When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 10 #becauseofconcordia

 

                                    Students at St Paul Lutheran School- Ann Arbor, MI

 The news about CUWAA swirls on social media with all sorts of bylines and interpretations. There has certainly been a passionate response from students and alumni. Here alumni Philip Krupski lays out a call to action for classmates, churches and ministries. This is not a time to lament- "there is nothing I can do about it." 

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, 

but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Tim. 1:7 

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom

Philip Krupski

 My four siblings and I all attended there.  Since I was the youngest, professors called me by my sibling's names, even my sister's. That reflected a caring family, not a corporate machine. This place is where all of us grew in our faith and grew in our skills and abilities to serve the Lord, Jesus Christ. For me, Dr. Heckert led me to understand grace, deeply. Dr. Foelber not only taught me the arts, but taught me to pursue excellence in what I do because we serve Christ. Professor Allen opened up the wonderful world of biology, so that I could be far more pastoral, caring for people who were ill. Concordia days were filled with terrifying fears over being pushed so hard, yet tremendous joys from the relationships we built. What warns my heart is that stories of today's students and faculty sound the same.The Holy Spirit is at work at Concordia.There is less than a week before the Board of Regents meeting on Feb 29. As alumni, please join me in pledging to the Michigan District Fund, or lead your ministries to do so.  Let us be bold and strong in the Lord to do His bidding.

Here is the link to make your pledge:

Click here to make your pledge:

pledge-support-for-concordia-university-ann-arbor/

  

Philip Krupski is a 1985 CUAA Alumnus.

He serves the LCMS Foundation as Senior Vice President

 for Gift Planning Services.

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 9 #becauseofconcordia

 

A spotlight has been shown on both the community of Concordia Ann Arbor and on the student leaders who have stepped forward in this time of distress. After watching the CUAA Student forum everyone is asking- "Who was that poised and eloquent young man leading the questions?" 

Here is a bit of the story.

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom

David Smalls

Concordia is more than an institution of higher education. It is a place where people from every

walk of life come to truly develop in mind, body, and spirit. I am from the Bronx, New York and

came to CUAA on a bowling scholarship. In my senior year of high school, when deciding

which college to attend, I had no intentions of going to a small university, leaving out of state, or

even studying Justice and Public Policy. However, the moment I stepped on campus that all

changed. I knew CUAA would be my home away from home, not only for the next 4 years, but

for the rest of my life. The students, faculty, and staff were so welcoming, administrators knew

students by their name, the atmosphere was family-oriented, and the presence of God was clearly

on this campus.

Since starting at CUAA, I have built relationships with my peers that will last a lifetime. I’ve

made deep connections with Professors who continuously support me in my legal career path and

have even helped me acquire internships.  Most importantly, I have strengthened my

relationship with God in ways I never imagined. As CUAA’s Student Government Association

(SGA) President, God has been using me through this leadership to be the voice of the student body.

In these current times of uncertainty, there is a desperate cause that needs a calm voice. 

Many may know me from taking the lead at the student town hall, questioning President Ankerberg  

and accompanying administrative members. The students want answers, we deserve answers and

our lives depend on it. CUAA depends on it. It is my hope that I can continue to represent the

student body to the best of my ability. I pledge to push the administration to be fully honest and

transparent with the CUAA student body and faculty going forward. I also pray that Christ remains 

at the center of their hearts and minds and may God grant the CUAA community continued                  

 hope and peace!

I also want to remind you of the verse speaking to my heart right now: 

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

A personal note shared here about David:

For the past two years he has had physical health challenges. A torn meniscus in both knees led to 2 knee surgeries. Suddenly, one day he couldn't feel his legs, went to the ER and found he had a benign tumor pressing again his spinal cord. Surgery removed the tumor and he went through 3 months of physical rehab to learn to walk again. CUAA was a huge support system during David's health journey, especially because the difficulties began when he was on campus. These people are part of his support system. The friends, bowling team, Residence Life department and professors gave him courage and hope. This is his first semester back as a student on campus. Time for a shout out for this young man.

