After a five-year hiatus, the Vicars’ Dinner was back in full swing last Friday night (26 April). When lockdowns made it impossible, the LWMLC leaders worked with the seminary to create an online event to support and inform the students getting ready for their vicarage. This was followed by a luncheon at the seminary in 2022; and in 2023 there were no vicars going out. But this year we were pleased to reboot the dinner, hosted by Christ Lutheran Church, St. Catharines. The 27 guests received a splendid meal of Indian food, rich desserts, greetings from church leaders, and an informative look into the workings of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League given by President Linda Long.
Vicarage is a very important step in a seminary student’s formation towards the pastoral ministry—the opportunity to spend a whole year working in a congregation to put their theological education into practice. The annual vicars’ dinner opens the door a crack to see what they’re getting into. It’s one of those occasions when the students realise just how much love and support the church offers them as they prepare for their high calling.
CLTS is sending out three vicars in the coming year: Albert Ho (from Calgary); Vijay Samuel (from India) with his wife Shamona and daughter Abigail; and Aaron Parkhurst (from Silver Creek, NY), with his wife Kristen and children Samantha, Brooklyn, and Charlotte. Albert will return to seminary for his final year of studies after vicarage. Vijay and Aaron have completed their classroom work and will be available for pastoral placement at the end of vicarage.
Stay tuned for news of their placements at the Call Service on Saturday, 25 May.
The new vicars and their families are deeply thankful to the LWMLC for this splendid send off!
More photos of the dinner are available here.
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary 