Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Concordia University Ann Arbor is excited to announce the 2020-21 academic theme: Unchanging.
This year’s theme is based off of a simple, truth-revealing verse. A lot of change has occurred in our lives and in our world, but through it all we are able to hold on to the truth that is given to us in the book of Hebrews.
I was excited to help design the theme graphic again this year. The focal point of this design is the rugged cross that bears two clusters of Easter lilies. The cross and lilies represent the hope we have in Jesus through his death and resurrection. The four color blocks that stand behind the cross represent the four seasons. There is constant change in the world we live in, and ultimately we have no control over it. However, we know that Jesus has control over it all and we can stand firm in his promise that he is an unchanging God.
Similar to last year’s theme-decision process for Embrace(d), Pastor Randy Duncan led a team of six CUAA students to make the decision for this year’s theme. However, because the in-person spring semester was cut short this year, the three to four meetings where the team came together to pray, share ideas, and narrow down those ideas to one theme were all done over Zoom.
When asked about how COVID-19 impacted the mindset of this year’s Theme Team. Duncan shared, “We always want our theme to be meaningful and relevant, but we with COVID creating such change in our world, including or University, we immediately began to focus on Scriptures and Themes that would speak peace and comfort to the students, faculty, and staff of CUAA for this academic year. I believe the Holy Spirit was leading us!”
Hebrews 13:8 stuck out to the team this year. “In the middle of such chaos, change and instability in the world, it hit us how important it is to remember that Jesus does not change, and His love, power, and forgiveness remain,” said Duncan.
Two students (and RAs) who were on this year’s Theme Team also provided some insight about the decision making process for this year. Alex Hinojosa (‘21), shared why they chose Unchanging.
“Even though there are a lot of changes happening today, Jesus doesn’t change. He is the same yesterday, today, and He will always be there in the future,” said Hinojosa.
Another student leader on the Theme Team, Abbey Bentz (‘21), said that the group made sure to consider which theme the students would need for this year. Bentz says she hopes that students will “find comfort and cling to [this theme] during the year, holding on to the one thing that never changes which is Jesus.”
— This story is written by Allie Milot, social media manager for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at alexandria.milot@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7403.
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