U.S. university honours Canadian church work pioneer

EDMONTON — Concordia University Chicago will present a Lutheran Church–Canada deacon with one of its top honours December 18.

Jeannette Lietzau, former director of Church Work Programs at Concordia University College of Alberta (CUCA) will receive the Spiritus Christi medallion during a university commencement ceremony. She is a graduate of Concordia, Chicago.

The award recognizes an individual who has “performed his/her responsibilities with unusual effectiveness and influence and with the highest quality of service to the church.”

As an assistant professor at CUCA, Ms. Lietzau developed the curriculum for the director of Parish Services program. She accepted the position in 1989. The program provides parish workers to LCC congregations across Canada.

“Jeannette Lietzau has served as a pioneer and missionary in her service to Lutheran Church–Canada,” stated the nomination papers. “Her service has moved the synod and leadership to invest in and embrace the value of the church professional beyond that of pastoral ministry.

“Her commitment and perseverance has contributed to the development of Lutheran Church–Canada as an autonomous church body and has cultivated a dynamic climate of team-ministry in ministries throughout the country.”

“This is just plain wonderful,” remarked LCC president, Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee.  “Jeannette’s greatest reward has already come in the graduates she shaped who are now working hard for Christ and His people. But we praise God that Concordia University Chicago is recognizing her service with this well-deserved honour.” The president noted it is also a credit to Concordia University College of Alberta “which was her partner in helping our synod open new avenues of service in our congregations. Congratulations, Jeanette! How we love you and thank the Lord for you!”

Ms. Lietzau retired in August 2004, after about 42 years of service to Lutheran schools and colleges in the United States and Canada, plus undertaking missionary work in the West African nation of Liberia with Lutheran Bible Translators. Since her retirement, she has served as an advocate for the Edmonton Police Services’ victim services unit and volunteered with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada (LWML-C) and on Christian education boards.

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