Opening Service Celebrates New Beginnings

Under the theme of Behold I am making all things new from Revelation 5:21, Dr. Thomas Winger opened the 50^th academic year of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary.  In his sermon, he said,

We’re not so much looking backwards as forwards—toward a new student residence that will strengthen communal bonds and make it easier for students to begin their new life. We’ve earned the right to grant degrees in our own name and had our very first graduation ceremony last spring.  Five new students have enrolled and we’re gathered here to bless a new academic year with God’s Word and prayer.

This year, CLTS’s enrollment grew to 25 including new students from Ghana, Australia, the United States, Sudan, and Haiti.  The seminary continues to be a focal point of theological education to the Lutheran Church around the world.  At the same time, many of these students end up serving in Lutheran Church-Canada congregations where they faithfully proclaim the gospel.

 A high point of the opening service was the presentation of the Emeritus Crucis award to Rev. James Schuelke, a retired LCC pastor living in Calgary, Alberta, who was nominated by the West Region.  It is given on behalf of the regions of LCC to a pastor who has served for more than 30 years. Since his ordination in 1967 Pastor Schuelke has served congregations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.  In his acceptance speech, Pastor Schuelke thanked God for His many blessings and encouraged students to be humble servants of God’s people.