Gathering for Guild Day 2026

Augustine Aylin, a second-year pastoral student, couldn’t have been more clear in his sermon to the St. Catharines Concordia Lutheran Seminary Guild supporters gathered in Martin Luther Chapel on Guild Day: The support the Seminary Guild provides us, makes it possible for men to be trained up for the ministry of the Word where it would otherwise be impossible. Thus, the good work you are doing directly contributes to the Christian church continuing to be fed with the Word of God.

The Guild gathered at the Seminary to celebrate just this on Guild Day 2026. Over ninety people – members, supporters, students, faculty and staff – were at the Seminary on Saturday, April 11, to participate in the day’s events. The crowd congregated from 23 churches, showing the breadth of support for the Seminary Guild across Ontario, New York State, and even Alberta!

Two projects were approved at the day’s business meeting: (1) Up to $3,000 to purchase up to three TV monitors to replace the current chalkboards and modernize the classrooms; and (2) Up to $3,500 to support students’ participation in the Seminary’s 50th Anniversary celebration conference and a special Harvest Day presenter in October 2026.

Following the business meeting and worship service, Pastor Denton White, from Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls, NY, enlightened and delighted the crowd whilst recounting his conversion from the Calvinist tradition to the Lutheran Church. A tasty schnitzel lunch and time for fellowship capped off the day.

The Seminary Guild warmly invites everyone to join them for Harvest Day on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to connect with Seminary staff, students, and fellow supporters and celebrate the Seminary’s 50th anniversary.

The Seminary Guild plays a vital role in supporting the Seminary and its students through various initiatives. These include maintaining a food pantry and providing annual gifts to assist Master of Divinity (M.Div.) students as they prepare for the Office of the Holy Ministry. For an annual $10 membership, you can become a Guild member and contribute to these initiatives and more.

For further information about the Guild’s work or to learn more about attending Harvest Day, please visit https://concordia-seminary.ca/support/guild/, email guildpresident@concordia-seminary.ca, or contact the Seminary at (905) 688-2362 extension 21.