In Christ all things are made new. As a new century comes upon us, the church and the seminarians we educate for leadership in that church face new mission challenges. Hence, "Mission made new" becomes a theme that challenges The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in the 1999-2000 year.

At the Seminary we celebrate the opportunity we have to inspire through faith formation the students we teach in the M.Div. and M.A.R. programs.

We likewise celebrate that more and more lay leaders are taking part in solid opportunities for theological education through programs like Adventure, the Faith and Leadership Academy, and a pilot program, Disciples: Learners and Leaders, a program to assist congregations in a focus on discipleship during Lent 2000.

And, finally, we celebrate that more rostered leaders in the church than ever before are coming to us for continuing education they find to be essential in facing head-on the challenge to be the church’s professional leaders today.

Mark A. Staples

Director of Communications

DISCIPLES: LEARNERS AND LEADERS

All baptized leaders are realizing the value of solid theological education as a means to guide their ministry in the church and the world. In response, the Seminary has been working with synods and congregations in finding new approaches for discipleship formation. The goal is to assist the whole people of God in being better prepared to "talk the talk" of faith and "walk the walk" in their daily life faith journey.

Beginning in August 1999, George Keck will coordinate this emphasis, which includes making available "Lent 2000" resource packets to congregations. These packets will contain five reproducible study guides for five weeks in Lent 2000 (omitted are Ash Wednesday and the Wednesday of Holy Week). Possible audiences for the packet are Lenten midweek services, soup and study sessions, adult forums, confirmation classes, retreats, etc. For information, contact George Keck at 610/489-1202.

FACULTY IN RESIDENCE

FAITH AND LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Two models for the Academy are emerging to meet the needs of synods.

In the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, the academy focuses on developing leadership in Spanish-language congregations. Four Academy series, held on three Saturdays, have assisted more than 120 lay persons from Latino congregations in the Allentown and Reading areas to strengthen their ministries. Classes are held in a congregation in Kutztown, PA. The next Academy is being planned for spring 2000.

In the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, the Academy meets for a series of seven Saturdays at the Seminary. Following the series of classes, each participant works on a project with a mentor. The fall 1999 series begins October 2.

Since the Academy is a joint venture of the Seminary and a synod, interested persons should contact George Keck at 610/489-1202 or call the synodical coordinator. In the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod call Patricia Davenport at the synod office 610/278-7337 for schedule and information. In the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, contact Nelvin Vos at 610/821-3454.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

TRAVEL SEMINARS

Each year the Seminary offers a Travel Seminar hosted by members of the faculty and staff. Congregations have found these opportunities to be an exciting form of traveling theological education.

Italy, Dachau and Oberammergau, May 22-June 5, 2000.

Hosts: Dr. Philip D.W. Krey and George E. Keck.

Also, watch for details on a Biblical Heritage Seminar in 2001.

For information, contact George E. Keck at 610/489-1202.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Lay people are welcome to audit classes at their convenience or take them for credit if they are college graduates. Many classes are offered during regular semesters on evenings (7-10 p.m.) and weekends (Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m.). Registration materials may be obtained by contacting the Registrar’s Office at LTSP (215/248-6305). Permission of the instructor is required for audits. The audit fee is $312 per course ($156 for persons 60 or older). Among this year’s offerings are the following courses:

Modern Anglican Theology

The Church in the City

Introduction to Biblical Studies

Genesis Interpreted

Early and Medieval Church History

Hispanic/Latino Theology and Ministry

ADVENTURE

"ADVENTURE: Theological Education for Faith in Life" is co-sponsored with several congregations in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.

Exhortations for Exiles: The Deeds and Promises of God in the Old Testament.

Graduate Assistant Steve Keiser with Dr. Robert Robinson, Anna Burkhalter Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew.

7-9 p.m. Mondays

October 4, 11, 18, 25, 1999

Reformation Lutheran Church, Media, PA

Reading the Bible in the 21^st Century

Graduate Assistant Sean Burke with Dr. Robin Mattison, Associate Professor of New Testament and Greek

9 a.m.-noon Saturdays

January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2000

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Springfield, PA

Contemplating the Confessions

The Rev. Nelson Rivera, Instructor in Theology and Hispanic Ministry with Dr. Timothy Wengert, Professor of Reformation History and the Confessions

7-9 p.m. Sundays

March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2000

Temple Lutheran Church, Havertown, PA

QUODLIBET

What’s a quodlibet, you say? It’s the Seminary’s revival of a treasured medieval practice of putting a venerable faculty member on the "hot seat." This year, Dr. Robert B. Robinson, Anna Burkhalter Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, listens to "any question whatever" ("quodlibet" translated) for one session. A panel of senior seminarians ponders the questions and ends the first session with remarks. A week later Dr. Robinson returns to the Amphitheater to respond to questions as he sees fit. Visitors are welcome.

