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Page 1: 2016 Report to Synod Assembliesnwmnsynod.org/assets/Ministry-Partner-Reports.pdf · Becoming a catalyst for transforming theological educa on “We have this treasure in clay jars

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Page 2: 2016 Report to Synod Assembliesnwmnsynod.org/assets/Ministry-Partner-Reports.pdf · Becoming a catalyst for transforming theological educa on “We have this treasure in clay jars

2016 Report to Synod Assemblies Paul Baglyos, Coordinator for Ministry Leadership, ELCA Region 3

Our Culture of Call

Lutheran Christians understand God’s call to public ministry leadership in the church to involve two essential dimensions: internal and external. The internal dimension of God’s call involves a person’s own discernment that “God is calling me to this.” The external dimension of God’s call involves the discernment of others regarding that person—“God is calling you to this.” Raising up leaders for the church requires that the whole church participate in the external dimension of God’s call. Some of the most common stories people tell when they begin to prepare for ministry leadership in the church are stories about other people encouraging them to do so. “Have you ever thought about seminary? “You would make a good minister.” “I can see you as a leader in the church.” Those sorts of promptings from ministry leaders and other church members, from family and friends, are common to the stories of people who become ministers of Word and Sacrament or Word and Service in the church. Evidence suggests that our shared participation in the external dimension of God’s call to ministry leadership is becoming less vigorous than it has been in the past, even the recent past. For example, over the twelve-year period from the 2004-2005 academic year to the current academic year (2015-2016) the total enrollment of students in Master of Divinity degree programs (the preparatory degree for pastors) at the eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has decreased from 1,252 to 735, or 41%. No single factor by itself accounts for that decrease, but it is reasonable to believe that one contributing factor is a neglected commitment to identify people with demonstrated gifts for ministry leadership and to encourage such people to step forward in preparation for leadership. The ELCA’s Model Constitution for Congregations stipulates that one of the responsibilities of congregation councils is to “seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel.” Congregation councils bear that responsibility in collaboration with all members of the church, all of whom participate in the external dimension of God’s call to ministry leadership. Integral to this report, therefore, are these questions to all who will read it: How vigorously does your congregation attend to its responsibility to “seek out and encourage” gifted people to prepare for leadership as ministers of Word and Sacrament or Word and Service? How many members of your congregation have been or are enrolled in seminary to prepare for such leadership? Who are the people in your congregation that you can envision as effective ministry leaders, perhaps awaiting your encouragement and support to step forward in preparation? The members of your synod who serve on your synod’s candidacy committee work with the people who come forward from your congregations, your outdoor ministries, your campus ministries and other contexts of discernment and call to

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prepare for public ministry leadership in the ELCA. Your candidacy committees accompany those people in formation for leadership, helping them further to discern both their gifts and their growth areas pertaining to leadership, guiding them in their seminary programs, assessing their learning in field experience, and, when they are ready, approving them for ministry leadership in the ELCA under congregational call. A major part of my work as Coordinator for Ministry Leadership in Region 3 of the ELCA is to work with each of the candidacy committees in the nine synods of our region. The map below on the left shows the territory of the nine synods of Region 3; the map below on the right shows the territory of the nine regions of the ELCA. I serve as deployed staff of the ELCA working in partnership with your synod’s candidacy committee to coordinate its work with that of all other candidacy committees as together we attend to the formation of leaders for the ELCA.

The members of your synod who serve on your synod’s candidacy committee engage their work with reverence and wisdom and grace. We are deeply grateful for all the people who come forward to prepare for ministry leadership in the ELCA, and deeply grateful to all of you who have helped to identify, encourage and support them. To learn more about the work of your synod’s candidacy committee and the people currently preparing for ministry leadership under the care of your synod’s candidacy committee, speak with any member of the committee or with your bishop or bishop’s associate responsible for candidacy. The work that we do together in the formation of leaders for the ELCA is made possible by the mission support your congregation gives to the synod and by the mission support your synod shares with the larger ELCA.

