The worshippers gathered in the seminary chapel to inaugurate the 47th academic year lifted the roof with their singing. What a joy it was to have a large and festive gathering again. Organist and pre-seminary student Andrew Hayes, together with MTS student Dr Eduardo Farias on trumpet, supported the singing, while fourth-year seminarian Nigel Prozenko led the service of Evening Prayer. Pastor Jack Hetzel, a 1989 CLTS graduate and old friend of our new faculty member Dr James Kellerman, delivered a fine homily on the seminary’s annual theme verse: “Benedictus: He has visited and redeemed His people” (Lk. 1:68).
The Opening Service is first and foremost an opportunity for hearing God’s Word and responding in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. The seminary forges pastors for the church in the crucible of regular daily worship, which frames and supports the academic work and practical formation. A good pastor is first a child of God.
But the service, held on Sunday, 11 September 2022, was also joyful for the installation of new Associate Professor of Theology, Dr James Kellerman. As he was placed into office by East Regional Pastor Marvin Bublitz, he was flanked by the other seminary faculty and a dozen pastors.
The seminary president, Dr Thomas Winger, also had the privilege of conferring the Emeritus crucis award on former East District President Rev. Allen Maleske. In responding to the award, Pastor Maleske captured the congregation’s attention with tales from his early years of ministry in London, Ontario, and greatly encouraged the seminary students with his witness to God’s faithfulness.
Please pray for the students as they begin their studies, for the seminary faculty that they may be faithful in their calling, for the dedicated staff who support them, and for God to raise up benefactors for our seminary whose gifts will ensure that this important work continues. If you wish to make an offering, see the options available on our website.
A recording of the service is available on our YouTube channel. More photos are here.
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary 