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 Spring 2006
Highlights

Camp Melanchthon 2006

Camp Melanchthon, the WV-WMD Synod church camp for collegians, was held at New Germany SP, Garrett County, MD, January 2-5, 2006.  Campers enjoyed the topic, "The Formation of the New Testament," getting the chance to read various non-canonical scriptures, ranging from the tame  Didache to the now vaunted Gospel of Thomas.  Of course, it wasn't all academics.  Larry Roby of Rent-a-Chef prepared three fantastic meals on Tuesday, and Chaplain Riegel scored 203 points for the word "quotient" at the Scrabble board.

Roman Catholic Children in UndercroftThe Patter of Little Papist Feet

Renovations are behind schedule for our neighbors down the street at St. John University Parish, creating a shortage of space for Sunday morning education.  We've our doors in the spirit of ecumenism (n.b., Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity begins this Wednesday) and invited them to use the Chapel of Christ the King.  Two classes will meet here every Sunday morning.  Pictured at right, lounging on our ancient bean bag chairs, are students at their first session in our undercroft on January 15.  They think it is a "cool" place.

Ecumenical Panel Discussion

St. John University Parish and the Newman Club hosted an ecumenical panel discussion on Tuesday, January 24, in Newman Hall.  Panelists included Fr. Don Higgs (Roman Catholic), Fr. James Gleason (C-R Orthodox), Pr. Shelly Barrick-Parsons (Presbyterian Church USA), and Chap. Matthew Riegel (Lutheran).  Panelists first addressed the topic of the role and understanding of the saints & Mary.  The second item considered was marriage and its practice and understanding in the respective traditions.  Following the discussion, pizza (apparently a very ecumenical food) was served.  The event was held in observance of the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity.

LCM@WVU Launches Fora

To facilitate conversation, the LCM@WVU launched a "discussion board" in early February.  Multiple fora which in turn permit multiple topic threads are available.  The link to access the board is http://s15.invisionfree.com/lutheranmountaineer

Scotti & Werntz Train Disaster Response Team

In preparation for their Spring Break deployment to Biloxi, MS, the Disaster Response Team will hold a training day at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Saturday, Feb 25, beginning at 9:00 AM.  Dr. Joseph Scotti, Department of Psychology, will lead the team members through issues related to disaster psychology and trauma.  Dr. Carl Werntz, Department of Community Medicine, will present on disaster site safety and incident command.

While in stationed in Biloxi, the DRT will work alongside team from Oklahoma and Lincoln, Nebraska.  We depart Saturday, March 11, and return Sunday, March 19.

Regular Disaster Response Team meetings are on Thursday nights at 8:30 PM.  If you are interested in joining the team, contact us.  There is a FAQs page posted along with application forms and other useful information; click here for the disaster webpages.  A discussion board with multiple fora related to disaster response is available at http://s15.invisionfree.com/lutheranmountaineer.

Trinity Lutheran Church, Charleston, Visit a Great Success

The good folk of Trinity Lutheran Church, Charleston, made the long drive Sunday night (Feb 26) to join us for the evening mass on Transfiguration Sunday (Feb. 26).  The Rev. Ron Schlak delivered a fine sermon and the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir lent their powerful voices.  Becca Grate, a WVU student and member of Trinity, served as the assisting minister.  Further excitement was created by the full procession, lots of frankincense, and Mike Lembke's percussion work in early music style.  Before the service, a pizza party was held.

Fastnacht Day / Shrove Tuesday

Less than pleasant weather will force Fastnacht Day inside this year.  Rather than making the tasty little treats on the Chapel Porch as in previous years, we will hold a FastNacht luncheon from 12:00 N to 1:00 PM--coming early or late is OK.  Not only will the lard fried lumps of heaven be available but so will some tasty meats & cheeses.  St. Paul will hold a pancake dinner in the evening.

Pilgrimage to Pitt

The Lutheran Campus Ministry made its semiannual Pilgrimage to Pitt on Invocabit Sunday (March 5).  Traveling in two waves, the first contingent headed out early to enjoy a concert by the Valparaiso University Choir.  The second wave joined them for Compline at Heinz Chapel that evening.  Meanwhile, sophomore Jason Felici conducted the services at the WVU Chapel, reading from Luther's Invocabit sermon at a 7:00 PM Service of the Word.

Theology on Tap: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Theology on Tap began its Lenten discussions of C.S.Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on March 6.  Throughout the Lenten season, the evening sessions delved into the symbology, allegory, theology, and literary aspects of the classic work of Christian literature.  Theology on Tap meets weekly at a local coffee shop for informal theological conversation about a wide variety of topics.

Chaplain Lectures ROTCs

Chaplain Riegel had the privilege of guest lecturing in both the Air Force and Army ROTCs this semester.  Speaking to senior Air Force cadets, Riegel explained the history of thought behind the modern Law of Armed Conflict.  Part of the class was spent leading the cadets through some hypothetical applications.  Riegel concluded his lecture with questions about the viability of LOAC in the light of changing historical contingencies.

