Reading for fun

Lutheran, The, Jul 2001 by Main, Elaine

Some may consider reading a passive pastime, but not when it's reading something by Beth Stevens (right). A member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Waverly, Iowa, Stevens writes the weekly "Kids at Play" column for the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier. In the column she suggests crafts and games that recycle such household items as milk cartons, grocery bags, buttons and Styrofoam.

"I like to use things all around us and things we're used to throwing away," Stevens said. "I always hope that doing crafts from recycled materials helps children realize that having fun doesn't need to cost money.

"And, of course, recycling is a good way to be caretakers of God's world."

She also has written several books that combine family activities with educational components. Celebrate Christmas Around the World (available from ama zon.com) contains Christmas activities from more than 20 countries, explains traditions and includes carols and recipes.

Her focus is on promoting family togetherness through inventive means. "It's critical that parents enjoy their time with kids," Stevens said. "Too often we lose sight of the joy because of day-to-day routines and guidance needs. When parents and children take time to share activities they both enjoy, communication occurs in a fun and nonthreatening way."

A former home economics and early childhood education instructor at an Iowa community college, Stevens has taken her own advice with her three children and as the arts and crafts director for Redeemer's vacation Bible school.

Her eight books, including a series on historical toys such as Colorful Kites, Billions of Balls and Marvelous Marbles, are classified as "hi-lo." This means the books are designed with a high-interest level to reach reluctant readers in grades two through six. Stevens hopes they will help explain some world history by using objects children know well, and that young readers might interact with their grandparents or older relatives who can tell stories about their old toys.

Marlene Schoeneck, First, Parkers Prairie, Minn., was one of two Minnesota teachers this year to receive the Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science. As an honoree, she attended a series of events last March in Washington, D.C.

Marion Love, a professor at LenoirRhyne College, Hickory, N.C., is the school's first female faculty member to receive a Fulbright Scholarship, which allowed her to attend a group seminar this year on German higher education. The seminar was held in various cities throughout Germany.

Luther Kriefall, campus pastor of Columbia University, New York, received Lutheran Campus Ministry's Philip N. Knutson Award for creativity and courage in the course of public ministry. He started a tutoring program 10 years ago for local children, which has expanded to six days a week at three sites.

This year, three ELCA members-- Kate Cessnun, First, Ketchikan, Alaska; James Bryant, Faith, Enid, Okla.; and Kyle Nails, Christ, Fairfax, Va-were chosen from more than 10,000 students who entered the RespecTeen Speak for Yourself letter-writing contest, sponsored by Lutheran Brotherhood. Participants wrote letters to their congressional representatives about issues important to them. Winners, one chosen from each state, met with their representatives in Washington, D.C.

Nancy Galbraith, organist at Christ, Pittsburgh, had her music Missa Mysteriorum performed on WQEDFM public radio by the Mendelssohn Choir. The choir previously presented her mass at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Music Hall.

Myrtle Warloe, Hope in Moose Lake, Minn., celebrated her 75th anniversary singing in church choirs. She began singing on Sundays in 1926 and retired this year.

Richard Jensen, an ELCA pastor, served as "spiritual interpreter" at "Jesus Walks Broadway," a benefit for the second Rockford [Ill.] Lutheran Habitat for Humanity House. The event, which featured religious-theme Broadway music, was held last month at Rockford's Coronado Theatre.

Katherine Schaumburg, St. Paul, Kellogg, Iowa, is perhaps the oldest acolyte in the ELCA. A St. Paul member since 1909, the 91-year-old has been acolyte for longer than she can remember.

The Department for Schools of the ELCA Division for Higher Education and Schools selected four teachers at Lutheran schools as recipients of the 2001 Founders Grant. The teachers are Stacy Hart, Our Savior, San Clemente, Calif.; Rachael Rennegarbe, Christ, Odessa, Texas; Jennifer Vogler, St. Paul, East Northport, N.Y.; and Jamie Wade, Shepherd of the Valley, West Hills, Calif. The teachers were honored for teaching effectiveness, Christian influence in the spiritual formation of students and a positive witness in the school community.

100+ club:

104: Pearl Larson, Good Shepherd, Viroqua, Wis. 101: Amanda B. Judds, American, Ashland, Neb.; Anna Lidtke, Grace, Westbrook, Minn.; Dietrich Monsees, House of Prayer, Hingham, Mass. 100: Electa Apple, First, Greensboro, N.D.; Mel Barrett and Ethelyn Koch, Bethany, Portland, Ore.; Mildred Brownlee, First, Superior, Minn.; Emma Dumont, St. Paul, Clinton, Iowa; Melba Ericcson, United in Faith, Chicago; Margaret Niederhuber, Grace, Steubenville, Ohio; Melvin L. Petersen, Immanuel, Evanston, Ill.