Issuu

PSALM 100

PROCLAIMING HIS

FAITHFULNESS COME INTO HIS PRESENCE WITH SINGING

CALL DAY SPECIAL SECTION

A LASTING LEGACY, A FIRM FOUNDATION CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 1

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FIRST LOOK

Sporting a wide smile, Biruk Chiksa, a Master of Divinity candidate, returns to his seat through the assembly after being awarded his degree at Commencement, May 15, 2026. Photo: Sid Hastings

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

PSALM 100

PROCLAIMING HIS

FAITHFULNESS COME INTO HIS PRESENCE WITH SINGING

CALL DAY SPECIAL SECTION

A LASTING LEGACY, A FIRM FOUNDATION CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS 1

ON THE THE COVER COVER ON

Master of Divinity student Dan Hampton caption shakes hands with President Dr. Thomas J. Egger after receiving his deferred vicarage assignment on Call Day 2026. Photo: Jill Gray

PUBLISHER PRESIDENT

A. Meyer Dr.Dale Thomas J. Egger EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EDITOR EDITOR Vicki Biggs Biggs Vicki MANAGING EDITOR EDITOR MANAGING Ken Ohlemeyer Melanie Ave ART DIRECTOR DIRECTOR ART Beth Hasek Jayna Rollings DESIGNER DESIGNERS Courtney Koll Michelle Poneleit Jayna Rollings

President Dr. Thomas J. Egger. Photo: Jill Gray

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!” (Ps. 100:1 ESV) God made all things, and all should praise Him, for “the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” (Ps. 100:5 ESV). More than 3,000 years ago, when God’s people had spurned Him and rebelled against Him by fashioning a golden calf idol, He showed them mercy. He forgave them, continued to go with them, and led them up from the Egyptian wilderness to the Promised Land. He passed before Moses, proclaiming His own glorious name: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ex. 34:6 ESV).

WRITERS

In the fullness of time, God was faithful to His ancient promise to send a Savior, our Lord Jesus. Jesus was faithful in all things, obedient to His Father’s will, even bearing the shame and suffering of the cross for our salvation. Though His disciples betrayed, abandoned and denied Him, Jesus remained faithful. And He remains so to this day and forever.

Travis Scholl

The Book of Revelation pictures Jesus coming again at the end of the world, in final triumph, to judge all people and to host a great wedding supper feast for His redeemed. He is great and mighty, this rider on a white horse, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, and His name is Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11-16). Dear friend, you can count on Him. In life, in death, and even on the day of judgment, His great faithfulness is your great confidence.

Maya Brenningmeyer WRITERS Vicki Biggs Sarah Maney Dr. Jason Lane Marissa Nania Daniel Mattson Ken Ohlemeyer Lisa Mills

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Maya Brenningmeyer

PHOTOGRAPHERS XiaoPei Chen Jill Jill Gray Gray Sid SidHastings Hastings Courtney Koll Sam Held Marissa Nania Sarah Maney Michelle Poneleit Harold Rau

During 2026, we have enjoyed celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the dedication of our beautiful campus here in Clayton, Mo. For 187 years, and for 100 years in our present location, Concordia Seminary has formed proclaimers of God’s faithfulness. Much has changed in 100 years and much more has changed since Psalm 100 was written. Yet these ancient words still enliven our hearts and minds; they ring true in our ears and give voice to our songs: “his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” The Good News of our faithful, saving God does not perish or fade. Forgiveness of sins and eternal life in Jesus’ name continue to be proclaimed to each succeeding generation. What a joy and privilege to belong to Him and to be about His work!

Concordia Seminary magazine is a member of the Associated Church Press and the Evangelical Press Association.

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Dr. Thomas J. Egger, President

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMER 2026 ISSUE FEATURES 6

Come into His Presence

with Singing

A Lasting Legacy, A Firm

Foundation

12 Call Day Special Section

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 From the President 20 Staff Focus 22 Student Spotlight 24 Alumni and Friends 26 Support Your Sem 28 News Worth Noting

OUR MISSION Concordia Seminary serves church and world by providing theological education and leadership centered in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for the formation of pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod.

WANT TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST? To be added to the mailing list, or to receive the magazine electronically, address correspondence to: Concordia Seminary magazine, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; call 800-822-5287; or email magazine@csl.edu. Congregations may request copies in bulk for distribution within their churches. Copyright © August 2026, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior written permission of Concordia Seminary.

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

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COME INTO HIS

PRESENCE

WITH SINGING BY DR. JASON LANE

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100 ESV). Psalm 100, our theme for this issue, comes to the Lutheran church in hymnic form from William Kethe (d. 1594), an Anglican priest. It appears as “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” in the Lutheran Service Book (LSB 791). The tune, which many know from singing the doxology “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” is called “Old Hundredth” in praise of the 100th Psalm. The hymn was first published in the second edition

of the Genevan Psalter in 1551. Psalm 100 is a liturgical hymn of both ancient Israel and the church today. No one knows for what occasions it was sung in Israel, but it is clearly a hymn to call the assembly to worship the God of Israel, whose steadfast love endures forever. He is God and there is no other. He is good and apart from Him there is nothing good. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving!” This “entrance hymn” is a perfect theme for our graduates as they are sent out into Christ’s pasture to feed God’s sheep and to serve the Lord with gladness. CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 >

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

“OH COME, LET US SING

TO THE LORD,

LET US MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE TO THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION.”

The Lutheran church does not have a liturgical setting with the words of Psalm 100, but we do have a close parallel in the Venite of Matins, the first seven verses of Psalm 95. The Psalm came into common usage in the church for morning prayer around the fifth century. Venite is Latin for “Oh come.” We sing, “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” And Psalm 100 says, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!” We sing with joy because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He laid down His life for the sheep. “We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture,” all who hear His voice and come when He calls. The center of the church’s life is that sinners come to Jesus to receive forgiveness for their sins in His name and for His sake. To this church belong all those who are gathered into the King’s court to receive from Him. “Enter … his courts with praise!” The commands of the Psalm are clear: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord … Serve the Lord with gladness … Come into his presence with singing … Know that the Lord, he is God … Enter his gates with thanksgiving … Give thanks to him; bless his name.”

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The command to sing and to make a joyful noise to the Lord can come as heavy Law at the beginning of the day or at the beginning of one’s service in the church. But Psalms 95 and 100 are not psalms of judgment. Rather, the commands are encouragement, the saints encouraging one another with God’s faithfulness. God does not say here, “Make a joyful noise” or “Come into his presence with singing,” as if the Lord were lacking something without our praise. No. In the Venite we sing “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” We speak to each other, encouraging each other in our congregations and in the whole church with the great confession that Christ is the “rock of our salvation.” “It is he who made us, and we are his.” “The Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” The members of Christ call to one another to shake off the sloth of sin that clings to us at the start of our labor each day and each season of our life. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism teaches us that we should wake up in our Baptism and “that the old Adam should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that the new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” Every day that we wake up, our old Adam tells us that there is nothing joyful to rise to this morning. Old Adam is a fool. Let us drown him by repentance and come, let us sing before the Lord in righteousness and purity forever, because He is the Rock of our salvation and we are the sheep of His pasture. Sin, death and the dreary ways of this world do not have any power over us. The sin that attacks us and makes us feel unworthy to live righteously before God is made powerless. Our sin is gone, forgiven, crucified in Christ’s body on the tree and washed away in God’s gift of Holy Baptism. We do not have to be slaves to sin and sorrow anymore. Every morning we wake from sleep as baptized Christians. And every day we rise from our beds is a tiny picture of that Easter morning when Christ shook off death and rose joyfully from His bed of death for the life of the world. That is our joy. So, “come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” There are many others who belong to Christ’s little flock. Bring them too!

