THE SEMINARY CHORUS James P. Tiefel, Director

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Auditorium ___________________________

December 13, 2015

Welcome to the Seminary

If you’ve visited us before, welcome back! If this

is your first time to our campus, we’re very

pleased to have you. We encourage you to walk

through our chapel, library, and classrooms

following the concert today. Exit the auditorium

via the east entrance and look for the tower.

When you walk under the tower you’ll see the

library entrance under the words Thy Word is

Truth. Students will be waiting with a Christmas

treat and ready to show you around.

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary has been standing

on this hill overlooking Thiensville and the

Milwaukee River for 87 years. The school’s story

doesn’t start here, however. The seminary had

more than 50 years behind it when it moved to

this 80 acre farm in 1928. Over its 152 year

history the seminary’s objective has always been

to train pastors who are qualified to serve the

congregations and mission fields of the

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. A more

detailed description on page 14 of this program

shares more of the seminary’s story.

Although students participated in singing

activities before the move to Mequon, the

Seminary Chorus as we know it today began in

the spring of 1931 when students organized

themselves as the Seminary Choral Society. The

group’s name changed over the decades, but its

purpose remains the same: to present the Word

of God in music to give glory to Christ and his

saving message to people.

For all its years the

Chorus has been a

volunteer organization.

The director announces

the first rehearsal, and

the students show up!

The choir rehearses

three times each week

during the school day. There are no auditions;

typically more than half the student body

participates. With only a few exceptions,

members of the Chorus have not had

professional music training, but have gained

their skills primarily in school choirs and

instrumental groups. All who enjoy the Chorus

today owe a debt of gratitude to thousands of

teachers who taught lively young boys to sing

and play in classrooms and studios.

The first campus

Christmas concert was

held in 1932, the year

after the choir was

founded. For 44 years

those concerts were

held in the small

chapel where the seminary family gathers for

worship each morning. When the chapel filled

to overflowing, the choir moved to the new

Calvary Lutheran Church in Thiensville in 1976.

The campus auditorium, dedicated in 1986, has

enabled the Chorus to welcome thousands of

people who return year after year to Christmas

at the Seminary.

The Chorus has the privilege of representing the

seminary in congregations affiliated with the

Wisconsin Synod throughout the country.

Besides regular appearances in Wisconsin, the

choir has presented concerts in 44 states and

several provinces of Canada. Concert tour

programs are recorded professionally, and the

choir’s CDs have carried its songs literally

around the world.

The men of the Seminary Chorus, along with the

entire seminary family, are pleased you chose to

worship with us today. It is our prayer that the

message of Christ’s birth, announced in

beautiful music, may touch your hearts and

encourage your faith and love.

James P Tiefel

Prof. Tiefel has directed the Seminary Chorus since 1985.

Christmas at the Seminary

Crying children may be quieted in the auditorium lobby.

Please silence cell phones and electronic devices.

The 3:00 p.m. concert is being streamed live on the Internet.

REJOICE, REJOICE, BELIEVERS Laurentius Laurentii (1661-1722)

HAF TRONES LAMPA FÄRDIG

K. Lee Scott, 2002

Chorus

Rejoice, rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear;

The evening is advancing, and darker night is near.

The Bridegroom is arising and soon is drawing nigh.

Up, pray and watch and wrestle; at midnight comes the cry.

Stand and sing

Be seated

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ADDRESS Prof. Paul O. Wendland

President of the Seminary

I ____________________

WELCOME, THOU KING OF GLORY Johann Rist (1607-1667)

Vincent Lübeck (1656-1740)

Oh, welcome, welcome, Bridegroom dear, thou King of highest glory;

Oh, welcome, Jesus, Lamb of God, I’ll sing thy praise forever.

In every hour of every day my heart will sing thy praise alway.

To save us from damnation thou wast made man for our salvation.

O noble deed! O glorious night! What love to us is given!

For us the Savior deigns to fight to conquer earth and heaven;

A man of might and power he came and fire and cloudburst held in rein,

‘Fore whom the heavens are shaking and all the hills are quaking.

O dearest Babe, O sweetest Child, most gracious is thy bearing.

Come, Brother, whom I hold more dear than all my wealth and living;

Come, enter though my heart today; come quickly from thy bed of hay.

Come, come to me, my Savior, and live in me forever.

I pray thee, blessed Bridegroom mine, my hope, my joy, and pleasure,

Thou noble Branch of David’s line, how shall I share with thee my treasure?

Ah, let me give my body and soul; in all things ever make thy way my goal;

I will be thine forever.

