Concordia TheoBLOGical Seminary

I’m sure most people think that all seminarians do is study. And, to be sure, that’s exactly what they do 90 percent of the time. That is what they are here for. If they weren’t studying, we’d be worried. But in those off moments – and when they’re not in chapel, eating, or discussing the third use of the Law - they do like to have fun. And they’re good at it.

Take a look at these pictures from last Saturday, for example, and then just try to say that seminarians don’t know how to have a good time. They’d planned the afternoon out a few weeks in advance. The seminarians were in charge of lining up croquet sets, bocce balls, and drinks. They even came dressed for the occasion with suits, hats, and umbrellas for the ladies. The deaconesses were in charge of getting food to feed the crowd. And between the two (and with a little help from a nice jazz station), it was an afternoon to be remembered. We talked. We ate. We cracked jokes and gave each other a hard time. We enjoyed the sunshine. It was relaxing and built instantaneous camaraderie. And, if that weren’t enough, it even caught Dr. Scaer’s attention, enough for him to stop by and stay a while. Looking out over a patch of grass covered in croquet mallets, he said with a grin, “This is right out of the roaring 20s, and that’s exactly my era!”

Seminarians aren’t cloistered monks. Deaconesses aren’t nuns. They enjoy laughing. They’re creative. They’re innovative. They like to try new things, and they’re not afraid to fail. To the average person off the street, an afternoon of bocce, mismatched suits from the clothing co-op, and meat and cheese trays may not sound like much. But to students at Concordia Theological Seminary – those who are leaving for vicarage or deaconess placement or to take a call – the seminary is also a place of true community and, in turn, a great deal of amusing fun.

We’re not stodgy. We’re not bumps on a log. We do come out of our dorm rooms once in a while. And we certainly set books aside for an afternoon of good-natured ribbing and Lutheran beverages. It’s going to be an annual event – this little bocce/croquet party of ours – so if you’re in Fort Wayne next year, right around graduation time, swing by. You may just see a group of people relaxing on blankets in the sunshine, playing games in goofy clothes, and savoring the friendship of those who share the same faith.