Dr. Jason Lane is an associate professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Dr. David Peter preaches on “Living Stones for Church and World” during Vespers April 26, 2026. Photo: Sid Hastings

“OUR SEMINARY

is a fruitful sending site for messengers of the Gospel who serve the church and the world.”

A LASTING LEGACY, A FIRM FOUNDATION BY KEN OHLEMEYER

Nearly a century after an estimated 75,000 people gathered on a hilltop to dedicate Concordia Seminary’s new campus in Clayton, Mo., the Seminary community came together again on that same hill to thank God for His faithfulness and look forward with hope.

Under the theme “Christ the Living Stone — A Lasting Legacy, a Firm Future,” faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends gathered April 26, 2026, to celebrate the campus’ centennial. The day included CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

Trombonist and Concordia Seminary Board of Regents Chairman Rev. W. Max Mons and the Ballyhoo Boys Jazz Band provide the music during the barbeque. Photo: Sid Hastings

a Vespers service in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, followed by a campus barbecue and time for fellowship. The anniversary honored the beauty and history of the Clayton campus and its mission over the past century: preparing pastors, deaconesses and other church leaders to share Christ around the world. Opening the afternoon celebration, Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger reflected on what generations of students and faculty have experienced on these grounds. “The Concordia Seminary campus is one of the jewels of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod,” says Egger. “The Lord has blessed us richly here, planting and cultivating His Word in the hearts of His servants and sending them forth to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We give thanks for these acres and buildings and homes and for the sacrifices our forefathers made to establish them for us. And we dedicate ourselves to passing along a beautiful and improved campus to the next generation, designed for the Lord’s ongoing work.”

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The Clayton campus is the latest chapter in a story that started in 1839, when Concordia Seminary was founded in a one-room log cabin in Perry County, Mo. The Seminary moved to St. Louis in 1850 but soon outgrew its Jefferson Avenue buildings. In 1920, LCMS convention delegates voted unanimously to build a new campus in Clayton, investing in a vision to serve future generations of church workers. Designed by noted architect Charles Z. Klauder in the collegiate Gothic style, the 72-acre campus was dedicated June 13, 1926, before a crowd of some 75,000 people. Even before construction was complete, enrollment had increased enough that plans for additional residence halls were already underway. Throughout the next hundred years, the campus grew alongside the church it serves. New residence halls, academic buildings and faculty housing were added to support more students after World War II. Luther Tower, part of the original master plan, was finished in 1966 and its 49-bell carillon was installed in 1970. The Seminary also faced challenges, such as the 1974 Seminex walkout, but regrew enrollment and continued its mission to form pastors rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. In recent decades, campus planning focus shifted to renewal from expansion. The Johann Hinrich

President Dr. Thomas J. Egger leads a prayer before dinner and fellowship. Photo: Jill Gray

Benidt Seminary Center improved student life. The Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library was renovated into a modern learning center. The historic faculty homes were restored, and the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus was finished as originally planned with stained-glass windows depicting the “Te Deum Laudamus.”

During the centennial Vespers service, Dr. David Peter, professor of Practical Theology and dean of faculty, assured the assembly that while the campus is famous for its stone buildings, its real lasting strength comes from something else. “This campus exudes permanence,” Peter said, noting that its stone construction and slate roofs were designed to last for centuries. Yet, he reminded the congregation through the words of the hymn “Built on the Rock” that even the strongest buildings will one day pass away. The church’s true foundation is Christ alone. Peter also reflected on what has made the campus significant for generations of students. “For a century, God has provided a home for Concordia Seminary in Clayton,” he noted. “Its ground and facilities offer a beautiful and functional setting in which thousands of pastors and other church leaders have been and continue to be formed. This Clayton campus of our Seminary is a fruitful sending site for messengers of the Gospel who serve the church and the world.”

As the campus begins its second century, there are plans for new housing for married and single students, updates to historic academic buildings and ongoing care for one of the church’s most wellknown and beloved campuses. Just as leaders did a century ago, today’s Seminary leaders are investing in spaces that will support worship, learning and fellowship for future generations.

“The CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION is about much more than buildings or history.” The centennial celebration is about much more than buildings or history. It is an opportunity to remember God’s faithfulness and thank those who came before for their vision and leadership, while also renewing commitment to the mission that has shaped Concordia Seminary since its inception in 1839. As students continue gathering around God’s Word and going out to serve, the Clayton campus remains what it has always been: a place where faithful servants are prepared for the church, built on Christ, the Living Stone. To read the sermon text and a compilation of remarks from the anniversary events, scan the QR code. Ken Ohlemeyer is the executive director, communications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

A tent erected next to the Log Cabin provided the perfect gathering space for the Seminary community. Photo: Jill Gray

This understanding of forming, sending and serving continues to guide the Seminary’s future. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 >

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

Laughter and joy fill the narthex as people prepare for the service. Photo: Sid Hastings

Crucifer Harrison Hulse leads the recessional at the close of the Call Service. Photo: Sid Hastings

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Master of Divinity student Henry Eising and his wife, Stacey, smile for a snapshot. Photo: Sid Hastings

Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology Deaconess students Peggy Gott, left, and Nola Gray sign during the Call Service. Photo: Sid Hastings

CALL DAY 2026 CALLS INTO THE PASTORAL MINISTRY ATLANTIC DISTRICT

Biruk Chiksa: LCMS Atlantic District, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY Samuel Wondemu: LCMS Atlantic District, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT Dayton Dangel: Trinity Lutheran Church, Redding, CA David Singer: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Clovis, CA (SMP Fall 2025) Anthony Tin: Canaan Lutheran Church, San Francisco, CA (SMP Fall 2025)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT Travis Galle: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Golden, IL

Timothy Good: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL (SMP Fall 2025)

EASTERN DISTRICT Alan Boezi: Pinnacle Lutheran Church, Rochester, NY (SMP Summer 2026) Wesley Johnson: Hope Lutheran Church, Levittown, PA Zachary Smith: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA

FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT Niclau Alcena: Bethlehem Haitian Lutheran Church, Immokalee, FL (EIIT) Troy Curtis: Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Palm Bay, FL (SMP Fall 2025) Timothy Richter: Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Myers, FL (SMP Fall 2025)

INDIANA DISTRICT Logan Davis: Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN Jacob Koehler: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN (SMP Fall 2025)

Unless otherwise noted, all calls and assignments were in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Program or Master of Arts (M.A.) plus Deaconess Certification Program (DCS) and announced on Call Day, April 28, 2026. Find photos, lists and more from Call Day at csl.edu/callday.

