FOCUSFOCUS

Commencement 2009

CHS Expands to Regional Sites

Focus on a Seminarian

Calls/Vicarages/Internships

Summer 2009ON CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

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Summer 2009 Vol. 26, No. 4

Commencement 2009

CHS Expands to Regional Sites

Focus on a Seminarian

Calls/Vicarages/Internships

Vol. 26, No. 4

FOCUSFOCUS3 From the President

4 128 Receive Degrees at Commencement

5 Seminary Recognizes Honorees

6 Faculty Publish Theological Resources/New Seminary Sunday Materials Available

7 Uwe Siemon-Netto Receives Award/LutherHostel – October 3-6, 2009

8 Visitation Event for Prospective Students/Seminary to Host Theological Symposium

9 Seminary Guild Adopts New Projects to Assist Students

10 CHS Expands to Regional Sites

12 Adopt-A-Student: Knowing a Seminarian Personally

13 ‘Adopting’ More Than 60 Students/Campaign Overview

14 A Congregation’s Efforts to Prepare Pastors

15 Focus on a Seminarian

16 220 Calls and Vicarages Issued, 11 Deaconess Assignments Celebrated

18 126 Students Receive First Calls

21 105 Receive Vicarage/Deaconess Internship Assignments

ON CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

FOCUS is published quarterly by the division of Seminary Advancement, in cooperation with other administrative and academic departments of Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105.

Congregations may request that copies of FOCUS (a maximum of 200) be sent to them in bulk for distribution within their churches. When requesting addresschanges or removal of multiple mailings, please send the incorrect mailing label(s) with the correction.

To be added to our mailing list, address correspondence to: FOCUS, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; call 314-505-7379, or e-mail Focus@csl.edu. Web Site: www.csl.edu

Cover Photograph: Logan Scheiwe

C O N T E N T S

3www.csl.edu

From thePresident

Which would you like first, the good news orthe bad news? I’ll take the liberty of givingyou the bad news first, and promise I’ll give

you some good encouraging news in the next editionof FOCUS.

Last winter we began sharing with you our con-cern about Seminary finances. As the recession wors-ened, we realized we are in financial crisis. Severaltrends over the last decades in Seminary fundinghave come together in this recession, includingdeclining subsidy from the budget of TheLutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)(the Board of Directors is willing but sim-ply doesn’t have the money) andincreases in educational costs(salaries that keep up with inflation,costs for new technologies we didn’thave a few decades ago, greatercosts for insurance, etc.). Sincethe Seminary cannot sell moreproducts the way a businesswould, we’ve increasingly growndependent upon donations, nowalmost a 60 percent depend-ence, and endowment proceeds,almost 10 percent. Unlike mostcolleges, net tuition income forus is slightly over 20 percent.Wham! The recession has driedup endowment income, hurtdonations, and we resist raisingtuition because educationaldebt is already a great worry tomany of our students.

The response of theBoard of Regents and adminis-tration has not been easy.Frozen salaries, early retire-ments, layoffs, and programreductions are necessary to fin-ish the next fiscal year in the

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black. This year will end in the red. For the next fis-cal year, beginning July 1, 2009, we need cost reduc-tions and revenue increases that together amount tomore than $6 million. To get a sense of the size ofthat amount, $6 million is one quarter of our currentbudget. I’ve written at length about all this in anarticle called “Stress Test,” available in the newestissue of the Concordia Journal or online atwww.csl.edu.

While there are many ways we are address-ing the present crisis, you and others through-

out the church can help significantly andquickly. What if every congregation in the

LCMS gave a special donation? If our6,000 congregations gave an average of

$500 apiece, the total $3 million wouldhelp us weather the crisis. Some con-gregations could give more andwould be willing while othersmight not. It’s this paragraph thatI want to lay on your heart andhope that you’ll take it to theleadership of your congregation.

I’ve never been a fan ofchurchly statements that glossover hard realities. The Jesustaught to me faced harsh realitywith His Father’s truth andgrace. That’s the Spirit at workin us and so I’m confident aboutthe future, believing God is refin-ing His church and Seminary forthe future advance of the mis-sion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Isee much good news on the hori-zon and will share it with you inthe next edition of FOCUS, butfor now I’d like you to ponder thebad news, pray on it, and act infaith to help us overcome it.

Dale A. Meyer

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The 170th academic year ofConcordia Seminary con-cluded on May 22. The day’s

activities began at 10:00 a.m. witha Theological Diploma service inthe Seminary’s Chapel of St. Timo-thy and St. Titus, followed by aspecial luncheon for graduates andtheir families. Commencementexercises were held at 7:00 p.m. inthe Seminary’s main quadrangle.

Dr. Richard Marrs, associateprofessor of practical theology anddirector of continuing educationand parish services at ConcordiaSeminary, delivered the sermon forthe Theological Diploma service.Following the sermon, studentswho successfully completed one ofthe programs of preparation forservice as pastors and the womenwho successfully completed prepa-ration for service as deaconesses inThe Lutheran Church—MissouriSynod (LCMS) were presentedtheir theological diplomas. In thisact, the Seminary faculty fulfilledpublicly the responsibility given itby the LCMS to certify men itdetermines to be qualified in everyrespect for service in the pastoral

ministry and women itdetermines to be qualifiedfor service as deaconesses.

At the evening Com-mencement exercises,Hon. Bill Schuette, seniorcounsel at the law firm ofWarner, Norcross & Juddin Midland, Mich., servedas Commencement speak-er. Following the address,98 students were recipi-ents of master of divinitydegrees. This is the aca-demic degree that moststudents who desire to bepastors, missionaries orchaplains in the LCMSreceive. Other degrees con-ferred included four mas-ter of arts in deaconessstudies degrees, 11 masterof arts degrees, five doctorof ministry degrees, threemaster of sacred theologydegrees and seven doctorof philosophy degrees.

“Commencement isalways a profoundreminder of the mission of theSeminary,” commented Dr. Andrew

Bartelt, executive vice presidentfor academic affairs. “We sendforth pastors, deaconesses, mis-

sionaries, scholars, andleaders into the serviceof church and world,even as we grant spe-cial honors to those whohave rendered distin-guished service, includ-ing the naming of sevenof our colleagues as pro-fessors emeriti.”

Five students wererecognized as candi-dates for completion ofthe certificate program(alternate route). Uponsuccessful completion ofa one-year vicarage(internship), these stu-dents will be certifiedas eligible to receivecalls and serve as pas-tors, missionaries orchaplains in the LCMS.

128 Receive Degrees at Commencement

Faculty and students prepare to process in the Commencement exercises.

Hon. Bill Schuette, senior counsel at the lawfirm of Warner, Norcross & Judd in Midland,Mich., served as Commencement speaker.

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The Concordia Seminary fac-ulty selected four individu-als to receive special honors

during Commencement exerciseson May 22.

Hon. Bill Schuette received theChristus Vivit Award. Schuette’spublic service began in 1984 whenhe was elected to the UnitedStates House of Representativesas a congressman from Michigan.At the age of 31, he was one of theyoungest congressmen in America.He stated his determination to be“a full-time voice and a full-timevote—an advocate—for agricultur-al producers” in his home stateand also for the elderly. He servedon the House Agriculture Commit-tee and the Select Committee onAging, as well as the House Budg-et Committee. His qualificationsfor service on the state SenateJudiciary Committee and as judgein the Michigan Court of Appeals(2002-2009) can be seen from hisacademic career. Currently, he issenior counsel at the law firm ofWarner, Norcross & Judd, one ofthe largest law firms in Michigan.

Rev. Robert Bergt received theDistinguished Alumnus Award.Currently, Rev. Bergt is the musicdirector and conductor of theAmerican Kantorei and artist-in-residence at Concordia Seminary.He has devoted his entire career tothe musical glorification of God aslecturer, teacher, conductor, musi-cian and consultant on worshipand church music. In the fall of1956 he was appointed instructorof music at the Seminary andbecame assistant and associateprofessor, up through 1974. Duringthis period he also served as assis-tant pastor at Trinity, Alton, Ill.,and at Glendale Lutheran Churchin St. Louis. After this he becameprofessor of music at Southern Illi-nois University at Carbondale(1974-1984), chairman of thedepartment of music at ValparaisoUniversity, Ind. (1984-1988), andprofessor of music at Musashino

Academy Musicae, Tokyo, Japan(1988-1995).

