President & Governance
President's Message
A Time of Change
If you’ve heard anything about what’s been happening at the seminary this year, you know that it has been a time of change. These changes seem to have accelerated as the year progressed.
The many changes resulting from actions taken by our Synod’s convention in June are being implemented. These have to do with course delivery, staffing and greater co-ordination of effort with our sister seminary in St. Catharines. Since our last newsletter, there have been other changes in personnel: a new part-time librarian, a new part-time treasurer, termination of the position of development officer, and, most recently, the resignation of our president, Dr. Manfred Zeuch. All these changes have put considerable stress on our faculty and staff, as we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that our students receive the best education possible, and not be side-tracked from their pastoral preparations.
As these words are written, we are on the doorstep of Advent. This season is also all about change. The end of one church year gives way to the beginning of the next. In Advent we remember how human history was forever changed when God’s ancient promise of a Savior was fulfilled as the Holy Son of God exchanged the glories of heaven for the stench and squalor of a stable. In Advent we remember how, at our Lord’s return, our mortal bodies will be changed so that we can live forever in the very presence of God.
Although God Himself is unchangeable, He continues to change our lives so that they conform more and more to His will. So too, we trust Him to uphold us when we are confronted with changes such as we have experienced, perplexing and unwelcome though they might be.
We also ask God to be with Dr. Zeuch, his wife, Vivian, and their family, as they seek His future direction for their lives.
As we trust God to see us through these times of change, our seminary community continues to ask for your prayers, your encouragement, your financial support, and your good will.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the seminary (780.474.1468), at home (780.462.9608), or by email at edwinlehman@shaw.ca.
God grant you all a Blessed Advent!!
Edwin Lehman, acting president