ABBREVIATION KEY CHS: Center for Hispanic Studies CMC: Cross-cultural Ministry Center DCS: Residential Deaconess Studies EIIT: Ethnic Immigrant Institute of Theology M.DIV.: Master of Divinity ODS: Online Deaconess Studies RAR: Residential Alternate Route SMP: Specific Ministry Pastor

IOWA DISTRICT EAST Henry Eising: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Coralville, IA

IOWA DISTRICT WEST Bradley Person: Faith Lutheran Church, Adel, IA (SMP Fall 2025) John Stacy: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Mapleton, IA (SMP Summer 2026)

KANSAS DISTRICT Jacob Anderson: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Wichita, KS Andrew Gunzelman: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Leawood, KS (SMP Fall 2025) Jacob Harding: First Lutheran Church, Paola, KS Euder Paul: St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Wichita, KS

MICHIGAN DISTRICT Matthew Emery: Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church, Benzonia, MI (SMP Summer 2026)

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

Edward Krez: St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth, MI

MID-SOUTH DISTRICT Michael Saxton: Grace Lutheran Church, Knoxville, TN (RAR)

MINNESOTA NORTH DISTRICT Noah Burmester: Peace in Christ Lutheran Church, Hermantown, MN

MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT Desalegn Gamme: Trinity Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN (EIIT) Bruce Gatz: St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Winsted, MN (SMP Fall 2025) Chrisopher Odenbrett: St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Winsted, MN (SMP Fall 2025) Nathan Sieveking: Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato, MN (SMP Fall 2025)

MISSOURI DISTRICT Donald Edie: Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Robert, MO (SMP Summer 2026) Peyton Holland: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Sainte Genevieve, MO Walter Little: Ascension Lutheran Church, Kansas City, MO

Robert Mutombo: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI (EIIT Fall 2025)

NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT

Kevin Curry: Faith Lutheran Middle and High School, Las Vegas, NV Ryan Fink: Crean Lutheran High School, Irvine, CA (SMP Summer 2026) Jacob Manning: Loving Savior of The Hills Lutheran Church, Chino Hills, CA

Josiah Sandcork: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Lemont, IL

Micah Raebel: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Orange, CA (CMC)

NORTHWEST DISTRICT

Les Schaefer: St. James Lutheran Church, Imperial Beach, CA (CMC Fall 2025)

Luther Cameron: Peace Lutheran Church, Bremerton, WA Tyler Simmons: Faith Lutheran Church, East Wenatchee, WA Kory Walstad: Crown of Life Lutheran Church, Rigby, ID (SMP Summer 2026)

OKLAHOMA DISTRICT Arnold (Dean) Graumann: Faith, St. John and St. John Lutheran Churches, Altus/ Granite/Lone Wolf, OK (SMP Fall 2025)

Jacob Sitze: Christ Lutheran Church, La Mesa, CA (SMP Summer 2026)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT Simon Niemtschk: Trinity Lutheran Church, Alamogordo, NM Joseph Pierson: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Logan, UT (SMP Fall 2025) Craig Wenzlick: Family of Faith Lutheran Church, Peyton, CO (RAR)

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT

SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT

Amanuel Abdalla: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ (EIIT Fall 2025)

Joshua Kastens: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI

Luther Ashkaba: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ (EIIT Fall 2025)

SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT

Kirk Bauer: Christ Lutheran Church, Los Angeles, CA (CMC)

William Curley: The Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Bryans Road, MD (SMP Fall 2025)

Ryan Pfendler: Messiah Lutheran Church, Weldon Spring, MO

NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT Johniel Sam Dasiah John Edward Jeyaseelan: Our Savior Lutheran Church, South Windsor, CT (EIIT)

NEBRASKA DISTRICT Jason Obermiller: Immanuel and Immanuel Lutheran Churches, Loup City/Merna, NE (SMP Fall 2025)

NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT Garrett Anklam: Faith Lutheran Church, Appleton, WI Joseph Bender: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Wausau, WI David Kaiser: St. James Lutheran Church, Shawano, WI (SMP Fall 2025)

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From left, Anna Pieper, Master of Divinity student Noah Pieper, Master of Divinity student Joseph Bender and Alyssa Bender smile on Chapel Plaza. Photo: Sid Hastings

Mark Elgert: King of Glory Lutheran Church, Williamsburg, VA (SMP Summer 2026) Noah Pieper: St. John’s Lutheran Church of Blenheim, Glen Arm, MD Zachary Thornton: Lake Norman Lutheran Church, Denver, NC Harry “Tucker” Wright: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, VA

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT Matthew Beaty: Emmaus Lutheran Church, Dorsey, IL (RAR) Joshua Marlatt: Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL

TEXAS DISTRICT

CALLS INTO THE DIACONAL MINISTRY KANSAS DISTRICT Peggy Gott: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Olathe, KS (EIIT Deaconess) Nola Gray: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Olathe, KS (EIIT Deaconess, Deaf Ministry)

MICHIGAN DISTRICT

Chase Drake: Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pearland, TX (SMP Fall 2025) Rory Fry: Gathering Lutheran Church, Robinson, TX (SMP Fall 2025) Sujit Kingston Stephen: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Houston, TX (CMC) Abisalom Nasuwa: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Dallas, TX (EIIT Fall 2025)

WYOMING DISTRICT Peter Ross: Salem, St. Paul’s and St. Paul’s Lutheran Churches; Gurley/ Potter/Sidney, NE

Teresa Priestley: St. John Lutheran Church, Rochester, MI (ODS Summer 2026)

MISSOURI DISTRICT

NORTHWEST DISTRICT Hana Brandt: Lutheran Latino Ministry, Portland, OR (ODS Summer 2026)

OHIO DISTRICT Amy Genszler: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Oregon, OH (ODS Summer 2026) Julia Witt: Zion Lutheran Church, Cincinnati, OH

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT Julie Manning: Loving Savior of The Hills Lutheran Church, Chino Hills, CA Karen Swift: St. Paul’s and Hope Lutheran Churches, Pacific Beach/ Linda Vista, CA (ODS Summer 2026) (Call Pending)

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

Abigail Reynolds: Peace Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO

Naomi Moon: Rocky Mountain District of the LCMS, Englewood, CO (ODS Fall 2025)

NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT

PLACEMENT PENDING

Sally Roth: Fellowship of Faith, McHenry, IL (ODS Summer 2026)

Lydia Maes

Master of Divinity student Jacob Manning and his wife, Deaconess student Julie Manning, hold signs to thank donors for their support. Photo: XiaoPei Chen

Aine Molvik

Former Director of Placement and Professor Emeritus Dr. Glenn Nielsen shakes hands with Master of Divinity student Garrett Anklam after he receives his call documents. Photo: Sid Hastings

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

Second-year deaconess students Cathy Newman, left, and Virginia Schweigert, right, sing during the Assignment of Vicarages and Internship Service. Photo: Sid Hastings

VICARAGES

Micah Cumming: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville Beach, FL

Matthew Shipman: Zion Lutheran Church, Linn, KS

ATLANTIC DISTRICT

Michael Felten: Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, FL

Lester Tacha: St. John Lutheran Church, Meade, KS (SMP Fall 2025)

Michael Conroy: Resurrection Lutheran Church, Garden City, NY

Ryan Hicks: Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Warner Robins, GA

MICHIGAN DISTRICT

Harrison Hulse: Grace Lutheran Church, Winter Haven, FL

Ryan Kroonblawd: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Lansing, MI

INDIANA DISTRICT

Daniel Legabu: Living Word Lutheran Church, Lansing, MI (EIIT Fall 2025)

