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"E.tcetera ..."
Three new bloggers have joined the team that writes
our seminarians' blog:
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Mission Statement
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago forms visionary leaders to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.
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 No easy choices
Earlier this month Interim President Hougen and Board Chairperson Sarah Stegemoeller announced budget cuts and personnel changes at LSTC (see below, if you haven't heard). For anyone paying attention to what has been happening in the world economy, in the mainline denominations, among ELCA seminaries and at LSTC, this wasn't a huge surprise.
As I've said previously in this space, LSTC is in an envisioning process that will bring changes to the way it fulfills its mission. The purpose of that process is to keep LSTC financially sustainable. Restructuring and budget cuts are part of that process.
Our heads acknowledge this, but our hearts feel the human cost of the changes. We are losing colleagues whom we value and care about. There were no easy or "good" choices, only a variety of painful choices. You should know that in the midst of those painful choices, LSTC is being as fair and compassionate as possible by providing severance packages and job search assistance to those who were laid off.
In meetings with staff and faculty after the budget announcement, Interim President Hougen said that change of any kind produces anxiety. That same day, anxiety cropped up on Facebook in some dire predictions about LSTC's future made by several alumni. Perhaps hearing what else Dr. Hougen told us will help alleviate some of that anxiety.
He said, "LSTC will continue to exist. We are not going out of business. We are taking steps to move forward in a solid and responsible way. The basics don't change: LSTC's mission is to form visionary leaders to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ. It seeks to build up the Body of Christ and work for a world of peace and justice. We remain Christ-centered, responsive to our context, attentive to diversity and committed to excellence."
Finally, President Hougen told us, "LSTC is trying to be the best seminary it can be. In the long run, people will see that and trust what we're doing."
I look across the ELCA and see the valuable ministry that you, the visionary leaders formed at LSTC, are doing and I trust that God still calls us to this mission. Just as congregations seek new ways to carry out their call that is what your seminary is doing.
We pray that we will serve faithfully.
Jan Boden Director of Communications and Marketing
jboden@lstc.edu 773-256-0744 P.S. Please remember that if you have concerns or questions about what is happening at LSTC, you are welcome to call me, Interim President Hougen or a member of the faculty or staff whom you trust.
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Where the church needs to be
Paul Bailie (2008, M.Div.)
Pastor, Iglesia Luterana San Lucas, Eagle Pass, Texas and Mision Luterana Cristo Rey, Piedras Negras, Mexico
 I'm a pastor on the border. On any given Sunday, I preach in the morning in the United States and in the afternoon in Mexico. Waiting in line on the international bridge and going through border checkpoints are a normal part of the ministry at San Lucas, the Spanish-speaking ELCA congregation I serve in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Even though San Lucas is very financially dependent on mission support from churchwide, synodical, and mission partner sources, the congregation itself is a mission partner, having founded a mission site, Cristo Rey, across the border in the rural outskirts of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. [ Read more ]
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News from LSTC
LSTC restructuring...
LSTC Interim President Philip Hougen and Board Chairperson Sarah Stegemoeller announced that the seminary is restructuring several departments and making budget cuts that will help LSTC remain financially sustainable in a rapidly changing economic environment. Personnel changes include elimination of eight full- and part-time staff positions and shifts in job responsibilities for several other positions to deliver student services more efficiently [ Read more ]
Craig Satterlee new NAAL president
The Rev. Dr. Craig A. Satterlee, Axel Jacob and Gerda Maria (Swanson) Carlson Professor of Homiletics at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago became president of the North American Academy of Liturgy (NAAL) at its annual meeting in Montreal, Quebec, January 5-8. As president, he will chair the Academy Committee, which plans the academy's 2013 meeting to be held in Albuquerque, N.M. Satterlee has been a member of NAAL since 1999. In 2011, he was elected the organization's vice president. [ Read more ]
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Get a taste of LSTC at Seminary Sampler
 Do you know someone who should consider going to seminary? They can learn more about LSTC, sit in on classes, talk with faculty and students, tour Hyde Park, and explore their call at Seminary Sampler, Sunday, February 19 - Tuesday, Feb. 21. For more information visit our Seminary Sampler webpage or contact Director of Admissions Scott Chalmers at schalmers@lstc.edu or 773-256-0726.
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Valpo Alumni - join us for a Crusaders basketball game
 Did you know that there are more alumni from Valparaiso University at LSTC than from any other college or university? To celebrate our partnership forming leaders, LSTC is taking a road trip to Valpo. On Saturday, February 4, we'll cheer on the men's Crusader's basketball team as they battle Wright State. Tip off is 7:05 p.m.
Meet us there or take a free bus from LSTC leaving at 4:30 p.m. Free pizza for LSTC-Valpo fans in the Harre Union at 5:30 p.m.
That game is also Thrivent Lutheran Night and Hall of Fame Night. Half of the price of your ticket will be donated to Kids Against Hunger. Seats are limited so call now to reserve yours!
Two ticket price options: bleacher seats for $10 or chairback seats for $25. Call or email Bob Berridge at 773-256-0783 or bberridge@lstc.edu.
