In This Issue
Why I need stories
Exceptional service
Nominate Distinguished Alumni
Reformation 2017
Paul and Economics
Mecca Tales
Alumni News
In Memoriam
The Guild celebrates 70 years
Tour South India
Bangert to conduct Bach B Minor Mass
We need you

 
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Mission Statement


The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago forms visionary leaders to bear witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.   
  

    
Why I need stories
 
This summer I got caught up on a few books that I'd been putting off reading -- to pace myself through the realities of climate change. I began with two books by Bill McKibben, Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet and  Oil and Honey: The Education of an Unlikely Activist.

During those weeks, anyone on campus who asked me the simple question, "How are you?" got a gloomy response. I am, quite honestly, devastated by the grim statistics.
 
Another book that I'd set aside was Barbara Kingsolver's most recent novel, Flight Behavior. I didn't expect that even her skill as a writer could provide a more hopeful outcome to the scientific facts of climate change.

Briefly, the story centers on Dellarobia Turnbow, a smart woman who has made bad choices. She is about to make another bad choice to flee her dead end marriage when she stumbles upon the miraculous sight of millions of monarch butterflies overwintering in the trees on her in-laws' property. What she learns is that this isn't a sign from heaven but a sign of climate change.
 
Within the story, Kingsolver's characters repeat many of the facts that McKibben lays out in Eaarth, but as they grapple with the same grief I feel about the state of our planet, the story moves me past paralysis to compassion and action.

Jesus knew that we need stories to help us understand things that are too enormous to take in."The kingdom of heaven is like. . ."

Even now, a new group of eager storytellers are making their way to LSTC. Our warming and broken world needs to hear the stories they will tell. It's the story most of you tell each week: about a God who loves this world and that love moves us to compassion, to the desire to alleviate suffering.
 
They are, as you are, a source of hope for me, for our church, and for our world.
 
Blessings,
 
Jan Boden, Director of Communications and Marketing
 
  
Kim Ferguson
Exceptional service
 
It is possible to tell a great deal about someone by how they treat a receptionist or secretary. It is also possible to tell as much or more about an organization by who is in that crucial position.
 
For more than a dozen years, Kimberley Ferguson has been LSTC's primary front desk receptionist. She's the welcoming presence and friendly face for anyone who walks in the door. Kim makes a point of making people feel welcome. She's been known to learn greetings in the languages of LSTC's international students so they have a sense of being at home in this foreign place.
 
Kim is also a great problem solver. And if she can't solve the problem, she knows who can and how to reach them.
 
One reason Kim knows so much about LSTC is that, over the years, LSTC has tapped her gifts for organization and problem-solving, as well as her people skills to assist different offices. She has worked in the Finance Office, served as assistant director of the Pero Multicultural Center, and now she is helping the Housing Office during a time of transition.
 
Her willingness to take on new responsibilities is grounded in her commitment to LSTC's mission. Kim says, "I see students come in and see them formed here. I see the power of theological education and I am so proud of what LSTC graduates do in the world."
 
"I always think about our students going out to minister, but there was one time when I was at the University of Chicago Hospital waiting to see a doctor. My foot hurt so badly I could hardly bear it. One of our students who was a chaplain at the hospital saw me there. She prayed with me. That day the mission of this place came full circle for me."
 
The next time you call or visit LSTC, be sure to get to know my colleague and friend, Kim Ferguson. She's one of the people who make LSTC a good place to work and to learn.
  
Nominate Distinguished Alumni
LSTC's Alumni Board is seeking nominations for the 2016 Distinguished Alumni Awards. Each year LSTC presents these awards to graduates of LSTC and its legacy institutions who have distinguished themselves in faithful service to the gospel and to the body of Christ.
 
You are invited to nominate an individual that exemplifies ministry excellence in one of the following listed categories:
  • Emerging Voice - excellence in ministry within 10 years of graduation.
  • Witness to the World - alumni in non-traditional settings, not necessarily rostered.
  • Specialized Ministry - alumni involved in church-related ministries, i.e. chaplaincy, campus ministry, social service, education, music ministry, etc.
  • Called to Lead -alumni who have been called to ministry of leadership within the church.
  • Excellence in Parish Ministry - rostered leaders in parish settings.
  • Faithful Servant -alumni who have been steadfast servants of the church.
Nominations are due by Oct. 31.  More details and nominating forms are here.

