry has been one of the
most foundational pieces of my life.
Hannah Andrist has spent the year in Madagascar
with the YAGM program. She has blogged on her
onelittlebanana blog and raised questions and
shared adventures. What a remarkable year it has
been!
Reflections from Hannah — “What keeps us from
showing the same amount of love and acceptance
to every human being? I think the simplest form of
the answer is that our society places the majority
of esteem and importance on the extent to which
you succeed in the things that you do. But who we
are and how we are is of real importance when it
comes to relationships. Of course it’s important
to further society in the things that we do but what
if we placed the same amount of value socially on
every human life? And what if we didn’t have to
worry about the extent to which we were
succeeding, instead defining that for ourselves?
As a young adult in the church, much like in
politics, we need to find a balance between tradition
and progress.
An issue I’m fighting for is economic security for
women and families. This includes access to education
and health care, freedom from violence, adequate pay
and financial assistance, and more.
I hope fellow young adult women will feel
empowered to become engaged in issues of social
justice, in whatever ways make sense to them. The
avenues for engagement and activism are truly
endless.
In 10 years, I see the church living in spaces much
different than it currently does. I hope the church and
its work continues to grow outside the four walls of a
physical sanctuary.
My favorite church memory is my spring break trip
to Haiti with Christus Rex. It was a beautiful place with
beautiful people, and I’ve wanted to return ever since.
In law school I have learned patience and perseverance. I have learned when to bite my tongue and when
to speak up. And I have learned the value of good
sleep.
Carrie Sandstrom (left) and Stephanie Mullen
(right) have both been accepted into the YAGM
program and will begin serving in August 2016.
Carrie will be in Jerusalem and Stephanie will be
in Mexico. They are looking forward to what the
year will bring!
I’m a Lutheran because I believe the church should
be a welcoming and inclusive place for all, and I’ve
found that place in my Lutheran church.
To read the full text of this story, visit
LivingLutheran.org
Monthly Giving: Is it for you?
Christus Rex relies on donations, and there are many ways to give.
Automatic monthly giving can make a huge impact!
Auto giving —It’s easy to donate through our Simply Giving program.
a. Go to our website: www.christus-rex.org
b. Click on the ‘donate on-line’ button located on the left hand column
c. Follow the instructions.
Simply Giving allows you to make a donation directly from your checking account,
savings account or a credit card. It can be used for a one-time donation, and as a
recurring donation.
Here’s how YOU can make a difference —
One year at $10/month — coffee and hospitality for a week
$25/month — Friday Feast & Fellowship (Company’s Coming) for 2 wks
$50/month — Sponsor a deacon for the year
$100/month — Tusen Takk Membership
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Christus Rex has a Qualified
North Dakota Tax Credit
Endowment Fund
Become a Tusen Takk Member
We have worked closely with
professional counsel so that gifts to this
established fund will qualify for the
major tax incentives established under
2007 and 2011 legislation. For more
information, contact:
Derrick Johnson, Resource Management
Member:
701-746-8310 or
[email protected]
You can support us by using
Amazon Smile
It’s a simple process that allows
you to buy from Amazon and
support a charity of your choice.
We are listed as:
Lutheran Campus Council
of Grand Forks
The 2016 Tusen Takk ornament is as
beautiful as you would expect — all
donors who give $1,000 or more per
year receive a hand-designed
ornament designed for Christus Rex by
Badman Designs.
Our Ministry Partners
December 2015—May 15, 2016
Jon Aaberg ● John & Gladys Aasen ● Dave & Kim Adams ● John & Shirley Anderson ● Stan & Jan Andrist
Margaret & Bruce Asleson ● Joyce & Kevin Austin ● Craig Bader & Diane Norell ● Harold & Bev Bale
Michael & Lorna Berg ● Pat Bohnet ● Lisa Boxrud ● Doug & Michelle Bradley ● Alastair Browne ● David
Brubakken ● Ervin & Marlene Brucklacher ● Mike & Stephanie Brueggemann ● Tom & Becca Bryl ● Peter &
Susan Buckley ● David Bullock ● Sarah & Adam Bunge ● Jim & Kathy Bury ● Bruce & Cndy Carlson ● Bev &
Marv Cooley ● Bruce & Bev Conway ● Dakota Harvest Bakers ● Elizabeth Dvergsten-Beauce ● Kirk & Tracy
Eisenbeis ● Lillian Elsinga & Boyd Wright ● Henry & Joann Eslinger ● Julie Evans ● Bryan Fagerholt ● Allen
Lee Geisen ● Gail Hagerty & Dale Sandstrom ● Mike & Beth Hamerlik ● Don & Shannon Hansen ● Tessa
Hansen ● Steven & Joan Hawthorne ● Kip & Jerrlyn Henery ● Lester & Barbara Heringer ● Hugo’s Valley
Markets ● Jo Hirsch ● Peter & Ann Jacobson ● Sally & Marlin Jacobson ● Phil & Jane Johns ● Darold &
Ardella Johnson ● Derrick & Tara Johnson Karmen & Lisa
Online giving is available at www.chr istusJohnson ● Phyllis Johnson & Bill Higdon ● Mike & Kathy Jones
rex.org or through Bill Pay with your personal
George Kelley & Paul Holje ● Bart & Nancy Kounovsky ● Gus &
bank account.
