This is my quarterly newsletter I am sending out to those who have generously supported me. Thank you all for your support and prayers.
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Thank your for your continued support of my studies at Concordia Theological Seminary. I have just begun my second quarter.
The family is doing well. The process of adjusting is continuing. We are gradually making new friends and adding events to our social calendar. The kids like our new cheaper and yet bigger house. Ethan practices being a pastor on the long flight of stairs. He even insists on Gabriel and Elsie sitting at the base of the stairs as his congregation. It helps that they are able to experience chanting and other elements of musical liturgy on the campus which he can add to his pontificating and they to their participation.
Our pregnancy is progressing smoothly. The baby gets moving about the time Anne wants to go to sleep. It seems to be head down. I like the kicks as it reminds me of John the Baptist knowing that Christ is present. My baby knows its parents are there. We continue monthly check-ups with the midwife and anticipate another effortless (!) home delivery sometime in mid-February. Elsie would like a sister but I think she would be content with a baby!
In October we all attended by sister Rebecca’s wedding. I can sympathize with Elsie as its nice to finally have a brother in the family. The men always have been outnumbered. It has restored balance to the family gatherings. That extra bit of maleness from brother-in-law Chris restores the order of creation.
This quarter I am studying the gospels of St. Luke and St. Mark, the Augsburg Confession and its Apology, Greek readings of the weekly gospel reading, Homiletics (sermon writing and delivery), continued field education, and an overview of the Old Testament. Compared to last quarter this is one less class and should be less demanding. This will allow for a better diligence and focus on each course as well more time for family and my field work congregation.
My “performance†in the courses of last quarter reflects the best I could do with the constraints of time and work demands. I do not believe it was the best I am capable of though I expect the lighter class load of 14 credits (versus 17) will facilitate this potential. Frankly, I was unable to visit many of the required readings with the proper focus and my preparation for exams.
Much of my difficulty is a result of the process of re-learning how to study, prepare, and read with comprehension and for memory. I feel more comfortable with the classes of this quarter as a result. I believe I am better equipped to approach them with proper attention and understanding of their method.
The contrast of different pedagogical methods will continue to pose some challenges. My experiences in the first quarter should aid in my ability to recognize the approach of the instructor and anticipating their expectations. These expectations are not always clearly set forth until late in the course and grasping them early will improve my likelihood of doing well.
It is important to note that the graded performance in these courses does not reflect necessarily on my suitability for ordination. Rather they serve as a benchmark for my knowledge and understanding, help me identify my weaknesses and consider them. From a purely academic perspective, poor grades only endanger the ability to pursue further studies such as a doctorate. This is not a goal of mine although I would not want to rule out its possibility.
The only consequence of my lighter load is I will be taking a pretty strong summer schedule composed of two intensive courses for two months, Hebrew I & Church History II followed by Hebrew II & Lutheran Church in America. I have been told this may not be the best of ideas but I am offered little alternative if I desire to remain “on schedule.â€
The biggest challenge I continue to face is the financial burden of attending school. The Seminary is only able to facilitate for my family and I the maximum grant of 60% of tuition. While this is helpful, tuition is only roughly 40% of my total expenditures while attending. I am left with 75% of my monthly expenditures covered only through federal student loans and your support. I cannot reiterate enough how important your support is. Only through it am I able to pay tuition, health care, feed the family, pay for housing, maintain the vehicles and the like without increasing my debt load significantly. In light of God’s chosen vocation of pastor, a significant debt load would present a significant burden for my family and future congregation.
Please continue to keep my family in your prayers and offer support to myself and the other seminarians in any way you can. Your support shows your recognition of the importance of pastors in the fulfillment of His mission for the church. I offer continued thanks for this generosity in returning Christ’s gifts in support of those pursuing vocations in the church.
