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The Path to Your Purpose
DR. LUCAS PROVIDES UPDATE REGARDING BETHANY ORATORIO’S PERFORMANCE OF HANDEL’S MESSIAH
May 28, 2020
LINDSBORG, KS. Greetings. I want to update you on our plans to perform Handel’s Messiah. For multiple reasons, I feel it would be irresponsible to move forward at this time with our planned June 19 performance. I had hoped we would be at a place where everyone would feel comfortable gathering together to celebrate and perform this great work. Due to many factors, we are just not in that place right now.
I recently had an opportunity to attend a webinar put on by the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the American Choral Directors Association. The webinar featured medical doctors who are also singers, and outlined what we could expect in the near future in terms of singing together. One thing that struck me was the case of a 120-member community choir that rehearsed Bach’s Passion according to St. John on a Tuesday and a Saturday, then performed it that Sunday. 101 of the 120 members contracted Covid-19. That is an extreme example, but if even 1 person becomes gravely ill it is too much.
It is our current plan to perform Messiah on Sunday, October 4 at 3 pm in conjunction with Bethany College’s Homecoming Weekend. I am unsure exactly how it will look, because much will be learned in the next few months, but this is our plan.
When it comes to dealing with Covid-19 it seems we are all, in a sense, “building the airplane while in flight.” We learn more every day about the best way to deal with it. I have been in close contact with the administration at Bethany College and we do have other, “backup” plans in the works in case Oct. 4 does not work out. I am very happy that President Mauch is as dedicated as I am to making sure there is a performance of Handel’s Messiah in the 2020 calendar year by the Bethany Oratorio Society. I hope you will trust us to make sure that performance will be safe for both our performers and our audience. I will keep you updated as we move forward.
Finally, I would ask that you consider supporting the festival financially. Even though we were unable to collect the money from ticket sales for this past Holy Week, there were still some expenses we must cover. I have considered it one of my great achievements to always balance the budget during my 7 years at Bethany and I would like that to be the case this year as well. If you choose, you may donate by following this link OR going to www.bethanylb.edu and scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on “donate now.” MAKE SURE TO PUT “MESSIAH” WHERE IT ASKS FOR A DESCRIPTION.
Thank you to each of you. You are the backbone of our festival and, indeed, the backbone of this college and community. You make me proud to be the Director of the Bethany Oratorio Society.
Sincerely,
Mark Lucas, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Choral Activities
Director of the Bethany Oratorio Society
335 East Swensson Street
Lindsborg, KS 67456
Office: (785) 227-3380, Ext. 8348
Cell: (785) 212-1362
lucas@bethanylb.edu
www.bethanylb.edu
www.messiahfestival.org
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State. Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.