Finale

Safe Arrival -- Thanks to the Lord

Our sincere thanks to all those who are in support of the Sem Ride. Will be together with Aaron tomorrow and get some PR shots when this "untouchable" is a little more presentable. 

Better Late than Never

Auburn to Auburn

Rail crossing at Auburn, Indiana. According to the GPS, 17 miles to go before reaching Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

Mostly my view of Indiana

For the Life of the World

For the Life of the World is published by Concordia Theological Seminary and speaks eloquently to the issues of the day from a confessional, Lutheran perspective.  Copies are available at Grace as an excellent resource to keep you updated on the training of pastors, missionaries and deaconesses as they prepare to spread the good news of the Gospel to all corners of the earth.  Current and back issues are also available online.

Sacred Music at the Sem

The Seminary Kantorei is a sixteen-voice choir of students studying for the Office of the Holy Ministry at CTS. The Kantorei, founded and directed by the Rev. Kantor Richard C. Resch, has toured annually throughout the United States and parts of Canada during Epiphany and Eastertide. The Kantorei has traditionally sung for the annual Confessions Symposia, Call Services, and at all significant occasions during the year.  Pastor Reed was a member of the Kantorei for three years from 1979-1983. Hear a sample of the music of the Kantorei here: "E'en so, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come."
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Making Friends

Jesse Graber and Zuni. He has eight kids; farm is a large watermelon field. 20 minutes conversation by the side of the road--priceless.

Everybody has their own kind of transportation

Interpretive Service

The seminary hosts the Church Interpreter Training Institute.  Here a student of the institute "signs" during a chapel service at Concordia.  The institute focuses on biblical studies, American Sign Language instruction, religious vocabulary, understanding worship and liturgy, deaf culture, religious hymnody, etc.

Most Thrillings Days of the Year

Seminarians wait years and anticipate months ahead for two of the most exciting days of their lives.  Vicarage placement occurs near the end of a student's second year of theological study.  At that time men learn where in the church they will spend a year of vicarage (internship) somewhere in the synod.  After the vicarage year men return for a final year of study.  Then, best of all, is the night on which men receive their first Call into the ministry.  The Call Service gathers families and the seminary community.  No one knows where the Lord will send them.  It might be to Arizona, New Jersey, Michigan, Latin America or another foreign field.  But wherever God calls them, the joy of that first Call is something dearly held forever.  The picture above of men going to eastern Iowa meeting with their district president.  Deaconess Candidates also rejoice at their Call services.  In May of 2015, Aaron will receive his vicarage assignment and Diana will also be eligible for graduate deaconess service.

So far, so good

Johnson's Porch

Pastor Dan Johnson and his wife Nancy were gracious to host me last night. He is the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hillsdale. Evening conversation on the porch last night. 

At the CTS Chapel Steps

Pastor Reed, LCMS President Matthew Harrison, and Missionary Pastor David Erber pose for a picture at CTS.