S e m i n a r y M a t t e r s

Transcription

1 S e m i n a r y M a t t e r s EDMONTON, ALBERTA VOL. 24 NO. 2, Spr President s Message Dear Seminary Friends, Concordia identifies our roots in the common confession of our faith, as our Reformation fathers compiled detailed theological interpretation and teachings of Scripture into the Book of Concord. Lutheran ties the conceptual basis and nature of our Christian being to the Reformers rediscovery of the true divine Gospel of salvation. Seminary comes from the Latin seminarium, and means, a piece of ground where seed is sown for producing plants for transplantation; a nursery; a seed plot. Originally it had been applied in a figurative sense to a place of education, as a school of a high grade, an academy, college, or university in general. This is our place. But our education here is to seed, prepare, cultivate and form prophets. We are a school of prophets! Out of here come men who will open their mouths and speak words of salvation coming from God, who will preach and announce God s wonderful promise in Jesus Christ. The seminarium concordianum will prepare and form priests. It will prepare men called by God and ordained by His Church into the true Apostolic ministry. This consists of preaching and ministering the Holy Sacraments President s Message cont d on p. 4 Fledgling For eight years, Take Wing has been sending out servants; to date twenty-nine seminarians to forty congregations in Western Canada. Students in their second year get a Jeff Dul and Ling Pui Yeong at presentation recognition pins presented by CLS Guild foretaste of work in the parish prior to vicarage and Pastors and congregations experience the caliber of men who are being formed for Jesus sake. This program of Concordia Lutheran Seminary Guild was conceived by the late Lillian Goertz who held that seminarians were the best persons to share their experience of seminary with congregations. The underwriting of this program by the Guild is made possible by the annual collection of $5.00 membership fees (and a monetary gift if possible) across the LCC parishes of Western Canada. This appeal takes place only once a year, in March. Seminarians Take This year two students, Ling Pui Yeong and Jeff Dull represented Concordia Lutheran Seminary through Take Wing. See their stories on page two. of exclusive participation Take Wing President, Michelle Loveridge INSIDE THIS ISSUE: President s Message Take Wing the Sem L.P. Yeong Takes Wing Jeff Dul Takes Wing Faculty at CLS Quest Missionary for Lunch.... 4,5 Winter Convocation Financial Aid Staff Needed Staff and Board

2 PAGE 2 Seminarian Ling Pui Yeong speaks about Take Wing in Saskatoon Seminarian Jeff Dul speaks about Take Wing in the Okanagan I went to the beautiful congregations of Grace in Osoyoos and St. Paul The Take Wing experience has in Oliver, in BC s South Okanagan given me greater insights, understandvalley. I had never experienced a dual ing, and encouragement. Though I was parish. Pastor Chuck Cooley, his son, only there for two days, I was really and I travelled from Kelowna to Oliver touched by the work that has been following the started, which is still going on scenic route vibrantly. Though at the time I around Lake was there it was extremely cold Okanagan. (- 40º C), the Gospel message, Pastor Cooley the love for Christ is burning explained the fervently among the believers of history of the Saskatoon. I still remember Lutheran when Pastor James Dimitroff Church in the and I walked out from the Okanagan and Saskatoon airport, my hands we had an immediately turned into ice even opportunity to though I thought that it wouldget to know n t be that cold. each other. He In that first afternoon, Pastor was helpful in James Vosper took me to visit sharing much with some of the shut-ins that are under his care. While L.P. Yeong preaching at Grace positive advice visiting them I was quite Lutheran Church, Saskatoon on how to surprised that Pastor Vosper did during his Take Wing experience work effectively and almost the whole liturgy for the efficiently in a Communion and I was moved dual or single parish. This is important that the people still remembered parts as serving more than one parish is of the liturgy so that they were able to becoming more common. participate with us. This was a great At Little Lambs Preschool, next experience for me since I don t often door to St. Paul Lutheran Church, I led do visits with shut-ins. a devotion. I met a few of the memi met Nolan, a student from the bers who were at the church on Friday University of Saskatchewan. He is and talked with a long time member planning to come to the Seminary in who lived near the church. At Grace two years. We talked about seminary life and briefly about the courses that we take in the Seminary. At Grace Lutheran Church, I delivered the sermon. While attending Sunday School, I was excited to see the kids and to see their faith and knowledge in Christ. I am amazed at how much they knew about the Bible and I am thankful that these children are able to learn about the Law and Gospel so that their faith may be strengthened. I am very thankful to God that He has given the people in Saskatoon these churches, thankful to see the parents and Sunday School teachers who are faithfully bringing up those children in the Christian faith, and thankful to add all to my own experience. Lutheran Church I talked with the kids who attend Good Shepherd Christian School, a Kindergarten to Grade 7 school in The Take Wing pin the church. is awarded only to Saturday I woke those seminarians early for men s who have particibreakfast with the pated in the Take guys from Grace Wing program by sharing their time Lutheran. We had more time to get to w i t h a n L C C congregation know more about each other. I woke early again Sunday morning for the 9:00 a.m. service at Grace Lutheran Church. Pastor Cooley led and I preached. After the service I visited, but this time was cut short because we had to be at St. Paul Lutheran Church for 11:00 a.m. Pastor Cooley again led the service and I preached. Pastor Cooley and I continued on to St. John Lutheran Church in Summerland for the installation of Rev. Michael Colbeck, more conversations, and to the airport! My Take Wing experience was an excellent way to promote the Seminary and to answer some of the questions people had about the Seminary. Thank you to the Concordia Lutheran Seminary Guild and all of its members across Canada for making the Take Wing program happen. Grace Lutheran Church, Osoyoos, where Jeff Dul participated in a weekend of Take Wing

3 PAGE 3 The faculty at CLS: dedicated to forming students The faculty at CLS is a dedicated college of scholars and professionals who recognize their deep responsibility to fulfill the mission of the Seminary by taking part in forming the pastoral students of the church. While their roles are predominantly as teachers, that neither covers the extent of their duties nor describes the depth of their work with future pastors. The four who make up the current faculty of CLS are clergy who have recognized and who have been recognized for the gifting that God has given each of them to undertake research, to distill the essentials of the subject matter, and to convey the curriculum in ways that are relevant and understandable to seminary students. Their contributions lie in teaching the minds, but also deepening the relationships, opening the hearts, and forming the characters of the students who spend three years of concerted study and time in the Seminary environment. Because they are themselves pastors and have experience in the parish setting, the Seminary's faculty speaks with confidence of the knowledge of Each faculty member is responsible cannot be undertaken without thorfor being prepared to teach his classes, ough training already in hand and each amounting to over nine hours per week faculty member has progressed of teaching time. Preparation for each through the academic system attaining undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate training. For one assistant professor that means he is in the midst of studies, trying to balance the demands of family, faculty teaching load, and administrative tasks with the demands of writing a thesis which includes researching As part of his administrative tasks, Professor Kraemer travelled to hundreds of books Kitimat to visit Vicar of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Clint Magnus and articles late into the night. hour of teaching is multiplied by at Although teaching and academics least five or six hours (remember they are primary responsibilities for the already come to their positions with a faculty members, administrative sizable amount of research in their assignments are vital parts of the work fields!). They must produce syllabi in the Seminary. Oversight of the (descriptions of class schedule, evalualibrary program, the Missionary Study tion, and materials used in the classes) Centre, student financial assistance, and organize the material so that students receive manageable and digestible information and concepts. Based on the teaching plans, books can be ordered, schedules formed, and effective evaluations designed and implemented for the students. Final evaluations of students include consultation and eventual field placement of students, too. Faculty work together in curriculum reviews so that the preparations of each member of the faculty flow into a single unit that reflects and promotes Dr. Kettner s extracurricular assignments include teaching courses like this year s Quest the mission of the Seminary: forming program that offers opportunities for church members to take seminary courses servants for Jesus sake. This seminary, especially, because of its size and also because of its character offers both the chapel life, Vicarage and Field Work, church work that each student will challenges and the opportunities for Synod theological review, and many soon encounter himself. Their prime the professors to teach beyond their other programs are assigned to the but not only task is forming the areas of academic specialization. The faculty members for ongoing work. pastors of the church; they also opportunities offer new vistas of Extension programs and extracurricuprovide theological training and professional development. The challar responsibilities add to the list. Each direction for the laity of the church lenges demand more preparation time. task adds to the clerical burden and through courses, publications, and time demands placed upon the faculty consultation. Faculty cont d on p. 5 member. The tasks of seminary teaching