11 a.m. Tuesday, October 12 and 19, 1999

GRADUATE SCHOOL

An increasing number of pastors and rostered lay leaders are finding that the Seminary’s Graduate School is a means of equipping themselves for mission in the 21^st century. Graduate School program options include Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), Master of Sacred Theology (S.T.M. thesis or non-thesis), and General Studies. Our D.Min. degree program has been expanded to include our partners in the Eastern Cluster – Gettysburg and Southern seminaries.

Opportunities include one-week intensive courses in August, October, January and June. Classes are arranged in a five-day block (Monday through Friday) and include pre-reading; some require a one-day follow-up session. Pastors and rostered lay leaders who cannot be away from parish responsibilities on Sundays find this option helpful.

Also, for the first time distance learning courses are offered in both the fall and spring semesters.

Another opportunity is our regularly scheduled classes, many of which meet in three-hour blocks once a week throughout the semester. Even courses aimed at first professionals can usually be upgraded for graduate credit with the permission of the instructor.

A third opportunity is the Travel Seminar scheduled each year, which may be taken for graduate school credit.

August 23-27, 1999

(Five-day block)

Ministering in the Urban Context

Professor Randolph Jones

October 11-15, 1999

(Five-day block)

Science and Technology in Theology and Ministry

Dr. George L. Murphy, Visiting Professor

Fall Semester (September-December, 1999)

Trinitarian Theology

Professor John Hoffmeyer

Thursdays 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Advanced Pastoral Care Seminar

Professor Pamela Cooper-White

Thursdays 2:15 p.m.-5:15 p.m.

Father, Children, Home

Professor Robin Mattison

Fridays 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Distance Learning Course

Educational Practice in the Parish

Professor Margaret Krych

(Preferred: Access to email and use of a CD ROM drive with a 486 computer processor; can be done with tape recorder and email.)

January Term

January 3-6, 2000

D.Min. Collegial Seminar

Professor Margaret Krych

January 17-21, 2000

(five-day block)

Monastic Spirituality

Professor Philip D. W. Krey

January 24-28, 2000

(five-day block)

Bridgebuilders

The Rev. Dr. Peter Steinke, Visiting Professor

Spring Semester (February-May, 2000)

Religions in the City

Professor Paul Rajashekar

Thursdays 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

The Bible and Literary Criticism

Professor Robert Robinson

Fridays 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Distance Learning Courses

Educational Ministry with Adults

Professor Margaret Krych

(Requires travel on six occasions to one of three sites – Philadelphia, Baltimore or Columbia, SC; email access helpful.)

Communications and the Local Congregation

Professor Richard Stewart

(Important: Access to email and a VCR, and the ability to receive electronic files from others is important.)

June (five-day block)

June 5-9, 2000

The Ecumenical Church’s Mission

Dr Anna Marie Aagaard, Visiting Professor

June 12-16

The Lectionary and Preaching

Professor Gordon Lathrop

June 26-30

Media Literacy

Professor Richard Stewart

NEW YORK EXTENSION

If you live in the Greater New York area, continuing education opportunities exist for you. The Lutheran Theological Center in New York includes First Professional (M.Div./M.A.R.) courses offered by LTSP as well as Leadership Development courses provided by the Metro New York Synod. Classes meet at General Theological Seminary Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon. Tuition for M.Div./M.A.R. -- $780 (audit $312). Leadership Development $50.

First Professional

Fall Semester 1999

Introduction to Liturgy

The Rev. Dr. Jay C. Rochelle

Spring Semester 2000

Introduction to Christian Education

The Rev. Dr. Nelson Strobert

Leadership Development

Fall Semester 1999

The Changing Reformation

The Rev. Dr. Robert F. Scholz

(Sept. 11 – Oct. 23, 1999)

Millennial Vision: The Apocalypse of John

The Rev. Frederick McElderry

(Oct. 30 – Dec. 11, 1999)

Spring Semester 2000

Prophetic Vision in Action

The Rev. Philip Johnson

(Feb. 12 – Mar. 25, 2000)

Preaching Seminar

The Rev. Jeffrey Kolbo

(Apr. 1 – May 13, 2000)

THE O.FREDERICK NOLDE SYMPOSIUM

The Seminary will honor the legacy of Dr. Nolde this year by sponsoring two lectures at the National Council of Churches Jubilee Celebration in November in Cleveland. Dr. Nolde, former Dean of the LTSP Graduate School, was one of the architects of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The lectures will take place the afternoon of November 11 as part of a "Pillars of Peace" forum. Speakers will be Dr. Charles Amjad-Ali, a visiting professor at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN, and a specialist on interpreting human rights issues in pluralistic societies. Also speaking will be Dr. Janice Love, Associate Professor of Government and International Studies at the University of South Carolina.