Christopher Genszler: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, IN

Ronald Zuccaro: Zion Lutheran Church, Hemlock, MI (RAR)

Aaron Halboth: Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Carmel, IN

MID-SOUTH DISTRICT

Stephen Peeler: Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Kokomo, IN

Jason Hancock: Peace Lutheran Church, Conway, AR (SMP Fall 2025)

IOWA DISTRICT EAST

MINNESOTA NORTH DISTRICT

Jacob Morse: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Iowa City, IA

Joshua Galindo: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Willmar, MN

IOWA DISTRICT WEST

MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT

Brian Gentry: Living Faith Lutheran Church, Clive, IA (SMP Fall 2025)

Christopher Atlee: Glory of Christ Lutheran Church, Plymouth, MN

KANSAS DISTRICT

MISSOURI DISTRICT

Brian Fish: Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Olathe, KS

Ethan Bruhn: Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Saint Joseph, MO

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT Benjamin Wagner: Shepherd of the Valley and First Immanuel Lutheran Churches, San Jose, CA Silas Perez: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Hayward, CA (EIIT Fall 2025)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT Nicholas Seibert: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL

ENGLISH DISTRICT Justin Goodrich: Chapel of The Cross Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO Charles “Robert” Hyde: Catalina Lutheran Church, Tucson, AZ

FLORIDA-GEORGIA DISTRICT Tracy Bovee: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Weston, FL (SMP Fall 2025)

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LCMS President Dr. Matthew C. Harrison shakes hands with Master of Divinity student Christopher Atlee upon his vicarage assignment. Photo: Jill Gray

Stephen Christian: Lutheran Church of The Resurrection, St. Louis, MO David Danzeisen: Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, MO Joshua Fields: Hanover Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO Jeffery Goetz: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Saint Charles, MO Patrick Hamilton: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Louis, MO Daniel Hampton: New Beginnings Lutheran Church, Pacific, MO Kurtis Hankemeier: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Saint Charles, MO

Second-year Master of Divinity students await news of their vicarage assignments. Photo: Jill Gray

Donald “Wil” Welch: Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Laurel, MT

NEBRASKA DISTRICT Matthew DiMercurio: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Kearney, NE Tyler Rohlfsen: King of Kings Lutheran Church, Fremont, NE (SMP Fall 2025)

NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT Solomon Paye: Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Providence, RI (EIIT Fall 2025)

Chaim Jenkins: Hope Lutheran Church, Maryville, MO (SMP Fall 2025)

NEW JERSEY DISTRICT

Ambrose Shaltanis: Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, MO

Brandon Chornobroff: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Howell, NJ (SMP Fall 2025)

Lamar Stewart: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Olivette, MO Alexander Uttley: Chapel of the Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church, Saint Peters, MO

MONTANA DISTRICT Jacob Diercks: First Lutheran Church, Bozeman, MT

Ranjan George: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Somerset, NJ (SMP Fall 2025) Clifford Powers: Zion Lutheran Church, Maywood, NJ (SMP Fall 2025)

John Imeson: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Munising, MI (SMP Fall 2025) Andrew Wyss: St. Mark Lutheran Church, Rhinelander, WI (SMP Fall 2025)

NORTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT Roy Farais: Trinity Lutheran Church, Lisle, IL (SMP Fall 2025) Jonathan Frohn: St. Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights, IL (SMP Fall 2025) David Meier: Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Dundee, IL (SMP Fall 2025)

NORTHWEST DISTRICT Dillon Corbin: Faith Lutheran Church, Pocatello, ID (SMP Fall 2025) Karl Jacobson: Messiah Lutheran Church, Seattle, WA Tarnis Silk: New Vision Lutheran Church, Spokane, WA (EIIT Fall 2025)

NORTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT Alexander Nelson: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Green Bay, WI

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OHIO DISTRICT

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DISTRICT

Jorgen Dahl: Saint John Lutheran Church, Dublin, OH

Jason Dulworth: Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Hamel, IL

Michael Ross: Community of Hope Lutheran Church, Broadview Heights, OH (SMP Fall 2025)

TEXAS DISTRICT

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST DISTRICT Tanner Gossman: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sierra Vista, AZ John Trinklein: Bethany Lutheran Church, Long Beach, CA

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT Isaac Conrad: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lakewood, CO

SELC DISTRICT Zachary Johnson: Concordia Lutheran Church, Macungie, PA Garrett Robison: Saint Luke’s Lutheran Church, Oviedo, FL

SOUTH DAKOTA DISTRICT Cherinet Liben: Faith Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD (EIIT Fall 2025)

SOUTH WISCONSIN DISTRICT Matthew Rudowske: Our Savior and Trinity Lutheran Churches, Baraboo/ Wisconsin Dells, WI

SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT Andrew Cole: Ascension Lutheran Church, Charlotte, NC Kenneth Dugan: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Portsmouth, VA (SMP Fall 2025) Timothy Rollings: Saint Stephens Lutheran Church, Hickory, NC Daniel Stec: King of Glory Lutheran Church, Williamsburg, VA (SMP Fall 2025)

Logan Fraley: Saint Mark Lutheran Church, Houston, TX Seth Gehrke: St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, TX (SMP Fall 2025) John Hansen: Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, De Soto, TX (RAR) Matthew Kuntz: The Dwelling Lutheran Church, Porter, TX (SMP Fall 2025) Nathaniel Pekari: Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Humble, TX Brian Schneck: The Dwelling Lutheran Church, New Caney, TX

DEACONESS INTERNSHIPS MISSOURI DISTRICT Catherine Newman: EverTrue, St. Louis, MO Virginia Schweigert: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Arnold, MO

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT Melissa Kearney: Central Illinois Lutheran Deaf Outreach and Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, Sherman, IL (EIIT Deaconess Fall 2025)

MINNESOTA SOUTH DISTRICT Mary Puok: Saint John’s Lutheran Church and Sudanese Evangelical Lutheran Mission of Southeastern Minnes, Austin, MN (EIIT Deaconess Fall 2025)

SELC DISTRICT SOUTHERN DISTRICT Dane Arbuckle: The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills, Birmingham, AL Abram Egger: Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Destin, FL Daniel Johnson: Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church and School, Cullman, AL

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Dean of Chapel Dr. Jon Vieker prays during the Assignment of Vicarages and Deaconess Internships service. Photo: Jill Gray

Josefa Deogrades: Lutheran Haven, Oviedo, FL (EIIT Deaconess Fall 2025) Marilou Dispo: Lutheran Haven, Oviedo, FL (EIIT Deaconess Fall 2025)

TOTAL CALLS:

TOTAL VICARAGE AND DEACONESS INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENTS:

TOTAL CALLS, VICARAGES AND DEACONESS INTERNSHIPS:

165 Stats do not include dual parishes.

Laudamus choir members in the chapel balcony before the afternoon service. Photo: Jill Gray Master of Divinity student Alexander Uttley receives his vicarage assignment and a handshake from Director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships Rev. Joel Fritsche. Photo: Jill Gray

FARTHEST CALL OR ASSIGNMENT:

BREMERTON,WA 1,720 MILES FROM ST. LOUIS, MO.

