"A Great Blessing"

Dear Friends in Christ:

As you read this, Mary and I will be attending the “Lutheran Academy of the Rockies” continuing education retreat for pastors and their families at Meeker Park Lodge, Allenspark, Colorado.

This time over the years has become a great blessing for us spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially. We have been challenged by the teaching, inspired by the beauty of God’s creation, and enriched by meaningful relationships with new and old friends.

This academy began in 1937 at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. It was the first Lutheran continuing education event in the United States. The academy remained an annual event in Dubuque for the next 31 years, with a brief respite during World War II. In 1969 it was moved to Colorado with an expanded format to include pastors, spouses, and families.

This year’s theme is” “Religion In Today’s World”. The distinguished faculty members are :
* Dr. Monica Melanchton, professor of Old Testament studies and Head of the Department of Women’s Studies at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College in Chennai, India;
* Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud, Professor of Systematic Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa;
* Rev. Dr. Wayne Weissenbuehler, Bishop Emeritus of the Rocky Mountain Synod—ELCA, now part-time associate pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, with an emphasis on senior ministry and biblical teaching.

I am very thankful for your support and encouragement of my attending the academy.

You will be in our prayers as we ask that we be in yours. The peace of the Lord be with you always.

—Pastor David Fetter

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