The redeemed have always had the triune God’s Psalms and poetry upon their lips and in their hearts (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). But to what other usages has poetry been put in the Church and what relationships have Luther and the reformers enjoyed with the ancient and medieval poets? These and other questions will be discussed at the conference to be hosted by Concordia Theological Seminary under the theme, “Listening to the Poets.”

The conference features three plenary papers, a banquet address and 15 sectional presenters on such sessions as what Virgil taught Luther about writing hymns, Lutheran corrections to medieval hymnody, poetic segments in Isaiah, how poetry was used in Lutheran pedagogy and why Luther rarely cites Catullus. Most of the papers will be read in Sihler Auditorium, making it possible for registrants to follow the thought progression of the conference.

Latin will be used in three worship settings, and there will be three practical papers at the end designed especially for Lutheran teachers, classical educators and home schoolers.

An added feature this year is that registration includes a copy of our previous conference papers (Lutherans Read History) in an attractive volume edited by scholars associated with Lutheranism & the Classics.

The conference celebrates Lutheranism’s engagement with the poets of the past, and contemplates their value for the propagation of the faith to present and future generations.

The letter to the Hebrews is a written sermon, a word of encouragement to a dispirited congregation that shows its members how they have access to God’s gracious heavenly presence in the divine service through Jesus their great high priest. There they listen in on the conversation between God and His Son. There Jesus not only brings God’s Word and His good gifts to them but also brings them and their offerings to God. By His blood He cleanses their consciences from all impurity in preparation for participation with the angels in the heavenly liturgy and sanctifies by their participation in it. This unit explores the rich liturgical teaching of this sermon. (3.0 CEU)

During this retreat we will take a look at the spiritual world which includes angels and demons. How do we see this world in the face of our daily struggles and temptations within a life in Christ? There is a real spiritual battle in this sinful world, so we must learn how to see it through the joy of the battle won in Christ Jesus.

LEADER: Rev. John Dreyer, CTSFW Director of Admission

RETREAT FEE: $110.00/person, includes on-campus housing and all meals. For additional information or to register, please email Retreats@ctsfw.edu or phone 260.452.2204.

Join us as we receive gifts from our friends around the country for the Food and Clothing Co-Ops.

The Prayerfully Consider Visit invites men and women of all ages to explore the pastoral and diakonal training happening at Concordia Theological Seminary and gives a time for contemplation on the vocations of pastor and deaconess, offering an occasion for prospective students to envision themselves stepping into the formation happening at Concordia Theological Seminary.

Concordia Theological Seminary excels at pastoral and diakonal formation. Christ Academy College/Phoebe Academy College provides undergraduate men and women the opportunity to experience for themselves what Concordia Theological Seminary has to offer.

For a few days you will become a part of the seminary community and experience seminary life. Come sit in on classes, get to know professors and students, and worship with the seminary community.

What’s Included:

At no cost:

• Meeting your brothers and sisters in Christ who are interested in serving the church as a pastor or deaconess
• Housing on campus
• All meals in Katherine Luther Dining Hall
• Time for questions with current seminarians, pastors and deaconesses
• A complementary Christ Academy College/Phoebe Academy College shirt
• A one-of-a-kind experience of seminary life in worship, classes and community

Note: Limited reimbursement for travel is offered as available. Please inquire.

Phoebe Academy provides an opportunity for high school women to explore the vocation of deaconess in the church from a theological perspective. The event teaches what preparation for service within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod entails. Attendees are given the opportunity to learn how women can serve our neighbors both within and outside the church.

• Presentations by CTSFW faculty
• Worship with the CTSFW community in Kramer Chapel
• Attend classes with current students

Fee: $200.00, which includes all meals.
For additional information email Retreats@ctsfw.edu or phone 260-452-2204.

Do you still occasionally catch yourself referring to Lutheran Service Book (LSB) as the “new” hymnal? It’s hard to believe that we’ve already reached the tenth year of its use in our Synod. And if your congregation still uses The Lutheran Hymnal, were you aware that it first came off the presses 75 years ago?! This year of anniversaries seems a perfect time to take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re going when it comes to the church’s hymnals.

This year’s conference will provide not only historical perspective but also practical ideas for making a fuller use of the treasures that our hymnals contain. Coupled with the robust singing that is the hallmark of Kramer Chapel, we will kick off the upcoming 500th anniversary of the Reformation with Bach Cantata 80, “A Mighty Fortress.”

No matter the extent to which you’ve used LSB the past decade, the Good Shepherd Institute conference will provide opportunities for you to learn, evaluate, rejoice, give thanks and sing.

Seminary Schola Cantorum
Bach Cantata 80, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

Children’s Choir of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan

—Seminary Kantorei, Festival Children’s Choir
Kantors Kevin Hildebrand and Matthew Machemer

Please join us on a grand travel experience to two of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting countries—Spain and Portugal. Spain is one of the world’s great holiday countries, but it has far more to offer than its endless beaches and southern sun. Its attractions lie not only along its hundreds of miles of coastline, but also inland where we will visit picturesque towns and villages and experience some of the country’s most ornate cathedrals and majestic castles. The landscape throughout is a photographer’s paradise featuring the rugged Iberian mountains, the great cork forests, far-reaching plains, sheer cliff-bound coasts and the colorful culture and people of this land.

Spain—the land of Ferdinand and Isabella, Columbus, Dante, Don Quixote, Goya, El Greco, Picasso and the adopted home of Ernest Hemmingway, has for centuries inspired great explorers, adventurers and amazing artists. For decades, this was the great intersection for the development of Christian, Islamic and Jewish faiths. Power and control changed hands several times in the great conflict of competing Empires, yet the history of these various influences still remains, reflected in soaring cathedrals, luxurious palaces, the ornate mosques of the Moors and majestic medieval castles.

Stroll through the incredible Prado Museum in Madrid, sometimes referred to as the most beautiful museum in the world. Visit the elaborate Alcazar Palace of Seville and the ornate cathedral with the tomb of Columbus. In Granada, you will enter the elaborate summer palaces of the great Moorish caliphs, including the famous Alhambra, an ornate Arabesque architectural confection in pink granite. In Barcelona you will see the beautiful Gothic Architecture and Guadi’s unfinished spectacular Sagrada Familia.

The relatively small country of Portugal offers a range of both scenic and historic/cultural attractions. In earlier centuries, the Portuguese were one of the greatest European powers. This is the home of Vasco de Gama who opened the empire’s trade routes to the spice treasures of India and Magellan who led the first circumnavigation of the globe. The country’s cosmopolitan capital, Lisbon, on the broad estuary of the Tagus, is one of the most strikingly situated cities in the world.

This will definitely be a fun trip, with free-time built into the itinerary for an afternoon stroll, shopping and picture-taking. Plus, we will doubtless have the opportunity for some of the fun and exciting evening musical events featuring the colorfully dressed flamenco dancers and the fiery rhythm of the Spanish guitars.

Request or download the brochure to open the door to you for a most wonderful and enjoyable time in Spain and Portugal. Send in your deposit now and reserve a place on this tour. And get ready for the time of your life, an experience you will never forget!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Katherine by email at CTSFWTours@ctsfw.edu or by phone at 260-452-2119.