David Smalls  

Junior at Concordia Ann Arbor

Student Government Association  (SGA) President

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 8 #becauseofconcordia

                                                                                                                    photo by Heidi McClelland

A thread in the stories shared about the Concordia Ann Arbor campus is that students were "met right where they were."  That's on the path and in the journey of God's refining work in their lives. There is an expansive look at the culture of grace here at CUAA and a firm directive to live out the extension of the hand of Jesus to those arriving on campus. Here, Emily shares a story that blesses the Kingdom, because she was welcomed and included to be "a part of us." CUAA is not a "one size fits all" campus.  The faculty, staff, students and community know the leader they serve and seek to live out being followers of Jesus on mission together. 

She is a part of the story that matters. 

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom

by Emily Cohoe

I’ve spent the last week or so being at a loss for words That was partially because I was in denial, but also because I felt I wasn’t the alumni you all wanted to hear from.

I didn’t go into church work. Actually, I dropped my church work major and knew I wanted to work in a secular environment.

I didn’t love my Concordia academic experience. Actually, I got so frustrated that I looked to transfer.

I didn’t stay in the Lutheran faith after graduation. Actually, I’ve spent the last 5 years deconstructing and reconstructing my ideas of what it means to be a Christian. 

But.

Concordia was exactly what I needed at the time.

The people I met at Concordia were passionate, empathetic, and even a little bit quirky. But, they changed my life for the better and kept me going during some of the darkest times of my life.

Before I transferred to CUAA, ( I was 300+ miles away at another college) when I got the news that one of my childhood best friends was killed. The day of his funeral was the day of one of my exams. I went sobbing to the professor's office shortly after finding out about Ryan’s death and asked if I could miss my exam to go to his funeral. She apologized, but said I would ultimately need to obtain a copy of his death certificate from his parents in order to be excused. If I didn’t ask for the death certificate, I’d get a 0 and fail out of the class. This ultimately would cause me to fail out of nursing school. Missing the funeral of my friend of over 15 years made my decision to transfer an easy one. I was lost, I needed change.

Fast forward 3 years. I’m a sophomore at Concordia in the middle of finals week when I find out my grandma died. Her funeral was the day of my final math exam. Based on my first experience with death in college, I wasn’t optimistic I’d be able to miss my final.

Sobbing once again, I go to my professor's office with the news of grandma's death and that her funeral was the day of the final. She gave me the tightest hug and told me to go be with my family. She gave me her cell phone number and said to text when I got back in town.

I got back after finals were over and texted my professor. She said whenever I was ready, I could come take my exam. I went to campus and down to her office, where she had coffee and donuts waiting for me while I took my final. She even told me while I was gone, my family was on the daily prayer list for chapel.

The people of Concordia are what kept me there. Then there also was the loud, obnoxious group of friends I met thanks to my high school friend who already attended CUAA. When I transferred, all 15+ of them welcomed me with open arms and became the people I relied on most throughout my undergrad. Known as ‘Squad’ on campus, we were constantly adventuring together on and off campus. These friends constantly showed up to any performance of mine, and would even make a big spectacle and dress up as if they were going to the Oscars, not a community theatre production.

There isn’t a place remotely close to CUAA. Their passion for all people and spreading the Gospel is so unique. While I didn’t go down the church work path, I love going back to campus and watching students find their faith and pursue their passions. Concordia Ann Arbor is a college worth saving.

My heart is with you, CUAA. You are a city on a hill.

Emily Cohoe

Concordia Ann Arbor Alum

Class of 2019

She currently lives in Perrysburg, Ohio.

She is the enrollment marketing manager at University of Toledo

 and oversees all enrollment related marketing.

 She just received a Masters in Educational Psychology.

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 7 #becauseofconcordia

All of the Concordia University System schools have similar stories of finding lifelong friends and mates in their University setting. This is  probably true of any college setting. When core faith values are affirmed and the next generation is impacted-  

    that is Kingdom perspective.

