Seminaries welcome new students as 2014-2015 school year begins

President Thomas Winger preaches at CLTS’ opening worship service of a new school year.

CANADA – September marked the beginning of a new school year for both of Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) seminaries. The seminaries’ shared theme for this academic year comes from the writings of St. Paul: “Train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).

Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) was first to hold its opening service, doing so during regular chapel on September 2. CLS President James Gimbel preached at the event, which marked the beginning of the 31^st academic year at CLS. Among the guests were members of the Stony Plain Circuit, who were meeting together that day at the seminary. Students received their fieldwork placements during the service.

New students in the Master of Divinity program at CLS.

The new school year sees CLS welcome six new students pursuing the Master of Divinity degree. This number includes LCC’s missionary in Ukraine—Rev. Alexey Navrotksyy—who will be attending CLS over the next two years to increase his theological education. The seminary also has seven students taking part in its online Greek class, plus a number of others studying different subjects through CLS’ open studies program.

On September 7, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario held its opening service. The event, which marks the 39^th academic year at CLTS, was held in the seminary’s chapel. CLTS President Thomas Winger preached for the event. During the service, various awards were bestowed on students for academic excellence. The seminary also presented this year’s Emeritus Crucis (Veteran of the Cross) award during the event. Sadly, this year’s recipient Rev. Milford (Mel) Murray was called to his eternal home before the service could be held. His widow Lorna accepted the reward on his behalf and his son Paul brought greetings to the worshippers.

CLTS counts four new students pursuing pastoral ministry. One of these is a student in LCC’s Pastors with Alternate Training program, finishing off a final year of studies in a residential setting at CLTS. CLTS also has new students entering its Master of Theological Studies program.

In the lead-up to the new school year, both seminaries held special events. CLS held a faculty-student retreat August 28-29 at Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert. Over the same days, CLTS hosted a Student-Faculty Retreat at Mount Carmel Spiritual Retreat Centre in Niagara Falls. CLTS’ event featured Rev. Dr. John Kleinig as guest speaker, presenting on the topic of The Spiritual Disciplines. Recordings of his lectures are now available at CLTS’ website.

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