January 2018 eletter. Paul Mueller Center for Applied Lutheran Leadership (CALL) Executive Director

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1 January 2018 eletter And.... HAPPY NEW YEAR If you are reading this eletter, you have made it through another journey around the sun, 365 days of activities filled with people and work and play and rest and fun and joy, and probably even some fears and sadness and pain and hurt. And if it wasn t for Facebook, most of us would have forgotten many of those memories you know how it keeps posting pictures and comments you made a year ago on your page? And maybe some of them you wish Facebook would forget, too! Yet they are forever memorialized on your page, unforgettable, all accessible by the world! Your entire life passing right before your eyes. And.... maybe that is not always such a good idea? All that stuff never forgotten, always remembered to be used in whatever way people or organizations want to use it? YIKES! We just celebrated a Memory (actually, more than a memory I know), but one which every year passes before our very eyes. That one Activity, one Event, one Memory is the heartbeat of everyone who claims that Memory as their own. It manages to trump any memory good or bad as seen from this side of heaven and replace it with a life of perfect Memories Jesus Christ s. I expect that all the Christmas celebrations in your own family had Him right at the center even though you were making new memories around the fun and celebration of the season where Jesus is often lost. He is your life. He is your Memory. And He is so anxious to continue to make memories with you each and every day. As you march into 2018 and make those new memories, keep Christ in the center of them all (and you might not want to post all of them on Facebook!) One place to make some memories is with CU-P on its campus or joining them as they are out and about in the community. CU-P students, faculty, and staff continue to keep themselves busy and the motivation for their memory-making stems from a faith-based life in Christ Jesus. Many of the items you see listed below are intimately related to that faith walk and Concordia s theme this year, Live By Faith. Others might seem less connected, but the manner in which Concordia people walk and talk and live grows out of their commitment to the Savior of the world. Take a look and join us as you are able. In addition, everyone on the campus will be making memories as a new semester begins. Winter graduation means some (former) students are now leaving, but others still have a journey of memories to complete. Your prayers for them as they study and learn and move closer to beginning work in their vocational choices are coveted. Much 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. And finally, may God continue to bless you through all your memories as 2018 presents the road laid out for you to follow. Keep your eyes on Him. He is in front leading. Paul Mueller Center for Applied Lutheran Leadership (CALL) Executive Director PaMueller@CU-Portland.edu

2 CAMPUS MINISTRIES Christian Life Ministry (CLM) in Action The newly formed Life Ministry at Concordia University took eight students to the Columbia Ridge Retirement Center on Saturday, December 9 for an afternoon. Students worked with residents as they created Christmas stockings. The favorite stocking was made by a 90 year old named Ray whose stocking said Bah Humbug. The other residents made stockings that were more joyful and reflective of the season. The afternoon ended with Christmas Carols led by students on guitar and piano. A closing prayer gave God thanks for the building of friendships and rejoicing in the Christian Faith. Over Thanksgiving our International Student Support team hosted a traditional Thanksgiving meal for international students who were staying on campus over the weeklong break. Twenty-seven students attended the meal of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, other fixings, and pumpkin pie. The Thanksgiving tradition of sharing thankful moments the past year was a fun experience for students who had never participated in the tradition. Most of the students were especially thankful for loving parents who helped them come to the United States for study. The meal ended in prayer thanking Jesus for salvation, friendships, and food. Christian Life Ministry is a group of students who actively share Jesus on campus through various events, Bible Studies, and conversations. LUTHERAN NIGHT Join Lutheran grade school students from Portland as they cheer on the Concordia Cavalier men and women s basketball teams on February 10 th at LCEF Court on Concordia s campus. What makes these games special are the students from the three Lutheran elementary schools who participate during the games singing the National Anthem, participating in half-time basketball games between girls and boys teams from the Lutheran Schools, and receiving FREE PIZZA AND POP with a visit from the Cavalier Coaches to welcome them to the evening. Concordia and LCEF hosts the evening beginning with the women s game against the University of Alaska-Fairbanks at 5:15pm followed by the men s game at 7:30pm against Seattle Pacific University. Everyone receives a FREE entrance ticket if they bring one item per person, noted below, for our Faubion Backpack program: Faubion Pantry Donation List Nuts Fruit cup (cups or cans, preferably no-sugar added) Oatmeal Milk (non-perishable) Soups (any kind; preferably high protein) Beans (canned or boxed) Canned tuna or chicken 100% juice Whole rice Canned vegetables (green beans, peas, carrots, etc.) Peanut butter Jam (plastic jar or bottle)

3 LUX CHRISTI AWARD As Concordia strives to develop and carry out innovative and excellent ministry with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the great northwest of America, it is appropriate and affirming to lift up and recognize those who demonstrate exceptional leadership and ability in support of that mission. Since the mid-1980s, Concordia University-Portland has presented the Lux Christi (Light of Christ) Award to recognize outstanding Lutheran educators who have served the Lord and the LCMS with distinction. Concordia University's is pleased to promote Lutheran education in many ways, and annually honors an outstanding Lutheran School Teacher or Principal and an outstanding Director of Christian Education (DCE) who have contributed significantly to Lutheran education ministry. Nominations are solicited from the Northwest, California-Nevada-Hawaii, and Montana Districts of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Nominations may come from pastors, principals, teachers, DCEs, or congregations using the downloadable nomination form at this Lux Christi webpage ( Both the teacher or principal and the DCE selected for the award will be honored during a worship service at their home congregation. The criteria for the Lux Christi Award are: 1. At least 10 years of service as a Lutheran educator in the role of teacher, principal, or DCE. Nominees may be from Lutheran pre-schools, elementary schools, secondary schools, or member congregations. 2. Significant contributions through service, leadership, publications, research, and day-to-day ministry. 3. Competence in creative thought and action. 4. An example of Christian life and activity. 5. A distinguished record of educational experience. 6. On or eligible to be on the Roster of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod as a Commissioned Minister of Religion. We encourage you to access, download and print, and fill out the nomination form, gather the required letters of recommendation, and mail or scan and the documents on behalf of the individual you are nominating to Rev. Dr. Paul Mueller (PaMueller@CU-Portland.edu). L.E.S.T. LUTHERAN EDUCATION SCHOOLS TOURNAMENT February 15-17, 2018 will see th -8 th graders from Lutheran Schools on Concordia s campus to participate in the 56 th Annual L.E.S.T. A tournament which includes basketball, music, a Knowledge Bowl, drama, cheerleading, robotics, a Spelling Bee, dance, art, swimming, and a great community of people meeting and getting to know one another culminates in an awards ceremony where all the students are recognized for their participation and awards are distributed to winners in the various areas. If interested in attending, please connect with Jeffrey Allen JefAllen@cu-portland.edu who has coordinated the event for many years. Come and experience the Christ-centered comradery and sportsmanship exhibited by the many students who attend our Lutheran Schools on the West Coast.

4 CONCORDIA S ENSEMBLES Concordia Music Department s ensembles travel throughout the Northwest District as well as on tours throughout the states. If you are near one of these moments, please take advantage of the opportunity to worship, praise, and bring glory to our God through song and instrument. Concordia University Sundays /14: Ascension Lutheran Church, Portland, OR 8:30 &11:00 am Christi Crux Ensemble 1/21: River of Life Lutheran Church (meets at Cherry Park Presbyterian), Troutdale, OR 9:00am Praise Ensemble 1/28: St. Michael s Lutheran Church, Portland, OR 10:00am Brass Ensemble 2/04: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Battleground, WA 10:15am Christi Crux Ensemble 2/11: Faithful Savior Lutheran Church, Portland, OR 11:00am String Ensemble 2/25 Good Shepherd Lutheran, Tacoma, WA 9:00am Wind Ensemble 3/04: Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheridan, OR 10:30am Handbell Ensemble 5/06: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Aiea, HI 8:15/10:45am Christi Crux Ensemble Tours and Concerts /23-02/26: Western Washington Wind Ensemble Tour (more to come!) 2/25: St. Michael s Lutheran Church - Winter Concert /Lent Presentation 3:00pm 3/11: St. Michael s Lutheran Church, Portland, OR Concert Choir & Christi Crux Ensemble, 3:00pm 3/16: Concordia Portland, Fine Arts Building (FAB) Instrumental Chamber Music Concert: Brass, Handbell, String Ensembles, 7:00 pm 3/18: Concordia Portland, Fine Arts Building (FAB) Wind Ensemble Concert, 3:00 pm 4/15: St. Michael s Lutheran Church, Portland, OR Spring Concert: All Performing Ensembles, 3:00pm 4/30-5/08: Oahu, HI Christi Crux Choir Tour Talent Music Scholarships Available! Concordia offers music talent scholarships to students attending Concordia based on audition. Scholarships for ensembles include: Brass Ensemble, Concert Choir (large choir), Christi Crux Vocal Ensemble (chamber choir), Bells of Concordia (hand-bell ensemble), Praise Ensemble (Worship Team), String Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble. If you are interested, please contact Kurt Berentsen, Music Program Director at kberentsen@cuportland.edu. All music ensemble presentation updates on the CU website linked at: ENVISIONPDX HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM EnvisionPDX is an opportunity for high school students ages in the Pacific Northwest to collaborate toward innovative models of leadership at the intersection of Christian faith and positive social change. With one very successful year under its belt, EnvisionPDX offers students the opportunity to have foundational conversations about faith and spiritual development, and then are encouraged to put faith into action utilizing leadership projects, community engagement, mentoring, technology, and

