An enthusiastic group of 20 adults, age 55 and above, participated in LutherHostel 2001, held Sept. 29 – Oct. 2 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Participants experienced Seminary class instruction and attended presentations by Seminary faculty and local experts on the theme, “Listen, God is Calling.” These sessions were interspersed with scheduled times of fellowship and fun.

“This was a wonderful experience,” commented one participant. Another added, “I cannot thank LutherHostel enough for the outstanding care for us and our needs.” A third said, “Very impressive! The friendliness and helpfulness of everyone was great! There was a wonderful feeling of Christian love and welcome from everyone – staff and students.”

Rev. Loren Kramer and his wife, Arlene, hosted LutherHostel this year, and Rev. Kramer led Sunday morning Bible study. He is the former president of the Pacific Southwest District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and was recently appointed as the chairman of the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations.

Rev. Philip Ilten and his wife, Sheila, led a series of activities and games on Saturday evening. Ilten is a retired pastor in the Pacific Southwest District. Both the Iltens and the Kramers joined participants on a trip to the Saxon Lutheran historic sites in Perry County, Missouri.

LutherHostel 2001 opened on Saturday evening with a western-style cookout. Other activities included a banquet, student-led evening devotions, Office of Compline led by Rev. Henry Gerike and the Lutheran Hour Chorus, and tours of the St. Louis Botanical Gardens and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

For more information about future LutherHostel events, contact the Office of Continuing Education, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106; or call (314) 505-7105 or e-mail .