Cardinal Connection

What would it take for you to enter the ministry? Would you need to see a miracle of God to convince you that he was calling you? Would you need to hear the voice of God himself saying, “Come follow me?" Are you waiting for that kind of a lightning bolt moment?

Simon Peter wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary that day. Weary from a long night of fishing that had nothing to show for it, Simon Peter was listening to Jesus preach to the crowds when Jesus asked him to use his boat to put some distance between the crowds and himself. When Jesus finished preaching, he told Peter to go out further and “let down your nets for a catch.”

What happened next was exactly the miracle that Peter needed. This time they caught so many fish that even the other boat that they called over to help began to sink with the haul of fish. It was at that moment that Peter knew he was in the presence of greatness, “Go away from me, because I am a sinful man, Lord.” But Jesus responded, “Have no fear. From now on you will be catching people.” With that experience, Peter left his boat and followed Jesus.

I don’t know how many of our young people are waiting for that miraculous moment in their lives to convince them that they can dedicate their lives to gospel ministry. I’m sure that many of our MLS seniors especially wish that Jesus would do something to make it clear to them whether ministry was the right path. But, what happened to Peter is not what we can expect from our God.

While we might long for a direct divine revelation that parses through our uncertainty and doubt, what we receive is so much better. Daily reminders of God’s love and forgiveness from God’s Word continually fill us with the reason for considering ministry. Faithful service from God’s shepherds in Word and Sacrament model a life that has its priorities properly ordered. Loving compassion and encouragement from gospel-minded teachers equips God’s children to serve the Lord in a world that is desperate for something better, something more fulfilling.

MLS cultivates a culture of ministry so that our students have the opportunity and encouragement to consider the call to serve him in the public ministry of the gospel. It is our privilege and honor to be the tool the Lord uses to encourage and equip another generation to proclaim the forgiveness of our God. To that end, we ask for your prayers and trust in the Lord blessing our work.

Loving and serving Him,

[ FROM OUR PRESIDENT ] ON THE COVER

Rev. Mark Luetzow, MLS President

CARDINAL CONNECTION WINTER 2026

Chief Editor Rev. Mark T. Luetzow

Graphic Design

Michael D. Priebe, MLS ‘94

www.mlsem.org

Cardinal Connection is published in winter and summer free of charge for MLS alumni and friends.

SUBMIT NEWS ITEMS TO: Michael Priebe, Public Relations mdp@mlsem.org

SUBMIT ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Cathy Rothfuss, Mission Advancement car@mlsem.org

MLS Juniors at WELS Center for Mission and Ministry during Junior Tour with WELS President Mark Schroeder.

TASTE OF MINISTRY

In the third week of October, all of the MLS seniors had the opportunity to shadow a called worker to get a taste of ministry. Sixteen senior boys who have an interest in pastoral ministry experienced life as a WELS pastor, most in a home mission setting. The remaining seniors experienced the ministry of our Lutheran Elementary Schools and a glimpse of the teaching ministry. Taste of Ministry remains one of the most pivotal experiences in our students’ time on campus in allowing them to see themselves serving the Lord as a called worker. Listen to a few of our seniors and their perspective on this experience:

“When I think of a pastor, I think of the guy wearing the white robe and being almost holier than other people of the congregation. But, I learned that isn’t the case. Pastor Prange was starting a mission, and I learned that it’s hard work just to get one person to come to church, but it’s also the most fun a pastor can have. Starting a church is difficult, but also very rewarding. Knowing that God can use you to bring people to faith is something that is absolutely awesome, and really encouraging to me as someone who is thinking about the ministry."

“Taste of Ministry was an amazing opportunity for me as a student at Michigan Lutheran Seminary. I saw not only how a classroom is run, but also how it is loved. It was inspiring to feel the encouragement of the teachers for their students to thrive, grow, and learn."

“I got the opportunity to experience some ministry I thought I’d never see. My experience with prison ministry was very eye opening. I enjoyed experiencing the small congregation closeness and how the people were open with their pastor about their thoughts and troubles."

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

This edition of the Cardinal Connection features an MLS alumna who serves as a staff minister at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Stevensville, MI. Claire Natsis is a 2003 graduate of MLS and has agreed to sit down with us and share her story for the MLS Family.

For the benefit of our Cardinal Connection readers, please tell us about your life after MLS.

I attended Martin Luther College in their elementary education/parish music program and graduated in 2008. I taught for ten years at three different schools before transitioning to Staff Ministry in 2019.

