Mark and Kathy Helge have made a gift to the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) that will allow the renewal and renovation of two levels of the JKM Library. 

Since 2010, the library staff, reference and periodical collections, and study space have been temporarily located in the east wing of the LSTC building. Over the last two and half years, the JKM Library staff have been culling the collection and evaluating library use to get a more accurate assessment of the library's space needs. 

Work on reuniting the staff with the collection will begin as early as next month. With the improvements made possible with the Helges' gift, all library operations will be consolidated in the west wing of the building by August 2013. [ Read more ]

News from LSTC 

James Wind to preach at LSTC's 153rd Commencement

Join the LSTC community on Sunday, May 19 at 2:30 p.m. as 58 students graduate from five degree programs. The Rev. Dr. James Wind, president of the Alban Institute, will preach. The Eucharist service and commencement will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 5472 South Kimbark Ave. A reception follows at LSTC. [ Read more ]

New: Seminary Sampler Night April 17 

Designed for part-time and commuter students, this mini Seminary Sampler on April 17 from 4:30 - 9 p.m. will introduce you to the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. You will share a meal and worship with LSTC students and faculty. You'll also be able to learn about academic programs, candidacy, and financial aid. Find out how part-time and commuter students can thrive in degree programs at LSTC. Learn more here -  or contact Scott Chalmers at schalmers@lstc.edu. 

2013 World Mission Institute 

African Immigrant Churches and Mission in North America  

and Europe 

On April 18 at 7 p.m. and April 19 at 9 a.m., Dr. Afe Adogame will present two keynote lectures on new African immigrants and the changing face of Christianity and mission in Europe and North America. 

Dr. Adogame is Senior Lecturer in World Christianity and Religious Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. This free World Mission Institute continues on April 19 at 10:45 a.m. with a panel discussion on immigrant Christianity in the Midwest United States. For more information contact Dr. Peter Vethanayagamony at pvethana@lstc.edu or 773-256-0749.

Have fun, help the Senior Class 

LSTC students and faculty, 1983 Prom, (from the photo archives).

The LSTC Class of 2013 invites you to its fundraisers throughout April for their class gift:  Lenten vestments and paraments and The Green Zone. 

April 12 - The Prom, "LSTC: Still Classy after 50 Years" at 8 p.m. in the first floor of the west wing at LSTC.  It's a formal affair with a live band, appetizers, wine bar, and a silent auction. Tickets are $25.

April 20 - 5K Run or Walk "Running through the Ages" along Lake Michigan, starting at Promontory Point. Registration is $12 in advance or $15 the day of the race. 8:30 a.m. registration, race starts at 9 a.m.  To purchase tickets or register, contact Ashley Hochhalter at ahochhalter@lstc.edu

Human Diversity Topic for 8th Annual Sacred Texts Conference

Sunday, April 21, 2013, 2 - 5 p.m.,scholars fromthe three Abrahamic traditions and those who attend discuss "Human Diversity: Blessing or Curse?" from the perspective of the scriptures of each religion. This year's conference will be held at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Ill. 

Mark Allan Powell on Faithful Living & Joyful Giving 

What the Bible teaches about stewardship is surprisingly good news. On April 27, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bible scholar Mark Allan Powell shares his journey from being a notoriously bad steward to discovering the biblical pathway "from duty to delight." 

This workshop will help you identify tools and insights to continue the stewardship journey, lead members to see biblical stewardship differently, understand that stewardship is about enjoying a closer relationship with God, and it is not just about fundraising - it is a way of life. Registration is $30 before April 15, then $35 at

http://www.mcselca.org/what/stewardship/conference.php. Fee includes lunch and a copy of Powell's book, Giving to God. Sponsored by the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and LSTC's Tithing and Stewardship Foundation.

Alumni -- make a big difference for students 

This month, LSTC Advancement staff are calling alumni to encourage them to make a gift to the Annual Fund by June 30.   

"We want alumni to know that they can double the impact of their gift," said Assistant Vice President for Advancement Jessica Houston about the phonathon. "The Annual Fund benefits every student. With the Helge Matching Gift Challenge in effect until June 30, there's never been a better time to make a gift to the Annual Fund."

They look forward to talking with you! You may also make a gift online right now  here.   

Hear Reformation Jubilee Envoy Margot Kässmann  

at LSTC 

Theologian and leader in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany (EKD), Dr. Margot Kässmann, will be speaking on "Challenges of the Reformation Jubilee 2017" at LSTC on Wednesday, June 5 at 2 p.m. This lecture and ecumenical responses will mark the beginning of LSTC's celebrations of the Reformation Jubilee and LSTC's relationship with global Lutheranism. A tour of LSTC's Rare Book Collection will feature works of Luther and other 16th Century Reformers.

For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Rossing at brossing@lstc.edu.

Opportunities at LSTC      

April - European-American Heritage Month

April 12, 8 p.m. - "LSTC: Still Classy after 50 Years" Prom - Sr. Class Fundraiser $

April 14, 4 p.m. - LSTC Gospel Choir 25th Anniversary Concert

April 17, 4:30 p.m. - Seminary Sampler Night 

April 18, 7 p.m. - World Mission Institute lecture by Dr. Afe Adogame

April 19, 9 a.m. - World Mission Institute

April 20, 8:30 a.m. - "Running through the Ages" 5K Sr. Fundraiser $

April 21, 2 p.m. - Eighth Annual Sacred Texts Conference at Our Savior's Lutheran Church
April 27, 8:30 a.m. - Faithful Living & Joyful Giving Stewardship Conference $

May 5, 5 p.m. & 7 p.m. - Student musical: Paul and the Early Church

May 19, 2:30 p.m. - 153rd Commencement at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

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