We're into the third week of classes at LSTC and the place is full of energy. Everyone is delighted that the JKM Library is all in one place in the west wing, again. For all the M.Div. students, seniors included, this is the first time they've had easy access to the stacks. Thank you Mark and Kathy Helge and to the hard-working JKM staff and student workers for making that possible!

LSTC President James Nieman and MTS President Frank Yamada

We began the year with a joint convocation with McCormick Theological Seminary. MTS President Frank Yamada preached and LSTC President James Nieman presided.

Last week, President Nieman and several faculty members led a community conversation about President Obama's proposed targeted strike in Syria. See item below to learn more about it and find a link to resources.

The Pero Multicultural Center hosted its first of a series of "Tea and Treasures" afternoons. This one, in observance of Hispanic Heritage month, focused on "Treasures of Peru". 

Next week, Dr. Mary Mikhael delivers the annual Scherer Lecture. And there are plenty of other opportunities--events that are timely, inspirational, and thought-provoking. Join us and catch some of the energy at LSTC.

Blessings,

Jan Boden

Director of Communications and Marketing

 jboden@lstc.edu

P.S. 

Thank you to those who responded to the survey in the July E.pistle. You gave me great ideas improving this e-newsletter. In case you were out that month and want  a chance to tell me what you think, here's the survey link again.

Several of you asked for more articles by, for, and about alumni. To do that, I need your help. What experiences, stories and wisdom would you like to share with other alumni? Write me at jboden@lstc.edu. 

Nones? Alls? Why worship matters in the digital age

Craig Mueller

Pastor Craig Mueller

(1988, M.Div.; 2013, D.Min.)

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chicago

When Pastor Mueller came to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church more than 14 years ago, average worship attendance was 40. Since then, Holy Trinity has grown to more than three times that number worshipping each week. In 2011, the congregation was part of the Congregations Project sponsored by the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University. These are his remarks presented at Yale this summer.

The way we order customized drinks at Starbucks is the way many people do religion and spirituality these days. Choice is the order of the day. A coffee executive revealed to Diana Butler Bass that at his establishment there are 82,000 possible drink options and combinations available from his menu. According to Bass, "Choosing faith is now a bit like ordering off the menu at a high-end coffee shop-there are a host of possibilities, some simple, some complex, some already assembled, some seasonal, some regular, and some that people invent for themselves."

We keep hearing about the "nones" -those claiming no religious affiliation. And now the "alls." Bricolage is the word scholars use to describe this do-it-yourself, mix and match method of blending one's own personal religious and spiritual package.

How will our churches reach out to the plethora of bricolages out there? All the folks with different needs and expectations, hopes and hurts? Read more.  

Alum recalls "electrifying" March on Washington

Fifty years ago, Norm Nelson was pastor of Salem Lutheran Church, a mostly African American congregation on Chicago's south side. He and a group from Chicago went to the national March on Washington where he managed to get close to the stage to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. "It was electrifying," Nelson reported to the Rockford Register Star in an article that appeared in the Aug. 25, 2013 issue. Read the article here. 

Scherer Lecture: Christian Presence and
the Syrian Civil War    

Dr. Mary Mikhael

As our minds and hearts are focused on events in Syria, you may learn more about what's happening there from Dr. Mary Mikhael. On Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. Dr. Mikhael presents the annual Scherer Lecture in LSTC's Common Room.

Since the outbreak of civil war in Syria, Dr. Mary Mikhael has been interpreting the consequences of this tragedy for the Syrian and Lebanese people, particularly the Christian communities, on behalf of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon. She will examine the conditions in Syria and the global Christian response to the mind-boggling misery there. The lecture is free and open to the public. More information. 

Resources for deliberating on U.S. military intervention in Syria

Prompted by a faculty conversation several days earlier, President Nieman invited the LSTC community to gather on Sept. 10 for conversation about proposed military intervention in Syria. Several faculty members read statements from religious leaders or organizations. Members of the community shared their thoughts, informed by their commitment to the gospel. Our purpose was not partisan, but faithful deliberation of a difficult matter. Following the conversation, President Nieman shared these resources.  

Cacophony! A worshipful benefit for the 

Pero Multicultural Center 

Come to the Augustana Chapel at LSTC, 1100 E. 55th St., on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. when the Albert "Pete" Pero Multicultural Center presents their annual benefit - CACOPHONY! - a powerful worship service with music, dance, bread and wine - and languages from all over this wonderful, colorful church of all times and places. A free-will offering will be collected to benefit the Center's programming for the year, and a reception with music and food will follow. More information.  

Leading Multicultural Congregations Lecture and Workshop

At 10:00 a.m. on Mon., Oct. 14, Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, Milton B. Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism at North Park Theological Seminary presents the 2nd Annual Pero Lecture. The topic is "Leading Multicultural Congregations." Those attending will be invited to break into two groups to address issues related to Christian Education in Multicultural Congregations at 11:30 a.m. The free lecture and workshop, sponsored by the Albert "Pete" Pero Jr. Multicultural Center, will be held in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC.

Know someone who is thinking about seminary? 

Who do you know that makes you say, "She (or he) would make a good pastor"? Invite them to attend LSTC's Seminary Sampler Oct. 20-22. They'll get a feel for what seminary life is like, meet students and faculty, attend chapel, explore Hyde Park, learn about candidacy and financial aid - and do all this with others who are discerning a call. They may register online here or call 773-256-0726.

Lutheran Heritage, Mexican Ancestry and the Future of the ELCA

Jay Alanis

The Rev. Dr. Javier "Jay" Alanis, executive director of the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, will present the Lutheran Heritage Lecture, "Lutheran Heritage, Mexican Ancestry and the Future of the ELCA," at LSTC on November 19 at 11:30 a.m. It is free and open to the public. The Lutheran Heritage Lecture Series is designed to provide a contemporary perspective on the Lutheran tradition.

Save the date: Seminex 40th Anniversary

2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of Christ Seminary-Seminex. Alumni, friends, and faculty are invited to come to LSTC June 17-19, 2014, to celebrate. If you'd like to be part of planning this gathering, contact Mark Van Scharrel at mvanscha@lstc.edu.

Do more good

Opportunities at LSTC       

Sept. 19, 4 p.m. - Hispanic Heritage Month Conversation and Meal

Sept. 24, 4 p.m. - Scherer Lecture by Dr. Mary Mikhael

Oct. 1, 12:15 p.m. - Manz Organ Series Recital

Oct. 13, 4 p.m. - Pero Multicultural Center Benefit Concert

Oct. 14, 10 a.m. - 2nd Annual Pero Multicultural Center Lecture

Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m. - Multicultural Workshop: Christian Education

Oct. 17, 4 p.m. - Arab/Middle Eastern Heritage Month Conversation and Meal

Oct. 20 - 22 - Seminary Sampler

Oct. 21, 4 p.m. - "Defamation"

November - American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month
Nov. 4, 5 p.m. - "Travels with Meredith," Pero Multicultural Center
Nov. 5, 12:20 p.m. - Manz Organ Series Recital
Nov. 11, 11 a.m. - Kristallnacht Service of Remembrance and Repentance
Nov. 12-14 - 4th Annual American Indian/Alaska Native Symposium  

Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m. - Lutheran Heritage Lecture

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