4 PAGE 4 President s Message cont d from p. 1 to God s people in persona Christi. That means, at Christ s stead, in His own name, as if He were acting Himself. Isn t this a high and noble goal for a graduate school? An enormous responsibility? That s the mission we received here. It is the blessing of providing prophets and priests to the Church, pastors of His flock. The Seminary also offers formation for lay men and women who want to study Theology in order to better understand God s reality, universe and man, and to better serve in church and society as valuable persons, profession- als, and witnesses. Here one studies theology. This wonderful joint adventure between God and men is where He gives us a habitus in which we can walk, grow, and be lifted up. Those teaching theology here are the faculty. They are the teachers of the church. They are not only knowledgeable and skilled theologians; they are also ordained prophets and priests who regularly stand before God, with His people, in worship and service. They are teachers and models to the seminarians. They have a formidable mission and in our seminary an extraordinary load of activity, too. In the Sem st On Saturday, March 1, eighteen games while others continued converguests from three provinces joined sation into the early evening. faculty and seminarians for a full Do you feel like you missed out? afternoon of fun and information, Join us next March for this annual beginning with a worship service in the event! chapel. Future seminarians listened as faculty and staff spoke about the path to becoming a These words bring to mind physical challenges, pastor, from the daunting tasks, and rewarding ventures, but we re not inner call and outer talking about a reality game show or an Olympic encouragement, competition. We re talking about Open Studies at CLS. through the Dig deeper into the meaning and purpose of the liturgy. educational process, Dive into the world of the early Christian church. to the call of the Wrestle with the Lutheran Confessions. church through a Plunge into the original languages of the Bible. congregation. They asked questions Did you know that everyone with an undergraduate about the admisdegree, the appropriate course prerequisites, and the sions process and willingness to learn, grow, and serve is eligible to study entrance requireat the Seminary? Not everyone who studies at CLS ments, field educafeels an inner call to be an ordained pastor, but tion and vicarage, everyone who studies does have the opportunity to and financial aid earn graduate level credits that are applicable to other and other support. Seminary programs and transferable to other accredthey toured the ited seminaries in North America. seminary looking Are you up for the challenge? for clues for a Our next short term course is Early Christianity, taught scavenger hunt by Rev. Richard Beinert of Winnipeg; ten morning contest, and the classes over two weeks, from May 5th to 16th. afternoon wrapped up with pizza and For more information about the Open Studies program prizes. Several or the Early Christianity course, Contact Jeff guests and seminarinachtigall at (780) , ext. 227 or ans lingered to play admissions@concordiasem.ab.ca, or go to foosball and video Dig. Dive. Wrestle. Plunge. this issue of the newsletter you have a glimpse into what they do. Those theologians, teachers and priests are actively reviewing our seminary s curriculum and programs. We want to receive more students, for different goals and results, clergy and lay people. We want to offer these programs by fall We need to call one more faculty member, the fifth full time theologian, teacher, and priest to our seminary but we cannot without your help. Would you consider this challenge? Visit us and become acquainted with our vision and purposes, our daily activities, and embrace this goal. With your understanding, with your prayers, with your gifts and talents, we would be able to call a new faculty member to this place of seed and growth for the next academic year. For this, we need the support of church and seminary friends. We need to increase the already existing CLS Fifth Faculty Chair Endowment. In Christ, the Good Shepherd and our High Priest, may God bless you in your continued or new friendship and support of our Concordia Lutheran Seminary! Missionary for Lunch for January was Daranne Harris, Director of Communications and Education for Canadian Lutheran World Relief. She brought information and resources to the Seminary community about opportunities to provide emergency relief, refugee resettlement, and community development to those in need.