Master of Divinity student Patrick Hamilton smiles as he is congratulated after receiving his vicarage assignment. Photo: Jill Gray

LCMS DISTRICT WITH MOST CALLS AND ASSIGNMENTS: Second-year Master of Divinity students line up as they prepare to receive their vicarage assignments. Photo: Jill Gray

MISSOURI:19 CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

grow and develop more skills and more confidence.” At the time, Secretarial Services was also responsible for the Correspondence School and eventually grew into providing administrative assistance for Continuing Education. “When Audrey retired in 1989, I became the supervisor of Secretarial Services and continued in that role until 2006, when I became the senior administrative assistant for Ministerial Formation.”

Roediger pictured on campus. Photo: Sam Held

A LIFETIME OF SERVICE As she approaches retirement this fall, Deb Roediger reflects on 50 years at Concordia Seminary. BY MAYA BRENNINGMEYER

Deb Roediger’s career commenced at Concordia Seminary Sept. 7, 1976, a half-century ago! “After graduating high school, I went to work at the LCMS International Center working for Concordia Plans,” says Roediger. “I only worked there for a couple of months when my aunt, who worked at the Seminary, told me about a job that had become available.” 20

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Feeling that the position at the Seminary would suit her better, she applied, interviewed and soon started her new role in Secretarial Services, working with those faculty members who did not have administrative assistants. “My supervisor, Audrey Keller, a very kind and patient person, started just two weeks before me,” Roediger recalls. “We learned our way around campus and the job together, all while she helped me

Over her long tenure at the Seminary, not only did Roediger have to navigate changes in her position, but she also had to adjust to a world of rapidly changing technology. “Dr. Daniel Pokorny arranged for my first computer,” she recalls. “Going from everything being done on a typewriter to a computer was both a huge change and a blessing. It was a big timesaver. I was so excited to get that first computer.” Roediger remembers a class taught by Dr. Wayne Schmidt called “Pastor as Educator” during which students were assigned to various local LCMS schools where they would practice teaching for three weeks. To facilitate the process, each school received a twopage individualized letter from Schmidt detailing the program and the students assigned to the school. “Typing 20 letters took some time,” Roediger remembers. “It became so much easier when we were able to just change the principal’s name, school, address and the student list on the computer.” It also fell to Roediger to coordinate a number of events for the Seminary. An unforgettable highlight was her experience organizing LutherHostel from 1999 to 2008 in conjunction with Continuing Education. The centerpiece of LutherHostel was the opportunity to interact with the participants — all adults over age 55 — who traveled from across the country to share their stories and enjoy Christian fellowship. “Just the kindest people, so full of energy and ready to learn and grow in their faith,” she says.

STAFF FOCUS

Roediger also reflected on the joy it has been to follow the journey of each incoming class from the first day on campus to Call Day. “Orientation is the first time I see the incoming class; some are on the shy side, some are ready to conquer the world, and some are somewhere in the middle,” she says. “As time passes, you see them begin to grow and develop. You see a marked difference as students come back from vicarage/internship. They are growing in their maturity and their faith.” This relates to one of her most significant accomplishments, namely, taking a leadership role in the planning and implementation of the Seminary’s annual new student Orientation. This huge undertaking puts her at the center of a seminarian’s initial experience as a new student on campus. “It’s the first impression and we need to get it right,” she says. “Orientation is a very detailed task. I am responsible for setting up committee meetings and then coordinating five program schedules for our incoming new students — making sure all the schedules fit together and then arranging for the logistics. I couldn’t do this without the great group of people who work with me on the project.” Just as she is there at the start of their journey, it only makes sense that her favorite event at the Seminary is their final step: Call Day. “You can feel the excitement build as the day gets closer,” says Roediger. “Call Day is the result of all the years students have spent preparing and the time our faculty and staff have spent helping them prepare. I am humbled to have had a small part in this process.” When it comes to other favorite aspects of her role, Roediger cites navigating the various challenges that come with the territory. She enjoys finding ways to improve a process or to help take tasks off her supervisor’s plate. Part of this involves supporting seminarians as they grow and develop new skills.

Roediger registering students circa 1993. Photo courtesy Debbie Roediger

But she also has a unique opportunity to see a different side of students. “As I support the dean of Ministerial Formation, the director of M.Div. and RAR programs, and the director of Roediger and Au drey Keller rece iving their first computer circa Personal Growth 1985. Photo cour tesy Debbie Ro ediger and Leadership Development, I see how they help students who are facing challenges. blessing and joy to work with people The men in these offices work so with this mindset.” hard to help students manage these challenges and succeed not only at To complete her journey, Roediger the Seminary, but also in their future is accomplishing her most ambitious ministries,” Roediger says. goal, a full 50 years of employment at Concordia Seminary. “Who would Reflecting on the many colleagues have thought I would be here long whose paths have crossed with enough to get to 50 years? Not me,” she Roediger over these past five decades, exclaims. “I have been blessed beyond she is grateful to have served alongside comprehension by working here.” She those dear colleagues and officemates. wishes to share the words of a dear “Through all my time in Ministerial family friend, “‘Words cannot express’ Formation, faculty and staff have come the gratitude and thankfulness I feel and gone, but even as faces changed, working at such a wonderful place all this has remained a constant: they these years.” have loved the Lord and our students, Maya Brenningmeyer is a communications and they take seriously the task of specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. ministerial formation. It’s such a CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

FOLLOWING WHERE THE LORD LEADS BY MAYA BRENNINGMEYER

Kevin Curry and his wife, Alexis. Photo courtesy Kevin Curry

Kevin Curry shares how his professors shaped his Seminary experience and the path to his first call Growing up, Kevin Curry consistently found his path brought him to the crossroads of education and ministry. “My parents were always involved in congregational life and raised me in the faith both at church and at home,” says Curry. “Even when I was little, people at church told me that I would make ‘a good pastor.’” Continued encouragement from his church community firmly planted this thought into the back of his mind, where it would remain as he briefly pursued a degree in secondary music education. “God patiently redirected my 22

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love of learning and teaching toward His holy ministry. After speaking with my pastor, I applied first to Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis., where I earned a bachelor’s degree in applied theology with a minor in biblical languages, and then to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where I earned my Master of Divinity this spring,” Curry continues. Each step along the way led to his eventual first call — announced at the Seminary’s April 2026 Call Day service — to serve as a theology teacher at Faith Lutheran Middle School and High School in Las Vegas, Nev.

