CONNECTIONS A PUBLICATION OF THE CROSSING June 2005 Volume 3, no. 1

STUDENT INITIATIVE DRIVES THE CROSSING by Doug Pierce Editor: e have just finished our great Christmas gift by Wisconsin fourth year at UW– Trails magazine.) Madison in our new loca- Katja Marquart, our art coor- tion. Each year, we have dinator, will be leaving us, but we Wsustained growth. This coming sum- are pleased she has accepted a mer, we will offer summer program- teaching position at UW–Stevens ming for the first time, due to interest Point. Katja’s passion for laby- and student demand. rinths will continue to bear fruit. There is so much that takes place at This summer, students will be working The Crossing over the course of an aca- with her to design a labyrinth that can be demic year that goes underreported. used in future programming. Pastoral care, encouragement, vocational Finally, we are optimistic about an- discernment, significant relationships other “new initiative”: a coffee house, (including romantic), and faith growth— which we hope will complement and ex- INSIDE how does one do justice to it all? tend the programming, outreach, hospi- Of course our “marquee” pro- tality, and social justice ministry of The Church relations 2 grams continue to be our Quest mis- Crossing. Our coffee house picks up on I was hungry and 2 sion and service learning trips and our the idea of a “Three Squares” program “informal” Vespers worship services of The Wesley Foundation past. Al- Sunday evening vespers 3 and no-cost dinners prepared by local though current plans are to begin small, churches (which draw between 50 and serving “fair trade” coffee and bakery Graduation 3 65 students). Since January, we have goods prepared with locally grown or- Peer ministers reflect 4 sponsored trips to Florida for a Habitat ganic fare, we envision that in a couple for Humanity Blitz Build, to Honduras, of years we might be ready to expand. Busy semester for 5 and to Costa Rica (Questa Rica II). All of the above happens because of Relay for life 5 Next year, we are planning a third strong student initiative. We have Questa Rica trip, a Northern Ireland learned that the maxim, “If we build it, Replacing fear with 6 trip, and a North Dakota trip, led by they will come,” is not quite true. A truer The crossing is alive 8 our students. We are also hoping to maxim seems to be, “If they build it, they return to Israel, Honduras, and Florida. will come.” Of course, we are always try- Asbury Award goes 8 Last year, one of our exciting “new ing to strike that delicate balance of co- to Jim hook ventures” was the Crossing Choir, led creating and shared partnership. Celebrate what’s right 9 by Nancy Seabold. Fourteen students Opportunities for ministry and out- Elaine Pagels discusses 9 became part of this outreach venture. reach continue to present themselves to We hope to enhance our music pro- us. However, they are never without reverse mission trip to 10 gramming in the year ahead and are challenges. I am grateful for the leader- grateful that Nancy plans to continue ship and courage of students, staff, It is simple to be 11 with us in her role as choir director. board members, pastors, area congrega- We are delighted that Clare Norelle tions, and statewide judicatories for their Habitat trip teaches 12 will continue to lead our Vespers mu- courage, commitment, and vision, which sic. Clare’s commitment to justice, together add up to the ministry and gift Make friends, increase 13 peace, and global expressions of music that is The Crossing. Thank you for Students gain global 14 are a perfect fit for us. (Clare’s CD, your support! Because of you we are produced last year, was featured as a making a difference. Thank you! 16 Connecting with The Church

of experimentation, CHURCH RELATIONS BY REV. WINTON BOYD wonder, and joy. Doug and Karla, their staff, y association with the role of faith in the and their student leaders The Crossing began world, and their own gifts continue to think outside in the summer of as people of God. the box. At the same 2002 when I joined As a local church pas- time, we as a local Ma trip to Israel it was sponsoring to tor, I felt then, and con- church have provided learn from Palestinian Christians tinue to feel, that we as a students with a glimpse about peacemaking, interfaith rela- congregation have a great deal to of what an active, socially conscious tionships, and living in the midst of learn from the people and ministry of church can look like. Their energy violence. Over the next several The Crossing. We have invited stu- and creativity and passion are a gift months, I met with the emerging dents and leaders to our church to to us. Our sense of community, vi- group as we planned the trip. lead worship services and discussions. brant worship, and efforts to be I found the small group of men We have sent folks to The Crossing radically hospitable have impressed that traveled to Ibillin in Galilee to to feed the hungry and receptive stu- students. It is a partnership that be deeply faithful, sensitive, and excit- dents after the weekly Vespers pro- benefits both of us. ing. They handled the many situa- gram. We have jointly sponsored We support their work with joy tions in Israel with grace, sensitivity, events addressing how the church and only wish we could give more. compassion, and humor. Their shar- deals with the Middle East and envi- We look forward to continuing to ing in our group reflection sessions ronmental issues before us today. We develop this partnership and learn overwhelmed me. It became clear have had adults participate with stu- from the faithful, creative, and gutsy very quickly that the ministry at The dents on Habitat for Humanity work work of The Crossing. Crossing was supporting and nurtur- trips. ing these young people as they were Through all of these encounters, Rev. Boyd is senior pastor at Orchard thinking about careers, world issues, I sense that The Crossing is a place Ridge UCC in Madison.

I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU FED ME BY KARLA SCHMIDT ach Sunday evening, wonderful Church people arrive at The Crossing Windsor UCC with food to feed an army of We thank each of these congregations and the members who prepared and students! These people come served meals. We also thank one of our parents who provided two meals, from many local churches and we are so E Jane Considine, mother of Ana and Suzie Considine. You all have given the grateful to all of them. Our students love not only the food but the obvious care for them that is expressed in these meals. These churches provided The ABOUT THE CROSSING

Crossing with meals this past year: The Crossing seeks to provide a Christian community for the University of Wisconsin–Madison where indi- viduals can explore, understand, and affirm their Covenant Presbyterian Church relationship with God, each other, and the world. Divine Savior UMC Our community is grounded in worship, fed by the First Baptist Church study of the scriptures, informed by the disciplines of First UMC the university and Christian traditions, maintained by fellowship, and seriously engaged with the problems Janesville First Congregational UCC and possibilities of the world. Middleton Community UCC Where Faith Meets Life Rev. Doug Pierce, Director Monona UMC Rev. Karla Schmidt, Campus Minister Rev. Cecil Findley, Campus Minister Emeritus Monroe St. John’s UCC The Crossing 1127 University Ave. Katie Scanlan, Administrator Monticello Zwingli UCC Madison, WI 53715 Ellen Fast, Communications Coordinator

Orchard Ridge UCC Phone: 608-257-1039 Are you a past alum of MCM, Wesley, or Wayland? If so, we’d love Fax: 608-256-3980 to hear from you! Please send us a card or an email. If you know Salem Verona UCC [email protected] other alumni, please invite them to contact us. If your address University UMC www.crossingministries.org changes, please contact us with your new address. Waunakee Crossroads UMC The Crossing—a partnership of Madison Campus Ministry, the Westminster Presbyterian

