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Thanks to all who came added to the conversation.
January 11, 2008
Dear Brothers in Christ,
We are now into the 2008 Epiphany
season. Ash Wednesday is February 6 and Easter is March 23. One week
later, March 31-April 2, is our Pastors' Theological Convocation.
The Theological Convocation Committee
has been working over a year to develop a conference that should
significantly address some of the issues and concerns that we LCMS pastors
wrestle with as we  carry
out our ministries. Under the theme, "My Preaching: A Wall or a Window
for the Holy Spirit," two top notch presenters have been selected to provide
a look at the history of Christian preaching through the ages as well as in
Lutheranism specifically. This will be followed by looking at
preaching today, including the use of media,
alternative sermon styles and structures,
and specialized preaching, e.g.,
children's messages, weddings, funerals, etc.
The two presenters are Rev. Dr.
Lawrence Rast of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and
Rev. Dr. David Schmitt of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. Both are
gifted presenters who look forward to sharing some thoughts with us as well
as engaging us in question and answer sessions.
I strongly invite and encourage you to
participate in this conference as it enables and provides an opportunity for
all of you to discuss some significant aspects of proclaiming the Gospel in
ways that help transform lives. Set aside the dates of March 31-April 2,
2008, for this timely conference. It will be held at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel
here in Austin and will be preceded by a golf tournament for those who
indulge in such activities.
Register online by clicking
here and then follow the directions. If you are unable to do that,
complete the registration form which was mailed to your office and
return with your check to the district office to the attention of Lois Wolf,
secretary to Rev. John Hirsch. [If you did not receive this mailing
and are interested in attending, please contact Lois Wolf.]
Hotel reservations also can be made
online by clicking "hotel reservations" on the convocation home page.
(PLEASE NOTE: Room
reservations at Crowne Plaza Austin need to be
made directly with the
hotel by March 17 to receive the guaranteed rate. Use the booking code TDT.)
In His Service,
Ken Hennings, President
Texas District, LCMS
The Theological
Convocation strives to provide active and retired pastors, vicars, and
pre-seminary students, an opportunity for learning, discussion, and
reflection on issues of relevance to the theology and identity, mission and
ministry of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. |
