When it came time to honor the 25-year anniversary of his ordination, John Polk, ’85, joked with his church leadership team that he was expecting either a trip around the world or a brand new BMW to celebrate the occasion.
While Polk’s congregation, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Kansas City, Kan., of course did not take his request literally, they were inspired to give a gift in honor of his dedicated service to the church, namely his work as a hospital chaplain. So the congregation came together to raise money to create a scholarship fund in Polk’s name. The gifts to establish the fund came from church members, friends and family of the pastor and the congregation’s general treasury.
“I can’t tell you how humbled and grateful I was to receive a gift that actually gives to others, a scholarship in my name to my alma mater. I have the great privilege and honor to serve a flock of people whose hearts are filled with giving, and in that spirit, it was fitting and a wonderful celebration of my 25 years,” Polk said. “My hope is that those giving hearts inspire a future leader in the church to devote his or her life to service.”
Because Polk has dedicated much of his ministry to hospital chaplaincy, a scholarship was established to assist a seminary student who demonstrates a passion for providing spiritual care in a health care environment.
The recipient of this scholarship is Cathy Benson Cook, a Master of Arts student who is working toward chaplaincy in a hospital or hospice setting, which she says “best suits my God-given gifts and fills me with energy, purpose and challenge.”
Cook notes that the scholarship has helped her pay for tuition so she can answer her call to chaplaincy. “The scholarship to honor Pastor John W. Polk is a great affirmation of the ministry of chaplaincy in a health care setting,” Cook said.
“Knowing the admiration and love that Pastor Polk has garnered in his community as a living example of the ministry of Jesus Christ makes it even more inspiring for me to work toward becoming a chaplain and join a ministry that provides care to those who suffer regardless of their faith or background,” she said.
Gifts from the Heart
Honoring a faithful witness, such as Prince of Peace Lutheran did in honor of Pastor Polk, can easily be done by giving an honorarium or memorial gift through Luther Seminary’s Gifts from the Heart program. Pastors do so much for their congregations without an expectation of anything in return. Giving a Gift from the Heart is a meaningful way to honor their vocation.
A Gift from the Heart is a thoughtful, heartfelt way to honor or remember a loved one or mark a special occasion while ensuring that God’s work continues. It will also support Luther Seminary’s mission to prepare strong and effective church leaders.
Occasions that may be appropriate to send a Gift from the Heart include:
- Anniversary
- Ordination
- Graduation
- Retirement
- Memory of a loved one
- Wedding
- Special celebration
When you give to Luther Seminary through the Gifts from the Heart program, you can choose to receive a set of cards (one celebration and one memorial card) to personalize and send to your honoree or loved one. When you give a gift online, you may request that a card be mailed to the recipient. We will be sure to notify the recipient of your gift.
More information about honoring a loved one is available online or by contacting the Office of Seminary Relations, toll-free at 888-358-8437 or via e-mail at semrel@luthersem.edu.