Synod Sunday Festival Service Emphasizes Mission Work

Each year members of the synod join together in worship to hear God’s Word and praise His name for the blessings He has bestowed on the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The 3:00 p.m. festival service was conducted by the Rev. Karl Anderson, pastor of Heritage Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Prof. Dennis Marzolf served as the organist and Mrs. Megan Merseth was the soloist.

The Rev. Robert Harting, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Indianola, Iowa, preached the sermon based on 1 Peter 2:9. He spoke about declaring the praises of God who saved all people to those who still do not know Jesus.

After the service, a picnic was served indoors in the Great Room due to the high temperatures and strong winds. The food and the air conditioning were greatly appreciated.

Bethany Seminary Graduates Four

Four men graduated from Bethany Lutheran Theological Serminary in a Divine Service on June 17 at 7:00 p.m. in Trinity Chapel. President Gaylin Schmeling served as the liturgist, Mr. John Baumann was the organist, and Prof. Adolph Harstad preached the sermon. Using Luke 2:52 as his text, Prof. Harstad spoke about growing in the public ministry. He noted that Luke described how Jesus set aside the use of His divine attributes to grow physically, in wisdom, personally, and in favor with God and with man. Seminary graduates also need to grow continually in these same areas as they begin their public ministry of Word and Sacraments in the Lord’s kingdom.

Board of Regents member, the Rev. Kincaid Smith, handed out diplomas to Candidates of Theology Dale Jaech, Michael Muehlenhardt (called to Christ Lutheran Church in Klamath Falls, Oregon), Daniel Oberer (called to Hope Lutheran Church in Farmington, Minnesota), and Andrew Schmidt (called to Peace Lutheran Church in Lakeland, Florida).