As he reflects on his formation for ministry during his time at the Seminary, Curry says, “One accomplishment that stands out is learning to preach without notes.” Curry names Dr. David Schmitt’s “Homiletics I” class and Dr. Ryan Tinetti’s “Classical Rhetoric for Contemporary Preaching” class as key resources for accomplishing this feat. “Both professors taught me that preaching without notes is not primarily an exercise in memorization or presentation, but in internalization: spending extended, intentional time with the biblical text until I had not

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

only studied it but also experienced it and lived in it,” Curry recalls. “My confidence as a preacher had certainly grown, but far more importantly, so had my trust in the authority and efficacy of God’s perfect Word to speak to the hearts of His people, even by means of an imperfect proclaimer.” Curry also found Dr. Joel Biermann’s instruction to be foundationally formative. “Dr. Biermann’s systematics classes — particularly “A Theology of Ethics and Human Care” — were the most formative experiences of my time at the Seminary. Dr. Biermann consistently taught not only what to think but how to think like a Lutheran. He equipped me to faithfully interpret and respond to contemporary issues, as well as how to teach others to do the same.” Additionally, Curry names the “Teaching the Faith” class as the course most directly applicable to his first call. This second-year course helps lay the groundwork for teaching structures, practical resources and a model of humble, receptive leadership that is invaluable in any educational environment. His vicarage assignment to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in St. Charles, Mo., also allowed him to build upon his teaching skills and confirmed his love for being in the classroom.

an extraordinary opportunity to pray together and seek God’s will for where and how He would have us serve.” After four years of preparation, the day arrived for Curry to receive his first call. Lining up with his fellow classmates, he entered the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus to take the next step in his ministerial journey. “After I received my call, Dr. Egger shook my hand and said, ‘God Himself has called you.’ His words are a profound comfort and reminder that, even as our Lord works through human means, He remains the One at work; He promises that His purposes and will for His people are always good.” As Curry and his wife look to the start of a new school year, he says they are thrilled to serve together. “We are looking forward to sharing the rhythms of the school year, having built-in time to visit family, form new friendships, explore our new home and put down roots in a new congregation.” He is especially looking forward to the daily opportunities that teaching in a school will provide to walk alongside students and families — including many who do not have a church home or know how deeply their Savior loves them. “Serving alongside my wife in Faith Lutheran School’s collaborative and innovative culture will make outreach, relationship-

building and sharing Christ’s love central to our service as educators.” As Curry reflects on the last four years, he again mentions Tinetti’s “Classical Rhetoric for Contemporary Preaching” class, where the class often would begin with the singing of a hymn, including one of Curry’s favorites, Martin Franzmann’s “Preach You the Word.” “This hymn reminds me that though I may not always see what God accomplishes in the hearts and lives of the students, families and fellow educators I will serve, I can faithfully scatter the seed of His Word and trust Him to bring forth a ‘harvest hundredfold’ in His perfect time.” Ending the interview, Curry talks about how Tinetti would encourage him as a student preacher to “send it!” before preaching without notes. “That is the outlook I hope to carry into this new call: to prepare faithfully, proclaim God’s word boldly and joyfully, and trust the Lord to accomplish every good thing that results from my service in His kingdom.” Maya Brenningmeyer is a communications specialist at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Below: Celebrating after commencement, May 15, 2026. From left, Jacob and Julie Manning, Alexis and Kevin Curry, Kimberly and Noah Burmester. Photo courtesy Kevin Curry

“Equally formative, if not more so,” says Curry, “were the friendships my wife and I developed with other seminarians and their wives. Their fellowship sustained us throughout our time at the Seminary, and those friendships will endure despite the distance between us as we follow where the Lord leads.” As Call Day 2026 approached, Curry and Alexis, a fellow educator and incoming teacher at Faith Lutheran School, turned to God for guidance. “The months and days before Call Day were equally exciting and stressful,” he says. “They gave Alexis and me

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MY CUP OVERFLOWS BY KEN OHLEMEYER

Dr. Roy Maack has spent nearly a century discovering what many people spend a lifetime searching for: joy. At 95 years old, the 1956 Concordia Seminary alumnus still speaks about ministry with the enthusiasm of a newly ordained pastor. Whether reflecting on parish ministry, mentoring future church workers, serving as president of the LCMS Southeastern District or advocating for people living in poverty through Food For The Poor, Maack returns again and again to the same theme. “Joy,” he says. “That’s my favorite word in the Bible.” It is fitting that the word appears so often in his story.

Dr. Roy Maack, center, is joined by his sons Rick, left, and David, right. Photo courtesy Dr. David Maack

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Across nearly seven decades of ministry, Maack has baptized 869 people, confirmed 651 young Christians, officiated 517 weddings and presided over 740 funerals. More than 2,000 people joined congregations under his pastoral care. Along the way, he encouraged 12 men to enter pastoral ministry from his own congregation and helped shape generations of church leaders. Yet for Maack, numbers tell only part of the story. “The joy of ministry that I’ve experienced,” he says, “I want others to experience that joy as well.”

A FAMILY LEGACY OF SERVICE

The Maack name has been connected to pastoral ministry in the LCMS for six generations. From tent missionaries

and parish pastors to military chaplains and district presidents, members of the Maack family have served the church for more than 150 years. But Maack is quick to place that legacy in proper perspective. “It’s not the Maack family business,” he states. “It’s the Lord’s family business.” His own journey began far from church offices and district conventions. As a boy, he traveled extensively with his father, who conducted trailer and tent missions throughout the United States during and after World War II. The family followed workers and military families who had relocated across the country, helping establish Lutheran congregations wherever enough people gathered for worship.

ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

The experience exposed him to people from every walk of life and nurtured a lifelong commitment to outreach and service. It also led to an unexpected blessing. Because he was homeschooled, some schools hesitated to accept him. Eventually he enrolled at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kan. “That’s where I met my wife,” he recalls. For Maack, that moment changed everything.

MINISTRY WITH PEOPLE, NOT JUST FOR THEM

“Take them along with you,” he says. Dr. David Maack, one of Maack’s four children, credits much of his own desire to join the ministry to those experiences. “He dragged me to hospital calls and nursing homes,” David adds with a laugh. “I probably hated it at the time, but guess what? I ended up liking it.”

At Calvary, located in the heart of Baltimore, he helped build a thriving congregation known for community involvement, outreach and smallgroup ministry.

That mentorship extended far beyond his own family. Many of the pastors Maack encouraged into ministry remain among his greatest joys. “First of all,” he declares, “they ought to enjoy ministry and let it be known. Joy, joy. If you enjoy ministry and people see it, they might go into it.”

Much of Maack’s ministry was spent in Maryland, where he served Trinity Lutheran Church in Mount Rainier and later Calvary Lutheran Church in Baltimore before his service in the district office began.

THE JOY OF PARTNERSHIP Roy and Ann Boda Maack married in 1955 and spent 66 years serving the church together. If Roy became known for joyful ministry, those closest to him say Ann was one of the primary reasons. “She always encouraged me, no matter what happened,” says Maack. “And never complained about anything. Ever.” Ann was an accomplished educator and musician, teaching math, English and music during her career. She earned advanced degrees and became a respected music specialist in Baltimorearea schools. But her greatest impact may have been the quiet encouragement she offered pastors, church workers and families throughout the LCMS Southeastern District. When Maack became district president in 1994, Ann organized retreats, gatherings and support opportunities for pastors’ wives, helping many navigate the unique challenges of ministry. Pastors frequently told him how much Ann’s encouragement meant to their families. Years later, one pastor called simply to thank Maack for the difference Ann had made in his wife’s life. “The person who taught me the most about God’s grace was my wife,” Maack says. “She practiced it.”

“MY CUP RUNS OVER AND I TRY TO USE THAT OVERFLOW TO HELP OTHERS.” –DR. ROY MAACK

Maack is convinced that personal relationships are one of the church’s most powerful tools for sharing the Gospel. He believes that people should get together in groups. Those groups connect members and nonmembers alike through service projects, Bible study, music, fellowship and practical care. More importantly, they bring people together around Christ. His philosophy of ministry is simple: pastors must be present with people. He invited young people on hospital visits, ministry calls and outreach efforts. He encouraged future church workers not just through words, but through shared experiences.

A LEGACY THAT CONTINUES

Even in retirement, Maack remains active. For the past 16 years, he has traveled throughout the United States on behalf of Food For The Poor, raising awareness and support for families facing poverty and hardship. At an age when most people slow down, he continues to board airplanes, visit congregations and speak passionately about serving neighbors in need. When asked what keeps him serving after all these years, Maack doesn’t hesitate. “The joy of ministry,” he says. Then, drawing on Psalm 23, he offers words that seem to summarize both his life and his faith: “My cup runs over and I try to use that overflow to help others.” For Dr. Roy Maack, joy has never been something to keep for himself. It is something to be shared — with congregations, future pastors, neighbors in need and generations yet to come. And after nearly seven decades of ministry, his joy continues to overflow.

Ken Ohlemeyer is the executive director, communications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

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Chip and Daff Miller during a recent trip to Córdoba, Spain. Photo courtesy Chip Miller

PROCLAIMING HIS FAITHFULNESS FOR GENERATIONS Through an endowment for pastoral scholarships, the Millers are investing in the future of the church. BY MARISSA NANIA

For Chip and Daffodil Miller, supporting Concordia Seminary is one way to give thanks for God’s faithfulness and help prepare future pastors to proclaim His Word. Through the recently established Chip and Daffodil Miller Endowment for Pastoral Scholarships, they hope to strengthen the Seminary’s mission for generations to come.

A LIFE SHAPED BY FAITH Raised in Topeka, Kan., Chip Miller attended Topeka Lutheran School before pursuing careers in public health, pharmaceutical sales and entrepreneurship. After earning his Ph.D., he spent nearly 40 years as a marketing professor. Today, he and his wife, Daff, live in Wake Forest, N.C.

“There are three things that are paramount in my life. In order — God, family, country,” Chip says. “My faith has carried me through numerous trials and has been at the center of many decisions that shaped my life. At this time, I seek to further God’s mission and help those less blessed than I through the gifts God has given me.” Daff grew up in the Philippines and was raised Catholic before eventually 26

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making her home in the United States. A certified public accountant, she served in accounting and financial roles with a telecommunications company, taught finance as an adjunct instructor and later stepped away from her career to raise her family. In recent years, she has worked part-time as an office manager, accountant and consultant for small businesses. “My Christian faith is the foundation of my life,” Daff says. “Above all, my relationship with God is most important to me.”

WHY THEY GIVE

Chip’s connection to Concordia Seminary extends back through his family. “My grandfather and one uncle from each side of the family graduated from Concordia Seminary as ministers,” he says. For Daff, the connection developed through the pastors who served the congregations she attended over the years and through the work of Dr. Paul Maier. “My connection to Concordia Seminary developed through the faithful pastors who served the congregations my family and I have belonged to over the years,” she says. “Their knowledge of

SUPPORT YOUR SEM

Scripture and commitment to rightly proclaiming God’s Word gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of sound theological education and the Seminary’s role in preparing pastors for that calling.”

believes financial support can make a meaningful difference for those preparing for ministry.

She adds, “Dr. Maier’s ability to bring history, archaeology and Scripture together deepened my appreciation for the Seminary’s commitment to faithful scholarship in service to the Gospel.”

“As a professor and long-time student, I understand the challenges of completing a college education, especially in post-baccalaureate studies. Instead of earning a living, students must find the resources to continue their studies. Our scholarship can aid in providing essential funds.”

Chip says his desire to support the Seminary grows out of gratitude for God’s blessings.

For Daff, the endowment reflects gratitude for the pastors who influenced her own life.

“God has richly blessed me and my family, especially through Jesus’ sacrifice for me. I want to help others receive similar blessings. I think the best way for me to do that is to equip future pastors to share God’s Word and preach the Gospel farther and with more zeal and insight than I could ever do.”

“For me personally, God worked in my life through faithful pastors. They have played an immeasurable role in my own growth and deepening my understanding of Christian faith. Now, we want to help prepare the next generation of faithful servants.”

Daff says their decision to become Seminary donors was also shaped by a difficult experience that God ultimately used for good. “Although the experience was painful, God, in His grace, used it to redirect our perspective. Through that journey, we became increasingly convinced that investing in the preparation of faithful pastors is one of the most meaningful and lasting legacies.”

PREPARING FUTURE PASTORS

The Millers recently established the Chip and Daffodil Miller Endowment for Pastoral Scholarships to support future pastors as they prepare for ministry. “Pastors are critical to the success of the church bodies in the Synod,” Chip says. “There never seems to be enough of them to meet the demand.” Drawing on his own experience as both a professor and a lifelong student, he

She adds, “Like the hymn goes, I cannot speak like angels nor can I preach like Paul, but I can help support those whom God has called. Jesus said, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few’ (Matt. 9:37 ESV). It is our prayer that this endowment will help prepare more faithful pastors to proclaim God’s Word, administer His Sacraments and faithfully serve His people for generations to come.”

A LEGACY OF GRATITUDE The theme “Proclaiming His Faithfulness” resonates deeply with the Millers as they reflect on God’s work in their own lives and the opportunity to support the Seminary’s mission. “Psalm 100 reminds us that all we have and all that we are is due to God. He made us, enriched us and directed us to spread His word to others. While we are just two, our gifts to the Seminary will multiply the number of people who can carry out God’s commands.”

The Millers continue, “We see this endowment not simply as a financial gift, but as a way to glorify God, participate in His ongoing work, express our gratitude for His faithfulness and return to Him a portion of what He has so graciously entrusted to us.”

“OUR GIFTS TO THE SEMINARY GIVE US A SENSE OF PEACE AND JOY THAT WE CAN FURTHER GOD’S WORK.” --CHIP AND DAFFODIL MILLER Their giving is also a source of gratitude and joy. “Our gifts to the Seminary give us a sense of peace and joy that we can further God’s work,” they say. “It also gives us satisfaction that we can return to God some of the gifts He has given us as a means of thanking Him for all our blessings.” As they encourage others to consider supporting Concordia Seminary, the Millers point to the lasting impact of faithful pastors and the Seminary’s important mission. Chip concludes, “If God has blessed you with the opportunity to give, I would encourage you to consider supporting the Seminary. It is an investment in the enduring truth of God’s Word, in the faithful proclamation of the Gospel and in the strengthening of Christ’s church for generations to come.” Marissa Nania is director, annual giving at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Commencement caps 187th academic year Sixty-five students and five honorees were celebrated May 15 as part of Concordia Seminary’s 2026 Commencement exercises. Rev. Theodore Krey, regional director for the Latin America and the Caribbean region of the LCMS, delivered the Commencement address and addressed the graduates. “You are pilgrims at the ready with your staff in your hand, and as you go outside the gate to bear the reproach of Jesus, remember that you are the church on the march. You will engage your culture, remaining faithful in your preaching of the Gospel and in your peculiar identity as people. We proclaim the Gospel, though it be foreign and strange, for there the church is at her best and there we clearly give witness.” Find the full list of graduates and those who received honors and awards online at csl.edu/commencement. Rev. Theodore Krey addresses the graduates May 15, 2026. Photo: Jill Gray

