Beloved community     

Each workday morning and evening I make the round trip from 56th and Lake Park to 55th and University. That three-quarter mile walk gives me a street-level view of the neighborhood.

Commuters dressed in their career clothes move with purpose. An unshaven, wild-haired dad carries his pre-schooler on his shoulders while he talks about constellations. A fourth-grader and his younger sister get final instructions from their mom as she leaves them at the playground entrance. Three generations of a family chat in a language I don't understand as they walk the children to Ray School.

A thin man in cargo shorts, windbreaker, and a red backpack guides his mother-daughter team of Dalmatians west on 56th. A brood of bichons greet a neighbor they know. A good-natured Rottweiler does what he came out to do, while a Jack Russell terrier gives him an earful.

Elderly couples coming from Treasure Island pull wire shopping carts laden with groceries. University of Chicago students run past me in herds or pairs.

I exchange hellos and waves with the "regulars" - the three crossing guards at key intersections along the way and the fit middle-aged man who is always in the window seat at Starbucks at 8:25 a.m. (my personal pick for honorary "mayor of Hyde Park").

For the eight hours or so that I'm inside the building at 55th and University, I can be so focused on what's "in here" that I forget what's "out there." My daily commute reminds me that it's the "out there" that we're here to love and serve: to bring about the Beloved Community.

Peace,

Jan Boden

Director of Communications and Marketing

jboden@lstc.edu

Chilstrom has gone to the dogs....     

Since his retirement as presiding bishop of the ELCA 19 years ago, Herb Chilstrom has been a busy man. Among other things, he has written four books, including his autobiography A Journey of Grace; the Formation of a Leader and a Church and the devotional book Every Morning New, coauthored with his wife Corinne. Income from the sale of these two books has been donated to LSTC and has surpassed $100,000.00.

Now he's out with another volume -- about dogs! It began early in 2014 when Chilstrom's Cairn terrier "Jonah" died at age 17. To work through his sadness, Chilstrom began to write stories about his life with Jonah. That led to thoughts about four other dogs he's had as friends from time to time since he was a lad. Soon he had a book--My Friend Jonah -- and Other Dogs I've Loved.

Anyone who has ever loved a dog will appreciate this book. It will bring laughs; it will bring tears. But, most of all, it's about the lessons for life we learn from our canine friends.

In her foreword to the book U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar writes:

"As Bishop Chilstrom shepherds us through the lessons his dogs have taught him, from loyalty and discipline and companionship to forgiveness, curiosity, and rest, he makes us think about the big issues in life: How to live, how to treat others, and even how to die."

You may order the book at www.huffpublishing.com or by check from Chilstrom Books; 1211 Pine Pointe Curve; St. Peter MN 56082. Enclose a check for $22.00 per book. Postage and sales tax, where applicable, are included. And, again, Bishop Chilstrom is donating all income from the sale of this book to LSTC.  

Alumni news

Joel Cruz publishes The Histories of the Latin American Church

Next month, Fortress Press will release two books by Dr. Joel Cruz (2007, ThM; 2009, PhD), The Histories of the Latin American Church: A Handbook and The Histories of the Latin American Church: A Brief Introduction. The first is meant as an accompaniment to reading and research in the field. It provides both an overview of the history and theology of the region and nation-by-nation timelines and outlines. The second book is based on the first, offering an introduction to "a kaleidoscope of efforts to articulate the meanings and implications of Christianity in the context of Latin America." Learn more here. 

William Flippin to preach on "Day 1"

Listen in on All Saints' Sunday, Nov. 2, as William E. Flippin Jr. (2003, MDiv; 2005, ThM), pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Atlanta, preaches on the nationally broadcast ecumenical radio program, Day1.org

News from LSTC

LSTC alumnus new executive director of Oaks Indian Mission

Alumnus Vance Blackfox (2012, MATS), director of Youth in Mission at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago since June 2012, has been named the new Executive Director of Oaks Indian Mission in Oaks, Okla. He began his new job Oct. 1. [Read more]

Manz Organ Series begins new season

On Oct.7, the Manz Organ Series began its eighth season of concerts with a recital by Dr. Derek Nickels, musician at the (Episcopal) Church of the Holy Comforter in Kenilworth, Ill. "This year's series of concerts will explore the range of the Ruth and Paul Manz Organ," said Daniel Schwandt, Cantor to the LSTC Community. [Read more]

MDiv student gains interfaith insight

Kristin Klade (senior, MDiv) gained new insight about dispelling interfaith stereotypes at a dinner where she felt her Christian faith misrepresented by a fellow Christian. [Read more]  

That's not hyperbole--without you, we wouldn't make it past October. If we depended only on tuition to meet expenses, we'd have to close our doors just 13% of the way through the school year. So this month, members of the entire LSTC community sign and send special thank you postcards to Annual Fund donors like you who help LSTC keep going. Thank you! Thank you!

Your gift makes a huge difference. Here's how to donate. Thank you!

Coming up at LSTC

Seminary Sampler

LSTC's Fall Seminary Sampler is Oct. 26 - 28. You will meet faculty, students, and others discerning a call to ministry. You'll be able to sit in on classes, learn about financial aid, talk with faculty, and worship with the LSTC community. Housing and meals provided. Visit the Seminary Sampler page to learn more or to sign up.

Asset mapping workshop

On Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. - noon, Bob Sitze, an experienced practitioner and teacher of asset mapping in congregational settings will lead a free asset mapping workshop. Advance registration is required. The workshop, sponsored by the Tithing and Stewardship Foundation, includes printed resources for use in your congregation. For more information or to register email tithing@lstc.edu or call 773-256-0679.

Fethullah Gülen Lecture - The Middle East in Transition

On Sun., Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. hear John L. Esposito, founding director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding speak on "The Middle East in Transition: From the Arab Spring/Winter to the Extremist 'Self-Described' ISIS." The free lecture, sponsored by LSTC, the Niagara Foundation and Catholic Theological Union will be held in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC. RSVP to ccme@lstc.edu or www.niagarafoundation.org.

Richard Perry

 The Rev. Dr. Richard Perry, professor of church and society and urban ministry, will present ""Engaging Public Sphere(s): The Vocation of Lutheran Ethics" on Mon., Nov. 3 at 11:30 a.m. in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC. It is free and open to the public. Learn more here. 

First Annual Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium

The Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium, sponsored by the Albert "Pete" Pero Jr Multicultural Center, will be held at LSTC Nov. 6-8. It will include lectures, workshops, and food. Dr. Vine Deloria Jr., was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century and a 1963 graduate of Augustana Theological Seminary. Learn more about Vine Deloria Jr. here.

Wolfgang Rübsam

 On Fri., Nov. 14 at 8:00 p.m., internationally acclaimed recitalist, teacher, and recording artist, organist Wolfgang Rübsam will perform a recital in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Ruth and Paul Manz pipe organ in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Email tickets@lstc.edu or call 773-256-0690 to reserve your tickets. Download the poster.

For more upcoming opportunities at LSTC visit the events page.

Planned gifts made easy

By changing your life insurance and/or retirement plan beneficiary designation to distribute 10% to your estate as a gift to ministry you can be a tither. The LSTC endowment fund, or any other ministry of the church, greatly appreciates any and all planned gifts that will strengthen ministry for future generations. Call Mark Van Scharrel at 773-256-0676 or email mvanscha@lstc.edu to learn more about ways you can support LSTC.

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