Historic Lutheran Worship

Kramer Chapel is the physical, spiritual, and communal heart of the CTSFW campus. At 10:00 a.m. (ET) every weekday, members of the CTSFW community—students, families, faculty, and staff—gather in the chapel for worship. Additional services are held at other times of the day, with special services held throughout the year. In Kramer Chapel, students are thoroughly immersed in the “pattern of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13) found in the liturgy, prayers, hymns, and sermons. This immersion in God’s Word, combined with weekly reception of the Lord’s Supper, provides for students spiritually while powerfully forming them for future service in Christ’s Church.

 CTSFW also provides many opportunities for students, families, and community members to be involved in chapel and worship through our choirs, instrumental music, and concerts.

During the academic year, chapel services are held daily, followed by fellowship at coffee hour. Take this opportunity to be spiritually fed while you study to serve God’s people. 

Ordained staff members hold individual confession and absolution every Tuesday when classes are in session. 

Students in Chapel

Students who are preparing to become pastors begin serving in daily chapel after they take Liturgics I. This, along with more extensive experience in their field education and vicarage congregations, helps students prepare to serve their future congregations. 

The chapel hires four student workers. The sacristan lines up officiants and communion assistants and cares for the vestments, paraments, and altar setup. The sexton attends to matters that keep chapel running smoothly. Two other workers cover the early morning and evening services. All students who are preparing for pastoral ministry are invited to assist with services in Kramer Chapel as crucifers, lectors, or ushers, as assigned by the chapel student workers. 

Seminary Choirs

The Kantorei is an auditioned ensemble of men that represents the Seminary on tours and in recordings.

Sem I, II, and IV Choir is ideal for those who want to gain singing experience. For three weeks every quarter, each seminary class (I, II, IV) serves as a choir. 

The Divine Service Choir functions as a church choir with repertoire appropriate for the Divine Service.

The Women’s Choir is open to students, wives, and women from the CTSFW community and meets as interest and availability allow. 

Community Choirs

Schola Cantorum is a mixed voice choir of students, staff, and community members that specializes in Bach cantatas and new and classic choral repertoire.

The Children’s Choir is designed for homeschooled children, ages 8–13, from the CTSFW community. 

CTSFW hosts organist workshops over the summer to help organists build their skills and connect with other organists. The two workshops, one for beginners and one for intermediate and advanced organists, include daily classes on playing technique and theology, practice time, and customized instruction.

Skilled instrumentalists are invited to play in daily chapel and at special services. 

Piano and organ practice facilities, as well as opportunities for instruction, are available to students and their families. 

Upcoming Events

2025 advent candlelight evening prayer
December 13, 2025 | 4:00 PM–5:00 PM EST

2025 Advent Candlelight Evening Prayer

Join CTSFW Dec. 13 for a special candlelight Advent service in Kramer Chapel as … read more.

2026 symposia vespers and organ recital
January 20, 2026 | 5:00 PM–6:00 PM EST

2026 Symposia Vespers and Organ Recital

The Symposia Vespers and Organ Recital is free and open to the public. It is par… read more.

2026 symposia hymn festival with the schola cantorum
January 21, 2026 | 5:00 PM–6:00 PM EST

2026 Symposia Hymn Festival with the Schola Cantorum

On Wednesday, January 21, at 5:00 p.m. ET, join the Schola Cantorum in Kramer Ch… read more.

Contact Chapel and Music

Interested in knowing more about music opportunities at CTSFW? Visit our directory to contact a member of our team or use the form below to start a conversation.