See also Links to: Valpo Athletics - Directions
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Youth in Mission Registration deadline is Feb. 24
Young leaders in your congregation will benefit from Serving Christ in the World, the theological and vocational immersion designed for current high school sophomores and juniors. Please encourage them to apply for YIM's next Serving Christ in the World session, June 16-30, 2012. Participants engage in theological discussions, workshops, site visits, and worship at LSTC and will travel to Mexico City and Cuernavaca, Mexico for a six-day multicultural immersion experience. [ Read more ]
To learn more about the program: Visit YIM website.
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Come to Chicago in March for Leadership Series
Will March come in like a lion and leave like a lamb? On March 19 and 20, it could be balmy or frigid in Chicago -- we can't predict the weather. What we do know that LSTC's 1 1/2 -day Leadership Series will be so good you won't care what the weather is. Don't delay - register now!
Nadia Bolz-Weber and Linda E.Thomas explore identity and context for your ministry
On March 19, you'll learn about emerging ministry and what type of ministry will work in your context as Nadia Bolz-Weber and Linda Thomas present the Leadership Lectures, "Identity and Context." Cost is $75 for the day. Register by March 12. [ Read more ]
Valpo Graduate School of Business will help you make your organization sustainable
On March 20, a faculty member from Valparaiso University's Graduate School of Business will lead the half-day workshop, "The Role of Business in a Faith-Based Organization." This free workshop is designed for clergy and other church professionals. You'll learn management skills to help your organization be sustainable so it can achieve its mission. Register by March 12. [ Read more ]
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Making the most of your gifts
Your gifts to the Annual Fund make a huge difference at LSTC. They are a primary source of day-to-day operating funds, which support all of the excellent teaching and learning that happens here. They also provide scholarships, support the JKM Library, maintain and improve the buildings and technology and much more. LSTC is a good steward of your gifts.
Now you have a chance to make your gifts do even more: all new, renewed and increased gifts to LSTC's Annual Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous challenge grant from Mark and Kathy Helge. Imagine how much more this increase in your gift will do to support the outstanding LSTC students who are being formed as leaders for our church and world!
Learn more, or give online.
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Sects and the city
Ben Stewart, Gordon A. Braatz Assistant Professor of Worship, will be a moderator at the conference Sects and the City: Gen X/Y and Mainline Protestant Worship. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1218 W. Addison, Chicago, hosts the conference on February 11 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more details and registration costs and information visit www.sectsandthecity.org. |
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 Rare Books website expanded
Visit and bookmark http://collections.lstc.edu/ to explore LSTC's rare book collection. Dr. Ralph Klein, Christ Seminary-Seminex Professor Emeritus of Old Testament has recently expanded the website for the collection.
Wish to share your library with a student?
Ralph Klein is willing to serve as a middle person between retiring or retired pastors who wish to bequeath their libraries and the students who would welcome adding the books to their collection. Contact Dr. Klein at rklein@lstc.edu.
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Frank Sinatra comes to the Augustana Chapel
The Bobby Schiff Trio performs Jazz at the Sem featuring a program of Sinatra songs on Sunday, February 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC. For more than 35 years, both in Chicago and Los Angeles, Bobby Schiff has performed and collaborated with such greats as Mel Torme, Peggy Lee, Bobby Rydell, Marvin Hamlisch, and a host of others. He currently works in Chicago as vocal arranger and accompanist. The concert is free. A freewill offering will be gathered. For more information contact Daniel Schwandt at dschwandt@lstc.edu. |
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Scherer Lecture looks at influence of missionaries in Sudan
On Tuesday, February 21, at 4:00 p.m., Dr. Heather J. Sharkey will trace the influences of 20th century missionaries in Sudan, including the effect of the schools they started and the engagement of women in religious and public life. She will show how the influences persist today in the aftermath of Egypt's Arab Spring and the break-up of Sudan following the South's secession. The lecture is free. [ Read more ]. |
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ELCA Washington Office wants to know your priorities
LSTC students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends have been invited to participate in the ELCA Washington Office's 2012 Priorities Survey. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will help set a direction for their work on Capitol Hill. Take the survey. |
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Opportunities at LSTC
Jan. 30, 1:30 p.m. - Screening of From Montgomery to Memphis
Mondays, Jan. 30 - April 30, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Advanced Seminar in Religion and Science
Tuesdays, Jan. 31 - May 1, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - The Future of Creation: Foundations for a Just and Sustainable World
February - African Descent Heritage Month: Slave Routes: Crossing Oceans
Feb. 10, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Interfaith Skill-Building Training Session
Feb. 12, 3:00 p.m. - Salaam-Shalom Project at Celebration! Community Life Center, Naperville, Ill.
Feb. 19, 7:00 p.m. - Chapel Music Series - Jazz at the Sem with Bobby Schiff Trio
Feb. 19-21 - Seminary Sampler
Feb. 21, 4:00 p.m. - The 2012 Scherer Lecture by Dr. Heather J. Sharkey
March - Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
March 19, 9:00 a.m. - Identity and Context - Leadership Lectures by Nadia Bolz-Weber and Linda E. Thomas
March 20, 9:00 a.m. - noon - The Role of Business in a Faith-based Organization
March 26, 11:30 a.m. - The Lutheran Heritage Lecture by Dr. Oswald Bayer
Find more information about these and other events at the LSTC web calendar.
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