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ELCA Region 3 Archives Report to 2016 Synod Assemblies Introduction This year marks the 28th year of the ELCA Region 3 Archives program. The cooperative arrangement with Luther Seminary continues to work well. Paul Daniels serves as the Region 3 archivist half-time and for Luther Seminary half-time. Luther provides space for the large archives collection while also making available student workers and volunteers from the Friends organization (currently, 8 volunteers work in our office) to stretch the reach of both archives’ programs. One of our other benefits includes support from the school’s IT office. Use of the Region 3 Archives Our presence through our website (www.luthersem.edu/archives) continues to increase both our visibility and our patron use numbers. The site, hosted by Luther Seminary, is regularly updated with new training material for congregations interested in records care as well as providing inventories of the Region 3 Archives collections themselves. The website is our main “front door”, attracting more researchers every year. We continue to support our patrons with phone calls, drop-in visits and traditional mail as well. +The Archives assisted 923 reference patrons in the past year. Sixty-two percent are congregational committees working on scanning projects, anniversary planning, history writing and records care issues. Other significant user groups include synod staff, ELCA church wide personnel and individual students and researchers. +Daniels worked on-site with all 9 synod offices, gathering permanently valuable office records for retention, including all candidacy records for each synod. He visited each synod office at least 6 times during the year. These visits were coordinated with 32 on-site congregational visits throughout North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, the Region 3 territory) +Daniels spoke at 14 adult forums in congregations throughout the Region. The main theme of these talks was the use of memory and story in the life of the congregation, as well as to provide updates on the services available through the Region 3 Archives. Collection Growth +The Archives received 430 linear feet of synod records from the 9 offices. These materials included legal, financial, personnel and program files. +Daniels gathered an additional 224 congregational histories - collection totals 6,725 history files. +The Archives received 550 biographical pieces on clergy and lay leaders - collection totals 7,330 files. +An additional 18 congregations scanned their valuable church records through the digitizing program. Outreach and Education +Daniels led workshops on congregational archives at 4 Region 3 synod assemblies in 2015. He also presented sessions at 2 fall theological conferences on Region 3 Archives service offerings. +The Archives distributed an additional 455 copies of “Memory Work: A Guide for Congregational Archives and History” to congregations and individuals. It is also available electronically on the website. +Daniels continues to promote the Iron Mountain storage space for sensitive types of synodical records, including materials on candidacy, disciplinary action and litigation. Professional Development +Daniels remains an active member of several professional organizations, including the Society of American Archivists, the Midwest Archives Conference and the Twin Cities Archives Roundtable. +Daniels maintains his renewable archival certification in the Academy of Certified Archivists. +A former board member of the Lutheran Historical Conference, Daniels continues his support of this pan-Lutheran organization of archivists, historians, librarians and students. Respectfully submitted, Paul A. Daniels, ELCA Region 3 Archivist and Luther Seminary Archivist, 3.15.16

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Spring 2016

Dear Partners in Ministry, It’s an interesting — and challenging — time to be the church. Ministry leaders are learning to navigate the changing culture by holding on to the best of the past while finding ways to be creative, nimble, and resilient. This is just as true for Portico. As we navigate the changing landscape, we are guided by two core values: stewardship and collaboration. For us, that means caring wisely for all we are entrusted to manage — time, money, our employees, and the well-being of those we serve — so leaders can access important benefits and resources, today and in retirement. Here are a few ways we’re putting those values into practice: We spend and invest with care. In these times of rising health care costs and tight church budgets, we work hard to follow a lean, carefully managed spending plan with a goal of keeping costs low. As 2015 investment markets dramatically rose and fell, our active investment management strategy and strategic asset allocations helped improve retirement fund returns in an otherwise disappointing year. We seek opportunities to provide the best health care value. The past two years brought, in some instances, double-digit percentage increases for those employers sponsoring members in the ELCA Health Plan. Although this was in line with nationwide averages, we realize for congregations this is an unsustainable trend. We are committed to keeping administrative expenses below 12% of our health care budget, and are aggressively working with our vendor partners to find new savings opportunities. We tap technology to reach our leaders more efficiently. By converting our popular pre-retirement seminar into a series of three webinars, we were able to complement the rich educational experience of our in-person seminars with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of online learning. We are also developing new webinars designed to help younger leaders establish a strong financial foundation. We’ve raised the bar on top-notch customer service. Our members receive more than just a friendly voice when they call Portico’s Customer Care Center. As a BenchmarkPortal-certified 2015 “Center of Excellence,” we were recognized as one of the top call centers in the nation in both cost- and quality-related metrics. We invest in our leaders. Because the future health of our church depends on the health of its leaders, we are leading the ELCA in calling for a wellness reformation — a renewed commitment to well-being that comes from healthy lifestyle choices, reduced health risks, and lower health care costs — for members, congregations, and the ELCA Health Plan. We are encouraging our congregations and church organizations to put the ‘we’ in wellness by joining in conversation with their pastors and professional staff about creating a culture that supports healthy lifestyles. Portico is committed to providing a cost-effective, comprehensive benefit program that helps our church’s leaders stay nimble, resilient, and confident in these interesting, challenging times. In Christ,

