S is for Schroeder,

as in Ed Schroeder, beloved co-founder of this Crossings Community and endearing, often provocative, yet always profound, Thursday Theology writer. Ed turns 75 this November 6. We think that's cause for celebration, so we're making plans.

First, a Celebratory Worship Service Sunday, November 6, 3:00 PM, at Bethel Lutheran Church in University City, MO. Bishop Gerald Mansholt will preside and Dr. Fred Niedner will preach. Both are former students of Ed's. Gerald (Jerry) Mansholt is Bishop of the Central States Synod, Fred Niedner is professor of theology at Valparaiso University.

The service will be followed by a reception, really, a birthday party. Be ready with an "Ed story" to share. Please mark your calendars now and plan to come. We Crossings folks here in St. Louis will try to help out with overnight accommodations; just let us know ahead of time.

In addition, we thought we would honor our prolific mentor by writing some words of our own, in other words, a Festschrift, in his honor. Our President, Steve Kuhl is coordinating this effort. If you would like to contribute, contact Steve at skuhl@sfs.edu, or, his telephone number listed below.

And wouldn't you know, Jerry Burce is inspired to write a hymn in Ed's honor! Which makes us wonder, Would you like to make a special contribution too? If so, Robin Morgan and I are "co-coordinators." Please get in touch with either of us by using either the email or telephone number listed below. Just make sure you mark your calendar and come!

cathy lessmann