Can you briefly describe your current role as staff minister and what a typical week in your ministry looks like?

My current role mainly involves worship planning and social media for St. Paul’s. I plan worship with our pastors ahead of time, and then when the week begins, I’m getting the service folder and slides ready for the upcoming Sunday. I’m also getting our social media posts ready for Facebook and Instagram, which sometimes

involves making videos. Canva has been a huge resource because many of my posts come from there, as well as the posters I make to promote the various things in our church and school. I also teach Music classes to preschool and Grades 3-8 throughout the week, and direct our school’s Chime and Junior Choirs. There’s other things, too, but it would take a while to list!

The WELS staff ministry program is now over 25 years old, but many of God’s people in our ministries have limited understanding or experience with staff ministry. How would you explain the Staff Ministry program to someone who wants to know more?

As more responsibilities have been shouldered by our pastors, teachers, and lay workers, a staff minister provides a leadership presence to take a few of those responsibilities and ease their loads. They also can use their gifts and talents to enhance certain areas of ministry that might be underutilized. For example, our pastoral staff for many years were not keen on worship planning, so I was able to use my talents in worship and music so they could use their talents in preaching, counseling, and Bible studies. (This is one of many different examples!)

I am only one of many different kinds of staff ministers. I know staff ministers (men and women!) who specialize in family ministry, outreach ministry, visitation and counseling, and administration. We are a very varied bunch of individuals, but that is what makes staff ministry so special!

How did your time at MLS help shape your musical gifts, or sense of calling to serve the church?

Before MLS, my parents (both MLS alumni) were involved in much of the worship planning for my church, and their enthusiasm for that kind of ministry really planted the seed for me when I went up to MLS. I was able to take organ instruction for four years, and Mrs. Wendy Malone really helped me understand how to handle a worship service full of music! I also appreciated the work I did as manager of our girls’ basketball teams because it helped me see that I was a very organized person. (That has become an incredibly important skill in my call!)

Was there a particular class or experience that influenced your decision to pursue ministry?

One memory in particular sticks out: when Prof. Len Proeber was unable to go with Concert Choir on tour one year, he appointed students to serve as directors of the songs we’d learned. I was given two songs, and having the opportunity to direct my peers unlocked a realization that music was what I wanted to do full-time!

When did you first begin to see music not just as a talent, but as a vocation—an opportunity to serve Christ and His people?

The first time I played organ in worship was the first time that music became something different. I was playing a hymn, and realized that people were singing according to my lead!

What role do Lutheran theology and the hymnody of the Church play in your work as a music minister?

I am always looking for ways to connect the pericope (Scripture readings for worship) along with the hymn selections. Any time I can make a direct connection, I want to shout from the balcony: “That line of the hymn is taken right from the Gospel lesson! It’s why we’re singing it!”

What joys have you experienced in leading God’s people in your ministry?

I have been able to write several pieces of music, including an entire Children’s Christmas service. Hearing those children get excited over the music and narrations that I wrote won’t ever get old! That enthusiasm to share God’s Word reflects directly in their performance/presentation, which people sitting in the pews will definitely notice.

Is there a particular Scripture verse, hymn, or piece of sacred music that has sustained you in your ministry?

There are many wonderful new hymns in our current hymnal, but the one I grew to love quickly was “My Worth Is Not in What I Own” (CW753). It helps me to know that all that I do in life is nothing without Christ, and to trust in him in every aspect of life.

What advice would you give to current students who love music and are wondering whether church work might be in their future?

Teaching is not the only outlet to use your musical talents! Working in staff ministry has allowed me to be even more involved in church worship. If you’ve always enjoyed the intricacies of a worship service, or love being involved in worship, staff ministry is definitely a path to consider.

As an alumna, what encouragement can you give to other MLS alumni?

MLS is a huge feeder into the work that MLC does, training future staff ministers, teachers, and pastors. If you see an MLS student (or potential MLS student) who has gifts and talents that might benefit the church or school in any way (not just preaching and teaching!), encourage them to consider MLS and MLC to pursue one of our called worker positions!

Do you have a suggestion for a future alumni spotlight, email Mike Priebe at mdp@mlsem.org.

CAMPUS NEWS

This spring, MLS Children’s Theater invites you to step inside a world where stories quite literally leap off the page. Our March production, The Enchanted Bookshop by Todd Wallinger, will be presented March 14–15, with additional daytime performances for grade school audiences at MLS and in Monroe, MI. Performances are free to the public!

