Concordia Lutheran Seminary blog

Increased cooperation continues between seminaries

2012-02-03T08:54:00.003-07:00

The Boards of Regents for both Lutheran Church Canada seminaries (CLS and CLTS) met in Edmonton last week. Each Board of Regents held their regular January meeting, and then the Boards met jointly to discuss joint concerns and plans. Read a short summary of the meetings by CLTS Acting President, Dr. Tom Winger, on the CLTS blog:
http://concordiastcatharines.wordpress.com/2012/02/02/seminaries-meet-in-edmonton/

Free Winter Quest class begins next week

2012-01-10T09:49:00.003-07:00

“Where did the Bible we use today come from?” with Prof. Jonathan Kraemer is the next blended delivery course in the seminary's ongoing Quest series. It runs for four consecutive Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm MST, beginning January 17th. Participants can attend online or in person at the seminary.
This free Quest course, which takes place in the seminary's distance-education classroom, is supported by your donations. If you have a computer with a decent quality internet connection capable of using Skype or watching YouTube videos, you are ready to participate. Join us online here: http://ilt.adobeconnect.com/quest.
Some Bible Study groups have taken advantage of the online classes by gathering where they could project the course on a screen. It is easy to set-up and get connected to the class, contact the seminary to get your group started.
(for more information, or to register for the free classes, contact Sandra Esperanza at development@concordiasem.ab.ca or 780-474-1468 ext. 229.)

German Christmas Service Cancelled

2011-12-06T08:57:00.002-07:00

Due to the significant transitions that have recently taken place at CLS, the remaining staff have elected to cancel the German Christmas service. We thank you for your ongoing support in the midst of our recovery.

Interim President Appointed

2011-11-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Rev. Dr. Norman Threinen has been appointed interim president of CLS, effective January 1, 2012.

Dr. Threinen joined the faculty of CLS in 1984 as assistant professor. He became a full professor in 1993 and held this position until he retired in 2002. Dr. Threinen also served as Acting President of CLS during the 2003-2004 academic year.

Dr. Threinen takes over as interim president from Rev. Dr. Edwin Lehman who is currently serving as Acting President following the resignation of President Manfred Zeuch on October 27, 2011.

Join us online!

2011-11-02T15:10:00.000-06:00

Learn about CLS's involvement in ongoing archaeological project at Hippos, Israel: next Tuesday, Nov. 8th, from 7:00-9:00 pm.

Twenty people have taken part in the Hippos project through CLS since 2006. Dr. Chambers plans to lead another group in July 2012. Participants work on the dig during the week, and tour other places of biblical and archaeological interest on the weekends.

Hippos is a Roman city on the east shore of the Sea of Galilee, inhabited between the 2nd century BC and the 8th century AD. Within the city-wide excavation project, the seminary’s volunteers are part of a larger team from Concordia University (St. Paul, Minnesota) which is focusing on a church-complex. It contains a worship area, a pilgrimage site, the tombs of more than a dozen people, and a luxurious mansion.

This two-hour illustrated talk is a special follow-up to the Quest course, “Let the Stones Speak,” which just ended. Roughly 50 people took part in each of the four sessions, about 20 of them in a seminary classroom and about 30 of them on-line. While Dr. Steve Chambers led the course, Jeff Nachtigall provided technical support, and Ellen Raaflaub brought each night’s snack!

There is no cost to Tuesday night’s presentation, which takes place in the seminary’s distance-education classroom. You are welcome to attend in person, or online. If you have a computer with a decent quality internet connection, capable of using Skype or watching YouTube videos, you are ready to participate. Join us online here: http://ilt.adobeconnect.com/quest

Acting President Appointed

2011-11-01T17:33:00.003-06:00

"The CLS Board of Regents has appointed Dr. Edwin Lehman, LCC President Emeritus, to serve as Acting President" was the announcement joyfully received by faculty, staff, and students after the morning chapel service today. This appointment will last until Christmas, at which time the Board intends to have a longer-term Acting President in place.
Dr. Lehman served as Acting President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary in 1999/2000 between the service of Dr. L. Dean Hempelmann and Dr. Andy Bacon. We look forward to working with him again during this time of transition.

