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"I never expected..."
by Rebecca Gordon
M.Div. Class of 2002
 "I never expected to find myself here!" How many times have I uttered those words since I fully and consciously began responding to God's call to leadership in the church? Seminary in Chicago? An internship in Wheaton? A first call in Wonder Lake?! I never expected to find myself in any of those places, and yet find myself there I did as a result of following the call of God's Spirit. You know the rest of the story: the blessing that I received from each has more often than not exceeded my wildest hopes.
Now I find myself officially on-leave from call. One year after the birth of my daughter I was not even sure I could tolerate being at home full-time. I had a terrific first call of six years in which we were well-matched. I served a supportive congregation that was excited to welcome our first child. And yet, a variety of factors converged (as they tend to do), including the congregation's struggle to compensate a full-time pastor, and the Spirit was telling me it was simply time: time to go.
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February Leadership Conference will explore faith and grace in film
On Tuesday, February 10, and Wednesday, February 11, "The New Narratives: Finding Faith and Grace in Film" will explore the spiritual aspects of four recent films, "Crash," "Juno," "Atonement," and "Lars and the Real Girl." Conference fees are $80 per day or $155 for both days. Recent LSTC graduates (2006 - 08) may register for $100 for two days.
On Tuesday, February 11, an alumni reception and banquet honoring the 2009 Outstanding Alumni will be held. Banquet tickets are $25 each and must be purchased by February 1, 2009.
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Dissolving Congregation Endows the Future
by Jessica Nipp, Diaconal Minister
Director for Advancement
Voting to dissolve a congregation can be a heart-wrenching action. But sometimes changing demographics within a congregation make this difficult decision a necessity. This was the case for King of Kings Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After nearly three years of discernment, led by Interim Pastor Paul Peterson (MDiv, 1969), the congregation voted in 2008 to disband.
King of Kings decided to donate a large portion of their remaining assets - $75,000 - to LSTC to create an endowed scholarship fund in honor of their founding pastor, John H. Schumell.
"Closing our church was an emotional decision for all of us," explained Smithyman. "However, that was months ago. Now that we have had the chance to grieve, we are ready to look toward the future." In making the decision to provide a scholarship for seminarians, King of Kings has left a lasting legacy to the church. LSTC is very grateful for their generous gift!
"For the sake of all people" music and mission event will highlight LSTC's advanced studies program
On Sunday, February 15, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4501 Main Street, Downers Grove, Illinois, will host a hymn festival, reception and dinner highlighting the mission of LSTC's advanced studies program, its students and the scholarships that support them.
At 4 p.m., Daniel Schwandt, cantor to the seminary community, will lead a free hymn festival featuring music from around the world.
A reception planned by international Th.M. and Ph.D. students begins at 5 p.m. They will introduce their countries and their ministries.
Tickets for a 6 p.m. mission dinner are available for $25 from Deb Cerny at Gloria Dei (630-968-6231, ext. 107) or Bernadine Gibson at LSTC (773-256-0710). Read more.
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LSTC alumni tell how their congregations are "going green"
Two LSTC alumni, Margaret Schoewe and Steve Jerbi, contributed to the article "Congregational Creation Care Stories" in the January/February Lutheran Partners magazine. Both have been involved in David Rhoads' recent environmental initiatives in the Greater Milwaukee Synod and were part of the Green Zone and environmental emphasis at LSTC.
Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ 91.5FM) aired a piece by Monique Parsons about the environment and faith on Dec. 9 during "Morning Edition." It featured David Rhoads and Chicago's Irving Park Lutheran Church, where alum, Brooke Peterson, and her congregation are going green. Listen to the feature. |
 Nominate Youth to partipate in Serving Christ in the World 2009
YIM is looking forward to the next Serving Christ in the World program: June 13 to July 4, 2009. Links for the application packet and an informational video are provided below.
You are invited to nominate current sophomore and junior youth for SCITW (senior applications are reviewed if space allows). This is a wonderful opportunity to support, encourage, and mentor youth as they discern how God is calling them to serve. The application deadline is February 18, 2009.
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Youth in Mission Pastoral Care for Youth - 2009 Conference
Youth ministry workers and clergy will not want to miss LSTC's first annual Youth in Mission Conference: Pastoral Care for Youth. This conference was the dream of youth ministers from across the country who expressed the need for more conversation and education around caring for youth.
The conference will be held at LSTC on April 20-22, 2009. Registration is open from now until March 20. Read more or call us at 773-256-0725.
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National Fund Asks Educators and Clergy to Nominate Students for $1.5 Million in Fellowships
In a search across the U.S. and Canada for future church leaders, The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) invites educators and clergy at colleges, universities, and seminaries to nominate diverse students with leadership gifts for FTE Undergraduate and Ministry Fellowships.
Local congregations can also tap funds to support first-year seminary students from their churches by nominating them for FTE Congregational Fellowships. These awards match financial support provided by the congregation for tuition and living expenses.
