Dear people, Kurt Hendel is retiring   

Kurt Hendel

Hard to believe, isn't it? LSTC's beloved Professor of Reformation Church History will retire from full-time teaching on July 1.  

I am happy to report that, like his Seminex colleagues who retired before him, Dr. Hendel has graciously agreed to continue teaching as needed. He's already lined up to teach courses in Luther and Lutheran Confessions next year. That means another class of new students will benefit from his knowledge and become familiar with his signature phrase, "Dear people. . ."

During Lent, Dr. Hendel preached in chapel for the last time as a full-time professor. I had expected some acknowledgement of that milestone, but he took no moment of personal privilege in the community where he has served for 32 years. No, he kept his message focused on the gospel, pointing us toward Christ.

You'll get to read more about Kurt Hendel's journey of faith and ministry in the upcoming Epistle magazine. He says how blessed he has been to have taught and accompanied so many students over the years. I know that students, alumni, members of the LSTC community, and the wider church have felt blessed by Kurt Hendel's witness to the gospel. 

So, dear people, if there's a memory or message you'd like to share with Dr. Hendel, send them to me and I will pass them along to him and, with your permission, share them in the next E.pistle.

With gratitude,

Jan Boden

Director of Communications and Marketing

jboden@lstc.edu

News from LSTC    

LSTC names 2015 Distinguished Alumni/ae Award recipients

"When the Saints Go Marching In" is the theme of the 27th Annual LSTC Gospel Choir set for Sun., Apr. 12 at 4 p.m. The concert features "Illumination" from East Side United Methodist Church, the Keith Hampton Band, and other area gospel choirs. The LSTC Gospel Choir is led by Dr. Keith Hampton. A freewill offering will be gathered to support the Grover Wright and Rev. Carole A. Burns Scholarships. You can support these scholarships through an online gift.

2015 LSTC Leadership Conference and Alumni Awards 

Each person is created in the image of God and each of us is a gift to one another, the church and God's entire community. The 2015 Leadership Conference celebrates the incredible diversity of the whole church and the people of God. Bring your experiences and expertise to share as we explore inclusion, hospitality, compassion and justice in a rapidly changing North American culture and context. 

June 16-18, the 2015 Leadership Conference, The Gifts of God for the People of God, will take a look at inclusivity in the church. The Rev. Dr. David Vasquez-Levy and Pastor Clint Schnekloth are the featured presenters. Cost for the entire conference is $150 (housing and meals additional) and $100 for Wed. only. Register online here or contact advancement@lstc.edu or call 773-256-0710 for more information.

The 2015 LSTC Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented on June 17 at 5 p.m. This event is free with a reception for the honorees after the awards ceremony.

A two-day workshop for non-Muslim chaplains to learn about and gain confidence in working with Muslim patients and families facing illness or death will be offered Apr. 14 and 21, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church in Hyde Park. The $95 fee includes breakfast and lunch. Contact Sara Trumm at strumm@lstc.edu to register. 

World Mission Institute - Prisons: New Realities, New Mission 

Dr. James Logan

 

The 2015 World Mission Institute, "Prisons: New Realities, New Mission," will be held at LSTC Apr. 16-17. The conference will feature Dr. James Logan, associate professor of religion and associate professor and director of African and African American Studies at Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. Dr. Logan's keynote address is at 7 p.m. on Apr. 16. Workshops will be held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Apr. 17. The Institute is planned by faculty from Catholic Theological Union, LSTC, and McCormick Theological Seminary and is held at LSTC. For more information contact Dr. Ken Sawyer of McCormick Theological Seminary at ksawyer@mccormick.edu or 773-947-6304.

Pillars support LSTC 

by Keith Nelson, (1970, MDiv), Major and Planned Gifts

LSTC has a distinct architectural feature: Pillars. Three of LSTC's buildings are held up by pillars. They support, provide a foundation for LSTC.

Today, you are invited to become a pillar of the seminary. By planning a gift from your estate for LSTC, you become a pillar of the seminary. Your gift helps build a strong Foundation. Your gift contributes to providing affordable quality theological education for future pastors and leaders of the church.

Prayerfully consider designating a gift to LSTC in your will or trust. You may also use the beneficiary designation on the form provided by your insurance company or retirement account administrator, to indicate a percentage of your estate, or the remainder value of your retirement account to go to LSTC.

And then please let us know if you have included LSTC in your estate plans so we can thank you and acknowledge you as a Pillar of the Seminary.

Contact Clyde Walter at cwalter@lstc.edu or 773-256-0714 for further information or assistance in developing your planned gift to benefit LSTC or to let us know that you already are a Pillar of the Seminary.

Become a "Pillar of the Seminary" today! Thank You!