S is for Sparks

Fred Niedner preaching at the Festival Eucharist in Bethel Lutheran Church in honor of Ed Schroeder

Ed eyeing 75 blazing candles at the reception

Sparks were flying, to the delight of all, at the Festival Eucharist and ceremonies to honor one of the founders of Crossings, Edward H. Schroeder, on his 75th birthday. The festivities were held at Bethel Lutheran Church, where one of Ed's former students, Bill Yancey, serves as pastor. Ed's bishop and former student, Jerry Mansholt, presided at the Eucharist. Another former student, Fred Niedner, chair of the Department of Theology at Valparaiso University, preached. Jerry Burce, yet another former student, composed a beautiful hymn, Gospel Blazes in the Dark, for the event which provided the theme for the day and also for a Festschrift put together by a whole host of his former students (myself included), Gospel Blazes in the Dark: A Festival of Writing Sparked in Honor of Edward H. Schroeder presented by former student and Crossings President Steve Kuhl. (See ad, left column, for how to obtain a copy.)

Ed says he was "nearly speechless, if you can believe that" when all was said and done. But he did manage a short speech, nonetheless-a marvelous one at that-on "tendrils." From a Spanish philosopher, there was a phrase, "I am me and my relationships." As Ed explained, "the person who stands before you is here because of all his relationships. 'Tendrils' connect you and me together, so the celebration is about all of us, not just the man Ed Schroeder." Leave it to Ed, the honored guest, to honor us all again with the gospel's wide reach. Sparks are flying, blazing in the dark, reaching out like tendrils, bringing light to shine through any and all darkness this Christmas!

mhoy

 
 

 

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