Graduation Day!

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 Finally, after four years of study, lectures, papers and exams, my classmates and I, the class of 2008 at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary have reached the pinnacle of our seminary instruction and graduated.  Today was a very busy, hectic and emotional day for family, friends, and graduates alike. 

The festivities actually began yesterday with the annual Alumni Day and luncheon.  Members of the LTSS Class of 1958 were on hand to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of their graduation, and to welcome the newest graduating class.  I enjoyed meeting many of the alums, some from long ago, and some who graduated in just the last few years.  It is interesting and fun to catch up with those most recent grads,  some who have attended classes with me, and hear of their experiences as they made the transition from student to pastor.

 Accompanying me for the two days of events were my wife and daughters, and also my parents.  They all have waited for a long time for this day to arrive, and each has supported me in their own special ways.  What a blessing to be able to share this day with them.  Since they live in Florida, my parents have not been able to experience much of the seminary way of life, but the worship on Thursday evening in Christ Chapel was amazing and deeply moving.

Our commencement address was given by our former Professor for Homiletics, who on this day, along with two of our retiring professors and former ELCA Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson was named Professor Emeritus.  Then it was our time.  Our degrees were conferred by our seminary president.  One by one we came forward as our dean called us by name, we received our diplomas, shook hands and with that we were no longer students.

 It really hasn’t sunk in yet, I don’t know when it will.  Yet, as our class scatters about the country, I do know that I have had a wonderful opportunity to worship God, study scripture and share fellowship with a very special group of people.  Many I fear I will not see again, but there are others who will be serving close by and we will have the opportunity to meet once in a while and share our stories.

 

Thanks be to God for all of the blessings of these past four years.  Congratulations to the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Class of 2008!

 

Graduation Seminary Worship

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