Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will begin its 179^th 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 will serve as preacher and will introduce 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 500^th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

“What an exciting year this will be for our venerable Seminary!” Meyer said. “On campus we’re eager to begin and I hope our alums and others throughout the church will follow our Savior’s mission through events this year at Concordia Seminary. The new curriculum becomes a living and learning reality; the celebration of Oct. 31, 1517; and our theme challenges us to live our heritage in today’s society — ‘Faith … Living, Daring Confidence in God’s Grace.’ A great time to be the church!”

New students will attend Orientation Aug. 22-25. Orientation provides an opportunity for new students and families to become better acquainted with academics and campus life. Students and mentors will participate in a servant event, joining with faculty and staff to serve the people of St. Louis at 14 different locations. Tasks include landscaping at various Gateway Greening gardens, cleaning at the Peace Center, and cleaning and performing maintenance tasks at Compass Education schools.

In addition to Opening Service, the Seminary will host its first Opening Weekend Hymn Festival at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, in the chapel. This celebration in song will commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with a selection of hymns that speak to our faith as the church has borne witness for 500 years. Parishioners will join with an ensemble choir made up of faculty, staff, students and local congregations to lift voices together in worship and praise.

The public is invited to the Opening Service and Hymn Festival. Concordia Seminary is located at 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO, 63105.

Those who cannot attend the Opening Service or Hymn Festival may watch the live stream at www.csl.edu/live. Family and friends are invited to join in the celebration on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by using #CSLorientation and #FaithLivingDaringConfidence.

About Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit www.csl.edu.