The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) is starting the Advent season with a special Convocation and Advent Vespers Celebration on Tuesday, December 5, 2000. Both events are free and open to the public.

The Rev. Dr. William McClain will speak at a special Convocation at 11:30 a.m. in the Seminary's Hagan Amphitheater. He will relate his lecture to the Seminary's Mission in the New Century theme. McClain is a professor at LTSP's Urban Theological Institute (UTI) and a professor of Homiletics (Preaching) and Worship at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. The UTI is a program that provides learning opportunities for people wishing to expand their credentials as professional leaders in the church. Many students in the UTI program have full time jobs and family responsibilities while they study during evenings and weekends. McClain is famous for his work on Songs of Zion, a songbook of African American spirituals and gospel songs. In addition to chairing the songbook's planning committee, he wrote much of the historical material included in the book. He is a renowned author, lecturer, and preacher.

Mark Mummert

The Seminary's choir will hold its annual Advent Vespers on the evening of Tuesday, December 5. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Seminary's Chapel, the choir will perform settings of the "O" Antiphonies by Canadian Healey Willan, American Peter Hallock, chant settings from the 14th Century and newly composed jazz and gospel settings in addition to hymns. The choir is under the direction of Seminary Musician Mark Mummert, who has directed the Seminary's music program for 10 years.