Rev. David Hilderman presents the Fall 2008 Timothy Lectures

Concordia Lutheran Seminary presented the annual Timothy Lectures featuring Pastor David Hilderman on September 18th. The Timothy lectures are presented each year so that students, especially, can benefit from the experience of seasoned and effective pastors. Each program focuses on a particular aspect of the pastors’ parish ministry. Again, the Seminary is grateful for the generous support from a local anonymous donor.

Pastor Hilderman’s lectures dealt with church worker physical and mental health built around the theme: “Wounds for Christ; declining church worker health & future hope.” He questioned not only whether church workers were healthier or sicker, but why and how? His discussion introduced indicators of health and systems, specifically Bowen Systems Theory, to address worker and institutional health.  With the audience he surveyed models, books, resources, and personnel that have distinguished themselves in the field. Using a biblical approach Pastor Hilderman talked about church worker health and its applications to the parish.

Rev. Hilderman has served as pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Abbotsford since 1997. His education included studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Lutheran Theological Seminary and others. His experience includes service in pasrish ministry, as a college teacher, and as a prison chaplain of Canada. He has also served on boards and task forces for the church.

Opening Service for the Academic Year 2008-2009

Bethel Lutheran Church in Sherwood Park, AB hosted the opening service of the 25th academic year at CLS on September 7th. The Seminary community rejoiced that God has provided seventeen M.Div. students (two fourth-year, one third year, three vicars, six second-year, five first-year), one P.A.T. student, one M.T.S. student, one Open Studies student, and five colloquy students. They come from across Canada and from Hong Kong! They bring diverse life experiences as married and single, former members of the work force and recently graduated students.

Over 275 people gathered to worship and praise God for His faithfulness in building and preserving the LCC’s Seminary in Western Canada. Rev. Jonathan Kraemer, Assistant Professor of Old Testament Exegetical Theology at the Seminary, gave the message from Lamentations 3:23, “Great is Your Faithfulness,” this year’s theme. Bethel’s sanctuary resounded to the liturgy of the faithful augmented by a great number of musicians and voices. Celebrants and readers included pastors from the Edmonton area. Administrative Assistant, Karen Sorensen, was recognized for five years of service to the Seminary. An offering gave opportunity for the people to praise God and support the Seminary through financial gifts too.