LTSPMedia

PS Portions - the Back to School 2014 Issue

2014-09-02T23:25:00.001-04:00

From the President: The First Day of School

I've always loved the first day of school. The excitement of seeing old friends and meeting new ones. The mystery of entering into a new classroom and having a new teacher. The sheer "newness" of back-to-school clothes, fresh textbooks, and crisp, clean pieces of paper just waiting to be written on. I think that's what I loved best about the first day of school - it represented a new year filled with unlimited possibilities.In this issue you'll find other things new. You'll read about two of the first students in the MDiv Co-operative Model Program, about the new "Lutheran Confessions 2015," about a recent graduate in a new adventure in ministry, and the events which started this new - 150th Anniversary - year. Read more from President Lose...

The MDiv Co-operative Model - Two different paths to a different way to prepare for ministry

Jeanette Surita-Vazquetelles, a new Philadelphia Seminary (LTSP) MDiv Co-op student, and her husband, Diogenes, keep bumping into people who change their lives. Jeanette, a fashion designer from the Bronx, New York, first felt a call to ministry during first communion classes in a Roman Catholic parish. "It was a poor neighborhood, and the nuns were very strict, but I enjoyed the curriculum because it was all about Jesus. I wanted to become a nun and show others all about the love of Jesus, but my family told me I was too young to become a nun." Today, both are at LTSP, called via "coincidences..."

Alex Zuber, a new Philadelphia Seminary (LTSP) Master of Divinity - Co-operative Model (Co-op) student, once thought he wanted to become a physician. A resident of Roanoke, Virginia, Zuber was majoring in public health education at James Madison University, intent on specializing in pediatric cardiology. "It didn't take long for me to figure out I wasn't cut out to be a doctor," Zuber explained. "I began to discover that relating to patients would be the best part, rather than the actual practice of medicine." Now, Alex is looking forward to Urban/Rural Settings...

A year in Hungary with Young Adults in Global Mission

LTSP alumnus Dan Purtell (MAPL 2014) set out in August for a year of learning and service as part of the Young Adults in Global Mission Program of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). He was deployed to Hungary for the year long mission experience, and will return to the United States in July 2015. He is sharing his year in ministry and adventure through a just-started blog. Read more about Dan's story...

Team-teaching the Lutheran Confessions

The idea first surfaced at an area meeting of the faculty last fall. Under consideration was the strategy for teaching the Lutheran Confessions in the spring semester of 2015 following the retirement of Dr. Timothy J. Wengert, a renowned teacher of the Confessions at Philadelphia Seminary (LTSP). Dr. Karl Krueger, director of the Krauth Memorial Library and Professor of the History of Christianity at the LTSP, turned to Dr. Nelson Rivera, an associate professor of Systematic Theology, and said, "Why don't we try teaching the course together? I'll do the part on Reformation History and you can lead the class in theological discussions." The idea clicked. The team-teaching approach at the seminary is anything but novel, but to hear the two professors talk, the class promises to be distinctive. Read more about Lutheran Confessions 2015...

Inspirational messages mark opening of the 150th Academic Year

The opening week of the seminary's 150th anniversary year featured an inspirational sermon August 25 on the importance of "community" and a welcome and sermon with a leadership focus from the school's new president, the Rev. Dr. David J. Lose. A historical highlight was the August 25 opening convocation depiction of the seminary's early history by the Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger, Professor of the History of Christianity and Director of the Krauth Memorial Library. "What has made this seminary work through history is that it is made up of a collection of individuals with a common goal," said the Rev. Dr. Katie Day in her message, part of the opening day Service of the Word in the Schaeffer-Ashmead Memorial Chapel. Learn more, watch videos and view a slide show of the week's activities...

Friend of the seminary Dorothea Henry has died

2014-08-02T23:59:00.004-04:00

Dorothea (Dottie) W. Henry, 82, of Dallas, Pennsylvania, a good friend of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP), died Tuesday, July 29, 2014. Funeral services were held at 11 am Saturday, August 2 from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 474 Yalick Road, Route 118, Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612. Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Along with her husband Frank, Dottie was awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity at the seminary's May 2008 commencement. Members of St. Paul's, the Henrys have focused much of their charitable work on educational, healthcare and general interest projects in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. At the seminary, they have donated Henry Family Hall in the seminary’s Brossman Learning Center in thanksgiving for their relationship to three LTSP alumni. They also donated a notable collection of Bibles that have been displayed in Brossman’s Exhibition Room.

Frank and Dottie Henry at the 2008
commencement with President Krey

LTSP President the Rev. Dr. Philip Krey noted that Dottie Henry served on the board of trustees of Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries and predecessor bodies, and that Frank is a member of LTSP's President's Council. The Henrys were always among those Dr. Krey visited on trips to Florida to call on seminary alumni and friends, and he recalled Dottie Henry as "a model of leadership in every way."

Read more in the obituary supplied by Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home and Diakon Lutheran Social Services:
Dorothea (Dottie) W. Henry, 82, of Dallas passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2014, in Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA.

Born in Aurora, IL, Dottie was the daughter of the late Eduard and Eleonora Mohr Wichmann. She was a graduate of Wauwatosa High School, Wauwatosa, WI, and Ripon College, Ripon, WI.

Before moving to the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania in 1960, she was employed as a social worker by the Lutheran Welfare Service, Milwaukee, WI. Dottie was a member and past president of the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Auxiliary, as well as a member of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Auxiliary and a chairwoman of the Geisinger Gala. She was a board member and past president of the American Cancer Society, Wyoming Valley Unit; sustaining member and past president of the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre; former board member of Heritage House, College Misericordia, and a member of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania's Advisory Board. Dottie was a member of the Thursday Club and active with the Salvation Army.

An avid golfer, Dottie was a member of the Wyoming Valley Country Club and a past Women's Club champion. She traveled extensively with "The TOADS," Twenty-fifth Overseas Anniversary Delegation, a group of her best friends that traveled the world together.

Dottie was a former Sunday school teacher at St. John's Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and a board member of Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Dallas, PA, and its choir.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, was a sister, Edette Brockman.

Surviving are husband of 58 years, Frank M. Henry, Dallas, PA; daughter, Marjorie H. Marquart, also of Dallas; sons, Frank M. Henry Jr., Philadelphia, PA; and Scott E. Henry and wife, MaryJane D. Henry, Shavertown, PA; grandchildren, Brigitte Henry, Scott M. Henry, John Henry and Jane Henry; Samantha Marquart and Olivia Marquart; Lauren Henry, Frank M. Henry III, Kirk Fry and their mother, Wendy Henry; three nieces and a nephew.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 474 Yalick Road, Route 118, Dallas, PA 18612. The Rev. Lynn H. Rothrock officiated. Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township. Friends called from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church.

The family would like to thank Jim Considine for his continued support and care over the last 20 years. They would also like to thank Geisinger Medical Systems.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 474 Yalick Road, Dallas, PA 18612; The American Cancer Society , 71 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701; or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main St., Shavertown. - See more online here. (portrait photo from Legacy.com)

PS Portions - July 2014

2014-07-16T18:00:00.000-04:00

A Taste of Seminary Happenings - July 2014

From the President: Then, Now, and Moving Forward in Faith

This issue of PS Portions features two intriguing articles.

History of any institution is often easily forgotten. Retired US Navy Chaplain Steve Jensen '73 offers a remarkable glimpse into the "then" that comprises the early 1970s life on the campus, ranging from memories (and pranks) from the Old Dorm to a perspective on the Vietnam era's impact on the campus.

Prison ministry is not a new kind of initiative across the church. In decades past, Lutheran Pastor John Parkinson served impressively in this area of ministry. Today, Ed Neiderheiser is a Lutheran Chaplain serving at Graterford. A profile on Linda Manson, a current LTSP student, explores her "now" contemporary approach as a mission developer/redeveloper for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in establishing Living Gospel Ministries, an outreach to furnish vital resources and encouragement to everyone connected with the criminal justice system. Read more from President Krey...

Alumnus Steve Jensen '73: Vivid memories of seminary and life as a Navy Chaplain

One of the most vivid memories from Chaplain Steven Jensen's seminary days took place off campus.

Albany, New York, native Jensen '73 (USN ret.) was serving as a seminary intern at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and fulfilling a once-a-week reserve military responsibility to journey to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. On a fateful Tuesday the Marine Chaplain's office where he was assigned received an emergency phone call for help from Philadelphia International Airport. Read about Chaplain Jensen's story, his call, his service, and more...

LTSP student Linda Manson focuses on criminal justice ministry

Linda Manson, ready to embark on her last year at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP), remembers being instilled in her youth with the critical importance of ministering to "the least of these."

No wonder for more than 30 years Manson has been called to prison ministry - for many years as a volunteer visitor and mentor, then as a life skills education coach and re-entry specialist for the Pennsylvania Prison Society at Broad and Vine Streets in Philadelphia. Despite terrific satisfaction she derived from teaching soon-to-be ex-offenders about topics like job skills and readiness, finding job opportunities for inmates nearing release, developing programming and mentoring lifers at Graterford, to name a few responsibilities, she felt a spiritual component was missing in her professional life. Read more about Linda's story...

