St. John Lutheran Church in Seward fired up the grills and put out the call to parishioners to donate desserts for Concordia students Sunday evening. Judging by the full plates of several hundred Concordians, it was a winning recipe.
"It was done to say thanks to the students for being a part of our worship life," said Rev. Scott Bruick, senior pastor at St. John and Concordia alumnus. "They add so much to our congregation while they are here on campus."
The church, situated across the street from the university, has had a close relationship with Concordia for more than a century. Many of the university's major worship events and concerts are held at the church. St. John's school has also been a training ground for thousands of teacher education students taking their first steps as professional educators.
St. John volunteers Sunday night included several past and present Concordia professors. Beth Pester, a Concordia alumna who has returned to teach at the university, walked through Concordia's library and gym Sunday to make sure the word got out to as many students as possible.
"It was fun. I felt like the Pied Piper," said Pester later at the dinner. "I see about six who are here who didn't remember that this was going on and came over because I told them."