Page 2 CONNECTIONS Connecting with The students

SUNDAY EVENING VESPERS DRAWS STUDENTS BY KARLA SCHMIDT

our years ago, we were so The highlight of our spring Ves- with a group of students to talk happy when 8–10 students pers programming was a visit by more deeply about discerning life gathered regularly for our Madison-based author Parker Palmer choices. It was an incredible eve- Sunday evening Vespers ser- on February 27. ning, and we Fvice followed by a shared meal. We He spoke on the thank him for giv- all sat around one table in those days. story of Barti- ing to The Cross- Since then, our service and meal have maeus in Mark ing in such a per- evolved into something new, involv- 10:46–52, re- sonal and pro- ing more students, many of whom are minding us of found way. After involved in planning and leading the the courage it his visit, students worship service. took Bartimaeus held a book study Since many of the students are to throw off his on his book, Let already active in the church of their cloak (his iden- Your Life Speak. choice, Vespers is not intended to be tity as a beggar Other high- a formal worship service. Instead, it for so long) and lights of this se- is an evening service filled with music, come to Jesus mester’s Vespers a message (sometimes given by a stu- (empty of his old include leadership dent or group of students), and identity and Madison-based author Parker by two student prayer. It is meant to give students an ready to claim a Palmer visits the crossing. peer ministers, opportunity to take a moment to re- new identity) and Brianna Sundal flect more deeply on God and their answer Jesus’ question, “What do and Jeni Olson. (Please see their re- faith, to lift up their joys and concerns you want me to do for you?” Palmer flections on page 4.) Messages were in prayer, to lift their voices in prayer encouraged us all to learn from Barti- given by the students who partici- and song, and to share signs of peace maeus about what it means to live a pated in our various work projects with one another. The meal, which is life of bold faith. Palmer is the au- to Honduras, Florida, and Costa always generously provided by a local thor of numerous books, the most Rica. We were all touched by their church, is an opportunity to socialize recent being A Hidden Wholeness. Fol- experiences and the insights they with friends and meet new ones. lowing the Vespers service, he met received (for an example, see the article written by Jenny Beissinger on her experience in Honduras on GRADUATION CONGRATULATIONS page 11). Various students put to- gether a PowerPoint presentation to his year, we congratulated Wei Zhang help lead each service. Finally, we 14 students who graduated. Each graduate was given a are blessed with a wonderful student One of these students, Leah book with the hope that the one music team and music coordinator Hart, is a pioneer student selected for them would encour- Clare Norelle. The music of Ves- Twho has been with us from the time age their continual growth in the pers consists of familiar hymns and we restarted this ministry here at The faith. Various titles include The praise songs, as well as songs com- Wesley Foundation building four Heart of Christianity by Marcus posed by local musicians (including years ago. The graduates, including Borg, Kitchen Table Wisdom by Ra- Clare) and various ethnic sacred Wayland residents, are the following: chel Naomi Remen, Mornings with songs. Our most recent new song was taught to us by Jiaying Shen and Jenny Beissinger Henri J. M. Nouwen and The Inner Naomi Delvanthal Voice of Love by Henri Nouwen, is in English and Mandarin Chinese! Leah Hart Let Your Life Speak by Parker On May 1, we held an end-of- Tomek Krzyzostaniak Palmer, Contemplative Prayer by the-year picnic. The only problem Katja Marquart Thomas Merton, The World’s Relig- was that that day it rained, snowed, Kaitlin Martin ions by Huston Smith, Pondering the sleeted, and hailed outside! It was Annemarie Pettit Labyrinth by Jill Kimberly Hartwell nasty weather, so we stayed indoors Ben Porter Geoffrion, and Grace in Action by and turned our fireplace into a fire Diego Roman Alvaro Roure Richard Rohr. pit. We made the best of it and had JiaYing Shen Congratulations and blessings a wonderful time. At this service we Lisa Valenti-Hein as you move forward in your jour- recognized our graduates and sent Laura Veltman ney of faith and share your amazing them on with prayers and song.

June 2005 Page Connecting with each other

PEER MINISTERS REFLECT BY JENI OLSON AND BRIANNA SUNDAL

first came to The Crossing ing a spiritual and reflective side to s I think back on the se- my freshman year for the the trip. It was a great experience, mester and my experience “Welcome BBQ,” which and I felt so blessed to have been as a peer minister, I am provided free food and fun given the opportunity. After the first very grateful to have had forI anyone passing by. Once I was semester, I was asked to be a peer Asuch a wonderful opportunity. By there, I chatted with a few people minister, focusing on planning the being in a leadership position, I and filled out a survey about my in- Vespers services and being more gained a new perspective of The terests. One thing I checked was available to peers for talking, listen- Crossing and a better understanding preparing the slide shows for the ing, and fellowship. I was also in- of our mission to reach out to all Vespers service every Sunday. In all volved in the Student Organization people and many spiritual back- honesty, I left the get together not meetings and was able to give insight grounds. really thinking I’d be coming back, and learn more about the behind-the- This open-minded approach was but I was contacted that week to scenes planning that goes on to make inspiring and challenging for me. I help with PowerPoint for the next The Crossing what it is. In addition especially enjoyed the after-Vespers Sunday. I decided I didn’t have to these other activities, I also helped discussions that I helped facilitate. much to lose and that I would give plan The Crossing’s first retreat. That Talking with my fellow Crossing this place a try. Little did I know at was a great experience as well and members and Vesper-goers was a that time what amazing experiences, really challenged me and my Catholic spiritually uplifting time for me. I new friends, and spiritual growth faith when loved gain- awaited me at The Crossing in my speaking ing new next two years. with others insight Going to Vespers every Sunday who have from oth- and helping out with the service was various ers while I something I began to look forward back- sought an- to every week. I was meeting new grounds. swers to friends, the majority of whom had a Overall, my own different faith background than me, in my two spiritual as I was raised Roman Catholic. years since questions. Vespers became a place to have being at Jeni and Brianna Our discus- some fun in a relaxing yet spiritual college, The sions pro- environment. During the winter Crossing has most helped me realize voked a greater curiosity in me, re- break, The Crossing offered a trip to the many different types and ways garding issues such as the Gnostic Florida to build Habitat for Human- there are to live a life of faith in God. gospels and different religious back- ity homes. I decided to take advan- The experiences there have helped grounds. I am so proud to be a part tage of this opportunity, stepping me to become a better Christian my- of such a wonderful group of indi- out of my comfort zone, and the self, as I’ve developed better commu- viduals! trip became one of the best experi- nication skills, leadership skills, and My time as a peer minister ences of my life so far. It was a trip especially a better understanding of helped me grow closer to The Cross- that really defined a lot of my fresh- other’s faith lives and what that ing Student Organization, closer to man year and solidified my belong- means to them. I have come to truly wonderful fellow students and cam- ing and feeling welcome at The appreciate and value the differences pus ministers Karla and Doug, closer Crossing. and similarities among all of us living to the Vespers planning team, and All in all, attending The Cross- together in this world with our God. most important, closer to God. I ing my freshman year really helped Truly, loving one another is our pur- will be spending my fall semester in me transition into college smoothly pose here on this earth, and at The London, but when I return, I will and easily and helped me begin to Crossing, I experienced this over and enthusiastically continue on my spiri- define who I was and what I wanted over again—loving others and being tual journey with The Crossing. my faith to really mean to me. loved in return. Once my sophomore year began, Brianna Sundal is a junior from West things just seemed to fall into place Jeni Olson is a junior from Fennimore, WI, Bend, WI, studying elementary education at The Crossing. I co-led the Flor- looking to go into nursing school. Her and environmental studies. Her back- ida trip that year, focusing on bring- background is Catholic. ground is United Methodist.

