Reverend Dr. Howie Wennes:
Service Signup and Chapel Opportunity
Those attending the Memorial Service and Reception Meal for Rev. Dr. Howie Wennes August 14 — please help us as we plan for seating and food by signing up via the signup genius link: HERE.
Also of note, from Rev. Melissa Maxwell-Doherty comes word that a memorial space has been created in the Wennes Interfaith Meditation Chapel on the CLU campus for the Cal Lutheran Community.
As she notes, “…The news of our dear friend Howie Wennes’ death has been a shocking loss for the Cal Lutheran community. People enter our lives and impact who we are and who we will become. Their generosity of spirit, sage wisdom, and delightful humor are legacies we treasure long into our futures.
“Creating space and allowing ourselves to process the memories of those we hold dear and the feelings we experience is part of the grieving process. Howie touched the lives of many at Cal Lutheran through countless conversations, mentorship, and cheerful hellos as he walked throughout campus or a friendly smile when you needed it the most. We will miss Howie’s presence in this community…
“Over the next few weeks, I invite you to hold space for your grief and memories. Beginning Monday, July 18, I welcome the Cal Lutheran community to visit the Wennes Interfaith Meditation Chapel. You will find Howie’s morning prayer, favorite hymn, stole, and Spirit banner, and have opportunities to share fond memories, stories, or letters with his loved ones. We invite you to visit the Wennes Interfaith Meditation Chapel as you feel called.
“There is no one pathway of grief. You may find comfort recalling memories or stories, while others may find peace through prayer, solitude, or spiritual connection to ancestors and loved ones. I hope all who enter this space named in his honor may discover a spirit of comfort and grace and recall his invitation to ‘make room for the Spirit.'”
Wennes Memorial Contribution Links
Rev. Dr. Howie Wennes was passionate about the ministry and faith, and the two organizations that he supported throughout his career were the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and California Lutheran University (CLU). Many have asked what they could do to honor his memory and contributions to one of the two funds below would be a wonderful way to sustain his legacy.
Mary and Howie Wennes ELCA Hunger Leadership Endowment
Gifts to this fund will ensure a legacy of support for ELCA World Hunger, allowing hunger leaders to stay trained, connected and equipped in their leadership — and supporting future generations of people who are committed to making a difference in the fight to end hunger, both locally and globally.
Mary & Howie Wennes ELCA Hunger Leadership Endowment
David Wennes Scholarship
Davy Wennes was Howie and Mary’s youngest son who passed away in 1999 and the scholarship was set up in his memory. Davy was an incredibly talented writer and creative artist and this scholarship supports students in need with similar interests.