The Rev. Jeffrey D. Thiemann President and CEO

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Becoming a catalyst for transforming theological education

“We have this treasure in clay jars so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.”

—2 Corinthians 4:7

This verse is an important reminder as Luther Seminary wrestles with and

contemplates the changing face of ministry. We’re in a time where the path is not necessarily clear. As God’s world changes around us, so do the needs of

the church. As a seminary responsible for educating leaders for this church, we know we need to be more than just responsive. We need to light the way,

carve a path, make disciples. We need to become a catalyst for transforming

theological education. We aren’t there yet, but we’re working to see the way forward. This passage in 2 Corinthians reminds us that we can’t do this hard and

worthy work by our own power. This is God’s church, God’s mission and God’s

seminary.

• God’s world is changing. And so are we. Our mission is to educate leaders

for Christian communities. This mission is more relevant than ever, and the future is calling us to new things. And people need to hear the gospel.

Yet we can’t just do everything the way we’ve always done it.

• We are excited about the future. Nearly 600 students are taking classes

this spring. This includes both on-campus and online learners, who

are being educated to serve in churches, nonprofits, schools and other important ministries. We will also welcome more than 4,500 church

leaders this year to our lifelong learning classes and conferences. Both

pastors and lay leaders rely on Luther Seminary’s continuing education offerings to stay refreshed and enthused in their ministry.

• Learning in context continues to play an essential role in preparing students to serve in God’s world. Given the ever-changing dynamics

of ministry, our contextual learning group continues to find unique opportunities for students to apply their learning—both in the Twin Cities and around the world. They’re practicing ministry while receiving guidance from important mentors, which is critical to the formation of these students.

As we strive to become a catalyst for transforming theological education, we hope you’ll continue to pray with and for us. Thank you for your continued support of our mission to educate your future church leaders.

Robin Steinke, President

2481 Como Ave. + St. Paul, MN 55108 + www.luthersem.edu

Luther Seminary educates leaders for Christian communities called and sent by the Holy Spirit to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to serve in God’s world.

GC1007-16

In your synodStudentsThank you for sending and supporting the education of Luther Seminary students.

• There are 10 students from your synod enrolled at Luther Seminary.

• There are four interns serving in your synod.

Rostered Faculty Steven Paulson

Board of Directors Don Bottemiller

Alumni There are 306 Luther Seminary

alumni living in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod.

Seminary FinancesFinancial Support in FY 2014-15

• Synodical and churchwide support accounted for 8 percent of Luther Seminary’s budget.

• The Northwestern Minnesota Synod provided direct financial support of $81,074.

• Of Luther’s operating income, 57 percent came from private gifts and grants.

• Of Luther’s operating expenses, 55 percent went toward student instruction and institutional support.

Luther Seminary’s 2016 report to the

Northwestern Minnesota Synod

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Minnesota Council of Churches

Case Management

Education

Employment

Immigration

Respectful Conversations

Taking Heart Ramadan Dinners

Native American Relationships

Our Muslim Neighbor (Interfaith)

Black Clergy Speakers Bureau

Joint Religious Legislative Coalition

Minnesota FoodShare

Racial Justice

Minnesota Church Center

Congregational Partnerships

Volunteer Opportunities

News for the Common Good

(612) 870-3600 • 122 Franklin Ave West, Suite 100 / Minneapolis, MN 55404 • www.mnchurches.org • facebook.com/mnchurches

25 member denominations make up Minnesota Council of Churches. We added Pentecostal Assemblies of the World this year. In 2015, we...

