35TH bACCALAUREATE & COMMENCEMENT OF THE CLASS OF 2020
Our commencement speaker: rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford
the graduation back-story
The Commencement Speaker for the 35th Baccalaureate and Commencement Service at Martin Luther High School was Rev. Dr. Lucas Woodford, President of our LCMS South MN District. In the week prior to our graduation ceremony, Pastor Woodford made national news because of his work with other Christian denominations including the Catholic church. This multi-denominational group made plans to open churches in spite of the governor’s earlier statement. Following the release of this movement, President Trump made the statement that places of worship are “essential," calling on governors to open churches in their various states. Governor Walz of MN then slated a press conference that just happened to be during our Graduation ceremony. Pastor Woodford arrived at MLHS and promptly “stole” the podium off the stage to hold a “press conference” from our front lawn. Immediately following the ceremony, he once again whisked away to conduct another “press conference.” With all these crazy (and important) issues going on for President Woodford, he still took the time to celebrate our eleven graduates and our 35th Commencement with us. He delivered a timely message of encouraging us to find, and share, Joy in the midst of life’s circumstances, a Joy that is found only in the resurrected Jesus. A huge THANK YOU to Pastor Woodford for his powerful message, time, example, and leadership.