Dr. Dale A. Meyer awarded honorary Doctor of Laws Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb., awarded Dr. Dale A. Meyer, Concordia Seminary’s president emeritus, an honorary Doctor of Laws May 8 during the university’s Commencement ceremonies. The honorary degree recognizes Meyer’s prolonged outstanding service to the church. “Through this honorary doctorate, we give thanks to God at work in the faith and life of Dr. Dale Meyer, a partner in the Gospel who joyfully proclaims God’s love in Christ, and who invested years helping to form the next generation of workers for the harvest,” said Concordia Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull. Meyer’s legacy of ministry includes 15 years of service as Seminary president preceded by 10 years as a member of the faculty, 10 years as a parish pastor, 12 years as the Speaker of “The Lutheran Hour” radio program hosted by Lutheran Hour Ministries, and a host of positions on churchwide boards and committees. Meyer retired in 2020. President Emeritus Dr. Dale A. Meyer. Photo: Jill Gray

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NEWS WORTH NOTING

Carillon concerts return to campus in June Music lovers of all ages flocked to campus for the annual summer carillon concerts held every Tuesday evening in June as part of the 2025-26 Concordia Seminary Music Series. The concerts also were broadcast live on KFUO Radio. “Concordia Seminary’s carillon series each June is a gift to our neighbors and to the wider Lutheran community in St. Louis,” said Dean of Chapel Dr. Jon Vieker. “Our magnificent carillon is one of only 175 such instruments in North America, and it is a blessing to welcome world-class artists who make it sing!” This year’s performers hailed from California, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois and Belgium! To learn more and to check back for next year’s concert schedule, visit csl.edu/music-series.

Annual author reception celebrates Seminary faculty Concordia Seminary’s 17th annual author reception honored faculty members for their published work during the 2025–26 academic year. This year’s event was held May 12 in the Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library and was co-hosted by Concordia Publishing House. “The work of our professors here at Concordia Seminary is all for the church; not just our teaching but also our research and publications,” said Dr. Stephen Pietsch, dean of Theological Research and Publication. “We have been blessed with world-class theological researchers and writers on our faculty, whose work serves and resources not only our own Synod but many other Christians around the world. It is a joy to celebrate this and join in giving thanks to God for these gifted scholars and their dedicated work.” To read a list of the published work, scan the QR code. Some of the celebrated authors pose for a photo at the reception. Left to right: Dr. David Peter, Dr. Stephen Pietsch, Dr. Ryan Tinetti and Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger. Photo: Marissa Nania

Carillonneur Wesley Arai. Photo: Marissa Nania CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

2026 Multiethnic Symposium met May 5-6 Some 230 participants came together for Concordia Seminary’s annual Multiethnic Symposium, meeting this past May 5-6 on campus under the theme “United in Praise: Celebrating God’s Love and Faithfulness Across All Nations. “People from every corner of the world bring unique music, rhythms and cultural expressions. United in a biblical confession of faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit gathers His church by the power of the Gospel and elevates its praises through music, hymns and songs of praise,” said Dr. Ely Prieto, dean of Urban and Cross-Cultural Ministry. “This is a beautiful way for God’s people to celebrate His love and faithfulness. Various cultures guided by God’s Word may express that praise in their own distinctive way, but the purpose remains the same: to worship and glorify the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” The symposium brings together individuals from varied cultural backgrounds to share their unique perspectives and experiences to help equip future leaders with knowledge, skills and spiritual maturity to serve God’s kingdom faithfully. Dr. Ely Prieto addresses the audience. Photo: Sid Hastings

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Students attend Vocatio: High School The Seminary’s annual Vocatio: High School weeklong visit event for young people entering grades 9-12, held this summer June 20-26, brought 48 high schoolers to campus for an introduction to Seminary life and the ministerial formation process. Participants explored the vocations of pastor and deaconess, heard from Seminary professors and attended a Concordia University System college fair. They also learned about the admissions process and became familiar with the St. Louis area and all that is has to offer as a home base. “It’s a joy to lead Vocatio: High School,” said Rev. Craig Reiter, admissions officer. “I pray our youth were blessed by their time on campus and are encouraged toward considering church work.” Vocatio: High School and Vocatio: Retreat are regularly scheduled campus visit events for prospective students. Individual visits also can be scheduled. For more information, visit csl.edu/admissions. Vocatio: High School participants pose for a group photo on the steps of the chapel. Photo: Sam Held

NEWS WORTH NOTING

Concordia Seminary receives 11 awards from ACP, EPA The Associated Church Press (ACP) and the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) recognized Concordia Seminary with top awards for excellence in communications and marketing at their respective annual awards ceremonies in May for work completed last year. The ACP honors faith communicators with its “Best of the Church Press” awards while the EPA recognizes outstanding journalism across two major categories: the Awards of Excellence and the Higher Goals Awards. “It is a great honor to receive these awards,” said Vicki Biggs, senior vice president of Seminary Advancement and chief communications officer. “It is a privilege in our service to the mission of Concordia Seminary to share our stories for the sake of helping others to know and love Jesus Christ. The awards reflect the day-to-day outstanding effort of our talented communications professionals as we strive to joyfully champion the Seminary’s mission and inspire partnership in our work of forming the church’s future pastors and deaconesses.” To read a list of the awards, scan the QR code.

Genter joins faculty Dr. John Genter was formally installed Aug. 21 during the Opening Service of the 2026-27academic year as an associate professor of Exegetical Theology. “Dr. Genter is a gifted and engaging teacher, with expertise in Greek and the New Testament Gospels,” said Seminary President Dr. Thomas J. Egger. “I am delighted that he is coming to serve at Concordia Seminary, and I pray that through his work and that of our devoted faculty, our church body will remain joyfully grounded in and committed to the Holy Scriptures, as we listen to the voice of our Savior and have eternal life in Him.” Most recently, Genter served as an assistant professor of theology at Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb., and previously as a teacher of record at Baylor University, Waco, Texas (2019–21), and pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Downey, Calif. (2010–15). Genter earned a Ph.D. from Baylor University (’22); an M.Div. at Concordia Seminary (’10); and a B.A. in theology from Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. (’06). Dr. John Genter. Photo: Maya Brenningmeyer CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

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UPCOMING SEMINARY EVENTS Lay Bible Institute

Theological Symposium

How To Raise Children to Remain Christians for Life? Dr. Mart and Cheryl Thompson combine biblical teaching with current research to help parents raise their children in the faith.

I Will Uphold You: Ministry in Mental Health Explore how the church can reclaim its voice and its proper role in caring for souls struggling with mental health issues. Register by Sept. 2, 2026 laptop csl.edu/symposium

Sept. 22-23, 2026

Vocatio: Retreat

CSL.EDU

Oct. 3, 2026

This year’s reunion extends a special welcome to members of the jubilarian class of 1976; the silver anniversary class of 2001; and graduates, spouses and widows of class years ending in “6” or “1.”

laptop csl.edu/lbi

Alumni Reunion

College students and second-career individuals are invited to learn more about the path to service as a pastor, deaconess, missionary or chaplain.

laptop csl.edu/vocatioretreat

Oct. 4-7, 2026

Oct. 8-9, 2026