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The Path to Your Purpose
Bethany College to host Bishop Rinehart
March 21, 2019
LINDSBORG, KAN., MAR. 20, 2019—Rev. Bishop Michael Rinehart, Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is scheduled to visit Bethany College on Wednesday, March 27, and Thursday, March 28. As a part of the college’s five-year strategic plan, Bethany, Arise!, the college is regularly hosting ELCA bishops and pastors on campus.
The Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a community of over one hundred congregations, campus ministries, retreat centers, and church-related agencies.
“Bethany is committed to offering an education of the mind and the heart. Connecting with church leaders provides our students with tremendous opportunities to think about and discuss some of life’s most important questions. We are grateful for Bishop Rinehart’s investment of time and talent,” said President Will Jones.
Bishop Rinehart received a Bachelor of Music in organ performance from Valparaiso University, a Lutheran university in northern Indiana. He also holds a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio. Before being elected Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod in 2007, he served as Associate Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa, and pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Charlotte, North Carolina and Grace Lutheran Church, Conroe, Texas.
Currently he serves as a member of the Texas Lutheran University Corporation Board and the Houston, Texas Coalition for Immigration Reform Board. Presently he is serving as the chair of the Board of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Bishop Rinehart lives in Montgomery, Texas with his wife Susan and their children John and Yuliana.
The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) serves as a witness to God’s love for all people. As such they stand with and advocate for migrants and refugees. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service promotes the best interests of all refugee and migrant children in the United States by ensuring that federal legislation and policies protect the right to due process and welfare of these vulnerable youth. LIRS reflects American Lutherans’ deep immigrant roots and passionate commitment to welcoming newcomers, especially those who are most in need. communities.
Bishop Rinehart’s visit demonstrates Bethany College’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by inviting synodical bishops and other church leaders to the Bethany College campus throughout the year. Bishop Rinehart’s visit will provide an opportunity for him to interact with students, staff, and faculty. Plans for his stay include attending chapel on Wednesday, March 27th, dialoguing with students during classes, meeting with President Will Jones, and a luncheon discussion with area pastors. On Wednesday evening March 27th Rev. Rinehart will preach at the 7:00 p.m. Lenten service at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg. The public is welcome to attend.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
The Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a community of over one hundred congregations, campus ministries, retreat centers, and church-related agencies.
“Bethany is committed to offering an education of the mind and the heart. Connecting with church leaders provides our students with tremendous opportunities to think about and discuss some of life’s most important questions. We are grateful for Bishop Rinehart’s investment of time and talent,” said President Will Jones.
Bishop Rinehart received a Bachelor of Music in organ performance from Valparaiso University, a Lutheran university in northern Indiana. He also holds a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio. Before being elected Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod in 2007, he served as Associate Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa, and pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Charlotte, North Carolina and Grace Lutheran Church, Conroe, Texas.
Currently he serves as a member of the Texas Lutheran University Corporation Board and the Houston, Texas Coalition for Immigration Reform Board. Presently he is serving as the chair of the Board of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Bishop Rinehart lives in Montgomery, Texas with his wife Susan and their children John and Yuliana.
The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) serves as a witness to God’s love for all people. As such they stand with and advocate for migrants and refugees. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service promotes the best interests of all refugee and migrant children in the United States by ensuring that federal legislation and policies protect the right to due process and welfare of these vulnerable youth. LIRS reflects American Lutherans’ deep immigrant roots and passionate commitment to welcoming newcomers, especially those who are most in need. communities.
Bishop Rinehart’s visit demonstrates Bethany College’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by inviting synodical bishops and other church leaders to the Bethany College campus throughout the year. Bishop Rinehart’s visit will provide an opportunity for him to interact with students, staff, and faculty. Plans for his stay include attending chapel on Wednesday, March 27th, dialoguing with students during classes, meeting with President Will Jones, and a luncheon discussion with area pastors. On Wednesday evening March 27th Rev. Rinehart will preach at the 7:00 p.m. Lenten service at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lindsborg. The public is welcome to attend.