CLS President Resigns

2011-10-27T16:38:00.002-06:00

Dr. Manfred Zeuch sent a letter of resignation to LCC President Robert Bugbee; Rev. Mark Dressler, chair of CLS Board of Regents; and Rev. Don Schiemann, president of the ABC District yesterday. At his request, LCC shared the following:

Edmonton, October 26, 2011.

To Lutheran Church–Canada,

After prayerful consideration, with my family and with the CLS Board of Regents, I am resigning from my position at Concordia Lutheran Seminary effective October 27, 2011.

It was an honour and privilege for me to follow CLS’ call from Brazil, in January 2007. CLS went through several phases of transition and restructuring, since 2005. I was honoured to lead CLS through the phases of renewal in curriculum and vision, through the times of LCC seminary education changes, brought forth by the Task Force on Cost Efficient Seminary Education, and by the Memorandum of Understanding, voted and adopted in the last convention. Restructuring at CLS has moved on, in the sense of the MOU. Much is still to be done. I believe that my mission and vocation at CLS has now come to an end, and it will be good for other leaders to continue in the path of the agreement reached in June. In the sense of God’s word: One plants, another waters, but God gives the growth. "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth" (1 Cor 3).

In this common understanding we, myself with CLS’s Board of Regents, pray that God may bless the further work of CLS’ faculty, staff and students, a precious and noble task they are endeavoured to carry out.
May the Lord bless CLS, CLTS and LCC.

Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Dr. Manfred Zeuch

The faculty, staff, and students at CLS ask for your continued prayers and support through the coming weeks and months.

It's not too late to join CLS's resident "archaeologist online:

2011-10-17T11:17:00.004-06:00

The "Archaeology and Jesus" course takes place at the seminary, and online, on Tuesday evenings, and is still open to new registrations.

James Morgan of the Canadian Lutheran posted an article online last Friday titled: Ancient artifacts meet new technology in online course.

“Archaeology enthusiast and seminary professor Dr. Stephen Chambers teaches the course and is extremely pleased with the enrolment. Of the 50 people registered, 18 attend on-site in Edmonton, ten individuals take part online (including two in Ontario), and groups from congregations gather in Saskatoon,Campbell River B.C., and Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.”

“Fitting all the material into two-hour sessions is not easy, but Dr. Chambers covered five of his Top 10 topics of biblical archaeology in the first session. Students saw photos and learned about the ossuaries (burial chests) of James and Caiphas; the Pilate inscription; Yehohanan the crucified man; and the Herodian cities of Caesarea Martima and Jerusalem.”

Even though the first session has already taken place, it is not too late to register. (The first session is recorded so you can catch up!) Anyone can take part from any location. The cost is $40, but the registration fee is waived for pastors, church workers, and individuals who participate as a group at one site.

Click here to read the full article on Canadian Lutheran online.

Next Luther Countdown Lecture:

2011-10-14T10:33:00.000-06:00

How is Luther's Germany doing today?

Rev. Dr. Wilhelm Torgerson, from our German partner church, SELK, will be discussing:
“Everything is Changing – Germany’s new religious fabric and the challenge it poses to the old established churches.”

This public lecture is CLS's 2011 edition of the ten-year project, Luther 2017 Countdown, anticipating the 500 years of the Reformation in 2017!

Thursday, October 27 at CUCA Auditorium, from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. This event will not be webcast.

Also, come celebrate also with us the Reformation Service!
Dr. Torgerson will be our guest preacher, on Saturday, October 29 at Grace Lutheran Church (9907-114 St) at 7:00 pm. Join us for fellowship following the service.

All are cordially invited, admission is free.

Summer Newsletter

2011-09-09T15:57:00.002-06:00

The summer issue of the seminary’s newsletter is out. Included in the contents are articles about the 2011 Sacred Convocation, last spring’s Spirituality Lecture Series, and past and up-coming events at the Seminary. Check it out on our web site at http://www.concordiasem.ab.ca/about/documents/Sum11DJNewsltr.pdf

Postal Strike Affects Financial Support

2011-06-20T17:30:00.004-06:00

While the postal workers and Canada Post are bargaining, there are ways to donate to Concordia Lutheran Seminary.