Praise, thanks, and glory, Jesus Christ, to thee in song I offer;

For as my brother thou wast born and all the world didst conquer.

Help me to cherish and to praise thee ever in this time of grace,

And then in heaven victorious I’ll praise thy name most glorious.

ALLELUIA Randall Thompson (1899-1984)

Alleluia

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NOW SING WE, NOW REJOICE Medieval Latin hymn

IN DILCI JUBILO

Kevin Hildebrand, 2002

The Chorus sings stanza 3

CHRISTMAS FANTASY Joel Raney, 2007 for Organ and Brass

Kenneth Rodrigue, organ

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II ____________________

ALL PRAISE TO THEE, ETERNAL LORD Martin Luther (1483-1546)

PUER NOBIS

Robert Denham, 2007

All praise to thee, eternal Lord,

Clothed in a garb of flesh and blood;

Choosing a manger for thy throne,

While worlds on worlds are thine alone.

Once did the skies before thee bow;

A virgin’s arms contain thee now,

While angels who in thee rejoice,

Now listen for thine infant voice.

A little child, thou art our guest

That weary ones in thee may rest;

Forlorn and lowly is thy birth

That we may rise to heaven from earth.

Thou comest in the darksome night

To make us children of the light!

To make us in the realms divine

Like thine own angels round thee shine.

All this for us thy love hath done,

By this to thee our love is won!

For this we tune our cheerful lays

And sing our thanks in ceaseless praise.

LUX AURUMQUE Edward Esch

Eric Whitacre, 2004

Lux,

calida gravisque pura velut aurum et canunt angeli molliter modo natum

Light,

warm and heavy as pure gold and the angels sing softly to the new-born Child.

WHAT CHILD IS THIS William C. Dix (1837-1898)

GREENSLEEVES

Jameson Marvin, 2007

What child is this who, laid to rest,

On Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring him laud,

The babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;

Come, peasant, king, to own him.

The King of kings salvation brings;

Let loving hearts enthrone him.

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring him laud,

The babe, the Son of Mary.

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O SAVIOR OF OUR FALLEN RACE Ambrose of Milan (340-397)

Adapted by Kristyn Getty

VENI, REDEMPTOR GENTIUM

Keith Getty, 2011

O Savior of our fallen race,

O brightness of the Father’s face,

O Son who shared the Father’s might

Before the world knew day or night.

Remind us, Lord of life and grace,

How once to save our fallen race,

You put our human vesture on

And came to us as Mary’s Son.

O Jesus, very Light of Light,

Our constant star in sin’s deep night:

Now hear the prayers your people pray

Throughout the world this holy day.

Come, thou Redeemer of the earth,

And manifest thy virgin birth:

Let every age adoring fall;

Such birth befits the God of all.

And we are jubilant today

For you have washed our guilt away.

O hear the glad new song we sing

On this, the birth of Christ our King!

O Savior of our fallen race,

The world will see your radiant face;

For you who came to us before

Will come again and all restore.

Let songs of praise your name adorn,

O Christ, Redeemer, virgin-born

Whom with the Father we adore

And Holy Spirit evermore.

Gregory Sitzman, violin

TELL ME, SHEPHERD Herbert Hyde

Thomas Savoy, 1999

Tell me, shepherd, what did you see

The night of the Christmas mystery?

We saw the angels of the Lord,

Gabriel’s lily and Michael’s sword,

We covered our faces and adored.

Deum laudent omnia.

Tell me, shepherd, what did you hear

The while you quaked with holy fear?

We heard hosannas in the sky,

“Glory, glory to God on high

And peace on earth both far and nigh.”

In excelsis gloria.

Tell me, shepherd, whither you went

And what the meaning of your intent?

We sought a King of David’s stem,

The angels went and we went with them

And running we came to Bethlehem.

O beata patria.

Tell me, shepherd, what did you find

As you came out of the cold and wind?

We found a Virgin in a stall

And in her arms a baby small,

The Son of God and the Lord of all.

Gaudete in saecula.

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ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT English carol

SUSSEX CAROL

Caleb Schmiege, 2015

Stand

Be seated

OFFERING Generous offerings at this Christmas concert

assist the chorus in its ministry around the country.

The choir will appear in WELS congregations in Illinois, Tennessee,

Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Indiana over the 2016 Easter break.

Thank you!

Three carols for Bluegrass Ensemble:

SILENT NIGHT, JOY TO THE WORLD,

and AWAY IN A MANGER Caleb Schmiege, 2015

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III ____________________

THAT HOLY NIGHT Chris de Silva, 2012

That holy night in Bethlehem, as prophets once foretold,

Poor shepherds watched their flocks that night in fields so dark and cold.

