March 2019 eLetter - Concordia University-Portland
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March 2019 eLetter
And here is our March eLetter.
Not much fanfare this month.
On the campus of Concordia,
we are simply going about our
business – students are
attending classes, instructors are teaching, staff is supporting the whole process. There are changes –
some significant ones at that. But the primary work of the university called Concordia is still central.
And I have been blessed to teach a class this semester. I was assigned the World Religions course – one
which every student on the campus is required to take in order to graduate. I not only pontificate about
each of the world religions we study, but I then bring in the experts – followers of the world’s religions
we study. We have a Hindu priest, a Druid, a Jewish Rabbi, a Buddhist, a Christian, and a Muslim Imam.
The students compare and contrast what they hear and come to some conclusions. Our most recent
guest was the Muslim Imam. He clearly communicated the basic Islamic teachings, but highlighted one
to be certain we knew the teaching (at least from his perspective): followers of the Muslim faith have no
guarantee, no certainty, no sure hope what will happen when they die. Salvation is based on a firm
commitment to the faith and then living as a Muslim is required to live. But at the end of one’s life –
there is no guarantee that s/he will be in heaven with Allah. Eternity is uncertain. I asked the students
what they thought about that faith system – one which cannot guarantee reception of what followers
hope to receive when they die. I think I caught them off guard. I don’t think they spend too much time
thinking about their own eternal future. If you are familiar with Francis Chan, he notes the same. Most
people just live their lives for the moment, day, maybe the week or month – but not too much thought
is spent about eternity, about what lies ahead after we leave this earth.
However, the faith which I embrace, and which 1/3rd of the world embraces, offers not only hope, but a
sure hope, a guaranteed certain eternal life with God our creator in heaven when we finally walk
through the door of death and enter the next life with our Savior and Lord. That certainty makes this life
not only manageable, but possible to be filled with joy and happiness and cup half-full living and
thinking. And knowing what lies before us in eternity should compel us to communicate that great,
certain gift with the world. Wouldn’t you want all people to live with that sure hope? Don’t you want all
people to live, even today, without any worry for that moment? What a great gift we have received –
knowing that without doubt, without any uncertainty at all – God will bring us into His heaven all
through Jesus Christ our Savior.
We try to communicate that sure hope each and every day on our campus. Students hear about the
great love of God in Christ, the sure hope which He brings into their life through faith. They see it in their
instructors. It is found in the classrooms and the offices, while walking down the sidewalks, in the gym
or on the playing fields. We are excited to be part of a sure eternity that begins even now as we
embrace the Good News shared once with us, and proclaimed loud and clear wherever Concordia does
its work.
I invite you to join us on and off campus as we proclaim the eternal message of eternity! Check out the
items in the following pages and connect. We would love to see you.
March 2019 eLetter
1|P a g eMuch of the information in this eLetter is easily transferable to a worship bulletin, newsletter, or other
communication form you might use. Simply copy, cut, paste, edit for content, and use as you see fit.
May God continue to bless your efforts in His kingdom as you live the eternal life on this side of heaven
knowing the certainty of its continuation with our God. Join us in this “All In!” task.
Rev. Dr. Paul Mueller
Center for Applied Lutheran Leadership (CALL) Executive Director
PaMueller@CU-Portland.edu
503-493-6550
CENTER FOR APPLIED LUTHERAN LEADERSHIP (CALL)
LUX CHRISTI Award
We have received the nominations for Lux Christi award given to a
DCE and a Lutheran School Teacher/Principal, and the committee
will be meeting this month to determine the winning recipients. We
hope to have the decisions by the time you receive the next
eLetter.
Thanks to all who submitted nominations. We have some excellent
DCEs and Lutheran School Teachers in our districts.
CALL Symposium
This spring, CALL’s second “What Does God Say About . . . ?” symposium will be held and will focus on
the topic “civil disobedience.” Everyone is invited to attend this symposium
on the campus of Concordia University on March 20th, 2019. Presentations
will be offered during the lunch hour (12:00-1:00pm) in the Student Events
and Activities Center (SEAC) as well as in the Fine Arts Building (FAB) at 7:00-
8:00pm. The speaker is Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz. You might recognize his face and
name. He is the Lutheran Hour Speaker Emeritus and presently serves as the
first Executive Director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty for the
LCMS in Washington D.C.
Rev. Seltz spends an enormous amount of his time with the elected
government officials of our nation, so his wisdom and insights related to this
topic will be invaluable. With the myriad protests and ramped up rhetoric,
speaking into this moment from a Biblical perspective guided by someone
well versed in the issues from both the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as
well as the halls of our government, the event may shine some light on our
own personal and institutional responses. Expect to see more information and details in future eLetters.
EnvisionPDX – High School Program
CU-Portland is now accepting nominations for our 2019 EnvisionPDX student cohort which will focus on
the theme "Wonderfully Made: Loving the Person I Am Created to Be." We are looking for diverse
student nominees who have leadership potential and are passionate about serving their communities.
