December 2012

Our Lutheran Lens: Jim Pressnell - Director of Church Relations on Christmas and Concordia

Director of Church Relations Jim PresnellWhen I ask our students why they chose to come to Concordia for their university education, invariably they talk about the sense of community they experienced from the moment they first stepped on campus as a visitor. They talk about the depth of their relationships with faculty, staff and fellow students. They talk about how Concordia has become a family for them in very real and tangible ways. And the same is true of our alumni. When I listen to our alumni reminisce and tell stories about their time at Concordia, I hear the same themes of community, relationships, and a strong sense of family. As a Lutheran university, we know that this strong sense of family, relationships and community is grounded in the fact that God in Christ has made us His family. God in Christ has brought us into relationship with Him and with each other. God in Christ has given us to each other to be a community present for each other and committed to living out our life together in this adventure called a university education. This means Christmas and Concordia are intimately connected. Christmas celebrates the gift of God’s Son come in human flesh to be our Savior – to live the perfect life we can’t, to die the death we deserve because of sin, and to be raised to life so that we might have life full and free now and for all eternity. Christmas takes us to a stable in Bethlehem to join the shepherds on bended knee, worshipping with reverent awe an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger; worshipping with reverent awe this child called Immanuel, God with us, God come to earth, flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone. Christmas moves us to run with joy after the star and with the Magi to bring gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh to this child born to be our Savior and our King. With the shepherds we give glory, with the angels we sing hymns, and with the archangels we dance. Why? Because in Christ our lives are now and forever changed and transformed! In Christ we are called to be servant leaders who are the transforming presence of Christ wherever the Lord takes us. In Christ we are bound together as family – the Concordia family – to be a learning community -- the Concordia community – committed to being Christ’s presence and Christ’s heart to the broader community around us.

We are so thankful that you are part of the Concordia community! How blessed we are by the relationships we share as the Concordia family! May you have a truly blessed Christmas!

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:10-11)

Christmas Tree Lighting - Dec. 4

Christmas treeHelp us kick off the Christmas season with Concordia University's 3rd annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Tuesday, December 4 at 6:00 pm. The entire community is invited to join in the celebration of this annual event. The festivities begin at 6:00 pm with the Concordia University Brass ensemble playing Christmas music. The Concordia Concert Choir will assist in singing Christmas carols and there will be a special guest appearance from Santa Claus himself. Please join us for a reception following the ceremony inside the George R. White Library & Learning Center Lobby.

62nd Annual Christmas Chorale - Dec. 7-9

Christmas Chorale 2012The Concordia University choral and instrumental ensembles will extol the Christmas story through song and Scripture as they present their annual Christmas Chorale at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 6700 NE 29th Ave. in Portland. The audience will have an opportunity to join in the singing of Advent and Christmas carols. Service times are Friday, December 7 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, December 8 at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 9 at 3:00 pm. Admission is free. Seating for all services is limited and on a first-come, first-seated basis. Preferred seating is available for Concordia's Friends of Music. A free-will offering will be received.

MAT and M.Ed. Informational Session - Dec. 12

MAT and M.Ed. Info SessionStudents interested in Concordia University's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program or the Master of Education (M.Ed.) program are invited to attend information sessions at 6:00 pm on December 12 or at 6:00 pm on December 29. The sessions will be held on Concordia's campus in Luther Hall. Come and meet with admission counselors, receive an information packet, ask your questions, and take your first step toward furthering your education! RSVP at www.concordiateacher.com or call 503-280-8501.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Informational Session - Dec. 20

Nursing info sessionStudents interested in Concordia University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing are invited to attend an informational session at 6:00 pm on December 20. Highlights of the BSN program, applicant prioritization, application requirements, and the application process will be discussed. We will also have an open Q&A as well as an optional tour of the Nursing lab. For additional information please visit www.concordianursing.com.

Nominations Welcome for Concordia University's Lux Christi Award

Lux Christi AwardEach year Concordia University Portland presents the Lux Christi Award to one outstanding Lutheran School Teacher and one outstanding Director of Christian Education. The recipient receives an award celebrating their outstanding service to the Church as well as a cash gift of $500. Criteria for the award are available online at www.cu-portland.edu/lux_christi. Nominations come from schools, churches, and individuals who wish to honor outstanding service among Christian educators. We welcome your nominations for this year's award. The deadline for nominations this year is December 31, 2012. For more information, Contact Professor Dean Hansen by calling 503-493-6217 or by emailing dhansen@cu-portland.edu. Thank you for supporting and honoring our professional church workers.

Nature: An Artist's Vision - Nov. through Dec.

Art and CultureThe Art and Culture Program of Concordia University Libraries celebrates and proudly recognizes the nine local and amazingly gifted artists: Sarah Bouwsman, Mary Burgess, Sandy Dutko, Jan Hardenburger, Christine Helton, Donna Jarvis, Renee Johnson, Linda Miller, Julie Shirley, and Harriet Widdows. Many of the art pieces will be on sale; a portion of the proceeds will help benefit the library's future art and culture programs. This exhibition is part of the Library's on-going series of art exhibitions. The exhibition can be viewed during normal library hours. For additional information, contact Linda Church by calling 503-493-6370 or emailing lchurch@cu-portland.edu.

Save the Date: London & Paris, Art & Architecture Tour - May 7-16, 2013

Eiffel TowerJoin professional artist and Concordia University Art Professor, Greg Lewis, to explore the art and architecture of two of the world's great cities, London, England and Paris, France. The tour is open to adults and college students. For additional information, contact Linda Church by calling 503-493-6370 or emailing lchurch@cu-portland.edu.

Visit Turkey and Greece in 2014 with Dr. Michael Thomas

GreeceDiscover Turkey and Greece on land and by sea as we visit ancient Greek, Roman, and early Christian locales! This 12-day tour will explore ancient Istanbul (formerly Constantinople), Ephesus, Pergamon, and legendary Troy, the setting for Homer's epic, The Iliad. Embark on a Mediterranean cruise to the islands of Patmos (location of John's Revelation), Crete, and Santorini (fabled Atlantis?)! Finish your explorations by visiting the Parthenon and ancient agora in Athens and the oracle of Delphi.

Led by Dr. Michael Thomas, professor of early Christianity at Concordia University, this trip is open to anyone interested. Departure is May 10, 2014. The student tour rate (under 30 years old) is $3842. Those over 30 are upgraded to double-occupancy for an additional $340. A $95 deposit secures your spot and current rates. Price includes round-trip airfare from Portland, hotels (3-star), Mediterranean cruise, meals (breakfast and select lunches and dinners), museum, and archaeological entrance fees, bilingual tour guide, etc. Private rooms are available. Contact Dr. Michael Thomas for an electronic informational packet by emailing mithomas@cu-portland.edu .

You are Invited to Sit In on Concordia Theology Classes for Free!

Concordia Theology ClassThe Theology Division of Concordia University invites members of Lutheran congregations to audit classes on a space available basis. Classes available for audit in the spring semester include:

Interested members should get in touch directly with the instructor to see if there is an available seat.

Upcoming Events

  • 3rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting - December 4
  • Christmas Chorale - December 7
  • Christmas Chorale - December 8
  • Christmas Chorale – December 9
  • President's Reception for Graduates and Families – December 14
  • Governor Victor Atiyeh Leadship in Educations Awards – February 5
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