Page 4 CONNECTION Connecting with each other

ANOTHER BUSY SEMESTER FOR STUDENT ORG. BY ANA CONSIDINE

pring semester was a busy over dinner and a movie. This se- sin. The event was a time for the 15 and fruitful time for us! mester, one movie night was a spe- students attending to relax in the The Student Organization cial treat. Movie night organizer quiet wilderness as well as reflect organizes social and volun- Kirk Rappe was able to get funds on the topic of the retreat—an ex- Steer activities to expand the opportu- through ASM (Associated Students ploration of how a person’s faith nities for students to get to know of Madison—a student government affects the world around them each other at The Crossing. body on campus) for advertising and through the environment, politics, One of the movie rights to and social order. semester’s first Bonhoeffer. In late April, a large group from activities was Through these the Student Org participated in Re- the Valentine’s efforts, several lay for Life, a fundraising event to Day weekend new people fight cancer. (See the article below.) babysitting found out Early in April, Student Org fundraising about and at- members Travis Tennessen and Phil event. About 10 tended this Kollmeyer went to lunch with stu- young children movie night. dents from Journey House Campus came to play, Bonhoeffer is a Ministry in River Falls, Wisconsin, eat dinner, and the Valentine’s Day weekend baby- documentary- who were traveling through Madi- watch movies sitting event. Sometimes it was dif- style film on son. It was a unique opportunity to while their par- ficult to tell the college kids from the life of theo- discuss campus ministry and get to ents were able logian Dietrich know students from another group. to go out for the holiday. Parents Bonhoeffer, who was one of the As these events show, the se- donated to the Student Organization first voices of dissent against Adolf mester was, to say the least, success- in return for the service. Covenant Hitler during WWII. A reflective ful for the students as they strived Presbyterian Church graciously al- and powerful discussion followed toward teamwork, leadership, faith lowed us to use their building for the movie. growth, service, and fun. this event. During the first weekend in The movie nights, as always, March, a retreat was held at Cedar- Ana Considine is a senior from Portage, were successful events, providing a wood cabin at the American Bap- WI, studying engineering mechanics. Her monthly opportunity for fellowship tist camp in Green Lake, Wiscon- background is Presbyterian Church, USA.

RELAY FOR LIFE BY MEGAN KRUG his past April, The Crossing biggest turnout the Madison participated in The Madi- campus has seen yet. son Indoor Relay for Life The Madison Indoor on the UW–Madison cam- Relay for Life was held at Tpus. The Crossing team had 15 mem- the Shell Recreational Facil- bers and reached their fundraising ity, next to Camp Randall. goal by raising almost $3,000. Students and their team As team captain, I was really glad members filled the area Matt Anderson (white shirt) walks that so many people came out and around the track with tents, on behalf of the crossing. showed support for such a good sleeping bags, and folding cause. I think this event is so success- chairs to prepare themselves for the ful because it is important to people overnight event. The Crossing’s Relay for Life team, from all walks of life. When people heard that Relay you can still make donations to the Relay for Life is a fundraiser for Life is an overnight event they American Cancer Society. For more sponsored by the American Cancer got a look of dread on their face. information, visit www.cancer.org. Society that seeks to raise money for But what they didn’t realize is that cancer research and awareness. This the overnight aspect to the event is Megan Krug is a fifth-year senior from year’s event had double the number what makes it so much fun! Fond du Lac, WI, studying journalism. of registered teams; it was by far the If you were unable to donate to Her background is Catholic.

June 2005 Page 5 Connecting with The World

REPLACING FEAR WITH PERCEPTION

IN COSTA RICA BY SARA HILLEGAS

n March 18, 2005, 10 Uni- our trek, we met biweekly, fundraised tive American heritage, Miguel has versity of Wisconsin stu- furiously, and explored topics such as developed a passion for the land, an dents and one very brave “Nature and Christian Spirituality” understanding of how “life supports Doug Pierce set forth on an with Professor Cal DeWitt, “Deep life through biodiversity,” and a expeditionO of learning and service in Ecology” and “Tropical Forest Con- hope of restoration through people the forests of Costa Rica. The adven- servation and Ecology” with Marga- who have a spiritual connection to ture actually began months, and even ret Buck and Professor Don Waller, the land. He was an inspiration for years, before, as the Quest program and Michael Dowd’s crusade to show us all and inspired the writing of this has taken shape through trips to Israel how science can enhance religion. article by saying that we must in 2003 and Costa Rica in 2004. But nothing fully prepared us for “replace our fears with perception.” Guided by the bold direction of The what we encountered in Costa Rica. That lesson followed me Crossing, Quest has given UW stu- After a passport dilemma, an through Costa Rica. Our nights in dents the opportunity to explore the unintended night at the Atlanta Hil- Arbofilia were spent in Swiss Family world, their personal passions, and the ton, a group reunion, and the chaos Robinson–style abodes, and my first essence of their spiritual lives. The of San Jose, we finally arrived in the trial of fear was on the top bed 2005 Quest trip (a.k.a. Questa Rica II) rain forest of Arbofilia. The bumps bunk. An assortment of insects had was no different, examining the Chris- of the van ride up and down the congregated around the light bulb tian call to be stewards of the Earth rocky mountains were soon forgot- that was mere feet from my head. A and searching for those spiritual con- nections to the land in the rain and cloud forests of Costa Rica. Having participated in the 2004 Quest to Costa Rica, I was on an eco- spiritual high in the summer of 2004. When Doug and Karla asked me to lead the 2005 return trip, how could I say no? I couldn’t. But then reality struck. What was I getting myself into? I actually have to help others experience this amazing connection to God that I was only beginning to comprehend! The fear set in, and Left: Sara hillegas plants a tree in arbofilia. Right: a holy week many times that summer I thought of procession in san jose. running scared, but the promise of experiencing more fully God’s pres- ence in nature was more than enough ten when we set our eyes on the lus- gigantic praying mantis waited pa- to give me motivation. When our cious, green forest. In Arbofilia we tiently, and a batlike blur flew group first formed in October, my met Miguel Soto, a man who, in less around me during the night. I’ll ad- strength was boosted even more. than 20 years, has almost single- mit, I was afraid, and I got very little The advertising and interview process handedly created a vibrant, sustain- sleep that night. But the next day, had resulted in a bounty of fruits by able, “analog” forest from barren Miguel blessed me with the words, the names of Jennifer, Ana, Maria, grassland. (Analog forestry tries to “replace fear with perception,” and Amy, Kerry, Charis, Libby, Joel, and achieve a balance of ecosystem that night I exercised my mind and George. health and economic stability for the overcame my fear. Through the months leading up to land and people.) Through his Na- In Arbofilia, we spent our days