For the Army's Military History class, Riegel shaved his beard and donned his W.W.I uniform.  In full combat gear, he explained trench life, basic infantry tactics, and weapons, uniforms, and accouterments.  At the start of the session, Riegel explored the place of the Great War in the modern American consciousness (or the lack thereof) against the profound effects of the war and consequence for the last ninety years.

Biloxi Crew Departure PortraitBiloxi Deployment

Our disaster response team has returned safely from Biloxi, MS.  We are working up an after action report.  Visit back in just a day or two to get the story.  In the meantime, we invite you to take a look at some of the photos and story line posted during the deployment itself.

Our disaster response team helped with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts organized by Lutheran Disaster Response in conjunction with ELCA Lutheran Campus Ministry.  13 students and 6 adults were deployed.  Team members engaged in varied activities, including insulation & dry walling, roofing, warehouse & distribution ops, debris removal, KP, electrical inspection & installation, and pastoral care.

After a nearly 1000 mile trip, 18 of the team arrived safely in Biloxi on Sunday evening.  Chaplain Riegel joined the crew on Monday evening, after presiding at a wedding and inspecting the situation in New Orleans with Pr. Dan Duke of Grace Lutheran, New Orleans.

Throughout the week team members reported powerful positive experiences of and reactions to conditions, work, and people encountered.  To read more and see some photos, click here.

Communication Students Conduct Focus Groups

Four advanced students from WVU's Communications Department conducted two focus groups with students participating in the campus ministry over the last fortnight.  Questions about program and perceptions were asked.  These focus groups are prelude to similar inquiries which will be scheduled at some nearby congregations.  The analysis of the groups will help the Lutheran Campus Foundation better serve and communicate with students and supporters.

Kyrie orbis factorLatin Mass at Lutheran Chapel

Was Martin Luther turning over in his grace?  Hardly.  He was probably rejoicing that the Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU was actually following his instructions and using the Latin mass.

It is not now my intention to abrogate or to change [the Latin mass].  It shall not be affected in the form which we have followed so far; but we shall continue to use it when or where we are pleased or prompted to do so.  For in no wise would I want to discontinue the service in the Latin Language, because the young are my chief concern. (LW 53:62-63)

An exceptionally positive response was heard from the congregation after the service...there was even a little applause--most unusual for a Lutheran assembly.  One student was particularly interested in seeing the Litany of the Most Precious Blood used more frequently.  Another suggested that the Latin mass should be done at least annually.  A faculty member said, "This was great; I am really glad that I came."  Another thanked us for "A truly special evening."

The Schola cantorum, under the direction of Vogelsong Kapellmeister Jonathan Neiderhiser, led the singing of the mass.  The Orbis factor was used for the ordinary.  Everything was in Latin, with Gregorian musical setting, except for the sermon.  Pr. Brian Bennett, the newly regularized pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church served as lector and led the sermon conversation.  Chaplain Riegel presided.

Those interested in joining the Schola should contact the Vogelsong Kapellmeister at Schola@LutheranMountaineer.org.

Holy Week Tenebrae Returns

After a year's hiatus, Tenebrae, the Service of Shadows, returned to the Chapel of Christ the King on Holy Wednesday.  Using the Medieval form, the full set of fourteen psalms and nine readings provided an opportunity for attendees to explore the Passion of Christ in a way rarely afforded in modern Christianity.

As in previous years, St. Paul and the Lutheran Campus Ministry coordinated their worship schedules to offer multiple and varied opportunities for Holy Week devotion.  Daily sext at the chapel was weld Monday through Thursday.  Vespers was prayed Monday and Tuesday.  Activity switched to St. Paul for Triduum.  Pastor Bennett and Chaplain Riegel cooperatively lead some of the services, Easter Vigil being the biggest.  Following Easter Vigil, Chaplain Riegel and a group of students and alumni further broke fast at a local eatery.

Final Fortnight

The Lutheran Campus Ministry continued its practice of increasing its activity during the last two weeks of the term.  Sext and compline were prayed each weekday/night, and, following compline, ten-chow, a time of food and fellowship, was held.  "Attendance vacillates wildly," notes Chap. Riegel.  "Some nights there can be a dozen, some nights only one or two."  When asked what he does if no one shows up, Riegel explained, "Well, I'm there, and I pray.  I pray for all those who aren't there."  Because of other ecclesiastical obligations, Riegel could not be present for all the offerings.  Students and other participants in the campus ministry stepped up and took turns leading liturgies and preparing ten-chow.

Chaplain Prays at Commissionings

Chaplain Riegel was privileged to give the invocations at both Army and Air Force commissioning ceremonies graduation weekend.  "It is a great honor to be asked to do this," said Riegel, "and quite moving to see the young women and men with whom one has worked receive their gold bars."  Among those commissioned were Lt. Zach Mauss, resident of Luther House, Lt. Tony Sgroi, a participant in the LSM's Ezekiel Study, and Lt. C. Brad Dixon, a consultant to the Disaster Response Team.  Also among the newly commissioned officers were several whom Riegel had had the opportunity to lecture in the classroom and at the Scabbard and Blade Society.
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