UChicago, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and McCormick Theological Seminary take step toward UChicago purchasing facilities
The University of Chicago, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and the McCormick Theological Seminary have signed a non-binding letter of intent setting forth the proposed plan for the University to purchase the buildings and underlying real estate of each school.
The University of Chicago is committed to preserving the educational use of the buildings on the property, which is located across 55th Street from UChicago’s Hyde Park campus. The property consists of a 3.5-acre parcel and is situated in one square block bound by 55th Street, Greenwood Avenue, University Avenue, and 54th Place, with mixed-use educational facilities that have a total area of approximately 172,000 gross square feet, open space, and surface and underground parking. Although a specific use has not been finalized, the University anticipates the adaptive reuse of the buildings that will support its educational and research mission.
“The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and the McCormick Theological Seminary are valued and respected neighbors, and the University of Chicago is committed to being a good steward of this important property for its intended purpose of education,” said Katie Callow-Wright, executive vice president of the University of Chicago. “We look forward to working with both institutions as we move toward finalizing this agreement.”
The non-binding letter of intent provides that the Lutheran School of Theology and the McCormick Theological Seminary would have a right to lease space in their existing buildings from the University of Chicago for a limited period of time. In addition, the letter of intent provides for LSTC and McCormick faculty and students to access University shuttle services and dining halls.
The transaction has been unanimously approved by LSTC’s Board of Directors and McCormick’s Board of Trustees and is expected to close later this year, subject to the parties reaching agreement on definitive binding agreements, customary due diligence, and other legal and board approvals.
LSTC TO PARTNER WITH AMERICAN ISLAMIC COLLEGE FOR TRAINING JANUARY 28-29January 10, 2022
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| LSTC is grim and ugly. They kicked out the residents of a racially diverse apartment house so the Lutherans could brag about how liberal they were. |
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| The confessional hero William Passavent, a saint in the Augustana Synod's book, bought the property so the Lutherans of Chicago could build a seminary. This became the Chicago Cubs stadium, and they moved to Maywood, another attractive campus. Charles Austin - ELCA, Maywood graduate, - stated that the White Sox took over that original property! He is always talking about his journalism experience. Yuk, yuk, yuk. |
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Stepping Forward – Welcoming Christephor Gilbert to the ELM Staff
Stepping Forward
by Amalia Vagts, Executive Director
As you may have heard me say a time or two lately – Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries is growing. I’m thrilled to announce that we have hired Christephor Gilbert to be the new Operations Coordinator for Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries.
Christephor (he/him/his) is a member of Proclaim, a student in the Master of Divinity program at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and is in Candidacy with the ELCA toward Word and Sacrament ministry. Prior to seminary, Christephor worked as the Program Manager for the Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts in Louisville, KY, which was a natural move from his first career as a dancer, dance educator, and choreographer (MFA Dance, University of Hawaii, 1993). Christephor lives in Hyde Park with his partner Donald and their three cats. He is a member of Third Lutheran Church in Louisville, KY (where fellow Proclaim member, Rev. Steven Renner, is pastor).
Christephor will be working 8 hours a week for ELM, processing our mail and contributions and providing additional support for our communications work.
Christephor says,
“It was a dream come true when, as a life-long seeker, I fell into the loving arms of an ELCA congregation that was not only radically inclusive, but also had at its helm an out member of the LGBTQ community. Now, as a gay Lutheran, part of my call to work in the church is to continue to support, encourage, and advocate for LGBTQ people in the ELCA. I’m excited and grateful to work with ELM and play a small role in the organization’s mission to support rostered leaders and seminarians, paving the way for a future where all God’s children, inclusive of their diversity, are welcomed and celebrated.”
Christephor will be working from Resurrection Lutheran Church in the Lake View neighborhood of Chicago. This is an exciting new partnership between Resurrection and Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries – although our connections run deep. Program director, Jen Rude was called by and extraordinarily ordained at Resurrection in 2007.
We’ve received a generous and wonderful reception from Pastor Kelly Faulstich and the people of Resurrection. Pastor Kelly writes,
“At Resurrection, we’re excited to continue our support of and ministry with ELM! Our members often share fond memories of ELM Program Director Pastor Jen Rude’s ministry when she served here. And, we have always been sharing space in a figurative sense, when it comes to supporting, equipping, and encouraging LGBTQ leaders in the church. Now we get to share physical space too! We’re looking forward to having Christephor among us.”
Christephor starts February 29. As we welcome Christephor we say a very thankful and fond farewell to Marie O’Brien, who was our “bridge” operations coordinator (and spiritual guide) in 2015. Marie is the parish administrator at Grace Lutheran Church in Evanston – another wonderful partner with ELM. Marie provided much needed support for 4 hours a week and has been a wonderful, energizing, and caring part of our team.
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Behind the Curtain: Meet the Proclaim Gathering Dream Team
Each Year, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries hosts The Gathering for members of Proclaim (the professional community for publicly identified LGBTQIA+ Lutheran rostered ministers and candidates) and their families, for a time of renewal, community building, and professional development. We come together and embrace what it means to be publicly identified (“out!”) leaders as we care for ourselves, build community, and learn together.This August 5-8, 2018, over 65 Proclaimers from around the country will gather at Pearlstone Retreat Center outside of Baltimore!
Rev. Elizabeth Edman, author of Queer Virtue: What LGBTQ People Know About Life and Love and How It Can Revitalize Christianity will be our keynote speaker, featured alongside workshops, social time, music, worship, small groups, and more. You can help sponsor a Proclaimer HERE.
In addition to ELM’s trusty Program Director Rev. Asher O’Callaghan, a small and mighty team has been crafting the Gathering’s schedule. Thank you to the Dream Team for all you do. Check it out!
FUN TEAM
Co-Chairs: Brian Hornbecker & Laura Kuntz
My name is: Brian Hornbecker
My pronouns are: he/him/his
I’m co-chairing the Fun Team because: I think the opportunity to kick back, relax, and have fun with friends and colleagues is one of the best parts of the Proclaim gathering.
I’m excited for: the chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones at the Proclaim Gathering.
Who I am: I serve as Faith Formation and Communications Coordinator at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Eagan, MN, just south of Saint Paul. I graduated from Wartburg Seminary last year and am candidate for the diaconal roster (although that is a long and complicated story). I live with my spouse, Josh Moss, who is also a Proclaim member and a candidate for the diaconal roster, and our nephew Trent in the Twin Cities area. We just bought a house, so most of our “fun” time lately has been occupied with moving and everything that comes with that.
My name is: Laura Kuntz
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
I’m co-chairing the fun Team because: I enjoy coordinating social activities to build community.
I’m excited for: making new friends and be in a space where my queer identity is celebrated at the Proclaim Gathering
Who I am: My wife and I live in Lakewood, Ohio where she is serving a call and I am in an interim position. We’ve been coming to Proclaim gatherings since we were seminarians and look forward to them every year. I love fly fishing and playing in stonewall sports leagues.
WORSHIP TEAM
Co-Chairs: Kelsey Brown and Josh Evans
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
I’m co-chairing the Worship Team because: I believe innovative and expansive worship are essential to Christian Life.
I’m excited for: all the fun you will have at the Proclaim Gathering, I’m sorry I can’t attend!
Who I am: Kelsey Brown serves as Vicar at St.Paul’s Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, California. She is originally from Long Island, NY but when she’s not in SoCal she calls Philadelphia and United Lutheran Seminary Home. She likes spoken word poetry, Drag Queens and dancing around her kitchen. She finds joy in lavender essential oils, Netflix binges and preschool laughter.
My pronouns are: he/him/his.
I’m co-chairing the Worship Team because: I am passionate about the church’s historic liturgy brought to life in new, vibrant ways, and I love experiencing the Body of Christ praying, singing, and communing together.
I’m excited for: worship (duh!) at the Proclaim Gathering — and also getting a chance to see so many wonderful people I haven’t seen since last year’s Gathering or haven’t met in person yet.
Who I am: I grew up in Michigan and I am a graduate of LSTC in Chicago, awaiting first call in the Metro Chicago Synod, and currently working as Interim Coordinator for Global Service Events at the ELCA Churchwide offices. In my precious free time, I enjoy reading, drinking coffee, enjoying all things Chicago, watching inordinate amounts of Netflix, and spoiling my two cats (Oliver and Sophia) and their canine sibling (Roscoe).
PROGRAM TEAM
Co-chairs: Peter Beeson & Reed Fowler
My name is: Peter Beeson
My pronouns are: he/him/his
I’m co-chairing the Program Team: because I was invited.
I’m excited for: community, learning from the speakers at the Proclaim Gathering, and enjoying the nature (and organic farming) of the Pearlstone Retreat Center.
Who I am: Peter R. Beeson currently lives at work and has developed a newfound obsession with getting out of New York City, and finding mountains and trees. In his spare time he enjoys turning around declining organizations, fostering transparency, and teaching his toddler how to do chores.
My pronouns are: they/them/theirs
I’m co-chairing the Program Team because: I enjoy creative planning and creating space for introverts.
I’m excited to: connect with nature and other Proclaimers at the Gathering.
Who I am: Reed is a seminarian at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. In their downtime, Reed is at the pottery studio or hanging out with their partner, dog, and cats.
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Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries organizes queer seminarians and rostered ministers, confronts barriers and systemic oppression, and activates queer ideas and movements within the Lutheran Church.
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries anticipates a church in which queer leadership is valued, empowered, and celebrated: queer-led ministries are dynamic and thriving; all marginalized communities are liberated and honored, and justice flows from the sacraments as they overwhelm us and bring us to life.
Mailing Address:
ELM
PO Box 14317
Chicago, IL 60614-8503
Main Line/Voicemail: 312-759-7070
Email: info@elm.org
