Thursday, September 2, 2010

Getting Used to the New Pic

As you may or may not have noticed, yesterday was the first day of the changing of the guard at the International Center of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. You should get used to the new pic (which I swiped off the President’s page of the LCMS website – I feel reasonably certain our new President won’t come after me).

I like the ‘stache on that “mug.” Kind of irreverent for the second day of our new President, Matthew C. Harrison, isn’t it? Let it be known, as the two or three of you who read this blog regularly I’m sure have already figured out, that I only make fun of those people whom I admire and am friends with. I guess you should be thankful if I don’t know you.

So now that I’m in this jovial mood, I’ll go ahead and continue my train of thought. Another person deserving a little “attention” is Dr. Albert B. Collver III. I knew Dr. Collver’s title when he was still at the now-defunct LCMS World Relief and Human Care, but now that he’s got some fancy new title I can’t remember what it is – hang on, I’ll look it up. O.K. I’m back. It’s a good thing I looked, because it’s really two titles: “Dr. Albert B. Collver III, Director of Church Relations and Assistant to the President.” I wonder if he gets double pay since he’s got two titles? If he doesn’t get double pay, maybe we can start a petition. It could be the first petition of President Harrison’s young presidency.

On his blog The ABC3s of Miscellany, Dr. Collver has a few pics of the move into the new digs at the International Center, including photos of President Harrison, 1st Vice-President Herb Mueller, Mrs. Barbara Below, Assistant to the President, Rev. Jon Vieker, Senior Assistant to the President, and himself. I’d have to say that President Harrison has a lot of books, VP Mueller is looking pretty sharp, and Barb Below’s desk is way too small.

If you’re unfamiliar with Dr. Collver, he’s been on Issues, Etc. a couple of times in the past year, including an appearance discussing the Haitian relief efforts and an excellent interview on the relationship between the ordination of women and the ordination of homosexuals.

I’m looking forward to the days ahead as this group of humble people serve the LCMS.

8 comments:

Dennis Peskey said...

Scott - find a picture of Pastor Hattison standing with Pastor Collver side-by-side. See if doesn't bring to mind the movie "Twins" with Danny DeVito and Arnold. The LC-MS Synod may not yet fully appreciate the two theological giants who have taken positions of leadership, but for those of us who have the pleasure of knowing both, the Lord has given a double portion of blessings to our Synod. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.
Peace,
Dennis

Scott Diekmann said...

My wife was looking at Dr. Collver's post, and we somehow got onto the height differential between the two of them. A difference in height, but definitely no difference in theology. When you consider all of the "business" aspects of the synod that need tending, it's easy to forget at times that these two guys are driven by theology. I'm very thankful that I can say that. Having known Dr. Collver for a while now, I'm always amazed at the depth of his theological knowledge. The "Dr." in front of his name is well deserved. I don't think there will ever be a time when we'll need to worry that the two of them will be sitting on the couch in the President's office chatting about the latest study coming out of Willow Creek.

LambertsOnline said...

As one of the three readers of your blog, I wanted to thank you for keeping us all up-to-date!

Scott Diekmann said...

You're welcome Dave. Maybe at the end of the year we can have the First Annual Stand Firm Readers Awards - you can get a little plaque for being one of the readers!

Anonymous said...

Make that four readers.

Johannes

Scott Diekmann said...

Oh man! Four readers?!* But there's only three plaques!

Dennis Peskey said...

Scott - This is getting strangely reminiscent of David Strand's 'select sixty-four' listeners to Issues.Etc. As I was sure the numbers then were far more, so it is here. Besides, I still have my charter membership in the Cantankerous Curmudgeon Club - what more could a Lutheran seek or need.
Peace,
Dennis

Scott Diekmann said...

Well that settles it then Dennis, I'm ditching the whole plan. Plus, I've got my Cantankerous Curmudgeon Club card as well.