Phoebe?

Referenced in Scripture as a female servant of the church by the Apostle Paul (Romans 16:1---2), Phoebe has become an icon for the Deaconess Program at Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS). Phoebe, along with other women throughout history, dedicated themselves to lives of service to the poor and needy for the sake of the gospel. Deaconesses prepare people to hear, believe in, and be comforted by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through acts of mercy. Many female saints embody service (diaconia). Their example shapes the training of our women, which employs the theology of service in The Lutheran Church----Missouri Synod; as they follow our chief servant, Jesus Christ.

"We love, because he first loved us." I John 4:19

Phoebe Academy College Retreat

Born out of the male counterpart [Christ Academy College], Phoebe Academy College Retreat invites all current undergraduate women to come and experience what CTS offers in theological and diaconal training. This extended weekend retreat will provide PACR participants the chance to sit in on classes, informal lectures, and to talk with professors and deaconesses. The primary opportunity is for PACR to be centered around God's word and sacraments in Kramer Chapel with deaconess students, seminarians, and Christ Academy participants. Various activities and fellowship will accompany the weekend retreat. While a focus of the retreat is informing women about the service of deaconesses, we recognize that there may be an interest to explore a Master of Arts degree in theology. We invite women with that curiosity to come as well. CTS welcomes you to consider attending the PACR retreat this February 14-17 , 2008.

"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Romans 12:13

Direction and Vocation

How do you know if deaconess studies are right for you? With a focus that is distinctly Lutheran, the PACR explores the many facets that diaconal ministry offers women and its application in the real world.

"Bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the Law of Christ." Galatians 2

Opportunities are diverse and bountiful for deaconesses in areas such as hospitals, schools, mission work, prisons, parishes, military, campus ministry, music, nursing homes, groups homes, and so on. Deaconesses of the LCMS are carrying on a longstanding, biblical, and feminine tradition of service to reach, teach, and care for the needy.

Preliminary Schedule

Thursday, February 14
Arrival day for Retreat
Free time to relax and get acquainted.
Refreshments will be available.
9:00 p.m. Welcome Orientation in Athanasius Hall/Admissions Building
9:30 p.m. Evening Offices, Kramer Chapel

Friday, February 15
7:30 a.m. Matins, Kramer Chapel
8:00 a.m. Observe Church History I/Prof. Bushur
10:00 a.m. Chapel Noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Observe Lutheran Confessions III/Prof. Ziegler
2:00 p.m. Observe Catechetics/Dr. Senkbeil
4:00 p.m. Vespers
4:30 p.m. Gemuetlichkeit (fellowship)
5:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Reception at Phoebe Residence Hall

Saturday, February 16
8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer, Kramer Chapel
8:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Lecture (TBA)
Noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Lecture (TBA)
2:30 p.m. Activity/Free Time
5:00 p.m. CAC & PACR Banquet
9:00 p.m. Fireside chat w/ Dr. Just & Dcs. Gilbert

Sunday, February 17
Breakfast in Phoebe Residence Hall
11:00 a.m. Worship at St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Day for Departure
Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

Phoebe Academy College Retreat Includes (At No Cost):

• Housing on campus
• All meals in Katherine Luther Dining Hall
• A complimentary PACR T-shirt
• A weekend of seminary life and theological reflection in the classroom and in fellowship
• Daily Chapel Services
• Shuttle transportation from airport to Seminary
• Need-based financial assistance

Registration

Questions? Contact:

Melissa DeGroot
Phone: 1.800.481.2155
Fax: 260.452.2227
degrootma@ctsfw.edu