Greetings from Concordia Theological Seminary

Pastor Reed following his 250 mile Sem Ride with our seminary student Aaron Yaeger -- and another picture with Diana, their little one Simon Peter, and with Pastor Mark Sheafer, Seminary Director of Financial Aid. 

Our Generous Donors

We cannot here give sufficient thanks for the great generosity of the following, but please know your prayers, gifts, and encouragement are deeply appreciated and humbly acknowledged.

Donors to Sem Ride 2014 and support for our seminarian: 

Don and Karin Rauschenberger, Margaret Barber, Dan and Lynn Houghteling, Jim Prahl, Iris Dominoski, Jan Reisig, Ralph and Janice Fogg, Art and Elaine Prahl, Cliff and Jan Vennix, Sharon and Dale Pickelman, Phil and Annette Frank, Gordy and Fay Schroeder, Don and Darlene Pfannes, Dewey and Lynn Schmidt, Larry and Marie Klamer, Lee and Nancy Taglauer, Les and Shirley Gray, Vi Koehler, Tammy and Charles Hyatt, Rosie Taglauer, Nick and Cari Tomczyk, Gary and Jean Peters, Gary and Deb Pyle, Ernie and Karla Weiss, Rose McNally, John and Diane Dodt, Robin and Linda Bebeau, Paul and Linda Varner, Kim and Betty Herbolsheimer, Jim and Gloria Kundinger, Dan and Linda Koehler, Rosemary Bush, Steve and Deb VanTol, Roger and Gerianne Schmidt, Don and Peggy Behmlander, Cherye Krueger, Gordon and Marge Marner, Elmer and Irene Taglauer, Tom and Ruth Wegener, John and Pam Whalen, Allison and Matt Wolf, Beth Rufner, Geoff Pascoe, Pastor and Sue Reed, and Ruth Schlecht.  Also, Ladies of Grace.  Some others have chosen to remain anonymous.

If your name has been inadvertently omitted, please let us know.

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.

From All Over the World to Reach the World

Loved ones and friends with William Boateng, a Concordia Theological Seminary student from Accra, Ghana, West Africa, upon his receipt of his M.Div (Master of Divinity) degree.

Village of Homer

The best thing about a trip like this is the people you meet like Jimmy and LuAnne. 

"Church Growth"

 

Fast Freddy

A few minutes to talk with Jack and his friend fast Freddy. Jack owns Massive Mineral Mix, and Freddy minds the store.

Walther Library

The newly expanded Walther Library holds a collection of more than 150,000 items includes works in all the disciplines of theology and other fields of knowledge.  The Walther Library also provides web-based access to its collection to pastors and scholars world-wide.

The library is named after C. F. W. Walther, Pastor, Professor, Theologian, Publisher, and the first President of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. He is the father of the Missouri Synod's strong commitment to excellence in scholarship.   The sem library is truly a gateway to the knowledge and wisdom of the Church.

Wolf HIGHWAY ???

Cups and Houghtens

More than a cup of cold water.

Deaconess Jean McCain, a Concordia Seminary Graduate

On May 20, 2011, Jean McCain received her Master of Arts degree in the Deaconess Program from Concordia Theological Seminary.  There are not many people who, after a long career as a Lutheran educator, return to earn a Masters Degree at age 75.  But now for three years, Jean has lovingly served Grace with the compassion and care illustrative of women faithfully serving God's people as deaconesses across the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.  Here is Jean at CTS with her son, Philip and granddaughter, Jennifer.  She has another son, Pastor Paul McCain, who is also a CTS graduate. 

Learn more about deaconesses: 

http://media.ctsfw.edu.s3.amazonaws.com/promotions/Duke-WM.mp4

 

Somewhere

Great Help

Paula found a tiny wire in the tire, and Dirk checked out a new tube, so I'm on my way--with many thanks to them. They've been in business here since 1969, and couldn't have been more helpful. Anybody that wants a new bike or service in Lansing, these folks are the people with whom to do business.

Waiting for Eric's bike shop to Open

Deja Vu

Long story ...............

Owen and Cooper

Hosted handsomely with their family in Lansing. We knew their dad when he was Owen's age. 

Dan Dockery is Studying for Pastoral Ministry

One week ago today, on August 19th, while attending a district board meeting in Traverse City, Pastor Reed had the pleasure of a chance meeting for the first time with Dan Dockery whom many will remember.  Dan served Grace, Auburn, as a teacher and principal from 1971—1982.  Dan has long served in educational and ministry support roles, but has recently enrolled in the Specific Ministry Pastor program at the seminary, a 4-year distance education program that prepares men for pastoral ministry in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Dan is working with Pastor Robert Zagore locally and undertaking both distance and on-site coursework which, when completed, makes candidates eligible for ordination, thereafter to serve as pastors in “specific ministry” contexts.  Here is a future way in which the seminary serves as an arm of the church in preparing servants for ministry vocations.

Dan has sent is warmest greetings to all the Christian friends at Grace.

Distinguished Professors

Dr. William C. Weinrich, professor of Early Church History and Patristic Studies joined the seminary faculty in 1975.  He teaches History and New Testament and is here leading a class on the Gospels.  From 2007-2010, Dr. Weinrich served as Rector of the Luther Academy in Riga, Latvia and has been a vice-president of the LCMS.  This is the caliber of those we are blessed to have teaching our future pastors.