Then suddenly the shepherds heard bright sounds from heaven ring

That summoned all from dark to light, to join with heaven and sing:

Refrain (Chorus)

Great news of joy the angel sang to all the world that day;

The Sun of righteousness arose and came to light our way.

In humble manger we will find a Child of Peace, a King:

This holy birth we come to see, to praise God and to sing:

Refrain (All sing)

And so he came that glorious night, a light for all to see—

For wise, for simple, rich or poor, this Child will set all free.

We are his own, his witnesses, to tell his saving love,

So all around the great wide earth may voice his praise above:

Refrain (All sing twice)

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TODAY THERE IS RINGING J. B. Clausen

F. Melius Christiansen

Today there is ringing in praise of God—bells are a-chiming—

Salvation’s glad tidings by angels brought,

From Bethlehem’s manger are spread abroad.

On fallen snow the sunbeams glow in the valley.

There comes to the home a holy guest—bells are a-chiming—

Who opens the door will by him be blest

With mercy and life and refreshing rest.

On fallen snow the sunbeams glow in the valley.

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN Traditional spiritual

Stanzas by John W. Work

Robert A. Hobby, 2010

Sing the refrain with the Chorus:

The Chorus sings the stanzas of the hymn

While shepherds kept their watching

O’er silent flocks by night,

Behold, throughout the heavens

There shone a holy light. Refrain

The shepherds feared and trembled

When, lo, above the earth

Rang out the angel chorus

That hailed our Savior’s birth. Refrain

Down in a lowly manger

The humble Christ was born;

And God sent us salvation

That blessed Christmas morn. Refrain twice

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Stand

M: Almighty God, you made Christmas to shine with the brightness of the true light. Grant that as

we have known on earth the wonder of that light, we may also behold him in all his glory in the

life to come; through your only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the

Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C: Amen. (spoken)

M: May he who by his incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill us with such joy

that comes with the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. And the

blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with

you always.

C: Amen. (spoken)

Be seated

LORD, WHEN YOUR GLORY I SHALL SEE Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676) WEDDING GLORY Carl F. Schalk, 1992

Lord, when your glory I shall see and taste your kingdom's pleasure,

Your blood my royal robe shall be, my joy beyond all measure!

When I appear before your throne, your righteousness shall be my crown;

With these I need not hide me. And there, in garments richly wrought,

As your own bride I shall be brought to stand in joy beside you.

POSTLUDE Behold, a Branch is Growing

From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

Once Again My Heart Rejoices

Euphonium Quartet

Compact discs of recent recordings produced by the Seminary Chorus, including the 2010 recording,

Christmas at the Seminary, are available for sale following the concert for $12.00.

Guests who desire to visit the seminary’s chapel, library, and classrooms are invited to exit the

auditorium via the east entrance, walk under the tower, and turn right toward the library entrance: Thy

Word is Truth. Enjoy a Christmas snack as students show you where they prepare for ministry.

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Concert Participants

Pre-concert carols Nathanael Plocher

Nathanael Jensen

Accompanists Nathanael Plocher, Darin Warnecke

Lloyd Harter, Caleb Schmiege, and Ryan Kolander

Instrumentalists Andrew Buschkopf, trumpet

Peter Plagenz, trumpet

Lucas Proeber, trumpet

Jared Natsis, horn

Caleb Schmiege, trombone

Isaiah Horn, euphonium

Ryan Kolander, euphonium

Nathanael Plocher, euphonium

Nathan Wordell, euphonium and tuba

Gregory Sitzman, violin

Samuel Jeske, guitar

Aaron Kristopeit, bass guitar

Caleb Schultz, percussion

Michael Schwab, percussion

Guest musicians Joey Schumann, pipes and flutes

Immanuel, Greenville, WI

Jack Boatman, violin

Grace, Milwaukee, WI

Lori Guse, viola

Morning Star, Jackson, WI

The Chorus thanks members of the seminary staff for all they do to make the annual

Christmas concert an enjoyable and faith-building ministry.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

O Savior of Our Fallen Race – Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. All rights reserved. Used by

permission.

