The traditional Harvest Day gathering, held on Saturday the 17th of October, saw more than 90 members of the Seminary Guild come together to conduct business and meet members of the student body and faculty for a day marked with fellowship, support and shared joy in the gifts of God.
In its business meeting, the Guild expressed their special gratitude to Kay Tiffney, the retiring editor of the Guild Newsletter, and Liz Mellecke, relinquishing her position as the membership chairman. Sara Winger has taken over the job of newsletter editor, while the still vacant office of the membership chairman will be filled later.
The service of Matins, conducted by seminarians Matthew Fenn (liturgist) and Kirk Radford (preaching), centred on the ever-relevant topic of gratitude. Expounding on the pericope of the ten lepers, Kirk Radford noted how the Samaritan who returned to give thanks was, by Jewish law, forbidden to enter the temple with the other nine. “He therefore returns to Christ who is the True Temple and our true High Priest”, Kirk underlined.
Following a choral performance of the Lutheran Chamber Singers led by Heidi Gallas, the members of the student body – grateful for the ongoing tradition of congregations showing their support by adopting seminary students – introduced themselves and their families to the guild. Proving true Dr. Winger’s remark in his opening words, the Harvest Day was a blessed day where the seminary staff and students were given a chance to experience first-hand the encouragement and support the Church shows to those preparing to serve her in the work of the ministry.
More photos of the event and information about the Seminary Guild can be found on CLTS’s website. Inquiries about adopting students can be sent to Linda Lantz (concordia@brocku.ca) or Esko Murto (emurto@brocku.ca).
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary 