Luther Academy of the Rockies
June 17-27, 2013
Meeker Park Lodge    Allenspark, CO



Wartburg Theological Seminary invites YOU to join with us for 10 days of learning, recreation, and renewal for ministry at our annual LUTHER ACADEMY OF THE ROCKIES. The theme of this year's Academy "Being the Church in Changing, Challenging Times" sets the table for a lively discussion of the church's theological, biblical, and pastoral/diaconal calling in the shifting times in which we live. Speakers leading participants through these discussions in morning sessions include: Dr. Craig Nessan, Bishop Mark Narum of the western ND synod, and Dr. Audrey West. Afternoons will be free time for participants to enjoy the many recreational opportunities awaiting them in the beautiful Estes Park area.  Evenings will be filled with optional social and/or educational activities for individuals and families. 

In keeping with Wartburg Theological Seminary's emphasis on daily worship, each day begins with opening devotions.  In addition to educational programs for the adults, age-appropriate daily programs are provided for children and teens (age 4 - 19), as well as childcare for children 3 and under. 

Come join us for 10 days in the beautiful Rockies with renowned speakers sharing their wisdom at an incredibly reasonable price!  This opportunity is too great to miss!! 

This Year's Faculty

REV.  DR. CRAIG NESSAN
Shalom Church
Dr. Craig L. Nessan is Academic Dean and Professor of Contextual Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.  He teaches courses in the areas of contextual theology, pastoral theology, and theological ethics.  He has oversight of the seminary’s internship program. 

Dr. Nessan has served eleven years as a parish pastor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  He holds degrees from Michigan State University, Wartburg Theological Seminary, and the University of Munich.  His theological interests include ecclesiology, theological ethics, liberation theology, and family systems theory. 

A prolific author, Dr. Nessan will address our theme "Being the Church in Changing Times" through the lens of his recent book, Shalom Church.

BISHOP MARK NARUM 
Washed in the Waters... Flood, Fear and Faith...
A native of western North Dakota, Bishop Mark Narum daily confronts the challenges and joys of shepherding the Western ND synod through major changes triggered by the massive oil boom coupled with continued decline of many rural communities and the on-going trauma/economic devastation brought about by the floods of several summers ago.   As such, he’s a veteran leader in our common call to be the church in changing, challenging times.  

Prior to entering Wartburg Theological Seminary,  Bishop Narum spent 15 years working as a television news reporter at KXMC-TV in Minot.  He continues to be involved in television work through “Thoughts of a Prairie Pastor” which airs on KXMC and KXMD television during the Sunday evening news.  Known for his creative and innovative approaches to ministry in changing times, Bishop Narum identifies as one of his passions helping people dream about mission and ministry while discern what God might be up to in through their lives.

Bishop Narum is husband to Jan, dad to Chris 23, Brandon 18 and Tyler 16. 

DR. AUDREY WEST
Dr. Audrey West holds a PhD in New Testament from Duke University as well as M.Div and S.T.M. degrees from Yale Divinity School. She has served on the tenured faculty of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and, more recently, as a visiting professor at Yale Divinity School and in the Luther Seminary Doctor of Ministry program in Biblical Preaching.

A gifted teacher and popular speaker, Audrey regularly leads workshops, retreats, and Bible Studies at Lutheran and Moravian congregations and synodical events throughout the country. She is the author of the award-winning Bible Study, Everyday Surprises: The Parables of Jesus, published by Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather). A California native, Audrey now lives with her spouse and several four-legged critters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Staff

Director: Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dr. Gwen Sayler, Director of LifeLong Learners
Dean: Dr. Frank Benz, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Wartburg Theological Seminary
Co-Coordinators: Rev. Kristi and Rev. Scott Beebe

Program
Morning lectures, designed for adults, feature theologians from diverse backgrounds and create an academic atmosphere.  25 Contact Hours or 2.5 Continuing Education Units are available. 

