Concordia Seminary’s 182nd academic year is on its way. Students are back in class. Professors are back in the classroom with them. The weather is getting cooler. Everybody is happy. Does that sound just a little bit over the top? I’m not sure it is too far off the mark. We are still dealing with the pesky coronavirus and the various guidelines we need to observe in connection with it. But all in all, the mood around campus is pretty upbeat. And why shouldn’t it be? We are engaged, after all, in an extremely exciting task — that of preparing students to be pastors, deaconesses, teachers and missionaries. Every day, professors and students apply themselves diligently to this task. It is humbling for me to see the dedication of so many people committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an honor to participate in this endeavor.

What a blessing that our chapel is being beautified with new stained glass windows! The windows depict the theme of the Te Deum Laudamus and are being installed as a result of a generous bequest from the estate of the late Dr. Gene Fincke. Gene was once a member of the Board of Control many years ago and developed a great love for our Seminary. Now his generosity is responsible for the remarkable stained glass windows that proclaim the message of salvation in a way that depicts the salvation story clearly and stunningly. So far, the windows in the south transept and the chancel, depicting Christ’s death and resurrection respectively, have been installed. Sometime this fall, the north transept window showing Christ in the glory of Heaven will be installed as well. The rest of the windows will be placed during the next calendar year. If you have the opportunity, stop by and see how your Seminary’s chapel is being transformed into an even more beautiful and God-glorifying edifice.

I was grateful for the opportunity to address the Alumni Council recently, and then to address all alumni, in a brief video that will be available on the website Oct. 8 at csl.edu/alumnireunion. We treasure your support of Concordia Seminary and truly appreciate the love you have for this institution from which you graduated. We carry on the mission of teaching the courses from which you benefited during your time here. Although the curriculum has been revised recently, the core message is the same — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

May our gracious Lord continue to bless all the work that you do in the name and for the sake of His Son, our Savior.

Sincerely in Christ,

Dr. Daniel Preus, Interim President
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis