The Concordia University Ann Arbor music department has composed a unique way of delivering this semester's Concordia Vespers.
On November 15, 2020, at 5 p.m. ET, the fifth Concordia Vespers will be made available for worship for the Concordia community.
Made possible by unique filming and recording efforts throughout the last few weeks, the CUAA music department partnered with a video company to keep all participants safe while still delivering a powerful, sacred worship experience.
Download: Concordia Vespers worship folder (Nov. 2020)
Video of Concordia Vespers is available beginning Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 5 p.m. EDT. Light a candle in your home and join us for worship. Add Concordia Vespers to your iCal, Outlook, Google calendar.
“Throughout history, even during times of great trial and pandemic, the worship life of the church goes on. Concordia Vespers is a part of that unending worship, and finding a way to honor that safely and uniquely was of paramount importance to us,” said Director of Church Music and Worship Arts Dr. John Boonenberg. “That we were able to create such a collaboratively beautiful, artful version this semester speaks to the uncommon ways that our music department has met these new challenges, and we are so proud of the labor of love that our students have worked so hard to achieve.”
History of Concordia Vespers
Beginning in fall 2018, Concordia Vespers takes place each semester in The Chapel of the Holy Trinity. Placing side by side the proclamation of the Word and important works within a historical liturgical context, Concordia Vespers invites God’s people to respond through singing and prayers, inspired through music and the teaching of God’s Word.
In the past, members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor and Boychoir of Ann Arbor have been a part of this special service that draws God’s people to His grace.
Linda Sproul (’92), CUAA’s Director of Donor and Alumni Relations, shares how being a member of the Concordia Choir was by far one of her most meaningful experiences as a Concordia student.
“Making music to the glory of God with a close group of peers sticks with you, just like the words for all those scripture-filled choral anthems are still on the tip of my tongue, even though 30 years have gone by,” said Sproul. “I know I am not alone in this. Now, in my role as alumni director, I hear this same sentiment shared by countless choir alumni across all decades.”
Behind the Scenes
The recording of Concordia Vespers was done so in accordance with recommended health and safety precautions.
Support Concordia Vespers
Experiencing music together in a worship service like Concordia Vespers heightens the senses, which deepens our understanding and increases our faith. Joining with worshipers near and far, young and old, time binds us together in Christ.
“Concordia Vespers is a gift of music to the glory of God… a gift to be shared with everyone!” said Linda Sproul.
If you would like to support Concordia Vespers by writing a check, please make payable to “CUAA”, write “Concordia Vespers” on the memo line and mail to:
Office of Advancement
4090 Geddes Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
You may also make a gift with a credit card on our website: cuaa.edu/give. Type “Concordia Vespers” in the special instructions box.
Thank you to the many generous donors for their support in making Concordia Vespers possible.
COUNTERPOINT GUILD
Dr. Jonathan and Mrs. Janel Ehrman
Rev. Galen and Mrs. Patricia Grulke
Mr. Michael and Mrs. Patricia Kalmes
Mr. David and Mrs. Janet Kletzli
Ms. Nancy Niemela
Mrs. Judy E Wuckert
BACH MOTIF GUILD
Mr. Andrew and Mrs. Katie Contreras
Mr. Willis and Mrs. Barbara Hoffmeier
Mr. Ross and Mrs. Amy Mackenzie
Rev. Donald and Mrs. Karen Neuendorf
Mr. Brian and Mrs. Beth Pollatz
Mr. Larry and Mrs. Sandra Seltz
Dr. Linda Speck
Mr. Paul and Mrs. Joann Woodward
ART OF FUGUE GUILD
Mr. Matthew and Mrs. Angela Fremder
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Amy Ingersoll
Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Monroe, MI
Mrs. Janice Morrison
Mr. Gary and Mrs. Laura Thomas
WELL-TEMPERED CLAVIER GUILD
Dr. James and Mrs. Elizabeth Eggert
Mrs. Sally Kennedy
Mr. Robert and Mrs. Viola Krug
CANTATAS GUILD
Mr. Lester and Mrs. Barbara Altevogt
Church Extension Fund MI District
Mr. Bruce and Mrs. Monica M Heissenbuettel
Capt. Philip Klintworth
Rev. Dr. John and Mrs. Linda Sproul
Learn more about Concordia University Ann Arbor’s church work program offerings.
— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.