OnLine: you can make donations anytime through CanadaHelps.
Pre-Authorized Debits: download the forms here. Fill them in and return them to us by fax, by email (scanned images), or drop them off at the Seminary.
Through your local LCC church: drop a donation designated for the Seminary into the offering plate or give the donation to the church Treasurer. It will be forwarded through the District office to the Seminary.
Come in to the Seminary with your donation. We love to meet with donors and there may even be a cup of coffee available!

LCC Synod Convention News

2011-06-06T07:01:00.003-06:00

Several seminary faculty and staff have been in Hamilton, Ontario, the last few days, participating fully in the activities of Lutheran Church Canada's 13th Synod Convention. Every three years, Synod Convention is the place where the members of Synod (pastors, deacons, and congregations, through their chosen delegates) discuss, decide, and direct Synod how to act between conventions.

While it may seem curious that CLS sent four of its own across the country to the convention in Hamilton, all four hold distinct roles in the convention process. Dr. Stephen Chambers is an Advisory Delegate as a member of the Synod's Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure. Dr. Edward Kettner is an Advisory Delegate as the Chairman of the Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations. Dr. Manfred Zeuch is an Advisory Delegate as a function of the office of the President of the Seminary. Jeffrey Nachtigall is an Exhibitor responsible for the seminary's exhibit booth, providing information and related material to delegates and guests.

There are many resolutions discussed over the three days of meetings, and while the seminary community likely has some degree of interest in all the resolutions, there is one resolution that many are most interested in hearing about.

Resolution 11.2.02a (see full details at bottom of post), was introduced on Saturday afternoon. Almost immediately, a substitute resolution - to consolidate all seminary activity at a single location, in Edmonton - was moved and seconded from the floor. Through the parliamentary process, the convention, with some discussion, decided to distribute the Memorandum of Understanding to the delegates, and defer the discussion until Sunday's afternoon session. On Sunday, Rev. Nolan Astley, representing the Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education, presented his overview of the Memorandum of Understanding, and discussion among the delegates continued for nearly an hour. The substitute motion was defeated by a near unanimous vote, and the original motion was passed by a wide margin.

The seminary faculty and staff are grateful to all who have offered past and continued support, look forward to putting this time of uncertainty behind us, and are eager to move forward in increased cooperation with Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catherines, Ontario.

Resolution 11.2.02a
To Support the LCC Board of Directors and Synod's Seminaries as They Respond to Resolution 08.3.04
Ref. Overtures 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 2.04, 2.05, and 2.06; Report 20 “Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, AB (CLS), Report 21 “Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, ON (CLTS). Pp. E53-E.69; “Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education, “pp. G. 34-G. 66;

WHEREAS the synod authorized the Board of Directors (BOD) in Resolution 08.3.04 “To Implement a Cost Efficient Seminary Program for Lutheran Church-Canada;” and

WHEREAS the BOD established a Task Force to devise a cost-efficient seminary program; and

WHEREAS this Task Force presented its findings to the BOD in the report, “Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education” (Convention Workbook, p. G.34-G.66); and

WHEREAS the Task Force presented to the board further projections of income and expenses for both St. Catharines and Edmonton seminaries until the 2013-2014 school year; and

WHEREAS on April 14, 2011 representatives of the Boards of Regents of the two seminaries and the BOD signed a Letter of Intent outlining the progress toward developing a “Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement” (MOU); and

WHEREAS the intention of these three parties was “to continue negotiations in good faith with a view to developing and entering into a written MOU by the time of the Synod Convention in June 2011;” and

WHEREAS these developments show the willingness of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, and the BOD to work toward sustainable, cost-efficient seminary training in Canada utilizing the existing two seminaries at their current sites; and

WHEREAS in order to effectively implement Resolution 08.3.04, many complex factors requiring extensive negotiations continue to take place so that Lutheran Church-Canada will have cost-efficient seminary training; therefore be it

RESOLVED that the synod in convention commend all parties involve for their efforts thus far, and for their commitment to continue negotiations in good faith, with the Board of Directors retaining the authority to approve and implement the agreements that are reached; and be it further

RESOLVED that we implore our gracious heavenly Father to direct all our decisions on this matter so that the labourers which He provides for His harvest field may faithfully reflect Christ as the only Light to the church and world; and be it finally

RESOLVED that Overture 2.01 “To Provide a Cost-Efficient Seminary Education,” Overture 2.02 “To Establish a Single Site Seminary Education in Lutheran Church-Canada,” Overture 2.03 “To Amalgamate Seminary Education on a Single Campus,” Overture 2.04 “To Declare and Support Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton the Only Site for Seminary Education in Canada for Lutheran Church-Canada,” Overture 2.05 “To Decline the Plan Proposed by the Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education,” and Overture 2.06 “To Consolidate Seminary Education at One Site” be respectfully declined.

Building Missionaries... part 2

2011-06-02T10:00:00.002-06:00

Servants for Jesus’ Sake Build A Home, Relationships and Understanding

“Connections” was the theme of CLS's 2011 Servant Event lead by Pastor James Avery, Director of the Missionary Study Centre. From May 9-17 Ian Wemyss, Mark Schultz, Keith Hoveland, Roland Starke, Cody Cooper, Professor Jonathan Kraemer, and Steve Fonnyadt, a homebuilder from Calgary and brother-in-law to Pr. Avery, engaged in building a house addition in Juarez, Mexico with Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (LCMS), El Paso, Texas. While the main task was to complete a 12ft x 24 ft addition to a home (doubling its size), an equally important task was to build connections with people in the community, with those working for YLM, and with one another. The participants also considered the connections between sharing the mercy of God in word and deed; and the connections between their servant event and the ministry of YLM.

Construction proceeded quickly and was completed after only three and a half days out of the five estimated for the build, despite having to re-shingle the original home in addition to shingling the addition. Even with such quick progress team members regularly took time out from construction to play soccer, basketball and other games with the many curious children who came by the site. Local pastor, Pr. Hernandez of YLM, visited and brought out his guitar, singing songs with the children. Team members were also able to connect with homeowners, Lilia and Jorge.

“This servant event was fantastic” said Professor Jonathan Kraemer “Not only were we able to make a difference in the lives of Lilia and Jorge, but we were able to support the ministry of Pr. Hernandez and to form our students in a way which cannot be duplicated in a classroom. This kind of event forms our students in so many ways; to be compassionate servants of Christ, to reach out with the Gospel of Christ, to make connections with people of every age, nationality, and social standing.”

In addition to the servant event, the group was able to attend three services on Sunday. In El Paso they attended English and Spanish services at San Pablo Lutheran Church. A Spanish service at Santisima Trinidad in Juarez followed in the afternoon. Even at those services the theme of connections was apparent. One student shared “I was moved by both Spanish services on Sunday because I could see how wide the cultural gap was between us and the congregation, yet because of Christ, I also felt a close unity. The same God that called me to faith also called them.”

Preparation for the servant event began almost a year in advance. In addition to making contacts with YLM, Pr. Avery met regularly with those who planned to participate. He not only prepared the group for the servant event, but shared his experience in organizing short-term mission trips so they would be prepared to do the same in their own congregations. Pr. Avery, worked for LAMP for two years and has been involved with various short-term mission trips for an additional 5 years. The group also considered the relation of short-term missions to long-term mission organizations as well as the benefits and challenges of short-term missions.

The groundwork for this trip had been laid long before the crew from CLS began preparing to leave Canada. The couple who were to receive this addition to their house, Lilia and Jorge, had been on a waiting list for four years. Pr. Hernandez, whose ministry is supported by YLM, identified Lilia and Jorge as ones who should receive assistance. Lilia had met Pr. Hernandez through her friend whose home serves as a preaching station. Now with this addition and the small covered area they plan to create, Pr. Hernandez indicated that this is likely to become the location of a new preaching station for the community. CLS's short-term involvement is not the beginning nor the end of the ministry in Juarez, but a crucial part in the long-term ministry of Ysleta Lutheran Mission.

On the final day of construction, a key ceremony was held along with a community organized lunch. Seminary students Cody Cooper and Keith Hoveland led the service, reading the account of Jesus washing the disciples feet and reminding all gathered why the group from CLS was there: “It is because of Jesus’ example of servanthood and the fact that He died for our salvation that made us want to come and build this addition for you…We pray this building will help you to be a blessing to the whole community.”

The servant event was sponsored in large part by the Missionary Study Centre of CLS as well as with donations from congregations and individuals. The MSC was founded in 1997 to assist in the preparation of ministerial candidates who have mission hearts and are not afraid to cross cultural barriers for the sake of the Gospel.