Page 6 connections Connecting with The World

hiking through the lush forests and hotel! The fear returned. But this as we endured the storm and the pi- learning from Miguel about a variety time, I was a little wiser and quickly lot maneuvered the aircraft to the of plants, trees, and wildlife. We calmed my nerves, assessed the situa- other side of the storm clouds. At swam in streams and participated in tion, and realized this was a challenge touchdown, the entire cabin broke some native rituals rooted in and in- I could overcome. I still had every- forth into cheering and applause. spired by the natural setting. The thing that I needed. So I went shop- We were all grateful to be on safe days felt long but refreshing, and too ping for something to wear and was ground, although a night at the air- soon we had to leave Arbofilia, en- blessed by the generosity of my fel- port awaited us. Looking back on it chanted by the spirit of this place. low travelers. now, Miguel’s words ring true in the The cloud forest of Monteverde of- The adventure had been awe- helplessness of flight and in my eve- fered a different view of Costa Ri- some, but we were eager to return to ryday trials. Forever I will strive to cans’ interaction with the land, from the United States. Only one obstacle sense my surroundings and listen to an ecotourism perspective. Our time stood in our way—a furious system the spirit that is reassuring me by re- spent hiking the forests, working of thunderstorms and tornados over placing my fears with perception. with the Monteverde Institute’s Sus- Atlanta, Georgia. The pilot in- If you or someone you know tainable Futures project, and visiting formed us of the situation, providing would be interested in hearing more the local Quaker community showed more detail than we wanted to hear, about our experiences in Costa Rica, us people who truly know their envi- and warned of turbulence right be- we invite you to contact Doug Pierce

Left: The Questa rica II group poses in monteverde. Center: miguel soto was an inspiration through his wise words and his passion for sustainable forestry. Right: The entrance to arbofilia. ronment and are living their lives fore the plane seemed to drop out of at The Crossing. All of us are ex- with respect for other creatures. the sky on a downfall. Amid scream- cited about the opportunity to share At the end of our time in Costa ing and the flashing of lightning all our Quest with you! Rica, we relaxed along the beaches of around us, Joel, Amy, and I clasped the Pacific with other ticos (Costa Ri- hands. Making contact with another Sara Hillegas is a graduate student from cans) enjoying the Holy Week vaca- person gave me a calm reassurance. Fairhope, PA, studying water resources tion. However, relaxation became Others in our group sang songs, engineering. She is finishing her research panic for me as my only suitcase, meditated, and comforted others writing in Seattle, WA, where she will then with all of my clothes and toiletries, with their encouraging spirit. The look for a job. Her background is United was swiped from the entrance of our chaos seemed like it would never end Methodist.

June Page 7 Connecting with The community

THE CROSSING IS ALIVE WITH ACTIVITY! BY KATIE SCANLAN

ach day, The Crossing welcomes fresh energy into • Community dinners in celebration of Thanksgiving and its walls. The building and property at 1127 Uni- Martin Luther King Jr. Day versity Avenue is managed and maintained by • International Forgiveness Institute The Wesley Foundation, one of three partner • Interfaith Hospitality Network Eministries that together make up The Crossing. One im- • University United Methodist Church portant goal of The Wesley Foundation is to honor this • Weddings property with good stewardship. • Recitals (by students of the UW School of Music) The Wesley Foundation accommodates a multitude of • And 15–20 individuals who work or attend school on cam- events and activities in these facilities, ranging from large- pus have valued the convenience of The Wesley Founda- scale community celebrations to the most intimate of gath- tion’s parking lot rental! erings. We love to work with groups and individuals that help us achieve the full potential of The Wesley Founda- All this is in addition to The Crossing’s active role in the tion’s facilities. Here are some of the people who have building, which in the past year has included Sunday eve- gathered here over the past year—some on a regular basis ning Vespers services, study programs, service-learning trip and others for a one-time event! meetings, Student Organization activities, dinners to honor donors, and meals and meetings of The Crossing’s board • Madison FolkDance Unlimited members, who work diligently to keep things operating • Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies smoothly! • Badger Ballroom Dance Team The Crossing extends a huge THANK YOU to all the • Shorei Kempo Karate people and groups that keep the building bustling with en- • Findley & Spear Mediation Services ergy and excitement! • UW–Extension AIDS Education Classes • Meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous Katie Scanlan is The Crossing’s administrator.

FRANCIS ASBURY AWARD GOES TO JIM HOOK BY JENNY ARNESON

ach year, the Wisconsin con- in Waunakee. He has served on the church’s work and a Wesley Founda- ference United Methodist Wesley Foundation Board at UW– tion presence makes a difference on Church Board of Higher Madison since 1998 and as chair of our college and university campuses. Education and Student Min- that board since 2000. Luther Felder, assistant general Eistry recognizes one individual who Over the last several years, Jim secretary of the Division of Higher has made a significant contribution and the Wesley Foundation Board Education Campus Ministry Section in to fostering the church’s ministries in have worked to merge three campus Nashville, says of Jim, “You were higher education at the local, district, ministry programs into one strong nominated for this honor by your an- or annual conference level. ecumenical campus ministry, The nual conference board of higher educa- This year’s Francis Asbury Crossing. tion and student ministry. These per- Award was presented to Jim Hook of Jim has played a significant lead- sons have recognized your faithful la- Crossroads United Methodist Church ership role in the revival of a Wesley bors in supporting, strengthening, and Foundation presence at UW– promoting the church’s work in higher Madison and helped guide the education ministries, offering out- board and the ministry through standing leadership above and beyond a challenging time of transition your basic responsibilities. This award and restructure. celebrates and gives thanks for your Any time we are part of a contributions and commitment to fos- process of transition and re- tering the ministries of higher educa- structuring, we know it takes tion of The United Methodist Church.” time, energy, commitment, and Congratulations, Jim! vision to stay in the proc- ess. Jim has that level of pas- Jenny Arneson is chair of the Board of Higher Education and Student Ministry of the Wis- Jim Hook, center, with Crossing staff and sion for ministries in higher Wesley foundation & MCM board mem- education and believes that the consin conference United Methodist Church.

