Apple To Visit Concordia Seminary

Apple Computer has a new pilot program for universities that promises to bringaudio and video content directly to the student through the iTunesinterface. Stanford University helped to pilot the program and nowApple is making it available to a small number of colleges anduniversities. So as soon as I heard about the program, I gave Apple a call to see ifConcordia Seminary would qualify.Next Friday, an Apple representativewill be on campus to see if we can bring iTunes U toConcordia. I think that this program could revolutionize ourdistant education offerings as well as make a wealth of theologicalknowledge accessible to anyone with a computer. It is my hope to offer Greek and Hebrew classes, basic Christian doctrine and other course materials free to anyone with an Internetconnection. Hopefully next Friday will bring us one step closer. Belowis a quote from the Apple website:

Education beyond the classroom

iTunes U is a free,hosted service for colleges and universities that provides easy accessto your educational content, including lectures and interviews 24 hoursa day, 7 days a week.It’s the most powerful way to manage a broad range ofaudio or video content and make it available quickly and easily tostudents, faculty, and staff. And it is the only application thatsupports the overwhelmingly popular iPod. iTunes U also offers you thesimplicity and mobility you expect from Apple because it is based onthe same easy-to-use technology of iTunes Music Store.Through iTunes U, users can download content to their Macs or PCsregardless of their location. They can then listen to and view contenton their Mac or PC or transfer that content to iPod for listening orviewing on the go.

Concordia Seminary Beats Fort Wayne Seminary

As many of you know, I was born missing the “sport’s gene”. But when the Concordia Seminary Preachers play the rival Fort Wayne Seminary Kingsman, even I become a sports fan. In order to preserve some dignity and not seem proud in victory, I won’t tell you how badly we beat them.Watching the Preachers play has become one of our family activities and a lot of fun. Normally they play on Tuesday’s to a much smaller crowd, but the Preachers Classic always pulls spectators. The funny thing about attending the games is that during my four years at Seminary I never attending a single game. Well, I guess I am making up for lost time.If you look closely, you can see Ben in the front row yelling at the players.

Our 17th Year

Well, another week has passed and we are looking forward to a weekend of celebration. Tomorrow is our 17th anniversary and Elizabeth and I are going to the Seven Gables while Ben has a couple days with Mama and Papa. As I think about the last 17 years so much has happened, but it feels like it was just yesterday. While Elizabeth is as beautiful as the day we were married, I am not sure who that thin guy with hair is standing next to her in the wedding photo.

Even though time has not been good to my hair or waistline, I feel like I am the luckiest man on earth. Elizabeth is a wonderful, understanding and caring soul-mate and Ben continues to make me proud each and every day. So as we celebrate our 17 years together, I am reminded to take time to give thanks to God for all that He has given, for Elizabeth and Ben and for His gift of grace and love through Jesus Christ.

Perspective “Shepherds of God’s Flock”

The seventh annual “Shepherds of God’s Flock” retreat was held Thursday evening, Jan. 5, through Saturday, Jan. 7. Part of the perspective students visit was to have desert at some of the on-campus homes (photo 1

, photo 2

). Below I have included a photo of the students, wives and girlfriends who joined us at our home.

It was a joy to have the students visit and ask questions about the seminary and the pastoral ministry. Of all of the things I have done so far at seminary, this was one of the more enjoyable ones. Listening to the students hopes, dreams and concerns about the pastoral ministry was a very rewarding experience. While some of the students had already applied to seminary, others were Sophomores from various colleges and universities visiting for the first time. Seeing the potential next generation of pastors helps to reinforce the fact that there are still men who desire to be used by God to shepherd His people. We are looking forward to hosting again and hopefully seeing some of the perspective students on campus as seminarians. Maybe next year Bob, John and Frank will visit ;).

Life After Christmas Break

Christmas vacation is over and the students have returned. I am told that the time between Christmas and Easter is tough on the students and professors due to the lack of time off in-between the holidays. The students who work in my lab were less than enthusiastic to return to class today, but it was nice to have them back.

On the home front,  Ben and Elizabeth went ice skating to celebrate Ben’s last day of vacation and Elizabeth began preparing the house for student visitation. This Friday we will entertain 10 pre-seminary students as part of a perspective student visit. I remember when Elizabeth and I visited the campus as college graduates. We met the professors, visited classes and enjoyed a small taste of seminary life. I hope the students we host have the same memorable experience. I will let you know how it goes.

On a stranger note, I received a phone message from a local photographer who claims to have captured an other-worldly image and a strange language on film. While it is not unusual for the seminary to receive strange calls and emails, it did provide for an interesting beginning to my first week back. He said he would email the photo, so we will see what happens. Well, I will close for tonight since I need to haul the Christmas boxes up from the basement to begin packing up the decorations. I hope that as you return to your post-Christmas life you carry the joy of the season in your heart all year long.