The majority of our seminary students are married second-career men. They come from all walks and from every state. Deciding to make a major life change to come to the seminary is never easy. But nothing is impossible. And the devoted staff of Concordia Theological Seminary are here to help you. Enjoy the following comments from Mrs. Marsha Zimmerman, our Relocation Coordinator. – Scott Stiegemeyer

Celebrations are reserved for special occasions, the marking of a milestone in one’s life, acknowledging a new beginning, etc. Answering God’s call to prepare for the Holy Ministry is a time for celebration. For some of you, earlier life plans and goals may not have included a vocation in church work. Yet, here you are. Yes, it is a time to celebrate and rejoice at what God has called you to do in service for Him.

Physically moving from one place to another in an orderly manner requires that you do some serious coordinating. Many times this takes the form of checklists, downsizing, prioritizing, etc. Many of you may have been in your home for many years and there is a lot that needs to be taken care of to carry your life forward to your new home and life at the seminary. Surprisingly, many of the preparatory steps to moving may already be on your private “TO DO” list. The earlier you start preparing, the easier it will be when you actually relocate.

Before coming to Fort Wayne, evaluate your housing needs. Decide what size of home or apartment, duplex, townhouse you truly need. Do you want the added responsibility of caring for a yard and snow removal? Do you want to rent or purchase a home? Look around your current residence and start to think about what you do not want to take with you. That includes plants and pets. Avoid moving anything that you do not really need. If you do not use it now, you most likely will not use it later. There are many different methods to organizing and labeling boxes. Remember to keep them under 50 pounds and start packing early. Always have a survival/essentials box handy with items such as medicines, paper products, extra clothing, etc.

Locate and keep important papers such as birth certificates, legal documents, medical records, school records, and tax forms handy. Look at transferring your insurance coverage and prescriptions. Be sure to let your former employer know where to send your W2 form. Check with your current employer on how to handle your pension, 401K’s, etc.

If you have school-aged children, you will need to decide which school system (Lutheran, public, or home school) would best suit your child. High school and college-aged children have special concerns such as in/out-of-state tuition, completing course requirements for a high school diploma, maintaining health coverage as a dependent, and scholarship guidelines.

It is never too early to begin the employment process. Besides contacting the Relocation Office here at CTS, ask your current employer about transferring your employment to a Fort Wayne branch. Visit websites such as www.careerbuilder.com and the Blue News on CTS’s website, www.ctsfw.edu.

Moving day has arrived! Remember to get a good night’s sleep and to have an energizing breakfast. Moving does have an emotional side. You will be leaving familiar people and friends. Embrace their hugs, well wishes, encouraging words, and prayers. You are about to begin a life-changing experience, you are answering God’s call to be a pastor, to serve His people. We will be waiting to welcome and support you as you begin your seminary studies. It will once again be a time to celebrate!

Marsha Zimmerman

For more information please phone Marsha Zimmerman, Relocation Coordinator, at 1-800-481-2155, or e-mail her at Zimmermanmj@ctsfw.edu.

From Volume 9, Issue 2, Summer 2006