Check out the new Ltsp.edu!

Ltsp.edu has a new look, a new feel, and new features! The new version of the website, which went live with a "soft introduction earlier in the month, incorporates the latest in web design, making it friendly to computers and portable devices. The content has been reorganized, and the home page now offers a changing selection of content on the site - giving a glimpse of what's available. Learn more about the new Ltsp.edu...

In July's Class Notes: The Lutheran Continued Influence on a Baptist Preacher, a reflection from UTI alumnus the Rev. Khalfani Drummer (MDiv 1998), a new call for the Rev. Bill Peterson (MDiv 2010), the death of the Rev. Gregory Peter Dzwonczyk (MDiv), and notes on the Rev. John Deisinger, the Rev. Joe Irvin, the Rev. Rick Summy, the Rev. Al Martin, the Rev. Emily Hartner, the Rev. Julie Recher, and the Rev. Becca Middeke-Conlin

This month's LTSP Notes include a note from Krauth Memorial Library Public Services Assistant Sharon Baker, who has updated a list of LTSP alumni from the first commencement in 1864 through the 150th class, and Dr. Jon Pahl notes his cover story contribution to the July 2014 issue of The Lutheran, "The New Inequality: Our Lutheran Vocation."

PS Portions for June 2014

2014-06-19T12:00:00.001-04:00

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A Taste of Seminary Happenings

June 2014

From the President: The 150th Anniversary celebration continues - and looking toward the future

We have many things to celebrate this month! The 150th Commencement was a festive and celebratory event, highlighted by the address by past ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson. The Asian Theological Institute celebrated the 8th annual event for Asian and Asian American scholars and faculty mentors. And the celebration continues as we approach the coming academic year with a robust entering class, and the excitement of Oxtober's 150th Gala Banquet and Celebration events. Read more...

The 150th Commencement

Commencement is always a time of celebration and festivity, and the 150th was a special event highlighted by the awarding of certificates and degrees to 65 graduates, stirring remarks from former ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson - who was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity - and reflections about Peter J. L. Perella, LTSP alumnus and STM student who died during the spring semester. Read details about the 150th Commencement, view photo galleries of the event and graduates, along with a list of the certificate and degree recipients, and watch video highlights...

The 2014 Co-Presidents reflect

The commencement reflections of Co-Presidents of the Class of 2014, Laura Tancredi and Karen Sease, offer insights regarding campus life...

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom (Psalm 90:12) informs their reflections. Read more...

David Lose: The LTSP president-elect recalls his seminary days, his journey that is leading him back to his alma mater, and some early thoughts on the future

Minutes after he was named President Elect of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, the Rev. Dr. David Lose, a seminary alumnus, reacted to the unanimous recommendation of the Trustees to appoint him.

"For a moment I was absolutely speechless," he said. "...It is an incredible honor ... humbling, daunting ... to consider the challenges and opportunities ahead and to discern with others the vision God has for this place. I am so grateful that all of my experiences have come together to make this opportunity possible. And I can't wait to address those challenges and opportunities."

Learn more, and watch the extended interview...

Asian Theological Summer Institute Returns to LTSP for the 8th Year

Nineteen Asians/Asian Americans scholars who are focused on theological education at the PhD and ThD level joined seven faculty mentors for the eighth Asian Theological Summer Institute (ATSI), May 27-31, 2014, sponsored by The Lutheran Theological Seminary and supported by Henry Luce Foundation. The Institute functions as a doctoral seminar, allowing participants to test doctoral proposals/projects in the company of guest professors and scholars serving as mentors.

Learn more and view a photo gallery from the week...

A senior gift for seminarians to follow, and a tradition continues

This month, two photo collections to share from life at LTSP:

The 2014 senior gift was something for their colleagues to use - a clean up and spruce up of Wiedemann basement
Old Trappe Church shared its place in the legacy of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and allowed seminarians to follow in the footsteps of the "founder of American Lutheranism" for a day of learning, worship, discovery - and a measure of fun.

View the photo essays...

Check out this month's
Class Notes, with the latest on LTSP's alumni and friends. Stories include alumnus the Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann joining Wartburg Seminary faculty. You're an important part of Class Notes - we welcome you to share your own stories!

This month's LTSP Notes includes notes on Professors Nelson Rivera, Karyn Wiseman and Michael Krentz.

Calling all Pastors, Congregational Leaders, and Synod Staff to Co-op Model Information Night

2014-06-11T00:50:00.001-04:00

Calling all Pastors, Congregational Leaders, and Synod Staff:

You are invited to attend The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia’s (LTSP) Master of Divinity Co-operative Model (Co-op) Information Night on Tuesday, June 24, at 6:30 pm in Benbow Hall on the seminary campus.

Eat & Drink: enjoy wine and a light meal on us!
Learn: about the new, exciting, ground-breaking Co-op program, and how Co-op benefits congregations which work in partnership with Co-op students.
Engage: with faculty and staff!

Co-op engages a seminarian in concurrent seminary study (full time) and learning/work (part time) in a congregation. Congregations receive consistent, part time leadership for three full years, and seminarians enter ministry with significant congregational experience and little or no seminary debt. More information about the program may be found at Ltsp.edu/Co-op.

If you plan to attend this informative and fun event, contact me at djordon@Ltsp.edu or 215.248.6272.

Hope to see you June 24!

The Rev. David Jordon

Director of MDiv Co-operative Model

The 150th Commencement

2014-05-22T10:39:00.002-04:00

The 150th Commencement

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

The 150th Commencement: Seminary awards certificates, degrees to 65 members of the class of 2014
Remarks by former ELCA Presiding Bishop and reflections about Peter J. L. Perella among many highlights

Sixty-five seminarians were awarded certificates or degrees during the 150th commencement exercises of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, held May 20 , 2014 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lansdale, PA.

The ceremonies, clearly a highlight of the school’s 150th anniversary year, featured stirring remarks from the Rev. Dr. Mark Hanson, immediate past presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the seminary’s parent denomination. Hanson and the Rev. Claire Burkat, bishop of the ELCA’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and an alumna and trustee of the seminary, offered tributes to the Rev. Dr. Philip D. W. Krey, who ends his 15-year tenure as the seminary’s president at the end of August.

In welcoming remarks, Krey praised the graduates, calling them “wise and courageous leaders…who have already distinguished themselves as leaders in the church.” He acknowledged the service of two faculty members, the Rev. Dr. Wil C.M. Gafney and the Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes, who have received calls to teach at other seminaries. And he expressed his delight at the presence of Hanson, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree during the ceremonies. Krey termed Hanson a “public leader for a public church,” acknowledging him as an “unflagging advocate” for many causes, and expressed gratitude for his “enormously generous support” for the costly enterprise of theological education. Hanson served nearly 12 years a Presiding Bishop. During his term as presiding bishop, he was elected president of the Lutheran World Federation, and traveling widely in that role. His wife, Ione, was a guest at the ceremonies.

The ceremonies were marked by cheers and applause, but also by moments of sadness. Two graduates were honored posthumously. The late Anthony Eric Bunch was awarded an Urban Theological Institute Certificate of Christian Ministry. The late Rev. Peter J.L. Perella, who succumbed to cancer February 24 at the age of 35, was awarded a Master of Sacred Theology degree that was accepted by his widow, Kathryn, and the couple’s three children, Elizabeth, 8, Cecilia, 6, and Isaac, 2 (at right). A heartwarming tribute and personal reflection about Perella was offered by Hanson, who knew him well in Perella’s service to the denomination. Perella, who was the ELCA’s Director for Worship Formation and Liturgical Resources at the time of his death, oversaw the ministry of word and sacrament on behalf of the presiding bishop, and directed the work of the churchwide worship staff. The tribute brought tears to many in the audience.

Burkat introduced Hanson before his remarks, noting his “Lutheran witness has been marked by grace, insight, and sincere faith.”

Hanson congratulated the graduates, also praising the seminary that, despite challenges, “today 150 years later serves as a beacon in a public church, grounded in theology and scripture and in its community.” He called on the audience for a moment of “hooping and hollering” for a great seminary, and the audience readily complied. He also referenced the seminary’s President-Elect David Lose, praising him for his “evangelical and missional imagination.”

In his main remarks (some highlights only), Hanson gave the graduates a question to ponder, “What will be the THIS in the this and the that” that marks your lives and ministry? He referenced Mark:8 and the words of Jesus, who asked his disciples “‘who do you say that I am’…The question still stands today.” Hanson in recent weeks had contacted members of the graduating class for their insights on the question, and challenged the audience – on the spot – to address it with those seated with them in the pews. Hanson noted that Lutherans often remain reluctant to proclaim what Jesus means to them in their lives, and urged the graduates “wherever you are serving, whatever you become, to speak openly about this.” He said he believes that some of the exodus and disinterest of younger generations regarding the modern church has come about because there can be more rebuking than proclamation expressed by believers. And some of that rebuking is at the expense “of those in poverty, without jobs and needing food stamps. Those demanding equal education for all are rebuked and told there is not enough money. The migrants who grow our food, clean our cars and take care of our yards are rebuked…”

At one point he criticized the mindset of some preachers whose sermons can be marked by “homey platitudes, moral theistic deism, rather than focusing on God’s abundant mercy.” He said some messages “cater to consumer cravings and helping people feel better about their success.” He urged the graduates to resist making themselves their ministry, rather urging them to focus on their parishioners’ “longing to hear stories about Jesus. Point beyond yourselves to what this Jesus Christ as Lord is about. It is Christ present in life’s struggles, extending a radical welcome to all who are out in the world.” He said that Jesus is with people in all their brokenness and suffering, and that God has a profound solidarity with people suffering most in the world.

Hanson also urged the graduates to consider a final question. “Who will speak to you who are being called? Do you believe in God’s grace or don’t you? Who do you wish would speak God’s word of forgiveness to you?” He noted there will be times when the new leaders will wish they had done something they had not accomplished, or would feel they have fallen short. He said there may be family and friends to call upon at such times, also noting that if the graduates truly believe it, the power and presence of the Holy Spirit can speak to them of forgiveness.

Class of 2014 co-presidents Laura Tancredi and Karen Sease gave remarks based on the words of Psalm 90, “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts with wisdom.” They cited memories ranging from the ringing of the Krauth Memorial Library clock’s bell to lessons learned in the classroom, noting that each member of their class was on a singular journey, marked sometimes during seminary by death of a loved one, marriage, new relationships, or the birth of a child. They noted the class had arrived as strangers, “but as we look around we see friends, colleagues, and partners in a ministry we share.” And as geographical distance may mark their journeys apart in the future “those relationships will be no less significant.” They noted that, as new patterns will come to mark their days, when their new calls are marked by challenges, they hope to “draw upon the lessons and patterns of seminary…and reach out to each other in support, friendship, and love. We remind each other that the work of the church does not ultimately depend upon us but on God. It is God who created us and redeemed us through death on a cross that will sustain us and the church throughout our ministry. Because of that we need not be afraid to try, to be creative in our work, and sometimes even to fail. We do not number our days in successes and failures, wins and losses, or according to any of the world’s standards. Instead, we number our days according to God’s unending grace and mercy.”

Seminary alumna the Rev. Audrey Moodey, ’88, representing the LTSP Alumni Association, extended “hearty congratulations” to the graduates and urged them to stay connected to each other and to the seminary. “Return for convocations. Stay in touch so that we may celebrate not only the joys of today but the celebrations of your lives to come as you go forth to do God’s work in God’s world.”

As the ceremonies closed, Krey thanked Trinity for hosting the ceremonies and offering a reception to follow in the church’s Hyson Hall. “It has been a wonderful privilege to serve you as president, and we are blessed to have David Lose as my successor. My last act is to summon all of you to our 150th anniversary celebration on October 16.”

Commencement participants, in addition to Krey, were the Rev. Dr. Jayakiran Sebastian, dean of the seminary, who distributed diplomas and certificates; the Rev. Dr. Robert Robinson, Anna Burkhalter Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew and Interim Faculty Secretary, who called the graduates forward; Gafney, Associate Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament, who gave the opening prayer; Dr. Michael E. Krentz, Interim Chaplain, Director of Music Ministries and Seminary Cantor, who led music for the occasion; lectors Daniel Purtell, Student Body President, Class of 2014, and Theresa Reese, Class of 2014, and Jay Mitchell, Class of 2014, who was crucifer.

In a moment of personal privilege and testament to scholarly persistence during the awarding of degrees, Krey noted that Master of Arts degree recipient Christine Summy had “begun working toward this degree 15 years ago at the same time I became President.”

Certificate recipients are:

Urban Theological Institute Certificate of Church Leadership

Barbara M. Blount of Philadelphia, Debra Estella Simpson of Philadelphia, and Emory Ellis of Wyncote, PA

Urban Theological Institute Certificate of Christian Ministry

In addition to the aforementioned Bunch, who lived in Philadelphia:

Nancy L. Alston of Philadelphia, Lisa K. Beckton-Fitch of Philadelphia, Thomas C. Butler, Sr. of Philadelphia, Hazel Elizabeth Carrawell of Philadelphia, Patricia Ann Clark of Philadelphia, Heather Giardinelli Cronan of Merion Station, PA, Barbara Ann Goodson of Philadelphia, Wilberta C. Jackson of Norristown, PA, Yvonne Lytle of Philadelphia, Cynthia Yolanda Stanford of Jeffersonville, PA, Vernell M. Stewart of Philadelphia, Rosa Ellen Thomas of Philadelphia, and Tavio D. Williams of Philadelphia

Certificate of Theological Education for Emerging Ministries

Winston L. Dookram of West Islip, NY

Certificate of Theological Study

Derek William Solberg of Philadelphia (Lutheran Studies)

Advanced Graduate Certificate

Sarah Elizabeth Clausen of Philadelphia, Sharon Faye Fleshman of Philadelphia, Michael Giansiracusa of Palmyra, NJ, and Jennifer Lynn Sweitzer of Absecon, NJ

Degree recipients are:

The Degree of Master of Arts in Public Leadership

Carilynn Jann Hayes of Woodstock, GA (Honors), and Daniel Ebb Purtell of Hebron, CT

The Degree of Master of Arts in Religion

Caroline Ann Dunleavy of Berwyn, PA, Christine Louise Summy of Wyomissing, PA, and Brent Emerson Haddix of Philadelphia, PA (Honors)

The Degree of Master of Divinity

Karen Warker Bernhardt of Vineland, NJ (Honors), Agnes Glabdomai Bryant-Gbardoe of Trenton, NJ, Ronald Victor Dziuk, Jr., of Downingtown, PA, Daniel Kyle Eisenberg of Pittsburgh, PA (Honors), Joshua Henry Ferris of New Tripoli, PA, (Honors), Dedra Ann Florence-Johnson of Philadelphia (Degree awarded with Black Church Concentration Certificate), Paul Bruce Gibson of Tarpon Springs, FL, Tammy Patricia Harmer of Deptford, NJ, Timothy James Hearn of New York, NY (Degree awarded with Black Church Concentration Certificate), Ian Andrew Hill of Warriors Mark, PA, Douglas Kent Hjelmstad of Philadelphia, Eric Malm Johnson of Clinton, NJ (Honors), Jane Larsen McCready of Westfield, NJ, Jay Childs Mitchell of Naugatuck, CT (Degree awarded with Metropolitan/Urban Ministry Concentration Certificate), Julie Grasham Osterhout of Leesport, PA, Theresa Hill Reese of Sicklerville, NJ (Degree awarded with Black Church Concentration Certificate), David Thomas Reppert of Conshohocken, PA (Honors), Chris Allen Rothharpt of Birdsboro, PA, Karen Marie Sease of Columbia, SC (Honors), Ben William Siebert of Celina, OH (Honors), Dominic Sarmue Smyth of Yeadon, PA (Degree awarded with Interfaith Concentration Certificate), Jonathan Ryan Steiner of Lanham, MD, Laura Marie Tancredi of Lansdale, PA (Honors), and Dustin George Wright of Manchester, CT (Honors, Degree awarded with Interfaith Concentration Certificate)

The Degree of Master of Sacred Theology

In parentheses after the name of each candidate is the name of the faculty advisor. In some cases the subject of an STM thesis is noted in partial fulfillment of degree requirements.

Guy L. Glimp of Somerdale, NJ (Dr. David Grafton), Eric Douglas Mull of Brooklyn, NY (Dr. Timothy Wengert), Peter J. L. Perella, formerly of New Baltimore, MI (Dr. Claudio Carvalhaes), Carol Ann Rowehl of Philadelphia (Dr. Storm Swain, thesis title: Adapting Healthcare Chaplaincy to the Veterinary Setting), Nikolaus Satelmajer of Silver Spring, MD (Dr. Timothy Wengert, Degree awarded with Distinction, thesis: A Bold Sixteenth Century Mission: The First New Testaments for Croats, Bosnians, Serbs, Bulgarians and Turks), Alicia Carla Simpson of Philadelphia (Dr. Robert Robinson), Byron Wesley Smith III of Ramsey, NJ (Dr. Jon Pahl), and Duangsuda Sribuaai of Oniangmai, Thailand (Dr. Erik Heen)

The Degree of Doctor of Ministry

In parentheses after the name of each candidate is the name of the candidate’s project supervisor and the subject of the DMin project document submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree.

Il Sun Teresa (Sophia) Ko-Davis of East Greenbush, NY (Dr. Storm Swain, subject: Introducing Ancient Models of Spiritual Exercises and Contemplative Prayer in Ecumenical and Diverse Cultural Settings)

Robert Randall Thomas of Radcliff, KY (Dr. Robert Hughes, subject; Exploring Theodicy in Combat: How to Preach and Minister to Suffering Soldiers)

Stephen Paul Verkouw of Lancaster, PA (Dr. Richard Stewart, subject: From Pasture to Well: Facing Demographic Challenge and Developing Missional Identity in an Urban Congregation)

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

In parentheses after the name of each candidate is the name of the candidate’s advisor and the title of the dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree.

Shirley S. Guider of Center Valley, PA (Dr. Storm Swain, thesis: Contrapower Sexual Harrassment: Scarring the Sacred Relationship)

Timothy Andrew Leitzke of Philadelphia (Dr. Nelson Rivera, thesis: Kerygma and Anarchy: Bultmann’s Homiletic and Levinas’ Ethic as Partners in a Postmodern Homiletical Theory)

Leah Delight Schade of Milton, PA (Dr. John Hoffmeyer, thesis: Preaching and Ecofeminist Theology at the Crossroads: Homiletic Theory and Praxis in Dialogue with a Lutheran Ecofeminist Christology)

San No Thuan of Insein, Myanmar (Dr. Paul Rajashekar, thesis: The Lotus and the Cross: A Buddhist-Christian Engagement for Human Dignity and Human Rights in Myanmar)

About the commencement speaker and Honorary Doctor of Divinity recipient:

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, known for his evangelical passion and imagination, served nearly 12 years (2001-2013) as presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Prior to that election, he was bishop of the ELCA’s St. Paul Area Synod, having previously served as pastor of three Minnesota congregations. He advocates for the renewal of the church’s preaching and public voice, for the strengthening of ecumenical and inter-religious relationships, and for reconciliation and justice in society, with special attention to those living with poverty and discrimination. A Minneapolis native, pastor Hanson graduated from Augsburg College with a BA in sociology. He was a Rockefeller Fellow at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and received an MDiv from there in 1972. He also attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was a Merrill Fellow at Harvard Divinity School in 1979. In 2003 he was elected president of the Lutheran World Federation, and has traveled widely. During his service as presiding bishop, Pastor Hanson received honorary degrees from Augsburg College, Wittenberg University, Grand View University, Capital University, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Susquehanna University, Wartburg College, and The Academy of Ecumenical Indian Theology and Church Administration, Madras, India. He is the author of two books, including Faithful yet Changing, The Church in Challenging Times (Augsburg Books). Pastor Hanson is married to Ione Agrimson, director of social work at Minneapolis and St. Paul Children’s Hospitals prior to moving to Chicago with her husband. The couple has six adult children and four grandchildren.

View a photo gallery of highlight images on the Commencement web page (more photos coming)

PS Portions for May 2014

2014-05-16T18:10:00.000-04:00

A Taste of Seminary Happenings

MAY 2014

From the President: Transitions: Appreciation, Excitement, Commencement, Celebration!

As I approach the end of my time as president of The Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia (LTSP), I want to once again express my deep appreciation to our trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, bishops, synods, donors, and friends for all your support over the last 15 years. I am excited and pleased at the Board's election of my successor, the Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, who begins his duties at the beginning of the new academic year. And there's so much more to share in this issue, Read more...

The Rev. Dr. David Lose elected next LTSP President

The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, Marbury Anderson Associate Professor of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been elected president of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP). President-elect Lose assumes his duties at the start of the 2014 academic year, Read more about Dr. Lose and view a photo gallery from his May 13-14 visit to the seminary as he was in conversation with LTSP faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the LTSP Board...

Community organizing seeds planted: LTSP alumni lead to positive change

How does today's church bring hope to those experiencing the profound frustration of hopelessness in communities and neighborhoods marked by poverty and injustice?
Last month, two alumni from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP), Bishop Dwayne Royster and the Rev. Ed Livingston, gathered with Professor Katie Day to discuss the role of community organizing in today's church world, and how the seminary's training has helped them become leaders in community organizing initiatives.

Learn more how LTSP alumni and faculty are living out their ministry through organizing activities in the community and watch the extended interview...

Frederick Houk Borsch: Naming of Anglican Chair "a sign of shared cooperation"

When the Rev. Dr. Frederick Houk Borsch was honored April 9 with the seminary's Anglican Chair being named for him, Borsch acknowledged the naming as a "great honor."
"But you have to remember," Borsch said, "even though I have been here for some time, the Chair is really a sign of shared cooperation between Lutherans and Episcopalians. We've been cooperating for a long time. And I think the Chair celebrates the good things we have been doing together."

Read more about the professor, scholar, and pastor the Anglican Chair is named after, and watch the extended interview...

Spring Convocation focuses on seminary's founding with an eye on church renewal

Observing the 150th anniversary of LTSP's founding, Spring Convocation this April focused on both history and church renewal.
The gathered alumni heard from three keynoters. LTSP president the Rev. Dr. Philip D.W. Krey, seminary president and Ministerium of New York Professor of Early Church History, led off with a focus on the circumstances of the seminary's founding in 1864. Afternoon remarks on "Renewal of the Church" were delivered by the Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, senior pastor of Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Church renewal was addressed by the Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone, an assistant to Bishop Robert Driesen of the Upper Susquehanna Synod (PA) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Plus anniversary class reunions, recognition of distinguished alumni,

Learn about the events, view videos of the keynotes and Distinguished Alumni, and view slide shows of the events and anniversary classes, and more...

Alumnus's ministry approaches win plaudits from community newspaper

Seminary graduate the Rev. Keith Anderson (STM '02) recently made the news, earning plaudits as "Citizen of the Week" from the Ambler (PA) Gazette. "With programs like 'God on Tap' and 'Coffee and Conversation' and 'Ashes on the Go', Anderson has made it his mission to break down the walls of the church and rewrite the definition of what organized religion looks like," the Gazette wrote in an article by Eric Devlin. Anderson has been one of the pastors at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church for about a year and a half after having served a congregation in Boston for 10 years.

Read more about Pr. Anderson's active ministry in the Philadelphia suburbs...

LTSP 150 Timeline now online!

Explore the 150 years of LTSP history - not to mention connections to Martin Luther, Swedish Lutherans, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, and more on the special LTSP 150th Anniversary Timeline website. You'll find stories, video, images and more now, and more content coming through the year as we approach the Anniversary Celebrations in October. Plus, share your memories, stories, and wishes throughout the site.

Visit the LTSP 150th Anniversary Timeline website...

Preaching Scholar David J. Lose Elected President of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

2014-05-14T18:03:00.003-04:00

The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose, Marbury Anderson Associate Professor of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been elected president of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP). Lose assumes his duties at the start of the 2014 academic year, succeeding the Rev. Dr. Philip D.W. Krey, who announced last year he is ending his tenure as the school's president after 15 years of service.

"We were blessed to have a number of candidates with excitingly diverse backgrounds to consider for leading the seminary," said the Rev. Dr. Elise Brown, who chairs the seminary Board of Trustees. "Dr. Lose's exemplary skills include strategic planning, relationship building, and an entrepreneurial spirit that will enable him to guide the seminary into a strong and bold future."

"For one hundred and fifty years, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia has formed public leaders for a public church," Lose said. "Its deep confessional roots, ecumenical commitments, and responsiveness to its context and constituents have never been needed more than today. I am both humbled by the community's trust and thrilled by the prospect of working alongside great colleagues and students to lead the school into the future God has prepared for us."

Lose, 49, earned both his MDiv and STM at LTSP. A member of the preaching faculty at Luther Seminary since 2000, Lose served as Academic Dean from 2005-2008, was the founding director of the Center for Biblical Preaching, led the creative team that developed WorkingPreacher.org, and directed several grants funded by the Lilly Endowment to research congregational vitality. He has been greatly interested in exploring new models for congregational leadership and witness in the twenty-first century.

Lose, born in Hughesville, a little town in Northeast Pennsylvania, spent most of his youth in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and then in high school moved a bit north to Myerstown. He is a 1988 graduate (Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) of Franklin & Marshall College, where he was co-founder of a Habitat for Humanity chapter at the school, played varsity soccer, and was president of the Senior Honor Society. He was awarded his MDiv at LTSP in 1993, receiving several scholarly honors and serving as class president. He earned an STM with a concentration in Biblical Studies from LTSP in 1997. Subsequently, Lose earned a four-year Presidential Scholarship to Princeton Theological Seminary, where he was awarded a PhD in homiletics in 2000.

Prior to his faculty appointment at Luther Seminary, Lose held pastorates at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Summit, New Jersey, (1993-96), Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Audubon, New Jersey, (1997-98) and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Princeton Junction, New Jersey, (1998-2000).

The author of a half-dozen books, his latest volume, Making Sense of the Christian Life (Augsburg Fortress), is forthcoming this winter. He is the author of scores of articles and book chapters, many of them focusing on the contemporary challenges of preaching in a changed and changing world, and he writes the weekly letter "Dear Working Preacher," which is typically viewed 50,000 times a month. His extensive record of community service includes current membership on the Board of Directors for Lutheran World Relief.

Lose makes his home in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Karin, son, Jack, 16, and daughter, Katie, 14.

