LSTC E.pistle January 2013
In This Issue
Secret advantage
ZYGON grant
MLK Day
Seminary Sampler
Giving to the Annual Fund
News from LSTC
Save the Dates March-April
Opportunities at LSTC
Connect with us
 
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"E.tcetera ..." 
 
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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.   
  

    
 LSTC Courtyard in snow  
Dorothy Dominiak LSTC's secret advantage 

 

When it comes to getting people to come here, I've often thought of Dorothy Dominiak as LSTC's secret advantage for recruitment. I speak from experience. I'm one of her recruits.

 

This is not to diminish the good work of the admissions directors with whom she has worked over the last 23 years. But I've noticed that when LSTC staff are introduced to a group of students, Dorothy always receives the longest and loudest round of applause.

 

At Dorothy's invitation, I came to a Seminary Sampler in the mid-1990s. Luckily for the church, I discerned that my call was not to rostered ministry. Dorothy didn't write me off. When a job opened up at LSTC, she encouraged me to apply and, to my great surprise, I've been here ever since.

 

Why am I telling you this? Very soon LSTC wil have to rely on its other advantages to recruit students. Dorothy will be retiring from at the end of February to spend more time with her husband, Bob, and their sons and grandchildren.

 

I'll admit it -- my world is reeling a bit at the news. For me, Dorothy has been a trusted friend, a source of good sense -- someone who's been able to provide perspective. She can help me see the humorous side of stressful situations and, when I forget, remind me of what we're doing here. Sound familiar?

 

If you'd like, you can email Dorothy at ddominia@lstc.edu through February.

 

Meanwhile, LSTC is searching for someone to fill a new position --  the Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. Check out the position description online and if you know of someone who would be perfect for the job, please encourage them to apply.

 

Sometime before the end of February we'll have a party to celebrate Dorothy's outstanding work. And then I, for one, will be making an extra effort to emulate her example of faithful service, gracious good humor under stress, and focusing on how best to help students thrive at LSTC.

     

Blessings,

 

Jan Boden

Director of Communications and Marketing

jboden@lstc.edu

 

 

 

Grant to Zygon Center for Religion and Science will help students integrate science and religion 

Zygon Center logo  

The Zygon Center for Religion and Science (ZCRS) at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) has received a grant of almost $200,000 from the John Templeton Foundation. It will be used to teach the next generation of religious leaders to relate religious wisdom and scientific knowledge. Under the leadership of Dr. Lea F. Schweitz, director of ZCRS, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will develop new curricula to teach religion and science in existing required courses. [Read more.]

 

Immigration in the U.S. theme for 3rd Annual Martin Luther King Day at LSTC 

  Martin Luther King Day Poster image

The Albert "Pete" Pero Jr. Multicultural Center at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago presents the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Mon., Jan. 21. This year's theme - immigration - will be expounded through a special presentation and discussion involving numerous voices from Chicago's seminary community. Admission is free. [Learn more.]

 

 

 

Do you know someone who is being called to ministry? 

 

Do you know someone in your congregation, your school or your job that would be a good fit at LSTC?  We are looking for strong leaders who want to prepare themselves to serve the church and the world.  LSTC Admissions is challenging all alumni to send us the name and contact information of one person who may be feeling called to seminary.

 

Please send information schalmers@lstc.edu or call at 773-256-0726.  

 

  

Want to make a difference? Make a gift to the Annual Fund 

 

What's one of the best ways for you to make a difference in the lives of students at LSTC? Make a gift to the Annual Fund. It's the fund that does it all: it keeps tuition low for students, funds scholarships and financial assistance, and supports the day-to-day work of the seminary.

 

Not only that - thanks to a matching gift challenge available through June, your gift could be doubled!

 

If you have never given to the Annual Fund or have not given to the fund since 2010, your entire gift will be matched by the Helge Matching Gift.

