Concordia University, St. Paul Church Relations

08/15/2026

Earlier this week, we told you about Mr. Gary Fritz, who will be recognized this fall as a Concordia University, St. Paul Educator of the Year. Today, we want to recognize two friends of CA who will both be receiving Service to the Church Awards from CSP: Pastor Vue Lee and Lonn Maly.

Pastor Vue Lee, Assistant to the President for Missions for the Minnesota South District of the LMCS, is a former pastor at King of Kings Lutheran Church (a CA association congregation) and also taught Scripture classes here at CA.

Lonn Maly, who recently retired from CSP after serving in several roles, including Dean of the College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences, is a CA alumni parent and the chair of our Executive Council.

CSP’s Service to the Church Award honors Concordia University alumni who model a life of dedicated service to God and others, faithfully use their God-given gifts, care for His creation, love their neighbors, and bear witness to the Gospel. You can learn more about CSP's Alumni Awards at www.one.csp.edu/alumni-resources/alumni-recognition/alumni-awards/.

Congratulations, Vue and Lonn! We are blessed by your service to the church...and to Concordia Academy!

08/11/2026

This past weekend Concordia University, St. Paul Psychology Department sent Associate Professor Jeremiah Schimp, PhD, LPCC, to St. Peter Lutheran Church - Afton for "Skills and Thrills" community mental health event in partnership with Shout Out Loud - Su***de Prevention.
Through a fun, high-energy, carnival-style event, youth and families had the opportunity to learn practical coping skills, connect with mental health resources, and build healthy habits for navigating life’s challenges. The goal was to move the conversation around su***de prevention from crisis response toward proactive wellness.

It was a great reminder that we are called to love and serve our neighbors in the places where God has given us to live and work. Please join us in praying for those who are struggling and those who work in mental health and crisis care. Pray also for the families and youth in our communities, and for all who provide care, support, and encouragement to others.

May God use His people to bring hope, encouragement, and the comfort of Christ to our neighbors.

08/11/2026

🌍 Lutheran Identity in the African Context

CSP’s Associate Professor of Theology and the Global South Dr. Samuel Deressa is leading a seminar on “Luther in Africa” at the 15th Luther Congress, taking place at Aarhus University in Denmark, August 8–14, 2026.

As part of the seminar, Dr. Deressa is presenting “Lutheran Identity in the African Context,” exploring the significance, challenges and opportunities of Lutheran identity within Africa’s diverse cultural and ecclesial contexts.
The Luther Congress brings together scholars from around the world for theological and historical discussion on Martin Luther and the continuing global significance of the Reformation.

We give thanks for opportunities to listen, learn and engage with the growing Lutheran witness around the world

08/08/2026

We’re grateful for the theological education, scholarship, and global mission through a meaningful partnership with Mekane Yesus Seminary in Ethiopia.
This season, Concordia St. Paul’s Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann and Rev. Dr. Samuel Deressa are teaching graduate-level courses at the seminary. Dr. Koschmann is teaching a DMin course in Practical Theology, while Dr. Deressa is teaching an MA course on Theology of Mission in Global Context.
For his mission course, Dr. Deressa is using his recently published book, Reformational Missiology, co-authored with Dr. Mike Rodewald. We’re also pleased to share that Mekane Yesus Seminary has agreed to adopt the book as a textbook for its graduate students in the coming years.
What a joy to see faithful theological education and scholarship serving the global church! We give thanks for this partnership with one of Africa’s largest Lutheran seminaries and pray for the students, faculty, and leaders who are being equipped to serve Christ and His church around the world.

08/06/2026

Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson had the joy and privilege of spending time with the ministry staff at Christ Lincoln earlier this week. He spent time encouraging them as they discussed how moments matter in life and ministry, launching into the new school year. He also preached at Sunday Worship encouraging the Christ Lincoln community through the Word.
We are grateful for the time of fellowship, encouragement, and connection with this dedicated team. Here is a photo of the ministry staff who gathered on Monday!

08/06/2026

The LCMS Northern Illinois District held their annual Back to School Worship Gathering which brought teachers, DCEs, principals, pastors, and other church workers together at St. John's Lutheran Church and School, Lombard, Illinois around the theme of the year, "Rooted in Christ." The day began with worship and a message from the President Buss, reminding everyone that their calling is firmly grounded in God's Word.
Following worship, CSP’s DCE program director, Shelly Schultz, served as this year's keynote speaker. Shelly encouraged attendees as they prepare to serve students, families, and congregations in the year ahead, offering practical insight and Christ-centered encouragement for the important work of ministry and education.
Join us in praying for these and all our Lutheran educators on the year ahead as they remain rooted in Christ.

08/05/2026

We're grateful for the faithful leadership of Dr. Heath Lewis, DCE, Associate Department Chair of Concordia St. Paul's Department of Theology and Ministry and Associate Professor of Christian Education and Leadership and alumni Audrey Duensing Werner (‘92).
Over the past several days they have been serving at the board meetings of the National Association of Directors of Christian Education working alongside fellow leaders to support Directors of Christian Education and other commissioned ministers across the church.
Through prayerful collaboration, strategic planning, and a shared commitment to strengthening the ministry of commissioned servants, the NADCE continues to encourage and equip those who faithfully serve congregations, schools, and ministries throughout the country.
We are grateful for their dedication to supporting the next generation of church leaders and thankful for their servant-hearted leadership for the Church.

We're so thankful for the Board of Directors and their work these past three days! Over the past few days, the Board has done both regular meetings AND strategic planning. The National Association of Directors of Christian Education is blessed to have such an amazing team!

Pictured L-R:
Back: Bill Karpenko, Grant Carey, Jim Lohman
Middle: Hailey Jo Miller, Katie Morgan, Kayla McGowan, Michelle Pavasars, Steven Whitney, Heath Lewis, Tyler Tollefson
Front: Audrey Duensing-Werner, Jolene Siebarth, Maria Devenport

08/04/2026

Check out the all new Advent Worship Series published by our very own Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing! How does Christ’s everlasting light shine into our darkest places?

This Advent, discover a new worship theme inspired by Isaiah 60 and the beloved hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Created by beloved pastor and author Dr. R. Reed Lessing, The Everlasting Light helps congregations celebrate the hope and promise of Christ’s coming through sermons, devotions, bulletins, worship planning resources, a new children’s Arch® Book, and ornaments. https://www.cph.org/advent-2026-the-everlasting-light