New Classes Welcomed To Seminary At Opening Service

NEW CLASSES WELCOMED TO SEMINARY AT OPENING SERVICE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2012

 

ST. LOUIS—On Friday, Aug. 31, at 11:00 a.m., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, began its 174^th academic year with a special worship service in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Seminary campus. Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary, served as preacher.

 

The incoming class is comprised of 122 students, including all those newly enrolled in residential and distance programs: 80 residential M.Div. students; eight residential alternate route students; three deaconess students; seven EIIT (Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology) students; 21 SMP (Specific Ministry Pastor Program) students; and three exchange students. In addition, Concordia Seminary’s Graduate School has 13 new students: three M.A. (Master of Arts) students; three Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) students, and seven S.T.M. (Master of Sacred Theology) students.

 

The 21 new SMP students received vicarage assignments during the Opening Service as well.

 

In addition, two new staff members were installed: Mr. Philip Ebeling as executive director of communications, and Rev. Wayne Knolhoff as director of placement and alumni relations.

 

Three current faculty members and one current staff member were installed in new positions: Dr. Charles Arand as director of the Center for the Care of Creation; Dr. Victor Raj as occupant of the Buehner-Duesenberg Chair in Missions; Dr. Jeffrey Kloha as director of the Center for the Study of Early Christian Texts; and Rev. Jeffrey Thormodson as director of the MissionShift Institute.

 

For more information, please contact communications@csl.edu or call 314-505-7379.

 

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CONCORDIA SEMINARY TO BEGIN 173rd ACADEMIC YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 8, 2011

ST. LOUIS—On Friday, Sept. 2, at 11:00 a.m., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will begin its 173^rd academic year with a special worship service in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Seminary campus. Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary, will serve as preacher. Rev. Bill Wrede will be installed as admissions officer during the service.

During the preceding week, new students will complete an orientation process and register for course work. The orientation process also provides opportunities for new students and their families to become better acquainted, which includes a “Field Day” consisting of sports activities, games for children, and a community-wide barbecue. Classes start on Tuesday, September 6.

 

Concordia Seminary is located at 801 Seminary Place in St. Louis, Mo. For more information, call 314-505-7379 or email communications@csl.edu.

 

 

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I have not forgotten…

After talking to a friend who mentioned I haven’t blogged in a while. I became so busy between school, work, church, and family that blog updates fell by the wayside.

Since I’ve gotten on others to blog to let others know how they are doing and share their experiences… I think it is only fair I do the same. So, beginning this weekend and every weekend forward I have set aside an hour to blog about what caught me by surprise the past week or some observation.

Recaps of Winter Quarter

I’ve been really busy this past quarter with learning Hebrew and Greek Readings. On top of that my job position changed which caused havoc with my schedule. It took until the last couple of weeks of the quarter before I got back to some sort of steady routine. Nevertheless, expect a few blog posts coming in the coming days. I won’t be doing a week in and out blog as things just get too busy. Then again who knows I may up and solidify my schedule and make room for Sunday blog posts again.

Short summary is Greek Readings was great. All the struggles in the Fall quarter really paid off. Hebrew was painful, but I have a deeper appreciation for the language. It really does open up Old Testament that is lost in the English translation. I passed my Hebrew qualifiers and I’m a full fledge seminarian now. Woohoo!!!

The Opening Service

All of the first year seminarians arrived to gather in the basement of the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus as we were marching in together. As we filed up the stairs the feeling and sound must be what athletes feel when they are getting ready to emerge from the tunnel. The vibrations from the organ and deep voices singing sends chills down your spine. 87 future pastors marching in one by one is a sight to behold. In hindsight maybe having us go in two by two would resemble the Christ sending the disciples out two by two. (Mark 6:7-12)

The Order of Service was “The Office of Vespers”.

Here is a run down of the service…

The Processional Hymn: Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing   LSB 528

The Vericles

The Psalmody: Psalms 133 and 134

1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-20, 27-31

Choir Motet: O Lord, I Love the Habitation of Your House

2nd Reading: Mark 7:31-37

Common Responsory

The Office Hymn: Word of God, Come Down on Earth  LSB 545

The Sermon:  Title: Life Together  Text: Galatians 2:20 – Rev. Dale Meyer

http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Feed/csl-public.1401648813.01401648820

It was quite obvious from the beginning the sermon was directly mostly at the 1st yr seminarians. Rev. Meyer made eye contact with the entire congregation and then focused in on the 1st year seminarians. He talked about the was before us in the coming years. He spoke of struggles and triumphs.  He spoke of Christ dying on the cross for us and that we too were crucified with him. Which leads me to something interesting.  I only bring this up because it has happen twice in 5 days. Rev. Meyer asks the 1st year seminarians a question.  We all think it is a rhetorical question so no one answers. He is then slightly disappointed and again asks the question so that we are supposed to reply. I don’t think any of us were expecting his sermons to be interactive even after orientation.  Hopefully, he doesn’t think we are dead and not enthusiastic.  I would hope he would see it as a sign of respect and a willingness to learn from him.

The title of his sermon comes from the book Life Together by BonHoeffer. It also doubles as the theme for this upcoming year. Here is an excerpt from the back of the book…

“…It reads like one of Paul’s letters, giving practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christianservice is treated in simple, alm0st biblical words. Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for thereal life of Christian fellowship.”                                                                                                                                                 

Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community. New York: HarperOne, 1978

Rev. Meyer expressed hope in us to tackle the challenges that await us in our ministries.

The Canticle: Benedictus  Sing Praise tot he God of Israel  LSB 936

The Rite of Installation: Rev. Dr. Kent J. Burreson , Dean of Chapel

The Prayers: To God the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray  LSB 768

The Opening of the Academic Year

The Blessing

The Recessional Hymn: Church of God, Elect and Glorious   LSB 646

The Postlude

Fantastic service. A little warm with the suits on, but I can’t say enough about the strong voices and that organ. If you ever get a chance to get down to campus for one of the big services. Make ever effort to do so. Experience it for yourself.