A Biblically-based morning program for children and teens (ages 4-19) while adults are in lectures, provides an exciting team building experience, incorporating music, crafts, recreation and environmental awareness. Child care is provided for children ages 3 and under. Children and teens are welcome at all evening programs and events. Teens should come prepared to spend $40 - $45 for horseback riding or other activities during one of the morning sessions.

Afternoons are free for hiking, sightseeing, picture taking, horseback riding, or just quietly enjoying the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Nearby Estes Park offers golfing, shopping, swimming, and other diversions. Evenings bring many surprises! There may be additional lectures, music, square dancing, potlucks, talent night, or other group participation events.

Setting & Housing
Home to the Academy for the past 43 years, Meeker Lodge's natural setting lends itself well to outdoor recreation and relaxation, as well as to spiritual and intellectual renewal.  Housing options for the Academy include: Meeker Park Lodge; housekeeping cabins; or nearby camping facilities. For more information, please visit the Meeker Park Lodge website: http://meekerparklodge.com/

Meeker Park Lodge, an old time, rustic, mountain lodge contains a limited number of sleeping rooms, up a short, but winding staircase, each with a bed(s), desk, dresser, and closet.  Lodge room guests share a central bath and shower.  No cooking facilities are available in the lodge, but guests are welcome to take advantage of the stone fireplace, piano, small library and seating area on the main floor.  Meals (breakfast and lunch) are available for purchase in the Lodge.  Lodge room guests, faculty, and staff generally take advantage of these meals, but they are available for others as well (as space is available).  There are also restaurants several miles down the road. 

Cabins, both on and off Meeker Park grounds, can sleep up to 9 people and are fully equipped with kitchens with basic cooking utensils, bedding, linens, and bathrooms. Camping sites are available at Olive Ridge Campground, maintained by the National Forest Service, as well as in the Estes Park area. A primitive campsite is available one mile north of Meeker Park Lodge. For more information regarding camping facilities, please contact the Estes Park Chamber of Commerce. http://www.estesparkcvb.com

Are you considering attending Luther Academy of the Rockies for the first time???  All first-time registrants will receive $25 off adult registrations (individual or couple) if they register before February 15, 2013.  Hurry and secure your spot now!!!

Registration Fees  

Registration Opens January 1, 2013!
ALL REGISTRATION AND HOUSING FEES MUST BE PAID DIRECTLY TO WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, and may be paid by check or credit card.

There will be a $50 processing fee for all cancellations. if the cancellation is received less than 21 days before the opening of the Academy, we cannot guarantee that the housing deposit will be fully refunded. Extended family (e.g., adult children, grandparents) staying for part or all of the Academy must pay housing for the full 10 days. If extended family members will be participating in the program of the LAR, they will also ned to pay the registration fee. Generally, no part-time registration is possible. There is no housing charge for children ages 2 and under. A limited number of cribs are available for $15 each. Please indicate any need for a crib on the housing request. Pets are not allowed.

If there is any change in your housing request, please notify us no later than May 15th, 2013. Participants will be notified of their housing assignment in early June.

There are now two ways to register!
You may both register and pay online!

1. Complete the registration form online  and pay online.

2. Download and complete the printable  registration form  and mail with payment to Wartburg Theological Seminary.

History
Modeled after similar continuing education events for pastors and spouses in Germany, Dr. J. Michael Reu designed and directed the first academy  in 1937 at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA. It was the first Lutheran continuing education event in this country, with an original registration fee of $5.00 for the 10 days. The academy remained an annual event in Dubuque for the next 31 years, with a brief respite during World War II. Before it was moved to Colorado in 1969, Dr.William Streng, Professor of Christian Education at Wartburg, expanded the format of the academy to include pastors, spouses, and families in a setting that focused on a blend of theological education and relaxation. Today the Luther Academy of the Rockies may be the only LifeLong Learners event in the country that includes education for the entire family.

QUESTIONS?  
Contact Dr. Gwen Sayler, Director of LifeLong Learning, at 563-589-0302 or lifelonglearners@wartburgseminary.edu 

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