CHARIS Ecumenical Center
Dear Friends,
Thanks to all our many friends and associates for your support of and participation in CHARIS events since we began in 1970. Times change; economies change even more. CHARIS itself is closing because we have relied for years on the support of ELCA, Roman Catholic, United Methodist, Presbyterian, UCC, and Episcopal judicatories in the region, in addition to Concordia College's very significant direct and in-kind support. All these entities are struggling these days, and the college's endowment took a serious hit (though not from investments in Madoff!). Recognizing the probability of diminishing support while expenses would keep increasing, I made the painful decision that we need to close our doors. It is my hope that Concordia College will find a way to pick up some of our programming.
I myself retired officially July 1, 2009, though I have continued to work part-time in the office preparing to close the doors and put files in the college archives.
It has been our mission to help in our small way to build up the Body of Christ through grassroots ecumenical work and through continuing theological education. I have enjoyed the work, and enjoyed getting to know so many fine pastors and lay persons. Again, thank you for the opportunity of serving you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Arland Jacobson
Retired Director, CHARIS Ecumenical Center
CHARIS
