Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary began its new school year with an opening service on August 30 in the Good Shepherd Chapel. Professor Adolph Harstad based his message on Joshua 3:1-5 with the theme "You Have Never Been This Way Before." He showed that just as Israel was entering new territory that they had never walked on before so Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary students are entering the fresh land of a new semester. New territory can elicit excitement but also anxiety. Israel was directed to follow the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol and vehicle of God's presence, as it moved into the new land. He would lead the way, and the fears of His people could melt away as they fixed their gaze on His Ark. For New Testament Christians, and particularly now Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary students, to follow the ark means "to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). We follow Him into the new school year knowing His grace, casting our anxiety on Him, making the most of the opportunities He gives, and knowing that through His powerful Word He will do "amazing things" (Joshua 3:5).

The teaching staff for the seminary this coming year is as follows: Adolph Harstad, Thomas Kuster, Michael Smith, Erling Teigen, and Gaylin Schmeling.

The seminary enrollment this year numbers thirteen. There are three vicars, one senior, four middlers, four juniors, and one special student. The three vicars are Daniel Finn at Norseland Lutheran, St. Peter, and Norwegian Grove, Gaylord, Minnesota; Samuel Schmeling at Grace Lutheran, Vero Beach, Florida; and Piet van Kampen at Bethany Lutheran, Port Orchard, Washington.

Pictured from left to right:

Andrew Schmidt, Michael Muehlenhardt, Daniel Mundahl, Brian Klebig, Robert Oberg, Boyd Longshore, Andrew Burmeister, Daniel Oberer, Jonathan Lemke, Dale Jaech