Read more about our servant event and see more pictures on the YLM site: http://ylm.org/blog/2011/05/24/the-synagogue/

Sabbatical Week Deadline Extended!

2011-05-31T10:16:00.000-06:00

How do you defend your faith in a skeptical environment? The Sabbatical Week course on Christian Apologetics at the end of June is getting closer - have you registered? We have met our minimum registration, but would love to have a larger group of participants! The registration deadline has been extended beyond June 1st - it is not too late to sign up!

Theme: How do you present and defend your faith today in a skeptical environment? A course on Christian Apologetics
Instructor: Prof. Dr. Jonathan Strand, CUCA
Date: June 27-30, 2011
Who: All Pastors, Deacons, DPS, and Teachers are welcome to attend
Place: Concordia University College of Alberta (Hosted by CLS & CUCA)
Cost: $250

More info here: http://www.concordiasem.ab.ca/academics/SabbaticalWeek.php

Sacred Convocation Information

2011-05-27T15:32:00.003-06:00

Where to watch, placements, program, etc. Click here.

Fostering Pastoral Collegiality

2011-05-20T15:44:00.001-06:00

Early this week, CLS held its 2nd annual Pastoral Gathering. Pastors from the Edmonton region and further afield were invited to join in a day of conversation. This year’s forum centered on the topic “The Pastor and Synod.” The discussion was attended about a dozen guests, along with members of the seminary faculty.
The afternoon opened with a keynote address by Dr. Edwin Lehman, president emeritus of Lutheran Church – Canada. He spoke about the proper understanding of synod as a joyful walk together on the same path. It is not a forced lock-step, nor is it an individualistic free-for-all, but it is a walk in which the people move together toward the same goal and look out for one-another’s well-being.
With these thoughts in mind, the group divided into two, with each of these groups discussing two different sets of two theses dealing with the relationship of pastor and synod. These theses were designed to be provocative, and were intended to be open-ended. Opinions and insights were shared. After a forty-minute discussion, the group reassembled. Members of each group spoke about the insights gained from their discussions, as the plenary group continued the conversation. The day then ended with a wine and cheese reception.
Those who were present agreed that the day was both enjoyable and beneficial, as pastors were free to discuss the topics and gain insights from one another and to simply enjoy one another’s company. The seminary looks forward to hosting the 3rd Annual Pastoral Gathering next year.

Where to next? Sacred Convocation; 2 weeks away

2011-05-13T16:04:00.000-06:00

That question is front of mind for vicars and candidates at CLS. At the 27th Sacred Convocation on May 27th, five vicars and two pastoral candidates will receive the answer, as they prepare themselves for the next chapter of service in Jesus' name. Darren Dressler, Todd Guggenmos, Vince Moore, James Prophet, and Mark Schultz are awaiting vicarage placements; Ian Wemyss and Lorne Reddemann are awaiting their first call. David Morton, a colloquy student, will also receive his Theological Diploma.

The Sacred Convocation combines into one service, events which used to be divided into three parts. It marks the completion of what is known as the “holy circle,” in which candidates who were given to the seminary by the church to prepare them for service, have completed their education and are now given back to the church for service to the people of God.

After a service of praise and of hearing the word of God, candidates for vicarage (which normally takes place as the third year of the four-year program of pastoral preparation) are presented to receive their assignments to a congregation of Lutheran Church–Canada. These candidates will spend a year under the supervision of an LCC pastor gaining hands-on experience in ministry.

The convocation continues with the granting of degrees. Those entering the ministry receive the degree of Master of Divinity, indicating that they have completed their academic preparation for the holy ministry. This is then followed by the granting of the Theological Diploma, which states that the candidate has been certified for the holy ministry (which includes personal as well as academic suitability). Immediately after receiving the theological diploma, the candidate receives his first call into the holy ministry, thus completing the “holy circle.”

The Sacred Convocation will be webcast live on CLSTV. Viewers can download the full program which is available on the Sacred Convocation 2011 page.

