Witness in the Public Square
This year's Witness in the Public Square was held
Thursday, September 28, 2023
2023 Honorees
Mrs. Clara DelValle
Director of St. Peter’s Preschool, Brooklyn, NY
The Rev. Dr. William Diekelman
Former First Vice-President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Former President of the LCMS Oklahoma District
The Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich
President of Concordia University, St. Paul
Mr. Marcus Gray – FLAME
Grammy-nominated Hip-Hop Artist
The Rev. William and Deaconess Marie Meyer
Servants in the Evangelical Lutheran Church
About Witness
The Witness in the Public Square Luncheon is the primary mission funding event of the LCMS Atlantic District. It has provided over 2.3 million dollars of support to mission endeavors throughout the Atlantic District and around the world during the past two decades. These funds have supported work among many Chinese, Korean, Bengali, Liberian, Pakistani, and others in our midst in New York; feeding people in Liberia during the Ebola crisis; social ministry efforts in Far Rockaway after Superstorm Sandy and many more ...
The “Witness in the Public Square” honors those who have provided an exemplary witness in bringing Christian values to the public square through word and deed. Honorees can come from all walks of life: Edwin Meese, 75th US Attorney General; “Coalition of the Willing”, people involved in Superstorm Sandy Response; Gerard Arpey, CEO of the parent company of American Airlines; Gloria Edwards, LCMS & LIRS & LWR Board of Director member; Kathy Funfgeld, Atlantic District Lay Deacon, support of her church and the Atlantic Distirct; among many others.
The“Witness in the Public Square”is more than an event. It is a commitment to continuing the ministry of Jesus, Paul, the saints who have gone before us, and all who bring the love of God to bear, outside the sanctuary into their communities for the sake of the world. It is about “Engaging the World with the Gospel of Hope.”
The catalyst of the event was President/Bishop David Benke’s “Prayer for America” at Yankee Stadium following the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. This public act of prayer brought comfort and hope to thousands and thousands of people locally and across the country, including most importantly the families of the victims. Atlantic District leaders determined to memorialize this opportunity for Christian witness in conjunction with multiple endeavors in global mission taking place in New York.
Location
The New York Athletic Club
180 Central Park South
New York, NY
Schedule
10:00 am on the 10th Floor
Bible study with Bishop Dien Ashley Taylor
11:00 am on the 9th Floor
Cocktails and Luncheon