In This Issue

 

 

"E.tcetera ..." 

 

    
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Inclusion, hospitality, compassion, justice 

 

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. June 16-18, the 2015 Leadership Conference celebrates the incredible diversity of the whole church and the people of God. Bring your experiences and expertise to share at this timely conference as we explore inclusion, hospitality, compassion and justice in a rapidly changing North American culture and context. 

 

David Vasquez-Levy and Clint Schnekloth are the featured speakers. Gladys Moore and Said Ailabouni are the preachers for Wednesday Eucharist and  the closing worship services. You have 16 workshops to choose from led by the keynote speakers and LSTC alumni Yehiel Curry, Dan Hille, Emily Ewing, Gordon Straw, Craig Mueller, Inge Lempp, Tom Gaulke, Cheryl Pero, Steve Jerbi, and more.  

 

Be sure to attend the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Awards at 5 p.m. on June 17, followed by a reception in honor of the award recipients.  

 

Cost for the entire conference is $150 (housing and meals additional) and $100 for Wed. only. Information on workshops, conference schedule and registration is here or email [email protected] or call 773-256-0710.  

 

Register today to reserve your place at the 2015 Leadership Conference. 

   

   

News from LSTC    

 

Antje Jackelen, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden to preach  

Archbishop Jackelen

at LSTC Commencement

On Sunday, May 17, the Rev. Dr. Antje Jackel�n, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden, will preach at the Eucharist and Commencement Service for LSTC. The service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 5472 South Kimbark Avenue, Chicago. Fifty-seven students will graduate from LSTC's six degree programs. Read more

 

Jan Rippentrop to join faculty as new Carlson Professor of Homiletics

The Board of Directors of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago has elected the Rev. Jan Rippentrop as the Axel Jacob and Gerda Maria (Swanson) Carlson Professor of Homiletics effective July 1, 2015. Read more.

Harvard Stephens Jr. appointed Pastor of Community and Dean

of the Chapel

Harvard Stephens Jr.

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago President James Nieman has appointed the Reverend Doctor Harvard Stephens, Jr., as Pastor to the Community and Dean of the Chapel. He will begin a five-year term call beginning July 1, 2015. President Nieman said, "I am delighted that Dr. Stephens has accepted my invitation to serve LSTC in this manner. He brings impressive experience in pastoral care and worship leadership in academic institutions at both Carthage College and Howard University."  Read more

  

 

Excited, scared and well-prepared for first call

Ann Gonyea Alexander

 

Ann Maria Gonyea Alexander contributed a column to the Mining Journal each

month during her four year MDiv program at LSTC. In her final column, Ann reflects on what she's learned and how LSTC has prepared her to return to the Upper Peninsula to begin her first call. Thanks to the Mining Journal for permission to share Ann's column. Read Ann's column

 
What you have to say about Kurt Hendel
Kurt Hendel
 

Last month I asked for your memories and tributes to Kurt Hendel, who is retiring at the end of June. Here are some of your memories. I'll share more next month.  

   

I owe Kurt Handel a huge debt of gratitude, not just for the tremendous knowledge he shared, but for restoring my love for things Lutheran!  I think I was still fighting LCMS memories and he helped me clarify my own sense of what it means to be Lutheran.  Plus, he's got this great love for Jesus and compassion for God's beloved children.  Happy retirement, Kurt.  Enjoy AND keep teaching!  

- Pastor Sally L. Wilke, First/Grace Lutheran Church, South Range, Mich.

 

Kurt. . .God bless you my friend!!  It seems like yesterday...I recall being on public transportation with you and John Groh several times while in St. Louis!!!    Keep on teaching...share wisdom and insights.  Thanks for your faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

- The Rev. Charles J. Lopez, Jr, PhD,  Anaheim, Calif.

 

My memories of Kurt Hendel are of his unflagging energy, implacable optimism, and constructive spirit. In my time at LSTC, Kurt was a favorite among students and consistently worked for the good of the school, never putting himself ahead of the students' interests or the school's mission. Kurt was always supportive, even in difficult times.  His depth of faith, mature spirit, and scholarly dedication were exemplary. Above all, Kurt loved to teach and he loved Luther. Generations of students sensed his love of teaching and grew to love Luther under his tutelage.  We could all do well to emulate his example.  

- Philip Hougen, LSTC President, 2010 - 2012

 

I was in one of Dr. Hendel's courses (don't remember which - I took them all) and he was telling us that when he was planning to go to graduate school, he had a hard time deciding whether to be an Old Testament exegite or a Reformation historian.  Somone quipped, "So you decided to study Luther rather than to BE him."

 - Betty Krafft (1999, MDiv),  

   

Quality, sustainable, affordable education 

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

 

Across the U.S., there is considerable discussion going on about how quality, sustainable, affordable higher and professional education will be available to all those qualified to seek various academic degrees.

 

Inevitably, those involved in the conversation arrive at the same conclusion: institutions with strong endowment funds will grow their endowment even more. Thus, they will be able to provide a quality, affordable education to an increasing number of students seeking a degree.

 

This is exactly what LSTC is doing and, as a Pillar of the Seminary, your gift that will towards build a strong endowment fund at LSTC.

 

The only question: What is the best way for you to consider putting in place your plan to provide support for the building of the endowment funds at LSTC?

 

By contacting Clyde Walter at [email protected] or 773-256-0714 you will access professional help to discuss and discover the most beneficial and appropriate approach for you to use, based on your unique situation, to accomplishing your personal, family and charitable objectives. There is no cost, obligation nor assumption about your gift to LSTC being made.  

 

Call or email today to discover how to plan your estate distribution in a manner that will fulfill your goals and objectives.

 

 

Opportunities

 

Paul and Economics Conference - Sept. 18-19


Spurred by the global financial crisis of 2007-2008, economic issues have increasingly attracted attention in Pauline studies. On Sept. 18-19, 2015, "Paul and Economics" will examine the fundamental issues in this area of study and illuminate topics previously neglected.  

 

New Testament scholars, seminarians and graduate students, classicists, economic historians, and all who are interested in the study of Paul's letters in their economic contexts should attend this conference at LSTC. Contact Tom Blanton ([email protected] ) or Ray Pickett ([email protected] ) for more details.

 

The Scherer Lecture - Oct. 13

Martin Junge, Lutheran World Federation General Secretary, will deliver the annual Scherer Lecture at LSTC at 4 p.m. on Oct. 13.

 

Travel Seminar to India - Jan. 2016

Limited spaces are available for a faculty-led travel seminar to India. "History of Christianity in India in its Pluralistic Context" led by Mark Swanson, Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies and Interfaith Relations; Peter Vethanayagamony, Associate Professor of Modern Church History; and McCormick Associate Professor of Church History Ken Sawyer. The tour

takes place Jan. 4-21, 2016. The first few days will be an orientation in Chicago. Expected cost, including airfare from Chicago, lodging, ground transportation, and meals, is $2500. Registration deadline: Sept. 15. Contact Sara Trumm at [email protected]  or 773-256-0708 for more details.

 

 

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