LENSLENSLUTHERAN ENDOWMENT FOR LUTHERAN ENDOWMENT FOR NOVOSARATOVKA SEMINARYNOVOSARATOVKA SEMINARY

LENS is a non-profit endowment LENS is a non-profit endowment foundation with 501(C )(3) status located foundation with 501(C )(3) status located

in McLean, VA operated entirely by in McLean, VA operated entirely by volunteersvolunteers

LENS’ MISSION:LENS’ MISSION: is to support the struggling, but inspired work of Lutheran pastors, seminarians and congregations throughout Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

LENS GOALS:LENS GOALS:

1. To provide $40,000 annually for student aid

2. To provide stipends of $1200 - $1500/pastor to assist graduates of the seminary

3. To raise endowment funds of $1 million to provide student aid over a long-term commitment.

HISTORYHISTORY

1938 – the last Lutheran church, St. Peter and Paul, was closed by Stalin

1997 – Novosaratovka Theological Seminary reopened in a former Lutheran Church.

Gerhard Krodel, a former Dean and Professor of Gettysburg

Seminary, and his wife, Joan, have raised more than $1.4 million to

support Novosaratovka Seminary

LENS will build on the Krodels great work and dedication

Seminary grounds before construction of new buildings

ELCROSELCROS

• Officially “The Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Russia, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Central Asia”

• Developed in the final years before the fall of the Soviet Union

• German roots

• Today unites 8 synods with parishes in 9 countries.

• A church in transition

The Development of the Novosaratovka The Development of the Novosaratovka Theological Seminary Theological Seminary

• Established on the site of the 19th century St. Catherine’s Lutheran Church in a village near St. Petersburg, Novosaratovka

• The building, which had been used as a school during Soviet times, purchased and renovated with help from the Board for Mission Support, USA.

• Seminary officially dedicated in Sept. 1997.

• Arose out of the need for professionally educated clergy in the parish.

The seminary’s most recent entering class – Feb 2004

The seminary’s first students – 1997

THE SEMINARY TODAYTHE SEMINARY TODAY

• Four full-time teaching faculty, a rector, three translators and other staff

• 15 full-time students come from 8 different countries and various language and ethnic groups

• Other courses

– extension education – more than 40 students

– Seminars for other church leaders

THE SEMINARY – A THE SEMINARY – A UNIQUE PLACEUNIQUE PLACE

• One of the few places for women to receive their theological education with a view towards ordination

• Ecumenically open theology in the tradition of the western church

God’s WorkGod’s Work

The needs are great, and you can help train future leaders and support the Novosaratovka Seminary through a donation to:

LENS Foundation 1545 Chain Bridge Road McLean, VA 22101

Website: www.lensfoundation.org

Email: secretary@lensfoundation.org