By day, A Likely Story is an ordinary used bookstore, run by the well-meaning but scatterbrained owner, Margie. By night, however, the shelves come alive as beloved literary characters emerge from their books. Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi, and Tom Sawyer all share a common goal: saving Margie’s struggling shop. When a pair of smugglers arrives searching for a stolen necklace hidden inside one of the books, the characters face an impossible choice: reveal themselves and risk vanishing forever, or find a way to stop the crooks without being seen.

Beyond the adventure and humor, the production highlights the value of reading and storytelling. Students engage directly with classic characters while exploring how books preserve ideas and imagination, encouraging young audiences to see literature as something active, meaningful, and worth protecting.

EMMA PUFAHL ASSIGNED!

Please welcome Prof. Emma Pufahl to the MLS campus! First arriving in early August as an emergency instructor, Miss Pufahl has since completed the coursework for her college academics and graduated from Martin Luther College in December with a Bachelors of Science in Instrumental Secondary Education.

Born in Burbank, CA, Prof. Pufahl is a 2021 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran High School. While in high school, she participated in as many musical activities as she could including band, jazz choir, jazz band, choir, handbells, woodwind ensemble, percussion ensemble, steel band, and theatre. Both of her parents are currently serving in the ministry, her father as pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tempe AZ and her mother as an 8th grade teacher at Emmanuel Lutheran School. She is the oldest of her three siblings.

Prof. Pufahl is teaching Freshman Chorus and directing the Chapel Choir and the MLS Band this year. She is also the director of the MLS Pep Band and will serve as the lead director of the MLS Children's theater production of the Enchanted Bookshop. Come and see the production on the weekend of March 14-15. Performances are free to the public!

NEW DUAL CREDIT COURSES

MLS is actively collaborating with Martin Luther College (MLC) to offer dual credit opportunities for our students now and into the future. Discussions are ongoing for new additional courses in English, Foreign Language, and Fine Arts. The MLS Executive Council and Governing Board has approved changes to the proposed Fine Arts/Music curriculum which will now offer a non-performance based, Dual Credit Intro to Fine Arts class where students who are less than confident in their musical performance abilities will have the opportunity to study and earn not only their MLS required Music credits, but also transferable college credit through MLC. Intro to Fine Arts (MUS2201) will be an overview of music and the visual arts in Western culture, explored within religious, cultural, and historical contexts. This course will be taught by Prof. Joshua Wendt and currently is slated to be offered both semesters.

ADMISSIONS UPDATE

For over 50 years annually, MLS has taken an entire class of students to visit the WELS College of Ministry, Martin Luther College (MLC), in New Ulm, Minnesota. The chosen class used to be Seniors, but that seemed a bit too late to inform most students on their impending college choice. The trip then moved to the Sophomore year, but that proved a bit too early to have students really thinking about a college decision that was two whole years away. Eventually the Goldilocks zone was found, and now Junior Tour has been going strong for a full decade!

This year’s Juniors had a blast on the trip, which included a stop at the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry (with our sought-after selfie with President Schroeder), a tour at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, and a peer through the looking glass at a PhoenixCardinals mixer at Luther Preparatory School. Finally the group arrived in New Ulm to visit MLC for a jam-packed 24-hour visit, meeting with alumni, sitting in on classes, and hearing from MLC students and faculty about the opportunity to study for the public ministry of the gospel. On the way home, students were even able to blow off some steam at the Mall of America!

It’s a great time each year, but that’s a lot of information for one week! If our Juniors missed something on the trip, need more information, or simply would like to see it all again, we then offer a Second Look at MLC during the Senior year. MLC Admissions has generously helped with the finances for this Second Look trip, and for the past few years over a dozen Seniors have been able to fly to Minnesota to experience MLC once more and help clarify their decisions.

We want all of our students to make the most well-informed decision possible about their future careers and the possibility of being a called worker in our Synod. Our long-standing partnership with Martin Luther College is such a blessing as we work together to encourage the next generation of Lutheran leaders!

MLS is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year. Parents/Guardians may complete an application at www.mlsem.org. Applying is free and there is no obligation to enroll. Generous Financial Aid is available!

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS

Tribute gifts given to MLS from July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Gifts to the MLS Foundation are found on the Foundation website www.mls-foundation.org.

In Honor of...