"Détente in the Jesus Wars"

The Seminary is co-sponsor with the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania of a presentation on the historical Jesus by New Testament experts Dr. Marcus Borg and Dr. N.T. Wright. Note, this event is off-campus. Also sponsored by the Philadelphia Theological Institute.

November 18, 1999

Cathedral Church of the Saviour

For information, call 215/386-4108.

ADVENT VESPERS

Advent Vespers is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 30, 1999 at St. Martin in the Fields Church, 8000 St. Martins Lane in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill section.

MISSION IN THE NEW CENTURY

A dinner discussion and lecture on "Christianity in a Multicultural World" with Theologian  in Residence Dr. Krister Stendahl, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Stockholm and former Professor of New Testament and Dean at the Harvard Divinity School. Lay leaders from area churches will be invited.

Dinner – Monday, December 6, 1999 at 6:30 p.m.

Seminary Refectory

Cost of attending the dinner is $15. To reserve, please send a payment to the Seminary in an envelope addressed to "Stendahl Dinner."

Free lecture on "Toward a Christian Theology of Religions" – Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 11:30 a.m.

Seminary Amphitheater

For information, contact Mark Staples at 215/248-6311 or by email at mstaples@ltsp.edu.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OBSERVANCE

The Seminary community annually sets aside this day for special events and workshops on race relations. Watch for details on this event, which is planned each year by our students.

January 17, 2000

SPRING BIBLICAL LECTURE SERIES

"Mission in Christ" will be the focus of this year’s spring lecture series. Details are still being finalized.

Lectures are set for 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays in the Hagan Amphitheater at the Seminary.

February 22

February 29

March 7

The February 22 speaker will be Dr. James Vijayakumar, Visiting Professor of Old Testament at Lancaster Theological Seminary and chair of the Department of Biblical Studies at United Theological College, Bangalore, India. The February 29 address will be by Dr. Fernando F. Segovia, a Vanderbilt Divinity School professor whose expertise is in Bible, Latino theology and post-colonial theology. On March 7, the Seminary’s own Professor Robin Mattison will discuss "The Patter(n) of Beautiful Feet: New Testament Models for Mission."

PREACHING WITH POWER

Preaching and worship come alive in a special way each March with the "Preaching with Power" tradition, which brings leading African-American preachers and theologians to Philadelphia for a four-day forum on Black preaching and theology. Services are held on the campus and at local congregations. This year, the 20^th anniversary of the Seminary’s Urban Theological Institute, one of the "Preaching with Power" sponsors, will be observed.

March 13-16, 2000

For information, contact Mae Green at 215/248-6334 (mgreen@ltsp.edu).

HEIN-FRY LECTURE SERIES

This year, entertaining speaker and author Tex Sample, one of the leading lights on evangelism in the current day, is the Hein-Fry Lecturer. Admission is free.

Tuesday, March 21, 2000

Lecture: 11:30 a.m., Seminary Amphitheater

Informal Seminar: 2 p.m., Hagan Center.

MAGNET CHURCH CONSULTATION

Theme of this year’s event is "Empowering the People of God for Ministry," focusing on lay leadership and training, enabling lay leadership in congregations, etc. The keynote address is entitled "Building the Church of the Future: The Combined Witness of the Whole People of God." The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Timothy Lull, a former LTSP faculty member who is president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA. The day-long event features mini-university sessions, which will focus on such topics as assessing your spiritual gifts, youth and family ministry, lay empowerment, and how ordained leadership enables lay leadership.

Friday, April 7, 2000

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church

3461 Cedar Crest Boulevard

Emmaus, PA

SPRING CONVOCATION

The Seminary welcomes Alumni/ae to its Spring 2000 Convocation. The focus will be on "Congregations as Lifelong Learning Places." The keynote speaker will be Bishop Donald Herbert Maier of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Northwest Washington Synod. Worship, Spring Vespers and a Tuesday evening banquet will be among highlights.

May 2-3, 2000

Anniversary classes 1 year (1999), 5 year (1995) and 10-year (1990) will be invited for special gatherings Monday, May 1.

The Seminary Choir will sing Easter Vespers at 8 p.m. Monday, May 1, in the Seminary Chapel.

PREACHING DAYS 2000

Preaching on mission will be a key theme for the new century. During Preaching Days each June, pastors gather for worship and study around the challenge of preaching. The new format allows participants to spend the entire day with the guest preacher/presenter. Worship and a lecture are a part of each morning. In the afternoons, participants attend a workshop/dialogue with the guest presenter.

"Seek ye first…." is the theme of Preaching Days 2000. Registration is required. Housing and meals are available.

June 12-14, 2000

This year’s presenters will be Thomas Troeger, the Ralph E. and Norma E. Peck Professor of Preaching and Communication at Iliff School of Theology, Denver, CO; Charles Campbell, who teaches preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA; and the Seminary’s own Professor Adele Stiles Resmer, teacher of homiletics at LTSP and director of the Academy of Preachers program.