Trinity Lutheran Seminary

For Christ’s Church at Work in the World

Trinity Master of Divinity student, Mark Littke, is completing his Clinical Pastoral Education this summer Here is Connor's reflection on his experiences thus far:

"I, Mark Littke, am doing my CPE at a hospital focused on oncology, ortho, orthopedics and adult healthcare in Pittsburgh. My first unit of CPE is CPSP-accredited and lasts from June 1 through August 7. It has been an enlightening, challenging, and invigorating experience thus far. From one-on-one patient visits to group didactic meetings, my conversations with different people in this unique setting have been highly educational and spiritually formative. I look forward to discovering more about my pastoral identity as both chaplain and student."

At Trinity Lutheran Seminary, we are a Reconciling in Christ community. That means people of all sexual orientations, genders, gender identities, and gender expressions are welcome here as full participants in the life of the seminary and the life of the church. Not at the edges. Not with conditions. Fully.

This is one of seven Community Commitments we hold together as a seminary, grounded in the conviction that every human being is made in the image of God.

Be courageous. Be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13b-14)

For Christ’s Church at Work in the World

Trinity Master of Divinity student, Connor Przysiecki, has been completing his Clinical Pastoral Education at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, OH. Here is Connor's reflection on his experiences thus far:

"I chose St. Vincent Medical Center, in Toledo, as the site for my CPE because of its rich history and deep commitment to the compassionate ministry of Jesus. At St. V's, an emphasis is placed on the spiritual and emotional well-being of patients and their loved ones. Chaplains here are not merely tangential to the healing process; their ultimate role is acting as shepherds to the interdisciplinary care team.

There is a deeply held sense of comradery and belonging at St. Vincent rooted in the belief that all people, especially those in need, are intrinsically valuable and deserving of dignity, compassion, respect, and most importantly, love.

As a level one trauma center in an urban environment, the community St. Vincent serves has been historically undervalued and underserved. The culture at St. V's centers around helping all of those in need—especially the poor and the dying.

I'm left with a sense of wonder and amazement. Not only am I able to bear witness to so much suffering, but I am entrusted with the responsibility to provide comfort and care to those who need it most. That is profoundly humbling, and I am so grateful for this opportunity that has been created for me at St. Vincent—to advocate for the one with no advocate; to console the inconsolable; and to unapologetically and unabashedly love God's people. "

The Cardinal Chorale
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 7:00pm
Schenk Chapel

Join us Tuesday evening at Schenk Chapel for a special Summer Concert featuring the Cardinal Chorale, a renowned group of young singers from throughout Ohio.

With 30 years of bringing hope and joy through music, the Cardinal Chorale invites you to their free concert, "Love Will Be Our Guide."

The Chorale is directed by dear friend of Capital University & Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Charles R. Snyder.

Your generous donations will support travel costs.

At Trinity Lutheran Seminary, belonging is more than a value, it’s a commitment. As a Reconciling in Christ seminary, we celebrate and support people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions as full participants in our community and the church.

Rooted in the Lutheran tradition and open to diverse faith perspectives, we welcome students, faculty, and staff from many backgrounds who are committed to learning, respect, and meaningful dialogue.

Because every person is created in the image of God, we strive to honor one another through inclusive language, respect for chosen names and pronouns, and a culture where all can flourish.

Last weekend was another busy one At Work in the World!

Prof. Joel Wildermuth represented ELCA Region 6 Archives
and Dr. Kevin Dudley represented Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University at the Southeastern Michigan (SEMI) Synod Assembly in Farmington Hills, MI
Pastor Mary Ann Siefke represented Trinity at the Northwestern Ohio Synod Assembly in Bowling Green, OH and preached the Word at Hope Lutheran Church Columbus, OH!

Pictured:
- Prof. Wildermuth & Dr. Dudley
- Pastor Mary Ann & Advisory Board Member Pastor Steve Basselman
- Pastor Mary Ann & Student Connor Przysiecki
- Capital Alumni at Hope Lutheran Church - Kurt Keljo, Pastor Julianne Smeck, Don Huber, Pastor Mary Ann Siefke, Shirley Huber, Denice Rector, Matt Hazzard, Dale Linder, Nancy Cofer

It was a big day today! 20 some potential students joined us for “Seminary Student for a Day.” We hope all of them join us in co-creating next year’s Trinity community!

The best parts of seminarian for a day! Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Christ's Church at Work in the World

Last week, Trinity Master of Divinity student Bryan Robinson joined faith leaders from across Ohio for the Faith & Legislative Leaders Lunch, hosted by the Hunger Network in Ohio, Ohio Council of Churches, and the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

The gathering brought together people of faith committed to advocacy, justice, and the common good, with remarks from Deacon Nick Bates, JD ’06, ’12 and The Rev. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt ’86, Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod.

Pictured: Bryan Robinson, The Rev. Julianne Smeck ’95, and Bishop Dillahunt.

For Christ’s Church at Work in the World 🏁

Trinity Master of Divinity student Matthew Longfellow loves NASCAR almost as much as he loves the Church... and he’s found a beautiful way to bring those passions together.

Over the past two years, Matthew has cultivated a meaningful relationship with Pastor Dave Keck and the people of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Mooresville, NC, visiting with the congregation and preaching whenever he’s in town for a race weekend.

This is theological education at work in the world, building relationships, sharing the Gospel, and discovering that ministry can happen in all kinds of places.

Pictured: Matthew with Pastor Dave Keck, receiving a gift from Trinity; and Matthew with friend Zach Lindler (a student at Southern Seminary) and Elizabeth.

Commencement photos are here!
Check them out, the gratitude and joy are palpable.

Find more photos here: https://capitaluniversity.pixieset.com/2026commencements/trinitylutheranseminarycommencement/