Dr. Peter L. Steinke receivedthe honorary degree of doctor ofletters. Dr. Steinke is a nationallyrecognized consultant on congrega-tional life and dynamics and haswritten extensively on this topic.He has written for diverse audi-ences, but his Christ-centeredapproach is always clear. His influ-ence extends far beyond TheLutheran Church—MissouriSynod. He created the “Bridge-builder” process for dealing withtroubled congregations and devel-oped “Healthy Congregations,” alay leadership training curriculum.He has served as the director ofclergy care in the Lutheran SocialServices of the South. Also he hasbeen the executive director ofInterfaith Pastoral Counseling forSt. Alexis Hospital (1992-1994)and of Janus House, for emotional-ly disturbed youth (1971-1973).Over the years he has taughtcourses at eight different seminar-ies in North America.

Prof. Paulo Nerbas, presidentof The Evangelical LutheranChurch of Brazil (IELB), receivedthe honorary degree of doctor ofdivinity. As president of SeminarioConcordia, Professor Nerbas wasthe first president to head the newPastoral Theological FormationProgram for the IELB. When theIELB decided in convention tomerge the Escola Superior deTeología in Sao Paulo with Semi-nario Concordia in Sao Leopoldo in2002, he was key in assisting inthis transition. Under his leader-ship, the merging of faculty ofthese theological institutions con-tinued to provide sound theologicaltraining and formation for theirstudents. He has served as pastorand missionary in Portugal andseveral Brazilian parishes: Lisbon,Portugal; Viamao, RS, Brazil; andSapirango, RS, Brazil. He was pro-fessor of theology at Escola Superi-or de Teología, Sao Paulo, Brazil(1985-1989), and Seminario Con-cordia, Sao Leopoldo, Brazil (1992-2006).

Seminary Recognizes Honorees

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Honorees pictured with President Dale A. Meyer, second from right, include,from left, Hon. Bill Schuette, recipient of the Christus Vivit Award; Prof.Paulo Nerbas, recipient of the honorary doctor of divinity degree; Rev.Robert Bergt, recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award; and Dr. PeterSteinke, recipient of the honorary degree of doctor of letters.

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On May 19, ConcordiaSeminary honored facul-ty members who have

recently written or contributedto published books. A receptionrecognizing them included abook-signing. The following fac-ulty have had books published:

Charles Arand and RobertKolb: The Genius of Luther’sTheology (Baker)

Charles Arand, Robert Kolband Robert Rosin: all had chap-ters in The Pastoral Luther(Eerdmans)

Kent Burreson: editor forHe Was Crucified (ConcordiaPublishing House)

Robert Kolb: Martin Luther,Confessor of the Faith (Oxford)

Reed Lessing: ConcordiaCommentary: Amos (ConcordiaPublishing House)

David Maxwell: contributed achapter in In the Shadow of the

Incarnation: Essays on Jesus Christ in the Early Church inHonor of Brian E. Daley, S.J. (U. of

Notre Dame Press)Francis Rossow: Gospel

Patterns in Literature (Kirk House)Quentin Wesselschmidt:

Ancient Christian Commentaryseries: Psalms 51-150 (InterVarsity)

“On top of teaching overloadsand immense economic challenges,Concordia Seminary’s faculty isstill somehow finding time to writebooks of the highest caliber withrespected publishers and wide-ranging audiences,” commentedWilliam Schumacher, dean of theo-logical research and publication. “Icontinue to be astounded by thedeep commitment of my colleaguesto provide exceptional theologicalresources for the wider church and

world.”All books are available for pur-

chase at Concordia Seminary’s book-store. For more information, contactCommunications at 314-505-7379 orcommunications@csl.edu.

Faculty Publish Theological Resources

In April, Concordia Seminarysent a packet of ConcordiaSeminary Sunday materials to

the pastor of each LutheranChurch—Missouri Synod (LCMS)congregation. A special bulletininsert, an adult Bible study, ser-mon notes, a Seminary DVD andother worship resources are avail-able to assist pastors and congre-gations in observing ConcordiaSeminary Sunday. The suggesteddate for Concordia Seminary Sun-day is July 19, the Seventh Sun-day after Pentecost. Yet the mate-rials are not dated and may beused in a variety of ways through-out the year.

The appointed Scripture read-ing in the new lectionary seriesmakes Concordia Seminary Sun-day an appropriate observance forthe suggested Sunday. This year,

Mark 6:30-44 is the Gospel lessonappointed for July 19, and “Work-ers for the Harvest” isthe suggested sermonand Sunday theme.

Concordia Semi-nary offers these mate-rials as an annualopportunity for congre-gations to emphasizethe importance of form-ing men for service inthe pastoral ministryand deaconesses fordiaconal ministry, andto assist in the crucialprocess of identifying,informing, and encour-aging future pastorsand deaconesses.

“We have received a veryenthusiastic response from church-es throughout the country in the

past and that indicates that thepeople of the LCMS are aware of

how important it is tohave faithful, compas-sionate pastors whoproclaim God’s Wordwith boldness,” com-mented Lois Engfehr,director of communica-tions. The bulletininserts offer concreteactions people can taketo help in the formationof tomorrow’s pastorsand deaconesses.

For more informa-tion or to order Concor-dia Seminary Sundaymaterials, contact Com-

munications, Concordia Seminary,801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO63105; 314-505-7379; communications@csl.edu.

New Seminary Sunday Materials Available

Dr. William Schumacher, left, and Dr. DavidMaxwell peruse one of the new booksrecently published by faculty members.

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LutherHostel 2009 will beheld Oct. 3-6 on the campusof Concordia Seminary.

LutherHostel is an event designedto provide growth in biblicalknowledge and understanding, funand fellowship, and a chance togain helpful insights for daily liv-ing. It is offered for adults age 55and older. The main presenter willbe Rev. John Nunes, president ofLutheran World Relief.

The theme of this year’sLutherHostel is “Finite and Infi-nite Games.” “Life is no game,”commented Nunes. “Yet knowingwhat’s ultimate, what not tosweat, and how to hold all things

in balance is a markof mature faith lead-ing to a playful, boldand happy approachto life. In a world suf-fering from a joy-deficit, we dare tomake the most ofevery opportunity towitness to the infi-nitely abundant joyJesus gives us.”

Scheduled activi-ties for LutherHostel 2009 willfeature a reception and dinnerwith President and Mrs. Dale A.Meyer. Other activities includepresentations, class visitation, stu-

dent-led evening devo-tions, opportunities forinformal interaction withfaculty, a private demon-stration of the organ atThe Chapel of St. Timo-thy and St. Titus and atour of selected St. Louisarea sites. An optionaltour of Lutheran histori-cal sites in Perry County,Mo., also is available onOct. 7, immediately fol-

lowing LutherHostel.To register for LutherHostel,

call Continuing Education andParish Services at 314-505-7486 oremail ce@csl.edu.

www.csl.edu

Dr. Uwe Siemon-Netto,director of The Center forLutheran Theology and

Public Life (CLTPL) and formerscholar-in-residence at ConcordiaSeminary, received the 2009Friedrich Hecker Freedom Awardfrom the German American Her-itage Society of Saint Louis. Theaward is presented annually to anindividual who has contributedgreatly to the “promulgation ofcooperation and understandingbetween Germany and the UnitedStates.”

Since 2007, Dr. Siemon-Nettohas led “German Days at the Sem”each year at the Seminary. Thetwo-day events cover importanttopics concerning German-U.S.relations. These annual confer-ences will lead up to the 500-yearanniversary of the Protestant Ref-ormation in 2017. Last year’s topic,“German Days II: Faith and Poli-tics in Luther’s Land—And Here”brought notable German officialsand speakers to St. Louis.

“This prestigious award cameas a great and pleasant surprise to

me, given that I arrived inSt. Louis less than fouryears ago,” commentedSiemon-Netto. “I am obvi-ously very flattered andgrateful to the GermanAmerican Heritage Societyof Saint Louis. The cooper-ation and understandingbetween Germany and theUnited States—and break-ing down clichés—havebeen among my importantgoals during my 50 yearsin international journal-ism. Living and workinghere has made me more fullyaware of the huge Germaninfluence on the faith, cul-ture, political, social, econom-ic and military accomplishments,especially in the American Mid-west. This is indeed something tobe proud of.”

In his professional journalisticcareer, Siemon-Netto has coveredsuch events as the construction ofthe Berlin Wall, the Cuban missilecrisis, the U.S. Civil Rights Move-ment, the assassination of Presi-

dent John F. Kennedy and theVietnam War as a foreign corre-spondent in both Europe and theUnited States. Born in Leipzig,Germany, he received the M.A.degree from the Lutheran Schoolof Theology at Chicago; the Ph.D.from Boston University; and thehonorary D.Litt. degree from Con-cordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Uwe Siemon-Netto Receives Award

LutherHostel – October 3-6, 2009

Siemon-Netto, right, accepts the 2009Friedrich Hecker Freedom Award fromLansing Hecker, German American HeritageSociety of St. Louis president.