Nancy Kopka ● Erin Kunz ● LeRoy & Jan Kurtyka ● Loyal &
Your donations are always appreciated whether
Shirley Larson ● David Lambeth & Cecilia Volden ● Bob Leet
given directly or sent via postal mail. Thank
Donald Lemke ● Kevin & Linda Lemke ● Jon & Kara Lovseth
you for your continued support. A remittance
Cheryl & Jeff Macekjovic ● Patti Mahar ● Beth McDougall
envelope is provided in the newsletter for your
Audrey McMacken ● Dave & Patti Miedema ● Michael Mishler &
convenience.
Tracy Ystesund ● JoAnne Moeller Andersen ● Dan Molden
Robert & Becca Muhs ● Doug Munski ● Lila & Duane Nelson
Luke & Kimberly Nelson ● Marie Neumann ● Doug & Sandy Norby ● Tom & Jeanne O’Neil ● Joseph &
Catherine Olson ● Madison Kay Olson ● Gary & Michelle Oversen ● Audrey Pederson ● Karyn Petersen ● Ann
& Jeff Radi ● Fred & Donna Remer ● Mark & Sandy Rios ● Dustin & Barb Roise ● Allyn Roley ● Roger & Jan
Schauer ● Brian & Kristen Larsen Schmidt ● Bob & Connie Scott ● Alice Senechal ● Michael & Pamela Sondag
Robert & Gwen Sorenson ● Dean & Carol Sorum ● Jill Steinhaus ● Wayne & Beth Stenehjem ● Eric Strohacker
Fred & Linda Strohacker ● Ginnie & Ted Schock ● Richard Tryhus ● Shari Weisz ● Harold Westin ● Joyce
Wicklund ● Cory & Jamie Wolff ● Pederson Estate ● Microsoft Matching Funds ● Blanche Evenson Estate
Sustaining Monthly Gifts
**These gifts are received on a recurring basis either from bank or credit card accounts.
Harmon and Julie Abrahamson
Chris & Kathy Bartlette
Chad and Sonja Brucklacher
John and Kathy Fick
Matt and Heidi Fick
Congregations
 Eastern ND Synod
 Augustana Lutheran Church
 Calvary Lutheran Church—Grand Forks
 Fisher Lutheran Church
 Northwood/Washington Lutheran Church
 Our Saviors Lutheran Church—Larimore
 St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
 Sharon Lutheran Church — Grand Forks
 Trinity Lutheran Church—Carrington
 Trinity Lutheran Church—Valley City
 United Lutheran Church—Grand Forks
 University Lutheran Church
EAND Synodical WELCA
Evanger WELCA
Family of God WELCA
First Lutheran—Hoople WELCA
Kyle & Jessica Gregerson
George and Tara Haj
Lynne & Matt Mraz
Denise Parrello
Shelly Gunderson Potter
Kyle Thorson
Don and Bobbie Shields
Tracy and Lauri Shimpa
Kristina & Alex Waters
Thank you to the following friends for directing eligible
Thrivent Choice Dollars in Support of Christus Rex.
Marcie Baesler
Ronald and Lin Baesler
Paul and Evelyn Baker
Bruce and Beverly Conway
Cassel Everson
Dennis and Becky Goetz
John Halstenson
Louis & Margaret Iverson
Janice Jenson
Daniel Johnson
Derrick and Tara Johnson
Lisa and Karmen Johnson
William Kirk
Jan & LeRoy Kurtyka
Robert Leet
Women of the ELCA (WELCA)
Goose River—Hatten WELCA
Grace Lutheran—Ada WELCA
Lakota WELCA
Pekin WELCA
Donald Lemke
Kevin & Linda Lemke
Cheryl and Jeff Macekjovic
Timothy & Judy Megorden
Joanne Moeller-Andersen
Doug Munski
Keith Place
William Rindy
Dustin & Barb Roise
Allyn Roley
Jeffrey & Cathy Ronning
Mark Schuschke
Charles Stakston
Bruce and Jodie Storhaug
Fred Wittman
Sarnia United Women ELCA WELCA
Sharon Lutheran WELCA
Walle WELCA
Sigdal WELCA
Our Savior’s—Warren WELCA
St.Marks WELCA
Zion Lutheran Church WELCA
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. Postage
PAID
Grand Forks, ND
Permit No. 182
3012 University Avenue
Grand Forks, ND 58203
(701) 775-5581
www.christus-rex.org
[email protected]
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
SUMMER WORSHIP
CHRISTUS REX
We are
a people
who live in:
Wednesdays — 5:30 pm — Begins June 1, 2016
OPENING FALL WORSHIP
Sunday — 10:30 am — August 21st
PRIDE WEEKEND — Worship on August 28th
- God’s promise
- Christ’s purpose
- the Spirit’s hope.
THEOLOGY FOR LUNCH — Noon — Oct. 7,14,21,28
HOMECOMING — October 13—15th
Check our website for details
www.christus-rex.org
Like us on Facebook
Christus Rex is a
ministry of the ELCA.