June 2025

Dear Friends,

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf

also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

Graduation.

This is the time of year that many of us participate in the unique event that we call graduation. We celebrate the efforts of those who have completed a course of study or training, whether it be from high school, trade or technical school, college or university. This spring, we also held a graduation ceremony for three of our seminary students: Scott Seppala, Michael Mattinen and Caleb Maunu. While Michael and Caleb still need to complete their internship requirement, all three of these young men have completed their academic coursework, helping to prepare them for labor in the Office of the Public

Ministry.

In every profession or trade, the best laborers are those who never stop learning. The word “graduation” is derived from the Latin word gradus which means “step” or “stage.” Thus the word graduation suggests a moving forward from one stage to the next. The word “commencement”, which is often used for the occasion, signals the beginning of the next step in a student’s life. This is especially true for those who are in full-time Christian ministry. Even though Scott, Michael and Caleb have finished their academic requirements, their study of the God’s Word has only just begun. The Holy Scriptures never teach us that there is an endpoint in our study of the Word. God always encourages us to continue reading, hearing and meditating on His Word as the Psalmist says “day and night.” God reminds us to hold fast to His Word, so that we might not be swayed be the deceitful messages of this world, and so that we might grow in our faith “ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

As Jesus says: “...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-36

And as the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” II Timothy 3:14-17

Thank you once again for your faithful support of the seminary. May God keep all of us steadfast in His Word, which points us evermore to the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation we have in Christ Jesus, Our Lord.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Chuck Bylkas