Nunes

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Concordia Seminary ispleased to invite prospec-tive students and their

guests to attend “Contemplate…”to be held Oct. 8-10 on the Semi-nary campus.Designed forthose who are col-lege age or older,the structuredvisitation eventprovides an effec-tive means oflearning moreabout life in theConcordia Semi-nary communityand the prepara-tion that leads toservice as a pas-tor, missionary,chaplain or dea-coness in TheLutheranChurch—MissouriSynod.

Visitors will have the opportu-nity to worship with the Seminarycommunity in The Chapel of St.Timothy and St. Titus, visit classes

and tour the campus. Participantsalso will hear presentations onacademic offerings, financial assis-tance, housing, resident field edu-

cation, internshipand the admissionprocess. Guests alsomay wish to takeadvantage of themany recreationalopportunities in theSt. Louis area.

There is nocharge to attend“Contemplate…” andall meals and lodg-ing are provided freeof charge. Round-trip transportationto Concordia Semi-nary from the air-port is provided.

For more infor-mation, contact theAdmissions Office at800-822-9545 oradmissions@csl.edu.

Visitation Event for Prospective Students

Science and Theology: NewQuestions, New Conversa-tions” is the theme of the

20th Annual Theological Sympo-sium, to be held Sept. 22-23 on thecampus of Concordia Seminary.

Pastors and theologians tendnot to have much formal trainingin science. Scientists tend not toreceive much formal education intheology. Yet the two disciplinesare often asked cross-disciplinaryquestions like: How do our under-standings of the creation of theuniverse jive between science andChristian theology? How do scien-tific theories such as quantummechanics point toward or awayfrom God’s creative hand? How

should Christians take care of theworld’s environment? Are ourbrains programmed to seek andworship God? How should Chris-tians view new technologies like invitro fertilization or stem cellresearch?

Primary plenary speakersinclude Dr. Daniel Botkin, profes-sor emeritus at the University ofCalifornia, Santa Barbara; Dr.Mario Beauregard, professor ofneurobiology at the University ofMontreal; Dr. Benjamin Schu-macher, professor of physics atKenyon College; Dr. Del Ratzsch,professor of philosophy and scienceat Calvin College; Dr. AngusMenuge, professor of philosophy

and science at Concordia Universi-ty Wisconsin; and Dr. RobertWeise, Concordia Seminary profes-sor and The Lutheran Foundationof St. Louis Chair in Pastoral Min-istry and the Life Sciences.

Parish pastors, district andsynodical officials, Seminary andConcordia University students,and faculty and interested layper-sons are encouraged to attend.One CEU is available for attend-ing the Symposium.

For more information, contactthe Office of Continuing Educationand Parish Services at 314-505-7486, ce@csl.edu or visit the Semi-nary’s Web site at www.csl.edu.

Seminary to Host Theological Symposium

Prospective students are invited to attend “Contemplate . . .”, a fallvisitation event with opportunities to learn more about thepreparation that leads to service as a pastor, missionary, chaplain ordeaconess in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

9www.csl.edu

Concordia Seminary Guildmembership is open to individualsand organizations. Individualmembership is $8 per year; organi-zational membership is $15 peryear. (A yearly Guild membership

is from July 1 to June 30 of the fol-lowing year.)

If interested in project spon-sorship, please call the Seminaryat 314-505-7379 or visitwww.csl.edu.

YES, I would like to become a member of the Seminary Guild.Please accept my check for:❑ Yearly individual membership ($8)❑ Yearly organizational membership ($15)❑ Project goal donation $__________________

Name___________________________________________

Address _________________________________________

City ____________________________________________

State ___________________________ Zip____________

Phone (______) _______________________________________________

Congregation Affiliation______________________________________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to Concordia Seminary Guild and mail

to: Nina Boehme, 4410 Kerth Circle Crossing, St. Louis, MO 63128.

✁ ✁

A great way to describe theConcordia SeminaryGuild, a volunteer organi-

zation whose people and work ben-efit the Seminary and its students,is “A wonderful blessing.”

It’s also a great way todescribe the myriad of projectsthat the Seminary Guild faithfullyfulfills each year!

Joan Schlichter, president ofthe Guild, commented, “The Guilddoes wonderful things for thiscampus. We are currently celebrat-ing the fact that members andfriends of the Guild completed$20,877.96 in projects this aca-demic year. All of our adopted proj-ects have been completed, and nowwe begin work on a new list ofprojects for the next academicyear.”

President Schlichter contin-ued, “Our theme for the year hasbeen ‘Continuing in God’s Grace.’We are indeed blessed by our gra-cious Lord, and we are also blessedby our many members who lendtheir prayers and support to theGuild’s mission of supporting thestudents and their families.”

Seminary Guild Adopts New Projects to Assist Students

2009-2010 Adopted Projects Supporting Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Pieper’s Christian Dogmatics, Vol. 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,023.00Clergy Shirts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,240.60The Minister’s Prayer Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,960.00Seminary Chorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 *Center for Hispanic Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00Food Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $800.00 *Intramural and Club Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $800.00Deaconess Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00Direct-to-Student Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,000.00Student Emergency Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00 *Family Nights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500.00Coffee after Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500.00 *Student “Etiquette” Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,500.00Seminary Women’s Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00Deaconess Studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300.00Intercollegiate Sports Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00Dorm Counselor Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00Student Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000.00Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,623.60* Indicates completed projects

Justin Whitmore, left, and MatthewBorasso are this year’s “Direct-to-Student Aid” recipients, along withKevin Bueltmann (not pictured). Theyare shown with Joyce Bischoff,center, Guild vice president.

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Have you ever thoughtmuch about the increas-ingly diverse population of

the United States? Have you everthought about what the presenceof Hispanic/Latino families in ourmidst might mean for our ownLutheran church? Concordia Semi-nary has given some seriousthought to these questions, and animportant part of its answer is theCenter for Hispanic Studies(CHS).

The Center prepares men andwomen to serve respectively aspastors and deaconesses in thechallenging missionary contexts ofU.S. Hispanic/Latino communitieswhere the use of the Spanish lan-guage is a critical component ofthe mission. The formation processhappens in two stages. The firststage is the basic Entrance level ofstudies, a 10-course curriculumavailable to students who havebeen identified by their localpastors or district leadershipas potential church workers.

The courses are taughtacross the nation and accord-ing to local needs by CHSregional coordinators, districtpartners, and a variety of localpastors and tutors. Thisdynamic and “thinking-out-of-the-box” approach permitseach student to learn the theo-logical foundations of Luther-an identity and allows eachtutor to apply such learning tospecific local situations ashe/she sees fit. The education-al process does not removestudents from their missioncontexts as they go throughtheir theological formation.They learn as they serve andserve as they learn.

After completing theEntrance level, each studenthas the option of continuing

his or her studies at the Seminarylevel, which leads to certificationfor pastoral or deaconess ministryin The Lutheran Church—Mis-souri Synod (LCMS). Seminary-level students are recommendedfor admission to Concordia Semi-nary by their local pastors and dis-trict presidents. The Seminarylevel of studies, an 18-course cur-riculum, can be completed in athree-year period. Six courses aretaught each academic year in asemi-residential intensive formaton the Seminary campus, or, as ina recent development in Houston,Texas, at an off-campus satellitesite.

CHS students have the optionof taking electives in one or all ofthe following three areas or tracks:(1) missional leadership, (2) familystudies, and (3) Lutheran theologyand culture. Moreover, CHS is cur-rently working with faculty

through a process that will makeit possible for the first time forqualified Seminary-level studentsin the program to receive credittowards an M.A. from the Gradu-ate School.

What does the Seminary levellook like from the instructionalside of things? On the St. Louiscampus, the first half of two cours-es are taught Monday through Fri-day (usually in September) andthe second half are taught duringanother intensive week (typicallyduring November). Before, inbetween, and after these twoweeks of instruction, studentswork on reading and writingassignments and complete exams.