March 2019 eLetter
2|P a g eWe will accept 45 students into the cohort. All students who successfully complete the program will
earn small college scholarships, and will engage in spiritual development, theological education,
leadership training, community-based projects, and mentorship. Some students will also be eligible to
earn college credit. If you know students between the ages of 13 and 18 who would be a good fit for the
program, nominate them at https://envisionpdx.cu-portland.edu.
To learn more about EnvisionPDX at Concordia University, go to https://EnvisionPDX.CU-Portland.edu
or contact Jeanie Whitten-Andrews (JWhitten@CU-Portland.edu) with any questions.
CAMPUS MINISTRY
CONNECT! Ministry Report
Christian Life Ministry students led four youth ministry events this fall semester. They travelled to
different churches to lead Bible study, discussion, and other activities with junior and high school youth.
The students responded very positively. Already there are two dates reserved for the spring semester. If
your congregation’s youth ministry would like to invite our students to come and CONNECT! with your
young people, please contact Karen Wickord to schedule a date. Her email is kwickord@cu-portland.edu
or call 503-280-8687.
L.E.S.T.
The 57th Lutheran Elementary School Tournament (LEST) 2019 was an amazing success. Despite the
snow and cold and icy roads, 17 schools attended. Concordia was abuzz with
activity – so many events and competitions – almost too many to count.
But LEST 2019 is in the books. We are already thinking about LEST 2020. The
dates are set: February 13-15, 2020. The theme and logo have even been
selected (submitted by a student chosen from among many other submissions):
“For by grace we have been saved.”
If you have never attended LEST, take a look at your calendar and consider
dropping in for a moment or two next year. We will continue to let you know
how the planning proceeds so you are able to connect appropriately.
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY MUSIC ENSEMBLES
Many of you are aware that the music ensembles travel
throughout the Northwest during each academic year in
addition to a longer tour. If you wish for an ensemble to
perform or join you in worship, simply contact Paul
Mueller (PaMueller@CU-Portland.edu) or the choir
director Kurt Berentsen (KBerentsen@CU-Portland.edu).
Either of them will connect you with appropriate director for the choir, wind/band, string, or handbell
ensembles. Continue to keep them in your prayers as they proclaim through song and music the Good
News of Jesus Christ and the free gift of grace to all.
March 2019 eLetter
3|P a g eIf you are in the vicinity of any of these performances, please join us in worship.
CU Sundays:
Trinity Lutheran, Mt. Angel, OR Prince of Peace Lutheran, Portland, OR
March 3rd 10:30am worship service March 10th 8:00 and 10:30am worship services
Brass Ensemble Handbell Ensemble
Brass & Wind Tour Concerts & CU Sunday
Trinity Lutheran Church, Redding, CA Bethany Lutheran Church, Menlo Park, CA
March 22nd 7:00pm Concert March 27th 7:00pm Concert
Grace Lutheran Church, Modesto, CA Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont, CA
March 23rd 7:00pm Concert March 28th 7:00pm Concert
March 24th 9:00am worship service
St. John Lutheran Church, Eagle Point, OR
St. John Lutheran Church, Bakersfield, CA March 29th 7:00pm Concert
March 24th 3:30pm Concert
Concerts:
Instrumental Chamber Music Concert Choir Winter Concert/Lent Presentation
March 8th 7:00pm March 17th 3:00pm
Concordia University – FAB Concert Choir & Christi Crux Ensemble
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church
Wind Ensemble Concert
March 10th 3:00pm Spring Concert
Concordia University – FAB April 14th 3:00pm
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church
All Performing Ensembles
MISSION TRAINING CENTER (MTC)
Is your congregation in need of well-trained missional leaders? Mission Training Center develops people
for God’s mission through online training opportunities centered in the Bible and
taught through the lenses of God’s mission.
April/May 2019 Courses:
MTC006 Missional Church and Outreach
Course Date: Thursdays, Apr 04-25, 2019 from 6-8 PM PST (4 weeks/8 hours
$150.00)
MTC002 The New Testament
Course Date: Mondays, May 06-Jun 24, 2019 from 6-8 PM PST (8 weeks/16 hours $300.00)
MTC020 Church Administration – Organizing Ministry
Course Date: Thursdays, May 9-30, 2019 from 6-8 PM PST (4 weeks/8 hours $150.00)
March 2019 eLetter
4|P a g eRegister Here!
Click here to view the different platforms MTC utilizes to deliver training for all God’s people.
For information, or to register online, go to www.MissionTrainingCenter.com or contact: Renée
Zollitsch at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com or phone: 971-302-7595.
THE RELIGION DEPARTMENT (RD)
As congregations, faith communities, gathered groups, and district conferences imagine events, consider
contacting CALL (CALL@CU-Portland.edu) to determine if one of the professors from the Religion
Department might be a good fit for the event. These individuals encompass a wide variety of expertise
and are anxiously willing to share their wisdom.
