One of the things I enjoy about Concordia Theo Seminary is that every Friday afternoon at 4:15 p.m. we have Gemutlichkeit. That's a German word meaning warmth and friendliness. It's used to refer to friends gathering over beer and food for conversation and happiness.
Every week, the kegs are brought in with local microbrew and munchies in the student commons. I'd say 80-100 people attend every week, students, professors, families, staff. It's really quite fun.
Today was extra good. We had a chili cooking contest. There were 19 entries. First the judges (5 profs) all got their samples and then everyone else got to try. I had four excellent bowls myself. I learned that genuine Texas chili does not have beans. While all the chilis I sampled were really very good, number 19 was definitely the hottest. It was like eating fire soup. And now it's like fire in my belly.
My hat is off to our weekly Gemutlichkeit. The seminary is a community of people gathered by Christ around His Gospel. We are devoted to rigorous study, edifying worship, works of service and enjoying one another and the good gifts of God. Pastoral and diakonal education is so much more than just downloading information. These social events on campus are, in my view, vitally important. The conversations, the laughter, the camaraderie. Friendships are built and strengthened, making our seminary community so much more than an academic enclave.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Gemutlichkeit
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I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Friday's Gemutlichkeit. Seeing the interaction there bewteen students and professors showed me the true nature of their relationship on campus -- professors are respected and students are loved, and the two groups do not segregate themselves. June cannot get here quickly enough.
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