This story first appeared in the spring 2020 issue of the Arbor Light, the official magazine of Concordia University Ann Arbor.
Whenever visitors come to our Ann Arbor campus and they ask how to get to a certain building on Central Campus (before sending them a map!), I like to say: “When you are at the circle drive, look ahead toward the river, and you will see our chapel. You can’t miss it.”
If you have been to campus, you know that “you can’t miss it.” Located at the center of campus with the cross towering toward the sky, The Chapel of the Holy Trinity is a can’t-miss feature of our beautiful campus. It is a highlight of the prospective student admissions tour. Our student ambassadors guide families into the Chapel and give some historical perspective, but focus on describing the daily chapel services and other opportunities for student spiritual growth. After greeting prospective students and families in my office, I watch them walk into the Chapel and then exit it a few minutes later to spend time at Chapel Point, the incredible outdoor place where many enjoy a view overlooking the Huron River and beyond.
This edition of Arbor Light brings to life the impact many have experienced through time spent in the Chapel. Concordia alumni have shared with me the real ways they have struggled with and also celebrated God’s goodness and faithfulness in that sacred space. Our beloved Chapel has seen moments of pure joy and extreme sorrow through weddings, funerals, chapel, communion services, and quiet times of prayer. Over the past nearly seven years that I have had the privilege of serving at Concordia, I have witnessed many of these moments. Such is the nature of faith.
The apostle Paul writes, “He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:15–18).
You can’t miss the Chapel. It is stunning. It tells a story. It celebrates Christ. More importantly, you can’t miss what happens there. It is life-giving and life-changing, because it is all about Jesus.
REV. DR. RYAN PETERSON
Vice President of Administration
Chief Liaison to the Office of the President
The spring 2020 Arbor Light hit mailboxes the beginning of October. View a PDF version of the magazine here. If you are not on our mailing list, but are interested in receiving a free copy, call 734-995-7317 or send us an email.
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