ADMISSIONS
Still thinking about your choice for a university education? Concordia University is receiving and
considering applications for Fall 2019. If you would like to discuss, or even better, set up an individual
appointment to discuss undergraduate or graduate programs, please contact 503-280-8501 or visit
http://www.cu-portland.edu/admission. At the upcoming events, people will be available to go over the
basic structure of individual programs and the steps needed to apply. Upcoming events, all on the
campus of Concordia University, which might prove helpful in your academic research search:
MAT Information Session MED Information Session
Room: L224 Room: L222
March 7, 2019 March 7 2019
6:00-8:00pm 6:00-8:00pm
Students interested in the Master programs, including additional licensure, and endorsements are invited to
attend. An admission counselor will share:
~ general information about the programs
~ application checklist and procedures
~ general scheduling
~ financial aid opportunities
~ Concordia's history & excellent reputation for educating quality teachers
Come receive an information packet, ask your questions, and take your first step to becoming a certified
teacher! For more information, please contact 503-280-8501 or email to: admission@cu-portland.edu
Graduate Admission is hosting two events this spring.
April 8th: Graduate Admissions and College of Education host a professional development and networking
event on campus. We are inviting all those interested in MAT, MED and EdD to campus for a mini tech
lesson, tour Faubion, meet faculty, and have a breakout session about their program of choice
We are also hosting a School of Management networking event off campus in April (TDB) for prospective
MBA students, current students, and SOM alum with a panel presentation on a Public Health topic. Check
back often to learn more details.
March 2019 eLetter
5|P a g eATHLETICS – March 2019
Home games in BOLD
Day Event Time
Friday, March 1 Outdoor Track/Field at Linfield Icebreaker (McMinnville, OR)
Baseball vs Northwest Nazarene 3:00pm; 6:00pm
Saturday, March 2 Baseball vs Northwest Nazarene 12:00pm; 3:00pm
Women’s Basketball vs Seattle Pacific 2:00pm
Men’s Basketball at Western Washington 7:00pm
Monday, March 4 Men’s Golf at SoCal Intercollegiate (Santee, CA)
Women’s Golf at Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout (Alameda, CA)
Tuesday, March 5 Men’s Golf at SoCal Intercollegiate (Santee, CA)
Women’s Golf at Tim Tierney Pioneer Shootout (Alameda, CA)
Saturday, March 9 Baseball at Saint Martin's University (Lacey, WA) 12:00pm; 3:00pm
Softball vs Western Washington 12:00pm; 2:00pm
Sunday, March 10 Baseball at Saint Martin's University (Lacey, WA) 12:00pm; 3:00pm
Softball vs Simon Fraser University 12:00pm; 2:00pm
Monday, March 11 Men’s Golf at NDNU Invitational (Livermore, CA)
Tuesday, March 12 Men’s Golf at NDNU Invitational (Livermore, CA)
Friday, March 15 Outdoor Track and Field at Lewis & Clark Open (Portland, OR)
Softball at Northwest Nazarene (Nampa, ID) 1:00pm; 3:00pm MT
Saturday, March 16 Outdoor Track and Field at Lewis & Clark Open (Portland, OR)
Softball at Northwest Nazarene (Nampa, ID) 12:00pm; 2:00pm MT
Baseball at Western Oregon (Monmouth, OR) 1:00pm; 4:00pm
Sunday, March 17 Baseball at Western Oregon (Monmouth, OR) 1:00pm; 4:00pm
Monday, March 18 Women’s Golf at CSUMB Otter Invite (Pebble Beach, CA)
Tuesday, March 19 Women’s Golf at CSUMB Otter Invite (Pebble Beach, CA)
Saturday, March 23 Outdoor Track and Field at Willamette Invitational (Salem, OR)
Baseball vs Central Washington 12:00pm; 3:00pm
Softball at Saint Martin's University (Lacey, WA) 1:00pm; 3:00pm
Sunday, March 24 Baseball vs Central Washington 12:00pm; 3:00pm
Softball at Central Washington (Ellensburg, WA) 12:00pm; 2:00pm
Monday, March 25 Outdoor Track and Field at Pacific Multi (Forest Grove, OR)
Tuesday, March 26 Outdoor Track and Field at Pacific Multi (Forest Grove, OR)
Wednesday, March 27 Softball at Holy Names University (Oakland, CA) 1:00pm; 3:00pm
Thursday, March 28 Softball at Holy Names University (Oakland, CA) 10:00am; 12:00pm
Friday, March 29 Softball at Hawaii Pacific University (Turlock, CA) 9:00am
Softball at Humboldt State (Turlock, CA) 11:30am
Saturday, March 30 Baseball vs Montana State Billings 12:00pm; 3:00pm
Softball at Academy of Art (Turlock, CA) 12:30pm
Softball at Cal State San Bernardino (Turlock, CA) 3:00pm
Sunday, March 31 Softball at Chico State (Turlock, CA) 11:30am
Baseball vs Montana State Billings 12:00pm; 3:00pm
March 2019 eLetter
6|P a g eYou can also read
