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Learning and serving, an ongoing journey
by Marlene Daubert, diaconal minister,
(M.A. Class of 2006)
 I have often been asked when I felt called into ministry. What people seem to be asking is when I sensed a call into rostered leadership. That is not my story. I first felt a strong call into ministry when I left accounting and became a social worker in the 1980's. As a social worker, I worked in a variety of settings meeting and being present with people in their struggles. After I had served 14 years in social work, my husband invited me to consider congregation-based team ministry with him while he continued his position with the churchwide organization. I see this more as the evolving movement of God's call, rather than the beginning. |
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Changes to Thrivent programs
As you may know, Thrivent has announced that it will terminate the GivingPlus program effective December 31, 2009. A new replacement program, Thrivent Choice, will be launched in the spring of 2010. It will permit Thrivent members to designate Thrivent dollars directly to the LSTC and other Lutheran charities.
Details about Thrivent Choice have not been announced but we wanted you to have early notice of this change. We are grateful that many of you participated in the GivingPlus program and hopeful that you will continue to support LSTC through annual gifts and that you will designate Thrivent dollars to us under the Thrivent Choice program when it is operative next year.
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Opportunities at LSTC Advent Lessons and Carols at LSTC
 On Sunday, December 6, the LSTC community welcomes Advent with a service of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. in the Augustana Chapel, 1100 East 55th Street. Cantor to the LSTC Community Daniel Schwandt and Gordon A. Braatz Assistant Professor of Worship Ben Stewart lead worship. LSTC's Cantorei, soloists and instrumentalists present Paul Manz's cantata, "Savior of the Nations, Come." All are welcome. A freewill offering will be gathered.
Bach for the Sem at a new venue
Bach for the Sem, will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 West Division Street, River Forest, Ill., on January 10, 2010. This year's concert features the first part of J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio and his Concerto for Oboe d'amour and Orchestra. The Bach for the Sem Choir and Orchestra will present the world premier of a Paul Weber's "Hodie coelesti." Thomas Wikman and Michael Costello are guest organists for the afternoon of music. Carols of the season round out the program performed as a benefit for the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, by Chicago area Lutheran professional instrumentalists and singers.
Full-price tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door; student and senior discount tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. To purchase tickets call 1-773-256-0712 or 1-800-635-1116 extension 712 by Friday, January 8. Tickets will be held at the door.
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2010 Watanabe calendar purchases benefit Danker Fellowship
 Support the William J. and Elizabeth M. Danker Fellowship awarded annually to international Ph.D. students at LSTC through your purchase of a beautiful Watanabe Calendar. The calendar measures approximately 16.5" by 23". It makes a wonderful gift and supports a great cause. The cost is $15. To order, email Heather Wallace at hwallace@lstc.edu.
About the art and artist: Sadao Watanabe (1913-1996) From Japan's most deeply indigenous art form (Katazome) comes the work of its greatest Christian artist, Sadao Watanabe. Watanabe, a designer of kimono fabrics before he became a print-maker, described his work simply as that of making pictures for Christians. "I owe my life to Christ and the Gospel. My way of expressing my gratitude is to witness to my faith through the medium of biblical scenes. I want to use my ideas and talents for the glory of God."
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Register now for "Inch by Inch: Growing a Green Congregation"
 LSTC's 2010 Leadership Conference
As part of LSTC's Earth Year Observances, the leadership conference on Tuesday, February 9 and Wednesday, February 10, will focus on the ways in which congregations can promote environmental awareness, participate in local and global events, and reflect together on biblical and theological themes related to creation.
Keynote speakers for the conference are David Rhoads and Carleton Waterhouse. David Rhoads is professor of New Testament at LSTC and a passionate advocate for eco-justice and environmental ministry. He is the editor of Earth and Word: Classic Sermons on Saving the Planet. Carleton Waterhouse is assistant professor of law at the Florida International University who served as an attorney for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has published articles on environmental racism.
LSTC alumnae the Rev. Jennifer Moland-Kovash and the Rev. Sarah Olson-Smith will preach during the conference worship services.
Register early and receive a $10 discount on the $165 conference fee. Recent grads and retirees may register for $105. [ Register online. ] |
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 Three ELCA seminaries resolve to work together in new ways
Collaboration and coordination characterize the six resolutions adopted by the boards of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Covenant Cluster seminaries when they met in joint session, November 5-7, in Chicago. [ Read more ]
 LSTC's 2010 Youth in Mission programs will energize, inspire youth
"I am changed...I am empowered, inspired, energized, and loved," is how Grace Bodey describes her experience with Serving Christ in the World, one of Youth in Mission's (YIM) programs at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.. The three-week exploration of vocation is designed for current high school sophomores and juniors who want to learn about God, themselves, and ways they can use their gifts in service to others. Youth spend two weeks in Chicago, including a three-day immigrant community immersion, and one week in Mexico. YIM's next Serving Christ in the World program will be held June 13 - July 3, 2010. The application deadline is February 17, 2010. [ Read more ] | |
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Quick Links
LSTC News Releases
Check out LSTC's new Centers websites:
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Reunions
Classes of 1960 Reunion Groups to Meet in 2010
The Classes of 1960 will join at LSTC on May 15 and 16, 2010, during Commencement Weekend.
Mark your calendars and watch for more information to come.
Classes of 1985, 2000, and 2005
You're invited to a special reunion dinner and recognition on Monday, February 8, 2010.
A reunion dinner for the Classes on 1985, 2000, and 2005 will be held on February 8, 2010, in conjunction with the 2010 LSTC Leadership Conference.
Graduates from LSTC and all other predecessor institutions, along with their spouses, are welcome to attend. This will be a great opportunity to reconnect with former classmates! Those interested in attending should complete an RSVP form by December 20, 2009.
Please contact the Advancement Project Assistant, Cuttino Alexander, at advprojects@lstc.edu with any questions. Special rates are available at the Fairfield Inn Midway reunion participants. [ Read more.] Class of 1970
LSTC is pleased to host the Class of 1970 Reunion April 28-30, 2010.
The highlights of the reunion will include a luncheon and banquet on Wednesday, a presentation on the present and future of LSTC, a tour of the LSTC Rare Book Room, and a chance to meet and worship with current students.
Graduates from LSTC and all predecessor institutions, along with their spouses, are invited to attend the celebrations. Come and see how LSTC has grown in the last 40 years!
Those interested in attending should complete an RSVP form by February 1, 2010. Please contact the Advancement Project Assistant, Cuttino Alexander, at advprojects@lstc.edu with any questions.
Special rates are available at the Fairfield Inn Midway reunion participants. [ More information]
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