1/28/2021

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

It is with a heavy heart I share the news that after 140 years of serving the church, Concordia College, NY will close at the end of the academic year.

Concordia has touched the lives of thousands of people over these years. Concordia has prepared pastors, teachers, musicians, church workers, nurses, social workers and so much more. Concordia has imbued the Christian faith upon which she was founded into the lives of the students, faculty, staff and others who have hallowed these halls. Yet Concordia is more than a collection of buildings. Concordia is the people: faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, friends and more. It is these people experiencing and living out the faith we share in Jesus Christ and sharing this experience with the world.

This loss will be felt personally, locally, throughout our district and across our church. Concordia is part of our lives together and will be missed.

However, the financial situation of the college, declining enrollment, and the COVID-19 global pandemic have all come together to prevent Concordia from continuing forward. The official announcement and other information can be found on the Concordia College website Concordia-NY.edu.

There is a prayer service at 10:30 am that can be viewed online at ad-lcms.org/concordia.

God of all Hope, guide the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of Concordia in your divine wisdom as we navigate the days ahead. Grant us your peace as we struggle in our understanding. Help us to turn toward you for courage and strength in the days ahead. Remind us of your continual presence in our lives. All of this we pray in Jesus name. Amen

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Derek G. Lecakes

President/Bishop of the Atlantic District