Page 8 connections Connecting with The community

CELEBRATE WHAT’S RIGHT BY LEAH HART Finally, brethren, whatever is true, against a mountain backdrop. The light trips that people from The Crossing whatever is honorable, whatever is just, wasn’t quite right, so he thought, “I’ll take to Florida or Israel or Costa Rica whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, come back tomorrow.” Tomorrow are often so invigorating for that very whatever is gracious, if there is any ex- turned into next week, and when he fi- reason. Building Habitat for Humanity cellence, if there is anything worthy of nally got to it, the dandelions had all houses in the poorest of Florida’s coun- praise, think about these things. turned to puffballs. He turned to walk ties, entering the war-ridden country of —Philippians 4:8 away and then stopped. He thought, “I Israel, or going to a third-world country n an environmental studies class might as well take pictures of puffballs, where the rates of deforestation are still last semester, we were shown a then.” Soon, he was on the ground, in devastatingly high could be a depressing video made by Dewick Jones, a amidst the puffballs, looking at them experience. photographer for National Geo- from every angle. And the result was a But we can all attest to the exact graphic,I entitled “Celebrate What’s Right picture, looking up into the puffball opposite if we remember to celebrate with the World.” Jones narrated his from the ground, and it was in the cen- what is RIGHT in all of those places. story of learning to do what he feels Na- ter of the sun. It had a silvery radiance, And that is the love, faith, and hope of tional Geographic does in its pictures and enhanced by the photographer’s per- the people. stories—celebrate what is right with the spective. world. He said, “We do live in a world It’s not like we should ignore the Leah Hart graduated with a degree in Spanish that seems driven by fear, competition, injustice, poverty, and pain of the world and an environmental studies certificate. She is and scarcity . . . but that is only true if or the difficulties of our own lives. It is from Potosi, WI, and her background is we believe it.” simply recognizing that, by celebrating United Church of Christ. She hopes to work He told a story of trekking out to what is right with the world, we find the with the Latino community in Madison. This take some shots of a field of dandelions energy to fix what is wrong with it. The article was adapted from a Vespers message.

SCHOLAR PAGELS DISCUSSES LOST GOSPELS BY KIRK RAPPE Jesus said, “I am the light that is over all only way to God. Even today, the cen- Professor Pagels’s lecture was an excel- things. I am all. From me all came tral question for any Christian is “Who lent introduction. Sara Hillegas, a forth, and to me all extends. Split a was and is Jesus?” For the Gnostics, graduate student who went to the talk, piece of wood, and I am there. Lift up Jesus represented a divine teacher and explains, “For me, Elaine Pagels has the stone, and you will find me there.” guide to knowing God; for “official” —Thomas vs. 77 opened an exciting new experience of Christianity, he became God. Christianity! Her fascinating lecture in- ysterious gospels and During the first three centuries of spired me to explore the Gnostic gos- lost sayings? Some- the Christian era, the Catholic Ortho- pels more deeply. In the short month thing from The DaVinci dox church found itself under duress since hearing her talk, I already sense Code? Not exactly! from the Roman Empire, competing my faith being strengthened by the in- Elaine Pagels, author of The Gnostic M sight from the gospels of Jesus’s Gospels and Beyond Belief, explained the lesser known disciples.” amazing find of a collection of lost We all agreed that whether you gospels in upper Egypt in 1945. In find the Gnostic Christians to be April, six students including myself Spirit-filled or heretical, the Pagels heard her discuss these lost “Gnostic” lecture certainly made for an interest- gospels at First United Methodist ing Saturday! This summer, several Church in Madison. Pagels was fea- of us are continuing this discussion tured at the David P. Lyons Lecture- by studying Pagels’s book Beyond Be- ship in Theology. lief. It is an opportunity to learn more Students discuss Beyond Belief. What is a “Gnostic” gospel any- about church history, examine our how? And one may ask, why are they religions, and, as many early church fa- beliefs more deeply, and grow in faith. not included in our Bibles? Gnostic in thers eventually decided, the Gnostic More about the texts can be found Greek means “to know,” and the Gnos- Christians. By the end of the 3rd cen- at: http://www.nag-hammadi.com/. tic Christians were one of many diverse tury A.D., through various political ma- Or read Beyond Belief as we are! groups in early Christianity. Their faith neuvers and a successful effort to de- was different because they focused on stroy Gnostic texts, Gnosticism was Kirk Rappe graduated with a degree in history the indwelling of the light of God in effectively wiped out. and is from Manitowoc, WI. His background is every person and did not adhere as Yet now, miraculously, we have United Church of Christ, and he hopes to return strictly to the doctrine of Jesus as the these texts to examine for ourselves. to graduate school in the future.

June 2005 Page 9 Connecting with The world

REVERSE MISSION TRIP TO HONDURAS BY TRAVIS TENNESSEN

“Change your life, change neighbors for your entire life. economies, politics, religion, and the world...let’s go!” Maybe it happens when you recog- pop culture, but most of all by your shared humanity. To realize that nize the tune of a favorite hymn your life touches others all around ith these promising sung in Spanish, maybe when you the globe takes open eyes and an words, I advertised an discover a Honduran friend who fol- open heart. It also takes a lot of excursion to Honduras. lows the same college sports team, faith because once you cross the line, In the months leading or maybe when you see a coffee you know you cannot return. The upW to the trip, our ranks filled to 19, plantation owned by an American people and landscapes of Honduras including 12 college students. On company. You realize that your life have left an indelible impression on January 3, we departed for 10 days of is interwoven with the life of each you and will remain in your heart home-building in the small village of Honduran you meet, connected by and mind forever. Just as you Cofradia, just north of the Hondu- hope and pray for peace and well- ran capital of Tegucigalpa. Founda- being in Wisconsin and America, tions were dug, walls built, food, so too, will you forever include songs, and worship shared, sights Honduras. Other distant lands seen, and friendships solidified. But also begin to seem less foreign, less what of my claim that our short, 10- inaccessible, and much closer to day stint in Honduras could, and your heart. would, actually change our lives and If we were overwhelmed by the world? Surely I had been carried such revelations, what exactly did away with pretrip exuberance. After we give back to our Honduran all, what can change in just 10 days? hosts and their country? Though After traveling from Milwaukee our excursion was billed as a to Chicago to Miami to San Pedro “reverse mission trip,” acknowl- Sula, a long and windy bus ride took edging that perhaps we Americans us into the heart of Honduras. are more “needy” in some ways Jumping from Wisconsin to rural than our Honduran hosts, I am Honduras in one day is like running proud of the small gifts we were out of a sauna and plunging into an able to give. Many examples come icy lake—it shocks the system. The quickly to mind—the laughter of senses search for familiar sights, orphans overjoyed by the smiles sounds, smells, and tastes but come and presents from American visi- up empty. If you have never before tors; the tons of cement, rock, understood the concept of sand, and gravel that were moved, “foreigner,” you do now. As the mixed, and set into place to build days pass, however, you begin to solid foundations and walls for connect with the land and the peo- two new homes; and the smiles, ple. You begin to feel the pulse of hugs, songs, and prayers that con- the country through shared efforts nected two faith communities like digging ditches and mixing ce- separated by language and interna- ment, through spoken and unspo- tional borders. ken communication with your Hon- But one gift became the talk of duran partners, and by recognizable the trip. One day in the middle of patterns in the landscapes and life- the trip, a young woman in our styles you encounter. You begin to group, Michelle, brought several connect. Your sense of neighborli- Spanish-language children’s books ness expands until an unexpected along with her to the worksite. shock, larger than the one that Top to Bottom: Travis Tennessen and Huddling together amidst the clat- struck upon arrival, knocks you Jenny Beissinger fill concrete blocks. ter of shovels, pick-axes, and back on your heels. Student Workers shovel concrete. wheelbarrows, she read the books Suddenly you realize that Hon- The Foundation of a house begins to to Danny, the four-year-old son of duras and its people have been your

