Dear Friends,
A few days ago I received a letter from the seminary announcing a gift from
Zion. To each of you who have given so generously--- THANK YOU! Your
support means so much to me.
Often, people in the congregation ask me how my studies are going, or what
classes I’m taking. Well, here’s an update: I’ve just finished my fall term. I
had two classes,
summer was put into practical use. I spent the fall studying the book of
John, in Greek. While not something I‘ll use every day of my ministry, it is
fun and interesting to see how the New Testament was originally written,
and to get at the heart of what its authors really meant to say. I also took
Exegetical Greek, which means all the Greek I learned this
Lutheran Confessions
potatoes” of the Lutheran traditions--the documents of the Book of Concord.
We actually have several copies in the Zion library. Everything you ever
wanted to know about being Lutheran is in that book!
I plan on spending some time resting, enjoying Christmas and spending time
with my family, before I take off in January. I’ll be going to Milwaukee for
the first half of the month. I’ll be learning about ministry in an urban setting.
Particular attention will be given to ministry among people in poverty, antiracism
work and justice ministries. It’s pretty far outside anything I’m used
to, so it will be a positive learning opportunity!
I also want to share with you that I‘ve been accepted into the summer CPE
(clinical pastoral education) program at Rockford Memorial. I’ll be learning
the difficult but important work of hospital chaplaincy.
I thank you again for your support-- emotional, financial and prayerful.
Please continue keep my family and me in your prayers.
Your partner in ministry and sister in Christ,
Julane Nease. This was a class in which we studied the “meat and