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. Bethany connects its past, present, and future with distinctive initiatives like Swedes to Sweden, a free service-learning trip for the sophomore class to Sweden, and the Good Life Scholarship, presenting all local high school graduates with a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to the college. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
LINDSBORG, KAN., FEB. 5, 2025 — The Bethany Oratorio Society is excited to announce the soloists for the 2025 Messiah Festival of the Arts. Since its founding in 1882, the Oratorio Society has performed Bach’s The Passion According to St. Matthew and Handel’s Messiah every year, and this year’s festival promises another spectacular celebration of these works. Featured soloists for this year’s performances include Claire Herzog, coloratura soprano; Michelle Rice, soprano; Maxwell Ary, tenor; and Ian Schipper, bass-baritone. These talented artists will bring their expertise and passion to the stage in performances of The Passion According to St. Matthew and the Messiah. Additionally, these soloists will perform a free recital at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 , at Messiah Lutheran Church on the campus of Bethany College. They will also perform at the ticketed events: The Passion According to St. Matthew at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 11, and Handel’s Messiah at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, in Presser Hall Auditorium. Tickets for these performances can be purchased at messiahfestival.org or by calling Bethany College at (785) 227-3380, ext. 8235, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Claire Herzog, Coloratura Soprano A versatile coloratura soprano from Springfield, Missouri, Claire Herzog is equally passionate about teaching and performing. She has appeared in operatic roles with the Ozarks Lyric Opera and is an active performer with various choral groups. Herzog holds degrees from Missouri State University and is currently on the vocal music faculty at Evangel University. In addition to her vocal expertise, she enjoys composing and collaborating with other musicians, with recent projects including an album of original songs and Heart on the Wall performances with the Missouri Philharmonic Orchestra. Michelle Rice, Soprano Praised for her “tones of pure gold” (Washington Post), Michelle Rice brings a rich timbre and intense performance to the stage. Throughout her career, Rice has performed a wide range of roles, including Brangäne in Tristan und Isolde and Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. As the Artistic Director of Seven Sisters Productions, she has premiered new works, including the opera The Queen, My Lord, Is Dead. Rice’s performances span opera, concert, and recital, and she has sung with major ensembles across the U.S., including the Berkeley Symphony and Washington Concert Opera. Maxwell Ary, Tenor A versatile performer and educator based in San Francisco, Maxwell Ary is renowned for his wide-ranging voice, which spans genres from classical to jazz, musical theatre, and pop. Ary, who teaches at the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, has performed with prestigious ensembles, including Seraphic Fire and Voces8. He has appeared in operas such as The Rake’s Progress, L’elisir d’amore, and recently performed in the baroque opera La Flora with Ars Minerva. Ary’s 2025 performance schedule includes Lamplighters Musical Theater and Pocket Opera engagements. Ian Schipper, Bass-Baritone A dynamic performer known for his commitment to classical and contemporary music, Ian Schipper has appeared in operas such as Die Zauberflöte and Cosi fan tutte. He has sung in choral groups across the U.S., including the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Schipper is also passionate about new music and has collaborated with composers through his work with St. Olaf College’s Spiritus Novus. He recently performed the role of Cardinal Rottweiler in the world premiere of The Grand Hotel Tartarus. Join us for these unforgettable performances as these talented soloists join the Bethany Oratorio Society in bringing two of the most cherished works in the choral repertoire to life. For more information, including ticket purchases, please visit messiahfestival.org . Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is online at bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state.
Bethany College hosted over 500 young men from nearly 40 schools across Kansas on Jan. 30 for the annual Real Men Sing vocal workshop. This celebrated event provides an inspiring opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to explore choral music in a supportive, all-male setting, fostering confidence, camaraderie, and a love for singing.
This semester, the department continues its tradition of offering a wide variety of performances, from student and faculty recitals to large-scale ensemble concerts. These events provide opportunities for the Lindsborg community and surrounding areas to experience the vibrant cultural and artistic contributions of the college.