President Sommerfeld Welcomes Students Back
By President Russ Sommerfeld
Welcome to the 2020-2021 academic year, the 127th academic year in the history of Concordia University, Nebraska.
Our academic year theme is from James 1:17 (ESV): “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
It seems like an understatement to say that 2020-2021 will be a year of changes. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to alter how we live. Still, as the year begins, I trust that the Lord will enable you to know and experience the amazing truth of this passage from God’s word: We have a constant God in the midst of constant change. Regardless of the number of changes we encounter, we can take heart that “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). Even as the sun rises over the horizon each day of this coming year, God’s Son will provide love, mercy and forgiveness daily.
This will truly be a year of transition. Not only will we adjust to pandemic living, we will also have the joy, God willing, of welcoming a new president for Concordia.
As the new academic year begins, please join me in helping one another. Social distancing, wearing masks to protect others and being flexible will call upon us to use God’s word of Philippians 2:3-4 “in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
I also encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity to participate in the Concordia community with its many and varied members! Enjoy one another, the events, activities, games, matches, worship experiences, devotions, concerts, classes and meals planned throughout the year. And be assured that Jesus is constant in His commitment to us as we learn, serve and lead here at Concordia and in God’s church and throughout His world.
I am thrilled you are here and look forward to the coming semester.
