COVID19 affected the event date, the location, and the attendee list, but it did not suppress the love of the Lutheran community, its love for freedom and religious liberty, and its love for Lutheran schools! As September 3 drew closer, we at TLSP had reason to be concerned. Would COVID19 fears bring about a total cancellation of our VIP event? What risks were we assuming by moving forward in hosting an in-person event? Ultimately, God calmed our fears and brought much thanksgiving.
The beautiful Parkview Field Concourse was the setting as 150 attendees celebrated Very Important Partnerships - TLSP’s VIP Gala. Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz encouraged us to continue to support Lutheran education “Boldly and Without Fear”.
The evening ended with a celebration of Mr. Chris Murphy, honored as the first TLSP Educator of the Year Award recipient. Mr. Murphy has been a blessing to students while teaching math and drama at Concordia Lutheran School, Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School, and Concordia Lutheran High School. However, it is his dedication to students, Lutheran education, and sharing Christ’s love and forgiveness that garnered the nominations for the award.
What was the response of the VIPs who attended this inaugural event? One attendee said, “Kudos to you and the team! That was an extremely impressive first event (of any kind). The choice of the speaker was perfect for the occasion...My wife is often a pretty good judge of ‘boring church related commitments’ and she came out raving about how much she enjoyed the evening.”
You’re invited to view all or part of the night’s event. Curious about Rev Seltz’s message, view it here- https://youtu.be/xeaeu-8LQh0
Interested in viewing the interview of TLSP’s Teacher of the Year? View it here- https://youtu.be/KtIP-or4SMI
Or if you want to watch the whole evening from the opening comments, recognizing our sponsors, Rev Seltz’s message, a video testimonial of TLSP, and the video of Mr Murphy, watch it here- https://youtu.be/BQUcA1roimU
We are humbled by the response and support of this first-time event. After expenses, we will net $40,000! We cannot express our thanks enough for the support of Lutheran education and The Lutheran Schools Partnership. What an encouragement as we will continue to strive to Lead, Champion, and Collaborate with 19 schools and 300 educators, and do our best to ensure that 4,000 students have what they need to thrive in the world and in Christ.
The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).
P.S. Save the Date for VIP 2021! We have reserved Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Mirro Research Center in Fort Wayne.
