April 10, 2024
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Submitted by Kathy Dean
When I joined Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s (PLTS) board of directors in 2005 (the year our first woman President, Phyllis Anderson, was called to serve in that position), I had no idea the wonderful adventure the next 12 years would be for me personally. I served on the seminary’s board during its’ challenging years of financial deficits and faculty turnover. I was there in 2009 when PLTS became the first Reconciling in Christ (RIC) seminary in the ELCA. I was there when PLTS joined Cal Lutheran and I was privileged to walk with the seminary as the campus moved from the “Hill” into Downtown Berkeley. I see that all of these new opportunities were directed by God for the good of PLTS and furthering His work.
Today, I am especially pleased to make a gift on Cal Lutheran Cares Day to the seminary. In my local church, we have had the privilege of calling two pastors from PLTS. We have also enjoyed the birthing of two or more teaching parish students who added much needed excitement and depth to our ministries. Our current Pastor Dave Miller is a 2009 PLTS graduate. And all of us at All Saints in Novato, California feel so blessed to have him as our Pastor. He is young, inspiring, enthusiastic, energetic, not afraid to think and be “out of the box.” In fact, at times, he just throws away the “box” and just IS.
During this pandemic time of quarantine, this is what I am learning: how to just BE. May God bless all who give this day and all other days as we seek to just BE who God created us to be – His Child.
Kathy Dean, All Saints Church, Novato, and Former PLTS Board Member.