The Synod’s Board for University Education is offering congregations free materials to help them celebrate
The annual observance highlights the value of a Lutheran education and calls special attention to the Synod’s 10 Concordia University System (CUS) schools, which prepare students for church careers such as pastor, teacher, director of Christian education, director of Christian outreach, deaconess, lay minister, director of family life ministry, and director of parish music.
Today’s CUS schools also offer degrees in a number of secular fields, including business, human resources, marketing, management, information technology, health care administration, nursing, criminal justice, and public administration.
The Concordia campuses are located in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Austin, Texas; Bronxville, N.Y.; Irvine, Calif.; Mequon, Wis.; Portland, Ore.; River Forest, Ill.; St. Paul, Minn.; Selma, Ala.; and Seward, Neb. The Synod also operates seminaries in Fort Wayne, Ind., and St. Louis.
The schools “assist individuals to develop and mature in a Christian environment where Jesus Christ is the central focus of their education,” said Dr. Kurt Krueger, executive director of the Board for University Education.
“Concordia Sunday,” he noted, provides an opportunity for LCMS congregations to:
- pray — for schools, teachers, staff, and students, that they “find joy and fulfillment in careers where Jesus Christ is the focal point of their lives.”
- celebrate — by planning special worship services that highlight the benefits of Lutheran education. Distribute free “Concordia Sunday” mat
- encourage — by talking to young people about Lutheran schools and church-work careers. Ask the congregation’s pastors and teachers to encourage those with special gifts to serve the church.
- order free “Concordia Sunday” materials from the Board for University Education.
Available resources include bulletin inserts and announcements, a list of majors and programs at CUS schools, a map of CUS schools, a color poster with tear-off response cards, “Begin the Journey” video/CD/DVD, church vocations brochures, recruitment cards, seminary brochures, and offering envelopes.
Orders are filled within a week. To order, contact the Board for University Education at (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1252, or bue.info@lcms.org. Or, visit the board’s Web site (click on “Orders”).
Posted Feb. 23, 2006
