LCC Seminaries: In the spotlight...

• The “Impact, but shorter” LCC youth gathering was livestreamed from Concordia Lutheran Seminary on September 10. Nearly 80 people tuned in to hear banter; candid talk about emotional and mental health challenges in light of God’s powerful Gospel; games and contests; a pitch for seminary studies; and the love, grace, and forgiveness of Christ. CLS was glad to be a host site and sponsor of the streaming services.

• The first class in CLS’ deacon program had two students who successfully completed the course in August. We are thankful that God is sending students to be formed for service to Christ and His church.

• CLS will have four men prepared for service in the church next year … one ready to be ordained, two more who will serve deferred vicarages, and a fourth who will serve a vicarage and then return here for a fourth year of service.

• This year, CLTS welcomes new students from across Canada (Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia), the United States, Nigeria, and Germany in addition to the returning multinational student body that includes China, India, and Brazil. Almost as many students are enrolled in the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) programme as in the more traditional Master of Divinity (MDiv) programme that leads to ordination. Many of the current MTS students are already pastors seeking advanced degrees. Others are laity involved in church work.

• CLTS’ annual student retreat, normally held at Mount Carmel Retreat Centre in Niagara Falls, was moved this year to Trinity Lutheran Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This turned out to be an unexpected blessing as students and faculty were able to enjoy meals outside and leisurely walks in the sunny vineyards in between sessions.

• Thanks to CLTS’ many benefactors who generously responded to our spring appeal, we were able to close out the fiscal year in June with a surplus which has been put aside for future needs.