The same pattern happensduring a week in January and asecond one in April. CHS alsooffers a one-week intensive courseeach summer, typically at a sitewhere important U.S. Hispanic

ministry is taking place. Thesemi-residential intensivemethod of delivery permits stu-dents to receive a solid theolog-ical formation while allowingthem to immediately put intopractice what they havelearned upon arrival at theircommunities and mission con-texts. The face-to-face style ofteaching also permits theinstructors to get to know thestudents and interact withthem personally in all thestages of their theologicaldevelopment. Pastoral trackand deaconess track studentsrespectively complete their vic-arage and internship assign-ments concurrently during thelast two years of their Semi-nary program. Upon completionof the Seminary level, pastoralministry students are certifiedand eligible for placement asordained and rostered clergy of

CHS Expands to Regional SitesForming Pastors and Deaconesses for Hispanic/LatinoCommunities

CHS vicar Nelson Rodríguez, a certified deaconin the Texas District preparing for the pastoralministry, presides over the baptismal liturgy inSpanish for a young Latina in an area where no pastors are available to do so.

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the LCMS. Deaconess students arecertified and eligible for placementas consecrated and rostered com-missioned ministers.

CHS also has complementaryonline distance education, permit-ting students to work on their ownon some of the Seminary-levelcourses with guided and sequen-tial modules of instruction. Asrealities change and technologyoffers greater options, CHS is com-mitted to offering more courses inthis format as needed, as well asto providing cutting-edge theologi-cal education in general that willfacilitate the process of formingmen and women who will servethe growing U.S. Hispanic/Latinopopulation.

Satellite SitesIn an attempt to multiply

efforts and adapt the Seminarylevel to the needs of churches andstudents, CHS is redeveloping aconcept it utilized some years ago,namely, teaching Seminary-levelstudents at regional sites acrossthe nation, particularly wherethere is a critical mass of Hispan-ics/Latinos. The most recent site isin Houston, Texas, functioning atthe LINC-Houston installations. Agroup of 10 students who have fin-ished their Entrance level coursesare now enrolled in the Seminary-level, and CHS instructors travelto Houston to offer classes in away similar to the on-campus pro-gram in St. Louis. Other satellitesites around the country are beingexplored.

Why the intense concern tomove forward with the mission ofthe CHS even in tough economictimes? The Seminary is convincedthat the church is the Lord’s andthat, in good or bad times, Hisword of forgiveness still needs toreach those who have not heard

the Gospel and believed in Christas their Lord and Savior. The Cen-ter fulfills a vital role in the LCMSin the formation of church workerswho are both committed andequipped to bringing the GoodNews to the indifferent and thewandering, healing to the hurt, thepoor and the lonely, and hope inChrist to the millions of Hispan-ics/Latinos in this country.

Those who serve at the CHSoften look at the demographics andare moved to compassion andaction. The following are some sta-tistics for consideration:

• Some studies show that theUnited States is the second largestSpanish-speaking country in theworld.

• Between 2000 and 2005, theentire United States populationgrew by about 15 million people.Some 50 percent of the growth (7.5million) was in the Hispanic popu-lation.

• Los Angeles has 4.5 millionHispanics/Latinos. It is now thesecond largest Mexican city in theworld, after Mexico City.

• New York is the secondlargest Puerto Rican City in theworld.

• There are more Cubans liv-ing in Miami than in any city ofthe world except Havana.

And now a look at the LCMS:• LCMS membership is on the

decline, but the Latino populationis on the rise.

• Of the 2.4 million LCMSmembers, only about 0.4 percentare Hispanic/Latino. We have achallenge but also a great opportu-nity before us.

Jesus said: “The harvest isplentiful but the workers are few.Ask the Lord of the harvest, there-fore, to send out workers into hisharvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).

Today, CHS serves the follow-ing number of students:

• 23 pastoral track Seminary-level students,

• Eight deaconess track Semi-nary-level students, and

• Over 100 Entrance level stu-dents across the nation.

CHS is meeting the challengesof a growing U.S. Hispanic/Latinopopulation and proposes to worktoward admitting as many as 25Seminary-level candidates eachyear by 2012 (the 25th anniver-sary of the CHS). The focus is oneof sustainable and manageablegrowth without sacrificing qualitytheological education and pas-toral/deaconess formation. CHS ismeeting the challenges as a min-istry of perseverance, joy and hope.

For more information on CHS,call 1-800-677-9833 or visit us atwww.csl.edu (see Academics) or atwww.hispanicstudies.org (ourSpanish-language Web site).

www.csl.edu

CHS students who received vicarage assignments and a deaconessinternship during the Seminary’s morning chapel service on April 2 are, fromleft, front row, Armenio Piñeros, Marta Luna, Andrew Vázquez; back row, Dr. Glenn Nielsen, director of vicarages and internships; Rigoberto Gonzalez,Enrique Orozco, Dr. Leo Sánchez, director of the Center for HispanicStudies; and Mark Kempff, instructor for CHS.

are encouraged to stay in touchwith their sponsors even more fre-quently during the school year.

Become an Adopt-A-StudentSponsor

Right now there are many stu-dents waiting to be “adopted.” Infaith, these seminarians have cometo Concordia Seminary. Now youcan encourage them with yourprayers and make their prepara-tion financially possible. Adopt-A-Student participants give $500 ormore annually which may be givenas a one-time gift or throughoutthe year through several gifts.Adopt-A-Student gifts are used toprepare future pastors and mis-sionaries, or you may also desig-nate your gift for the preparationof deaconesses.

For questions or more informa-tion, contact:

1-800-822-5287Seminary AdvancementConcordia Seminary801 Seminary PlaceSt. Louis, MO 63105www.csl.eduadoptastudent@csl.edu

How do students feel abouttheir Adopt-A-Studentsponsors?

• “I was very nervous comingto Seminary this year, and evenmore nervous with a baby on theway. I can’t express how much(your support) means to me. Yoursponsorship is very dear to mywife and me as we take this jour-ney toward ministry.”

• “Everyone I know whoreceives support like yours is sooverwhelmed with thankfulnessthat they cannot help but acknowl-edge and keep in touch with thosewho make donations to their min-istry.”

• “It is wonderful to think ofall these blessings that I haveexperienced this year and thosethat are still to come. Thank youfor your help to make all thesewonderful opportunities availableto me through your Adopt-A-Stu-dent support.”

• “I am grateful and I am sureour Savior is as well for theprayers and financial support youhave provided for me in my train-ing to become a pastor…I willremember you and be grateful to

our Lord for your dedication inproviding pastors for our church.Thank you!”

Adopt-A-Student sponsors canexpect to hear from “their” studentfrequently! While students wishingto receive Adopt-A-Student fundsare required to write their spon-sors every academic quarter, they

“Do you know a Seminary student? Not know ‘of’ one but really know him so personally that he correspondswith you?

“Through our Adopt-A-Student program you will receive personal letters from a seminarian sharing his progress,challenges and joys. You will also be preparing the right kind of pastor, a spiritual leader who treasures doctrine andhas a big heart for people.

“As I travel throughout the church I continue to meet people who with joy and great satisfaction talk about stu-dents they have ‘adopted.’

“When you become an Adopt-A-Student sponsor a specific seminarian will be selected for you. He will be intouch with you soon. There is a direct connection between each Adopt-A-Student sponsor and the student that makesparticipating in this effort fulfilling to students and donors alike.

“Standing together, students and sponsors overcome the single greatest obstacle to students coming to the Semi-nary—affording it! By overcoming this challenge you are making an eternal difference as the students you preparenow will proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ today and for decades to come.”

Dr. Dale A. Meyer, President

Adopt-A-StudentKnowing a Seminarian PersonallyMaking a Direct Impact on His Tuition

12

How Will They Hear?

“Will the church at large jointhe seminaries in the eternallyimportant task of funding theologi-cal education for the mission of ourLord Jesus Christ?

“Although a set amount is nolonger guaranteed, a student canexpect an average of $3,000 fromAdopt-A-Student. And if the congre-gation, group or individual who hasadopted a student is so minded,there is no upper limit to the finan-cial aid the student can receivefrom his or her Adopt-A-Studentdonors.

“This means that a sustainedand generous response by thechurch at large will significantlyincrease student aid beyond itspresent level.”

Dr. Dale A. Meyer, President

How Will They Hear? seeks to secure $77 million in gifts and commitments for the three major interconnected components essential to Christ-centered theological education in the 21st century.

Campaign Overview

0 10 20 30 40 50

PASTORS39.3 million

PLACE9.04 million

PROMISE16.58 million

Gifts and Commitments Received

How Will They Hear?

