Call Day Memories

Yesterday, Wednesday, April 22, 2009, was Call Day on the Campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. I never tire of Call Day! Call Day is perhaps my favorite day on the Campus of Concordia Seminary. Call Day is the day that really is "what it's all about!" This is the day when men receive calls into the pastoral ministry and women receive calls to serve as deaconesses in the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. Call Day is also the day when those ready for their vicarage or deaconess internships learn where they will serve for the next year.

I am not certain how many Call Day services I have attended. I can say for sure that I have attended both of these services at least eight times, perhaps one time more than that. I have also attended the Call Day service at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, one time. Twice on Call Day, I received a placement, once as a vicar and once as a pastor.

There is a certain sense of excitement in the air as each student approaches the front of the line to learn where they will be serving in the Church. The words are clearly read: A District Name, a Congregation's name, and finally a city name. All is revealed - everyone knows where God is sending them! The excitement yesterday was no different, and what a wonderful day it was at Concordia Seminary. The weather was wonderful - God provided a picture perfect St. Louis Day!

Every Call Day brings back memories of Call Days of the past. I recall the memories of my own Call Day experiences, and those Call Days when friends have received calls. Each Call Day is unique, and yet, in a certain sense they are all the same. As the history of the Church passes by, the names change, but the process of God calling His servants remains the same! Indeed, Call Day is really what it is all about! Soli Deo Gloria!