Challenged and Renewed: Exploring personal growth in Ministry

2014-05-12T08:45:00.002-04:00

Challenged and Renewed:
Exploring personal growth in Ministry

Join us on the campus of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia for refreshments; Bible study; conversations with students, faculty, and staff; and information about education opportunities, financial aid, and admission processes. And meet others who are exploring. There is a $10 registration fee for this event.

Whether you or someone you know is a lay leader in a congregation who is interested in learning more about the Bible or the church's traditions and leadership, or someone feeling called to serve the church and the world as a public minister of the gospel or as professor at a seminary, we offer challenging and enriching education opportunities.

Saturday June 14, 2014 | 9:30 to 11:30am
Thursday June 19, 2014 | 6:30 to 8:30pm

For more information, please contact Don Johnson, Vice President for Student Development, or Matthew D. O'Rear, Associate Director of Admissions at 215.248.7302 or email admissions@Ltsp.edu.

Register online here, or email admissions@Ltsp.edu.

The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose recommended as next president of LTSP

2014-05-05T20:16:00.000-04:00

Dear Members of the LTSP Community,

On behalf of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) Presidential Search Committee, I am pleased to offer the following update.

The committee was gratified by the excellent candidates who indicated interest in the position and were willing to engage in mutual discernment. Twenty-three nominations were submitted, and seventeen applications were received. An initial interview was conducted with eight candidates. A second interview took place with four candidates. The four finalists were diverse in terms of professional and academic degrees, gender, denominational affiliation, and clergy/lay. In each interview, candidates demonstrated theological acumen, a passion for theological education, and a profound love for the church.

After prayer and conversation, the committee chose to recommend the Rev. Dr. David J. Lose to the Board of Trustees for consideration as the next president of LTSP.

Dr. Lose is currently the Marbury Anderson Associate Professor of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Both his MDiv and STM were earned at LTSP. His curriculum vitae is attached.

Among Dr. Lose's many skills are strategic planning and relationship building. He demonstrates an entrepreneurial gift, having founded the Center for Biblical Preaching, including WorkingPreacher.org. His analysis of the intersection of the culture and the church, and his interest in exploring new models for congregational leadership in the twenty-first century are important elements in exploring new opportunities for theological education. The committee viewed Dr. Lose as a leader with the capability to successfully guide the seminary into the future our gracious God sets before us.

I am personally grateful for the work of the committee, and their dedication and commitment. Members included:

The Rev. Cheryl Meinschein, Dr. Addie Butler, the Rev. Charles Miller, and the Rev. Harry McDowell, Board of Trustees;
Bishop Claire Burkat, Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod;
Dr. J. Paul Rajashekar and Dr. Storm Swain, faculty members;
Dr. Quintin Robertson, staff member;
Dan Purtell, student;
The Rev. Jonathan Strandjord, ELCA representative;
Maria Fumai Dietrich, alumna;
Dr. Richard Carlson, Eastern Cluster representative

The schedule for Dr. Lose's visit is as follows:

Tuesday, May 13, 2014
11:15 am	Discussion with Faculty (over lunch)	Robert F. Blanck Board Room
2:30 pm	Discussion with Staff	Brossman 201
4:00 pm	Discussion with Alumni	Brossman 201
6:00 pm	Chapel (Dr. Lose preaching, all are welcome!)	Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel
6:30 pm	Student Meet and Greet (evening classes delayed until 7:30 pm)	Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
9:00 am	Discussion with Executive Cabinet	Heinecken Room, Brossman 304
11:30 am	Eucharist (Dr. Lose preaching, all are welcome!)	Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel
12:45 pm	Discussion with Students (students can bring a brown bag lunch or purchase lunch as part of the community meal)	Benbow B and C
3:00 pm	Meeting with Board of Trustees	Robert F. Blanck Board Room

Ephesians 3:20-21

20 Now to the One who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine,21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

In God's Peace,

John Richter

Chair, Presidential Search Committee

Click to view Dr. Lose's curriculum vitae (pdf)

Commitment to the City: A Religious Conversation between Christians and Muslims - May 7

2014-05-05T20:15:00.000-04:00

Commitment to the City:

A Religious Conversation between

Christians and Muslims

Sponsored by the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

and

The Community of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed in Philadelphia

Wednesday, 7 May 2014

7:00 – 9:00 pm

The Brossman Center

The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

7301 Germantown Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19119

Speakers:

The Rev. Dr. Katie Day

The Charles A. Scheiren Professor, Church and Society, LTSP

author of Faith on the Avenue: Religion on a City Street

Imam Muhammad Abdul Aleem

Imam of Masjidullah

author of Concordance to the Holy Quran, 5 vols

and Excellence of Worship

Respondents:

Imam Salaam Muhsin

Imam of Philadelphia Masjid

Dr. David D. Grafton

Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and

Christian-Muslim Relations, LTSP

Imam Eric Turner

Imam of Masjid Freehaven

Free and Open to the Public

Memorial service for the Rev. Rodney Smith (MDiv 2012)

2014-05-02T23:38:00.002-04:00

A memorial service for The Reverend Rodney Smith (MDiv 2012), who died in Christ on April 29, 2014, will be held on Monday, May 5, 5pm, at New Hope Lutheran Church, 167-24 118th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434, there congregation where he was pastor. A repast will follow in the fellowship hall.

We will have more information as it becomes available. Please keep Rodney's family, congregation, colleagues and friends in your prayers.

(information from Metro NY Synod)

Blessed Easter from LTSP

2014-04-20T19:51:00.000-04:00

A Taste of Seminary Happenings

EASTER 2014

An Easter Message from President Krey

In an age often filled with fear, all of us at the Philadelphia Seminary wish you the joy of Easter. Jesus, the crucified, is risen and goes before you. May he greet you with the hope of the resurrection and transform all of your fears and anxieties into faith and trust in the God who raised him from the dead for us.

Blessed Easter,

Philip Krey

PS Portions April: A Taste of Seminary Happenings

2014-04-17T09:47:00.002-04:00

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A Taste of Seminary Happenings

April 2014

From the President: Celebrating students, innovation and Swedish history

We at the seminary pray you are having a blessed and meaningful Holy Week and Easter season.

In this issue of Portions you will meet several remarkable seminarians; get to know David Jordon, the director of our new Co-op initiative, a partnership involving congregations and the seminary; and learn about the first Augustana Institute observance on our campus. The stories in this issue really provide an overview of life on and off campus in our 150th anniversary year.

Read more...

Augustana Institute lecture salutes pioneer Swedish Ecumenist Nathan Söderblom

The inaugural lecture of the Augustana Institute at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) on March 22 served as both a celebration of the Swedish Lutheran Church tradition in America and a stirring celebration of Swedish Nobel Peace Prize recipient (1930) Nathan Söderblom, regarded as the architect of the twentieth-century ecumenical movement so familiar to contemporary churchgoers.

The lecture, by retired Swedish Bishop Jonas Jonson, was followed by a panel discussion. Read the story, view photos of the event and recordings of the lecture and panel discussion...

The Nolde Seminar: Following the legacy of O. Frederick Nolde

"The on-going, snakelike consequences of sin in our society are as painful and pervasive as they are unpopular to talk about," the Rev. Dr. John Nunes, Emil and Elfriede Jochum Chair at Valparaiso University, told a session of this year's Nolde seminar. The Nolde seminar, taught by professors including Dr. Nunes and LTSP President Philip Krey, is sponsored by the Nolde family along with the Nolde Lecture.

Read more about O. Frederick Nolde and the seminar...

Seminary's 'Green Team' celebrates accomplishments

LTSP Senior Seminarian Dustin Wright thinks about Psalm 8 whenever someone asks him why Christians (and others) should care for God's creation. "My favorite part of the Psalm reads, 'O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!'," he says. "It's my favorite because that's where caring for creation really begins; recognizing the beauty and majesty of God's work and our connection to it."

Learn more about the work the Green Team has been doing to improve the LTSP campus, and care for God's creation ...

Fieldwork ship visits in the Port of Philadelphia fulfill LTSP seminarians

Seminarian Lori Anne Kirk has a storehouse of fieldwork memories from visiting ships for the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI) of Philadelphia and South Jersey this year. Fieldwork is part of a contextual education initiative The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) and other seminaries offer to afford students practical experience to complement their classroom learning.

Learn how Kirk and fellow seminarian Sharon Richter are experiencing this different and important ministry ...

Pastor David Jordon laying foundation for new Co-op program

Pastor David Jordon has only been on the seminary staff for a little more than six weeks, but he has already laid considerable groundwork as director of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia's (LTSP) brand new initiative, The Master of Divinity - Co-operative Model (Co-op).
A new initiative supported by a grant from the Thrivent Financial Lutherans foundation, the Co-op Model aims to reduce or eliminate student debt as they study for and enter into ministry.

Check out this month's Class Notes, with the latest on LTSP's alumni and friends. You're an important part of Class Notes - we welcome you to share your own stories!