Page 10 connections Connecting with The world one of our Honduran co-workers. Many hugs and smiles shared, a thanks to the Wisconsin Confer- Though this may seem a small gift, it few hearts and minds opened a bit ence United Church of Christ and opened up a new world for Danny. wider, two new homes on the way, the Honduran Partnership Commit- The fascination and excitement that and one little boy with a book in tee for their generous financial sup- spread across his face revealed that hand and a flashing grin on his port. May each of us pass on these he had never been read to before face. gifts to our communities and the and that perhaps this book was the Change your life, change the world. first he had ever encountered. Who world? You bet! can say how this small gift will shape On behalf of all the trip mem- Travis Tennessen is a graduate student in Danny’s life, but the gleam in his bers, especially the college crowd, I geography. He is from Mineral Point, eyes will not be forgotten. would like to extend a heartfelt WI, and his background is United Church of Christ.

IT IS SIMPLE TO BE CONTENT BY JENNY

e’re riding in a yel- are barefoot, but their happiness is sympathy at all. In fact, it’s quite low school bus along radiating. We pass more people the opposite. They are teachers a bumpy dirt road along the road, all laughing and from whom I can learn an invalu- Wthat wraps its way talking together. One woman is able lesson. They are teaching me around the mountains like a boa washing her clothes outside, 50 how simple it is to be content. constrictor squeezing its prey. I feet from her house in a muddy They have nearly nothing, yet look out the window, eager to basin that must also serve as a they have everything: They know take in the beautiful, tropical, kitchen sink and bathtub. She how to be happy. They know Honduran countryside, but in- looks up from her work, smiles how to love each other. They stead I am shocked at what I see. widely, and waves to us as our bus know how to appreciate life. Be- Houses perched precariously goes by. cause they have along crumbling cliff sides; doors We pass so few material made out of patches of cloth many people goods, they are draped by clothespins over en- going about able to value trances to homes; walls of scrap their daily rou- the important wood, sticks, and cardboard, held tines, and not a parts of life. together by twine and the rare single one is Through their nail; a naked little boy sitting in frowning. I poverty they the dirt in front of a ramshackle think of a typi- are wealthy. home. The sight is disheartening, cal day for me As our bus shocking. Shame washes over me in Madison: arrives at the as I think of all of the stuff I own, hitting the Two honduran children have worksite, I am the privileges I have, the places I snooze bar five fun in a wheelbarrow. refreshed and travel. Didn’t I spend a whole times before I excited. I real- minute this morning trying to de- reluctantly crawl out of bed, curs- ize that it’s not what you have; it’s cide which shirt to wear? My ing under my breath when I miss what you do with what you have. clothing crisis suddenly seems the bus and have to walk a few We can all learn from the naked petty, insignificant, selfish. extra blocks to class, throwing out little boy sitting in the dirt, laugh- I glance back at the naked the remainder of my lunch be- ing. boy and feel pain. But I notice cause I don’t feel like eating the something unusual. The naked rest of it, canceling plans with Jenny Beissinger graduated with a degree in little boy sitting in the dirt is friends because I’m too busy, stress- biology and a certificate in environmental studies. She is from Oak Park, IL, and laughing. His smile stretches from ing out about an upcoming exam. her background is Reform Judaism. She one side of his face to the other, Why? What good does any of this will be teaching high school biology, chemis- and he looks content. How pecu- do? Doesn’t it just make me feel try, and environmental science in inner-city liar. Farther up the road, I see a lost? Hopeless? Over-whelmed? Oakland, CA, through Teach for Amer- cluster of kids chasing each other. I suddenly realize that these ica. This article was adapted from a Ves- Their clothes are dirty, and they Hondurans don’t demand my pers message. June Page Connecting with The community

HABITAT TRIP TEACHES SERVICE LEARNING BY MEGAN KRUG

or Phil Kollmeyer, being interest among them. So they asked Kollmeyer also said he feels it is able to build two houses in us if we wanted to participate. The an obligation to help out the less a week over winter break is first year the students went, they fortunate because it is something he the highlight of his year, earned a lot of trust from the adult feels our society places less of an but the frequent doughnut breaks Habitat volunteers. I think they won F emphasis on. “But we always get so during construction come in a very over the hearts of the people down much more out of the experience close second. there.” than we give anyway.” Kollmeyer, along with 17 other Over the years, the trip has been “This generation really wants to University of Wisconsin–Madison very successful with the student or- make a difference,” said Pierce. students, journeyed down to Cres- ganization and has successfully re- Although the prospect of build- cent City, Florida, in January to build cruited more students every year to ing two single-family homes in five two houses in Putnam County’s an- participate in the build said Schmidt. days sounds unbelievable, the stu- nual Habitat for Humanity Blitz According to Crossing director dents agree that the actual work Build. Kollmeyer, a UW senior ma- Doug Pierce, it has been hard some- doesn’t feel like work at all. joring in electrical engineering, was times to justify The Crossing’s de- “It is definitely a unique trip,” the leader of the trip, sponsored lo- sire to volunteer outside of the said Olson. “For some reason life cally by the The Crossing. Madison area. Pierce said he be- just seems to stop, and building this “You can only learn so much in lieves that by stepping outside of house seems like the only thing you school,” said Kollmeyer. “This trip your own community, it is easier to have to do. It becomes that impor- was a chance for all of us to get away understand the needs of others and tant.” from our commitments and really helps volunteers to really focus on Schmidt, who participated in focus all of our energy into some- the task at hand. the build the first year, agrees that thing simple like building houses for “In normal life, when you try to the importance of your regular life people who really need them.” help someone you don’t see the re- seems to melt away. “The spirit The trip, in mid-January, was the sults immediately. But when you there among the students is like a fourth year The Crossing has been build a house, you do,” said UW big family,” she said. “It is really sad involved with Habitat for Humanity sophomore and co-leader Jeni Ol- when it is over.” in Putnam County. Traditionally, the son. According to Pierce, The trip was an exchange program de- The trip this year was Olson’s Crossing intends to do the Habitat signed to send the excess Madison second and Kollmeyer’s fourth year for Humanity trip to Florida next Habitat volunteers to Putnam going on the trip. year and for many years to come. County, where there is often large “I keep going back because I get shortage of volunteers. a good vacation and I have more Megan Krug is a fifth-year senior from Karla Schmidt, campus minister fun than I do any other time of the Fond du Lac, WI, studying journalism. for The Crossing, said, “Originally, year,” said Kollmeyer. “I get to meet Her background is Catholic. This article the week-long Blitz Build was organ- new people and form strong con- was originally submitted for a journalism ized for adults at other churches; nections with them, and I get to class. eventually, there was less and less of build a house.”

