New students, faculty and staff headed to 14 servant events citywide.

The Seminary began its 179th academic year with a special worship service at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer served as preacher and introduced the theme for the year, “Faith … Living, Daring Confidence in God’s Grace.” The theme is based on the writings of Martin Luther and commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Classes began Monday, Aug. 28.

“The future of the church does not hang on our shoulders,” Meyer said in his sermon. “It hangs on Him who hung on the cross. … This is faith.”

Director of Musical Arts Dr. James Marriott was installed as the Kreft Chair for Music Arts and Rev. Scott Holder was installed as admissions officer. New faculty and staff members, and Regent and Presidential Award recipients were recognized. Vicarages also were announced for the fall 2017 cohort of the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program.

The Opening Service was the highlight of Orientation, which was held Aug. 22-25. Orientation activities included servant events, with students and mentors joining with faculty and staff to serve the people of St. Louis at 14 locations citywide.

On Aug, 27, the Seminary hosted the inaugural Opening Weekend Hymn Festival in the chapel. The celebration in song commemorated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Parishioners joined with an ensemble choir of faculty, staff, students and local congregations. Rev. Micah Glenn (‘16), executive director of the Lutheran Hope Center in Ferguson, Mo., offered spoken reflections throughout the festival.

“Thanks be to God that our salvation isn’t determined by our actions but by GOD’s actions,” Glenn said.