The Yaegers

May 21, 2013, First Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA.  Aaron Yaeger and Diana Pascoe

God's People Support Seminarians

Count yourself among the thousands of faithful Lutherans who, with their prayers, encouragement, and financial support help prepare men for the ministry.  The church needs faithful pastors, and right now you can help add to the funds by which we intend to assist Aaron Yaeger meet that need.

Low Blood Sugar Remedy

LUTHER SAYS ...... !!!

Cory

Good guy. Good conversation, Cory is a Christian, making good decisions--his life moving in The right direction. We agreed we need to return to times when people talked, cared about each other, and family and neighbors are really valued.

Speed. -- NOT

The Sem

Forming servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all.
Providing graduate level theological education and continuing study which is Christ-centered and Biblically based, confessionally Lutheran, and evangelically active.

Lake Ovid

Country roads aiming toward East Lansing. Heat index is pretty much up there. Shade is a welcome commodity. 

Ridge Road, Gratiot Co.

Away for Day Two

Many thanks to Pastor Tim Behnke and his family, especially Noah (for loaning me his bedroom) for the great hospitality and conversation. Pastor Behnke is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Marion Springs.

Christ Academy College - Phoebe Academy

Concordia Theological Seminary excels at Pastoral and Diaconal formation.  Each year, the Sem hosts Christ Academy—and Phoebe Academy which affords opportunity for young men and women to experience for themselves what Concordia Theological Seminary has to offer.  Aaron has assisted in the past during these academies as potential future students become a part of the seminary community and seminary life.  They get to sit in on classes, get to know professors, and worship with the seminary community.

Nice Ride into Marion Springs

Blown!

Came up with a blown rear tire just east of Merrill. Thankful for a spare tube. Pray I won't need another for a while until I can find a bike shop.

St. Peter's Lutheran

Nice to meet the Swanson's, Chad and Brooke. They go to St. Peter's in Hemlock, and what a coincidence -- Chad works with Debbie Garcia, so right away he knew Ray and Deb. 

Concordia Compact

Years ago Grace established the Concordia Compact, a vehicle to acknowledge and support young people considering and pursuing ministry vocations either as Lutheran pastors, teachers, deaconesses, or other professional parish workers.  Grace also established separately the Grace Endowment as an avenue by which donors may fund a legacy of support for the ministry of Grace, Auburn.  Dale and Sharon Pickelman are one wonderful example of those who have utilized the Grace Endowment to give enduring support to those pursuing ministry vocations.  Such are the gifts of which Revelation speaks, "Blessed indeed .... for their works follow them." (Rev. 14:13)

St. Mark Lutheran, Shields

Shared a few words of greeting with the folks at St. Mark's. Here's a picture of them with Pastor Ed Meyer. One of their members said they were looking for a seminary student to support. Others knew Aaron's parents, Bob and Teresa.

Kramer Chapel

One building stands above all others at Concordia Theological Seminary.  Kramer Chapel rises over one hundred feet above the Upper Plaza, the spiritual center of the campus. Theological formation begins in the chapel and is centered there.  Every weekday the seminary community gathers in the chapel to receive the gifts of life and salvation, pray, sing and make music to the Lord.  It is in the chapel that seminarians grow as children of God and where they, as future pastors, learn through worship, liturgy, song, and preaching.   Pastoral formation continues always through Word and Sacrament, and through ongoing presence at daily Matins, Morning Prayer, Vespers and Compline.

Pastoral Call

With Steve in the hospital-- stopped early for a call on Betty Lindstrom. Keep Steve in your prayers this week.

See Ya!

Concordia Theological Seminary

Sunday Greeting to Aaron and Diana

Vanguard Support

Jim Prahl was the very first with support!  And every dollar from Jimmy comes with ten times as much love!  Jimmie has set us an example.  It's not so much the funding.  It's the HEART!  And he's done both.  Thanks for leading the way, Jim!

Thanks also for vanguard support from Iris Dominoski, Jan Reisig, Ralph and Janice Fogg, Art and Elaine Prahl, and Cliff and Jan Vennix.  Before the first mile was ridden they were on board with support.

Seminarist Aaron Yaeger and Deaconess Candidate Diana Yaeger

Aaron is in his second year at Concordia Theo.Seminary, Fort Wayne.  A member of Grace and a graduate of Grove City College, he is pursuing coursework leading to a divinity degree and parish ministry. During last year he and his wife Diana lived in Baltimore where she completed a deaconess internship.  Coursework for both Aaron and Diana began again this summer.  They are also parents of a son, Simon Peter, who was baptized Easter Sunday.

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne

Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS), Fort Wayne, is our seminary.  Along with Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, our church body, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod is dedicated to teaching the Word of God faithfully and bringing the life-giving message of Jesus Christ to the world.  For 168 years CTS has  been preparing men for the holy ministry, and more recently in preparing women to serve as deaconesses.

The venture of a Sem Ride 2014 is for the purpose of encouraging support for one of those men from our home congregation, Aaron Yaeger.    Learn more about Concordia Theological Seminary at www.ctsfw.edu