This month's LTSP Notes includes notes on the new Frederick Houk Borsch Chair in Anglican Studies, expanding ATSI programs, and three professors are awarded tenure.

Frederick Houk Borsch Chair of Anglican Studies inaugurated at LTSP

2014-04-15T16:03:00.004-04:00

The Frederick Houk Borsch Chair of Anglican Studies was inaugurated at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) in a brief ceremony in the seminary's Schaeffer Ashmead Chapel during Wednesday Eucharist on April 9, 2014. The chair at LTSP was established as the Anglican Studies chair as the result of a generous gift from The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Colleagues and graduates of LTSP serving in the Pennsylvania diocese joined the seminary community and members of the LTSP board of trustees for the worship service, where Borsch presided.

The Rt. Rev. Frederick Houk Borsch, PhD, was the first holder of the Episcopal chair, serving since the fall of 2003, and also teaching as Professor of New Testament for much of this time. Borsch was earlier the Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles and has a long involvement with theological education. He has been on the faculty of several seminaries in the United States and England, and served as Dean and President of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and interim Dean of the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. Author or editor of more than twenty books, he was for some years Dean of the Chapel at Princeton University, where he taught in the Department of Religion and the Program in the History, Archaeology and Religion of the Ancient World.

Dr. Borsch presiding at worship

(from left to right) The Rt. Rev. Edward Lee, Assisting Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania; Bishop Claire Burkat, Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; President Philip D.W. Krey, LTSP; The Rt. Rev. Rodney Michel, Assisting Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania; The Rev. Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian, Dean and H. George Anderson Professor of Mission and Cultures, LTSP; Dr. Borsch; The Rev. Dr. Katie Day, Charles A. Scheiren Professor of Church and Society, LTSP; The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania

(from left to right) The Rt. Rev. Edward Lee, Assisting Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania; The Rt. Rev. Rodney Michel, Assisting Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania; Dr. Borsch; The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel, Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania

LTSP's 150th Anniversary Highlighted in 2 part series - Part 2 now online

2014-04-09T20:02:00.000-04:00

The Chestnut Hill Local, a weekly newspaper published in Northwest Philadelphia, is highlighting The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia's 150th anniversary with a series of articles.

You can read part 2, from the April 2, 2014 edition, on the Local's website here.

You can read part 1, from the March 26, 2014 edition, on the Local's website here.

The seminary's own look back, a website covering the history of LTSP, is coming this spring as a separate multimedia website.

Exploring questions of Life and Faith: Live Thursday 7 pm

2014-04-09T20:01:00.000-04:00

Concerned with the decline in church membership?...

**Then join the conversation - Live on campus and Live streamed online - at the inaugural event of the "EXPLORING" series - presented by The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.**

Exploring questions of Life and Faith:
a conversation with a panel of smart people
who don't go to church

Featuring the Rev. James Hazelwood, Bishop of the ELCA New England Synod

Thursday, April 10, 2014

• 6:30 pm - walk in registration
• 7:00 pm - program begins
• On campus and Online

Live on the LTSP campus or Live-streamed to your computer!
Free with registration!
Audience participation!
Light snacks will be served to the campus audience.

Register online today - click here - or call 215.248.7302

To see the live-streamed event, go to Ltsp.edu/ExploringSeries on Thursday, April 10 at 7 pm EDT! Be sure to register for the event, either to attend on campus or online, so you can receive updates and attendee information before the event!

More about Bishop Hazelwood

The Rev. James Hazelwood was elected bishop of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at the synod's assembly in June 2012. Long time pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Charlestown, MA., he told the South Kingstown Independent in a story after his election that he didn't start out to be a religious leader after college - in fact, he was mostly interested in music and basketball. Born in Concord, MA, Bishop Hazelwood is the first native New Englander and the first parish pastor to serve as bishop of the New England Synod since the ELCA was founded in 1987. His wife, the Rev. Lisa Stoen Hazelwood, serves as senior pastor at St. Andrew.

Bishop Hazelwood explained his interest in advancing the church in the 21st century in an entry on his "Bishop on a Bile" blog written after he was elected. The entry started with part of what he told the assembly before voting was held:

"'...I have a great gig going on in Charlestown at St. Andrew. I am not looking for a new call.'” I meant it, I still mean it. St. Andrew has been the best community of faith, the best laboratory for 21st century mission, the most flexible and willing people I have ever experienced. Why would I want to leave it? “'But, if you,'” I said to the assembly, “'want to go on an adventure or experimentation, of trying to figure out where God is pulling us, and seek to ask questions about what it means to do and be church in New England in this time. That’s a different story.'” Those may not be the exact words I said, but that was the essence of what I said.

"I do not know the workings of the Holy Spirit, but here is my more rational understanding of what happened in Spring-field. Our church in New England, and across North America, is experiencing a seismic shift. Whether it’s declining participation in congregational life, shift in where people go for spiritual understanding, economic dislocation or just plain old general angst, you can easily see these are strange and un-understandable times. I think most everyone in the church, and certainly those at the Assembly in Springfield understood this to be the case. That was one line going through the place on June 8, 9 & 10 [the dates of the assembly]."

He also noted in the entry:

"The other line was my personal autobiography of not having grown up in the faith, living and breathing life as an unchurched kid in the post-Wategate era of the 1970’s in Southern California. My story of baptism at a Lutheran Bible camp, and the understanding I have of how those outside the church think. This was another line going through the Mass Mutual Center [where the synod assembly was held].

"Somehow these two lines intersected at a particular point in time, and/or the Holy Spirit brought them together. If this event had been held any number of years ago, I’m not so sure the results would be the same. In an earlier era, it’s possible I might have been seen as an entertaining fringe candidate. But, the times and the person were brought together.

"Now what?"

You can read more of Bishop Hazelwood's thoughts on the Bishop on a Bike website, and follow him on Facebook.

Don't miss these next events in the "Exploring Series":

Prospective Student Day: Exploring Theological Education, April 26, 2014
Ministry Day: Exploring Ministry Opportunities, June 14, 2014

Tuesday & Wednesday: Celebrating Frederick Borsch Chair, Remembering Robert Blanck

2014-04-06T22:39:00.000-04:00

Please join the seminary community
as we hold two important celebrations:

Memorial Service for Dr. Robert F. Blanck
Tuesday, April 8

The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) community will gather on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm for a memorial service to celebrate the life and many contributions of seminary trustee Dr. Robert F. Blanck, Esq. Dr. Blanck died January 16, 2014 at the age of 87.

Still a trustee at the time of his death, Dr. Blanck served as chair of the trustee board from 1976 to 2003. He was recognized by the seminary in 2001 with the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity (DD).

The Rev. Dr. Robert Robinson, Anna Burkhalter Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at LTSP, will be preaching, and Bishop Claire Burkat, of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will be presiding.

The memorial service will be held in the Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel on the LTSP campus, 7301 Germantown Avenue in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. Ample parking is available on campus, and all are welcome to join us to remember and celebrate this true friend of the seminary and the greater church.

Frederick Houk Borsch Chair in Anglican Studies to be Inaugurated Wednesday, April 9

The Frederick Houk Borsch Chair of Anglican Studies will become the name of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia's Chair of Anglican Studies at a brief ceremony that will be a part of Wednesday Eucharist on April 9, 2014 at 11:30 am in the Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel on the LTSP campus. Prof. Borsch was the first holder of the Chair beginning in the fall of 2003. He served as Professor of New Testament for much of this time. Borsch was earlier the Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles, and has a long involvement with theological education having been on the faculty of several seminaries in the United States and England, and been dean and president of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, and interim dean of the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. Author or editor of more than twenty books, he was for some years Dean of the Chapel at Princeton University, where he taught in the Department of Religion and the Program in the History, Archaeology, and Religion of the Ancient World.

Please join the seminary community in celebrating Prof. Borsch and the Anglican Studies program this coming Wednesday. The chapel is on the LTSP campus, 7301 Germantown Avenue in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. Parking is available on the seminary campus, and all are invited to attend.

LTSP's coming to Hartford! Join us!

2014-03-25T11:49:00.000-04:00

LTSP Hits the Road!

You are invited to a place near you
for dinner hosted by the Philadelphia Seminary

You are invited - at no cost to you, and no strings attached - to join us for dinner at one of these locations:

Saturday, April 5, 5:30 pm - City Steam Brewery Café - Hartford, CT.

This event is for you if you have ever thought about serving

as a pastor.
one of the church's leaders with youth.
as a church musician.
by providing leadership for a social service organization, advocacy group, or overseas mission group.
or in any number of other charitable or service oriented professions.

