A total of 318 nominations and 91 registrations have been received during the first two months of the nomination process for the second Exploring Church Careers Event (ECCE), a retreat designed to identify, inform and encourage high school youth with respect to a church career. The ECCE will take place Aug. 5-8, 2000 on the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis campus and will emphasize not only the pastoral ministry, but virtually all church careers.

On Wednesday, March 1, 2000, the nomination process was opened for ECCE 2000. "We have received and additional 115 nominations and 61 registrations in the past month alone," commented Rev. Glen Thomas, vice president for seminary relations at Concordia Seminary. "Obviously, we are very excited and gratified to receive so many nominations at this point. Last year, we received a total of 350 nominations. Having nearly that number received at this point, we are anticipating that the limit of 120 registered youth will be reached in a very short time."

The four-day ECCE includes Bible study, presentations by recognized leaders in youth ministry and on-site visitation opportunities featuring a wide variety of church career professionals. "We want youth who attend the ECCE to see the many ways God can use the gifts He has given them to serve Him in a church vocation," said Thomas. "We also want youth to hear of the inherent joys and challenges they will face as they serve in a church vocation."

A mailing containing a nomination form has been sent to all Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod pastors, directors of Christian education, youth group leaders, high school teachers, principals, and guidance counselors. In addition, the March issue of "Lutheran Witness" contained a full-page ad for the ECCE which included a nomination form. The Seminary's Web site (www.csl.edu) also contains a nomination form which can be printed and submitted.

A $40 registration fee is the only charge youth pay, in addition to travel costs, to attend the ECCE. All activities, meals during the event and on-campus lodging are provided at no cost to participants. Travel scholarships also exist to ensure that travel costs do not prevent youth from attending.

The ECCE is made possible by a $150,000 grant Concordia Seminary received to assist in the process of identifying, informing and encouraging high school youth toward service in church work careers. The grant is from Lilly Endowment Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind.

For more information, contact the Admissions Office, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7722; ECCEvent@aol.com.