Dr. Dean Nadasdy, associate professor of practical theology and occupant of the Gregg H. Benidt Memorial Chair in Homiletics and Literature at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, has announced acceptance of the divine call issued him to serve as senior pastor of Woodbury Lutheran Church, Woodbury, Minn. Nadasdy will remain at Concordia Seminary through June 2000 in order to teach in the Seminary's summer school.

"I leave Concordia Seminary with gratitude not only for the ministry God gave me to do here but also for the opportunities to study and to grow," commented Nadasdy. "In many ways I have been formed and shaped again as a pastor/teacher. I'll deeply miss the engaging discussions with students, our extraordinary theological library, and the collegial support of an outstanding faculty. I will always see these years as an opportunity to give and to receive in a community rich in grace, strong in the Word, and focused in mission."

Nadasdy joined the Seminary faculty in the fall of 1997 after 24 years of service as a parish pastor in Oregon and Minnesota. Just prior to accepting the call to serve on the Seminary faculty, Nadasdy served as pastor of Cross View Lutheran Church, Edina, Minn. He is a 1973 graduate of Concordia Seminary.

"As the first occupant of the Benidt Chair, Professor Nadasdy fulfilled the vision under-girding its establishment," commented Dr. John F. Johnson, president of Concordia Seminary. "He assisted our students in the process of preaching both textually and creatively and he served pastors in the wider Church through the development of homiletical presentations and workshops. Dean has been an engaging teacher and valued colleague."

For more information, contact the Communications Office, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63105; 314.505.7375; or by e-mail ([email protected]).