The Predigtamt Alumni Endowment Student Book Fund
The Rev. James Gier, pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, and president of the Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW) Class of 2002, presented a check for $4,964 to CTSFW President Dr. Lawrence Rast Jr., on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The check provided a $150 book credit for each of the fourth-year MDiv students, or final-year delayed vicars, redeemable at the CTSFW Bookstore. The funds were from the Predigtamt Alumni Endowment Fund Student Book Fund.
The Predigtamt Alumni Endowment Fund was established by the CTSFW Class of 2002 as its class gift. The Class of 2004 also contributed to the Endowment as their class gift. Between these two classes and the gifts of other generous donors, the Endowment, which is managed by Concordia Theological Foundation, Inc., is now over $100,000 with total awards over $58,000.
Update in August 2024: Gifts for the fund continue to be received. In July of 2024 the Seminary IV Class presented a gift of $4,038.95 to Concordia Theological Foundation for the Predigtamt Alumni Endowment Fund Student Book Fund.
The purpose of the Endowment is to make annual awards to fourth-year Master of Divinity Residential Students for building up their theological resources and libraries in preparation for the ministry and care of the Lord’s treasured flock. We recognize and appreciate the dedication of these men in their commitment to the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions in preparation for serving as faithful shepherds in Christ’s Church. The following is an example of letters received from such students in gratitude for the award:
Thank you for your very generous gift of credit at the CTS Bookstore! Having additional resources at hand to aid in preparation for preaching, teaching, and pastoral care will be a great help as I serve the people of God wherever he calls me. May God bless you for this kind gift!
Sincerely, J.A.
Rev. James Gier, 2002 Class President, serves on the Predigtamt Alumni Endowment Board, along with Rev. Mike Bagnall, 2002 Class Vice-President; Rev. Doug Bauman, 2002 Class Representative; Rev. Ryan Wendt, 2004 Class President; and Rev. Len Astrowski, 2004 Class Vice-President. The Predigtamt Alumni Endowment Student Book Fund is managed by the Concordia Theological Foundation Inc. which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary year in 2024. The Endowment’s goal is to reach awards of $250 per eligible student. Gifts to the fund can be sent to Predigtamt Student Book Fund, Concordia Theological Foundation, Inc., PO Box 15810, Fort Wayne, IN 46885-5810. To learn more about the book fund and Concordia Theological Foundation visit concordiatheologicalfoundation.org.