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MARCH 2023 E.PISTLE

Commemorative Edition of the Epistle Magazine Coming in May!
We are documenting the seminary's historic move with a commemorative edition of the Epistle magazine that honors our time in the seminary's building at 1100 East 55th Street.

Instead of receiving the Winter/Spring Epistle, please be on the lookout for a commemorative edition of the magazine in June 2023. Through the stories of staff, faculty, students, and alumni, this special magazine will highlight the seminary's past and present while looking forward to what is next for LSTC.

If you have any reflections, stories, or pictures you want us to consider for inclusion in this publication, please email marcomm@lstc.edu with the subject line: Commemorative Edition.

Visit the seminary's relocation website to stay current with news regarding our sale and move.

LSTC STORIES

Distance Learning and Scholarship Support Transforms Student Trenton Ormsbee-Hale's Future
MDiv student Trenton Ormsbee-Hale remembers clearly when he got into seminary the first time around before he joined the Lutheran church and before he knew anything about LSTC. He had applied widely, with much success. "I remember just getting the first acceptance and tearing up and crying at the mailbox," he says. "I thought, 'This is something possible." Read more

The Art of Transformation: A Reflection from Student Liz Kuster, Horizon Intern in Bratislava, Slovakia
Emma stood at the front of the room and invited the class to collect a sheet of the colorful paper I had brought at her request. Students, bantering in Slovak, debated over colors and finally returned to their seats so Emma could begin leading us in our devotion that morning: making origami butterflies. Read more

FOR MORE LSTC STORIES VISIT: LSTC.edu/STORIES

NEWS

LSTC Remembers Dr. Mark Bangert
Dr. Mark Bangert, John H. Tietjen Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Ministry: Worship and Church Music at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), died February 12, 2023, at 84 years old. He was a beloved professor, choral and artistic director, and worship leader. Read more

Increased Devotion/Part Two: Reflection on Race and Religion from the Place of Gettysburg
Dr. Linda Thomas, LSTC professor and director of the Pero Center for Intersectionality Studies, is closing out Black History month on her blog, We Talk. We Listen., with an article focusing on the historical-political and racial-political implications of the “most famous battleground of the US Civil War—Gettysburg.” Read here

Manz Organ Farewell Music Festival & Chapel Service
Join us for a leave-taking ceremony and a final celebration of the Ruth & Paul Manz Organ Thursday, May 11, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Register here

LSTC Announces New Leadership Development Initiative
The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago is pleased to announce the Leadership Development Initiative (LDI), a new opportunity for the institution to provide theologically based leadership training for LSTC students, alumni, nonprofit leaders, and community partners. Read more

Commencement Announcement
We are excited to announce the 2023 commencement exercise and baccalaureate service dates. Read more

FOR MORE LSTC NEWS VISIT: LSTC.edu/NEWS

EVENTS

MANZ ORGAN RECITAL SERIES
Tuesday, March 7 at 12:15 p.m.
The Manz Organ Recital Series continues this March with Charlie Sega, the organist at Atonement Episcopal Church. Register here to join us in person or watch the event later on LSTC's Youtube channel.

Join Us for Seminary Sampler
March 4-6, with options for March 7
This year, Seminary Sampler will be held in person from March 4-6, with additional options for March 7. During Seminary Sampler, prospective students will meet faculty, staff, and students, discuss options for housing and financial aid, have the opportunity to sit in on a class, and join us for dinner and worship. This year, students will also be able to visit our new campus location! Register here by February 23.

World Mission Institute 2023
Dr. Michel Andraos Talks Trauma, Reconciliation & Healing
Thursday, March 9 at 7 p.m.
In his keynote address, Dr. Michel Andraos of St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, will examine the work of Canada for Reconciliation churches with Canada's First Nation People at this year's 2023 World Mission Institute.
Join us in-person or virtually on Thursday, March 9, 2023, for this annual event that begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner in the Common Room at McCormick Theological Seminary, followed by a program at 7:00 p.m. at the Augustana Chapel at LSTC, both located at 1100 East 55th Street in Chicago. Read more

Challenges And Opportunities Of Online Worship Webinar
Thursday, March 9, or Thursday, March 23, from 6–8 p.m.
In this online discussion, panelists will address the most crucial theological, ecclesial, and ethical issues for leaders to consider as they evaluate Eucharist practices developed during the pandemic. Join Rev Erik Christensen, pastor to the community & director of strategic initiatives at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and Rev. Dr. Jan Schnell, assistant professor of liturgics at Wartburg Theological Seminary, for a conversation focusing on the challenges and opportunities of online worship with hosts. Register here

Philanthropy Workshop with Mike Ward: Creating a Culture of Generosity when the world keeps shouting scarcity
Friday, March 10, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Inflation, economic downturn, layoffs, and political polarization convey messages of scarcity that intercept what we know as truth: God provides to us in abundance. The question is, how does the church tell a different story?

Join Mike Ward, author of Abundance: Creating a Culture of Generosity and Managing Partner of GSB Fundraising, for a workshop and discussion about generosity and how to craft the best story that leads people to charity. Register here

FOR LSTC EVENTS PRESENT AND PAST, VISIT: LSTC.edu/events