JOANNE KOHLER

Anonymous

PAUL AND LOIS KUSKE

Mr. and Mrs. James Breidinger

Mr. and Mrs. Clint Vose

PAUL SCHARRER

Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Hukee

JOHN AND BARB SEIFERT

Rev. and Mrs. Paul Stern

ARRYN UHLENBRAUCK

Rev. and Mrs. Kurt Uhlenbrauck

FRED P. ZIMMERMAN II

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Winkler

In Memory of...

LOIS E. BALGE

Mr. and Mrs. James Roekle

Ms. Janet Roekle

ROGER B. BORCHARD

Ms. Alina Bodeis

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Borchard

Ms. Heather Doyle

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hill

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Martin

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Meyer

Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Schroeder

Mr. Randall Sieggreen

ALFRED E. CERESKE

Mr. and Mrs. Leon Brands

Mr. and Mrs. Ned Kleinke

Prof em and Mrs. Arlen Koestler

Mr. and Mrs. James Neeb

Mrs. Florence Oblender

Mrs. Diane Rathje

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Schreiner

Prof. and Mrs. Carl Weihrauch

In Memory of cont'd...

LARRY CROOK

Mrs. Eleanor Crook

ROLAND L. HELMREICH

Mr. and Mrs. George Rausch

EDGAR M. HERMAN

Mr. and Mrs. James Cammarata

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Zeeb

ADELAIDE B. HILL

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Martin

OTTO HOENECKE

Mrs. Paula Liska

PATRICIA L. JOHNSON

Ms. Marie Buetow

Mr. Gary Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Malone

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Martin

Prof. and Mrs. Carl Weihrauch

Dr. William Zeiger

In Memory of cont'd...

JANET L. JOHNSTON

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Mosher

JOHN C. LAWRENZ

Ms. Karen Heller

DAVID PRIEBE

Mrs. Deborah Priebe

PAUL RUEDIGER

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Whitmer

SAMUEL J. SCHEIBE

Rev. and Mrs. Stephen Daley

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Green

Mr. and Mrs. Ned Kleinke

Rev. and Mrs. Richard Scheibe

Mr. and Mrs. Terry Sievert

DAVID M. TOEPEL

Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Terrian

SCAN OR CLICK TO GIVE

MLS appreciates the many gifts given by people like you, our friends and alumni.

Please consider supporting the work MLS does to train future pastors, teachers and staff ministers.

Scan this QR code to support MLS through an online gift. Or go to our website at mlsem.org/donate.

GRATEFUL HEARTS, BRIGHT SCREENS:

THANK YOU FOR AN INCREDIBLE GIVING TUESDAY

This year’s Giving Tuesday reminded us once again that our alumni and friends are deeply invested in the mission of our school. We set out with a hopeful goal of raising $12,000 to fund new digital displays for our classrooms, tools that would enhance instruction, collaboration, and student engagement. Because of your generosity, we didn’t just meet that goal; we surpassed it, raising over $15,000 in a single day.

These new digital displays will directly impact students as teachers will be able to integrate interactive lessons, share real-time resources, and better support diverse learning styles. Students will benefit from clearer visuals, dynamic presentations, and classrooms equipped for the kind of learning today’s world demand, all while remaining grounded in Christ-centered education that encourages students to consider the ministry of the gospel.

What makes this achievement especially meaningful is what it represents beyond the technology itself. Your gifts are a tangible expression of trust in our faculty, belief in our students, and commitment to our shared mission. Whether you gave generously, shared our message, or offered prayers for the success of the day, you played a role in this joyful outcome.

As partners in our school community, you continue to show up with faith-filled generosity, and we are profoundly thankful. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). This Giving Tuesday was a beautiful example of that promise in action.

From all of us, thank you for helping our classrooms shine just a bit brighter!

SEMINARY ATHLETICS

ACADEMIC ALL - STATE

We are excited to share that our football team and both the boys' and girls' cross country teams earned Academic All-State recognition for their strong work in the classroom during the past fall season. This honor reflects the time, effort, and focus our student-athletes put into their studies while competing at a high level.

In addition to their academic success, our girls cross country team captured a regional championship, and both cross country teams qualified for the state meet for the first time since 2012, tremendous accomplishments that highlight their hard work and determination. Together, these achievements reflect our student-athletes’ commitment to excellence both in the classroom and in competition, and we are proud of the example they set every day.

REIF WINS DPOY AWARD

Senior Noah Reif made history as the first-ever Tri-Valley Conference (Blue Division) Defensive Player of the Year. He finished the season with 85 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, along with one interception, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

His leadership, effort, and production were instrumental to the team’s success and earned him this well-deserved recognition.