Waiting

Charisse, Ashley and Kaila

While we wait for the coming of Jesus in this Advent season, four new LSTC graduates are also waiting for something else. Last week the community wished Godspeed to Charisse Jensen, Jana Howson, and Ashley and Kaila Hochhalter. All are master of divinity students, approved and assigned, awaiting their first call.

You remember how this goes - this odd matchmaking that is both holy and human.

Charisse and Jana, commuter students who have juggled family and career along with their studies, restricted where they will be able to serve so their spouses can fulfill their vocations. It's a time for patience.

Ashley and Kaila had preferences about where they would like to serve. The Holy Spirit (and the Conference of Bishops) had something else in mind for them. They've embraced the possibilities and are entering the "face-to-face interviews" stage of the call process.

Like you were, they are all well-prepared and ready to serve when the holy and human come together. And, like you, they will love the communities they serve and share the joy of God's good news in word and in deed.

As you prepare and wait for the holy and human Christ to come to us in new ways this season, remember in your prayers those who are waiting and those who are preparing to serve.

Blessings and joy -

Jan Boden

Director of Communications and Marketing

jboden@lstc.edu

News from LSTC

LSTC receives Lilly Endowment Grant to examine pathways to lower

seminarian debt

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) has received a $250,000 grant from Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. to do research on three pathways to reduce seminary student debt. The grant builds on initiatives and methods used by LSTC that led to a reduction of overall student borrowing by 15% during each of the past two years. LSTC's study will explore the practices of low debt load students, identify and test approaches to financial aid counseling, and examine ways to develop stronger support by congregations for students. [more] 

American Indian & Alaska Native Symposium renamed in honor of Vine Deloria, Jr.

On November 14, the Annual American Indian & Alaska Symposium at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) was renamed in honor of the late Vine Deloria, Jr. Deloria graduated from Augustana Seminary, Rock Island, Ill., a predecessor school of LSTC. Special guests Susan Power, Elder (Standing Rock Sioux); Father Peter J. Powell, St. Augustine Center for American Indians; and Kirke Kickingbird (Kiowa) were part of the renaming ceremony. [more] 

Herman Innovation Fund created to improve teaching and learning

Listen to podcast of "Lutheran Heritage, Mexican Ancestry, and the Future of the ELCA"

Jay Alanis

Calendar features LSTC faculty in "natural habitat"   

Kurt Hendel

In collaboration and cahoots with the LSTC faculty, the senior class has put together a 2014 calendar, "LSTC Faculty in their Natural Environment." You'll find Dr. Hendel with his arm around his bust of Luther, Dr. Ben Stewart digging a green grave, and Dr. Linda Thomas pointing out how context influences our theology. This full-color, 12-month calendar features those and other pictures of faculty letting their passions and interests shine. You can order yours now by emailing canderson@lstc.edu. Cost is $15 plus $3 shipping (within the continental U.S.). Proceeds support the 2014 Senior Class gift.

Order tickets for final Bach for the Sem concert  

It's true, Mark Bangert has decided that this 21st concert will be the last one. It will include portions of Part 5 and all of Part 6 of J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio plus many favorites from recent concerts. Robert Hobby's lovely "Epiphany Carol," commissioned for the 2012 concert, is on the program.Tickets are available by calling 773-256-0710 or emailing Emily Abrahamson at eabrahamson@lstc.edu ($20 in advance/$22 at the door; $10/$12 for students and seniors.)

Give to the Annual Fund, keep student borrowing down    

Because of the support you give students through the Annual Fund, total student borrowing has fallen by 15% each of the last two years. Lower debt means more flexibility for graduates to serve where the church needs them. Thank you!

Until June 30, 2014, your new, renewed, or increased gift will be matched by a generous donor. You can learn more and give now here.

Youth in Mission 

Youth in Mission sponsors screening of Cherokee Word for Water

Youth in Mission is sponsoring a showing of "Cherokee Word for Water" at 7:30 p.m. on January 9 at the Kerasotes Showplace ICON Theater in Chicago. The feature film tells the story of Wilma Mankiller's work that led her to become the first modern female Chief of the Cherokee Nation. A Q & A session with Chief Wilma Mankiller's daughter, Gina Olaya, follows the screening. Purchase your ticket now here. You may also make a donation to support the American Indian Center of Chicago. Kerasotes Showplace ICON at Roosevelt is at 1011 S. Delano Ct., Chicago, IL 60605 Contact Vance Blackfox, director of Youth in Mission, vblackfox@lstc.edu, for more information.

Youth in Mission hosts The CONFERENCE

Saturday, January 11, 2014, Youth in Mission will host The CONFERENCE for youth ministry professionals. "Demographics and Diversity" starts at 9 a.m. and will end at 5 p.m. Lunch is provided. The CONFERENCE is free with registration. Please email youthinmission@lstc.edu with the names and email addresses of those attending along with the name of the congregation. For more information, go to the website. 

4th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Join the LSTC community on Monday, January 20, 2014, for the 4th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration hosted by the Albert "Pete" Pero Jr. Multicultural Center. The Rev. Liz Muñoz will preach and the Rev. Dr. José David Rodríguez will preside. A special meal in the Refectory follows the service. Please RSVP to Dr. Cheryl Pero at cpero@lstc.edu.

At 1:30 p.m., the Pero Center offers a workshop on multicultural worship. All the day's events are free and open to the public.

"Fear Not: Risks, Ministry, and the Gospel" 2014 Leadership Conference 

The 2014 Leadership Conference and the Seminex 40th Anniversary Celebration are being combined into one event on June 17 - 19, 2014. Using Seminex as model, the conference will focus on risk-taking for the sake of the gospel. The 2014 LSTC Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented on June 18. Mark your calendar and plan to come. Program, registration and housing details will be available soon.

Opportunities at LSTC       

Jan. 6 - J-Term begins

Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m. - "Cherokee Word for Water" Kerasotes Theater

Jan. 11, 9 a.m. - The CONFERENCE

Jan. 12, 4 p.m. - Bach for the Sem at Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest, Ill.

Jan. 20, 11 a.m. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Jan. 20, 1:30 p.m. - Multicultural Workshop: Worship

February - African Descent Heritage Month

Feb. 3, 2 p.m. - Film, "Memphis to Montgomery"

Feb. 5, 11 a.m. - Installation of Esther Menn as Academic Dean

Feb. 21 - Multicultural Workshop: Support

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