The Seminary Guild’s biannual meeting on Saturday 27 April, held in beautiful spring sunshine, gathered around one hundred participants to decide on matters of the Guild and to find refreshment in God’s Word, music and the company of friends.
The Guild approved several projects for the coming year, such as purchase of a dishwasher for the student kitchen, portable communion sets for graduating students, and installing a hardwood floor for the Student Lounge.
Grateful for her service, the Guild saw the long-serving president Judy Zastrow retire from her position. Mrs. Zastrow was first elected as the president in 1991 and served until 2001, but was then elected again in 2005 – totaling 24 years in service! A new president will be elected in the Harvest Day meeting, 19 October.
As the guild and the seminary community gathered together for worship and prayer, they were led in the liturgy by the seminarian Chad Miller. The president of the student body, Matthew Fenn preached on the sending of the disciples as recorded in John 20. The service was accompanied by the seminary choir, led by Mrs. Elisabeth Murto.
This year’s special ‘guest’ was actually seminarian Paulo Winterle, a professional violinist who, assisted by Andrew Hayes (a prospective student) with the piano, served the guild by performing a short concert. Following some classical pieces, the seminary community was led to sing the hymn composed by Mr Winterle, “My Lord you Bestowed Me”. This hymn, originally in Portuguese, won the Reformation 500 years hymn competition in Brazilian Lutheran Church in 2017.
Coming from Brazil, Paulo moved to St Catharines two years ago with his wife Flavia and their son Lucas. Paulo studies in the Master of Theological Studies programme, and is looking forward to finishing his degree this autumn.
Once again, the seminary community is happy to express their thanks for the support and service of the Guild!
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary 