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January 31, 2011
Dear Brothers in Christ,
We
are now into the 2011 Epiphany season. Ash Wednesday is March 9th this
year and
Easter is April 24th. One week later, May 2-4, is our Pastors' Theological
Convocation.
The Theological Convocation Committee has been working for
over a year to develop a conference that will draw the attendees into a
fresh view of the Gospels. The theme is "Joining God's Great Story:
Reading Matthew's Gospel as Narrative." Leading us in this exercise is
Professor Jeff Gibbs of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. Among Prof. Gibbs'
passions is the study of St. Matthew. Having written a commentary on
this Gospel, Prof. Gibbs will guide the convocation into recognizing that we
have been drawn into Christ's story.
As attendees work
through the narrative, they will learn that these stories are not only true
but that they have shape; there is a flow and there is a plot to the record.
That being the case, the Gospels turn into a rich homiletic resource.
Recognizing that we have our identity in Jesus' story, we also will
recognize that it is with His story that we have been sent to our
congregations, communities, and the world with the Gospel.
I
strongly invite and encourage you to participate in this conference as it
will encourage both your professional and personal life of faith. In
addition, it will strengthen your witness and ability to enter into Gospel
conversations with the people you meet every day. Set aside the dates of
May 2-4, 2011, for this timely conference. It will be held at Concordia
University Texas 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 following the directions. If you are unable to do that or if
you experience technical difficulties in this process, contact Lois Wolf at
the District Office.
There are a number of motel options in the area. Two motels have a
special conference rate. The special rates are guaranteed until April 15,
2011. You are responsible for attending to your room arrangements. For
more information concerning motel availability, click
here.
In
His Service,
Ken Hennings, President
Texas District, LCMS
The Theological
Convocation Committee 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. |