Welcomed 408 refugees from 9 countries

Reached a cumulative 2,331 Minnesotans participating in 85 Respectful Con-versations on topics ranging from “race” relations to guns to immigration

Respectful Conversation on “Race” Relations at the Conflict Resolution Minnesota Conference saw 84% of participants reported an increase in empathy

Brought 1,400 Christians and Muslims together in relationship at 18 cross-cultural Ramadan Iftars where 280 people had never been in a mosque

Involved 220 Mankato Community Residents in outreach and education presentations.

Witnessed to the good work of the body of Christ in 127 media mentions

24 Human Resource professionals from 13 employers engaged with MCC through the Refugee Employer Advisory Council

50 faith communities from 17 different traditions held prayer services for ‘Mother’ Emanuel AME mass shooting victims

Helped 68 refugees secure and maintain their first job. We have the highest cash assistance exit rate due to employment of any resettlement agency in Minnesota for 2

years in a row.

Joined Minnesota FoodShare to raise $7.4M for food shelves and 4.7 million pounds of food in the March Campaign

Worked for justice as 810 citizen activists from 65 of 67 state senate dis-tricts met with legislators at JRLC Day on the Hill

A Tradition of Innovation Refugee Services

Respectful Communities

Advocating Justice

Supporting the Faith Community

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PATHWAYSOUTDOORMINISTRYSYNODASSEMBLYREPORTPathwaysisgratefulforownershipandpartnershipwithcongregationsintheNorthwesternMinnesotaSynod.PathwaysisstillandisstillseentobeavaluablerealandpotentialtreasureinourSynod.Thankyouforthisopportunitytoserveourchurchthroughthisspecialministry!Pathwayshadaverysuccessful2015summercampseasonatCampEmmauswithanexcellentstaffandprogram

• Summeryouthcampnumbersonsitewerealmostexactlythesameasayearago(thissummer764campers).Prettygoodconsideringallofthetransitiongoingon.

• Daycampingexpandedsomewhat,Familycamphelditsown• Thereisauniqueandspecialqualitytothesetting,styleandcultureofEmmausYouthCamp.

Thesummerof2016isshapinguptobeaveryexcitingsummeratCampEmmauswithacontinuedfullscheduleofyouthcampprogramoptionsatcampEmmaus,thereturnofhouseboattrips,andadditionsofastaffalumniweekendJuly22-23,andPathwaysSplashwithQuiltandArtAuctionJuly23.PathwaysisalsoveryexcitedaboutthefirstsummerprogrammingatCampMinne-Wa-Kaninyears,thefirstintergenerationalPathwaysVillageprogramrunningAugust16-25.SignificantrevitalizationofthePathwaysretreatministryisunderwayaswellwithmoreprogramedretreatstobeofferedandmoreprioritygiventocongregationaluseofthecampsyearround.Thepast12monthshavebeenatimeofsignificanttransitioninPathwaysyearroundstaff.NewCo-ExecutiveDirectors(StevePetersonfulltime,DanWolpert¼timeandcurrentlyunpaid)servedalmostayeartogetherwithDanmakingaverysignificantcontributionbeforeleavingthereinstoStevetocontinueonasExecutiveDirector.AliciaRengelstartedasOfficeManagerinthefallof2015andBrookeKlemetsrudinJanuaryofthisyear.AnewyearroundstaffismakinguseofanewofficespaceatCampMinne-Wa-Kan.Inadditiontostaffadditions,Pathwayshasalsobeguntodevelopnew“Tables”–groupsofvolunteersprovidingleadershipworkingwiththedirectorsinrelationtovariousareasofcampoperations.ThisisatimeofrebuildingforPathwaysthatcontinuestodeliveroncurrentassets(summerprogram,somequalityyearroundretreatfacilities,manysupporters)whilealsobeingfocusedonredevelopmentanddevelopmentinsomecreativenewwaysthatfitchangesinchurchandculture.Muchwilldependoncongregations,individualadvocatesandothersbeinginsignificantpartnership.

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Luther Crest Bible Camp

8231 County Road 11 NE Alexandria, MN 56308

(320) 846-2431 Fax (320) 846-0201 [email protected] www.luthercrest.org Executive Director : David R Holtz 320-292-9241 [email protected]

Called and committed to Christ-centered ministry through creation and community.

