Easter A.D. 2025
Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ,
I bid you greetings from the entire Concordia Seminary community in the name of our Lord Jesus. The Lord delights in the gathering together of His children for the sake of the Gospel. Indeed, our Lord promises to be with His church whenever two or three gather in His name (Matt. 18:20). May the Lord Himself bless your time together for the LCMS Atlantic District Regular Convention.
In preparation for your July convention, I am penning this note on the Monday after Easter. Christ's resurrection has brought us great and eternal hope, and He desires that everyone would hear about it! Your district's mission, "Engaging the world with the Gospel of Hope," echoes the goal and work of Concordia Seminary. We teach and form servants for the church who will go forth with the precious Gospel, as our Lord commanded. The Gospel itself is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, regardless of ethnicity or social standing (Rom. 1:16- 17). Just as all are guilty of sin, so Christ has died for all, that the redemption that comes through faith in His blood might be freely available to all by faith (Rom. 3:23-24).
"In this hope we are saved" (Rom. 8:24). May this hope guide your conversations and deliberations. May each of you rejoice that your Lord loves you, calls you His own, and promises you eternal joy in His presence. May the Lord Himself graciously shine upon you and give you His peace. May this hope guide your hearts and minds until the day of our Lord's return.
The Atlantic District is a blessing to our Synod and to all of us here at Concordia Seminary. I am not able to be present with you in person but know that you will be in my prayers during your convention. I look forward to your continued partnership in the eternal Gospel of Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
In Christ Jesus,
Thomas J. Egger
President