This will be an evening to discern where and how God is calling you next; an evening spent with others who are figuring out how to best prepare for the next big adventure God has in store; an evening of good food, stimulating conversation, and the Spirit's presence.
We know you undoubtedly talk with people about call and discernment. It is just those people who will benefit from this Saturday evening dinner. So even if you are not personally discerning a new chapter in your own life, we welcome you to invite others who you know will benefit from such an event and come together to one of the dinners.
In each case, the dinner will be hosted by local pastors. The visit team from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) will include three current students, an LTSP professor, and two members of the LTSP staff.
Here's what you will experience:

Hear first-hand from LTSP students what it's like to study at one of the most cutting-edge seminaries in the USA.
Find out how intellectually stimulating and down-to-earth the faculty is at LTSP.
Learn the ways LTSP is a great place to prepare for ministry and many other ways of serving in church and/or charitable organizations.
Find out how to finance a seminary education that won't put you in debt for the rest of your life.
Get the scoop on ways you can design a course schedule that works around your personal and family obligations.

This is an event that you don't want to miss!
Please RSVP by the prior Wednesday by emailing admissions@Ltsp.edu. Please indicate any dietary restrictions.
We'll see you soon for a great Saturday evening dinner and an evening full of inspiration and information. If you know someone who is in discernment, share this message with them - they're invited too!

PS Portions - March 2014

2014-03-20T12:41:00.001-04:00

From the Editor: Moving Forward in Faith

This month's PS Portions celebrates recent exciting events, the legacy The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia carries forward in the century of updated English translations of the Book of Concord, and an alumnus' "retirement" ministry.

An anniversary is a time to look to the years ahead as well to remember what has already passed. Read further to learn more about LTSP's looking forward as we continue, in our 150th year and beyond. Read more...

The Book of Concord:
"a practical resource"

How big a challenge is it today to keep alive in the minds of believers the Book of Concord, the collection of the most important confessional and theological documents of Luther's day, originally published in 1580?

Recently retired Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor of Reformation History the Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Wengert, co-editor of the most recent volume, reflects: "I tell people the Book of Concord is about believers caught in the act of confessing their faith, and I tell my students that, outside of their use of the Bible, the Book of Concord will be the most practical book they will use during their seminary training." Read more from a conversation with Dr. Wengert...

Quintin Robertson preaches stirring sermon for African Descent Heritage celebration

The Rev. Dr. Quintin Robertson preached to members of the African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) during a celebration of African Descent Heritage called "Breaking the Chain" during Black History Month.

During the service of word and praise part of the celebration at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP), Dr. Robertson urged his listeners to put their hands in the hand of Jesus in order to "meet the challenge of your greatness." He also spoke of three giants to slay along the journey of their Christian lives. Read about Dr. Robertson's sermon and the ADLA event...

Preaching with Power preacher advises: Whatever your nightmare, "Refocus on your dream..."

The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Conner, Sr., advised his Preaching with Power congregants March 12 to "refocus on your dream" once they have experienced the kinds of nightmare episodes that confront Christians during their lifetimes.

Pr. Conner, a member of LTSP's Alumni Board who earned his MDiv and DMin degrees from the seminary, gave his dynamic message at the Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ. The annual March Preaching with Power celebration, at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) and in community churches, is sponsored by the Urban Theological Institute (UTI) of the seminary.

Read more about Preaching with Power, watch Pr. Conner's sermon, and more ...

Energized by 22 volunteer years at Independence National Historical Park

LTSP alumnus Edward Uthe has served as an interpreter at Independence National Historical Park since 1992, one year after his retirement as a researcher for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, focusing on aspects of individual, congregational, and synodical giving, stewardship programs, and mission support for the denomination's Commission for Financial Support. All in all, Uthe's career spanned 41 years in the church.

Learn more about Pr. Uthe's retirement ministry ...

Save the Date!
LTSP 150th Anniversary Banquet:
Thursday, October 16, 2014

Plan to attend the gala LTSP 150th Anniversary Banquet at the Ballroom at the Ben, 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Festivities will begin at 5:30 pm with an optional "Liturgy of Thanksgiving" at Franklin Square, site of the first erected seminary building. The assembly will then process to the Ben for cocktails and dinner at 7:00 pm. Keynote address at the celebration will be by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. Details to come! Save the date - Thursday, October 16 - now!

Check out this month's Class Notes, a new feature in PS Portions which will share stories about LTSP's alumni and friends. You're an important part of Class Notes - we welcome you to share your own stories! And don't miss LTSP Notes with updates from seminary faculty and staff.

Join us for a Book Celebration Convocation March 25

2014-03-19T22:40:00.000-04:00

You're invited! Join the community of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia to celebrate recently published works by seminary faculty at the Book Celebration convocation on Tuesday, March 27, 2014 at 11:30 am. The convocation will be held in Benbow Hall, The Brossman Center, on the seminary campus, 7301 Germantown Avenue in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia. The convocation is free and open to the public. The celebration will start by enjoying cake in The Brossman Center student lounge at 11 am.

Faculty authors will share short presentations about their books, along with comments on the writing process. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions about the writing process and about the books being celebrated.

The faculty authors and their recent books are:

The Rev. Dr. Karyn L. Wiseman, Associate Professor of Homiletics and Director of United Methodist Studies - I Refuse to Preach a Boring Sermon!: Engaging the 21st Century Listener (2013: Pilgrim Press)
The Rev. Dr. Katie Day, The Charles A. Scheiren Professor, Church and Society and Director of the Metropolitan/Urban Concentration - Faith on the Avenue: Religion on a City Street, Photographs by Edd Conboy (2014: Oxford University Press)
The Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes, Associate Professor of Worship and Liturgy - Eucharist and Globalization: Redrawing the Borders of Eucharistic Hospitality (2013: Wipf and Stock)
The Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr., Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. Associate Professor of Homiletics and Liturgics in African American Studies - Unexpected Calls to Unexpected Places, Foreword by Rev. Otis Moss III (2013: R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation)
The Rev. Dr. Storm Swain, Associate Professor, Pastoral Care and Theology and Director of Anglican Studies - Trauma and Transformation at Ground Zero: A Pastoral Theology (2011: Fortress Press)

Visit the seminary website for directions to campus and on site parking.

Uncommon Common Prayer liturgy & lecture this Wednesday, March 19

2014-03-17T21:43:00.002-04:00

Uncommon

Common Prayer

How does the liturgical, theological, and devotional use of global Books of Common Prayer build bonds of affection?  An Aotearoa New Zealand perspective?

A liturgy, lecture, and lunch 

Wednesday March 19th, 2014, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

The Schaeffer Ashmead Chapel and Benbow Hall,
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia  and offices of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania.

Sponsored by the Philadelphia Theological Institute
of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, and the
Anglican Studies program of The Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP)

Join with PTI and the seminary community for the Eucharist from the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer, followed by lunch and a lecture. Introduction by Mrs. Phoebe Griswold, member of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross.  Preacher and presenter is the Rev. Dr. Eleanor Sanderson from the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia. Celebrant and MC is the Rev. Dr. Storm Swain, Director of the Anglican Studies Program at LTSP.  Program Host is the Rev. Cn. James L. Shannon, Philadelphia Theological Institute.

Dr. Sanderson, 36, is a UK born citizen and permanent resident of New Zealand. She is the keynote speaker for the 2014 Anglican Women at Prayer conference in Virginia. She was ordained as a Deacon in 2005 and as a Priest in 2006 within the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia. She has served in the Diocese of Wellington since that time in a number of different roles. Alongside her ordained ministry in the church, she has a strong and active commitment within international community development and as an academic.

A light lunch will be available. Please make your reservation by emailing Dr. Swain at sswain@Ltsp.edu.

Preaching with Power begins Sunday!

2014-03-03T16:20:00.004-05:00

Celebrating thirty two years in 2014, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia's Urban Theological Institute through Preaching with Power has invited outstanding African American preachers to Philadelphia for a week each March to celebrate the finest in African American preaching through the Preaching with Power series.

Preaching with Power is hosted both on the seminary campus and in congregations throughout the community. Host congregations include those of the American Baptist Churches, the United Methodist Church, the Church of God in Christ, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

All events are free and open to the public. Offering proceeds benefit the Rev. Dr. Joseph Q. Jackson Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship support to students who study in the seminary's Urban Theological Institute.

This year's Preaching with Power line up:

Click the name of the preacher/lecturer to view their biography and for venue details.

Sunday, March 9, 2014, 4:00 pm
African American Sacred Music Concert
Reformation Lutheran Church
1215 East Vernon Road, Philadelphia, PA 19150

Monday, March 10, 2014, 7:00 pm
The Rev. Dr. Jerry M. Carter, Jr.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Germantown
41 West Rittenhouse Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 11:15 am
Dr. Cain Hope Felder
Lecture: The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
Benbow Hall, The Brossman Center,
7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19119

Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 7:00 pm
Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson
Harold O. Davis Memorial Church
4500 North 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140

Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 11:15 am
Bishop Audrey Bronson
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
Schaeffer-Ashmead Chapel
7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19119

Wednesday, March 12, 2014, 6:30 pm
The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Conner, Sr.
Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ
6401 Ogontz Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150

Thursday, March 13, 2014, 7:00 pm
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Elaine M. Flake
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
419 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Unable to Attend?
Contributions to the J. Q. Jackson Scholarship Fund can be made at any time. Make checks payable to LTSP — The Joseph Q. Jackson Endowed Scholarship Fund and send to: The LTSP Foundation, 7301 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119, or you can give online.

