TLC Staff
Rodelyn "Rod" McPherson, Campus Minister
A native of Southern California I enjoyed Disneyland before it was even constructed. With beautiful weather, a life of outdoors sports, beach parties and snow activities in the mountains in winter my life was almost paradise. But I discovered real paradise when I found Jesus, or rather, He found me. What was more difficult to find was a denomination of believers where I was allowed to think and question, one where I wasn't spoon-fed and expected to regurgitate the concepts. First time in a Lutheran setting I realized I was home. I have been Lutheran ever since. I love being at The Lutheran Center (15 years now) where questions are the norm and faith grows like wildfire. My favorite pastime? Laughing...BIG time! So, come, bring your questions, your faith and expect to laugh a lot.
Connie Ruebel, Administrative Assistant
You'll find Connie in her office at The Lutheran Center taking care of "business" and helping students. She and her husband, Jim, grew up in Cincinnati and they enjoy being closer to relatives there. Jim is Dean of the Honors College at Ball State. They have two married sons, one in Cincinnati who works at an interactive advertising agency and another in Oklahoma City who played professional baseball and is now a scout with the Cleveland Indians. Connie is a huge baseball fan and she and her husband try to attend games as they travel. She likes to read, cook, golf, travel, entertain, work in her garden, see movies, attend Ball State activities, and she tries to take a class each semester. Stop in and meet Connie when you're near The Lutheran Center.
Erin Walton, Peer Minister
When I first started at Ball State, I was worried that I wouldn't find a great community of Christian believers to join. At first I tried CRU, but the group just wasn't right for me. I got lost in the crowd. Alicia MacMillan, one of TLC's former peer ministers, invited me to TLC for Bible Study. At first I was hesitant to make the journey over on my own. Then Jenny Shea, another student who is very active with TLC, offered to meet me at my hall and walk over with me. Just knowing someone I knew would be there when I entered this unfamiliar atmosphere made it a lot easier. I am grateful to Jenny and all the others who were so welcoming to me.
That is that I will always remember about TLC, is its loving, welcoming, and open arms that everyone is received into. After losing a big group to graduation last year, we need to rebuild that community a little to let those who want to be involved know they are welcome and that they too can find that community of Christian believers to share in faith while here at school and even after. Thanks to TLC and everyone involved there for welcoming me into the family.
Jennifer Shea, Peer Minister
Of all of my activities throughout college, The Lutheran Center is the one that has remained a constant source of joy all four years. As a freshman, it provided a spiritual family to help me adjust to a new lifestyle filled with new responsibilities. In the following years I gained confidence and security from the discussions, reflections, fellowship and jokes (lots of jokes) that TLC provided in abundance.
The Peer Ministers before me - Candace, Alicia, Sean, Mandy and Erin - inspired me, listened to me and most importantly, they were true friends. The immense love and gratifying support I received at The Lutheran Center helped me grow into the person I am today.
I am a Peer Minister because I believe the gifts I received at The Lutheran Center have emboldened me to bestow similar gifts on others. When I do that, give to others what has been given to me, I feel I have realized the vision Christ has for me: living and spreading his love with spirit, enthusiasm and grace.
"The Lutheran Center was such a great place for me at Ball State. What a reprieve from the hectic life at school - Every Thursday!
Thanks for all the memories.
Love and Peace."--Allyson Ferley