Left to Right: It takes teamwork to build a habitat house. Liang wang hammers siding onto a house. A roof nears completion.

Page 12 connections Connecting with wayland

MAKE FRIENDS, INCREASE FAITH AT WAYLAND BY JIAYING SHEN here are numerous advan- can always feel the encouragement, tages to living at Wayland, the patience, and the love. We live ayland has been for such as the great location, together, we understand each other, W me an essential part of reasonable rent, spiritual and we support each other. The my university experience be- growingT opportunities, and chances more we share our experience with cause it adds a facet that can to make friends with people from the Lord with each other, the more not be found in the classroom different countries. we feel his sprint and love. Of or in the laboratory—it adds The Wayland community is lo- course, there are challenges to living the experience of human in- cated at the center of the UW cam- in such a big community, but I’m teraction. Both the cultural pus, a very convenient site, within sure you will understand the spirit and Christian diversity that walking distance to the engineering of love much better once you fol- are found at Wayland have school, business school, several li- low it to successfully solve those been integral to my spiritual braries, gym, and other facilities. To unpleasant situations that you have growth, and simply learning me, it is really a pleasure to have to face. It is a good learning experi- to live with other people with enough time for breakfast in the ence that you can’t achieve any- different tastes and different morning and then walk down the where else. opinions is an experience that streets to class or the office. I no Wayland is also a good place to I think everyone must experi- longer need to rush to catch the bus make friends, especially international ence in order to be ready for like I did in the past four years. On friends. You have the chance to other tests in life. those not-so-busy days, I can always come across different cultures and —Andy Meier walk back home and sit in our big, learn several languages. For someone clean dining room to enjoy my fresh like me, who tries to improve her www.waylandcommunity.org lunch. English, this is the best place. We Wayland is a unique place since have good cooks from many differ- you can not only grow in your faith, ent countries. The most significant Jiaying Shen will receive a PhD in indus- but also practice it in your daily life. feature of our communal Kerk din- trial engineering this summer and will then There are always listening ears for ner is the international flavor. begin working at Honeywell in Minneapo- your concerns, your confusions, and I will graduate and leave Madi- lis. She is from Shanghai, China. even your fears and sadness. No son at the end of this summer. The matter how little you know about year I spent at Wayland is a very Andy Meier is a junior from Spirit, WI, the Bible and Jesus and no matter precious experience, and I will studying forest science. His background is how badly you express yourself, you benefit from it my whole life. Baptist.

Left: wayland residents feast on barbequed fare. Right: a communal kerk dinner.

June Page Connecting with The world

CROSSING STUDENTS GAIN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES BY KARLA SCHMIDT

ne of the joys of working ing on a roller coaster, with a never- sengers. This tradition of going out with students is keeping in ending track and no safety bars. It of your way to help people is espe- contact with those studying was exhilarating. We stopped at a cially true in the desert. One never abroad who are having small oasis to have lunch, which our knows when he himself will be some amazing experiences. They Bedouin guides made, a delicious O stranded, so one treats others as he certainly make our life back here in salad of tomatoes, cheese, and cu- himself would like to be treated. It Madison look humdrum! cumbers, was interesting to see this appear I thought I would share a along with even in our modern world. few email stories from stu- pita bread (For more stories from Tomek, check The dents who have traveled in and some Crossing website, www.crossingministries. Egypt, France, Germany, fruit. org.) Costa Rica, Ecuador, and At night one from Mozambique by we made a student who recently camp in the graduated and is in the White De- Lisa Valenti-Hein Peace Corps. All of these sert. Our From France: excerpts are taken from jeeps were

emails they sent out to a Tomek, left, with friends. parked at have found a new church; it is group of family and friends right angles to provide a wind actually two different churches in (including The Crossing director breaker. We set up mats and sleep- I the same building, one in the morn- Doug Pierce and myself). ing bags and slept under the stars. I ing in French (the Apostles’ Creed had never in my life seen so many in French is an interesting thing to stars, surrounded by a perfect noth- try to recite when you don’t know ingness—it was spectacular. Before it!!) and another at night in Eng- we went to sleep we played games lish. One of the other girls in the with our drivers and our head guide, Tomek program has been going to the Eng- Ali. They taught us some Krzyzostaniak lish one with me, and then we “traditional” Bedouin games, which switch off from Egypt: I am convinced are cooking so that games simply invented we aren’t en- to make fun of for- week ago I traveled for two tirely on our eigners, and we in turn A days and a night into the Sa- own during the taught them Duck, hara to camp with the Bedouins. . . . weekends at Duck, Goose, which The way to the Sahara takes one dinnertime. proved very popular. through western Cairo. As you (Both of us I think one of the leave the city you realize how in- opted for most striking things on credibly close the pyramids are to lower rent and this trip was to observe the buildings. Something that post- cooking for the culture of the de- cards don’t show is that the pyra- ourselves on weekends.) Don’t sert. Primarily, and for obvious rea- mids are basically a suburb of Cairo, worry Mom, I’m going to look at the sons, no food or water was wasted. no farther than a block from a resi- Catholic churches too—you can’t be Even though we were not as sepa- dential area. . . . in Aix and not go to at least one rated from civilization as we would During our safari, we visited the Catholic service. The big Catholic have liked to think, it was still im- Black Desert, White Desert, Flower church here is amazing. portant to make use of everything. Rock, and Crystal Mountain. All these places were located off-road, Second, it was curious to see that so one did not spend much time on whenever we crossed people who the paved road. This brings me to had stopped in their cars or were Steven one of the most thrilling experiences waiting at an oasis to hitch a ride, Sendelbach of the trip—riding on top of the our driver would stop. He would jeep in the desert. The best way to offer help or explain to the waiting from Germany: describe it is to say that we were rid- hitchhikers that he already had pas-

