Recruit Houston: Stop #2

Stop number 2 is in the heart of the Galleria district, sometimes called Uptown.  This is where I met my beautiful and darling wife.  So there is a little bit of sentimental value to this stop.  Here are a couple photos of the church and their current construction project.  You can check up on Memorial Lutheran Church's building project at mlcbuild.blogspot.com.  Enjoy!

Photo of Stop #1

With Angels and Archangels

Pastor Wayne Graumann of Salem Lutheran Church and School took me on a tour of their worship center this afternoon.  Take a look at this awesome altar...from the two angels in the book of Revelation, but it brings to mind the song of Isaiah 6, which we sing during the communion liturgy.  (BTW, he told me that the 50 foot pipes for the organ were built right into the poured concrete...which means that the low notes make the floor shake just like Isaiah 6.  WOW!)  A special thanks to Rev. Graumann, who also serves as the chairman of Concordia Theological Seminary's Board of Regents.  I was very happy with the extra time he took out of his busy day to spend with me.  And thanks to all the wonderful people of Salem.  

Recruit Houston: Stop #1

I made it to H-Town.  Such wonderful weather to greet me.  Very nice and 60-63 degrees.  I'm loving it.  My first stop for this recruiting trip is Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball.  I meet with Pastor Wayne Graumann and then meet with prospective students this afternoon.  Salem Lutheran Church is located just off FM2920 in the heart of Tomball.  Come on out and see me if you are in the area!  

Madagascar Photo

As I promised...a photo.  Here is Jacob Corzine with a lot of Malagsy children...  Jacob is a fourth year seminarian at Concordia Theological Seminary.

Innovative

What would you say is the most innovative company in America and why?

Madagascar

A group from Concordia Theological Seminary just got back from the big island, Madagascar.  They seemed to have a great trip.  Six students and Professor Pless made the trek.  If you are a facebooker, go see Prof. Pless’s profile and check out the cool photos.  If not, I’ll try to get some of them here soon.  Welcome home, crew! 

Fly Like a Bird

I’m saying goodbye to the great white, wet, miserable north!  Well, at least for a couple of days and boy will I miss my wife.  But I’m going to Texas.  I’ll be in Houston for the next five days.  If you are around, come and say hello.  Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Conroe, and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston are my stops.  Give the church a call to find out when I’m there and come chat with me.  I’d love to visit with you.  Maybe by the time I get back it will be in the 60’s here…

A Friend Comes to the Seminary

The Seminary has called the Rev. Brian Mosemann to be the new dean of students.  He replaces Rev. Timothy Puls after a 10 year run in that post.  Rev. Mosemann was my pre-seminary director at Concordia Chicago.  I’m happy that he has accepted and I look forward to having him in the Fort.  Blessings on your transition Mosemann!

A Visit Is Worth a Thousand Words

We just had a gentleman and his wife stop by for a seminary visit.  They were a very delightful couple.  I really enjoyed showing them around.  Originally from Indiana, he found and married his wife while studying at Concordia University Ann Arbor.  Our campus is very interesting place.  Even in the middle of a quarter break, it is still alive.  I would say there isn’t a place like it in the world.  And the best part about it: CTS belongs to the church.  It is your seminary.  If you are 5 years old or 85 years old…this is your seminary.  If you plan on being a pastor or if you don’t have any plan to change your career, this is your seminary.  AND it is alive as God uses ordinary means to form and shape future workers for his church. 

 

There is a lot of history with this campus.  Kramer Chapel towers over the upper plaza and the bell tower tolls the hour.  But most fascinating of all is that God takes poor miserable sinners and forms them into his servants.  From here into all the world, these pastors and deaconesses bring the Gospel to the lost and care for the God’s weak and sick. 

 

It’s a blessing to have such a place as Concordia Theological Seminary.  You really should stop by and take a look.  And if you can’t pray for the continued support of forming pastors and deaconesses for Christ’s church. 

Whiteout

The snow is falling in Fort Wayne again.  It is almost a whiteout at the seminary.  Of course it is a beautiful, but I just don’t want to go out in it.  When is spring gonna come??

Back in the Fort

To St. Louis and back and so I journeyed Wednesday and Thursday.  I was there talking about the synod’s upcoming Pastoral Education Month.  This yearly celebration of our synod occurs during the month of May.  There will be resources on the synod’s Web site and posters mailed to congregations.  Why?  Pastoral Education Month has been designated by the Synod’s Board of Directors to help educate the synod about the process of forming servants for Jesus Christ.  It encourages pastors and congregations in the processes of finding putting forth possible candidates for the seminary.  Also it provides a way to encourage financial support for the formation of the Lord’s workers.  Look forward to more information as this year’s celebration draws closer and closer.  Mark the calendar though…perhaps your church could have a Pastoral Education Sunday during the month of May.  Give me an email if you have any questions: steven[dot]cholak[at]ctsfw[dot]edu.