Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Christian Community: A Gift

This morning the Concordia Seminary Community began its conversations revolving around the book "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I have to say I took more away from this morning's conversation than I thought I would.
I left Werner Auditorium realizing that I understand much less of what community means than I thought I did.
Community is defined as God's gift for the present time; a gift enjoyed for the here and now. This good definition helps us better understand our time here at Seminary. I have often cautioned people to not see the Seminary as a hoop one must just jump through to get into the parish. However, with all good intentions I also have described the Seminary as a means to an end. It is true that this place is a place one comes to be equipped for something that lies beyond it. However, we must never neglect what goes on here, and that is community now. Wow!
I want to thank the Lord working through Professors Herrmann and Schmitt, and of course Bonhoeffer, for this proper view and definition of community.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

A New Travel Season

A new Academic Year brings with it another season of travel for the admissions counselors at Concordia Seminary. Rev. Kyle Castens and Rev. Paul Philp will be traveling throughout the country. Each of these counselors has already started travel for the fall. As we come to your college campus, campus ministry, congregation, high school, or another location near you, we hope that you will be stop by and visit. We look forward to meeting each and everyone of you, getting to know you, answering all of the questions which you may have, and of course talking about pastoral and deaconal formation at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. If you would like to see when we will be in your area just click here.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Welcome One and All


Summers are always a little quiet around here at Concordia Seminary (except for the summer Greek students, and their victory splash). There is nothing quiet about the campus today, though. 123 new students are becoming oriented to the ways of seminary education. What a sight it is to see all of these faces which will be prepared to serve in the Lord's church. We especially thank the Lord for giving these students the interest to be here.
These new students will continue with orientation and registration through Friday, but there is some real fun planned for Saturday . Saturday is Field Day. This day has always been a good opportunity to play a few games, and build some new friendships ( and strengthen old ones) before the school year begins. The day will be filled with softball, football, firetrucks, and BBQ. Finally, on Sunday, the campus community begins its 171st year with the opening worship service at 4pm. You are welcome to join us at this service to begin the year with the Word of the Lord.