Reformation 2017 - Scherer Lecture by Martín Junge

 

Martin Junge

Over the next three academic years, LSTC will hold events in observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The first is this year's annual Scherer Lecture presented by LWF General Secretary Martín Junge on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m.  

 

Rev. Junge will explore the contents of "From Conflict to Communion: Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017," a report of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity.  Father Thomas Baima, vice rector for academic affairs and dean of the seminary and graduate school at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, a leader in ecumenical and interfaith relations, will respond to the lecture. 

 

This free event is open to the public and will be held on the LSTC campus, 1100 E. 55th St., Chicago.  

 

Paul and Economics Conference
"Paul and Economics," an international conference organized by New Testament scholars Thomas Blanton and Ray Pickett, is for all who are interested in the study of Paul's letters in their economic contexts. The conference will be held at LSTC Sept. 18 -19. Find the full list of presenters and paper titles and registration details here . The conference fee is $75; $35 for students. Contact Tom Blanton (tblanton@lstc.edu) or Ray Pickett (rpickett@lstc.edu) for more information.
 
The Mecca Tales
art by Susan Moye

Playwright and performer Rohina Malik will present a staged reading of her new play, "Mecca Tales," at LSTC on Sun., Sept. 20 at 3:30 p.m.

The critically acclaimed play  is the story of five Muslim women who meet on a pilgrimage in Mecca and must decide whether to reveal their stories and go forward or guard them and remain behind.

The performance is sponsored by A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice, the Bernardin Center at Catholic Theological Union, Radio Islam and LSTC. Read more about the play and playwright here. Contact Sara Trumm at strumm@lstc.edu for more information about the performance at LSTC.
 
Alumni News

Divine Art of Dying wins Indie Fab Gold Award
In July, The Divine Art of Dying, written by Karen Speerstra and alum Herbert Anderson was the 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award in the Mind, Body, Spirit category. The Divine Art of Dying is available from the publisher,  Divine Arts Media, or from your favorite bookseller.

Saler named Professor of Lutheran Studies at Christian
Theological Seminary
Rob Saler

The Rev. Dr. Robert Saler will serve as Research Professor of Lutheran Studies at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Ind. He will continue to serve as Executive Director of the Center for Pastoral Excellence and the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs.


New biography of Granger Westberg
Tracing a renowned career that included pastoral ministry, academic appointments, education reform, and the founding of the world-wide parish nurse program, Jane Westberg and Jill Westberg McNamara have published a biography of their father, Gentle Rebel: The Life and Work of Granger Westberg. It is available from Church Health Center.

In Memoriam  
 
Paul R. Swanson, professor emeritus of pastoral care, dies
                                                     
Dr. Paul R. Swanson
The Rev. Dr. Paul R. Swanson, professor emeritus of pastoral care at LSTC, died on July 18, 2015. He was 87 years old.
 
Professor Swanson began his teaching career at LSTC in 1962, the same year the school was formed through the merger of four seminaries. He taught pastoral care at the campus in Rock Island, Ill., and then at the school's permanent campus in Chicago from 1967 until his retirement in 1990. Swanson was a certified clinical marriage and family counselor, chaplain, and supervisor for clinical pastoral education and therapists. He was an active member of professional associations for clinical pastoral education on the regional and national level.
 
A funeral was held for Paul R. Swanson on July 25 at the Ogden Dunes Community Church, Ogden Dunes, Ind. Professor Swanson is survived by his wife, Cordelia, their two children. The family requested that memorials be made to the Paul R. Swanson Scholarship Fund at LSTC.
 
LSTC Guild Celebrates 70 Years
 
This year marks the LSTC Guild's 70th Anniversary. You are invited to be part of the celebration at their fall meeting at LSTC on Sat., Oct. 3. Dr. Ralph Klein, Christ Seminary-Seminex Professor Emeritus of Old Testament and curator of LSTC's Rare Book Room, will share items from the collection and talk about their significance.

