An enthusiastic group of adults, age 55 and above, participated in LutherHostel 2008, held Oct. 4-7 on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Rev. Dr. Charles Mueller, former president of the Southeastern District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), and Dr. Mary Manz Simon were the main presenters for the event. Participants experienced Seminary class instruction and attended presentations by Seminary faculty and local experts on the theme, “Newest Oldest Generation: Still on Duty by God’s Design.”

One participant commented, “Everyone was friendly from staff to students on campus. There was wonderful energy, faith, hope and fellowship. Thank you for hosting this LutherHostel. I will recommend it to others in my area.”

Rev. Walter Schoedel and his wife Leota were the host couple for the event. In addition, Bible studies were led by Seminary professors Thomas Egger and David Lewis.

Scheduled activities began on Saturday evening with an Oktoberfest dinner. Additional activities included a pipe organ demonstration in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus, student-led evening devotions and a reception at the home of President and Mrs. Dale Meyer. Tours of various Lutheran sites (International Center, Lutheran Hour Ministries) and St. Louis sites (Cathedral Basilica, Forest Park, Missouri Botanical Garden, “The Hill”) also were offered. An optional tour of the Lutheran historical sites in Perry County, Mo., took place on Oct. 8, immediately following LutherHostel.

LutherHostel 2009 will take place on Oct. 3-6. For more information, call the Office of Continuing Education and Parish Services at 314-505-7486, e-mail ce@csl.edu or visit the Seminary’s Web site at www.csl.edu. Concordia Seminary is located at 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105.