A record 47 participants enjoyed the 1999 LutherHostel, “Joy in the Journey,” held Sept. 25-28, on the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, campus. LutherHostel is an educational event for adults 55 years of age or above. It combines presentations by Seminary faculty, attendance at Seminary classes, topical presentations by local experts and plenty of socialization and fun. Participants came from as far away as Florida, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and New Mexico.

“As the title implies, this event emphasized the joy that is ours as Christians travel on life’s journey,” commented Dr. John Oberdeck, Director of Continuing Education at Concordia Seminary.

Rev. Walter Schoedel and his wife, Leota, served as host couple for the event. Schoedel is the Director of Church Relations for Lutheran Senior Services, in St. Louis, Mo. Rev. Leroy Biesenthal, former Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod evangelism and stewardship executive and developer of the “Dialogue Evangelism” resource, served as speaker at the LutherHostel’s candlelight dinner. He and his wife, Marie, also led a night of activities following the western style cookout which opened the event.

“This has been an inspiring journey and thank you for this marvelous opportunity,” commented one of the participants. Another participant stated, “I enjoyed the friendliness of the students and faculty wherever we went. It was great to meet and make so many new Christian friends.”

Several Concordia Seminary faculty members took part in the program. Prof. William Utech served as the Sunday morning worship leader. Prof. Dean Nadasdy led a session titled “The Never Ending Journey” and led participants on an “Emmaus Walk” reflection experience. Dr. Timothy Saleska spoke to the group about “Joy for the Journey.” Dr. Bryan Salminen spoke about “Laughter on the Journey,” and Prof. Larry Rockemann spoke about “Reflections on the Journey.”

Speakers at the event also included Mrs. Marty Lintvedt, a member of the Seminary’s counseling services staff, who spoke about “New Directions in the Journey.” Dr. Bruce Hartung, Executive Director of the LCMS Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support spoke about “Wellness on the Journey”, and Rev. Joel Hempel, Director of Clinical Pastoral Education at Laclede Groves Retirement Community in St. Louis spoke about “Faith on the Journey.”

This year’s LutherHostel also included an optional tour of the Lutheran historical sites in Perry County, Mo., on Thursday, Sept. 29. Approximately half of the registrants stayed an extra day for the tour.

For more information on LutherHostel or any of the Seminary’s continuing education opportunities, contact the Office of Continuing Education at 314.505.7105 or by e-mail (ce@csl.edu).