A ministry for all people in all seasons!

Report to the Luther Crest Bible Camp Association Greetings and peace from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! On behalf of all the Luther Crest Bible Camp Association Churches, the Board of Directors, Staff and friends, 2015 was a year of incredible growth in ministry and service to our Lord Jesus Christ! Each congregation’s prayerful support and commitment to Christ’s work in this world gives us an opportunity to share the light of Christ All the Time. 2016 Summer Theme is "The Life!" and the Bible verse is Ephesians 5:1-2. As we walk with our staff and campers this coming summer, we will learn that God has given us the tools we need to live life to the fullest. By being imitators of Him and by following Jesus, we are able to serve God and be filled up by His Love! Summer 2016 is in full swing. Registration is open! Log on to LutherCrest.org to find your week of camp! There are many opportunities for all people this coming summer. Please note that the First Early Bird Date is February 14th, with a $175 off your registration cost! Next Date would be April 21st, with $75 off the price. Register early for great savings and a life changing experience! Please come and join us this summer and offer this incredible opportunity to the youth in your church today! A summer camp experience is the best gift for youth to receive as they develop their life of faith. Special Events for 2016

x 4th-6th grade youth retreat – Unlocked! March 18th-20th $95 per camper for the weekend x Creative Retreat – March 18th – 20th $165 per person for the short weekend x Creative Retreat – March 17th – 20th $195 per person for the long weekend x 7th-9th grade youth retreat – Unlocked! April 1st-3rd $95 per camper for the weekend x Faith Formation Certification School and Year Long Consulting Event with Vibrant Faith, Sunday, May 1-6 at Luther Crest!

$1,995 for the year! x Creative Retreat – November 18th – 20th $165 per person for the short weekend x Creative Retreat – November 17th – 20th $195 per person for the long weekend

Fund Raising Events

x Luther Crest’s Golf Scramble – August 8th, 1 pm at Miltona Golf Club $100 per golfer, Hole, 19th Hole and Scramble sponsorships available

x LCBC at the Grape Stomp – September 16th – 18th at the Carlos Creek Winery x Luther Crest’s Quilt Extravaganza – October 22 at Carlos Creek Winery, Apple Fest! x Luther Crest Annual Meeting – October 8th 10 am x Luther Crest’s Holiday Bake Sale – Begins November 1st, Orders by Dec 2nd and Pick up Dec 9th & 10th

Volunteer Club: You and your congregation are invited to come and be a part of our wonderful new volunteer ministry called Scattered to Serve. Luther Crest is very excited to begin a new era of volunteer service, built on the philosophy of Christian hospitality and grounded in the idea that many volunteers can make a huge difference and build great things. Please contact camp today to see what opportunities are available now! 320-846-2431 With God’s help, we can move this place into the future so that kids young and old can experience God through the people and the place of Luther Crest! God’s Peace,

David Holtz PS – Prepare the Way is continuing on and is need of over $600,000 in commitments to complete the goal. We are working towards breaking ground on our cabins in this spring! Help us out! Contact Dave Holtz or Troy Olson for more information about Prepare the Way and the Cabin Build! Exciting Times Ahead!

