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February 2025

Dear Friends,

“And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, He took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering. 30 And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and they that were with Him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw His glory, and the two men that stood with Him. 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from Him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. 34 While He thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him. 36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.”

Luke 9:28-36

As the season of Epiphany draws to a close, the church historically celebrates the festival of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. Since the season of Epiphany is focused on how God makes His Son Jesus known to the world, it is fitting that we would be directed to the Transfiguration event.

As Jesus is praying on the mountain, the disciples witness a dramatic change in His appearance. Not only does the clothing of Jesus appear dazzling white, but as Matthew records, “…His face did shine like the sun.” Amazingly, Jesus is talking with Moses and Elijah, two of the great heroes of the Old Testament. Peter is so stunned by what He sees, that tells Jesus that they can build three tabernacles, one for each of these great prophets: Moses, Elijah and Christ, Himself. Peter, James and John become terrified when a cloud came and overshadowed them. The voice of God, the Father now makes the startling announcement “This is My beloved Son: hear Him.” As the disciples lift up their eyes, they only see Jesus. Moses and Elijah are gone. What does this all mean?

Of first significance is that the disciples have been given a glimpse of the glory of Christ in His transfigured appearance. Second is the presence of Moses and Elijah. Moses as the deliverer of the law, and Elijah as the representative of the great prophets of God. Their disappearance means that Jesus is now the One to whom we should listen as the greatest of the prophets. Christ has come to fulfill the law and the prophets. Most importantly, is the declaration of God the Father. Jesus is not merely a great prophet, but His Son; the Messiah who would come to save His people from their sins by way of the Cross. This is precisely what Moses, Elijah and Jesus were talking about on the mountain. Moses and Elijah “…appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem.” The great prophets are speaking about the single greatest event in human history; the death and Resurrection of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

The message of God the Father is just as much for us. God not only declares Jesus to be His Son, but that we should also listen to Him. “In Christ alone, our hope is found”, as the song writer has said. May God grant us ears to hear and hearts to believe the beautiful message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God bless you!

Yours in Christ,
Chuck Bylkas


DONATIONS RECEIVED...

In memory of Jack Tibbs
From Joyce Tibbs

In memory of Jana Pile
From Joyce Tibbs

In memory of Jill Sanko
From Joyce Tibbs

In memory of Verna A. Hendrickson
From Neal & Cheryl Hendrickson

MONDAY NIGHT CLASS CONTINUES

The Monday night class on The General Epistles & Hebrews has started but it is not too late to join in. Class begins each Monday at 7PM (ET) at 916 Pine Street, Hancock or on Zoom.

The General Epistles & Hebrews is a study of the content of each letter emphasizing the uniqueness of thought in their respective authors.

If you are interested in taking this class, please contact the seminary as soon as possible by calling (906) 482-3337 or email – cilseminary@ilseminary.com. If you are able, a $50 donation would be appreciated. As always, your continued support is appreciated.

THRIVENT FINANCIAL
CHOICE DOLLARS PROGRAM IN 2024


THANK YOU to those who made contributions through Thrivent Financial Choice Dollars Program. The seminary received $1,935 in the calendar year 2024. For more information about Choice Dollars, visit http://www.Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 or contact your local Thrivent Financial representative.


2025 SPIRNG CLASS SCHEDULE LINK
https://ilseminary.org/classchedule.htm

ATTENTION: SUPPORTERS
THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT THE SEMINARY.



CHOICE DOLLARS DETAILS: Eligible clients with membership can recommend where Thrivent distributes some of its charitable grant funds. These recommendations are shared by directing Choice Dollars to enrolled nonprofit organizations, including churches.

Eligibility requirements: To be eligible to direct Choice Dollars as part of Thrivent Choice®, you must be a client with benefit membership. Individual eligibility is also based on at least one of the following:
• Having $750 or more in annual billed premiums of qualifying life and health insurance products.
• Having $20,000 or more in contract value of qualifying life insurance and annuity products.
Eligibility is determined monthly and reevaluated on an annual basis.
Minimum and maximum Choice Dollars designations: Eligible clients will be designated a minimum of 25 Choice Dollars and a maximum of 5,000 Choice Dollars per eligibility period (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31).
Choice Dollars expiration date: Choice Dollars designated during the calendar year can be directed until March 31 of the following year.

For more information about Choice Dollars, visit http://www.Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 or contact your local Thrivent Financial representative.

THRIVENT CHARITABLE IMPACT & INVESTINGTM

The Inter-Lutheran Seminary has established an Endowment Fund through Thrivent Charitable Impact & InvestingTM (formerly InFaith Community Foundation). All earnings of the endowment will be used for the seminary’s needs thereby ensuring the continued existence of this funding source. This is the preferred method used by many non-profit entities, especially ongoing religiously focused organizations such as seminaries. To learn more about this organization, go to www.thriventcharitable.com.

We would love to grow our endowment into a major source of ongoing seminary support. Although the seminary still needs the financial ongoing regular contributions of our supporters, please consider the endowment fund for your planned giving needs. For more additional information, please contact Kirk Otto, Jr. at (715) 821-8574 or Cheryl Hendrickson at
(906) 482-3337.

ANOTHER OPTION FOR GIVING – PayPal
Online giving is as easy as clicking the DONATE button on our website: https://ilseminary.org. Simply go to the How to Contribute tab and tap the yellow DONATE button to begin. There are options for credit and debit card donations and even the option to help the seminary cover the PayPal processing fee. (Note we are charged 1.99% + $.49/transaction fee). As always, we are thankful for your continued support!


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Inter-Lutheran Theological Seminary
James Weidner, President
P.O. Box 449
Hancock, MI 49930

administrator@ilseminary.org
Phone: 906-482-3337
FAX: 906-482-0694