You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14

Astronomers tell us that, when two stars collide, there is a massive release of energy and light. These encounters can create massive new stars and that impact everything around them.

The image is a fitting one for the Concordia University Irvine Gala of Stars. Our stars are not famous celebrities, actors, or athletes. Our stars are our students-- students who are empowered to live out their callings, guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus, to be launched into the world as agents of change, knowing that Loving God and loving each other are the greatest commandments.

But the students are not the only stars in our sky. You are also a star. Your prayers and support are critical to Concordia’s mission. Our friends and donors are essential to the the success of the Gala of Stars.

The Gala of Stars is where our stars collide.

When student potential meets donor support there is a massive release of energy and light. That energy ignites the untapped potential of our students, forming graduates who are wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens who will spread out from CUI, emboldened to make a difference in their families, workplaces, and communities.

Light is released as these students live out their callings. In the words of Matthew 5, they become the light of the world, unhidden, undimmed, giving light to all they encounter.