 

If you are a faithful contributor to the Annual Fund and are able to increase your gift, (thank you, very much!) the amount of your increase will be matched.

 

If the gift you gave last year was matched, your gift at the same level or above will be matched again this year.

 

Students, faculty and staff thank you for the difference you make at LSTC every day by giving to the Annual Fund!

 

Learn more or make a gift at www.lstc.edu/alumni-friends/giving/impact/annual-fund.php

  

Events in Jan. & Feb. 

 

Luther College Symphony Orchestra performs at LSTC on Jan. 29, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. in the Augustana Chapel. More than 80 Luther College students play in the orchestra, which presents standard orchestral pieces as well as new music. A freewill offering will be gathered. Visit www.luther.edu/music/ensembles/symphony/.

 

LSTC: First Fifty Years Many Voices, One Story: LSTC 1983-2012 Faculty Forum

Hear about LSTC's history over the last 30 years on Thurs.,Feb. 7. Faculty panelists will recall the arrival of Christ Seminary-Seminex on LSTC's campus, the impact of the establishment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, changes in society, collaborations with other seminaries, and much more. Kurt Hendel, Kadi Billman, Linda Thomas, Peter Vethanayagamony, and Vítor Westhelle will take part in the discussion starting at 11:30 a.m. in LSTC's Common Room.

 

Save the Dates: 

 

March 10-11, LSTC  Leadership Conference:

Faithful Living in an Interfaith World 

 

Why do Muslims and Christians engage in interfaith encounter and dialogue? What is it deep within our specific traditions that motivates us for and sustains us in this endeavor?

 

2013 Leadership Conference Logo

On Mon., Mar. 11, at 9 a.m., Dr. Mark Swanson, Harold S. Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies and Interfaith Relations, presents "Entertaining Angels: The Whys and Wherefores of Interfaith Hospitality." Multiple workshops will help participants get acquainted with and work in the interfaith community. Cost: $75.00. Register at leadershipconference@lstc.edu.[View the list of workshops.]

 

Bonus event: Sun., Mar. 10 at 7:30 p.m. A free concert by by the Salaam-Shalom Music Project, comprised of members of Chicago's Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and artists from the Arabic music community, will introduce a lecture by Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith Youth Core.  [Learn more.]

 

April 6, Between Economy and Ecology

 

This free one-day stewardship event is for seminarians, pastors, and leaders in ELCA congregations. You'll learn about solar power at Luther College from Jim Martin Schramm and how to launch a small-scale solar energy project at your home or church. The free lunch will be made from locally grown and organic ingredients. Afternoon workshops focus on energy efficiency and green practices. LSTC's Green Zone, the Tithing and Stewardship Foundation and Stewards of Abundance are sponsoring this event that runs from 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. RSVP to greenzone@lstc.edu.

 

Opportunities at LSTC      

   

Jan. 21, 11:30 a.m. - Third Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday observance

Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. - Luther College Symphony Orchestra Concert $

 

February - African Descent Heritage Month at LSTC

Feb. 4 - May 6, Mondays, 6:30 p.m. - Advanced Seminar in Religion and Science

Feb. 4, 2-4 p.m. - "Montgomery to Memphis" screening 

Feb. 7, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. - "Many Voices, One Story: LSTC from 1983 - 2012" 

Feb. 17 - 19 - Seminary Sampler

Feb. 25, 4 p.m. - Youth in Mission's 10th birthday party 

Feb. 26, 4 p.m. - Scherer Lecture

 

March - Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Mar. 10, 7:30 p.m. - Leadership Series free lecture and concert

Mar. 11, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Leadership Series lecture and workshops $

Mar. 11, 5:30 p.m. - Distinguished Alumni Awards presentation

Mar. 15, 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. - Fifth Annual Student Symposium on Religion and Science $

Mar. 17, 4 p.m. - Lutheran Choir of Chicago Concert $

  

For more information about LSTC events see our Events Calendar.

  

 
 

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