In this devotion, Andrew Larsen ’23 M.A., assures us that our faith connects us to the true vine.
Read today’s God Pause.
Announcements
April PEG (Post-Evangelical) Group Meet Up
The next meet up of PEG (Post-Evangelical Group) will be Monday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. Central. Note that this is slightly later in the day than usual. We will gather on Zoom (link in email). Topics include:
– Bring a book title or other resource that has been meaningful to you, especially during times of deconstruction/reconstruction. Feel free to send a title to Lauren to share with the group, even if you can’t make it.
– Do we want to change the name of this group?
All members of the Luther Seminary community—students, staff, and faculty—who have experiences in evangelical or fundamentalist Christian traditions are welcome to participate for nuanced and supportive conversations about where we have come from, where we are, and where we hope to be in our faith journeys. Contact Lauren (lmildahl001@luthersem.edu) with questions.
Teach-In about the Bible and Sexuality
Come to a Teach-In about the Bible and sexuality on Friday May 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Hybrid: Gullixson 102 and via Zoom (link in email)
Pizza and beverages provided for those participating on campus.
Are you eager to learn more about reading and interpreting the Bible with an inclusive perspective on sexuality? Professors Howard, Lewis, Marsh, Sanders, and Skinner will teach, engage in discussion, and respond to questions at this event. The Bible is often made to be a battleground for church-based discussions about LGBTQIA+ inclusion and exclusion. This creates obvious challenges for Christian leaders called to teach and preach an inclusive gospel. Serious discussions can be difficult to facilitate. What are fruitful ways to interpret the “clobber passages” in the Bible that often are tossed around in undiscriminating ways to condemn consensual same-sex relationships (Genesis 19:1-38; Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Romans 1:25-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; Jude 6-7)? What are constructive ways to talk about what kinds of sexual norms the Bible promotes? What other passages and aspects of the Bible deserve attention when talking to people about these topics? How can Christian leaders provide pastoral care to people who have been wounded when the Bible has been weaponized against them and their sexual identity? Students, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend. Join us and bring your questions!
16th Annual Day of Defense: An Invitation for Students, Faculty, and Staff
The 16th annual Day of Defense will be held via Zoom (link in email) on Monday, May 6 starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. Central. On this day, students in the M.A. professional degree programs—Leadership and Innovation for Ministry, Christian Ministry, Children, Youth, and Family—present their final capstone projects centered on a current issue in their concentration area. Check out the schedule of presenters. Topics will be updated as information is available. Please join us for any or all of these presentations. If you have questions, please contact Arlene Flancher, Program Coordinator, aflancher001@luthersem.edu.
Share Your Feedback on the Pocket Survey Initiative
We’ve just finished our first year of Pocket Surveys. Thanks to every student who participated, whether you filled out one survey or all of them! Seven short monthly surveys were conducted this academic year, with an average participation rate of 39%. These surveys were designed by different campus teams to provide feedback on areas where actionable change could occur. In doing so, we hope to have improved student services and experiences and to have lifted up community understanding and trust. Ken and Trina in the Office of Institutional Research are preparing for next year’s Pocket Surveys, and they want to hear from you. They are open to any and all feedback. They are particularly interested in what topics you would like to see addressed, the frequency of surveys, what or how questions are asked, and any other ways we can better serve you and the goal of continual institutional improvement. So what did you think of the Pocket Surveys this year? Email Ken and Trina at research@luthersem.edu to share your ideas.
Travel Courses in May and June – There Is Still Room for You!
Luther Seminary professors Mark Tranvik and Andy Root are teaching two separate travel courses in Germany—one in May and one in June. Spots are open in both courses.
May Course
Course Title: Martin Luther Travel Course to Germany | Course Code: HC 1365
Travel dates: May 20-31, 2024
Contact Mark Tranvik (mtranvik001@luthersem.edu) or Jody Nyenhuis (jnyenhuis001@luthersem.edu) to sign-up and travel to Germany.
June Course
Course Title: Bonhoeffer as Youth Minister | Course Code: CY 4566
Travel dates: June 21-28, 2024
Sign up for the course online.
Contact Arlene Flancher (aflancher001@luthersem.edu) with questions.