5 PAGE 5 Faculty cont d from p. 3 The exponential growth of communication and electronic interaction add to the opportunities and the burdens. Students are challenged to consider their presuppositions as they come from the world where popular media and entertainment provide an overbearing and real competition to what the believer understands. The faculty challenges the students by working through an orthodox Christianity to form a view that is intellectually viable and manifesting integrity. The faculty expects that the years of study at Seminary will effect change in the students and transform them to carry God s word mentally and spiritually out to the congregations and other areas of ministry where they serve. They converse formally in classes and also in conversations throughout the building, in meetings, in retreats, operating collegially and integrating curriculum with other activities in student life. Martin Weber, who works with his wife Joan on the Kwanja language in Cameroon, spoke to the Seminary community this winter during the Missionary for Lunch program. The Webers are on staff with Lutheran Bible Translators. Special thanks was given to the Missionary Study Centre which made the program at the Seminary. possible. Financial Aid: Summary and Appeal March 2008 As this academic year draws to a close and planning begins for , CLS anticipates a shortfall in financial aid, unless there is a significant increase in gifts from the church-at-large for this purpose. The financial aid that seminary students receive comes to the Seminary in three separate ways. Some aid is from interest that has been earned on the Seminary s endowment funds (long-term investments provided by particular donors). Typically, these gifts cover about half of the grants students receive to help pay their tuition and fees. The other half of these grants usually comes from gifts that are given by individuals or congregations for student aid generally. A third type of financial aid comes from the Adopt-AStudent program, and Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan was the key presenter to the Seminary s is given directly to special Winter Convocation. He brought firsthand and immedistudents. ate knowledge about his work as President of Lutheran Church Income from CLS Canada and the information pastors and seminarians need to financial aid have at their fingertips about the structures and the resources of their synod. President Mayan also spoke of his own work as a endowments is fairly pastor and as a representative for the church in the wider world stable from year to community. year, which is why these funds are so important. The Seminary knows it can count on a regular level of funding, regardless how much one-time gifts ebb and flow. The problem right now is that one-time gifts for financial aid are both fewer and smaller than in previous years. This puts such stress on the financial aid system that grants to individual students have had to be reduced by 5% in the second semester. Although most students benefit on a regular basis from Adopt-A-Student gifts that help pay for their living costs, they now have to pay a larger proportion of their academic costs than previously. Can you help? Your support for any of these three types of financial aid would be most welcome. One option would be to send a one-time gift for financial aid that would help to pay students' academic expenses. Another would be to establish a new endowment fund for student aid, or maybe contribute to an existing fund if you are already affiliated with one. The third choice would be to set up, or increase your support for, an adopt-astudent relationship with a particular student. You are welcome to act in any of these ways as an individual, as a family, as a congregation, or as a group within your congregation. For more information on these options, please contact Dr. Stephen Chambers, Director of Financial Aid (schambers@concordiasem.ab.ca).

6 PAGE 6 Donations Keep the Seminary Going A very large part of the Seminary s budget comes from donations made by individuals, congregations, and other groups and businesses. Please consider supporting the Seminary through gifts, bequests, or gifts-inkind. The Director of Development is available to talk with you or a group of people who may want to know more about the people and the work of the Seminary. Contact us through the numbers listed at the bottom of this page. The Board of Regents, the Seminary s governing body, met for a regular meeting in January From left to right, front to back, Mrs. Kari Otke, Mr. Christopher Klarenbach, Mrs. Rhonda Buck, Rev. David Gallas, Rev. Nolan D. Astley, Rev. Paul Schallhorn, Rev. Don Schiemann, Rev. Robert Mohns, Dr. Manfred Zeuch Seminary Board of Regents Rev. Nolan D. Astley, Chairman Mrs. Rhonda Buck, Vice-Chair Rev. David Gallas Mr. Christopher Klarenbach Dr. Ralph Mayan Rev. Robert Mohns, Secretary Mrs. Kari Otke Rev. Paul Schallhorn Rev. Don Schiemann Development Secretary Retires David Mitchell is the Seminary s Director of Music and regularly organizes music and provides organ and piano accompaniment for chapel services and special occasions. He is here playing the organ at Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Edmonton for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols during Advent last year. After ten years of service for Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Mrs. Elaine Larsen has retired. Faculty, staff, students, as well as the greater community of volunteers and donors in the church are grateful for the work she has done over the years to facilitate the Seminary s advancement. Thank you, Elaine. The Seminary is currently seeking a Secretary for the Development office to assist with promotion, fund-raising, and volunteer care. A person is needed who loves to work with the supporters of the Seminary and who has office management and computer skills. Please check out the job description and application at the Seminary s web site. Seminary Staff Dr. Stephen L. Chambers, Dean of Student Life / Director of Financial Aid Rev. Daniel Deyell, Director of Development Rev. Dr. Garry Dombrowsky, Worship Chaplain Jane Huber, Library Technician Dr. Edward G. Kettner, Academic Dean / Director of Library Jonathan Kraemer, Assistant Professor / Director of Missionary Study Centre / Director of Vicarage & Field Work David Mitchell, Director of Music Jeff Nachtigall, Registrar and Director of Admissions & Recruitment Ray Smith, Treasurer Karen Sorensen, Administrative Assistant to the President Rev. Dr. Forrest Stroup, Pastoral Care Chaplain Rev. Dr. Manfred Zeuch, President / Dean of Chapel Rev. Daniel Deyell, Editor Concordia Lutheran Seminary 7040 Ada Boulevard Edmonton, AB T5B 4E3 Phone: Fax: ddeyell@concordiasem.ab.ca