Scroll over a name to read more about your favorite staff member!
Mike Ashley, Campus Minister
Chaplain, Colonel, USAF(Retired), Episcopal Campus Chaplain
This old Muncie Central Bearcat survived pharmacy school, then made the natural transition to seminary, having discerned a call to military chaplaincy. In 1967 the Viet Nam war was heating up. I was available. The Air Force had a spot for me. Twenty-six years later, the Air Force and I parted as friends.
I then returned to Muncie in accordance with the Fifth Commandment--our families are important. I soon became a member of the Grace Church Parish, Muncie. Since 1995, I have been active in the leadership of Episcopal Campus Ministry, a parish-based ministry to higher education in this area.
The Episcopal and ELCA churches were then working toward Called to Common Mission, a full-communion relationship between them. A cooperative campus ministry was a natural expression of this new relationship. Through Grace Village, in 1996 Episcopalians and Lutherans joined in worship and outreach.
Episcopal students have since taken leadership roles in the joint ministry, some serving as peer ministers, others as liturgists and preachers. We are on the threshold of a formalized Synod-Diocese relationship in campus ministry.
I am serving in an interim role for the ministries while the Center pursues the call of a campus minister to succeed Rodelyn McPherson who retired in December, 2008.
Connie Ruebel, Administrative Assistant
You'll find Connie in her office at Grace Village taking care of "business" and helping students. She became involved with Lutheran Campus Ministry at Iowa State University where she served on the University Lutheran board for many years. She is a Cincinnati native although lived in Ames, Iowa for twenty-two years. Her husband, Jim, is Dean of the Honors College at Ball State.
Questions about Grace Village? Call or stop in and meet Connie when you're near Grace Village.
Robert Abner
I never thought I would live in Muncie again after I graduated from Ball State in '05. Why would I? After a short stint teaching high school social studies in the "projects" of Louisville, KY, and an even shorter stint in the car business, here I am. I found gainful employment as the Director of Exhibits and Education at the Muncie Children's Museum and I found myself volunteering here at Grace Village.
I didn't necessarily grow up Christian; it was something I was fortunate enough to embrace on my own later in my life. After being baptized and joining a church, I began doing high school ministry in my hometown a couple years ago. I discovered shortly before moving back here that working with people closer to my age in their walk of faith was a good fit for me, it gave me the opportunity to relate to their struggles more easily. Because, believe me, I've been through a lot of the same struggles.
So here I am, ready to do the Lord's work any way I can. If you want to know anything else, just ask. God's Grace and Peace to you!
Lauren
I am from Zionsville, Indiana. I am a senior at Ball State and I am studying Sociology with a minor in Foundations of Management. I hope to go to grad school after my undergrad for school counseling. I love to be outside, camping, hiking, and having fun.
I came to Grace Village my freshman year and after just coming to Bible Study for a year, I decided to try out Worship on Thursday nights. This place has really called to me and I really enjoy the close and personal atmosphere we have here. I felt God’s love the second I walked through the bright red door.
Emily
I came to Grace Village as a freshman and found it warm and comforting. As a freshman my lifestyle had completly changed and Grace Village was like a link to home. I feel priveliged to be a peer minister. I hope to deepen my relationship with God and help others do the same here at Grace Village. I really enjoy getting to know people and developing meaningful relationships.
Allison
I am a senior Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising major at Ball State. I was invited and welcomed in to The Lutheran Center at the beginning of my freshman year, however it wasn't until my junior year that I returned here to the same open arms at what is now called Grace Village. I have found here what I had missing. I joined the peer ministry team to grow in my own faith and to welcome others to join me.