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am meeting all kinds of people ner. Gorda y feliz. So I played with are poor and have AIDS and not I over here. French, Spanish, Ger- sea lions and swam with sharks to- white people. The mother came to man, Finnish, Belgian, Russian, Ca- day. It was a big the conclusion nadian, you name it. Mostly ex- step for me, since that Jesus was change students. . . . They are all I have a tremen- white and that’s really nice. I get to field the occa- dous fear of why black people sional George W. Bush question, those teethy tibu- are so sick. but so far no one has threatened rones. I blame Wow . . . how do violence. watching Jaws at you even begin too young of an to refute that age, but I put on one? So depress- Dustin Kincaid my scuba mask ing, but the need and hopped right here is becoming from Costa Rica: in with those Kate, right, with friends. oh so evident and puppies. Ok, so I’m really anxious i familia Tica is one of the maybe I don’t consider them cute, to start some AIDS discussion M warmest families I have ever domesticated, furry balls quite yet, groups, especially for women in my met. They welcomed me with open but we’re making progress. classes, and some question boxes in arms, made sure I understood that it my classroom so students can ask was my house as any questions at all that just aren’t well as theirs, and Katie Bartels talked about in everyday life. are an amazing win- dow into the won- from Mozam- Tomek Krzyzostaniak graduated with derful culture of this bique: degrees in international studies and history. place. He is from Poznan, Poland, and Middle- Everyone has finally broke my violin out, ton, WI. His background is Roman cellphones! Oye, I I and all the neighborhood kids Catholic. He plans to work with Sojourn- thought I could es- came flooding into the living room ers as an intern. cape it, but I would of our tiny house to listen. They’d wager I have seen never in their lives heard nor seen Lisa Valenti-Hein graduated with degrees more cellphones per capita here someone playing a violin. I played in French, ILS, and Euro studies. She is than in Madison...en serio. for an entire hour and they all sat from Appleton, WI, and her background This past weekend I ventured to around me fixated! That was the is Presbyterian Church, USA. She will the beautiful Pacific Coast to relax at first time I saw some of the street begin graduate studies at Princeton Theo- La Playa Hermosa—a breathtaking kids in Massaca calmer than usual, logical Seminary. black sand beach, caressed by the patient, content. . . . intense waves of the Pacific. The Am slowly realizing the real Steven Sendelbach is a senior from Roches- fresh ocean breeze cleared my lungs purpose I’m here. Have been ask- ter, MN, studying electrical engineering and rejuvinated my mind and body. ing more questions about AIDS in and physics. His background is Assem- Nothing beats the sunset though.... I my community and it’s just such a blies of God. cannot find the words to describe it, taboo to talk about it. I think the Dustin Kincaid is a senior from Stratford, except for an overwhelming pres- problem lies in just that. So many WI, studying zoology, biological aspects of ence of tranquility. crazy myths people believe here— conservation, that the AIDS virus and environ- is actually in the lu- mental studies. bricant of a con- Kate Flick From His back- dom, and so that’s a ground is Ecuador: good reason to not Catholic. use a condom. An-

y Ecuadorian days are com- other myth the fam- Kate Flick is a ing to an end (rather quickly ily of a friend was M senior from at that). . . .I’m currently in the Gala- saying—they Rosholt, WI, pagos, quite content after a filling wanted to know studying sociol- fish, beans, rice, and ensalada din- why black people Katie, left, with dance team ogy and envi-

June Page Connecting with our friends

THANK YOU FROM THE CROSSING!

e could not do the work we do without the faithful Kathy Hanold Judith Lyons and loyal support of our individual contributors and Charles & Lisa Hart Ben Manny friends. Below is a list of people who have sup- Curtis & Kristi Hart * Deb Manske W Susan & Bill Hausler David G. Martin ported us through a gift to MCM, Wesley, or Wayland in the Catherine Haynes * Dr. & Mrs. Martin Massengale * past year (June 2004–June 2005). We are extremely grateful Jung Ja Lee & Doug Haynes Richie Miesfeld for this support! We would not be here without it. We have Lydia & Palmer Haynes + Midge Miller even made it easier to support us. We now have a PayPal link Phyllis Helmer Ardis Mitchell * on our website (www.crossingministries.org) that will accept Howard J. Hintzman J. Emory Morris * credit card payments on our behalf. While we know this type Louise Hirchert Karen & Marc Muskavitch * Pat Hitchcock Richard & Delorus Netzel of service is not for everyone, we also know some of our sup- Arthur Hoberg Bruce & Bonnie Nissly * porters will welcome the convenience of this option. If we Cecilia Holder * Cheryl Nutting * have inadvertently left you off the list, please let us know. Rodney & Carolyn Hood Fred & Ellen Ochs James & Patricia Hook ^ Bruce & Carol Odeen * Candace Hurley James Olander Helen L. Allan Andrew & Beverly Davison * Jann Paulette Ichida Pamela & John Lemke Oliver * James & Kathryn Allen ‡ Gene & Beatrice Dewey William Ikard * Gail & William O’Neal Arthur & Betty Basile Joann & Joe Elder * Linda Isham * Theodore S. & Mary Page Gregory & Colleen Bass Gilbert & Nancy Emmert ‡ Ricardo Jahnke Maxine (Van Winter) Peckham Ed & Shirley Beers Ken & Marge Engelman ^ Vernon Jensen Doug Pierce * Helen Bewick Bruce & Beulah Erickson Louise Johnson * Larry & Marta Pippin * Eric & Elizabeth Bradford * Linda & Rich Ernsberger Nondas & Frank Jones * Patricia Ramos Fred Brancel Ruth Evans * Howard & Lucetta Kanetzke * Harold & Thelma Rasmussen * Stephen & Laurel Brown ‡ Andrew & Bea Fennema Debra Kasprzak Dennis & Mary Ray * Robert & Mary Burns * Lowell & Julie Fewster * Paul & Peggy Kent * Raymond & Jo Ann Resch A. Colin Cameron * Bill & Mary Fiore + Robert & Jeanne Kollmeyer * Dan & Claire Rider * Douglas & Sherry Caves + Dwight & June Forsyth Robert & Joan Krenzin * Doug Rouse * Robert & Mary Lynn Connolly * Megan Frey * Warren Kreunen Katie Rutherford Christina Cowles Richard Garber * John & Virginia Kruse * Karla Schmidt * William & Judy Craig * Donald Goplin * Corinne & James LaRue Robert & Bernice Schmidt * Evelyn Dalton * Dorothy Gosting * Douglas & Marion Lee * Amy Slagle * David Dancey * Donald Griggs * Roland Liebenow Dick & Ruth Steffen Ed Daub Ree Hale & Peter Fabian * Bill & Gayle Love * Roger Steiner * Wynn & Loree Davies + Harlan Hall Alice Lundeen * John & Louise Stolzenberg * Ewell Stowell Larry Stuessy & Petra Streiff * Carol S. Sudduth ° Philip & Joyce Tardrew + James Taylor * Joanne Thomson & Don Hausch* Jim & Bernie Treichel * Keith & Ruth Trembath Robert Trobaugh Dick & Barbara Truitt Vern Visick * Andrew & Belva Wade * Trisha Wagner Howard Waterworth Doris Weidemann ° Harriet & Michael Welther As a way to say thank you for supporting us, Crossing students, staff, and James & Lorna Will Robert & Emily Williams board members delivered geraniums to Madison-area supporters who do- Steve & Ellie Wilson nated $100 or more over the past year. All other supporters received a Kristin Yates Dan Yeazel * packet of seeds and a card that said, “Our ministry at The Crossing is grow- Chuck & Nancy Zeisser * Dwight & Bonnie Ziegler * ing thanks to your support.” We are grateful to Gordon at Kopke’s Green- house (Oregon) for designing our geranium baskets and giving us seeds at ° major gift cost. This allowed us to be thankful for the generosity others have shown us ‡ $2,500 or more this past year. Left: A group prepares to deliver geraniums to donors. Right: + $1,000 or more ^ $500 or more Crossing student Phil Kollmeyer presents Bill and Judy Craig with their gift. * $100 or more

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