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom

Ann Keegan Gillaspie

My Concordia Ann Arbor story began when I was a freshman in high school in the late 1970's. Every summer of my high school years, I was able to attend the Michigan District Youth Gathering on campus. It was the highlight of my summers. My spiritual formation blossomed as we canvassed area neighborhoods and shared our faith, had devotions in the dorms, sang praises to our Mighty God, worshiped in chapel and listened to amazing speakers. One of the most impactful parts of this ministry was finding so many other young Christians to share our faith journey with each other. From the very first youth gathering at CCAA, I knew that was where I would attend college. I ONLY applied to Concordia. Many people thought this was folly. How could I know I would be accepted there? In my heart I knew without a doubt that is where God was calling me. 

God's light shines through Concordia into a dark world that no longer wants to acknowledge Him. It has prepared students as pastors, teachers, and leaders in their communities and congregations. Lifetime friendships grew here. Spouses were met here. Faith was grown and nurtured here. The advice and love of faithful Christian faculty was given here. Chapel services and evening devotions were shared here. The Word and Sacraments were faithfully administered here. It was home to students for 2-4 years where spiritual souls were fed. One of my favorite memories was being able to perform as the pauper in the very first Boar's Head Festival. Traditions like this stay with a person all their life. Michigan needs this spiritual home. We need to continue sharing God's light because it not only shines in the hearts of it's students, alumni and faculty, but in every person their lives touch. It is essential. I, along with countless others, cannot even imagine a world without this haven of faith, hope, love and peace.

Ann (Keegan) Gillaspie

Class of 1980

Married To Wes Gillaspie

Class of 1979

Pastor Gillaspie serves St. Michaels Lutheran Church

in Richville, MI. and they live in Frankenmuth, MI.

Ann served as a lead teacher at 

St. Michael's Community Childcare Center for 12 years.

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 6 #becauseofconcordia

 

This is what our conversations should be about when we speak to the future of Concordia Ann Arbor.   How do we accomplish the mission of Jesus here on earth with the time and talents and finances of the people gathered on this campus? People are ready and willing to seek fruitful future structures and perhaps make hard changes to accomplish that mission. There are creative people on mission in our church. Let's widen the conversation. It is not a finance issue. It is about trusting in the God who provides. Let us be in prayer about heart changes for the mission of Christ in this university setting. A City on a Hill. This story that Blesses the Kingdom is a reminder that the passion for lifting up church workers is a generational model.

A Story That Blesses the Kingdom

 by Beth Eleanor Krause

My Concordia story began in 1963 when mom and dad packed four little children into the car for a two hour drive to Ann Arbor.  What was the reason for this trip? We rarely left our little community. (unless it was for a Detroit Tigers Baseball game!). We were headed to attend the organ dedication in the new chapel. I was in awe! In fact, walking across Geddes Road after the dedication, I fell and ripped my new tights. I always said I sure fell for Concordia, Ann Arbor! Fast forward 9 years and there was no question as to where I wanted to go to college. There was no question that I wanted to be a Lutheran teacher. The college far exceeded my expectations. I received a wonderful education. I experienced cross campus fellowship with other young people who were passionate about their Savior and bonded with the ladies in Hannah Hall. Oh, the fun we had decorating the CA (Central Area) for Winter Blast. We loved coming up with our songs for Songfest. I was blessed to teach in Lutheran Schools for over 40 years.  

This is the extended Appold family. 8 attended Concordia Ann Arbor. 3 became Lutheran pastors- Rob and Paul. (Missing here is David) 2 became Lutheran teachers- Patrice Appold and Beth Appold Krause.

My husband and I sent our three sons to Lutheran Schools. They had excellent Lutheran teachers. Now, our three grandchildren are attending Our Savior Lutheran in Lansing, Michigan. Their Bible insight and understanding brings tears to our eyes at times. I know my story isn't unique. I join with my fellow alumni and all people who value Christian education in prayer and action. Here are words of encouragement. Let us PRAY.

Ephesians 3:20-21 God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus.

Beth Krause taught at Our Savior Lutheran School 

in Lansing, Michigan for 22 years and is retired there. 

She is still "On Mission."

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 5 #becauseofconcordia

There is no way that I could put into words the full extent of the effect Concordia Ann Arbor has had on my life, but I’d like to attempt to share some.