License to Preach

2011-05-06T16:16:00.002-06:00

The Master of Divinity program starts with a year-long orientation session. In a sense, this must be what it seems like for first year seminarians. In these eight months they are introduced to isagogics, exegesis, systematics, homiletics, and several other new things cleverly gathered together with theological buzz words. Scott Gamble and Roland Starke have reached that time of the program where they probably feel like the orientation is finally over. You see, one notable milestone for all first year full time Master of Divinity students comes at the completion of a course called Preaching 1. The objective is to learn and practice an orderly method of preaching doctrinally sound, contextually relevant sermons. Major emphases are the sermon writing process, sermon delivery, and distinguishing between Law and Gospel. While enrolled in this course, students received the privilege of preaching twice in worship services of their assigned fieldwork congregations; Scott at Christ the King Lutheran Church with Rev. Vic Esperanza (CLS '01) and Roland at Concordia Lutheran Church with Rev. Mark Hennig (CLS '03).

L-R: Prof. Kraemer, Roland Starke, Scott Gamble, Pres. Zeuch

Once a seminarian completes Preaching 1, he receives a License to Preach in Lutheran Church–Canada, and can also anticipate being scheduled to preach on occasion in the daily seminary chapel services. On Monday, May 2nd, Roland Starke and Scott Gamble received their Preaching Licenses. Please join us in congratulating each of them upon reaching this seminary milestone.

CLS at the Central District Theological Lay School

2011-04-29T15:05:00.000-06:00

While the primary activity of the seminary is the formation of future pastors for LCC, the faculty of CLS frequently engages in broader "extension" activity for the purpose of supporting the work of the members of synod. Between final exams and Sacred Convocation, Dr. Zeuch and Dr. Kettner will travel to two different churches in the Central District to serve as instructors in the Central District Theological Lay School.
Dr. Zeuch shares two days of the weeklong program at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Thunder Bay, Ontario. His module, one of three, is "Ethics for Daily Life".
Dr. Kettner teaches a three day "Catechism for Daily Life" module as part of the weeklong course at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Other instructors include Rev. Mark Dressler (CLS '01), Rev. Garry Heintz (CLS '02), and Rev. Cam Schnarr (CLTS '10).
The goal of the Central District theological Lay School (formerly known as the Lay Leadership School, and the Lay Enrichment School) is to spiritually enrich believers in Christ through in-depth study of the Bible, the Lutheran Confessions, and the practice of the Lutheran Church. A week of courses is made up of three evening and weekend modules; participants can choose to participate in one, two, or all of the modules. The Thunder Bay course runs from May 9th to 15th, the Winnipeg course runs from May 11th to 17th.
Detailed schedules and registration information can be found on the LCC Central District website.

2nd Annual Pastoral Gathering

2011-04-22T07:30:00.001-06:00

One year ago today, CLS held an inaugural pastoral gathering. Invitations went out to pastors who lived within several hours' drive from the seminary, even as far as British Columbia and Saskatchewan. In April of 2010, twenty-two pastors attended, eager for conversation with their brothers on topics of unique interest. The goal of this gathering was not to be polemical, but to dialogue within a safe, fraternal environment. The gathering discussed uniformity in pastoral practice, pastoral education standards, and the church as leaven in the world, among other interesting topics. The feedback from these LCC pastors was unanimous, they said, “Please provide this opportunity again!”.

The faculty of CLS also felt that the event should be continued, and are hosting the 2nd Annual CLS Pastoral Gathering on Tuesday, May 17 at 2:00pm. Once again, pastors of LCC are invited to gather with CLS faculty to discuss topics of common interest. It is to be a safe place of sharing and mutual edification for the good of the church.

This year's general theme is “Pastor and Synod”, and invited guest, LCC president emeritus Dr. Edwin Lehmann, will open the gathering discussion.

As established last year, the discussions will focus on a set of statements or theses, that are to be submitted in advance. Not intended to be a formal presentation that has to be defended, but a starting point for the discussion of the general theme, the “theses” will guide the conversation so the discussion may be as rich as possible. Please consider submitting a thesis to President Zeuch before May 1st (mzeuch@concordiasem.ab.ca). Suggestions of themes for next year's pastoral gathering are also welcome.

There is no registration cost but we ask that you please RSVP to Rhonda Buck (rbuck@concordiasem.ab.ca) by May 1st if you plan on attending. We hope you can take this day for interaction between pastors with and in your seminary in Edmonton.

Building Missionaries...