5 design-thinking. Students accepted into the program have the possibility of receiving Concordia University scholarships and college credit as well as vocational development, leadership experience, and skills relevant in many career fields. To learn more about EnvisionPDX at Concordia University-Portland or to nominate a student who you think would be a good fit, please visit and contact JWhitten@CU-Portland.edu with any questions. MISSION TRAINING CENTER (MTC) Is your congregation is 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. MTC Classes Starting January/February 2018: MTC010 Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It Mondays, Jan from 6:00-8:00pm (4 weeks/8 hours) MTC001 The Old Testament Saturdays, Jan. 6- Feb. 28 from 8:00-10:00am (8 weeks/16 hours) MTC010 Congregational Change: Recognizing and Managing It Mondays, Jan from 6:00-8:00pm (4 weeks/8 hours) MTC019 Lutheran Worship: Its Roots and Meaning Thursdays, Feb from 6:00-8:00pm (4 weeks/8 hours) For information, or to register online, go to or contact Renée Zollitsch at MTC@MissionTrainingCenter.com, phone ATHLETICS January 2018 Alumni and Friends Basketball Weekend in Anchorage, Alaska Join Concordia University Portland alumni and friends for a weekend in Alaska. On Saturday, January 13 th, 1:00pm, Concordia Cavaliers women take on the University of Alaska-Anchorage women at the new Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Tickets are limited but cost only $12 and are available to alums and friends and include a hotdog, soda, and entrance to the game. We would love to have you attend. Simply RSVP by January 8 th for a game ticket by contacting Mike Madison at mmadison@cuportland.edu. In addition, on January 12 th, the team will host a Concordia Basketball Skills Clinic for 4 th -8 th grade girls and boys at Anchor Lutheran School from 5:30-7:00pm. The women s team clinics are excellent and students will enhance their basketball skills as a result. The players will even sign autographs for the participants. Bring the students, meet the team and coaches, and improve basketball skills all on Friday evening.

6 Athletic Game Schedule January 2018 Tuesday, January 2 Western Oregon (7:00pm) Thursday, January 4 Western Washington (5:15pm) Montana State Billings (7:30pm) Saturday, January 6 Simon Fraser (2:00pm) Thursday, January 11 at Seattle Pacific (7:00pm) at Alaska (7:00pm AST) Saturday, January 13 Men/Women s Indoor Track & Field at University of Washington Open at Alaska Anchorage (1:00pm AST) at Saint Martin s (7:00pm) Tuesday, January 16 at Western Oregon (7:00pm) Thursday, January 18 Northwest Nazarene (7:00pm MST) Saturday, January 20 Men/Women s Indoor Track & Field at Bronco Invitational Central Washington (3:00pm) Montana State Billings (5:15pm) Thursday, January 25 at Alaska Anchorage (5:15pm AST) Central Washington (7:00pm) Friday, January 26 Men/Women s Indoor Track & Field at University of Washington Invitational Saturday, January 27 Men/Women s Indoor Track & Field at University of Washington Invitational Northwest Nazarene (2:00pm) at Alaska (7:30pm AST) Tuesday, January 30 at Western Oregon (7:00pm) Thursday, February 1 at Simon Fraser (7:00pm) LAW SCHOOL ITLA Street Law Clinic Boise Public Library 715 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID January 8, 2018 and January 22, :00-6:00 pm In keeping with Concordia s Christian faith based response to issues the world faces each and every day, the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association Street Law Clinic has been developed. It is designed to provide onthe-spot legal advice to walk-in clients. It is held at the downtown branch of the Boise Public Library. The

7 clinic is staffed with law students from Concordia University School of Law and the University Of Idaho College Of Law as well as supervising attorneys from 4:00-6:00pm. You must be checked in to the clinic by 5:30 p.m. The ITLA Street Law Clinic operates on the second and fourth Monday of every month. This is a cooperative effort to help members of our community and aid law students and practitioners in their pro bono and volunteer efforts. To volunteer, contact CU Law student liaison, Nathan Rupp, nrupp@mail2.cu-portland.edu for more information. For clinic dates, please visit the ITLA Calendar: ADMISSIONS Interested in pursuing a degree at CU-P? Take a look below at the options on January 20 th, 10:00-11:30am. An admission counselor or program director will be available to discuss the following: ~ general information about the programs ~ application checklist and procedures ~ general schedule of the programs ~ testing requirements ~ financial aid opportunities ~ Concordia's history & excellent reputation Come and receive an information packet, ask your questions, and take your first step to furthering your education! Building and rooms to be announced. For more information, contact or to: admission@cu-portland.edu Ed.D. Information Session Students interested in learning about Concordia s Doctorate of Education program are invited to attend. M.Ed. Certificate Information Session Students interested in the Master of Education programs, including additional licensure, and endorsements are invited to attend. MA TESOL Information Session Students interested in the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program are invited to attend. MAT Information Session Come receive an information packet, ask your questions, and take your first step to becoming a certified teacher. MBA Information Session Considering pursuing an MBA? We invite you to our MBA Information Session.