Concordia Seminary St. Louis, Mo.

www.HowWillTheyHear.org

800-822-5287

13

Jo Anne Roellig recently saidthat she and her late hus-band, Russ, “always had an

inner sense that it was importantto support Seminary students.”She credits a Concordia Seminary,St. Louis insert placed in her con-gregation’s bulletin for promptingtheir first Adopt-A-Student gift. Itwas 1981.

In the 28 years since thenthere have been more than 60“adopted” students. And Jo AnneRoellig still has every single lettershe and her husband ever receivedfrom the seminarians whosepreparation for the Holy Ministrythey helped make possible.

“Russ and I always had a feel-ing that our gifts to the Seminarywere more important than anyother things we wrote checks for. Ican’t teach Bible class, so this ismy way of making a difference,”said Mrs. Roellig.

The Roelligs were alwaysconcerned about second-careerstudents, especially those withfamilies. They were gratified thattheir Adopt-A-Student giftsmight be able to keep a motherat home with the family ratherthan have to work to help payexpenses.

Mrs. Roellig has a collectionof all the correspondence receivedfrom the seminarians over theyears. She frequently leafsthrough The Lutheran Annual tosee where the Lord has called“her students” to serve. Occasion-ally, Russ and Jo Anne met a stu-dent when they went on a trip.

“This has been a real blessingto me,” said Mrs. Roellig.

The Roelligs’ generosity hasbeen a wonderful blessing to theseminarians, their families, Con-cordia Seminary and God’s churchat large.

‘Adopting’ More Than 60 StudentsKeeping All Their Letters!

www.csl.edu

Jo Anne Roellig and her latehusband, Russ, supportedseminarians through Adopt-A-Student for 28 years.

How Will They Hear?

88.82%

100%

50.96%

$

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The members of RedeemerLutheran Church inElmhurst, Ill., have stepped

forward in a big way to preparefuture pastors. A $12,000 gift toConcordia Seminary’s Adopt-A-Student program is a generouscommitment by any congregationregardless of size. The fact thatRedeemer has 450 members andintends to support Adopt-A-Stu-dent annually makes this gift allthe more inspiring. Celebrating 80years of ministry last year,Redeemer Lutheran, located justoutside Chicago, wanted to demon-strate their thankfulness for theLord’s blessings on the ministriesof their pastors—by preparingfuture pastors!

“Sometimes a congregation can have its focus reduced to its immediate neighborhood,” said Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick,Redeemer’s pastor. “It is good tosee the broader pictures of min-istry and what goes into the train-ing and preparation of pastors whoin the years ahead will be called toprovide leadership in this congre-gation and others, sharing theGood News of Jesus Christ withpeople for whom He lived, diedand rose.”

Congregations throughout theSynod are being invited to consid-er the importance of keeping Con-cordia Seminary strong in equip-ping pastors for generations tocome. The Seminary’s five-yearHow Will They Hear? Campaign iscurrently in its congregationalphase. Funds will help educatestudents, build its endowment, andrenovate areas of the campus.

While in its rich historyRedeemer has not had a son of thecongregation become a pastor, thecongregation is boldly and gener-ously preparing future pastorsnonetheless. Last year’s $12,000donation given as part of the 80thanniversary celebration and theongoing Adopt-A-Student supportthrough the annual budget arestrong statements of thanksgivingfor the pastoral leadership thathas guided Redeemer’s missionand ministry.

The members of the congrega-tion had an opportunity to meetConcordia Seminary studentswhen the Seminary Chorus per-formed a concert at Redeemer. “We know congregations are facedwith many challenges and oppor-tunities,” said Dr. Dale A. Meyer,Seminary president. “The current

economy has become an obstaclefor many, and we pray that thevital work of congregations willnot be hindered. Also, we knowthat all congregations recognizethe importance of pastoral educa-tion and will want to support it asthey are able.”

Some congregations are con-sidering special Seminary Sundayobservances. Others have includedthe Campaign and the Seminaryin their budgets. Still other congre-gations are planning special offer-ings. One congregation wants tosay “thanks” for receiving a recentgraduate whom they describe as “awonderful collection of God-giventalent, humility and pastoral com-passion.” “We applaud congrega-tions that are becoming involvedin the Campaign,” said Dan andSandy Clark, co-chairs of the Campaign’s National SteeringCommittee. “We are seeing peopleand congregations doing somewonderful, visionary and creativethings to thank their pastors andto support the Seminary’s forma-tion of future pastors,” said theClarks.

Congregations seeking waysto participate can call 800-822-5287.

A Congregation’s Efforts to Prepare Pastors

How Will They Hear?

Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick, right, pastor of Redeemer, Elmhurst, Ill., presents a $12,000 check from the congregationfor the How Will They Hear? Campaignto Michael Flynn, senior gift officer atConcordia Seminary.

The Concordia Seminary Chorus performed a concert at RedeemerLutheran Church, Elmhurst, Ill.

15www.csl.edu

Name: Timothy Bayer

Home District: Michigan

You will soon be readyto serve as a pastor.What are your thoughtson your time here atthe Seminary?

Seminary has beenvery encouraging for me. Ithas been a rich four yearsof building relationshipswith guys and gals whowill be serving alongsideme for the rest of my life.

Now that you havealmost completed yourtime of study at theSeminary, what issomething that youknow now but didn’tbefore?

Now more than ever,ministry is about resourc-ing. No one can or shoulddo ministry alone. Ofcourse, you have God’sSpirit but surroundingyourself with other menand women to serve andlead with - you can’t get much better than that!There are men and women who know far more thanI do, and I am blessed to be able to partner withthem in ministry!

What aspect of your time at the Seminarysurprised you the most?

The faculty’s desire to invest their time, energy,and resources in helping students become the bestpastors that they can be is incredible!

How has your time at the Seminary impactedyour view of the ministry?

Ministry is not just spiritual... it is holistic!Ministry is physically demanding, mentally challeng-ing, emotionally taxing and spiritually stimulating.

What are your feelings aboutthe future?

I feel humbled to share inGod’s work in His world andwith His people. I also feel veryexcited to lead God’s people inbeing the hands, feet, heart andvoice of Jesus in the worldtoday.

What is your best advice tosomeone consideringenrollment at ConcordiaSeminary?

Give yourself a “gut-check.” Do you have a drivingpassion for people AND a deepdesire to learn and grow in faithand knowledge? If so, you couldpotentially be a wonderful pas-tor or deaconess! See, if you justhave a passion for people andnot for God, then you can be agreat social worker. If you haveonly a passion for God and notfor people, you can be a superscholar. And both of thosecareers have opportunities foryou to be salt and light in theworld. But, be honest with your-self. You have to have a deep,driving passion for both people

and God to be a pastor or a deaconess.

What words of encouragement would you sharewith a prospective student?

The career choice that you have is important! Ifyou are married, continue being a faithful husband orwife. Bathe your entire life in prayer. Seek out amentor or coach to walk with you in whatever careeryou choose, but especially if you decide to come toSeminary. The Evil One prowls like the roaring lion,seeking someone like you to devour. . . Resist him andstand firm in both your faith and life. And remember,it’s not about you. . . it’s all about God’s work ofbringing those who are far off, near through the bloodof Christ. I trust that God will lead you to make theright choice!

Focus on a Seminarian

Timothy Bayer will serve as pastor of FaithEvangelical Lutheran Church, St. Louis,Missouri. He is pictured with his wife,Bethany.

16

On April 22, calls to serve aspastors in The LutheranChurch—Missouri Synod

(LCMS) were issued to 122 stu-dents at Concordia Seminary. Inaddition, 98 students receivedassignments to serve as vicars.Vicarage is a one-year internshipthat M.Div. and Alternate Routestudents preparing to serve in thepastoral ministry must complete.

Of the 122 Concordia Semi-nary students called to serve aspastors in the LCMS, three arefrom the Seminary’s Center forHispanic Studies (CHS), 13 arefrom the Distance Education Lead-ing To Ordination (DELTO) pro-gram, two are from the EthnicImmigrant Institute of Theology(EIIT), and two are from theCross-Cultural Ministry Center(CCMC). One student received acall to serve in a mission field out-side the United States in South-east Asia, which was arrangedthrough the LCMS Board for Mis-sion Services.

Of the 98 students whoreceived vicarage assignments,

four are from theCHS and one isfrom the EIIT.Students in theCHS and EIITprograms servetheir vicaragesconcurrentlywhile takingclasses over aperiod of three tofour years.

In addition tothe 220 calls andvicarage assign-ments, oneDELTO studentand two CCMCstudents areawaiting calls;and one residen-tial student isawaiting a vic-arage placement.In each of thesecases, the detailsof calls to specificsites are beingfinalized andshould be com-

pleted soon. Great care is exercisedin both the candidate call and thevicarage placement processes toensure that the best possiblematch is realized between theseminarian and the ministry site.

