July 2026

Dear Friends,

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:
Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:
And the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:9-10

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge:
But he that hateth reproof is brutish. Proverbs 12:1

In May, Loren Bergstedt, one of the most faithful and honorable men who has served on the board of this seminary went to be for eternity with His Lord. The passages from Proverbs quoted above fit this wonderful man perfectly. He had an insatiable appetite for learning and when we first met as he was serving as Chairman of the Congregation of the Esko Apostolic Lutheran Church we would often stay long after board meetings to discuss a wide range of topics until the wee hours of the next morning. He was well informed but never overbearing in his opinions, assured and always gracious. They are conversations and memories that have stayed with me through these many years. So deep was his understanding and so magnanimous his personality that I asked him to serve on the board of the seminary. He accepted the opportunity with the same provision he often voiced that he felt unworthy of the position. Loren was more than worthy, he was the epitome of a great board member: thoughtful, insightful and never abrasive. He consistently provided immense wisdom to the operation of the seminary and faithfully supported it financially. His giftedness was recognized by all and he soon became chairman of the seminary board. A position he served in flawlessly for many years. All of these characteristics are directly attributable to Jesus the Christ whom he served with the fulness of his life and by whose Spirit he manifested His glory and goodness. There is one instance of a late night conversation with Loren the remains fixed in my mind. After I had returned from an intensive session of my graduate work at Concordia Seminary Fort Wayne, Loren asked me what I had learned. I replied that I didn’t know that I could break it down and explain it. Loren looked right at me and with an unaccustomed sternness said, “You better. We don’t send you there just to educate yourself. We do it so that you can teach us.” Those words have stayed with me all of this time. There isn’t a moment that I approach my study or my instruction without recognizing the greater need of clearly communicating the depth of God’s goodness to others. When Loren had to resign from the board because he didn’t feel he could perform in the office any longer we accepted his resignation with great regret. His passing reminds me always of the great investment God makes in people who serve His kingdom, how He never fails to provide those whom He has gifted to serve with marvelous gifts that bless other people and continue to do so. In Loren we were so blessed.

Thanks be to God! God’s Peace,
Jay Weidner

DONATIONS RECEIVED....

In memory of William Forsman
From Joel & Susan Baker

In memory of Bev Aho
Kirk Jr. & Carol Otto

In memory of Loren Bergstedt
David & Ruth Croze
Steve & Marilyn Dahlmeier
Pastor Chuck Bylkas, Joy & family
Gar, Jodi & Josh Heikkinen

MAINTAINING THE CAMPUS

We are currently working on a series of significant improvements aimed at preserving the campus facilities and enhancing the appearance of its buildings. Projects involved replacing the roof which included interior insulation, siding installation, staining of the new staircase, repainting the sign and deep cleaning floors of the classroom building.

The restored buildings contribute to a safe and attractive campus setting and demonstrate the seminary’s dedication to providing a well-maintained environment for learning, fellowship and ministry preparation. The seminary extends its sincere gratitude to those who have contributed to the success of these improvement projects.