Loci
What is Loci?
Drawing inspiration from Philip Melanchthon’s Loci Communes and Johann Gerhard’s Loci Theologici, our monthly theological gatherings are entitled Loci, Latin for topics or places of theology. Pastors and laypeople gather to study sacred theology and its connections and intersections with history, current issues, and more. Regional LCMS pastors take turns each month presenting on different topics related to the year’s theme. These gatherings are hosted at All Saints Lutheran Church in Charlotte (17030 Lancaster Highway, Charlotte, NC 28277). We begin with Matins at 10:30 AM. Presentations begin at 11:00 AM and are composed of two one-hour sessions with a lunch break at noon (lunch is BYO). Join us for stimulating presentations, theological discussions, and friendship with fellow confessional Lutherans. Our current topic and schedule is explained below.
Loci 2025: The Parables of Jesus
The parables are fascinating and full of deep Divine meaning. Jesus took His examples from the everyday lives of his disciples (shepherding, fishing, baking, farming) and told stories full of drama (a man attacked by robbers and left for dead, lost things being found, houses being threatened by storms, etc). Through his parables, he invited his disciples to experience his teaching in dramatic ways. The messages of the parables were often subversive, challenging the official “orthodoxies” of his own day. Today they are often misunderstood, especially by unbelievers whose hearts and minds are closed to Christ’s teaching. But for faithful disciples of Jesus, whose hearts and minds have been illuminated by the Holy Spirit, the parables are a true treasure, revealing the mysteries of God.
2025 SCHEDULE
January 4
The House Built on the Rock – Matt. 7:24-27; Lk. 6:46-49
The Good Samaritan – Lk. 10:25-37
February 1
The Friend at Midnight – Lk. 11:5-13
The Rich Fool – Lk. 12:16-22
March 1
The Barren Fig Tree – Lk. 13:6-9
The Sower and the Seed – Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23; Mk. 4:3-20; Lk. 8:5-15
April 5
The Tares in the Wheat – Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43
The Mustard Seed – Matt. 13:31-32; Mk. 4:30-32; Lk. 13:18-19
The Leaven – Matt. 13:33; Lk. 13:20-21
May 3
The Treasure Hidden in the Field – Matt. 13:44
The Pearl of Great Price – Matt. 13:45-46
The Dragnet – Matt. 13:47-50
June 7
The Lost Sheep – Lk. 15:4-7
The Lost Coin – Lk. 15:8-10
The Prodigal Son – Lk. 15:11-32
July 12
The Unmerciful Servant – Matt. 18:21-35
The Great Supper- Lk. 14:16-24
August 2
The Unjust Steward – Lk. 16:1-9
The Rich Man and Lazarus – Lk 16:19-31
September 6
The Unjust Judge – Lk. 18:1-8
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Lk 18:9-14
October 4
The Workers in the Vineyard – Matt. 20:1-16
The Two Sons – Matt. 21:28-32
October 17-19
Sunago Retreat!
November 1
The Wicked Vinedressers – Matt. 21:33-41; Mk. 12:1-9; Lk. 20:9-16
The King’s Son – Matt. 22:1-14
December 6
The Wise and Foolish Virgins – Matt. 25:1-13
The Talents – Matt. 25:14-30