Last week the North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS) hosted Lutheran Chapel Week at Trinity School for Ministry, the NALS Seminary Center.
Lutheran Chapel Week highlighted the intersection of academic rigor and spiritual formation in theological education, as well as served as a reminder of the integral role of worship, community, and learning in the lives of future NALC pastors.
Throughout the week, NALS students and faculty led chapel services at TSM, drawing from the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW). From Matins to Vespers, each service provided an opportunity for reflection and renewal, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical unity between Lutheran, Anglican, and Presbyterian faculty and students at TSM. It also gave NALS students valuable time to practice what they have learned under the guidance of NALS Instructor in Lutheran Liturgy, the Rev. Maurice Frontz.
On Wednesday students and faculty led a service of Holy Communion where the Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen presided at Holy Communion and Dr. David Luy preached an inspiring sermon from Genesis 28:10–22, Romans 5:1-11, and Mark 8:31-38. Local NALC pastors from the Mid-Northeast Mission District were on campus and joined our seminarians for their Lutheran Formation Group (LFG), where they were able to share wisdom from their experiences serving in congregational settings.
As we bid farewell to this spring’s Lutheran Chapel Week, our students will carry with them the moments of fellowship, worship, and shared learning experienced on the campus of TSM. These formative moments will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and sustenance for our students as they continue their journey towards ordained ministry, reminding them of the enduring power of God’s love and grace and the unique calling He has placed over them.
The next Lutheran Chapel Week at TSM will be held during the Fall semester, October 21–25, 2024.
A special thank you to Sherry Galland, Director of Music Ministry at Zion Lutheran Church in Brentwood, PA for accompanying during Wednesday morning Holy Communion as a well as a thank you to Mid-Northeast Mission District pastors Nila Cogan, Matthew Vatalare, Joyce Dix-Weiers, Jim Neal, Carl Johnson, Mathew Magera, Andrew Loomis, and Maurice Frontz for your attendance and involvement in LFG.
