This week marks the start of school at our synod's two prep schools (Luther Preparatory School, Watertown, Wis., and Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Saginaw, Mich.). More than 650 young people arrived on the campuses to begin or continue their training for the public ministry. Classes at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., and Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., begin next week.

The trend of the past few years has seen enrollments rise at our schools. That trend continues this year with increased enrollments at all four of the schools. Luther Prep’s enrollment increased to 430 students (from an ending enrollment last year of 393). Michigan Lutheran Seminary’s starting enrollment for this school year is 236, increasing from 219 at the end of last school year. Martin Luther College begins the year with 712 full-time students; its ending enrollment last year was 652. Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary’s enrollment went up by 10 to 134.

We thank God for the growing number of young people who will, God-willing, someday serve as full-time workers in his church. We also remember these young people in our prayers, asking God to give them a full measure of wisdom, strength, zeal, and godliness as they prepare to serve him.

As we think about those who will serve us with Word and sacrament in the future, it’s certainly also appropriate to thank God for the pastors, missionaries, teachers, and staff ministers who are currently serving God’s people with faithfulness and dedication. Remember them in your prayers, asking God to guide them and give them joy in the work they do in the public ministry.

Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder