Newsletter                   Newsletter Archive for downloading

 

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

DONATIONS RECEIVED.....

In memory of Pastor Elmer & Ruth Liimatta
From Reuben & Anita Aho

In memory of Jeffrey & Stephen Liimatta
From Reuben & Anita Aho

In memory of Orval Wirkkala
From Beth Wirkkala


THANK YOU!!

The staff and students of the seminary continue to be thankful and grateful for your continued prayers and financial support.

Recently our campus buildings have been undergoing some much-needed repairs and improvements to the outside windows, foundation and staircase as well as repairing and painting of the inside windows, walls, ceilings and bathroom.

Our buildings are more than just structures – they are places where our community gathers, where lives are impacted and where God’s work is carried out. From structural repairs to routine upkeep, your contributions ensure we can address immediate needs while also planning responsibly for the future. Thank you for your partnership in our ministry.


FALL SEMESTER PLANNING

We have started to plan for the fall semester which begins on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. The tentative daily classes include History of the Church: Reformation to the present, Principles of Biblical Interpretation, Gospel of John, New Testament Introduction, Christian Education, Isaiah and Koine Greek Readings. The Monday night class will be on the Prison Epistles beginning September 8, 2025, at 7PM and available in person or on Zoom.

For a complete class schedule go to https://ilseminary.org/classchedule.htm. Also, there are class descriptions in our course catalog at https://ilseminary.org/catalogRev0824.pdf.

If you are interested in taking classes or have questions, feel free to call 906-482-3337 or email cilseminary@ilseminary.com.



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!


**PLEASE NOTE**

If you are receiving this newsletter in error or would prefer to be taken off the mailing list, please complete the form below and mail to: P.O. Box 449, Hancock, MI 49930.
Or call 906-482-3337 or email: cilseminary@ilseminary.com. Thank you!

Date:_________________

Name:_______________________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________


I wish to be removed from the Inter-Lutheran Seminary’s mailing list.
 

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