News

Pastor Mark began a new Sunday adult Bible study using the book 'Wonderfully Made' by John Kleinig, following the group's completion of Proverbs.

The youth's lunch fundraiser, held at the congregational meeting, earned $607.

The LWML's Pies for Seminarians fundraiser drew a record 52 pie orders (up from 48 at an earlier pickup), baked fresh for the seminaries in St. Louis and Fort Wayne; Thrivent funds covered nearly all supply costs.

The LWML Holiday Market, held the weekend of Nov 1-2, 2025 with ornaments, crafts, and baked goods, was a major success raising nearly $2,000 to support the group's outreach projects.

A new Grief Recovery (GriefShare) group for those coping with the loss of a loved one, facilitated by Deaconess Beverly Walling (with Bob Keane), meeting Mondays 10-11:30 am at Concordia, beginning Monday October 6, 2025. A further new GriefShare group was announced to begin February 2 (2026).

Pastor Mark, Evan, Mark Bell, and Mark Eberly traveled to NC for another chainsaw response event.

Sunday School Kickoff Day launched the new Sunday school year with games, activities, a Bible Jeopardy review game, and snacks.

Open Arms Preschool reported strong enrollment heading into the school year: 65 students with a wait list for all classes (fall 2023), and a lively group of 49 children under a 'Back to School' theme opening September 2, 2025, featuring monthly Concordia 'Grandparent' readers.

Open Arms opened on September 2, 2025 with 49 children under a "Back to School" theme, featuring monthly Concordia "Grandparent" readers.

Concordia invited members to join a new youth ministry team to help plan events and fundraisers and assist Mr. Tim with youth group events.

Eight Concordia women attended the Chesapeake District LWML Christian Life Retreat (Sept 19-21) in Williamsburg, VA, collecting Gifts From the Heart ingathering donations alongside a Mission Walk, silent auction, and Bible study on God's Grace.

DCE Tim Buss led a group of roughly 13 youth, young adults, and chaperones (including Chip Brown, Maggie Brown, Shelly Hector, and Jesse Lowery) to the LCMS National Youth Gathering, themed ENDURE, in New Orleans July 19-23, 2025. After returning, the crew shared their experience with the congregation, and Graham Davidson thanked the congregation for the financial support that made his trip possible, calling the closing service with thousands of Lutherans the most impactful moment.

LCEF's Interest Time magazine ran three articles on restoring Camp Linn Haven, NC — including 'A Stranger, a Chainsaw and a Plan' — highlighting the disaster-response work Concordia's chainsaw team took part in.

The LERT chainsaw team deployed Aug 10–16, 2025 to Camp Linn Haven near Hendersonville, NC for storm cleanup; Pastor Mark became the Southeastern District's Northern Region chainsaw trainer.

LCEF's Interest Time ran three articles on restoring Camp Linn Haven, including "A Stranger, a Chainsaw and a Plan."