2011-04-15T16:16:00.000-06:00

When you think Mexico, do you think of an all-inclusive beach vacation in sunny Cancun or Cozumel? Seven members of the CLS community will spend just over a week in Mexico this May, but rather than a chartered plane and a taxi to the hotel, they will enter Mexico in a 15 passenger van from one of the poorest counties in the United States, crossing the border between El Paso, Texas and Jaurez, Mexico.

As part of the seminary's Missionary For Lunch program, started by Rev. Dr. Ed Lehman in 1997, Rev. James Avery (Mission Study Centre Director and CLS Alum '07) invited Chris Hill and Erin MacKenzie of Yselta Lutheran Mission to make a presentation to the seminary community on April 15, 2011. Chris and Erin spoke with passion about the work that God has given them to do, "People are lost and hurting all over... our mission field is the US/Mexico border". As lunch turned into mid-afternoon, they taught the small group helpful Spanish phrases, and talked about things to expect while in Mexico.

The Ysleta Lutheran Mission began in 1982, and is situated 1 mile from the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas. Their focus is two-fold; church planting and holistic ministry, aiming to serve the body as well as the soul. The mission organizes over 40 servant events annually, facilitating projects on both sides of the border such as church improvement and property maintenance; evangelism; medical, dental, and eyeglass clinics; and repairs to houses and trailers.

In less than one month, not long after final exams have been written, Cody Cooper, Keith Hoveland, Mark Schultz, Roland Starke, Ian Wemyss, Prof. Jonathan Kraemer, and Pastor James Avery will be in El Paso and Jaurez, building a new house for a family who has been "on the waiting list" for four years, and visiting various preaching stations that are supported by the mission. The students will not earn academic credit for their time and energy, but instead will receive a life changing experience that will impact their ministry for many years to come.

The Master of Divinity program seeks to form future pastors through various contextual ministry experiences and servanthood opportunities as part of its co-curricular program. CLS, in partnership with the separately funded Missionary Study Centre, endeavours to offer multiple serving and mission opportunities to students throughout their program, and expects each seminarian to take advantage of such opportunities. You can support this aspect of seminary formation by praying for students as they travel, study, and serve, and by sending donations to the CLS Missionary Study Centre.

For information about this short term mission trip, or the Missionary Study Centre, contact Rev. James Avery (james.avery@bethelchurch.com)

Read more about Ysleta Lutheran Mission at www.ylm.org

Costs and Benefits of Online Education?

2011-04-08T11:43:00.000-06:00

Read the Canadian Lutheran article on seminary online education here.

Excerpt:
[Rev. Anthony Cook] said that “…pastoral formation is not about the delivery of knowledge, attitudes and skills, but it is the formation of the seminary student into pastoral ministry as a way of being.” Rev. Cook reminded faculty members that they are training men to be in this world in a peculiar and different way. “This is not business school where we’re learning procedures. However, we can’t say ‘education doesn’t work online’ because we know it does. What we can say is we’re not sure that the whole process of formation can be done without considerable reflection and work.”
He encouraged the seminaries to pursue online classes that bring students together (synchronous delivery) not as a way to slash budgets, but as a plan for learning and applying the highest educational standards to the on-campus formation program. While little financial benefit is expected, faculty could gain valuable experience in course design and alternate delivery.

Click here to read the entire article here.

Seminary Pizza Night!

2011-04-01T09:12:00.000-06:00

Are you considering a seminary education? Then you should come to the Seminary Pizza Night!
It's an informal event where you can meet some students and teachers at the seminary, ask questions, and eat pizza.
If you want to attend RSVP to Jeff Nachtigall (registrar@learngrowserve.ca) , and if you know of someone who might be interested, please pass the invitation on!

Spirituality Lecture Series

2011-03-30T16:18:00.000-06:00

Speaker Dr. Patricia McCormack, Associate Professor, Faculty of Native Studies, U of A
present on “Aboriginal Spirituality and Christian Faith in Canada: An Evolving Mosaic Pattern of Beliefs and Practices” March 31st at 1:00pm. Also available live online: CLSTV

LCC Pres. Robert Bugbee lecture

2011-03-07T08:00:00.002-07:00

The next guest speaker for the Spirituality Lecture series is the Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, President of Lutheran Church Canada. His topic is The Pastor and Prayer. Watch live here: http://www.concordiasem.ab.ca/CLSTV.php on March 17th at 1:00pm Mountain Time.