Seminaries present honorary awards

Roland Naujoks, CLTS’ Delta Chi recipient, with LCC President Timothy Teuscher.

CANADA – At the end of May, Lutheran Church–Canada’s two seminaries held their convocation and call services. In addition to presenting first calls to graduating pastoral students and announcing vicarage and diaconal internship placements, both seminaries presented honorary awards to members of the wider church.

During its Call Service on May 25, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS – St. Catharines, Ontario) presented its Delta Chi (Servant of Christ) medal to Roland Naujoks. At 81 years of age, Naujoks has had long service to the Canadian church in a variety of roles, including as chair of the Board of Regents of CLTS; as chair of Lutheran Foundation Canada; on multiple committees at the district and synodical level; as co-chair of two district conventions; as a zone president with the Lutheran Laymen’s League; and in multiple roles on the congregational level, among various other service.

Rev. James Heinbuch (right) receives CLS’ Doulos dia Iesoun award.

Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS – Edmonton) presented three awards during its Sacred Convocation service on May 24. Rev. James Heinbuch was awarded the Doulos dia Iesoun award. Rev. Heinbuch—a former recipient of CLS’ “Friend of the Seminary” award—has served the seminary in many ways over the year. He loaned his personal library to CLS when it was first beginning; has served as an adjunct faculty member; and began serving as Interim Director of Library in 2019. Outside the seminary, he has served as the ABC District Secretary; as a circuit counselor for Parish and School Services; as a zone counsellor for the LWMLC; and on the board of regents of CLTS in St. Catharines.

Rev. James and Nancy Fritsche, recipients of CLS’ Friend of the Seminary award.

CLS presented the “Friend of the Seminary” award to Rev. James and Nancy Fritsche. Nancy has played an instrumental role in providing refreshments for receptions, opening services, Quest courses, and Sacred Convocations. She is an active member of the Seminary Guild, and regularly encourages faculty and staff with notes, cards, and more. She also played a major role in helping the families of Dr. Sam and Dr. Vieira relocate to Edmonton. Rev. Fritsche, who recently celebrated his 50th ordination anniversary, has worked with numerous CLS students as a Field Education supervisor; has used his woodworking skills to repair seminary furnishings; and has assisted the seminary as adjunct faculty in teaching Worship I.

Dr. James Gimbel presents CLS’ Faith in Life award to Barb Schmidt.

The final award presented by CLS was the Faith in Life award, which was given to Barb Schmidt. Schmidt has served as Administrative Director at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Chilliwack, B.C.) since 1992. Though past retirement age, she continues to serve unwaveringly, readily responding to urgent calls at all hours—whether addressing a building issue or supporting congregation members in crisis. Her loving presence offers comfort to those going through illness, loss, and other hardships, always pointing them to Christ’s cross. Schmidt is also the long-time leader of the church’s local missions team, often delivering food and clothing to Chilliwack’s youth shelter, and spearheads various outreach events. Even in crisis situations—like flooding in 2021 that impacted the church building and a third floor in 2023 resulting from a re-roofing problem—Schmidt has been on the front lines, helping to preserve the church.

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