In January, the Synod’s Board for University Education mailed to all LCMS congregations a brochure promoting “Concordia Sunday,” suggested for April 18.
The special observance, which may be held that day or any Sunday of the year, is designed to call attention to the Synod’s 10 Concordia colleges and universities, their programs of study, and the various professional church careers that are available to students.
The special Sunday offers an opportunity for congregations to recognize and support the work being carried out by professors, staff, and students at those institutions.
The Synod’s Concordia University System (CUS) schools are 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.
Dr. Kurt Krueger, executive director of the Synod’s Board for University Education and CUS president, said the annual observance “provides opportunities for our congregations to recognize and support the exemplary education provided by our 10 Concordia colleges and universities and to thank our professional workers for their service in our churches, schools, and agencies.”
“Concordia Sunday” also is an ideal time to “encourage the young people of our congregations to consider full-time service to the LCMS as ordained or commissioned ministers of the Gospel,” Krueger said.
Last month’s mailing includes a form congregations can use to order free resource materials to help them celebrate “Concordia Sunday.”
Those materials include:
- a “Celebrate Concordia” packet, with a “Litany of Thanksgiving,” a prayer, suggested hymns, ideas for activities and displays, and brief announcements for worship folders and newsletters.
- “How to Prepare Them” bulletin inserts, which carry information about the CUS and the “For the Sake of the Church” endowment campaign, along with gift envelopes in sets of 50.
- an updated Viewbook, which provides an overview of the programs, sports, and extracurricular activities at each of the 10 CUS schools.
- brochures — “Planning for My Future,” “Programs and Majors,” and “Prepare for a Church Work Vocation.”
Many of the resources may be downloaded from the Board for University Education Web site at www.lcms.org/universities (click on “Resources” at left).
For more information about “Concordia Sunday” or the Synod’s colleges and universities, call (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1252, or send an e-mail to bue.info@lcms.org.
Posted Feb. 3, 2010