Concordia Seminary will hold its annual Epiphany Celebration on Sunday, Jan.11, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. in The Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Participating in the celebration will be several vocal and instrumental groups from the Concordia Seminary community, including the Concordia Seminary Chorus, Pro Musica Sacra and Brass Choir.

The Epiphany Celebration will be the premier of two new compositions. Concordia Seminary Chorus commissioned Dr. Ralph C. Schultz, former president of Concordia College, Bronxville, N.Y., to write a setting of “O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day.” Dr. Schultz set selected stanzas of an ancient evening along with quotations of Jesus being the Light of the world and arranged them for male chorus and viola. Underwriting this commissioned work is a gift from Dr. William and Nancy Raabe of Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Raabe has underwritten two previous commissioned works for the Chorus.

The other work to be premiered at the Epiphany Celebration is a setting of “Lord, Support Us All Day Long,” utilizing the hymn text of Stephen P. Starke (Lutheran Service Book 884). The new setting by Rev. Henry V. Gerike, director of the choirs at Concordia Seminary, sets the hymn for congregation, mixed-voice choir, male choir, organ, and string ensemble.

Special recognition will be given to pastors and church musicians from Lutheran churches in the St. Louis area. Concordia Seminary desires to express its appreciation for their work of proclaiming God’s Word and leading God’s people in worship and song.

For more information about the Epiphany Celebration, contact Communications, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; 314-505-7374; communications@csl.edu.