168th Academic Year S tudents, faculty, staff, families and friends gathered for opening service at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., on Sunday, September 8, 2013. Kramer Chapel was filled to capacity as CTS President Lawrence R. Rast Jr. proclaimed the beginning of the seminary’s 168th academic year. “It is so good to celebrate this day with all of you! Particularly with our students and their spouses and children, parents, friends and all who made this day possible,” said Rast. “We especially remember all our first year students in prayer who begin their pilgrimage toward a new arena of service as they are formed by Christ in this place.”
The Rev. Daniel May, president of the Indiana District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, participated in the service by installing new members of the faculty and staff. The Rev. Brian T. Crane, advancement officer, and the Rev. Dr. John D. Reynolds, assistant professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions and director of Vicarage, who have been serving at CTS since last spring, were installed (see For the Life of the World, May 2013, p. 24), along with the Rev. Lannon R. Martin, admission counselor, who joined the staff this summer. “It is a pleasure to work with a staff that is capable, passionate and unified in their efforts and goals,” said the Rev. John M. Dreyer, CTS director of Admission.
“Rev. Martin brings his pastoral and parish experience to our staff along with an outgoing and enthusiastic spirit.” “The start of another academic year is an exciting time as faculty and students gather for the study of theology, especially the proclamation of Christ crucified and risen for the eternal salvation of sinners,” said Dr. Charles A. Gieschen, CTS academic dean. “We particularly rejoice that the Holy Spirit continues to draw faithful men and women from congregations across The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and world into our pastoral and deaconess programs so that they may be formed as servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost and care for all.”
President Rast brings greetings for the opening of the 168th academic year at CTS.
CTS Board of Regents Front Row: Dr. Leo Mackay, Rev. William Cwirla, Ms. Mani Vang, Dr. Scott Murray, Dr. Lawrence Rast Back Row: Dr. Ronald Garwood, Mr. Robert Harvey, Rev. Dean Bell, Dr. David Held, Dr. Bradd Stucky, Dr. James Baneck
September 2013
Not Pictured: Mr. Jon Schumacher
19