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April 2016 Greetings to you, friends and partners in mission, from Concordia College. Below you will find a concise report on life and work in our community of faith and learning. A Global Liberal Arts College of the Lutheran Church Concordia’s Forum on Faith and Life has received international, national as well as local recognition. In October, Dr. Jacqueline Bussie, director of the Forum and two student Interfaith Scholars were selected to make a presentation on Concordia’s newly proposed interfaith studies minor and the importance of interfaith studies for higher education to the Parliament of the World’s Religions. The Parliament is an international gathering of diverse faith communities and leaders that has convened once every five years since 1893 for global dialogue among the world’s faith and philosophical traditions. This year’s keynote speakers included Dr. Eboo Patel, Dr. Karen Armstrong and Dr. Jane Goodall. A second team of three Interfaith Scholars and Dr. Bussie received a grant from the James S. Kemper Foundation in collaboration with Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) to support research that explores religious diversity dynamics in local professional environments. The goal of the student-faculty research project is to create curricula and programs of study on religious diversity and its application in (local) professional environments and determine enhancements for students’ education in this area. The Interfaith Scholars are interviewing and surveying Fargo-Moorhead area employers and employees in the education, health care, insurance, and hospitality industries to determine what concrete skills, knowledge, and competencies graduates need to flourish in a pluralistic workplace and to better meet the needs of a religiously diverse clientele. The grant will also help shape the new interfaith studies minor curriculum. As president of this highly regarded liberal arts college of the church, I have been given the distinct honor to serve Lutheran World Relief and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). In February, I was elected chair of the Lutheran World Relief Board of Directors. LWR is revered worldwide for its mission of emergency aid and sustainable agriculture, affirming God’s love for all people as it works to end poverty, injustice, and human suffering. Since my election to the board in 2013, serving on LWR’s board has become for me, as Concordia’s students would say, a way to BREWing: becoming responsibly engaged in the world. I embrace the opportunity to serve as chair of the board with humility and with great enthusiasm. In January, I was appointed to the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) board. The Association of American Colleges and Universities seeks to make liberal education and inclusive excellence the foundation for higher education in the United States and across the globe. I am pleased to join its board of directors, bringing the achievements of Concordia’s liberal arts tradition and practice to the national and international community. My work with AAC&U began early in my faculty career, as a mentor in its Cultural Legacies program to diversify the American college curriculum and has continued through my current service as chair of the Wye Seminar Council, a partnership of AAC&U and the Aspen Institute.

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The Integrated Science Complex Renovation The $45 million renovation will update the existing Ivers and Jones Science Center. More than 130,000 square feet of renovated construction will include 19 teaching labs and 16 classrooms. The space includes flexible classrooms, T-search labs designed for both teaching and research, and other specialized laboratories. Science study and health professions preparation are marks of distinction for Concordia and its talented graduates, who regularly become leaders in medicine, nursing, research, and healthcare administration. In February, Sanford Health CEO Kelby Krabbenhoft a 1980 Concordia College graduate and current member of the Concordia Board of Regents, announced a Sanford match of 10 percent of capital gifts to the project, up to a total of $3 million. This gift represents the largest corporate gift to date for the project. The College has raised $27 million to date. Construction will begin in April 2016 with an expected completion date of August 2017. Purpose in Mission, Purpose in Change Concordia has responded to the 24 percent drop in the number of Minnesota students seeking a college degree by positioning itself as a liberal arts college of 2,100 to 2,300 students. At this size, we will remain larger than the American private college average of 1920. So that our students, faculty, and staff will thrive, we are directing our resources for strength by: • Ensuring that we are the right size for the current enrollment market. • Reviewing existing programs to see if they should be continued in their present form. • Devising compelling new academic programs and learning experiences. Our decisions about reductions or closures came after extensive analysis of programs in which the number of student majors had dropped. The majors and concentration affected in these decisions have benefited many Concordia students over the years, and their graduates have gone on to distinguished professional and personal accomplishments. What then is new? Concordia’s faculty and academic administration have created new majors and new forms of learning over the past year to serve student interests, to prepare students for post-college success, and to compete for new students. Here are those programs and learning forms: • New majors in neuroscience and in finance, and a program to infuse digital skills into studies in

the humanities and fine arts. • A new graduation requirement that will lead every student into hands-on learning beyond the

classroom. • The Concordia Career Initiative, a four-year sequence of reflection and real-world work to prepare

every student for jobs or graduate school. • To support student learning, a complete renovation of science facilities is now underway thanks to

highly successful fundraising. This project extends the momentum generated by the renovation of the Grant Center and the launch of the Offutt School of Business in 2013.

Finally, what has not changed at Concordia? We are and we will continue to be a global liberal arts college of the Lutheran church. We will continue to lead our students in free inquiry, discovery, and application for their own sake and for the health of the world. We continue to be a college where students study abroad at five times the national undergraduate average. We will continue to offer an outstanding return on the educational investment, evidenced by on-time graduation and high placement rates in jobs and grad school. We will continue to be one of the lowest cost private colleges in our state and region, with an average annual net cost of $20,401, thanks to $37 million of our funds underwriting student costs each year. We will continue to be an innovative, vital partner for Fargo-Moorhead, our region, our nation, our church.

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Let me close by thanking you for your faithful work on behalf of the church we love and of the world it serves. Sincerely, William J. Craft President