CONGREGATIONS PARTICIPATE IN SEMINARY'S CAMPAIGN Get the Flash Player to see this player. (Please allow time for video to download before playing. Time to download will vary based on connection speed.)
Congregations throughout the Synod are being invited to consider the importance of keeping Concordia Seminary strong in equipping Pastors for generations to come. The Seminary's five-year "How Will They Hear" Campaign is currently in its congregational phase. Funds will support Seminary programs, build its endowment, and renovate areas of the St. Louis campus. "We know congregations are faced with many challenges and opportunities," said Dr. Dale A. Meyer, Seminary President. "The current economy has become an obstacle for many, and we pray that the vital work of congregations will not be hindered. Also, we know that all congregations recognize the importance of pastoral education and will want to support it as they are able." "We applaud congregations that are becoming involved in the Campaign," said Dan and Sandy Clark, co-chairs of the Campaign's National Steering Committee. "A special event was recently held in our congregation (Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakewood, Colorado) that featured the ministry of the Seminary and provided an opportunity to recognize, in a special way, the valuable work of our Pastors at Bethlehem." Some congregations are considering special Seminary Sunday observances. Some have included the Campaign and the Seminary in their budgets. Some are planning special offerings. One congregation wants to say "thanks" for receiving a recent graduate whom they describe as "a wonderful collection of God-given talent, humility and pastoral compassion." One generous person recently started an endowment at the Seminary in the name of her Pastor. "We are seeing people and congregations doing some wonderful, visionary, and creative things to thank their Pastors and to support the Seminary's formation of future Pastors," said the Clarks. The Campaign is scheduled to be concluded by July 2010. Congregations seeking ways to participate in the Campaign can call Seminary Advancement at 800-822-5287.
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