What a year of change! When we last sent this semi-annual letter in March we were encouraged, but reserved. Today, that encouragement has turned to flourishing. The class of 2020 graduated in style, even enjoying a virtual reception after the ceremony. We honored Dr. Greenhaw’s retirement in June with a celebratory online worship service. We welcomed with gusto, Dr. Deborah Krause into her new rote as Eden’s president. And, we are in the midst of embracing a fully online fall semester that embodies all the deep texture of community, chapel and courses, and contextual education that make the Eden education experience distinct.
Throughout July and August, Dr. Krause inspired the faculty and staff as we met together, reflecting on the gifts and mission of Eden Seminary in each of our three physical campuses — Marthasville, Normandy (at the Eden train stop), and Webster Groves. Faculty were re-tooling classes and contextual education sites were moving to online spaces. All the while, Eden’s admissions staff headed the process of recruiting a new class of entering students. By mid-August, Dr. Krause was exclaiming, “We are building our fourth campus – concurrent to our beautiful space in Webster Groves – our digital campus!”
It is so! 39 new students from St. Louis and from nine states from Maine to Texas are part of this year’s entering class. And, opportunities are growing exponentially for alumni, friends and congregations around the country to participate in Eden’s programming.
You are part of why Eden Seminary is flourishing. Thank you! Of course, the multiple crises in which we all live and minister still are in full swing. This makes your continued involvement more important than ever. Please join me in making a financial gift to Eden’s Annual Fund to ensure this flourishing continues.
If you wish to donate, click here.
