FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Seminary Communications, (260) 452-3153, communications@ctsfw.edu |
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Seminary Guild and LWML Continue Generous Tradition |
| FORT WAYNE, IN, October 13, 2022—Seventy-five women from across the Midwest gathered October 11, 2022, for Donation Day on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW). This beloved annual tradition, which has provided support for students and families since the early 1900s—is hosted by the CTSFW Seminary Guild, with many members of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) in attendance. |
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| | A special program was held following Daily Chapel to thank these dedicated supporters and to inform the gathered group about their activities. Several LWML district presidents, including Ohio District President Vivian Nelson, South Wisconsin District President Cinda Poppe, and Indiana District President Sarah Rippy, were on hand to deliver checks of $5,000 each in support of the Seminary’s Food and Clothing Co-op. |
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| President Lawrence Rast Jr.—on his 12th Donation Day as Seminary president—told the group that he has observed 36 Donation Days since he first became a student. “Over the years, the support of our Guild and of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League for our students has really been nothing short of a miracle, frankly,” said Rast, who also remarked on “the variety and incredible amount that is provided for students. It is such an amazing blessing." |
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| The after-chapel program also included CTSFW Seminary Guild President Phyllis Thieme, who described various ways in which the Guild cares for Seminary families. Guild support includes skillet cookies on birthdays, gifts for newborns, support for The Word for the Wee (a theology-rich program for Seminary children), and special projects such as hands-free water bottle filling stations for the campus. Thieme encouraged everyone to stay up to date on the Guild’s activities by visiting ctsfw.edu/Guild. |
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| Food and Clothing Co-op Director Deaconess Katherine Rittner wrapped up the program, expressing gratitude for the continued support of Seminary students and families. After reading Matthew 6:25 (“Do not be anxious …”), Rittner stated, “One thing our students don’t need to be anxious about while they are here is how their bodily needs will be met. We’ve got you covered.” She then shared an impressive list of items the Co-op was able to purchase or process in the last fiscal year—including over 1,700 gallons of milk; 7,500 pounds of pork; and 19,600 pounds of fresh produce—thanks to generous donations of Seminary supporters. |
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| | “Everyone who has joined us this morning for Donation Day makes a difference in the lives of our future pastors and deaconesses and their families through the incredible blessings, love and support felt by everyone,” said Rittner. “By providing food, clothes, and household goods for students with grace and love, some of their everyday worries and anxiety are eased. I thank our Heavenly Father for you, our friends of the Seminary, every day and ask that you continue to support the students, faculty and staff by keeping us in your daily prayers.” |
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To learn more about the CTSFW Food and Clothing Co-op, visit ctsfw.edu/co-op.
To learn more about LWML Mission Grants and other initiatives and resources, visit lwml.org. |
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About Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne |
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Founded in 1846, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, forms servants of Jesus Christ in a vibrant, Christ-centered theological community that engages and resources the church and the world, domestically and internationally, with distinctively Lutheran teaching, practice, and worship. To learn more, visit ctsfw.edu.
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Soli Deo Gloria |
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