Concordia Seminary also cele-brated the presentation of sevendeaconess students who wereassigned internships, and four dea-coness candidates who wereassigned calls. Two deaconess stu-dents are awaiting their intern-ship assignments. Of the sevendeaconess students who receivedinternship assignments, three arefrom the CHS.

The Missouri District receivedthe most vicars from ConcordiaSeminary, with 13 vicars assigned,followed by the Nebraska District

220 Calls and Vicarages Issued,11 Deaconess Assignments Celebrated

Deaconess students, from left, front row, Angela Carriker, Dawn Gibson,Juliana Hirsch, Ashley Forseth, Marisela Casillas, Senaida Gaytan, PerlaRodríguez; back row, Katie Willman, Kristina Meggers, and Mary Suelzlepose for a picture after receiving their call or internship assignments.

The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus was overflowingwith worshippers for the Service of Praise andAssignment of Calls on April 22.

17

with seven vicars. The MissouriDistrict issued the most calls with14, followed by the Michigan Dis-trict with nine calls.

The Office of Vespers andAssignment of Vicarages andInternships took place at 3:00 p.m.in the Seminary’s Chapel of St.Timothy and St. Titus. Dr. GerhardC. Michael Jr., president of theFlorida-Georgia District of theLCMS, served as preacher. Offi-ciants for the service included Dr.Dale A. Meyer, president of Con-cordia Seminary; Dr. Glenn A.Nielsen, director of the Seminary’svicarage and deaconess internshipprograms; and Dr. William G.Utech, director of the Seminary’sresident field education program.

The Service of Praise andAssignment of Calls, also held inThe Chapel of St. Timothy and St.

Titus, took place at 7:00 p.m.Dr. Ray G. Mirly, presidentof the Missouri District ofthe LCMS, served as preach-er. Officiants for the servicesincluded Dr. Dale A. Meyerand Rev. Robert P. Hoehner,the Seminary’s director ofplacement. LCMS PresidentDr. Gerald B. Kieschnickgreeted the candidatesimmediately after theyreceived their calls. The callswere presented to the stu-dents by Dr. C. WilliamHoesman, president of theMichigan District of theLCMS.

A complete listing of thecalls and vicaragesissued is available on theSeminary’s Web site atwww.csl.edu.

www.csl.edu

Todd Liefer and his wife, Kelly, read overhis vicarage assignment to St. PaulLutheran Church, Royal Oak, Michigan.

DELTO students who received calls on April 22 include from left, front row, DanaHallenbeck, Ed Rosser, Eugene Krueger, Wm. Scott Snyder, Travis “Tom” Lackey; backrow, Seth Flick, DELTO administrative assistant; Larry Oetting, Bill Mattfeld, Bill Vogt, Dr. David Wollenburg, director of DELTO. Not pictured: Ralph Lanphar, Jimmy Riley,Andrew Safarik, Steven Schneider, Elmer Smith, Kenneth Welsh.

18

On April 22, The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus was filled to capacity for a 7:00 p.m.worship service during which 122 pastoral

ministry candidates received their first calls and fourdeaconess candidates received their first calls. Thefollowing is a list of the calls, arranged alphabeticallyby Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod district.

Atlantic DistrictFilipek, Adam - Trinity Evangelical Lutheran

Church, Hicksville, New York

Board for Mission ServicesCima, John - Missionary to Southeast Asia, Board for

Mission Services

California-Nevada-Hawaii DistrictAlvey, Ryan - Peace Lutheran Church, Sacramento,

CaliforniaCervantes, José (CHS) - St. Paul Lutheran Church,

Mountain View, CaliforniaNg, Christopher - Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, San

Francisco, CaliforniaPrill, David - Resurrection Lutheran Ministries,

Brentwood, CaliforniaRentería, Félix (CHS) - Trinity Lutheran Church,

Watsonville, CaliforniaRobinson, Eric - Redeemer Lutheran Church,

Redwood City, CaliforniaUreña, Martín (CHS) - St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church,

Stockton, CaliforniaWoodward, Peter (CCMC) - St. Peter Lutheran Church,

Lodi, California

Central Illinois DistrictLatzke, Jeremy - Lutheran Church of St. John,

Quincy, IllinoisSerr, Kenneth - Grace Lutheran Church, Canton, Illinois

Eastern DistrictBrown, Mark - St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church,

West Henrietta, New YorkWalters, Sean - Christ Lutheran

Church, New Castle, Pennsylvania

English DistrictBaggor, Elamin (EIIT) - Christ

Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lansing, Michigan

Brown, Michael - RedeemerLutheran Church, Lincoln,Nebraska

Robb, Joseph - First LutheranChurch, El Cajon, California

Florida-Georgia DistrictDavis, Jeremy - Arms of Grace

Lutheran Church, Winder,Georgia

Indiana DistrictGilbert, Jacob - Carmel

Lutheran Church, Carmel,Indiana

May, Jeremy - St. John Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, Indiana

Iowa East DistrictFay, Karl - Trinity Lutheran Church, Davenport, IowaHartwig, Brent - Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Iowa

City, Iowa Pool, Daniel - St. John Lutheran Church, Clinton, Iowa

Iowa West DistrictDurand, Edward - Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fort

Dodge, IowaFernandez, James - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ankeny,

IowaJurchen, Peter - Hope Lutheran Church, Des Moines, IowaRobarge, Philip - Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Urbandale,

Iowa

Kansas DistrictBrown, Luther - St. John Lutheran Church, Aliceville,

KansasRikli, Richard - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Linn,

Kansas

Michigan DistrictAdams, Curtis - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Coldwater,

MichiganArendell, Mark - Calvary Lutheran Church, Lincoln Park,

MichiganKetelsen, Joshua - Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Onaway,

MichiganMerrill, John - St. Matthew Lutheran Church,

Walled Lake, MichiganMoyer, Jonathan - Faith Lutheran Church, Grand Blanc,

MichiganNewberg, Steven - Lutheran Church of the Lakes,

Addison, MichiganVoltattorni, Anthony - Bethlehem Lutheran

Church, Standish, MichiganWinningham, Ryan - Zion Evangelical Lutheran

Church, Holland, MichiganWuggazer, Mark - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer,

Birmingham, Michigan

Mid-South DistrictEasterling, John - Redeemer

Lutheran Church, Mountain Home, Arkansas

Peeples, Matthew - Lake Pointe Lutheran Church, Hot Springs, Arkansas

Schneider, Steven (DELTO) - Grace Celebration Lutheran Church, Cordova, Tennessee

126 Students Receive First Calls

Seminarian Jacob Sletten,together with his mother,Lenora, read over his callassignment to Christ LutheranChurch, Rancho Palos Verdes,California.

19www.csl.edu

Minnesota North DistrictBenson, Thayer - Our Redeemer Lutheran Church,

Moorhead, Minnesota Drevlow, Ryan - Grace Lutheran Church, Breckenridge,

MinnesotaGroleau, James - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hinckley,

MinnesotaMann, Kevin - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Melrose,

Minnesota Yearyean, Anthony Paul - Trinity Lutheran Church,

Deer Creek, Minnesota

Minnesota South DistrictDiedrick, Theodore - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,

Circle Pines, Minnesota Erbel, David - St. Peter Lutheran Church, Lester Prairie,

MinnesotaKeinath, Daniel - South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church,

White Bear Lake, Minnesota Larson, David - Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church,

Waconia, MinnesotaLorfeld, Matthew - Messiah Lutheran Church, La Crescent,

Minnesota Middaugh, Michael - Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church,

Minneapolis, Minnesota Ruey, James (EIIT) - Sudanese Evangelical Lutheran

Mission, Mankato, Minnesota

Missouri DistrictBayer, Timothy - Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church,

St. Louis, MissouriBoothby, Michael - Holy Cross/St. John’s Lutheran

Churches, Cole Camp, MissouriButcher, John - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,

Centralia, MissouriCanaday, Matthew - River of Life Lutheran Church,

Rogersville, MissouriGimbel, Andrew - Holy Cross Lutheran Church, O’Fallon,

MissouriGoucher, Mark - Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Haven,

MissouriHays, Jerry - Concordia Lutheran Church, Kirkwood,

Missouri

Knapp, Robert - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Marshfield,Missouri

Kobak, Anthony - Hanover Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Loman, Clifton - Grace Lutheran Church, Aurora, MissouriMatthew, Timothy - Trinity Lutheran Church, Doniphan,

