09/24/2014

Trinity's Midweek Blast for September 24, 2014

Welcome Trinity Alums and Friends!

We celebrate Trinity Days on our campus this week as we welcome our alumni, alumnae, and friends. Trinity Days is both a homecoming celebration, as well as the context for theological conversation and relationship building. Initial festivities begin tonight at Harriet's and my home as we welcome members and spouses of the Class of '89 to celebrate our 25th anniversary. The classes of '64 (50th anniversary) and '74 (40th anniversary) also will be recognized.

Thursday is a full day. Our community Eucharist will have a distinctive alumni/ae flavor to it as our presider will be The Rev. Bradley Schmeling, Class of '89 (Gloria Dei, St. Paul, Minnesota) and our preacher will be The Rev. Lisa Arrington, Class of '00 (Hope, Cincinnati, Ohio). Distinguished Alumni/ae Awards will be presented to:

* The Rev. Michael Rinehart ('88), Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod;
* The Rev. Dr. Ann Graham Brock ('85), Associate Professor of New Testament, Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colorado; and,
* The Rev. James Whaley ('78), Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

The afternoon will feature two presentations by Dr. Amos Yong, Professor of Theology and Mission at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Yong is a prolific writer and speaker, who many perceive to be the face of Pentecostal theology in these days. Pentecostalism is the fastest growing sector of global Christianity; thus, it is important for us to listen to what Dr. Yong has to say. For more information about Dr. Yong, please refer to my September 10th midweek blast or our TLS website.

Following the presentations, we will gather for our gala homecoming reception and banquet featuring Bishop Michael Rinehart as the speaker.

On Friday morning, there will be three workshop opportunities for persons to attend. These include:

* Are Eldad and Medad Worshipping with You? by Dr. Hank Langknecht;
* What Hath Wittenberg to do with Azusa Street? by Dr. Cheryl Peterson; and,
* Shifts Needed in Leadership for the Church by me.

The homecoming festivities on Friday include the annual flag football game between alums and students. Folks need to know that Trinity Lutheran Seminary is the defending champion of the annual Luther Bowl, so we anticipate a spirited contest. A barbecue lunch will be served in the Christ the Teacher courtyard before folks leave for wherever they currently serve.

I speak for all of us on campus when I say that we are excited to have our alums and friends return. We are excited about the things God is doing through Trinity and we look forward to sharing them with you.

In the abiding hope of the empty tomb,


Rick Barger, '89
President
Trinity Lutheran Seminary