First of all, it’s known to many that my father, Charles Winterstein, gave everything to see that university thrive and succeed. Even after he was asked to step away from his position as a part of the merger with Concordia Wisconsin, he was a relentless advocate for Ann Arbor, for the Concordia University System, and for Lutheran Education in general. I would go so far as to say that, other than his family, there was nothing he was more passionate about.

To see this place, a place that I’ve known intimately since I was 11 years old, a place my dad poured everything he had into,

a place where I spent more of my childhood than I can reckon,

a place where I met my best friends in the world,

a place where I met my wife,

a place where I discerned God’s call for me into full-time ministry,

a place where I took ownership and responsibility for my faith,

a place where I experienced what it means for God to truly love me...

To see this place discarded so easily breaks my heart.

Concordia Ann Arbor is more than a piece of land. It is more than a cluster of buildings. It is more than a bottom line. Concordia is the sum of innumerable lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The work of raising up generations to follow the way of Jesus is not something that can be reckoned or quantified by the measures of this world. This is something built on faith, not fear; a mindset of plenty, not scarcity. This is Kingdom work. As soon as we begin to measure ourselves and our efforts by the standards of corporate success, we have lost sight of our calling.

I’m sure the realities of this situation are farther reaching than any of us realize and this may be an awakening of sorts for many. Regardless of the outcome, though, I have faith. I have faith that the Kingdom of God cannot be stopped. I have faith that the Spirit will continue to move where it will. I have faith that no matter what the Concordia University System, or the Board of Regents or the LCMS decide to do, the Gospel will continue to change lives and lead all of creation ever onward toward that day when all is made new again.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; 

His mercies never come to an end;

They are new every morning;

Great is your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“Therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Colossians 1:18

     

Thomas Winterstein serves as 

Director of Worship Arts at

St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in

Frankenmuth, Michigan.

When the Story Blesses the Kingdom- Number 4 #becauseofconcordia

My CUAA Story- By Joel Maier  

(Shared with permission.)

Everyone’s experience at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) is unique as it is a personal experience. Mine is unique for those reasons and more specifically, because of the duration I was at Concordia. I only attended CUAA for my Junior and Senior year.

During my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, medulloblastoma. I endured a 10+ hour surgery, 6 weeks radiation, and a full year of chemotherapy. Even after treatment was finished for the next couple years, I was continually attending checkups and receiving test to make sure the cancer had not come back. I choose to stay close to home for help from my family in managing my care and attended community college my first two years.

It was through my experience with cancer that I felt I wanted to find a profession to give back. To help people in the same way so many had helped my family and me. Concordia Ann Arbor provided me this outlet, the ability to give back. At Concordia I entered the Family Life Program and specialized in Child Life. Before even enrolling, staff from CUAA, Ben Freudenburg and Kara Doyle, sat with me and helped me discover Child Life. It is a profession that was perfect, one that I didn’t know I was looking for. As a Child Life Specialist at Mott Children’s Hospital, I was blessed to use my own experiences with the training of loving, caring faculty at CUAA to work with countless patients and their families. We helped children navigate the hospital system, a scary place, walking with them through various procedures from an IV to an invasive surgery. I worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) so I also figuratively and literally held the hand of family members during the grieving process when a child passed away.

Concordia Ann Arbor has impacted so many students like me. This positive impact does not stop there! That care was extended to every child I helped through a procedure, every crying parent I supported. These are some of those people who have been impacted by CUAA without even attending CUAA. Think about all the alumni of CUAA and all the individuals they impacted. The positive impact of CUAA has been nuclear and the expressed closure of CUAA will have negative repercussions. I will continue to pray for President Ankerberg, the CUWAA board of regents, and the decisions they will be making. I pray the communication that is urgently needed to shine light on this situation takes place. I pray that the quickness of the decision that President Ankerberg discussed in his email reporting the news will transition into a quickness for transparency. More information of their “financial analysis” needs to be communicated. It feels like nuclear weapon launch codes were unnecessarily included in the decision.

John 1: 5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”

#becauseofconcordia

Joel Maier

Joel currently serves as a pediatric

behavioral therapist 

at the West Arbor Trinity Health

 IHA Medical Group office.