That Holy Night – Text and refrain © 2012 GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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The Seminary Chorus

Tenor I Tenor II

Andrew Buschkopf Milwaukee, WI Jordan Bence Oconomowoc, WI

Samuel Jeske Milwaukee, WI Lloyd Harter La Crosse, WI

Aaron Kristopeit South Milwaukee, WI Joel Hering Rowlett, TX

Jared Natsis Saline, MI Michael Hollmann Hustisford, WI

Andrew Nemmers Allen, TX Isaiah Horn Mazeppa, MN

Caleb Schmiege Madison, WI Nathanael Jensen Ixonia, WI

Gregory Sitzman Hubertus, WI Paul Koester West Allis, WI

Hans Thomford Chesaning, MI Ryan Kolander** Brookfield, WI

Noah Willitz Frankenmuth, MI Wolf Parsons Box Elder, SD

John Paustian West Bend, WI

Tristan Paustian Racine, WI

Lucas Proeber Saginaw, MI

David Strucely Dallas, TX

Mark Swanson Vancouver, WA

Darin Warnecke Watertown, WI

Andrew Westra Columbia, TN

Nathan Wordell Kenosha, WI

Bass I Bass II

Benjamin Berger Slinger, WI Peter Janke Watertown, SD

Benjamin Birner Zambia, Africa Martin Johnston Watertown, WI

Alexander Eckert Eaton Rapids, MI Gunnar Ledermann Plymouth, CA

Scott Henrich St. John’s, Antigua Luke Miller Maryville, TN

Jackson Hunter Middleton, WI Peter Plagenz Manchester, WI

Ben Phelps Plymouth, WI Jacob Reich Lake City, MN

Micah Plocher Vassar, MI Daniel Rodewald Simpsonville, SC

Nathanael Plocher Vassar, MI Steven Saatkamp Milwaukee, WI

Timothy Priewe Milwaukee, WI William Schubert Rockford, IL

Matthew Proeber Janesville, WI David Spaude Antigo, WI

Matthew Rothe Oconomowoc, WI Paul Wilde Kenosha, WI

Caleb Schultz Spokane, WA Craig Wilke Fort Atkinson, WI

Michael Schwab Midland, MI Benjamin Zietlow Whitefish Bay, WI

Luke Thomford Chesaning, MI

Kurtis Wetzel* Kewaskum, WI

*President of the Chorus

**Vice president of the Chorus

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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN SEMINARY

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is a post-graduate school owned and supported by the members

of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Since its founding in 1863, the school has had as

its specific purpose to offer theological training for men who desire to enter the pastoral

ministry. The seminary carries out this purpose by training all its students to preach and teach

the pure gospel of Jesus Christ and to carry out the work of the ministry in accordance with the

Holy Scriptures and in conscious agreement with the historical confessions of the Lutheran

Church. The seminary’s stated goal is to produce pastors who are

Confessional in stance

Evangelical in approach

Mission-minded in spirit

Culturally sensitive

Appropriately flexible, and

Zealous both to nurture and equip the saints.

Most of the students who attend Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary have been trained at Martin

Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, and many have attended our synod’s preparatory high

schools in Watertown, Wisconsin, and Saginaw, Michigan. At the seminary, students enroll in a

three-year program of classroom instruction. A fourth year, spent in a congregation under the

supervision of its pastor, precedes the senior year. The on-campus curriculum includes both

academic courses (scriptural, historical, and doctrinal studies) and professional courses

(preaching, worship, teaching, evangelism, administration, counseling, etc.). The seminary’s

Pastoral Studies Institute provides training for students from diverse ethnic backgrounds and

second career candidates who require a specialized curriculum. Students who successfully

complete the seminary’s course of instruction and are presented by the faculty as candidates for

the ministry are assigned to their first field of service by the presidents of the synod's twelve

districts. This year 91 students are attending classes on campus; 30 are serving as vicars.

Since 1929 the seminary has been located on a beautiful 80 acre campus in Mequon, a suburb of

Milwaukee. The primary campus buildings, chapel, classrooms, library, cafeteria, and

dormitories, are under one roof and are situated around a central park-like circle. This complex

was designed to resemble the Wartburg Castle, where Martin Luther translated the New

Testament into German. A 1000 seat auditorium and gymnasium is located within a short walk

of the main complex. Members of the faculty live in homes on the campus.

The seminary also serves pastors who are active in WELS congregations through its Grow in

Grace Institute for Continuing Education; many are involved in an advanced degree program. The

campus hosts a variety of professional seminars, and faculty members are frequent speakers at

continuing education events both in the United States and on the synod’s world mission fields.

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is supported by the mission offerings of WELS congregations,

the tuition paid by its students, and private gifts directed to the seminary. Should you desire

more information about the seminary, please contact the mission advancement office at 262-

242-8100 or wls@wls.wels.net. Find more information about Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary at

www.wls.wels.net.

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Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary 11831 North Seminary Drive Mequon, Wisconsin 53092 www.wls.wels.net