Greetings

Today I am wireless and battery powered. I know that some of you will see this as a cool thing. Others of you will wonder why I would bother mentioning such a non issue in the lead to a message about spiritual matters.

Here’s the thing. While my computer is not currently connected to our network with a wire, I am logged into the system, and while I am not currently plugged into an electrical outlet, I still have the power to operate this machine and by the words I type, share insight with you into things that matter.

Often in these crazy, hectic, changing times, we feel that we are “out there” on our own. We feel lonely and alienated. The isolation that grips is a direct result of the sin that separates us from God and the people He has called to His Kingdom. God wishes for every person to recognize that we are part of the same body. Each of us has a special role to play in His plan for restoring the relationships that we have been created to enjoy.

Too often we just can’t find the power to confront the challenges of a hostile world. I am sure that you have days when you just don’t know where you will get the strength to carry on. Let me tell you that I feel this way, and then I remember that the power I have comes from the Creator of the world. I am the son of the most powerful being in history.

Whether we do our work on a lap top, in a kitchen, in front of a classroom or in the market place of ideas, each of us is called to do our work. Each of us is invited to hook into the family of God. We are all called to plug into the power that changes the world one life at a time. And we are called on to do this work today!

School News

Wow have I got news for you!

Walther senior Louis McGhee of Maywood and junior Taneisha Prell of Lombard earned second place in Duo Interpretation at the Northern Illinois National Forensic League (NFL) District Tournament held at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview. This qualifies them for the NFL National tournament to be held in June in Las Vegas. This was the first time the Walther Forensics Team has had an entry at this prestigious tournament. According to Walther Forensics Mrs. Lynette Welter, “Going to Nationals is a huge honor. We had hoped to do well today, but we never dreamed we would actually qualify (for Nationals) on our first try. These kids are so talented and have worked so hard, it has been a blessing to coach them.”

And I have more news with national implications...

Mr. Ray Murphy took a number of students to the Junior Engineering and Technological Society (JETS) competition held at Triton College. Sixteen other schools also sent representatives to this state wide event. At the end of the day only two schools went home with bigger trophies, as the Walther JETS team finished third in the State of Illinois. This distinction has entered Walther in a national competition that is based on tests already taken by the team. Congratulations to senior Caitlin Smith (St. Luke/Itasca), senior Megan Childs (home schooled), senior Mitch Berg (Grace/River Forest), junior Zach Cassity (St. John/Wheaton), senior Ted Roberson (St. John/Forest Park), senior Jalisa Hinkle (St. John/Forest Park), junior Bobby Hammond (Immanuel/Elmhurst) and Meredith Schaefer (St. John/Lombard ).

Congratulations to State Champ Chris Thompson! Walther senior Chris Thompson of Chicago made the Broncos proud as he won the IHSA Three-Point Showdown last Friday night at Peoria's Carver Arena. Chris shot ten three-pointers to win the statewide competition. He advanced to the final four after shooting ten three-point baskets on Thursday, and then seven in a tie-breaker shoot out. See Chris’ victory picture at Walther.com.

And again the Walther name is praised in far off lands. I was blessed to receive this note from an old friend and former Walther teacher, currently acting as Principal of Risen Christ Lutheran School in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina…

I have just returned from the concert that Walther gave at Holy Lamb Lutheran Church here in Myrtle Beach. I want to commend Lori for her work with the students. They gave a superb performance. It was neat to see some of the brothers and sisters of former students carrying on the wonderful Walther tradition of great music topped off with a resounding Christian Minstrels' "You Can Tell the World".

We have extended an invitation to Lori [Bormet, choral director] for the next tour and hope that she will be able to fit Risen Christ into the schedule. Being in this area of the country where Lutheran education is not a known quantity nor is the rich musical tradition of our church widely recognized, having a choir like Walther's come and share the joy of both of those is an invaluable thing.

I left the church this evening reminded of the "specialness" of Lutheran education, the profound effect it can have on lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, and extremely grateful that God had given me the opportunity to experience Walther and develop some very special relationships while I was there.

Lori seems to be yet another blessing that God has given you there at Walther. Praise and encourage her; she is truly doing a great work.

In Christ
Kim Lavado

Alumni News

Walther alumni in the central Florida area are invited to check out Walther.com to find when the Bronco baseball team will be playing in your slice of the world. The team leaves Walther the day after Easter and will play Lake Weir High School in Ocala, Canterbury High School in St. Petersburg and St. John Lutheran School in Ocala. On the way home the team plays at Westover High School in Albany, Georgia.

There was great representation of Class of 1982 at our freshman registration. Keith and Shelly Cole Evans brought their second child, Cole, in to select classes. Shortly afterward, Ken and Allison Pynacker Schlotfeldt brought Elizabeth, their eldest, in to sign up.

We welcome Ruth Anne Lusthoff Brendemuhl ‘70 to the Walther Educational Foundation Board. With Ruth Anne, a lawyer in Riverside, Illinois, joining the group the membership as has risen to ten with half of the group sharing the status of Walther graduate. The foundation has been established to encourage active stewardship in support of the growth of individuals and the funding of ministry.

Walther grad Phil Zielke ‘01 was honored at the Friends of Trinity Auction at Eaglewood Resort. Mr. Zielke, a teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Roselle and founder of Phil’s Friends (a group active in sharing Christ with cancer patients), was given an official Cubs jersey in recognition of the impact he has had on so many people. It makes you wonder if Phil might be able to earn a Major League jersey!* Congratulations Phil, and we are looking forward to the 3rd Annual Phil’s Friends Walkathon on Sunday, May 4, from noon to 5:30 p.m. at Walther.

* No, Phil Zielke is not trying out for the Cactus League. This is Sox fan humor.

God’s blessings

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