2023 Annual Report
Building Update
As the end of our two-year Emerge initiative draws near, we would like to share an update on where we are. Please watch this video as Pastor Bongard and two members of our Building Committee, Lisa Sombart and Pete Joyce, share valuable details on our current status and next steps.
On Sunday, September 24, 2023, we welcomed alumni and past faculty to Concordia for a final chance to walk the halls of the old school building and to tour the new Center for Christian Education. We were thrilled to witness the sharing of stories, the connections being made, and the wonderful fellowship. Together, generations celebrated the past, present, and future of Christ centered education.
Emerge With One Heart in Christ.
In the past year, Concordia moved through the challenges of the pandemic together, committed to our faith in Jesus, helping those in need, and being good neighbors to those around us.
Now we emerge into a world forever changed, yet still desperately in need of the life only Jesus gives.
What is Jesus calling us to do now? How can God use Concordia to help others emerge into life embraced by God’s love?
How do I use a Commitment Card?
To hear Pastor Bongard explain how to use the Cards, watch the video!
Emerge Sermon Series
To learn more about how Concordia is Emerging, watch the messages from our Emerge Sermon Series along with the relevant Emerge video.
EMERGE
WITH ONE HEART
RENEW
GROW
GO
We are embarking on a spiritual journey during which we will Emerge with One Heart in Christ to Renew, Grow and Go.
Over the next two years, Concordia will be inspired and challenged to Renew our commitment to Jesus, to Grow in faith and generosity, and to Go to our neighbors with the love of Jesus.
What is the One Fund?
All giving is combined into a single fund from which our ongoing ministry operations are funded first, followed by emerging ministry, outbound mission support & ministry capital investment. The Emerge One Fund approach allows us to celebrate the total giving of our congregation toward a clear, focused vision.
Giving Goal for the Next Two Years: $8.5M
$4.7 Million for Ongoing Ministry
$3.8 Million for Emerging Ministry
Renew.
Colossians 3:10 “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.”
Renew Our Hearts
God renews pandemic-broken hearts through the life-giving words of Jesus. We are inviting everyone to make a renewed commitment to being in the Word and moving forward in their faith and generosity journey.
Renew Our Ministries
-Pandemic drastically changed how we were able to do ministry. Emerging from it means:
-Re-engaging volunteers
-Connecting with people distanced by the pandemic
-Taking the events we already do well to the next level
Renew Our Campus
-A renewed face to the community is an important first step toward Concordia being a welcoming place for new people.
-Finish what we started: tear down the old education building, expand parking, and renovate existing space.
-Explore creating a memorial garden for interment of ashes.
Grow.
2 Corinthians 13:11. “Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Grow As Disciples
In order to reach others, we commit to grow personally in our own faith and to grow in our connection with others. We will:
Create more opportunities for people to intentionally connect and grow in groups.
Equip people for spiritual conversations to grow our personal capacity to connect with others.
Develop additional faith-growth opportunities for our young adult to empty nesters.
Grow As Leaders
Concordia has been blessed with good leaders, both on the staff and in the congregation. We need to intentionally raise up more leaders of all ages to impact the church and the world with the love of Christ.
Go.
Matthew 28:19: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Philippians 2:4 “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Go Digital
Expand digital engagement to intentionally go where people are online.
Invest in technologies to equip and expand digital engagement
Go To Local Neighbors
Deepen partnerships that serve the community:
Christian Friends of New Americans
All Nations, University City
Re-engage with Meacham Park
Explore Comfort Dog ministry.
Go To International Neighbors
Help Christ Community International in Kawete, Uganda, to build a secondary school where young people learn to love Jesus.