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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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 If people ask
"The report of my death was an exaggeration"
~~Mark Twain
Remember how, back in July, I let you know that LSTC was in for a year of changes? And then in October and January I let you know about restructuring taking place to put LSTC in a stronger financial position?
As Interim President Hougen predicted, sharingLSTC's financial challenges and the steps we are taking to make the seminary sustainable have made some people anxious or caused them to jump to the wrong conclusion. Some of my colleagues report that sometimes people ask them, "Is LSTC going to close?"
To quote a famous Chicagoan now residing in the White House - let me be clear - LSTC is not getting ready to close its doors. It is taking the necessary (albeit sometimes painful) actions to become financially stronger and sustainable.
So, if people ask you if LSTC is getting ready to close,your accurate and honest response can be, "No, LSTC has made some tough decisions so that it will continue to fulfill its mission."
Perhaps one of the most encouraging signs, for me, that LSTC is moving into a stronger future is this: our presidential search yielded over 50 nominations. The search committee winnowed that number to eight strong candidates whom they interviewed last month, all excited abotu teh prospect of leading LSTC into the future.
The final two candidates for president will come to campus later this month. The Board of Directors will elect LSTC's next president in May. I'll be able to tell you who that is in the next E.pistle.
Meanwhile, spread the word: LSTC is going to be here, forming visionary leaders to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.
Easter blessings,
Jan Boden
Director, Communications & Marketing
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Becoming RIC is not just about sex
by Lucy Wynard, M.Div. middler
This article first appeared in The Door, LSTC's weekly student newsletter
 As we approach the end of this year and an important set of board meetings, the LSTC community is talking about whether and why we should become an official Reconciling in Christ seminary. In my own reflection on the topic, I've come to what might be a surprising conviction: The question of whether LSTC should become a Reconciling in Christ institution is not primarily about of our theology of human sexuality but about our ecclesiology.
Becoming a Reconciling in Christ institution is about acknowledging one another as us rather than them, as members of the one body and one baptism the writer to the Ephesians references. It means affirming that you and I may hold different theologies - even opposing ones which make us uncomfortable and angry. But we still belong to one another because we belong to the same Jesus, the same Spirit, the same Reconciling God. It means we welcome one another without the expectation that we will all be the same or share all the same beliefs. In fact, I hope that it means we welcome differences and diversity because we trust that in them we will get to see more, not less, of God's image. Read more. |
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152nd Commencement on May 13
You are invited to LSTC's 152nd commencement on Sunday, May 13 at 2:30 p.m.at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5472 S. Kimbark Ave., Chicago. The Rev. Dr. David Beckmann (Christ Seminary-Seminex, 1974, M.Div.) is the preacher. The Rev. Dr. Rosanne Swanson will preside.
Come celebrate the class of 2012 and honor members of the classes of 1962 and 1952.
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LSTC planning new cafeteria, food service
Customer and campus surveys and research on other local seminaries' food service operations are shaping a new model for LSTC's cafeteria.
The current refectory staff were invited to stay on under a new model for food services at LSTC. Gerry Hubbarth, director of food services for 32 years, and Addie Holly, who has served the LSTC community for 25 years, have decided to retire from LSTC when the cafeteria shuts down for remodeling on May 15. Jackie Pickett has decided to continue working at LSTC. The LSTC community will thank Gerry and Addie and celebrate their ministry here at a special event in early May.
While the cafeteria is closed for remodeling, catered food service will continue on the Shelf. The cafeteria will reopen June 19, in time for the ACTS D. Min. in Preaching program summer residency.
The new LSTC food service will continue to cater events on campus. Daily menus will include some specials, additional hot and cold sandwiches; expanded soup, salad, and fresh fruit; and expanded low- fat and vegetarian options. There will be two lines, with a cold side and a hot side for food choices. One side will be cold cases with grab-and-go salads, fruits, and self-serve options and hot sandwiches and specials wil be on the other side.
If you'd like to add your thanks to and memories of Gerry and Addie - or of working, studying, or hanging out in the refectory, send messages to Jan Boden at jboden@lstc.edu or Bob Berridge at bberridge@lstc.edu.
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Many Voices, One Story: LSTC's first 50 years
On September 4, 1962, after years of planning and negotiations, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago officially was formed. During the 2012-2013 academic year LSTC will celebrate its first 50 years by looking back and looking forward.
Many Voices, One Story is our theme for the year. LSTC's centers and annual lectures are taking up that theme for their events. On October 28, 2012, LSTC will hold a special worship service and celebration, with Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson preaching. Smaller anniversary events will be held on campus each semester and you'll find anniversary features in the E.pistle, LSTC's website, the Epistle magazine, and on a 50th Anniversary Facebook page, where can share your memories and stories.
But don't wait until that's posted this summer -- you can add your voice, right now, to the many voices! Tell us what's important to you about LSTC and your time here -- how it formed you, what you did, who you got to know or memories you want to share. Email jboden@lstc.edu.
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Don't miss this life-changing opportunity - Serving Christ in the World
 There are still a few spaces available for this summer's Serving Christ in the World vocational immersion designed for current high school sophomores and juniors. Past participant Abby Snow says through Serving Christ in the World "my eyes, ears, heart, and mind have been opened to the miracles and realities of God's creation."
Please encourage young leaders in your congregation to apply today 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 www.lstc.edu/yim |
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News from LSTC
Barbara Rossing, Monica Melanchthon to speak at LWF eco-justice conference
On May 12, two Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) scholars from opposite sides of the globe will lead Bible studies during the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) virtual conference on ecological justice. LSTC Professor of New Testament Barbara Rossing and LSTC alumnus Dr. Monica Melanchthon, professor at MCD University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia, will be part of the internet-based conference, "green&just." During the conference, people from around the world will be able be connected in real time for keynote addresses, webinars and Bible studies focused on the connection between poverty eradication and care for creation. Read more. |
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Stewardship Events
"Responding to God's Grace"
On Saturday, April 21, LSTC's Tithing and Stewardship Foundation partners with the Northern Illinois Synod to present "Responding to God's Grace." The free workshop will be held at First Lutheran Church, 324 North Street, DeKalb, Ill., 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. LSTC's Dr. Ray Pickett, professor of New Testament, and Dr. Rob Saler, visiting lecturer in theology, will explore stewardship in terms of the Biblical themes of restoration and covenant renewal. A primary focus will be how Luke and the other Gospels narrate the story of Jesus as an alternative vision of life that challenges social systems and practices that are not life-giving. Pre-registration requ ested.
Email tithing@lstc.edu or call 773-256-0741.
"Ministry and Money" Stewardship Conference
Metropolitan Chicago Synod's stewardship conference, "Ministry and Money," will take place Saturday, April 28, 2012, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at LSTC. Presenters Philip D. and Janet T. Jamieson will explore practical issues regarding the relationship between faith and money. Cost is $30 per person. Register online.
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Opportunities at LSTC
Apr. 21, 10:00 a.m. - Responding to God's Grace Stewardship Workshop - First Lutheran, DeKalb, Ill.
Apr. 28, 8:30 a.m. - Ministry and Money Stewardship Conference
May 13, 2:30 p.m. - LSTC Commencement - St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Chicago
Find more information about these and other events at the LSTC web calendar.
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