New academic year begins for LCC seminaries

Special services marked the opening of the academic year for Lutheran Church–Canada’s seminaries in early September.

Rev. Daryl Solie preaching at CLS opening service

In Edmonton on Saturday, September 10, Concordia Lutheran Church in the city’s Millwoods area hosted Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) as the institution began its 27th year and celebrated Founder’s Day. Almost 100 people gathered for worship and to hear about the new students and new programs.

CLS president, Rev. Dr. Manfred Zeuch officiated at the communion service assisted by seminary professors Dr. Stephen Chambers and Jonathan Kraemer. Rev. Daryl Solie, (Prince of Peace, Regina) first graduate of CLS, preached on this year’s theme from Matthew 9:38, “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.” The CLS Guild president, Patrick Moore, presented two new MDiv students, Aaron Astley and Eric Moffett, with welcoming presents.

The next day, Sunday, September 11 saw the Martin Luther chapel at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario, filled with the sound of children as students and their families gathered with faculty, staff, regents, and visitors for the opening service of the 36th academic year.

CLTS Acting-president Thomas Winger addresses the congregation

As part of the opening service, CLTS recognized academic achievement from the previous year. Four students with the highest averages in second and fourth year received the Kramer Honours Endowment: John Nieminen, Paul Preus, Daniel Bonato, and Greg Palmer. On behalf of Zondervan publishing company students with top marks in pre-seminary Greek and Hebrew, John Nieminen and James Preus, received an award.

Each year the seminary presents its Emeritus Crucis (Veteran of the Cross) award on behalf of an LCC district to a parish pastor with at least 30 years of experience who can be commended to students as a model of Christ-like faithfulness and servanthood. The Central District this year nominated Pastor Karl Koslowsky of Winnipeg. Although he was unable to make the trip, his old friend Rev. Dr. Roger Winger spoke of his pastoral career fondly and with deep respect.

Throughout the year both seminaries schedule events of interest to the church-at-large as they continue serving Lutheran Church–Canada by preparing pastors.

Compiled from reports by Rev. Daniel Deyell (CLS) and Rev. Dr. Thomas Winger (CLTS)

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