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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, August 24, 2007
CONTACT Colene Lind, (785) 227-3311, ext. 8122
Bill Gusenius (left) and Mark Lysell presented their congregations’ gift to Bethany College at Presser Circle, the campus entrance recently renovated as part of the Campus Green Project.
LOCAL CHURCHES CHALLENGE EACH OTHER FOR CHARITY
LINDSBORG, Kan.—Two friends were natural competitors at Bethany College. Years later, they’re still at it—but this year they, and others in their Lindsborg congregations, competed for the benefit of the college.
In what is fondly referred to as the “Church Challenge,” Mark Lysell and Bill Gusenius are part of congregational golf teams which tee off every August in a charity match.
Lysell, a 1974 Bethany graduate, is a member of Bethany Lutheran in Lindsborg. Gusenius, a 1973 Bethany alum, is a member of Messiah Lutheran in Lindsborg.
In the annual golf match, confirmed members in each church may sign up for their congregation’s team. Each participant must pay an entry fee and have attended services that day.
After the scores are tabulated, the winning church chooses a charity to receive the collected entry fees. Over the last 15 years, donations have been made to Habitat for Humanity, ELCA disaster relief and Bethany College, among others.
This year, nearly 50 golfers entered. The $250 raised was the perfect amount to purchase two bricks for Bethany’s Campus Green Project, said Gusenius. A brick will be purchased in the name of each church.
Campus Green is a long-term initiative of the college to provide an attractive and sustainable campus landscape for its students. As part of the renovations, streets on campus are being replaced with brick walkways. Supporters who purchase bricks receive custom inscriptions.
The annual tournament is only partially serious. “It’s fun, too,” said Gusenius. “It’s been a spirited competition.”
Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to nurture and challenge individuals in their search for truth and meaning as they live lives of faith, learning and service. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu.
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