Registration begins at 9:30. A celebratory lunch in the LSTC Refectory follows the program. Cost for lunch is $20. You do not need to be a member of The Guild to attend. Please RSVP to the LSTC Advancement Office at advancement@lstc.edu or 773-256-0790. Learn more about The Guild here.  

Tour South India with LSTC, McCormick faculty
At a temple in South India

 

LSTC faculty members Peter Vethanayagamony and Mark Swanson and McCormick Theological Seminary faculty member Ken Sawyer will lead a two-week tour to South India, "History of Christianity in India," Jan. 4-21, 2016. The tour is open to non-seminarians, but limited to 25 total, with priority given to LSTC and McCormick students. The tentative price of $2,500 includes airfare, double occupancy, meals, and sightseeing fees for group outings. Reserve your place on this tour by Sept. 15. For more information, contact Sara Trumm at strumm@lstc.edu or 773-256-0708.

 

Bangert to conduct Bach B Minor Mass   

 

For 21 years, Mark Bangert led Chicago area professional musicians in the annual Bach for the Sem Concert to benefit LSTC. The final concert was in January 2014, but Mark Bangert has continued to conduct a Bach Cantata Series at St. Luke Church in Chicago.  

 

On Sept. 27 at 4 p.m., Bangert will lead his final concert in that 25-year series, much more than a cantata, he will conduct Bach's B Minor Mass. St. Luke's has declared September "Mass Month" and is offering seminars, Sunday morning education hours and sermons related to the B Minor Mass.

 

Tickets to the concert are free, but must be reserved in advance. The concert even includes a light supper at intermission. Learn more and read Bangert's blog here.  St. Luke Church is at 1600 W. Belmont in Chicago.

We need you
Make a gift now button

For the last few months we've been talking about planned gifts and being a Pillar of the Seminary. At the very same time, your Annual Fund gift is as important as always. Your faithful support of the Annual Fund is essential to LSTC. It's a both/and thing.

Just to review (since we haven't talked about this for a while), here's how much your Annual Fund gifts means to LSTC: If LSTC had to rely on tuition alone, we'd shut down four months into the fiscal year. That's October. A month after classes begin.

Your gifts to the Annual Fund help LSTC meet day-to-day expenses like utility bills and staff salaries. And you know how much easier it is to fulfill your mission when you have light and workers!

Thank you, oh heroes of theological education, for your faithful support! If you have been waiting for an invitation to make a gift, you are invited! You can make one online right now or watch for your Annual Fund letter in the mail in the next few weeks. Thank you!
 
Also this fall at LSTC  
 
Monthly Manz Organ Series begins Sept. 8
The first Tuesday of every month during the school year, organists present a free half-hour organ recital on Augustana Chapel's Ruth and Paul Manz pipe organ. Programs begin at 12:15 p.m. Jerrad Fenske, interim cantor at Augustana Lutheran Church, Chicago, presents the first recital of the season on Sept. 8. (Okay, it's not the first Tuesday, but just this once. . .)

Pero Multicultural Center Benefit Concert
The Fourth Annual Benefit Concert draws on the gifts of the LSTC community and friends for multicultural worship and music in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC on Sun., Oct. 11, at 4 p.m. Proceeds from the concert help fund programming for the Albert "Pete" Pero Jr Multicultural Center.
 
Fall Seminary Sampler
From Sun., Oct. 25 - Tues., Oct. 27, prospective students have a chance to explore seminary life, talk with students and faculty, and get a good look at Chicago and the Hyde Park neighborhood. This year's Fall Sampler includes an open mic night and poetry slam at the local bar affectionately known as Jimmy's. For more information or to register, contact Scott Chalmers, director of admissions, at schalmers@lstc.edu or 773-256-0726.
 
WFMT Bach Keyboard Festival at LSTC
Hear pianist Lara Downes in recital on Fri., Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC, 1100 E. 55th St., Chicago. This is one of eleven Chicago area concerts presented by fine arts radio station 98.7 WFMT starting Sept. 18. Tickets are available online $25/$15 for students.

See more events and opportunities at LSTC.


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