College and university faculty, administrators, campus ministers, and pastors are asked to nominate current sophomores and juniors for $2,000 FTE Undergraduate Fellowships. Nominations are due February 1, 2009; nominees must submit applications by March 15, 2009. Congregations may nominate young church members for FTE Congregational Fellowships.
Eligible students must be entering first-year, full-time Master of Divinity degree programs. Awards are between $2,000 and $5,000 for each fellowship; nominations and applications for FTE Congregational Fellowships are due April 1, 2009.
Also have the leader you have identified contact LSTC's Office of Vocation, Admissions and Financial Aid (VAF) or forward the prospect's name and contact info to VAF."
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News you should know...
The Rev. Dr. Klaus-Peter Adam to join LSTC faculty
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Board of Directors has elected the Rev. Dr. Klaus-Peter Adam to be associate professor of Old Testament at the seminary. He is scheduled to begin teaching in the spring semester 2009.
Craig A. Satterlee's When God Speaks through Worship: Stories Congregations Live By published by Alban InstituteDr. Craig A. Satterlee's latest book, When God Speaks through Worship: Stories Congregations Live By (ISBN 978-1-56699-383-8, paper, $17.00) features eight stories from his pastoral ministry to inspire congregations to seek God through their worship. In his third in a series of "When God Speaks" books from The Alban Institute, Satterlee challenges congregations to consider the motives behind what happens in worship.
LSTC names Ingrid Roeder its Wellness Ministry Coordinator Acting on the Evangelical Lutheran Church's initiatives to promote wellness among its leaders, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago has named Ingrid Roeder (2008, M.A.), its Wellness Ministry Coordinator. Roeder is a personal trainer who has specialized in medical exercise for over 14 years. She will work with and train students, spouses, faculty, and staff in groups and individually.
Steed Davidson to deliver 2009 Hein-Fry Lecture on "Luther and the Plain Sense of the Word" March 12
On March 12, Dr. Steed Davidson, professor of Old Testament at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, will deliver the 2009 Hein-Fry Lecture, "Luther and the Plain Sense of the Word: Towards a New Literalism" at LSTC. The Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing, LSTC professor of New Testament, will respond to the lectures. The lecture will begin at 1 p.m. in the Common Room (350), followed by Dr. Rossing's response at 2:45 p.m. A reception will be held at 3:15 p.m. Read more... | |
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Opportunities at LSTC
7 p.m. Reception
7:30-9 p.m.
Music Workshop:
"Music from the Land of Three Faiths"
Free Admission
"Effective Congregational Stewardship" presented by Charles "Chick" Lane on February 21
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Director for Stewardship Key Leaders, Charles R. "Chick" Lane, will present the one-day workshop "Effective Congregational Stewardship" at LSTC on Saturday, February 21 from 9:15 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Registration is $10 per participant or a maximum fee of $25 per congregation. All seminary students are free.
Register online
or call 773-256-0679 or email tithing@lstc.edu
for more information. Registration accepted through Friday, February 13.
Grow in your call to proclaim God's Word:
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Memorial Service for the Reverend Doctor Robert J. Marshall
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will hold a memorial service the Rev. Robert J. Marshall on Sunday, March 8, 2009, at 2 p.m. in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC.
Dr. Marshall was president of the former Lutheran Church in America (LCA) and, while president of the Illinois Synod of the LCA, played a key role creating the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
For more information about the service, contact Patti DeBias, assistant to the president, at pdebias@lstc.edu or
773-256-0728.
Memorials may be made to the Robert J. Marshall Fellowship Fund at LSTC.
Bishop Wayne Miller interview on WBEZ
A phone interview with LSTC alum and Metropolitan Chicago Synod Bishop Wayne Miller aired on WBEZ's Worldview program earlier this week.
He talks about what the ELCA bishops have experienced during their trip to Israel and Palestine.
Listen to the podcast.
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Upcoming Reunions
35th Anniversary of Christ Seminary-
Seminex.
On June 23-25, 2009, the Seminex contingent at LSTC invites you to join us for the 35th anniversary celebration of the founding of Seminex.
Class of 1969
reunion May 16, 2009
Join classmates and their spouses at LSTC to get reacquainted and to share your memories of your year at LSTC.
Contact Jessica Nipp at jnipp@lstc.edu. or 319-541-3066 for more information. Read more.
Classes of 1959:
50-year reunion
in May 2009
Fifty year graduates of LSTC's predecessor schools will be honored at commencement on Sunday, May 17.
All 50-year graduates are invited to a dinner in their honor and time to share their ministry stories on Saturday, May 16.
For more information, please contact Ruth Ann Deppe at 773-256-0710 or rdeppe@lstc.edu.
Make a Gift to LSTC
Just by using Goodsearch LSTC receives donations!
GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate.
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