Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Last week Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University held a Last Lectures event to honor the upcoming retirements of Dean Kit Kleinhans, Dr. Wray Bryant, and Dr. Joy Schroeder. Together the three have dedicated a total of 87 years to the work of theological education, and the church is better for it!
After a welcome from Director of Congregational Engagement and Advancement Pastor Mary Ann Siefke, a colleague or former student offered words of appreciation for each of the retirees, who then each offered a 30-minute lecture, which was followed by the robust singing of a hymn of their choosing. Dean Kleinhans spoke of theology not just as the study of God (one sense of the Greek word logos) but also as the living and life-giving Word of God (another sense of the word logos). Dr. Bryant offered reflections as a teacher and preacher, embracing the concept of “otherness” to emphasize how God uses the unique personality of each of us as a vehicle to communicate the Truth to the world. Dr. Schroeder demonstrated the importance living up the voices and stories of those “long silenced” within the contemporary context of political moves to rewrite history by erasing the stories and voices of those from the margins. It was a wonderful celebration of this teaching and learning community, made all the more joyous by the presence of family and friends, colleagues, students, and alumni.
Those who’d like to listen to the lectures (or sing along with the hymns!) can find videos of the event posted on the Trinity Lutheran Seminary Facebook page and on the Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University YouTube channel. If you’d like to honor our retirees – and support those who will follow them – please consider making a gift to Trinity’s Faculty Development Fund. Go to Capital’s online giving page. Then choose Other from the drop-down menu, then type in Trinity Faculty Development.
Later this week, Pastor Mary Ann Siefke and I will be heading off to attend the Southeast Michigan Synod Assembly and the North / West Lower Michigan Synod Assembly. These events, too, are celebrations of relationships. We’ll interact with alumni, and we’ll share the story of Trinity with those who don’t know us well. We’ll check in on a few interns and have the opportunity to thank the congregations that are serving as teaching and learning sites for those interns. Other Region 6 synod assemblies will follow in June.
Trinity’s mission of forming leaders for Christ’s church at work in the world depends on the work of building and strengthening relationships, and we are pleased with every opportunity to do so.
The Rev. Kit Kleinhans, Ph.D.
Dean, Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University
Trinity Lutheran Seminary forms leaders for Christ’s church at work in the world.