Office of the President
Dear CSP Community:
When it was announced on Tuesday afternoon that the jury in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin had reached its decision, we waited in anticipation of what the verdict would be. With a guilty verdict issued on all three counts, the trial came to an end.
Our theme of the year, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” (John 6:68), continues to speak into the times in which we live. As we move forward from this point, we do so as people of peace and hope. We continue to have meaningful conversations about race relations, prejudice, injustice, and social inequalities. We continue to listen to and be present with one another. We continue in prayer for our city, state, and country as these tough issues continue to impact our society. We pray for our citizens, elected leaders, judges, jurors, and law enforcement as we work together for the common good. Our God does hear and answer our prayers.
We have set aside time today, April 21 and next Wednesday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m. to gather together for prayer and reflection on the Knoll. These will be opportunities to support each other, connect with support services and engage in creative expression. I’m grateful for the partnership of CSP Ministry, the Chatman Diversity Center, and the department of Student Accessibility Services and Health Resources to resource and support these gatherings.
Concordia promises to be a community where “Christ is honored, and all are welcome.” As we go to Jesus for forgiveness, life, and salvation (Acts 4:12), we are sent by Jesus to love Him and serve one another, to be present and listen, to provide encouragement and hope.
We pray that God would continue to pour out His Spirit on CSP so that we may be a community that bears our mutual burdens, loves and cares for one another, for we know that “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Cor. 13:7).
Blessings in Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
Rev. Dr. Brian L. Friedrich
President