Introduction

Greetings STS members, students of American Lutheran history, and any other interested folks,

My name is David Ramirez. I am a S.T.M. student at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. I also work as the graduate assistant for the historical department. I have been interested in STS for many years now, and have been attending STS retreats since 2004. My intention is to write my S.T.M. thesis on the STS.

My plan is to have three main sections. First, I will research and compile a history of the STS, which will describe the formation and development of the Society. Secondly, I will gather as much data as possible to produce a profile of the Society, reflecting the members' geographical distribution, age, liturgical preferences, etc. Finally, I will offer some interpretation of the history, development, and profile of the Society. I plan to give special attention to the relationship between the STS and the wider evangelical catholic movement.

The above undertaking cannot be accomplished without you, the members of STS. As a student of history, I love almost all research, yet this project is one I undertake with special joy. For one, it is exciting to study living history. (Some of you, depending in your age, may take this rather hard, however, it is meant as a compliment, not as commentary on your vigor or vitality.) It is wonderful to be able to ask follow up questions, clarify responses, and take suggestions from members of the Society itself. Also, I look forward to this project since I will be writing about a group that I know many of already and enjoy their company. It will be an honor and pleasure to be working with you. I hope you will share these sentiments and work with me also.

I look forward to hearing suggestions, questions, critiques, and other comments from you. I will periodically be posting specific questions or requests here. To stay up to date or notified of progress on this project, please subscribe to and/or follow this blog.

I look forward to hearing from you...