MissouriPriem, Matthew - Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Raymore,

MissouriSchultz, Charles - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Imperial,

MissouriTorreson, Theodore - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Jackson,

Missouri

Nebraska DistrictAlbertson, Thomas - Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church,

McCook, NebraskaEarl, Brian - Centennial Lutheran Church, Superior,

NebraskaMattfeld, William (DELTO) - Immanuel/Trinity Lutheran

Churches, Schuyler, Nebraska Mertens, Melvin - St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wilcox,

NebraskaOetting, Larry (DELTO) - Word of Life Lutheran Church,

Lincoln, NebraskaSafarik, Andrew (DELTO) - Swede Valley Lutheran

Church, Ashby, NebraskaSchneider, Matthew L. - Pacific Hills Lutheran Church,

Omaha, NebraskaSmith, Elmer (DELTO) - Immanuel Lutheran Church,

Sterling, Nebraska

New England DistrictCundiff, Joel - Immanuel Lutheran Church and School,

Danbury, ConnecticutHallenbeck, Dana (DELTO) - Zion Evangelical Lutheran

Church, Manchester, ConnecticutLanphar, Ralph (DELTO) - Trinity Evangelical Lutheran

Church, Springfield, Massachusetts

North Wisconsin DistrictHutton, Aaron - Alleluia Lutheran Church, Wrightstown,

WisconsinDeCoste, Curtis - Christ of the Bay Lutheran Church,

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Seminarian David, Stasia, and baby Myles Zemkeanticipate receiving a call assignment prior to the April 22 worship service.

Dr. Dale Meyer congratulates Adam Filipek on his call toTrinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hicksville, New York.

20

Tonn, Paul - St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Northern Illinois DistrictSchermbeck, Andrew - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chicago,

IllinoisSchutt, Timothy - St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church,

Union, IllinoisSerbus, Rodney - Trinity Lutheran Church, Herscher,

IllinoisWinkelman, Mark - St. Peter Lutheran Church, Morrison,

Illinois

Northwest DistrictDockery, Richard - St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oakridge,

OregonFarhat, Andrew - St. Paul Lutheran Church and School,

Roseburg, OregonLovejoy, Patrick - St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Port

Angeles, WashingtonSyth, Gary - Faith Lutheran Church, Homer, AlaskaZemke, David - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Portland,

Oregon

Ohio DistrictHoffman, Robert - Valley Lutheran Church, Chagrin Falls,

OhioRiley, Jimmy (DELTO) - Zion Lutheran Church,

Painesville, OhioWelsh, Kenneth (DELTO) - St. Mark Lutheran Church,

Chesterland, Ohio

Oklahoma DistrictHintz, Gregory - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broken

Arrow, OklahomaTiews, Christian - Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church,

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Pacific Southwest DistrictArroyo, Edgar (CCMC) - Trinity Cristo Rey Lutheran

Church, Santa Ana, CaliforniaBaumgartner, James - Faith Community Lutheran Church,

Las Vegas, NevadaBenson, Steven - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Pacific

Beach, CaliforniaBurkee, Jonathan - Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church,

El Centro, CaliforniaHarnack, Michael - First Lutheran Church, Burbank,

CaliforniaSletten, Jacob - Christ Lutheran Church, Rancho Palos

Verdes, California

Rocky Mountain DistrictBusch, Andy - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Loveland,

ColoradoGeminn, Scott - Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Glenwood

Springs, Colorado

South Dakota DistrictGarland, Curtis - First Evangelical/Emmanuel Lutheran

Churches, Wall/Creighton, South DakotaLehr, Gregory - Zion Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, South

Dakota

South Wisconsin DistrictEngelhardt, Marc - Brookfield Lutheran Church,

Brookfield, WisconsinKolonich, Eric - Redeemer Lutheran Church, Manitowoc,

Wisconsin

Southeastern DistrictCarter, Robert - Redeemer Lutheran Church,

Fredericksburg, VirginiaRuffatto, Frank - Point of Grace Lutheran Church,

Cornelius, North CarolinaVoss, David - Nazareth Lutheran Church, Hopewell,

Virginia

Southern DistrictBrynestad, Christopher - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church,

Decatur, AlabamaLackey, Travis (DELTO) - First & Emmanuel Lutheran

Church, Birmingham, AlabamaRosser, Edward (DELTO) - Solid Rock Lutheran Church,

Argo, AlabamaSnyder, William (DELTO) - Grace Lutheran Church,

Pensacola, FloridaVogt, William (DELTO) - Prince of Peace Evangelical

Lutheran Church, Pineville, Louisiana

Southern Illinois DistrictBusacker, Scott - Trinity Lutheran Church, Harvel, IllinoisEichhorn, Arthur - St. Salvator/St. Peter, Venedy/New

Memphis, Illinois

Texas DistrictDorsey, Curtis - Our Savior Lutheran Church, Sulphur

Springs, TexasDuerr, Timothy - St. Mark Lutheran Church, Houston,

TexasKalbas, Aaron - Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pearland,

TexasMcQuiggin, Brian - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Clifton,

TexasStrimple, Russell - Trinity Lutheran Church, Corpus

Christi, Texas

Calls PendingKrueger, Eugene (DELTO)Ferrero, Salvador (CCMC)Rumengan, Ery (CCMC)

Deaconess Assignments

Iowa East DistrictCarriker, Angela - St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel and

University Center, Iowa City, Iowa

Nebraska DistrictKoenig, Jessica - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,

Fremont, Nebraska

Northern Illinois DistrictSerbus, Phaedra - Trinity Lutheran Church, Herscher,

Illinois

Southern DistrictAlemu, Meseret - Trinity Lutheran Church, Mobile,

Alabama

Assignments PendingBrandt, CarlaStancliff, JaneStarr, Kim

CHS: Center for Hispanic StudiesCCMC: Cross-Cultural Ministry CenterDELTO: Distance Education Leading To OrdinationEIIT: Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology

21www.csl.edu

In a worship service held in The Chapel of St.Timothy and St. Titus at 3:00 p.m. on April 22, 98 men received their vicarage assignments, and

7 deaconess students received internship assign-ments. The following is a list of the assignments,arranged alphabetically by Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod districts and calling agencies.

Atlantic DistrictGonzalez, Matthew - Trinity Lutheran Church, The Bronx,

New York

California-Nevada-Hawaii DistrictFelcher, Lonnie - Vineyard of Faith Lutheran Church,

Windsor, CaliforniaHoffman, Charles - Mount Olive Lutheran Church,

Milpitas, CaliforniaNava, Jaime - Light of the Hills Lutheran Church,

Cameron Park, CaliforniaOetting, Jonathan - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,

Hayward, CaliforniaRoss, Daniel - Lutheran Church of Arcata, Arcata,

California

Central Illinois DistrictBuescher, Jonathan - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Decatur,

IllinoisGibbs, Karl - Salem Lutheran Church, Salem, IllinoisJensen, William - CID/Wittenburg Lutheran Center,

Springfield/Normal, Illinois

English DistrictHodges, Jonathan - Faith Lutheran Church, Naples,

FloridaKasperson, Nicholas - Christ the Shepherd Lutheran

Church, Alpharetta, GeorgiaSquire, Mark - Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church,

St. Peters, MissouriZank, Steven - First Lutheran Church, El Cajon, California

Florida-Georgia DistrictAdrian, Mark - Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Warner

Robins, GeorgiaBarkett, Timothy - Our Savior Lutheran Church,

St. Petersburg, FloridaBeck, Dustin - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Boca Raton,

FloridaBrown, Joshua - First Lutheran Church, Gainesville,

FloridaKern, Jonathan - Grace Lutheran Church, Winter Haven,

Florida

Indiana DistrictBarnett, Shawn - Faith Lutheran Church, Bloomington,

IndianaLuna, Juan Diego (CHS) - St. Paul Lutheran Church,

Columbus, Indiana

Iowa West DistrictCundiff, Quintin - Trinity Lutheran Church, Des Moines,

IowaKaiser, Seth - Trinity Lutheran Church, Glenwood, Iowa

Kansas DistrictEberlein, Scott - Trinity Lutheran Church, Mission, KansasSponaugle, Justin - Ascension Lutheran Church, Wichita,

Kansas

Michigan DistrictAdams, Caleb - St. Lorenz Lutheran Church,

Frankenmuth, MichiganLiefer, Todd - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Royal Oak,

MichiganLiermann, Brian - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,

Saginaw, MichiganLutz, Elliott - Messiah Lutheran Church, Clio, Michigan

Mid-South DistrictAllstaedt, Jacob - Cross of Christ Lutheran Church,

Chattanooga, TennesseeCroom, Michael - Faith Lutheran Church, Tullahoma,

TennesseeSuelze, Daniel - Christ Lutheran Church, Little Rock,

Arkansas

Minnesota North DistrictBreitbarth, Marcus - Bethlehem/Bethlehem Lutheran

Churches, Baudette/Warroad, MinnesotaDubke, Dallas - Trinity Lutheran Church, Bemidji,

Minnesota

105 Receive Vicarage/Deaconess InternshipAssignments

Daniel and Mary Suelzle look over his vicarage assignmentand her deaconess internship assignment to ChristLutheran Church, Little Rock, Arkansas.