PS Portions: February 2014

2014-02-15T00:36:00.000-05:00

A Taste of Seminary Happenings

From President Phil Krey

So Much to Celebrate

As I read this month's stories, I am reminded again we have so much to celebrate.

Our Adult Learning program has taken a new approach by being both in classroom and online - offering learners a choice that works best for them. The first offering was a top rated success, and this spring's with retired Professor Richard Stewart offers much the same.

We celebrate the Urban Theological Institute in several ways every year, including the coming Preaching with Power. UTI co-founder the Rev. Dr. Andrew Willis and his wife, the Rev. Dr. Gladys Willis, a UTI alumna, share their story and remembrances of the UTI.

The generosity of donors, individuals and congregations, who support the students at LTSP is a constant cause to celebrate, and this month we celebrate a $10,000 gift from St. Luke Lutheran Church in Devon, PA - a gift which will benefit African American Lutheran students.

That is just a sampling of what we have to celebrate. Read more from President Krey...

Two dreams come true...

"It's been a dream come true to see the Urban Theological Institute (UTI) at the seminary become such a success," said the Rev. Dr. Andrew Willis, co-founder of UTI some 35 years ago with friend and colleague the late Rev. Randolph Jones, a United Methodist pastor. "The idea had a lot of critics, and many thought it would never work."

The formation and success of UTI was just one of many dreams realized by Dr. Willis and his wife, the Rev. Dr. Gladys Willis, as they have shared their many dreams and accomplishments. Read more about their dreams fulfilled ...

The value of Islamic Studies at LTSP

Why does a Lutheran seminary - like The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) - have a program of Islamic Studies?

"That's a good question," said the Rev. Dr. David Grafton, who joined the LTSP faculty seven years ago to direct such an initiative as well as to head up the seminary's Graduate School.

Learn how Dr. Grafton sees the importance of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations in preparing seminarians for leadership in a religiously diverse culture ...

Louise Johnson embraces historic leadership role

Two decades ago, the Rev. Louise N. Johnson could not have imagined herself serving LTSP as Vice President for Mission Advancement, using her writing and analytical skills in a post created last October to implement a new institution-wide assessment process for the seminary.

In thinking about her new role, and the seminary she serves, she is in the right place at the right time. "We are learning to think differently," she explained. "We have an incredible opportunity to wonder how God is changing us."

Learn how Pr. Johnson is bringing her knowledge and experience to a new position key in guiding the seminary into the changing world and a changing church ...

Johns Island: A Photo Essay

Last month's PS Portions shared the story of the annual student service trip to Johns Island, led by LTSP professor Robert Robinson.

The group has returned to begin spring semester, and they share some of their experience in this photo essay ...

New! Check out Class Notes, a new feature in PS Portions which will share stories about LTSP's alumni and friends. You're an important part of Class Notes - we welcome you to share your own stories!

Adult Learning Opportunity starting March 8: CONGREGATIONS: Where Old & New Communications Strategies Merge

2014-02-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

CONGREGATIONS: Where Old and New
Communications Strategies Merge
Social and "Old" Media for the 21st Century

with instructor the Rev. Dr. Richard Stewart, Retired LTSP Associate Professor; Interim Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Upper Darby

Five consecutive Saturdays, March 8 to April 12,
live on the LTSP campus from 10 am to noon
and flexible* online - the choice is yours!

Newletters, bulletins, bulletin boards, radio, newspapers, email, web sites, blogs, video, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Vimeo, RSS Feed, MySpace, etc. Welcome to communicating and connecting in the 21st Century!

On five successive Saturday mornings, we will explore how congregations can connect and communicate with the multiple generations that are being encountered in congregational life.

In some 20 odd years of teaching during the growth of the use of computers, Pr. Stewart has found that the adaptability of people in the pews varies not necessarily according to age but according to interest in – or ability to ignore – methods used by congregations to communicate. This course is valuable to all leaders in congregational life who are responsible to communicate, those who must “Speak” on multiple levels in order to reach all of the Children of God.

Before his retirement, Pr. Stewart was Associate Professor of Communications and Parish Administration at LTSP. His doctoral dissertation, "A History of the Use of Technology in Education at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia," was a study of the use of technology in the theological education setting. You can join Dr. Stewart in one of two ways:

Live on the LTSP Campus over five consecutive Saturdays, March 8 to April 12, 2014, from 10 am to noon. Join Dr. Stewart live in the classroom to learn and share with class colleagues.
Online for five weeks beginning March 3. View course videos, participate in discussions forums with class colleagues, and other activities.
*Flexible means you can attend in whatever way works best for you. You can choose each week - in the classroom, online, a combination of both - for a single registration!

At the end of the successfully completed series, each participant will receive a certificate of completion or one CEU if requested.

Videos will also be available separately for congregations that wish to use them for their own study programs.

The cost for the course is $200 for individuals enrolling for flexible classroom or online study - a single registration covers both. The cost for congregational groups of two or more will be $275 per group.

Register online here.

For more information, contact Kathleen A. Afflerbach, Coordinator, 215.248.6324 or kafflerbach@Ltsp.edu.

Presented in partnership with Adult Lutherans Organized for Action (ALOA).

What attendees have said about their adult learning experience at LTSP:

"Please grow this type of learning opportunity!"
"We all need to know more as we grow in faith."
"It's great to be able to review the class online if you cannot attend. It also acts as a great review."
"It was good to know that if I couldn't attend the class I coulod do the work [online]. Several people took advantage of online because of scheduling conflicts."

LTSPMedia

PS Portions - the Back to School 2014 Issue

From the President: The First Day of School

The MDiv Co-operative Model - Two different paths to a different way to prepare for ministry

A year in Hungary with Young Adults in Global Mission

Team-teaching the Lutheran Confessions

Inspirational messages mark opening of the 150th Academic Year

Friend of the seminary Dorothea Henry has died

PS Portions - July 2014

A Taste of Seminary Happenings - July 2014

PS Portions for June 2014

A Taste of Seminary Happenings

June 2014

Calling all Pastors, Congregational Leaders, and Synod Staff to Co-op Model Information Night

The 150th Commencement

The 150th Commencement

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

The 150th Commencement: Seminary awards certificates, degrees to 65 members of the class of 2014Remarks by former ELCA Presiding Bishop and reflections about Peter J. L. Perella among many highlights

Certificate recipients are:

Degree recipients are:

About the commencement speaker and Honorary Doctor of Divinity recipient:

PS Portions for May 2014

Preaching Scholar David J. Lose Elected President of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

Challenged and Renewed: Exploring personal growth in Ministry

Challenged and Renewed:Exploring personal growth in Ministry

The Rev. Dr. David J. Lose recommended as next president of LTSP

Commitment to the City: A Religious Conversation between Christians and Muslims - May 7

Memorial service for the Rev. Rodney Smith (MDiv 2012)

Blessed Easter from LTSP

PS Portions April: A Taste of Seminary Happenings

A Taste of Seminary Happenings

April 2014

Frederick Houk Borsch Chair of Anglican Studies inaugurated at LTSP

LTSP's 150th Anniversary Highlighted in 2 part series - Part 2 now online

Exploring questions of Life and Faith: Live Thursday 7 pm

Then join the conversation - Live on campus and Live streamed online - at the inaugural event of the "EXPLORING" series - presented by The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

Exploring questions of Life and Faith:a conversation with a panel of smart peoplewho don't go to church

Featuring the Rev. James Hazelwood, Bishop of the ELCA New England Synod

Tuesday & Wednesday: Celebrating Frederick Borsch Chair, Remembering Robert Blanck

LTSP's coming to Hartford! Join us!

LTSP Hits the Road!

You are invited to a place near youfor dinner hosted by the Philadelphia Seminary

PS Portions - March 2014

Join us for a Book Celebration Convocation March 25

Uncommon Common Prayer liturgy & lecture this Wednesday, March 19

Preaching with Power begins Sunday!

PS Portions: February 2014

A Taste of Seminary Happenings

Adult Learning Opportunity starting March 8: CONGREGATIONS: Where Old & New Communications Strategies Merge

CONGREGATIONS: Where Old and New Communications Strategies Merge Social and "Old" Media for the 21st Century

Register online here.

What attendees have said about their adult learning experience at LTSP:

More learning opportunities are available - check out the options on our Take a Course at LTSP page.

The 150th Commencement: Seminary awards certificates, degrees to 65 members of the class of 2014
Remarks by former ELCA Presiding Bishop and reflections about Peter J. L. Perella among many highlights

Challenged and Renewed:
Exploring personal growth in Ministry

**Then join the conversation - Live on campus and Live streamed online - at the inaugural event of the "EXPLORING" series - presented by The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.**

Exploring questions of Life and Faith:
a conversation with a panel of smart people
who don't go to church

You are invited to a place near you
for dinner hosted by the Philadelphia Seminary

CONGREGATIONS: Where Old and New
Communications Strategies Merge
Social and "Old" Media for the 21st Century