The gifts [God] gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.’ (Ephesians 4:11-12)
It’s May Term at Trinity, and there’s much to report.
Dr. Rachel Wrenn, assistant professor of biblical studies, is currently leading a travel course in the Holy Land. Dr. Brad Binau, professor of pastoral theology, is teaching a course on rural and small town ministry here in Ohio.
Dr. Cheryl Peterson, professor of systematic theology and Trinity Chair in Mission and Ministry, is wrapping up a yearlong sabbatical, during which she has been working on a new book. Even as we are excited to welcome Dr. Peterson back to campus and back to the classroom in the Fall, we are preparing to send off Dr. Joy Schroeder, professor of church history and Trinity Chair in Lutheran Heritage, on a yearlong sabbatical for 2022-23.
Dr. Paul Numrich, professor of interreligious relations, whom we share with the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, is also wrapping up a half-year sabbatical.
Sabbaticals are not vacations from teaching. They are opportunities for faculty to focus on their research and professional development, often producing scholarly work that will enhance their teaching and enrich the life and work of the church.
Dr. Binau has announced that he will retire at the end of October this year after almost 30 years of teaching at Trinity. We will celebrate his ministry of teaching and administration at Trinity Days this fall.
Mark your calendars: Trinity Days will be September 22-23, 2022. Alumna Imani Olear, Director of Evangelical Mission for the Upstate New York State of the ELCA, will be the keynote speaker.
The Trout Lectures are scheduled for January 19-20, 2023. Dr. Kevin Dudley, Trinity alumnus and professor of church and society, will be the keynote speaker.
Also, we look forward to welcoming those of you who are coming to Columbus in August for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. In addition to the ELCA Seminary, College, and University Presidents’ Reception scheduled as part of the Assembly (5:00 – 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 10), we’ll be holding a reception for Trinity alumni and friends on campus (7 – 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 9).
May the Spirit work signs of life and growth in your own ministry!
The Rev. Kathryn A. Kleinhans, Ph.D.
Dean
Trinity Lutheran Seminary forms leaders for Christ’s church at work in the world.