Notes of sympathy; letters from Lorrie Nicholaus, Bonnie Flessen
Our sympathy to: Gene Naucas & family on the death of his father, August
Barbara Barrett & family on the death of her mother, Nancy Bulut
Letters
from Lorrie Nicholaus
Thank you – to all in the Grace Lutheran Church congregation for your prayers during my recovery, along with the many get-well wishes that I received. God is so good in giving me a wonderful caring family, the Grace Choir to be a part of and a great Grace Church staff to work with. Thanks again, Lorrie Nicholaus
from Bonnie Flessen
This month, I received a scholarship from the Grace Lutheran Scholarship Fund. The money went toward my studies at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. This is the third year that I have received a scholarship from Grace.I am working toward a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (New Testament) at the school, and my goal is to graduate in May of 2010. I want to thank the scholarship committee and council for their generosity, and to give thanks for all of you who have attended my Bible studies in the past and prayed for me as I progress toward this goal. Eventually, I would like
to teach in a Lutheran college, but the old adage rings true here: One day at a time.
One of the major requirements of the doctoral program is to write a dissertation on a topic of the student’s choice in the New Testament area. A dissertation is an academic book with multiple chapters, an introduction, conclusion, and footnotes. I chose to write about Acts 10-11 and the character of Cornelius. Cornelius is a fascinating character because even though he works for the Roman military, he is a bridge figure between Judaism and Christianity. I will suggest in my book that Cornelius is not only a model Gentile in the story but also a model man. This idea has led me down intriguing paths. I have been able to investigate ancient gender and to find different understandings of what a good man was. In addition to this, I have been able to study Roman military history, the relationship between Judaism and the Roman government, and Luke’s unique vision of faithfulness to Jesus in a time of military occupation. In both Luke and Acts, we can find role models and people who embodied the virtues of obedience to God, prayerfulness, and generosity. I think Cornelius is one of these role models.
Many thanks to Grace Lutheran for its support of students as they work toward their chosen vocations. Students are learners, which is the English equivalent of the Greek word “disciple.” I am grateful for the many ways that Grace Lutheran has been a supportive community for disciples of all ages.
Bonnie Flessen
Ph.D. Candidate
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
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