22

Minnesota South DistrictFlick, Seth - Trinity Lutheran Church, Rochester,

MinnesotaKoschmann, Mark - Woodbury Lutheran Church,

Woodbury, MinnesotaKrueger, Brian - Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Austin,

MinnesotaVogel, Benjamin - Peace Lutheran Church, Hutchison,

Minnesota

Missouri DistrictAnderson, Mark - Lutheran Senior Services, Webster

Groves, MissouriAthey, James - Lutheran Senior Services, Webster Groves,

MissouriFittje, Kyle - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lockwood,

MissouriHemler, Jonathan - Lutheran Senior Services, Webster

Groves, MissouriHile, John - Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Overland,

MissouriHopkins, Theodore - Immanuel Lutheran Church,

Washington, MissouriKaelberer, Erich - Our Savior Lutheran Church,

St. Charles, MissouriMatz, Brett - Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church,

Bridgeton, MissouriMizel, Christopher - Trinity Lutheran Church, Troy,

MissouriOndracka, William - Immanuel Lutheran Church,

St. Charles, MissouriSchmidt, Erik - Salem Lutheran Church, Affton, Missouri

Schwan, Kyle - Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, Florissant, Missouri

Wagner, Aaron - Zion Lutheran Church, Palmyra, Missouri

Nebraska DistrictBoggs, Chad - Zion and Grace Lutheran Churches,

Crookston and Merriman, NebraskaBur, Peter (EIIT) - Sudanese Evangelical In Mission,

Omaha, NebraskaFeldmann, Michael - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,

Gretna, NebraskaFicken, David - 1C, Mission, Columbus, NebraskaLeigeber, Joshua - Trinity Lutheran Church, Grand Island,

NebraskaMakelin, Terry - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chambers,

NebraskaScherbarth, Chet - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Osmond,

Nebraska

New England DistrictHutchison, Eric - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, New

Hartford, ConnecticutSahlberg, Eric - Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Acton,

Massachusetts

North Dakota DistrictJones, Richard - Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot,

North Dakota

North Wisconsin DistrictRipke, Jonathan - Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Green Bay,

WisconsinTessone, Andrew - Bethany Lutheran Church, Kaukauna,

Wisconsin

Northern Illinois DistrictAlbers, Grayson - Christ the Rock Lutheran

Church, Rockford, IllinoisDeArmond, Zachary - St. James Lutheran Church,

Chicago, IllinoisGrannis, Michael - St. John’s/Winnebago Mission,

Pecatonica/Winnebago, IllinoisPeterson, Matthew - St. Peter Lutheran Church,

Schaumburg, Illinois

Northwest DistrictMantey, Matthew - Resurrection Lutheran

Church, Des Moines, WashingtonNeider, Shawn - Our Savior Lutheran

Church/CROSSings Ministries, Tonasket, Washington

Richard, Donald - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sherwood, Oregon

Steckel, Michael - Faith Lutheran Church, Juneau,Alaska

Oklahoma DistrctAntor, Donald - Redeemer Lutheran Church,

Bartlesville, OklahomaEldridge, Christopher - Holy Trinity Lutheran

Church, Edmond, OklahomaSeminarian Peter Bur, second from left, a student in the EthnicImmigrant Institute of Theology, received a vicarage assignment toSudanese Evangelical In Mission, Omaha, Nebraska. Pictured withhim is his wife, Marka Guch, and two members of his congregation,Kuang Machar and Tor Minyjiuk, far right.

23www.csl.edu

Pacific Southwest DistrictHagerman, Nicholas - Apostles Lutheran Church,

Peoria, ArizonaRooney, Patrick – Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran

Church, Gilbert, ArizonaRuiz, Francisco (CHS) - Light of Life Lutheran

Church, Indio, California

Rocky Mountain DistrictBell, Justin - Peace Lutheran Church, Arvada,

ColoradoMatyas, Dennis - Bethlehem Lutheran Church,

Lakewood, Colorado

SELC DistrictSeifert, Joseph - St. Luke’s Lutheran Church,

Oviedo, Florida

South Wisconsin DistrictNeider, Erik - Grace Lutheran Church, Menomonee

Falls, Wisconsin

Southeastern DistrictDovenmuehle, Robert - Holy Trinity Lutheran

Church, Statesville, North CarolinaKeinath, Joshua - Redeemer Lutheran Church,

Fredericksburg, VirginiaKorte, Seth - First Lutheran Church, Huntingtown,

MarylandMullen, Nicholas - Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Clayton,

North CarolinaWood, Matthew - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,

Roanoke, Virginia

Southern DistrictBoldt, Louis - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hammond,

LouisianaErrer, Joshua - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bossier City,

LouisianaMeissner, Duane - Trinity Lutheran Church, Baton Rouge,

Louisiana

Southern Illinois DistrictBeltz, Samuel - Zion Lutheran Church, Staunton, IllinoisEvans, Derek - Signal Hill Lutheran Church, Belleville,

IllinoisHayes, Joshua - Our Savior Lutheran Church, Carbondale,

IllinoisKootz, Dennis - Emmaus Lutheran Church, Dorsey, IllinoisNies, Jared - Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield, Illinois

Texas DistrictEscher, Christopher - St. Paul Lutheran Church, McAllen,

TexasMcCoy, Sean - Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, Sugar

Land, TexasNieves, Albert Yamil (CHS) - LINC - Houston, Houston,

TexasRodríguez, Nelson (CHS) - LINC - Houston, Houston, TexasStinette, Eric - Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cisco, TexasWood, Mark - Crown of Life Lutheran Church, Colleyville,

Texas

Assignment PendingRitter, Timothy

Deaconess Internship Assignments

Mid-South DistrictSuelze, Mary - Christ Lutheran Church, Little Rock,

Arkansas

Missouri DistrictHirsch, Juliana - Lutheran Senior Services, Webster

Groves, Missouri (summer)Meggers, Kristina - Salem Lutheran Church, Affton,

Missouri

South Wisconsin DistrictGibson, Dawn - A Place of Refuge Ministries, Milwaukee,

Wisconsin

Texas DistrictCasillas, Marisela (CHS) - LINC - Texas, Houston, TexasForseth, Ashley - LINC-North Texas, Dallas, TexasGaytan, Lorena Senaida (CHS) - LINC - Texas, Houston,

TexasGil de Rodríguez, Perla (CHS) - LINC - Texas, Houston,

Texas

Assignments PendingHirsch, JulianaWillman, Katie

CHS: Center for Hispanic StudiesEIIT: Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology

Zachary DeArmond shares excitement of his vicarage assignmentto St. James Lutheran Church, Chicago, with his parents, Heidiand Mitchell DeArmond.

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Copyright © 2009Concordia SeminarySt. Louis, Missouri

All rights reserved.No part of this publicationmay be reproducedwithout the prior writtenpermission of ConcordiaSeminary.

PublisherRev. Dr. Paul Devantier

Editor in ChiefLois M. Engfehr

Graphic ArtistJayna Rollings

Assistant EditorEmily Boedecker

ProofreaderNathan Misch

PhotographersEmily Boedecker

Ed KlixNancy OlsonHarold Rau

Logan Scheiwe

FOCUS Summer 2009 Vol. 26, No. 4

The Mission of Concordia Seminary

• Coming Events •July 27-29 . . . . . . . . . . “Faith and Creative

Writing” Workshop

August 3-5 . . . . . . . . . .“Teaching the Faith”

Workshop

August 22 . . . . . . . . . . Summer Lay Bible

Institute

September 6 . . . . . . . . Opening Service

September 21. . . . . . . .Day of Exegetical

Reflection

September 22-23. . . . . Theological Symposium

October 3-6 . . . . . . . . .LutherHostel

October 7, 14, 21, 28 . .Lay Bible Institute

FOCUSFOCUS