Hearing the Call - Genelle
Genelle arrived at the University of Kansas in 1995, to begin graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology. Her younger brother, who came along with her to register for classes, pointed out the LCM-KU booth in the student union. Pastor Brian Johnson noticed them and came over to extend a warm invitation to Sunday evening worship. At the time, Genelle was more focused on finding housing and a job.
Once settled, Genelle rediscovered the LCM-KU materials and was intrigued by the joint (at the time) Lutheran-Episcopal ministry, and especially grateful for evening worship. She decided to attend. That first visit reminded her how much she missed worship. It reconnected her to her faith community back home. Genelle quickly became part of the LCM-KU community during that first year of graduate school.
When Pastor Johnson announced his resignation, the LCM-KU board invited Genelle to serve as lay minister during the search for a new campus pastor. She paused her studies at KU and said “yes” to helping serve God’s church through campus ministry. Though daunted at times, Genelle helped lead worship, mission trips, and campus book studies. She also felt deeply supported and mentored by many, especially Bishop Charlie Maas, Pastor Susan Candea, Father Joe, and Susan Gronbeck-Tedesco, LCM-KU board chair.
Eventually, Genelle discerned a call to ordained ministry, earning a Master in Divinity degree at Luther Seminary. She served a Lutheran parish in Bemidji, MN, for 20 years before becoming Associate to the Bishop of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod.
Genelle’s time at the University of Kansas was brief but pivotal. LCM-KU offered her a safe and formative space—to land, grow, and live into a call to serve God and neighbor.
Only a few weeks into the new semester at the University of Kansas, ministry at Westwood House will is offering a new generation of students a formative space to begin their journeys. We give thanks for your important part of our ministry and the continued work on campus. Thanks be to God!
